Al Hakam - 15 July 2022

Hundreds learn about the history of Islam in Britain and the Ahmadiyya role at Jubilee event in Islamabad

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Huzoor addresses International Conference on Freedom of Religion held in London

100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II

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Humanity First volunteers honoured by government for humanitarian efforts during Kosovo War

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022 | Issue CCXXVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Offer sacrifices for Allah like Abraham and his family: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V delivers Eid-ul-Adha sermon

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

Seek repentance from Allah

ٰ َّ ّ َّ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ‫اللّه‬ ‫اب الن ِب ِي صلى‬ ِ ‫ا��ﻏر و�ان ِمن أ�ح‬ ُ ّ ُ َّ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫َعل ْي ِﻪ َو َﺳلم �حَ ِدث ابْ َن ع َ� َر قال قال َر ُﺳ ْول‬

َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ ‫الل ِه َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِﻪ َو َﺳل َم‬ ُ َ ّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ‫اس توب ُ ْوا ِإلى الل ِه ف ِإن ِ ْي أت ْو ُب � ِ ْي‬ ‫يا أيها الن‬ َ َ ْ َ َ​َ ‫ال َي ْو ِم ِإل ْي ِﻪ ِماﺋﺔ � ّر ٍة‬

Hazrat Al-Agharra, who was from amongst the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa, reported that Hazrat Ibn Umarra said to him that the Holy Prophetsa said: “O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day.”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zikr wal-Dua wal-Taubah wal-Istighfar, Hadith 2702)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The cure for negligence is seeking forgiveness from God

Photo courtesy of Solid-Engineering

Islamabad, Tilford, 10 July 2022: Today, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, delivered his Eid-ul-Adha sermon.

After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa highlighted the importance of having trust in God’s promises, Who did not let sincere sacrifices go to waste and eventually granted victory to the believers.

However, it was important to act according to God’s will.

Huzooraa said we were celebrating Eidul-Adha to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Abrahamas, his wife and their son Hazrat Ishmaelas. This was not an isolated act of devotion; rather, their sacrifices spanned a long period throughout their lives. Allah, Who is Most True to His Word, rewarded

them for these sincerely offered sacrifices most magnificently. The land which was once deserted now brims with millions upon millions of people in fulfilment of the promise that Allah the Almighty made.

Above all, the fulfilment of God’s promise found its culmination in the appearance Continued on next page >>

Certain people are faced with a state of affairs where various factors, such as employment for example, or something or other, result in the better part of their lives being spent in a state of darkness. Neither do they strive to observe the Prayer with regularity, nor do they find the opportunity to listen to the words of Allah and His Messengersa. They do not even think to ponder over the Book of Allah. When a long period of time passes in this dark state, this way of thinking becomes firm-rooted and takes on the form of a second nature. Hence, at such a Continued on page 2

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

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time, if one does not turn one’s attention to repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah, then know that such a one is truly unfortunate. The best remedy for negligence and indolence is seeking forgiveness from Allah. Even if faced with a trial on account of their previous failings or indolence, let them wake up during the nights to fall in prostration and offer supplications, and promise to make a sincere and holy transformation in the presence of God.”

15 July

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 20-21) Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

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of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophetssa who was given the final Testament of God for the spiritual nourishment of all mankind.

It was for the propagation of this Holy Book, the Holy Quran to the corners of the earth through peaceful means and to establish the superiority of Islam that Allah also sent Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias who came in exact accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, at his appointed time.

As a result of the sacrifices of Hazrat Abrahamas, Allah established a whole city and gathered all kinds of worldly delights and sustenance in Mecca and Medina.

Huzooraa said that when pilgrims came to Hajj and worshipped God, they also took benefit of the surroundings and sustenance in the area. Now millions take benefit from this holy area.

This showed the fulfilment of Allah’s promise – he made a barren land full of blessings and sent the greatest Prophetsa to that blessed land.

Huzooraa said that the promise Allah gave to Hazrat Abarahamas and Hazrat Ishmaelas 4,000 years ago showed how Allah loved those who showed true sacrifice to Allah. There was no religion today, Huzooraa said, whose adherents followed the actual and original teachings of that religion.

It was only the teachings of Islam that had been protected in the Holy Quran which remained today in its original form, despite the efforts of those who harboured hatred against Islam. Allah continued to send those who would protect the Quran both by word and meaning by sending people who truly followed it.

The Holy Prophetsa foretold that a man would come 1,400 years after him who would revive the lost teachings of Islam and would – through arguments and proofs – prove the truth of Islam and also tackle those who rejected God. In following this prophecy, Allah sent the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. It was this champion of Allah who showed the true light of Islam and claimed with powerful arguments that there was no religion greater than Islam. He challenged all religions to show their proofs if they thought they were greater than Islam.

The Promised Messsiahas announced to

the Muslims that Islam would spread with love, not through war. He said, “If I had not come, someone else would have come.”

He emphasised that it was the time for the Promised Messiah to come and exhorted Muslims not to go against him and instead, join his hand to spread the true teachings of Islam.

The Promised Messiahas told Muslims that they would see success if they joined hands with him and that they should be grateful for his advent. But instead, regrettably, the Muslims turned against this Messenger of Allah and continued to do so.

Huzooraa said that Muslims were not only at each other’s necks, but had issued edicts to murder, loot and harass the followers of Allah’s Messenger. They tried to stop Ahmadiyyat, but Allah creates new means of progress. Nevertheless, these opponents continue, in the name of Islam, to harass Ahmadi children in the streets and to even exhume the bodies of Ahmadis. But “What kind of Islam is this?”, Huzooraa asked.

Hazrat Abrahamas and Hazrat as Ishmael prayed for a “peaceful” town so that those who abided there and visited might protect the establishment of peace.

Therefore, if Muslims attributed themselves to the blessed town of the Ka‘bah, they should instil within themselves peace and create peace in society. To issue edicts of kufr against the followers of the Promised Messiahas and kill and harass them was not in keeping with the prayers of Hazrat Abrahamas for Mecca.

Huzooraa invited the Muslims – worldwide – to celebrate the true Eid by accepting the Promised Messsiahas.

Huzooraa said that in Pakistan, the authorities had announced that in the three days of Eid, no Ahmadi was allowed to offer sacrifice because they claimed it was against the sanctity of Islam if Ahmadis offered qurbani. This is to say that only the Muslim ulema had a right to qurbani and they had appropriated Islam exclusively for themselves. However, if they do not desist in this way, then Allah’s decree would go into motion too and He would spare no one from among the enemies.

Huzooraa exhorted those Ahmadis who were suffering to be patient. He gave the example of the patience of Hazrat Abarahamas and his family. “Therefore, will that God Who is true to His promises leave us today? Surely not!”, Huzooraa told Ahmadis.

The enemies had not an ounce of power before Allah the Almighty; therefore, Ahmadis, more than before, should bow before Allah, better their levels of taqwa, develop the true spirit of Eid and sacrifice in the most accurate manner. It was then that we could partake of Allah’s blessings and the promises Allah gave to the Promised Messiahas.

Speaking about how to achieve this level of sacrifice, the Promised Messiahas said that humans had the instruction by Allah that they should, with all their power and being, be ready to sacrifice for Allah. The sacrifice of animals was just an example; the true sacrifice was fearing Allah to such an extent as though you died in His path from his fear Continued on page 4

15 July 2005: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that there was a surge in opposition to the Jamaat in some Muslim-majority countries. Huzooraa said that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya had no material power, and members bowed before Allah the Almighty and sought help from Him alone.

Therefore, Huzooraa said, members of the Jamaat should pray fervently that Allah the Almighty may protect every Ahmadi from all kinds of harm.

Huzooraa elaborated that there was a lot of unrest against the Jamaat in Indonesia, and the opponents had attacked the Jalsa Salana site there, which resulted in a few Ahmadis being injured. He added that on the same day (15 July), opponents had also attacked Ahmadis during the Friday prayer, which resulted in some injuries.

Huzooraa said that Allah the Almighty would Himself deal with these opponents and would save the Jamaat from all kinds of harm.

He advised that Ahmadis ought to remember that such opposition was necessary for the progress of the Jamaat.

16 July 16 July 2012: While in Canada, special reception was held in honour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at the Paramount Banquet Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario. The event was hosted by then Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty and then Minister of Citizenship and Immigration for Ontario, Charles Sousa.

17 July 17 July 2009: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned a missionary of the Jamaat, Chaudhry Mahmud Ahmad

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

This Week in History Hakam, 31 May 2019, Issue 63, p. 7)

20 July

Inspection and inauguration of duties, Jalsa Salana 2003

Cheema Sahib, who had passed away at the age of 81. He had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in Sierra Leone, Germany and Indonesia as a missionary. His services in Indonesia alone spanned over 33 years.

18 July 18 July 2008: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa gave guidance to the organisers of Jalsa Salana UK 2008, as well as the guests in attendance.

Huzooraa said that, with the grace of Allah the Almighty and due to the presence of Khilafat, the UK Jalsa had assumed the role of the central (markazi) Jalsa and had expanded over the years more than any other country. Huzooraa also appreciated the efforts of Jalsa volunteers during the past years as well.

19 July 19 July 2012: An Ahmadi, Chaudhry Naeem Ahmad Gondal Sahib, born in 1961, was martyred in Orangi Town, Karachi. He had studied MA economics and MBA (Masters of Business Administration) and was working as an assistant director in the State Bank of Pakistan.

20 July 2003: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inspected the arrangements of Jalsa Salana UK 2003 and addressed the volunteers of Jalsa. Huzooraa advised them to begin their work with prayers and serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas with passion and a spirit of sacrifice. Huzooraa added that the guests should not have any complaint against the volunteers and the volunteers should always express high morals. (Al Fazl, 29 July 2003, p. 2)

15-21 July

21 July 21 July 2006: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that the then President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah had come to offer the Friday prayer at the Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque on that day. Huzooraa introduced the distinguished guest and said that he had expressed his desire to offer the Friday prayer here. Huzooraa prayed that may Allah the Almighty fulfil his pious wishes, reward him and establish lasting peace and security in his country. Huzooraa also graced a reception held in honour of the distinguished guest.

The incident of martyrdom took place on the morning of 19 July at 8:30 am, when two youngsters fired at him while he was going to his office. He had been serving as the local president of Orangi Town jamaat for 11 Naeem Ahmad Gondal years.

Sahib 19 July 2015: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the Eid-ulFitr sermon on this day from the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London.

Addressing the importance of Eid, Huzooraa said:

Then President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

“Today, young and old, women and men have gathered together because this day holds great significance.

Islam has decreed the day of Eid as a day of happiness in which Muslims should join together with their loved ones. […]

“Today, if Ahmadi Muslims wish to celebrate Eid in the true sense, then where they seek to attain the blessings of the true Eid by bringing about a moral reformation, they should also make every effort to free the world of injustices and should engage fervently in prayer to free the Muslim world from the disorder and troubles it is engulfed in.” (Al

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivering an address at the Paramount Banquet Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario

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and as one offered sacrifices of animals with their hands, in the same way, you sacrificed yourselves for Allah’s sake.

Huzooraa said that some hastily wrote to him that their prayers and sacrifices were not being fulfilled. The promises to the Promised Messiahas would certainly come true, Huzooraa said, but every one of us should ask ourselves if we were at the level of sacrifice which the Promised Messiahas spoke about.

One must show true sincerity for Allah and this required a spiritual death. The Promised Messiahas said that idol worship was not just worshipping stones; rather, everything that put a hurdle in the path to Allah was an idol. Anything which stopped one from worshipping Allah or reaching Him is an idol.

Allah desired action and was pleased only by action, and action resulted from pain and grief, the Promised Messiahas said.

This was what happened with the great sacrifice of Hazrat Abrahamas when he was ready to sacrifice his son, Ishmaelas, and

then was also put into the fire. If one did this, then, in turn, Allah would save them from pain and grief.

On this Eid, we should also introspect on our sacrifices, sincerity, truth and taqwa, Huzooraa said. As a Jamaat, the more we reflected on our conditions and sought to improve them, the quicker success would come. We ought to pray for this as well, Huzooraa emphasised.

We should all pray that all Ahmadi men, women and children reach the level of sacrifice, practically, which Hazrat Abrahamas and his family achieved.

The Promised Messiahas said that Eidul-Adha was greater than the first Eid and people even said this aloud. However, how many are there who fulfil this Eid’s high standards? Many did not even reflect on why this Eid was called the “great Eid”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said many asked about a particular aspect of Eid-ulAdha and that was how the tarbiyat of waqfe-nau children should be carried out.

Huzooraa said: “With reference to Eid-ul-Adha, I

Worshippers awaiting Huzoor’s arrival before Eid-ul-Adha prayer

would also like to briefly address a question that is frequently asked in mulaqats – in virtual mulaqats as well as personal mulaqats – regarding the tarbiyat of waqifeen-enau and how to go about it. I have answered this in numerous places in my sermons and addresses. However, I wish to briefly speak and draw your attention to this.

“It is a huge grace and favour of God Almighty that upon the call of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, parents replied with ‘Labbaik’ and dedicated girls and boys for this scheme – they are doing so currently and will continue to do so, insha-Allah. This example shall remain so long as an example of sincerity and loyalty remains within the Jamaat – so long as sincere members of the Jamaat look up to the example of:

َّ ّٰۤ ‫َو ِا ۡب ٰر ِہ ۡی َم ال ِذ ۡی َوفی‬

“[‘And Abraham who fulfilled (the commandments)’]; so long as the system of Khilafat is in the Jamaat – and this shall remain until the end of time – the practice of dedicating children for the sake of Allah shall also remain, insha-Allah.

“However, the parents who are dedicating, or have dedicated their children’s lives for the sake of serving faith, should remember that waqf demands a sacrifice.

What is the standard of this sacrifice? It is the standard of sacrifice as displayed by Hazrat Abrahamas and Hazrat Ishmaelas.

When Hazrat Abrahamas said to his son, ‘I saw myself slaughtering you in a dream’, and asked the son, ‘What is your intention?’ the son, whose tarbiyat was done by saintly parents who were infused with taqwa, replied, ‘Fulfil your dream. You will find me of the patient and those who offer sacrifice.’

“Thus, parents should have this in mind at the point of dedicating their children that ‘We are presenting our children, therefore their tarbiyat should be done in such a way, and we ought to pray for them, so that our children may answer in keeping with the tradition of Ishmaelas.’

“Parents should not merely sacrifice their children in a temporary state of passion or by imitating others; they should reflect and ask themselves, ‘Are we able to bring our children up in a way that reflects the response of Hazrat Ishmaelas?’ This can only happen when parents’ own example is

such that can attain the highest standards of piety and taqwa. Otherwise, children grow up and respond by saying, ‘You dedicated us for waqf, but we are not ready for this.

We cannot serve the Jamaat by living off a small allowance. We cannot work with such and such limitations. Therefore, we cannot dedicate our lives.’

“Even if parents’ intentions are pure at the time of dedicating their children’s lives, if their practical and spiritual states are weak and they cannot positively play a role in their children’s tarbiyat, then the children can never be ready for such a sacrifice.

“Therefore, in this way, the parents of waqifeen-e-nau, or those parents who wish to dedicate the lives of their children, should reflect and ask themselves whether they can achieve such a standard.

“Similarly, if the children who have grown and are now fulfilling their waqf should be concerned about one thing, then it should be how they can excel in their standard of loyalty and sacrifice, and not how they can manage their household expenses.

Have complete trust in Allah and excel in taqwa – Allah always fulfils one’s needs.

The waqifeen-e-nau who are currently serving the Jamaat should look to adopt the attributes of Ishmaelas. Only then will Allah provide them with ways of prosperity and success.

“May Allah grant the parents the ability to perform their duty and may He grant Waqf-e-Nau children the ability to understand their duties related to waqf, to rely solely upon Allah and to offer sacrifices for the sake of faith. Having excelled in studies, may they not be those who turn to and indulge in the world; rather, may they be those who give precedence to their faith, fulfil their oath of waqf and sincerely offer their services. May Allah give them the ability to do so.”

In the end, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer, after which he conveyed “Eid mubarak” to all those present and all those watching live via MTA. After silent prayer, Huzooraa left Mubarak Mosque and visited the marquee where women and children were present and conveyed his salaam and “Eid mubarak”.

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Hundreds discover the history of Islam in Britain and the Ahmadiyya role at Jubilee event in Islamabad, Surrey

Over 400 locals, neighbours and dignitaries convened at the picturesque abode of Islamabad in Tilford on the evening of 8 July 2022 to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – an event organised by the Islamabad administration.

The event included a tour of Islamabad, including the Mubarak Mosque, a visit to an exhibition about Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s rich history – exhibited by the Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC) – and a presentation ceremony that included speeches by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux; Mayor of Waverley, John Ward; MP for Woking, Jonathan Lord; Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, Rafiq Hayat Sahib and Naib Amir, Sir Iftikhar Ayyaz KBE. The guests also enjoyed a three-course meal after the various tours, speeches and presentations.

Many of the guests were touring Islamabad for the first time and the evening helped introduce the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s teachings of true Islam and its message of peace, love and harmony.

A highlight of the evening was to present the deep and often unknown history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and its relation with Britain, both in India and England.

The Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre presented this incredible history in the form of short reads accompanied by historic pictures that had been discovered by the institute over the years.

The exhibition saw floods of people visit the exhibition, keen to learn more about the

Jamaat and Islam in general. Guided tours were given by a team of Jamia Ahmadiyya UK students and members of ARC. As the exhibition tours started, many were taken aback after learning the holy founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas had held a celebration in Qadian, India to celebrate Queen Victoria’s jubilee, over 100 years ago. The manner of this celebration also drew attention as Hazrat Ahmadas had meticulously organised the whole event, which included a prayer ceremony for the Queen that was held in multiple languages (something that was replicated on 8 July 2022 in Islamabad) and a feast to which the poor were invited too.

After reading Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa message of congratulations and appreciation to the Queen, both in 2012 and 2022, upon her Jubilees, visitors often enquired more about Huzooraa and his work.

Early missionary work in England during the time of the First and Second Khilafats was displayed and how Ahmadi missionaries would begin preaching the true Islam to the inhabitants of England from their mission house on 4 Star Street, London.

It was often surprising for guests to learn that the first time a Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat set foot in England to preach Islam to her inhabitants was back in 1924 when Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was invited to deliver an address to the Conference of Living Religions, which

was part of the British Empire Exhibition that invited famous leaders of important religions within the British Empire to speak.

Visitors took a keen interest in a rare and recently discovered image that was exhibited at the exhibition for the first time. This was a group photo of the representatives who attended the conference during a tea party hosted by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra at the prestigious Ritz Hotel in London for all the representatives and organisers of the conference. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had said that to show respect to the women, all the men would stand or sit on the floor while the women would take a seat on chairs during the group photo. This amazed and surprised many of the guests who were told this backstory.

A natural and expected question addressed during the exhibition was why the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat praised the British. The answer was given on the boards of the exhibition itself in the words of Hazrat Ahmadas who praised the Queen for granting absolute religious freedom in India. In the book A Gift to the Queen by Hazrat Ahmadas, he praised the Queen as all people of faith – especially Muslims, who had faced oppression before the British – could freely exercise their faith due to the non-interference policy of the British. In the book, Hazrat Ahmadas presented the best possible gift for the Queen that he could offer: Islam – thereby inviting the Queen to accept this true religion.

The background to London’s first

mosque – the Fazl Mosque – intrigued the visitors; particularly the fact that it was funded solely by poor Ahmadi women back in India, who had often sacrificed their jewellery to contribute. Photos of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laying the foundation stone of the Fazl Mosque and praying in the vicinity were displayed.

The last section of the exhibition was about Islamabad in Tilford and the deep religious history of the locality where Islamabad is situated. Visitors heard about the religious significance of Farnham (a historic town some miles away from Islamabad) as it stood as a halfway and resting point for the Bishop of Winchester, who was amongst the highest officials of England and often the Chancellor. Farnham, therefore, became a resting point whenever the bishop of Winchester would travel to London (and back). (For more information, see: “The Holy Ground of Tilford”, Al Hakam, 1 November 2019, Issue LXXXV) Islamabad served as the pasturing grounds for the Christian monks who lived at the Waverley Abbey Monastery, a few miles away from where Islamabad is situated today. During their time, the area Islamabad sits on today was used as pasture ground for the monks’ sheep as the monastery’s land would often get flooded whereas the Islamabad area stood on high ground. Many visitors expressed how they had no idea of this history, despite living in the area for a long period!

The migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh from Pakistan following General Zia-ul-Haq’s Ordinance XX that barred Ahmadi Muslims from practising Islam, and then the ultimate purchase of Islamabad in the UK was discussed too.

Visitors were appalled and hurt to hear that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was severely persecuted in Pakistan and other Muslim countries – countless visitors said they had no idea about the persecution and inquired more about the matter. What came as a surprise for the visitors was that the Jamaat had a positive outlook and strived for peace and not retaliation, despite being constitutionally persecuted. The guests realised that this perseverance and positive outlook was spearheaded by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s leadership, to this very day.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa move to Islamabad and the redevelopment of Islamabad were also exhibited including a display of beautiful pictures of the Mubarak Mosque during and after its construction.

The exhibition concluded with a look into the tireless efforts of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in preaching true Islam to world leaders and dignitaries and urging them to bring the world back to peace and absolute justice.

This is where conversations – led by the visitors’ questions and interest – about Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and the Jamaat continued.

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Answers to Hair removal, tattoos, Eid on a Everyday Friday, reciting Quran during Issues Part XXXVI

zawal time, short selling, and fasting on behalf of the deceased Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Hair removal and tattoos An Arab lady wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa that a woman had asked her if it was permissible for a Muslim woman to run a business involving the plucking of eyebrows and making tattoos on women’s bodies.

In his letter dated 27 April 2021, Huzooraa provided the following guidance on this issue: “It is not permissible to tattoo someone or to get a tattoo. Its prohibition has also been mentioned in ahadith, where it states that Allah the Exalted had cursed those women who, for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, practised tattooing, and those who got themselves tattooed, and those who plucked facial hair, and those who artificially created a space between the front teeth, and those who practised artificial lengthening of the hair, and those who got their hair lengthened artificially, who altered Allah’s creation. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas) “There is always some or the other point of wisdom behind every Islamic commandment. Moreover, some Islamic injunctions have a specific context and background to them. If we disregard their

background, then they would become distorted. When the Holy Prophetsa was commissioned as a prophet, on the one hand, the poison of various kinds of polytheism had spread everywhere in the world and especially in the Arabian Peninsula, and on the other hand, different kinds of misguided attitudes had also gripped humanity in their claws. Men and women were involved in various kinds of polytheistic rituals and social evils.

“The ahadith that prohibit the abovementioned actions, especially mention two motivators [behind those actions]; (a) the altering of God’s creation or (b) looking more beautiful.

“When we carefully consider these two aspects, we observe that the first aspect, namely ‘the altering of God’s creation’, points to social evils and also reflects polytheistic practices. Hence, wearing long braids, wrapping them around like turbans and then considering those to be a sign of nobility or sacrament; wearing braids or topknots as a vow of devotion to some saint or guru; shaving the top of the head while growing hair around it and considering it a blessing for children; having the image of a goddess, idol or animal tattooed on the

body, face or arms etc. to seek blessings – these were all polytheistic practices, driven by mythical superstitions.

“The second aspect, that is ‘for the sake of beauty’, in some respects, reflects social misconduct and obscenity. It is not forbidden for a person to adopt any legitimate methods for their own beauty while remaining within the permissible limits. Hence, it is mentioned in a hadith that a person said [to the Holy Prophetsa] that he liked and admired a fine dress and shoes and he asked if it constituted arrogance.

The Holy Prophetsa replied that that was not arrogance. Arrogance was to deny the truth and despise others. He went on to say: َ ْ ُ ُ ٌ ّٰ َ ‫ِإ ّن الل َه َج ِميل � ِح ّﺐ ا��َ َمال‬ “‘Allah is most Beautiful and loves beauty.’ (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab Tahrimi l-Kibri wa Bayanih) “Moreover, it is a well-established fact that even in those days when women were to be married, they too would be adorned according to the traditions of that era. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabu l-Hibati wa Fadliha wa t-Tahrisi ‘Alahiha, Babu l-Isti‘arati li l-‘Urusi ‘Inda l-Bina’; Fath al-Bari fi Sharh Sahih alBukhari, Kitabu n-Nikah, Babu Isti‘arati thThiyabi li l-‘Urusi wa Ghayriha) “Therefore, the attainment of ‘beauty’ about which the Holy Prophetsa warned of God’s curse certainly means something else. Hence, when we carefully ponder over the ahadith in this regard, we see that the Holy Prophetsa, when prohibiting these things, added that the Children of Israel perished when their women started such acts. At the time of the Holy Prophetsa, lewdness was common among the Jews and at that time, there were several brothels in Medina. The women who were involved in this business would employ such tactics of embellishment to beguile the men. Hence, Allah’s Messengersa expressed his dislike and forbade believing women from using those [means of enhancing beauty].

“Thus, the prohibition of these things appears to stem from the wisdom that if they result in such an artificial change in the physical appearance of an individual that the distinction between man and woman, which God Almighty has created in human beings, vanishes, or there is a fear that this kind of action may lead to inclination

towards shirk, which is the gravest of sins; or if these things are carried out in order to beguile the opposite sex in an impermissible manner, then all these actions would be considered unlawful and actionable.

“As far as getting a tattoo is concerned, whether it is a man or a woman, the only purpose behind it is to show it off or to beguile the opposite sex in an impermissible manner. That is why people usually get tattoos on body parts that they may then expose and exhibit to the public. However, if a person gets a tattoo on a body part which is commanded to be veiled [satr], then first of all, while having that tattoo, the individual violates the commandment of purdah and commits obscenity which is against the teachings of Islam. Moreover, one idea behind getting tattoos on the veiled parts of the body is that they may be exposed in front of the opposite sex while committing evil deeds. All of these methods are prohibited because they contradict Islamic teachings.

“Furthermore, tattoos have also been linked to a host of physical and health issues. For instance, the sweat glands under the skin are badly affected in the areas of the body that have tattoos, that is having a tattoo reduces the sweating in the concerned parts of the body, which is harmful to one’s health.

Similarly, since tattoos become permanent features on the skin, sometimes as the body grows or shrinks, so does the shape of the tattoo, which makes the tattoo look ugly instead of ‘beautiful’. Then such individuals begin to think of them as a plague that they cannot get rid of. Thus, for these reasons alone, it is futile and absurd to get a tattoo.

“As for the question of women shaping eyebrows for beauty while staying within their Islamic limits, it was within the context of the [above-mentioned] vices that the Holy Prophetsa forbade such things to the believing women. However, he also gave permission in exceptional circumstances on grounds of someone’s suffering or illness.

Hence, it is narrated by Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud that: َ ّ ٰ َّ َّ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ َّ ‫� ِ� ْعت َر ُﺳ ْول الل ِه َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِﻪ َو َﺳل َم ن َهى عن‬ ‫النا ِم َص ِﺔ‬ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ِ ‫اصل ِﺔ والو‬ ِ ‫ا�ر ِة والو‬ ‫ا�� ِﺔ ِإ�ا ِم ْن َداء‬ ِ ‫والو‬ sa “‘I heard Allah’s Messenger forbidding the plucking of hair, filing of the teeth,

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022 having artificial hair and having tattoos done except on grounds of illness.’

“Islam has made actions dependent on their intentions. Therefore, in this age, there is nothing wrong with a woman making use of these things in a lawful way and for a legitimate purpose as long as she is observing the Islamic injunctions regarding hijab. Nonetheless, if these actions lead to an inclination toward vices or they lead to an expression of any polytheistic rituals or disobedience to a clear command of Islam – for example, if women do not take full care of their purdah and expose their private parts [satr] in front of other women while having their waxing or other treatments etcetera done – then such actions would be counted among those against which we have been warned by the Holy Prophetsa and they would be unlawful.

“Furthermore, it should also be kept in mind in this regard that Allah the Exalted has declared discord and disorder to be greater sins than murder and has commanded their abolition. There have been some instances where marriages were dissolved or divorces were issued after marriages because the husband found out later that the woman had facial hair. If they are not cleaned or plucked out, these few hairs would ruin more houses, and a long series of unpleasantries would begin. In any case, it was not at all the objective of the Holy Prophetsa to give rise to a situation in society that would lead to the spread of disorder in the homes. The wisdom behind his uttering such harsh words appears to be that since polytheism is the gravest of sins and these practices were employed for the sake of various deities etcetera, or since they used to be tools for promoting indecency, he expressed his disgust about them in the strongest possible terms, and thus uprooted polytheistic customs and indecency.”

(Author’s note: Some parts of the above answer have already been published in different episodes of Answers to Everyday Issues in response to various questions.

The complete and consolidated answer given by Huzooraa to the above question is being published here for the benefit of the readers.)

nazim of Dar-ul-Ifta regarding the offering of Jumuah or the Zuhr prayers after the Eid prayer in case of the coinciding of Eid and Friday, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in his letter dated 16 May 2021, provided the following guidance: “We only find the position and practice of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubayrra in support of not performing the Jumuah or the Zuhr prayers following the Eid prayer in case of the coinciding of Eid and Friday. This view is merely based on a maqtu‘ narration.

Moreover, we find a contradiction in the statements of two of the narrators of this tradition. According to authentic and reliable ahadith, the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa, the view of the rightly-guided Caliphs and the position of the Companionsra were that all of them would perform the Friday prayer on time in such a case, in addition to performing the Eid prayer, and would give leave to the people coming from remote places and would direct them to instead offer the Zuhr prayer in their respective areas. Or, on some occasions, they did not offer the Friday prayer after the Eid prayer, but the Zuhr prayer was certainly still offered on time.

“The same view and practice are found during the times of the Promised Messiahas and his Caliphs, except for the one-off practice of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh when he did not perform the Jumu‘ah or the Zuhr prayer after leading the Eid prayer in accordance with the above-mentioned narration of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubayrra.

“However, this narration of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubayrra is not based on any statement or action of the Holy Prophetsa or his rightly-guided Caliphs. Therefore, the obligatory prayers cannot be abandoned just because of this maqtu‘ narration, whose narrators also contradict each other.

Thus, please revise [the book] Fiqh-eAhmadiyya to exclude the section based on this tradition from it and write there that if Eid and Friday coincide and Jumu‘ah is not offered following the Eid prayer, then the Zuhr prayer must still be offered on time.”

Eid on a Friday

A lady asked Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa why one should not recite the Holy Quran from noon to one

In response to a report submitted by the

Recitation of the Holy Quran during zawal time

o’clock in the afternoon and when the sun is rising.

Huzooraa, in his letter dated 16 May 2021, provided the following answer: “Reciting the Holy Quran at the times mentioned in your letter is not forbidden anywhere. However, the Holy Prophetsa did forbid offering salat at three times during the day (namely, when the sun is rising, when the sun is setting and at noon when the sun is at its peak) and he also explained the reason for this prohibition. Hence, Hazrat Amrra bin Abasah al-Sulamee narrates: َ ُ َ ٰ َ َّ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ّٰ َ َ ُ ْ ُ ‫ك اللّ ُه َوأ ْج َهل ُه أ ْخ ِب ْرن ِ ْي عن‬ ‫قلت يَا ن ِب ّي الل ِه أخ ِب ْرن ِ ْي عما عل َم‬ َ ُ َْ َ َ َّ َ َْ ُ ُّ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ َّ ‫الص ْب ِح ث َّم أق ِص ْر عن‬ ‫الصلا ِة قال ص ِل صلاة‬ ‫الصلا ِة َح ّتى تطلع‬ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُ ْ َّ ‫ان‬ ٍ ‫الشمس حتى ترت ِفع ف ِإنها تطلع ِحين تطلع بين قرني شيط‬ ٌ ْ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّ َ َّ ُ ُ َّ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫و ِحين ِئ ٍذ يسجد لها الكفار ثم ص ِل ف ِإن‬ ‫الصلاة َمش ُه ْو َدة‬ َ َّ َ ْ ْ َ َّ ُ ْ ُّ ُّ ّ َّ َ ْ َ َّ َ ٌ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ‫الظل بِالرم ِح ثم أق ِصر عن الصلا ِة‬ ِ ‫محضورة حتى يست ِقل‬ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ َّ َ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َّ َ ‫ف ِإن ِحين ِئ ٍذ تسجر جهنم ف ِإذا أقبل الفيء فص ِل ف ِإن الصلاة‬ َ ٌ َ ٌَ ْ ّ َ َّ َ َْ ُ ْ ‫َمش ُه ْو َدة م ْح ُض ْو َرة َح ّتى ت ُ َصل ِ َي ال َع ْص َر ث َّم أق ِص ْر عن‬ ‫الصلا ِة َح ّتى‬ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َّ َ ُ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ‫ان َو ِح ْي َن ِئ ٍذ ي َ ْس ُجد‬ ٍ ‫تغرب الش ْمس ف ِإنها تغرب بين ق ْرن ْي ش ْيط‬ ُ ْ َ​َ ُ ‫ك َّف‬ ‫لها ال‬ ‫ار‬ “‘I said, O Prophetsa of Allah! Please tell me what Allah has taught you and which I do not know, tell me about the prayer.’ He said, ‘Observe the dawn prayer, then stop praying when the sun is rising till it is fully up, for when it rises it comes up between the horns of Satan, and the disbelievers prostrate themselves to it at that time.

Then pray, for the prayer is witnessed and attended [by angels] till the shadow becomes about the length of a lance; then cease prayer, for at that time Hell is heated up. Then when the shadow moves forward, pray [the Zuhr prayer], for the prayer is witnessed and attended [by angels], till you pray the afternoon [Asr] prayer, then cease prayer till the sun sets, for it sets between the horns of the devil, and at that time the disbelievers prostrate themselves before it.’’

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab Salati l-Musafirina wa Qasriha, Babu Islami ‘Amr ibn ‘Abasah) “Thus, it has been forbidden to offer salat during these three times. However, there is no prohibition on reciting the Holy Quran.

So, of course, you can recite the Holy Quran at any time you wish, there is no restriction on it.”

Short selling Someone asked Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa for guidance on whether short selling was halal or haram.

In his letter dated 16 May 2021, Huzooraa provided the following guidance: “In essence, short selling is seen as an easy way to make quick money, which involves someone [the investor] borrowing some shares from brokers [or lenders], selling them at higher prices on the market, then buying them back from the market once their value has fallen and eventually returning them to the brokers. As a result, they earn a share of the profits and pay a share of it to the brokers as commission.

“Just as Islam has guided man in every sphere of life, it has also guided him to take an honest and transparent approach in business and to interact in straightforward and unambiguous terms. The Holy Prophetsa taught caution in matters of trade to such an extent that [he said] if there is any defect in your goods, do not hide it; rather, explicitly inform the customer of such a defect. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Babu Man Ghashshana fa Laisa Minna) [He instructed to] give full measure and not reduce it in any way, and not to sell something on until one

has first taken possession of it (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Buyu‘, Babu l-Kayli ‘ala l-Bai‘ wa l-Mu‘ti). Therefore, every business should be conducted after thorough research so that one does not get deceived or deceives another person.

Continued on next page >>

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

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“In the short-selling business, the buyer is prone to be deceived both at the company level and individually. Shares that are about to drop in value are sold with the intention that a few days later when the value of these shares has dropped, they will be bought back cheaply and returned to the original lender. In other words, despite knowing that the price of these shares will fall in a few days, these shares are sold to the buyer while keeping him in the dark.

“Moreover, among the various trades in the stock market, the short-selling business is in a sense a form of gambling. Therefore, sometimes the short sellers have to suffer huge losses instead of profits, as happened in the case of GameStop’s shares some time ago.

“Thus, in light of the teachings of Islam, it is the duty of a believing trader to ensure that he is neither deceived nor to deceive others, but to achieve financial gains by doing honest and transparent business while ensuring that his Lord is pleased with him.”

(Note: The above answer intends to give the correct Islamic viewpoint on short selling only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. – The Editor, Al Hakam)

Fasting on behalf of the deceased An Arab lady wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa that it was narrated in ahadith that if a person died and had some outstanding fasts to observe, their children could observe those fasts on their behalf. She then asked what the Jamaat’s view was in this regard.

In his letter dated 24 May 2021, Huzooraa provided the following guidance: “Prayer and fasting are physical acts of worship and their reward goes to the person who performs them. Therefore, praying and fasting on behalf of the deceased is not the responsibility of the bereaved children.

“The majority of jurists, including Imam Abu Hanifarh, Imam Malikrh and Imam Shafi‘irh, do not consider it correct to observe such fasts. They also argue that fasting is

a physical act of worship which becomes obligatory according to the principles of Islamic law and it cannot be delegated to another person during one’s life or after one’s death. (Al-Fiqh al-Islami Wa ‘Adillatuhu by Dr Wahbah al-Zuhayli [Damascus: Dar alFikr, 1985], Vol. 2, p. 681) “As far as the recording of such narrations in the books of hadith is concerned, the scholars of hadith and its commentators have also mentioned different or opposing ahadith while interpreting these narrations.

For instance, the narrations regarding fasting by the children of the deceased on their behalf are narrated by Hazrat Aishara and Hazrat Ibn Abbasra, but in the books of hadith, there is also a narration by Hazrat Aishara and Hazrat Ibn Abbasra which instructs not to fast on behalf of the deceased but to feed [the poor] on their behalf. (Fath al-Bari fi Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alSawm, Babu Mun Mata wa ‘Alaihi Sawm) “Likewise, there are many contradictions in the narrations of this kind by Hazrat Ibn Abbasra. In one place, for example, there is a man asking questions and in another narration, it is a woman. Similarly, there is a difference of opinion as to whether the fasts [mentioned in the narration under discussion] were the fasts of Ramadan or the fasts of vows [nazr]. Likewise, in one place the person is being asked about fasting and in another narration, he is being asked about Hajj. (Sharh Bukhari by Hazrat Syed Zainul Abidin Waliullah Shahra, Kitab alSawm, Vol. III, p. 630) “Therefore, due to such contradictions, even among the muhaddithin, the scholars of hadith, there are different opinions about fasting on behalf of the deceased, but no one has declared it obligatory [wajib].

“However, doing something on behalf of the deceased that benefits God’s creation is referred to as an ongoing charity [AlSadaqah al-jariyah], the reward of which reaches the deceased.”

(Compiled by Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London.

Translated by Al Hakam)

Become one with God

“

If you become one with God, rest

assured that God too will be yours. God Almighty shall remain awake for you as you sleep. God shall watch over your

enemy and frustrate their designs, while you are unmindful of him. You still do not know the extent of God’s powers.

Had you known, not a single day would you have grieved over the world. Does he who owns a treasure weep, cry and become sorrowful unto death over the loss of a single coin? Had you been aware of this treasure and knew that at every time of need God is able to fulfil your requirements, why would you look to the world so restlessly? God is a precious treasure; appreciate Him accordingly, for He is your Helper at every step.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, p. 37)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

Huzoor addresses International Conference on Freedom of Religion held in London Ahmadiyya Press & Media Office

On 5 July 2022, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the opening plenary session of the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief 2022 through a special recorded video message.

The event held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London was organised by the UK government and was aimed at urging increased global action on freedom of religion and belief and brought together governments, parliamentarians, faith representatives and civil society.

The opening session also included messages from His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales and the British Prime Minister amongst others dignitaries and faith leaders.

During his message, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa commended the objectives of the conference and outlined the Quranic teachings on freedom of religion and called attention towards the importance of people recognising their Creator in bringing about true lasting peace.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “Freedom of religion and belief are core human rights that must be preserved and protected for everyone and everywhere.

Though we are living in an increasingly secularised world, in which people are moving away from religion, many millions of people around the world continue to adhere to religious values and it is essential that they are able to live their lives according to their beliefs and convictions.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa mentioned the persecution Ahmadi Muslims face because of their faith in Islam and outlined that Ahmadi Muslims shall never respond to hatred in kind.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has itself been the victim of grave religious persecution, to the extent that obnoxious laws have been enacted against us preventing our members from professing and practicing their basic religious beliefs. Over a period of many decades, Ahmadi Muslims have been mercilessly targeted only because of their religious beliefs, and many have lost their lives as a result of utterly inhumane and barbaric attacks by religious extremists.”

Speaking of the response of Ahmadi Muslims, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa continued and stated: “We [Ahmadi Muslims] have never and will never respond to such hatred and cruelty in a like fashion; rather, our response will always be one of love and peace. Based

on the teachings of Islam, we say to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, that all people must always be free to profess and practice their peacefully held religious beliefs.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa went on to speak about the emphasis the Holy Quran lays on the protection of religious freedom.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “Allah the Almighty has enshrined freedom of belief and freedom of conscience to such an extent that the Holy Quran states that permission to use force is only permitted in response to those who seek to eliminate religion from the world. In fact, the Holy Quran categorically states that if one does not respond forcefully to those who seek to destroy religion, then no church, synagogue, temple, mosque or any other place of worship, where the name of God is recited, will remain safe. Hence, the Holy Quran has made it the religious duty of Muslims to protect the rights of people of all faiths and made freedom of belief a cornerstone of our religion.”

Huzooraa also highlighted the fundamental importance of belief in God in bringing about true peace.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said:

“As a religious person, it is my heartfelt belief that true freedom and lasting peace in the world is not possible until mankind comes to recognise his Creator, fulfils His rights and acts upon His commandments.

Whether religiously inclined or not, we must recognise that there is One God, who is the Creator and in Whose Hand lies all of Creation, and so it is our duty to fulfil His

rights and that of all humanity.”

Concluding, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa prayed and said: “May Allah the Almighty enable for true religious freedom and harmony to prevail and for all communities and peoples across the world to live their lives freely according to their beliefs.”

Photos courtesy of VOI Radio

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

10

Jamaat Niger acquires land for new headquarters in Niamey Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger is, by the grace of Allah the Almighty and with prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, leaping forward with each passing day, and consequently, needs are increasing along with the Jamaat’s progress. This situation prompted the Jamaat to seek new land for the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger in Niamey, the capital of the country. It is worth noting that land in Niamey is very expensive.

Exactly one year ago, efforts commenced for acquiring the land. On 7 July 2021, Asad Majeeb Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger had a meeting with the Minister of Urban Development, Mr Maizoumbou Laoual Amadou. A detailed report of this meeting had been published in Al Hakam on 30 July 2021, titled “Amir Jamaat Niger’s meeting with minister of urban development

in Niamey, Niger”.

The minister had assured every possible cooperation and promised to find suitable land for the Jamaat.

The process continued and after a year of relentless struggle, Jamaat Niger has now managed to acquire the land from the government.

The land area is 9500 square meters and 3 km away from Diori Hamani International Airport of Niamey. This neighbourhood is one of the best residential areas in Niamey city. The former president, Tandja Mamadou’s Palace is just 100 meters from the piece of land.

Niger Jamaat’s national amila also visited the land and a collective prayer was offered there.

May Allah the Almighty in his infinite goodness make this land a blessing for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and reward those who assisted in this project. Amin.

Ahmadis in Malta join 24-hour 155th Canada Day Celebrations volleyball fundraiser for the disabled Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Laiq Ahmed Atif President Jamaat Malta

Dar tal-Providenza, a home for disabled persons, held its 53 hours volleyball fundraising marathon from 1 to 3 July 2022. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta actively participated in this event. In fact, for the last few years, the Jamaat in Malta is collaborating on an array of fundraising events.

For the volleyball marathon, seven members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta helped in the kitchen with the preparation of breakfast and lunch for all the volleyball

players and volunteers. Members of the Jamaat also helped in responding to the telephone calls that were received for offering donations.

A prayer session was also held before the end of the fundraising event on 3 July.

The prayer was led by Rev Martin Micallef, the Director of Dar tal-Providenza and my humble self. I recited two Quranic prayers with the Maltese translation and also prayed for all the volunteers and donors.

The programme was aired live on Maltese television channels, therefore, people also joined in these prayers from their homes.

Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of the formation of the Canadian confederation, which took place on 1 July 1867. On this day, three colonies of Canada united into a single Dominion named Canada, within the British Empire. Originally named Dominion Day, the day was renamed Canada Day in 1982.

Traditionally, Canada Day is celebrated with patriotic zeal across Canada. The celebration ceremonies are held all day long with live performances, stalls, activities for children, and food for all. Fireworks in the evening bring the day to an end.

The largest event of such kind is held in national capital Ottawa, where the governor general of Canada and the prime minister of Canada address the attendees. After two years of subdued celebrations due to Covid-19 restrictions, Canada was ready for its traditional celebrations.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada celebrates Canada Day with full patriotic zeal in its own way. Thus, the events were held in all major jamaats and imarats across Canada including Brampton, Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Vaughan, and Winnipeg to name a few. The local dignitaries including councillors, mayors, MPs (Members Federal Parliament), MPPs (Members Provincial Parliament), federal ministers, provincial ministers and the head of police attended and delivered their messages.

One such event was held jointly by Brampton East Imarat and Brampton West Imarat. The flag hoisting ceremony

started the day and the formal event started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its English translation. The land acknowledgement statement was read, recognising the rights of Aboriginal people on the land of Canada.

The Canadian national anthem was sung by two groups of young children. One was in English, while the second one was in French.

The opening remarks were delivered by Naib Amir Jamaat Canada, Farhan Khokhar Sahib. He commented on how peaceful Canada was, and what a beautiful life we led here. He was followed by the mayor of the City of Brampton Patrick Brown, who echoed the naib amir’s sentiments and thanked the Jamaat for holding this event.

He also announced the naming of a city park as “Ahmadiyya Park”.

The federal minister accompanied by her fellow members of parliament appreciated the efforts of the Jamaat in serving Canada.

They were followed by a number of members of the provincial parliament of Ontario. In addition, senior members of the local police, fire and emergency services, media personalities, and Rotary Club officebearers also had a chance to share their thoughts.

Amir Jamaat Brampton East Imarat, and Amir Jamaat Brampton West Imarat jointly thanked all guests for attending the event.

Naib Amir Jamaat Canada, Farhan Khokhar Sahib led the silent prayer and the event thus ended.

An estimated 400 people attended the event with 60 of them being non-Ahmadis.

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Reciting the Holy Quran for the dead, ghosts in America, a vision about a famous city, adopting an austere life for tabligh and the father of the Promised Messiah Al Fazl, 3 July 1922

21 May 1922 Reciting the Holy Quran for the dead is wrong Regarding the recitation of the Holy Quran for the dead, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: “The dead do not get the reward of the Holy Quran because the recitation of the Holy Quran is a kind of worship. However, the reward of sadaqah [charity] and alms reaches the dead. The [reward] of giving charity is not written in the a‘mal nama [record of deeds and misdeeds] of the dead but they are rewarded in some other way.”

The question arose as to why the reward of the Holy Quran could not reach the dead when the Hajj could be performed on behalf of another.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “Hajj is not compulsory for every Muslim in all cases. Therefore, if a person does not get the opportunity, then Hajj can be performed by someone else on his behalf. However, salat is obligatory on every Muslim. Consequently, if, for some reason, someone does not get the opportunity [to perform salat], no one can offer salat on their behalf.”

The effects of stars Qazi Syed Amir Hussain Sahib returned from Hisar [India] and met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. Huzoor[ra] enquired about his wellbeing and his nephew’s health due to whose illness Qazi Sahib had gone there. Qazi Sahib said that he had haemorrhoids, the severity of which decreased and increased with the lunar cycle.

Regarding this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “What the Promised Messiahas has written about the effects of stars is also supported by the fact that the rising and setting of the Moon has an effect on certain diseases.”

European knowledge vs the teachings of prophets Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The Europeans emphasised a lot on their knowledge and observations and laughed at every aspect of religion. However, look at the prophets of God. From Prophet Adamas to the present time, the teaching of all prophets is the same. This argument has been presented by the Holy Quran in support of religion and no other knowledge can go against it. On the other hand, the thing called intellect says one thing today and something else tomorrow.”

Satisfactory resolution [of issues] by the prophets Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “The prophets resolve [the issues in the best possible manner], which gives complete satisfaction to mankind.”

Then Huzoor[ra] narrated the incident of the late Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra and said, “There was an issue between him and Hazrat Maulvi Sahib (Khalifa Ira).

Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib was against

the issue that Hazrat Maulvi Sahibra had said, ‘Maulvi Sahib! You make the issue presented. The Promised Messiahas arrived very complex. Now see how the matter has and Maulvi Sahib presented the issue to him become completely clear.’” or the Promised Messiahas himself started Qazi Amir Hussain Sahib said: “I always discussing it. The Promised Messiahas had a discussion with Hazrat Maulana explained the issue in the same way as Nuruddin Sahib about qasr [reduced form] Hazrat Maulvi Sahibra had said. Hearing of salat, but it never arrived at a conclusion. this, Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib said, When the Promised Messiahas visited ‘Subhanallah, Subhanallah.’ Hazrat Maulvi Gurdaspur during a trial, I was also asked Khilafat Centenary Special Edition—Part 3: Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II TARIQ | 187 Sahibra gestured to Maulvi Abdul Karim to accompany him. One day it was time for Sahib as if to ask what had happened as he was against it. Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib Continued on next page >>

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

12 << Continued from previous page

Zuhr or Asr prayer, I was asked to lead the salat. I was personally happy that I would lead [the congregation] and perform four raka‘at and the issue would be resolved. I was about to lead the salat when the Promised Messiahas came forward and said, ‘Will you offer two rak‘aat?’ I said, ‘Yes, Huzoor, I will offer only two [rak‘aat].’ Then, that issue became clear to me forever.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] then said: “I also remember an incident. At one point during the Gurdaspur trial, the associates requested me to ask the Promised Messiahas probably about the combining of prayers. I went in and asked the Promised Messiahas. He said, ‘I have already offered one [salat]’ (and then raised his hands for performing the next and said that) ‘I am now going to offer the next [salat].’”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] further said: “It is the divine light of prophethood through which the prophets establish their followers on the middle path. They do not lead them to such ease that it results in the spread of ibahat [making everything permissible religiously], nor do they put them in such difficulties that mankind cannot bear.

“For instance, the Promised Messiahas would also perform combined salat, so the people also used to offer prayers in that way.

However, now they do not combine the prayers. On the other hand, if a maulvi had done so, the people would have adopted one of the two cases.”

22 May 1922 Ghosts in America Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “Mufti [Muhhamad Sadiq] Sahib has written to me that the belief in ghosts is becoming very common in America. He writes that such incidents are narrated that ghosts came and killed people and left.

The police are investigating but have not been able to apprehend them. The public has requested the clergy that it was time to save the people by performing exorcism as mentioned in the Bible.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “Now, these people are returning to where they left off. The more they relied on intellect and laughed at the books of the Almighty Lord, the more they are [morally] declining.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “This is also a resemblance. Just as the first Christ was connected with the exorcism of ghosts, so is the Promised Messiahas now needed to dispel the aforesaid superstitious state and religious disorder that has arisen in Europe and America.”

23 May 1922 A divine vision about a famous city Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “A long time ago, I saw a vision in which I was walking in the style of a general and the army was marching behind me. There was also artillery with us and we had laid siege to a city. I was looking for a weak spot. Eventually, I found a weak place and signalled to the army with artillery to attack.

As soon as I signalled, the bombardment started. The wall [of the city] was very wide.

[...] The houses inside it were very luxurious and made of marble. I was accompanied

by Mufti Sadiq Sahib and the late Abdul Haye. Mufti Sahib said that that place was worthy of carrying out a prayer by sitting in it. Thus, they began to pray in a palace.

I was looking at them and also observing the bombardment by the army. In the meantime, I saw that the men of our Jamaat were bringing out the spoils of war. The late Abdul Haye was also carrying a large bistar [set of bedding]. I took it off his head and said that other people would pick it up. This [vision] indicates that Ahmadiyyat will be accepted in that place after some suffering.”

The diaries of the prophets Regarding the gift to the Prince of Wales, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “Today, I saw a part of it [the book, A Present to His Royal Highness: The Prince of Wales], it seems like the gospels. The books of the Bible are the diaries of the prophets.

The earlier people were not capable enough to distinguish between the revelation [of God] and the words of a Prophet, as is the case with the Holy Quran, that divine words are separate and the ahadith are completely separate.”

24 May 1922 [Lailatul-Qadr (the Night of Destiny)] On 27 Ramadan [1922], it was reported to be cloudy and dusty that day, so a friend said that the light of Lailatul-Qadr would not be visible in such conditions.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “There is no actual light. They were the [divine] visions of the saints in which they saw scenes of light, etc., and the people thought that this light is generally witnessed [with the naked eye].”

29 May 1922 Muslims did not regard public opinion Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “The public opinion is highly regarded in Europe and the people [rulers] are afraid of it. However, this is not the case with Muslims. When they become the rulers, they become oblivious to religion and prefer the world over religion. The fact about the Sikhs is that their elders, doctors, barristers, etc., value public opinion. If they have to walk barefoot with Granth [the sacred scripture of the Sikhs] in their hands, they do not hesitate to walk. Walking barefoot and bareheaded with the Holy Quran is an innovation; however, if the rich Muslims are only asked to come to the mosque and pray five times a day, they will consider it a disgrace.”

Adopt darveshi [austere life] for tabligh Regarding the tabligh [preaching] needs and missionaries, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihra said: “In my view, our friends should go out to preach like the faqirs [darvesh]. If they shall ask for food, it will not be considered begging. Wherever a missionary goes, he has the right to take food for three days from the people there. After three days, he may leave and go to another place. Then, he may

return after 15 or 16 days. This missionary should not carry too many belongings, nor should he take a lot of books with him.

There should only be a copy of the Holy Quran and a few clothes in his possession.

He should certainly carry a printed card of his address that he may present to the person to whom he preaches.

“On the other hand, the first thing that may influence the addressee will be that the person addressing them is an MA, a BA, a doctor, a maulvi fazil or a scholar of the Western or Oriental sciences. [The people will be compelled to think that] his heart is burning with a passion which is making him restless and that is why he is bearing such hardships. [They will ponder as to] what has happened to him that he is in such a state.

Thereafter, the words of the missionary will have an impact on them.

“One of the conditions put forward by the Promised Messiahas for the missionaries was that they must declare that they would not take wages or any compensation [for their work]. Where nothing would be available, they would eat the leaves of the trees and sleep under the open sky. The aforesaid conditions were written by the late Mir Hamid Shah Sahib at the behest of the Promised Messiahas.”

Addressing Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib (missionary of England), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “You had also devoted your life at that time, [so you might remember those conditions]. I intend to present the aforesaid conditions to the young people who have devoted their lives. Some of them are about to graduate. I will say to them that this is the burden that they have to bear. There is no other way we can work in every part of the world.

“Their state will be such that they will never even think of their own honour. They will become accustomed to hardships. If they have to stay hungry, they will do so because they will have the habit of fasting.

Consequently, they will achieve the state as someone has said, ‘Mil gai tu rozi warna roza’ [If they get something, it will be their food, otherwise they will fast].’ Religion requires great sacrifice and greater zeal.”

The story of the father of the Promised Messiah [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said:] “The story of the father of the Promised Messiahas is a lesson for the servants of religion. Though whatever he did was for the world, in order to learn a lesson, it is a very significant tale.

“At the time of the Promised Messiah’s grandfather, when our family’s rule collapsed, the whole family took refuge in Kapurthala. The grandfather of the Promised Messiahas was a man of weak disposition. Once, a Sikh chief came and said to him, ‘Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fatah [Pure one of god, victory to god].’

He repeated the same words. His father [the great grandfather of the Promised Messiahas] heard those words and said, ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un [Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return]. Our rule will end in the time of this son.’ It thus happened accordingly and his family had to leave Qadian. The grandfather of the Promised Messiahas died in Kapurthala.

The father of the Promised Messiahas was 16 years old at the time. He said that he would

bury his father’s body in Qadian. The people said that the Sikhs were occupied there, but he did not listen and took the body.

Here [in Qadian], the Sikhs tried to stop him but the subjects sympathised with him and the body was buried. He was in such a state of helplessness that he borrowed five seer [around five kilograms] of grain from someone and sent it to his house. He left his home saying that he would return to his homeland with honour. He went to Delhi and stayed in a mosque. Perhaps it was a trial from God Almighty that he did not get anything to eat for several days.

“Finally, after several days, a man brought a dry piece of bread and gave it to him. There was a nai or a mirasi [personal servant] with him who remained loyal to him despite his poverty. [The Promised Messiah’s father] kept looking at the bread for a long time. The servant tried to remove the effect that was being caused by the dry bread and jokingly said, ‘Mirza ji, where is my piece?’ He angrily threw the bread at his face, which injured him. Hence, he still stayed there, acquired education and then returned to his homeland.”

The difference between religious and secular education [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said:] “Nowadays, the state of the religious students is such that if they are entrusted to anyone, they say that their education is not being fully looked after. However, the teaching of religion is such that if a religious teacher tells even one thing, it is very beneficial, no matter how much time is wasted. However, this is not the case with the secular sciences and the aforementioned method is considered a waste of time. No one can acquire education the way I was taught by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I. He used to continuously read up to half a para [part] of Bukhari all by himself and sometimes he would tell me something of his own accord.

Sometimes, I had to spend the whole day waiting for a lesson and I would take meals at irregular times. My stomach has suffered since then.

“Once I had a headache. When I came after studying, my mother asked, ‘What did you read?’ I said, ‘I don’t have to read.

Maulvi Sahib reads everything.’ She went to Maulvi Sahib and said, ‘What do you teach?

Mahmud says so and so.’ Maulvi Sahib said to me, ‘Mian, you should have told me.

What was the need to say that to Bivi Sahiba [wife of the Promised Messiahas]?’”

Maulvi Hassan Ali Sahib Bhagalpuri Thereafter, coming back to the previous discussion that the missionaries should walk [long distances] on foot, work without a salary and be self-reliant, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “Maulvi Hassan Ali Sahib Bhagalpuri was not a graduate but he was so proficient in English that people would gather around him and listen to his speeches. In this way, he used to travel from one place to another for the service of religion without any wage.

It seemed that he was a shahid [testifier of the truthfulness] of the Promised Messiahas.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 3 July 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

Finding true happiness

– we somehow feel bereft of happiness altogether.

Sometimes, our idiosyncratic imagination of a conceptualised happiness fails us as this happiness is no longer “natural”, but synthetically imagined.

Therefore, when our expectations do not meet reality, and our future plays out (albeit beautifully, but) in another form as to what we had originally incepted, we are left disappointed and this vicious cycle defeats achieving happiness altogether.

And often, happiness that could otherwise be perceived from multifarious avenues, becomes conformed and constricted to our perceptions of what happiness should be, rather than take it at face value for what it is, in its truest and rawest form.

The science behind happiness

Durre-Ajam Sayed UK

ٰ َ َ ۡ َ َّ َ ‫َواﻧ ٗﻪ ُہوَ اﺿ َﺤﻚ َوا ۡبكی‬

“And that it is He Who makes [men] laugh and makes [them] weep;” (Surah al-Najm, Ch.53: V.44) “Night blooming Jasmine. I remember it used to grow in large bunches in our ancestral home. And every morning, my grandmother would ask me to go and pick a handful of fresh flowers which had silently been blooming overnight. And once I bought them for her, she would string them together, make two flower garlands to wear on each hand, and attach two separate flowers onto small hooks which she would wear in her ears as earrings. Wherever she went, the beautiful smell of the Jasmine flower followed.”

My mother pauses to reminisce the memory, and her happiness at merely recounting one such story (of many) gives me perhaps even greater pleasure than it gives her to recall.

Is this happiness? Or the child I can hear, playing joyfully outside as I write this – is that happiness? Or the sun that beams brightly through an opening of a large billow of grey cloud and uplifts all in its path, is that true happiness?

You see, happiness can be found in the most mundane and common rituals and routines of life. A toddler may gleam with happiness at the sight of rain. A keen gardener will smile when they see the first green leaf of spring. A mother and father will beam with joy at the happiness of their children, which may even be at their own expense. Yet as F Scott Fitzgerald stated, happiness is one of many “universal longings”.

So, what is happiness and what does it mean to be happy?

One can argue this notion is holistically individualistic and subjective because happiness means something different for

everyone, everywhere.

The Fijians and Kai Colo from French Polynesia attribute their happiness to a strong sense of community; the Maasai Mara tribe relish traditional forms of singing which makes them happy; the Dutch (living in the Netherlands – consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world) ascribe happiness to their infrastructure, strong social support and a healthy appreciation for individual liberty; whilst Japanese culture directly associates happiness through living in harmony with, and having an appreciation for the natural environment around them.

Perhaps we ought to stop divulging in Western paradoxes of emotional and social “ideals” of happiness and start by focusing on the religious and cultural connotations attached to unique ways of living in our globalised world.

As William Tov claims, “It bears on how we measure and define well-being, as well”. (“How cultural differences shape your happiness”, Greater Good Magazine, https://greatergood.berkeley. edu)

We always have more to learn. To understand what happiness means to different people, it is crucial to make sense of this concept through the vernacular.

Cultural variances and notions of happiness may differ between the multitude of societies that scatter our planet. Contrastingly, it can be proposed that basic human emotions and mental states (including happiness and sadness) are reflective of a universal way of being. This concept can be supported by the fact that happiness is readily and easily quantifiable through universalistic measures (through the use of body language, for instance, a simple smile or laughter).

Every human being yearns to be happy, and for this reason, most people (if not all) assume life should be happy all the time by default. Thus, whenever we are overtaken with an emotion other than happiness – whether grief, anger, fear, shock, or sadness

It, therefore, becomes paramount to acknowledge that happiness is a way of being/thinking, as opposed to being an end goal. Hence, it is intrinsic to recognise and understand the power and sway that the mental state of our mind can have on us too.

For this, it is imperative to acknowledge the science behind happiness.

“When people feel happy, they often feel physical sensations – a rush of passion, a flutter of joy – that correspond to brain signals sent to nerves in the heart, circulatory system, skin, and muscles. These physical sensations are accompanied by chemical changes in the brain which are interpreted as pleasurable.” (Ronald Siegel, What physical changes occur when I am happy?)

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in many bodily functions, but in the brain, it helps to regulate mood and therefore is integral to an overarching sense of wellbeing.

Increased levels of serotonin enhance feelings of confidence and belonging. A conscious and active contribution can be made to live better, healthier lives and this, in turn, can facilitate a natural increase in the production of higher levels of serotonin, such as eating healthy, regularly exercising and spending time outdoors (especially when we have longer and brighter days) with loved ones and making a conscious effort to practice gratitude in our lives.

Gratitude Allah says: “‘If you are grateful, I will, surely, bestow more favours on you; but if you are ungrateful, then know that My punishment is severe indeed.’” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.8) In this verse of the Holy Quran, we are taught that appreciation and gratitude do indeed make you a happier person and Allah likes those of His servants who are grateful to Him. For this reason alone, we should all inculcate the habit of trying to be more grateful for His favours that have already been bestowed upon us all (and are innumerable if we try to count them).

Thus, adopting an altruistic attitude and developing a positive growth mindset will give you energy and happiness.

We often tend to seek happiness in worldly pursuits, often forgetting that true and eternal happiness in its greatest sense, lies only in the remembrance (and pursuit) of our Gracious and Loving God, Allah the Almighty.

Our sole purpose – by which true happiness can be achieved – is living a life full of purpose, righteousness and performing deeds which are pleasing to Allah, not only in the pursuit of a good and happy afterlife but because “surely, Allah loves those who do good”. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.196)

Doing good brings happiness “Allah enlarges His provision for whomsoever He pleases and straitens it for whomsoever He pleases. And they rejoice in the present life, while the present life is but a temporary enjoyment as compared with that which is to come.” (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.27) Hence, we should all continuously strive for eternal goodness and our hereafter, as opposed to seeking the vain pursuits of this fleeting world, which is but an illusion: “And on the day when He will gather them together, it will appear to them as though they had not tarried in the world save for an hour of a day. They will recognise one another […]” (Surah Yunus, Ch.10: V.46) Continued on next page >>

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

14 << Continued from previous page

“A further requirement for attaining spiritual prosperity and happiness is selfpurification of thought, word, and deed.

It is true that no one is perfect, but one should strive and be ever watchful in maintaining one’s conduct and attitude towards everybody and everything free of blemish. One should eradicate all feelings of resentment, malice, jealousy, impatience, pride, revenge, envy, injustice, scorn, and all kinds of ill-feelings towards others. On the other hand, one should cultivate feelings of love, kindness, sympathy, forbearance, humility, patience, charity, justice, courtesy, helpfulness, understanding and other pleasing virtues [...] Happy and prosperous is the person, who through the Grace of God, is the recipient of this experience whether it be to a greater or lesser degree.”

(Happiness and Prosperity, Bashir Ahmad Orchard, www.alislam.org/articles/ happiness-prosperity/) Therefore, to attain happiness, we should free our hearts from the shackles of egotistical traits and foster a sense of fraternity. Through the Islamic teachings, this is a means of attaining true happiness and peace. Conjointly, it becomes imperative to realise that our efforts are inept unless supported by the prayers and blessings of Khilafat. True and abiding happiness is effectuated with the loving and bounteous guidance, oversight and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Our prayers, our aspirations, our hopes, and our happiness are all inextricably linked to the blessings of Khilafat. Therefore, we all must establish and maintain a living link with our beloved Huzooraa at every phase of our lives, as the benevolent prayers and leadership of Allah’s vicegerent on earth cannot and should not be overlooked whilst conversing on the topic of attaining abiding spiritual bliss and happiness.

We should all make it our way that we regularly write to, and in this blessed age, meet with beloved Huzooraa at every opportunity to seek his blessings for a blissful life.

In conclusion, happiness is constituted by an array of means. And to take full delight in this, we must ensure that we establish and maintain a living link with God Almighty – Who in all forms and reflections is the ultimate source of happiness and grace.

Thereafter, we must make a diligent effort to form an attachment and connection with His representative and Khalifa on earth which we have been blessed with by belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Following on from this, we should assiduously look after and care for not only our friends and families but support our wider communities and societal circles, harbouring intentions and deeds of goodwill and constituting spaces for inter-faith dialogue. This is important because, after the right of Allah the Almighty, we all have a right to serve each other as human beings with dignity, respect and righteousness.

When we become individuals, who fulfil both the rights of Allah the Almighty and the rights of our fellow human beings, we then become those who are dear and loved

by God. This in turn constitutes the physical foundations for a happy, prosperous and righteous life.

Humanity First volunteers honoured by government for humanitarian efforts during Kosovo War

Besmir Yvejsi Kosovo Correspondent

On 29 and 30 June 2022, two members of Humanity First International, Khalid Hayat

Sahib and Mashood Ahmad Sahib visited Kosovo.

On 29 June, these two representatives were officially welcomed by the Municipality of Deçan, whereupon the Director of Education of this municipality, Mr Bekim Vishaj gave gratitude and presented them a badge with the logo of the municipality for their high and valuable contribution during and after the Kosovo war (1999) as they served as volunteers at Humanity First. The cities of Kosovo in which they served are Prizren, Dragash, Drenas, Deçan, Gjakovë, Prishtina,

Gjilan, Mitrovica, Klinë, as well as some villages around these cities. Interestingly, some of these families are still in contact.

On 30 June, a programme was organised at Jamaat-e-Ahamdiyya’s centre in Prishtina for the guests, which was attended by 26 people from several cities in Kosovo such as Podujeva, Shtimje, Mitrovica, Peja and Istog.

The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with its Albanian translation, followed by speeches from Khalid Hayat Sahib and Mashood Ahmad Sahib.

After the speeches, a question and answer session was held in which the audience asked the guests in regards to the difficulties and challenges they had gone through to help the people of Kosovo.

The programme concluded with silent prayer followed by Maghrib and Isha salat.

MKA Sweden holds 39th national ijtema

Yuneeb Niazi Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA Sweden

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Sweden held its 38th annual ijtema at the Mahmood Mosque in Malmö from 17 to 19 June 2022.

The inauguration session began on the evening of 17 June. Malik Hisham Ahmad Sahib, Nazim-e-Ala of the ijtema welcomed khuddam who had convened from all over the country. This session was chaired by

Agha Yahya Khan Sahib, missionary-incharge Sweden. In his speech, he highlighted the importance for khuddam to be ever ready to defend Islam.

This was followed by academic competitions.

On the second day, sports competitions were held at Lomma playground located some miles outside of Malmö.

After the Isha prayer, a Talqeen-e-Amal session was held which was presided over

by Sadr MKA Sweden, Kashif Mahmood Virk Sahib. The topic of the talk was the purpose of life and how to establish a strong relationship with Allah.

On the final day, the remaining academic competitions were held. The final session was chaired by Wasim Ahmad Zaffar Sahib, Amir Jamaat Sweden. In his address, he spoke about the importance of healthy competition and collaboration among khuddam. This session was broadcasted live on YouTube.

During the ijtema, a fundraising campaign was held by the Khidmat-e-Khalq department. It was held as a competition between five different majalis of Sweden.

MKA Sweden collected more than 40,000 Swedish kronor and Luleå majlis collected the most.

This year, MKA Sweden published the Swedish translation of a biography of the Promised Messiahas, written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. This book was presented to the khuddam and atfal attending the ijtema alongside the latest issue of MKA Sweden’s magazine, Granova.

The department of Sanat-o-Tijarat arranged a stall selling refreshments to attendees.

This year, the Alam-e-Inami was awarded to majlis Malmö for khuddam, and majlis Stockholm for atfal.

The total attendance of the ijtema was 156 khuddam, 55 atfal and 18 guests.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

100 Years Ago...

A poem by Rahatullah Mustafa Thaha (Mrs Garber), a message regarding Islam and expressions of appreciation The Moslem Sunrise, July 1922

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

My Allah is calling me I hear my Allah calling me.

Stand aside Oh crowd that I may flee, Leaving behind all vain discourse.

Stop not my light to yonder source.

My Allah is calling me, Far, far beyond the dark sea; Ye who would stop my flight, Must perish or end the strife.

I hear my Allah calling me.

From the darkened night my soul shall fly,

And at His call I bend my knee,

Do not ask me when or why.

Imploring Him to lead me safely to His home,

Come, come. O child of God.

Freeing me forever from those who roam.

My Allah is calling me, And I must leave my friends and be Forever faithful to the call, Lest into chaos I shall fall.

I hear my Allah calling me.

His illumined light my soul doth see.

Free thyself from the withered sod; Drop forever the troubled load; Lift thy soul to my abode.

Rahatullah Mustafa Thaha (Mrs Garber) […]

A message regarding Islam To whom it may concern. Salaams (or salutation to all),

Old photo of North Wabash Ave from Adams Street, Chicago. A few miles south of this road is where Hazrat Mufti Sahibra built one of America’s first mosques | Wiki Commons

Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, a wellknown theologian and [a] missionary of Islam connected with the Ahmadia Movement, is now amongst you. If you have not seen or heard him, just drop a letter to him asking for some literature or information about his mission and you are sure to get a reply from him. His very printed letterheading will give you an impression of what he is and for what he stands. You will find a neat little block of his photo printed at the corner which will tell its own tale. The face is the index of character and so for a physiognomist it will speak volumes of the latent light which he carries in his person.

In the beginning, you will find the greeting of “As-Salam-o-Alaikum”, i.e., peace be upon you, one and all. This is one of the commandments of Islam. Peace includes all sorts of peace, peace of mind, peace of body, peace of individuals and of nations. Peace, as you know, is such an important thing that it may be called the very desideratum of human life. Peace is self-protection or self-defense and if you go a little further you will find peace an absolute or the biological necessity for the development of the whole world. You have made Peace Societies in America to espouse its cause, but the Mufti will tell you that this peace is the best watchword and the only form of salutation in Islam and far superior to all known forms of salutes including the time-indicating “Good Morning,” “Good Evening,” “Good Night,” and so on. The Mufti will tell you that he preaches no new religion but the one and same which all prophets professed from Adam to our Lord Muhammad, peace be with his soul.

Islam is the only religion on Earth which verifies the divine mission of all the prophets, for instance – Moses the Lawgiver, Abraham the Patriarch, Jesus Christ, etc. According to Islam all of them were Moslems and all proclaimed throughout the Unity of God which is a sine qua non in Islam. As there is a process of slow but constant construction and destruction in all earthly things; and old order changes giving place to new, it is but natural that laws pertaining to religion may also be revised, consolidated, amended and repealed from time to time just as our manmade laws are subject to periodical changes to meet the requirements of the time. As in earthly laws, the basic principle remains intact: say, for instance, the constitution or the form of government; so the fundamental principle of a religion such as in Islam is the Unity of God remains unaltered. Methods may differ but the aim is always one and the same.

Islam is not a self-made religion but it claims to be as old as the world itself.

Even the angels above proclaim and profess Islam and nothing else. Islam has stood the test of all countries and it spread into India, China and elsewhere by meek and humble Moslems and never by government aid or through the influence of wealthy missionaries. Islam does its work automatically once it is introduced properly.

The diamond, while buried in the earth, was apparently of no more value than a common stone. It was when it was brought out from the mines and polished and cut and put in a position to catch the rays of light so that it could be shown off at its true worth that it Continued on next page >>

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was fully appreciated. It is just so with Islam.

The Mufti represents Islam and the rays of light are reflected by his journal The Moslem Sunrise (4448 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill., USA).

Islam is the only religion on earth that can stand the strictest test of science. It has nothing to recast or reshape like other religions to make it science-proof. Islam is the only cure for materialism which has sprung up owing to the conflict between science and religion. Every word of Koran bears the scientific truth hitherto known to man and if anybody who knows the modern science reads it carefully, he will find copious matter in it to testify that only God can thus reveal such scientific truths and nobody else. It is not the place to give or quote verses now. I quote here however, a few of many virtues of Islam just to convince those who have not known Islam through original sources. Just look at the prohibition of drinking in the United States by law. Islam has had this law since the 13th century and a little more. Gambling is equally prohibited

by Islam and the day is not distant when the characteristic features of Islam will be adopted by all civilized governments. The Ahmadia Movement in Islam was the first to congratulate America on its prohibition of drinking and I believe through Mufti Saheb who was then in England.

Islam is an ideal religion and is such as no human mind can invent a better. It has every virtue of Socialism. Islam preaches equality and brotherhood. It does not favor in the least color, race or creed distinctions.

Islam is a cosmopolitan religion and can make its home everywhere. It is as pleasing to the princes as it is to the hewers of wood and carriers of water. Verily Islam is the source of happiness in this world and after.

All its religious observances aim toward the health and happiness of its followers. Islam never expects you to look at the world with disdain and do penances or suffer hardships or any unnatural thing. It has no forced dogmas or any mysterious thing. It is a plain, simple and naked truth.

It is true that our Mufti is not backed by huge funds or magnates and plutocrats and must be living plainly therefore, not in the palatial or skyscraper buildings, and hence would not be in a position to spend lavishly on his propaganda. But you must realize this fact, that all great achievements in the domain of science or religion were only made by plain livers and high thinkers.

The day is not distant when Islam will count in America in its fold many worthy sons of America. Islam never tells you to reject the prophethood of Jesus Christ. Islam is a Monotheism and says he was not the son of God but the son of Mary. Islam rejects trinity which is undoubtedly a man-made theory and is not to be found in the words of Christ or of Moses in his Old Testament.

May God give light to all those who wish to follow the right path and as Koran says, “There is no compulsion in religion,” and therefore truth must bring people into God’s path by scientific reasoning and good speeches.

Peace be unto you, Qazi A Latif MA PhD (Journalist).

List of books to be lent and for sale 1. [The] Holy Quran Part I. Arabic text and

English translation of the sacred book of Islam with original and exhaustive notes, commentary, etc., edited by a committee of Muslim scholars in India.

2. Mighty Signs of the Living God. 3. Confutation of Atheism (by a Muslim Saint).

4. Islam versus Civilization.

5. [The] Review of Religions (a monthly magazine).

Significant sayings of the famous men of the day […] “There are six hundred different sects of Christianity in England and the United States and the end is not yet.” Editor Harmonizer […] “Muhammed[sa] declared many spiritual truths – truths that have been verified by psychological research.” Andre J Davis “The Christian Churches of the Western World must put themselves immediately in the line with the progressive movements sweeping the world or new religious leaders will arise out of Buddhism, Mohammedanism and other sources of the Far East.”

Mrs Harriet Luella McCollum, a feminist and psychologist, says: “Marriage should be made very difficult and divorce very easy,” and she even advocates “temporary wifehood.” She thinks there should be special marriage laws “to protect the exceptional women.”

“Immorality has increased, profanity is rampant, standards of social and domestic purity have been lowered and forms of sin are now tolerated as they were not before.

The fine delicacy and modesty which were the crowning glory of womanhood have largely disappeared.” Bishop Berry “The Church’s thermometer has dropped. Its step is leaden; its spirit is dull.”

Rev. CL Godell of New York “Characteristics of the days of Noah are being reproduced in our day.” Rev. HC Fulton Dr A Tridon, a leading authority in psychology, [says]: “It is entirely possible for one man to love 100 per cent two different women. Our dual nature makes it possible for us to love two individuals wholeheartedly.” (According to the Holy Quran, a man cannot love two women equally, therefore he is enjoined not to incline to one too much but keep near the balance as possible. – Ed) Professor Monteh [says]: “Islam is a religion that is essentially rationalistic in the widest sense of this term considered etymologically and historically.

To believers, the Muhammadan creed is summed up in the belief in the unity of God and in the mission of His Prophet; and to ourselves who coldly analyze his doctrines to belief in God and future life; these two dogmas, the minimum of religious belief, statement that to the religious man rest on the firm basis of reason, sum up the whole doctrinal teaching of the Quran. The simplicity and clearness of this teaching are certainly among the most obvious forces at work in the religion and the missionary activity of Islam. A creed so precise, so stripped of all theological complexities and consequently so accessible to the ordinary understanding might be expected to possess and does indeed possess a marvellous power

of winning its way into the consciences of men.”

“I have scientific proof that soul lives on after the body dies. During thirty years of research and study I examined 4,800 cases of alleged communication with the dead.

After a careful selection I have retained several hundred of these as proof.” Camille Flammarion “Millions of young people get their idea of life from the moving pictures and get a very wrong idea.” NY Tribune […] “Dancing is a road to ruin for many girls, and swimming schools are breeders of disease and loose talk.” Superintendent White […] “Jazz is poisoning marriage at its source. Marriage has lost its meaning.

Childless marriages are defeating the purposes of life. They are Godless marriages eating at the roots of our civilization.”

Dr G Le Bon [says]: “If a man’s value is to be estimated by the grandeur of his works, we can say that Mohammad[sa] was one of the greatest men known to history.”

Thomas R Marshall, former Vice President of the United States, [says]: “It is far more important in the relations of life just now to have a fear of hell than a hope of heaven.”

Lothrop Stoddard (the famous author) [says]: “Islam is at once a spiritual bond and a dynamic force of tremendous potency.” […]

Expressions of appreciation Ghulam Nabi, Gujrat: “I consider it a means of getting my prayers accepted by God to offer prayers for you.”

Miss Dora Evans, Rochester: “I praise you for your good work in this country. You have had a good luck and fortune which other people cannot gain.”

Muhammad Ali Khan, Shahjahanpur: “I very much like The Moslem Sunrise in its simple style, interesting and pithy short articles and excellent arrangement.”

MS Soadozai: “His Excellency the Afghan Minister wishes you all success.”

Sister Salma (England): “I wish I could find language with which to clothe my appreciation of the April number of The Moslem Sunrise; it is full to overflowing with just the right thoughts to help and comfort and provide spiritual sustenance.

I have often wondered who thought on the attractive cover. Personally, I find that it always conveys to my mind the idea of the sunshine upon a field of corn. Certainly, great credit is due to your good self and to all those who have so loyally supported you.”

Miss CR: “… Now that I know what Islam is, I believe it. I was a confirmed agnostic until I found Islam. I see my errors and am attempting to follow the right path.

I try to influence my friends by letting them read the papers you sent me. I want this religion to spread. You have done very much for me and I will never forget. Had it not been for you I would still be striving in darkness but you assured me of the truth and I found light.”

Sirajuddin, Bareilly: “May Allah bless your work and name. I offer to God many a prayer for you, reciting your name and enjoy it very much. Each day brings a new desire to meet you again.”

MS Chaudhri (Maylapur): “Your writings are light upon light.”

Mrs E Wade (California): “The world would be a nice place to live in if everyone had the beautiful spirit your religion teaches.”

Attorney H Wilcox: “All who became acquainted with you while here (Chicago) remember you with delight and any time you return to the city, our churches will all welcome you.”

Mr John A Randolph, Seattle: “Ahmadia Movement is a supreme mission. It is a blessing to the suffering humanity, a universal effort to free the spirit in this bondage.”

Mr VD Rowell, London (Canada): “The Moslem Sunrise No. 4 is a creditable and interesting number.”

Shaikh Abdullah (Mr JL Mott): “I do not care what other Moslems in India or elsewhere think or do, I am for His Holiness Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad[ra] as ‘The Leader’ of the day and his American representative, the illustrious Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, and in this I express the sentiments of all my friends. Verily, we are for His Holiness and for you, first, last and all the time. Rest assured that no one, Indian or anyone else, will be permitted to harshly criticise or condemn the Promised Ahmad[as] in my presence.” […]

Miss Betty Morgan: “The Moslem Sunrise is very sensible and interesting.”

Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad: “I pray for you constantly and will ever (Insha Allah) continue to pray, but I inform you of a special prayer offered under the control of the Almighty Lord.”

Brother Abdul Haqq (CF Sievwright): “The reading matter in The Moslem Sunrise No. 4 is more educating than ever.

Especially did I notice the commandments from Al Quran on pages 78 and 79, the method of which is what the unlearned will easily understand and look forward to a continuance of that style of translating the beauties of the Quran in future issues of the excellent Moslem Sunrise.”

WM Thaha (Ceylon): “You are unearthing the unexplored regions of the past and the present glory of Islam. Your picture of Hazrat Haleema’s path to Mecca is an ideal representation.”

Sister Burkut (Mrs BG Sullivan, Chicago): “I am sincere in my reverence for the Moslem faith and I believe it to be a perfect world religion, that could reform mankind.”

M Raif (Constantinople): “Your deeds are priceless and we, the Turks, are very thankful to you. I appreciate your exertions heartily. The Christian missionaries in Turkey have won no success. Their converts are such as accepted their faith not because they believed in it but because they were offered fat salaries.”

Mrs May (Azeeza) M (Glasgow): “I have done my utmost to live up to my Moslem faith and I pray Allah grant all our prayers.”

Mehmed Reshid, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Constantinople: “It is most gratifying to see that a learned man like you is working to exalt the word of God and to extend the kingdom of our Prophet. You are the spiritual guide of Islam in the United States.”

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original published in The Moslem Sunrise, July 1922)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

The deadlock over Interim Government and Constituent Assembly for India Its background and Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’s guidance Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

In March 1946, the British government sent a delegation to India, commonly known as the “Cabinet Mission”, to discuss the transfer of powers from the British government to the Indian leadership.

Upon this, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra wrote an article, titled Parliamentary Mission Aur Hindustanion Ka Farz, which was published in the 6 April 1946 issue of Al Fazl. Its English translation was published in the May 1946 issue of The Review of Religions, titled The Cabinet Mission and the Duty of Indian Leaders.

In this article, Huzoorra granted valuable guidance to the Mission and the Indian leaders. While advising the government, he said: “My advice to the Mission, therefore, is that they should endeavour to find a solution to the problems of India not merely on the basis of political policies but on the basis of moral principles so that if their decision should cause unrest or agitation in the country they should not flourish for any length of time.” (The Review of Religions, Vol. 45, p. 79, May 1946) After the first round of talks between the Mission and Indian leaders, two options were on offer: “The option which the Mission preferred was to keep an unitary India with a loose federation and a centre restricted to defence and foreign affairs. The second was to concede a sovereign but truncated Pakistan consisting of Muslim majority-districts in the north-west (that is, western Punjab, Sind, NWFP, and Baluchistan) and the north-east (eastern Bengal without Calcutta, but with the Sylhet district of Assam). This sovereign Pakistan would, moreover, be expected to make a treaty of alliance, for both offensive and defensive purposes, with Hindustan.”

(The Sole Spokesman: Jinnah, the Muslim League and the Demand for Pakistan, by Dr Ayesha Jalal, Sang-e-Meel Publication, p.

183) On 11 April 1946, these two options were presented to the Cabinet in London.

“The Cabinet was asked to decide whether it would be prepared to deny the central article of the British Indian creed, vital to its traditional conception of

metropolitan interests in South Asia. The decision to be ready to tear the seamless web of Indian unity, which the British had taken more than a century and a half to weave, was taken at one short meeting of the Cabinet.

However much they preferred Scheme A [unitary India], the Cabinet agreed that if Scheme B [truncated Pakistan] was the only hope of an agreed settlement, then Scheme B it would have to be.” (Ibid, pp. 184-185) The Congress expressed on 15 April 1946 that they wanted an undivided India, but Jinnah wanted a completely sovereign Pakistan. The mission had more meetings with the Indian leader in Simla between 5 to 12 May, but achieved no success.

After a dialogue of nearly two months, the Cabinet Mission and the Viceroy of India issued a statement on 16 May. During this statement, it was stated: “After prolonged discussions in New Delhi we succeeded in bringing the Congress and the Muslim League together in conference at Simla. There was a full exchange of views and both parties were prepared to make considerable concessions in order to try and reach a settlement, but it ultimately proved impossible to close the remainder of the gap between the parties and so no agreement could be concluded. [...]

“We have accordingly decided that immediate arrangements should be made whereby Indians may decide the future constitution of India, and an Interim Government may be set up at once to carry on the administration of British India until such time as a new Constitution can be brought into being. [...]

“We therefore examined in the first instance the question of a separate and fully independent sovereign state of Pakistan as claimed by the Muslim League. [...] The argument for a separate state of Pakistan was based, first, upon the right of the Muslim majority to decide their method of Government according to their wishes, and, secondly, upon the necessity to include substantial areas in which Muslims are in a minority, in order to make Pakistan administratively and economically workable.” (The Indian Annual Register, January-June 1946, Vol. I, pp. 144-145) The statement further went on to state Continued on next page >>

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the geographical and administrative factors, which they thought to be the concerning points in accepting the concept of a sovereign Pakistan. The statement said: “We are therefore unable to advise the British Government that the power which at present resides in British hands should be handed over to two entirely separate sovereign States. This decision does not, however, blind us to the very real Muslim apprehensions that their culture and political and social life might become submerged in a purely unitary India, in which the Hindus with their greatly superior numbers must be a dominating element.” (Ibid, p. 146) Further, the Mission outlined a solution in regard to the constitutional matters, and stated: “There should be a Union of India, embracing both British India and the States, which should deal with the following subjects: Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Communications; and should have the powers necessary to raise the finances required for the above subjects.” (Ibid, pp.

146-147) The Mission’s statement then indicated the constitution-making machinery to work out a new constitution.

The statement was also read out in the British Parliament on the same day, by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, Viscount Addison.

During his Friday Sermon on 24 May 1946, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra stated: “The members of the Jamaat are aware that a few days ago, the Cabinet Mission had announced a scheme in regard to the settlement between the Hindus and Muslims. This decision is under consideration of different communities, and they are pondering over those aspects which will affect them in the future. [...] As far as the Muslim League is concerned, its standing has degraded as per this decision, since it has not been granted those rights, which it had demanded. […]

“As far as I have pondered over this scheme, in my view, there are certainly such flaws which cannot ensure the protection of the Muslims’ rights completely. In other words, considering the current circumstances of the country and sentiments held by the people towards each other, the rights of the Muslims cannot be completely protected.” (Al Fazl, 3 June 1946, pp. 1-2) Huzoorra then went on to outline the flaws of this scheme and granted guidance to the government and Indian leaders as well.

Huzoorra continued: “Undoubtedly, a nation cannot succeed without morals [...] and without inculcating the national character [amongst its people] it cannot conquer any other nation. [...]

This is a negligence of the Muslims that they have always raised the political voice, but never focused on those matters which are necessary for a nation’s real success.” (Al Fazl, 3 June 1946, pp. 3-4) When discussions regarding the formation of an Interim Government began, Jinnah asked the Viceroy during a meeting on 3 June what the course of action would be if one party agreed to accept the Cabinet Mission’s Statement of 16 May, while the other did not. The Viceroy responded in a letter dated 4 June:

Newspaper cuttings mentioning the political developments in British India following the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946

“I can give you on behalf of the Cabinet Delegation my personal assurance that we do not propose to make any discrimination in the treatment of either party; and that we shall go ahead with the plan laid down in the Statement so far as circumstances permit if either party accepts; but we hope that both will accept.” (The Indian Annual Register, January-June 1946, Vol. I, pp. 180-181) The Cabinet Mission issued a statement on 16 June, and said: “His Excellency the Viceroy, in consultation with the members of the Cabinet Mission, has some time been exploring the possibilities of forming a coalition Government drawn from the two major parties and certain of the minorities. The discussions have revealed the difficulties which exist for the two major parties in arriving at any agreed basis for the formation of such a Government. [...] It is indeed urgently necessary that a strong and representative Interim Government should be set up to conduct the very heavy and important business that has to be carried through.” (Ibid, p. 170) The Viceroy named 14 members for the Interim Government, and stated, “If any of those invited is unable for personal reasons to accept, the Viceroy will, after

consultation, invite some other person in his place.” (Ibid) The Viceroy also sent a letter to the presidents of Congress and Muslim League, which included the above-mentioned statement.

Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra stated: “The Cabinet Mission earnestly got down to its work despite Delhi’s unusually hot summer and spared no effort in achieving its objective. [...] The Muslim League and the Congress both agreed on the final shape of the plan proposed by the Mission. The Quaid-e-Azam had some problem in securing the consent of the League’s council but it gave in and approved the Mission’s proposals. The country heaved a sigh of relief after years of conflict and effort - but it was not to last.” (Tehdise Nemat or Recollection of Divine Favours [English], p. 514) The Muslim League had passed a resolution on 6 June and announced to partake in the Interim Government, but president of the Congress wrote a letter to the Viceroy on 24 June, saying, “After full consideration and deliberation they [members of the Congress Working Committee] have been reluctantly obliged to

decide against the acceptance of the Interim Government proposals as framed by you.”

(The Indian Annual Register, January-June 1946, Vol. I, pp. 173 and 182) At that time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra stated: “Though Congress has accepted the scheme of the parliamentary mission in regard to the permanent system, it has rejected the suggestion regarding an interim government. The mission had announced that if any party would not accept its suggestions regarding the interim government, even then it would form the government. According to this announcement, it is now its [the Mission’s] obligation to form an interim government with the cooperation of other parties, save the Congress.” (Al Fazl, 28 June 1946, p. 3) Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra said: “Some elements in the Congress had agreed to accept the Cabinet Mission Plan in the expectation that the Muslim League would reject it and responsibility for the failure would lie on the League and weaken the demand for Pakistan in the eyes of the British. Once the Muslim League accepted the plan, the Congress started looking for ways to scuttle it.” (Tehdise Nemat or

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022 Recollection of Divine Favours [English], p.

517) On 29 June, the Cabinet Mission, along with their staff members, returned to London.

On 18 July, the Secretary of State for India said in the House of Lords that the Viceroy would resume his negotiations with the Congress and League, in order to resolve the new conflict. (Hansard, HL Deb 18 July 1946, Vol. 142, cc. 579-636, https:// api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard) On the same day, Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the Cabinet Mission, briefed the House of Commons about the efforts of the Mission to propose a reasonable plan for India. (Hansard, HC Deb 18 July 1946, Vol. 425, cc. 1394-448, https://api.parliament.uk/ historic-hansard) While appreciating the efforts by the Cabinet Mission, Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra stated: “They did a first-class job and to the gratified surprise of everybody, they did bring a settlement between the two political parties. [...] It is much to be regretted that the plan after being accepted was sabotaged

by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s announcement within a few weeks, putting an interpretation upon certain paragraphs of the plan, which those paragraphs were utterly incapable of bearing.” (The Reminiscences of Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, p. 136) He further said: “I greatly admired Mr Jinnah’s strategy that having pushed the matter as far as it was possible for it to go, he was willing to try an alternative which seemed to him feasible and practicable. Then that plan was wrecked – I am afraid quite deliberately –

by Mr Nehru, who had, shortly after the plan was accepted by both sides, become President of the Congress, and as President made authoritative statements which were utterly inconsistent with the clear wording of the Cabinet Mission’s Plan.” (Ibid, p. 161) The Muslim League held a session on 27 to 29 July, where Jinnah said that the Cabinet Mission and the Viceroy had gone back on their word and had abandoned the formation of the Interim Government.

Consequently, the league passed a resolution in which they decided to reject the Cabinet Mission Plan, and to hold ‘Direct Action Day’ on 16 August 1946. (The Indian Annual Register, July-December 1946, Vol. II, pp.

167-177) Consequently, the Congress saw it as their best chance to dominate and passed a resolution on 10 August, in which they announced to partake in the Interim Government. (Ibid, pp. 219-220) On 12 August, a communique was issued from the Viceroy’s House that “His Excellency the Viceroy, with the approval of His Majesty’s Government, has invited the President of the Congress to make proposals for the immediate formation of an Interim Government, and the President of the Congress has accepted the invitation.” (Ibid, p. 221) On 24 August, a communique was issued to announce the appointment of the Interim Government, which would take office on 2 September. The Viceroy stated in a broadcast that the offer was still open for the Muslim League as well.

The deadlock continued to shatter the hopes for a conciliation between the two parties, but then a new hope arose when

Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra and Muhammad Ali Jinnah

talks between the Muslim League, Congress and the government resumed in Delhi towards the end of September.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went to Delhi on 22 September and had meetings with prominent political leaders, including Jinnah and Gandhi.

On 5 October, Huzoorra sent a letter to the Viceroy of India Lord Wavell and stated that though Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya was a religious Jamaat and was not a part of the Muslim League as a whole, during the current political turmoil, the Jamaat’s sympathies and support were with the Muslim League. (Al Fazl, 7 October 1946) In the second letter, Huzoorra wrote to the Viceroy that if the talks ended without any solution, then instead of being disappointed, more time should be given to finding a solution for this conflict. Moreover, Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dardra met with the private secretary to the Viceroy, on Huzoor’s behalf.

Huzoorra wrote the third letter to the Viceroy, at a time when on the evening of 10 October, talks between the Muslim League and Congress took a delicate turn and seemed to be unsuccessful again. Moreover, Huzoorra instructed the Jamaat to pray in this regard, during his Friday Sermon on 11 October 1946. Huzoorra said: “[The members of] our Jamaat should not only themselves pray, but also urge everyone whom they meet and emphasise to them the need to specially pray during these days. [...] It is the duty of our Jamaat to urge people towards prayers, and as a result, the enmity and grudge which is held by the Muslims and Hindus towards each other, will also reduce.” (Al Fazl, 30 October 1946, p. 2) With Huzoor’sra efforts, this matter moved towards its solution and the Muslim League agreed to cooperate in regard to the Interim Government without compromising their initial demands and informed the Viceroy on 13 October.

A communique was issued by the government on 15 October, which

announced the appointment of five new members for the Interim Government. It stated: “The Muslim League have decided to join the Interim Government, and His Majesty the King has been pleased to appoint the following to be Members of the Interim Government: Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, Mr I.I. Chundrigar, Mr Abdur Rab Nishtar, Mr Ghazanfar Ali Khan and Mr Jogendra Nath Mandal. [...]

“The distribution of portfolios will be settled early next week and the new Members will then be sworn in.” (India Steps Forward: The Story Of The Cabinet Mission In India In Words & Pictures, by Jag Parvesh Chander, The Indian Printing Works, Lahore, 1946, p.

273) In this regard, a prominent Indian jurist, HM Seervai stated: “An Interim Coalition Government born of resentment, bitterness and a sense of humiliation felt by the Muslim League did not augur well for harmonious working either of the Interim Government or of the Constituent Assembly. Nehru wanted to be treated as a de facto Prime Minister – a claim resisted by Liaquat Ali Khan and the nominees of the League. The matter was further aggravated by the fact that the League came into the Interim Government on the understanding that the League would revoke its Resolution of 29 July 1946 withdrawing its acceptance of the Plan, and it had not done so.” (Partition of India: Legend and Reality, Emmenem Publications, Bombay, 1990, p. 84) During his Friday Sermon on 18 October 1946, Huzoorra narrated the reasons for which he had travelled to Delhi and also stated some details of his meetings with the political leaders.

While mentioning his meeting with MK Gandhi, Huzoorra said: “I had a meeting with Mr Gandhi as well, and my objective was to tell him in detail that the disagreement [between the Congress and Muslim League] is of no benefit, therefore, the Congress and

League both need to sacrifice some of their demands, so that the country’s disorder may not take a more dangerous turn.” (Al Fazl, 13 November 1946, p. 5) When the allotment of portfolios was announced, Huzoorra wrote a letter to Jinnah on 27 October 1946, and stated: “The new allotment of portfolios has been announced. Though their distribution is not equitable yet I must congratulate you on your successful efforts. The important portfolios like Defence, External Affairs, Home etc. are still with the Congress. One of them especially the Defence or the Supply ought to have been given to the Muslim League. However, the Muslim League representatives will follow your advice and work assiduously till the rights of Muslims are fully secured. May Allah help you in your great task and lead you to the right path. Amin.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 10, p. 464) The Viceroy, Lord Wavell noted in his diary on 30 October 1946: “I am very doubtful whether this Coalition will work, too much time has been wasted and things are moving too fast.

The Congress is not interested in making a Constitution under British auspices, only in consolidating their power. The mission gave away the weakness of our position, and our bluff has been called.

“Our time in India is limited and our power to control events [is] almost gone. We have only prestige and previous momentum to trade on and they will not last long. My task now is to secure the safest and most dignified withdrawal possible.

“I am sorry for the Muslims, they have more honesty, courage and dignity than the Hindus, but cannot stand up to the power of the rupee and the superior education and chicanery of the Congress. Up to a point Jinnah played his cards well, but I think he has been too unyielding.” (Wavell: The Viceroy’s Journal, by Penderel Moon, Oxford University Press, p. 368) Continued on next page >>

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Meanwhile some issues arose in regards to the Interim Government’s functioning and authority.

HM Seervai stated: “The Congress’s claim that the Interim Government should function as a Cabinet, with Nehru as a de facto Prime Minister, raised questions not only of the constitutional position of the Executive Council under the G.I. Act, 35, but also of the Muslim League’s attitude to such a claim. The Muslim League saw in that claim an attempt by the Congress to seize absolute executive power by eliminating the Viceroy’s veto, and then dealing with the Muslims as an all-powerful Cabinet. The Muslims, therefore, opposed the claim; and the British Government also rejected that claim by declining to go beyond the assurances given to [Maulana Abul Kalam] Azad.” (Partition of India: Legend and Reality, Emmenem Publications, Bombay, 1990, p. 80) Nehru wanted to hold the Constituent Assembly’s session on 9 December 1946, but the Viceroy denied this by saying it was not the appropriate time. Moreover, Jinnah also wrote to the Viceroy to postpone the session.

“Wavell was of the view that till the Congress had categorically accepted the Mission’s interpretation of the grouping provisions of the Plan, the Constituent Assembly should not be called. But he was overruled by H.M.G., and he issued invitations on 20 November for the convening of the Constituent Assembly on 9 December 1946. This provoked a sharp reaction from Jinnah.” (Ibid, p. 85) Thereafter, Jinnah announced on 21 November that “no representative of the Muslim League will participate in the Constituent Assembly.” (The Indian Annual Register, July-December 1946, Vol. II, pp.

277-279) Clement Attlee called several Indian leaders to London for consultation over the ongoing conflict, where round table meetings were held to settle the dispute.

At that time, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a message to Mr Attlee, which was conveyed to him by Chaudhry Mushtaq Ahmad Sahib Bajwa, then Imam of the London Mosque, in a letter dated 8 December 1946. The letter read: “I have the pleasure of placing before you a copy of the cable from Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, in compliance with his instructions. “‘Put before the Prime Minister the Ahmadiyya view that the League descended from the Pakistan claim only on assurance by the British Government about the grouping of Provinces and the remedy of Court decision, if differences about interpretation of Government declaration occur. The League is sticking to the position while Congress is going back on its words.

If at this question a break occurs and the Government sides with the Congress it only means that the Government has made a party with Congress to deceive Muslims and bring them down by degrees. That will be disastrous for the British also, for that will mean that no reliance should be put on British words. Our Community is a religious one but we have suffered death, arson; looking along with other Muslims in

Bengal, Bihar, UP and Bombay we cannot sit idle. We therefore appeal to British justice and fairness not to be a party to this gradual bringing down policy. You may be believing or not but there is surely One God, ruling over the Universe. I draw your attention to Him. He does not care for politics. He looks only to the honesty of purpose and truthfulness. May God save you from breaking your words and the resulting punishment.’” (File) The same message was also conveyed to the Secretary of State for India, in a letter dated 9 December 1946.

The Times reported: “The Talks between Ministers and the Indian leaders in London ended last night after a final round-table discussion, in which all the Indian leaders joined, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.

“No final agreement was reached between the representatives of the Congress Party and the Muslim League; but the Indian leaders were given an important clarification, afterwards issued as a statement from 10, Downing Street, of the attitude of his Majesty’s Government towards the constitutional problems in dispute and urgent advice as to how they should proceed in solving them.” (The Times, 7 December 1946, p. 4) The government had to announce on 9 December that the constitution made by the assembly without the Muslim League would only be applicable to the Hindu majority areas, not the Muslim majority areas. It stated: “Should the constitution come to be framed by a Constituent Assembly in which a large section of the Indianpopulation had not been represented, His Majesty’s Government could not, of course, contemplate – as the Congress have stated they would not contemplate – forcing such a constitution upon any unwilling parts of the country.” (The Indian Annual Register, JulyDecember 1946, Vol. II, pp. 301-302) The Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell noted: “It became quite obvious that we were going to make no progress in reconciling Congress and League. All the efforts of PM, and S of S [Secretary of State for India] and Cripps to find formulas for agreement or to persuade the leaders that their differences could be reconciled were completely fruitless and they had to admit entire failure.

Two lines of a poem of [Robert] Browning came into my head as appropriate: “‘Now, enough of your chicane of prudent pauses; Sage provisos, sub-intents and saving-clauses.’

“I remembered too that the poem begins ominously: “‘Let them fight it out, friend! things have gone too far.’” (Wavell: The Viceroy’s Journal,

by Penderel Moon, Oxford University Press, p. 391) When all the possibilities and hopes for a coalition Constituent Assembly faded away, the Prime Minister, Mr Attlee announced on 20 February 1947 that the government wished to implement necessary plans to transfer power to responsible people of India by 8 June 1948.

Sir Zafrulla Khanra states: “After the final failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan in December, 1946, the Labour Government in England, and the Prime Minister, Mr Attlee, were faced with the problem of what to do about India’s

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud's message to Mr Attlee, conveyed to him by Chaudhry Mushtaq Ahmad Sahib Bajwa, then Imam of the London Mosque, in a letter dated 8 December 1946

progress towards independence. Mr Attlee came to the conclusion that after the failure of this last effort, directed towards the maintenance of the political unity of the subcontinent, there was no choice left but to agree to partition and to carry it out. So, in February, 1947, he announced his decision on partition in principle. The central point of the announcement was that His Majesty’s Government would transfer power to the provincial governments that were then in power, and through them a scheme of partition would be worked out.” (The Reminiscences of Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, pp. 141-142) He stated at another instance: “It can be surmised that either the Congress was not sincere in accepting the plan in the very first instance or having accepted it realised that they should not have accepted it in the first instance. Thus, instead of owning the responsibility of rejecting the plan, they tried to get rid of it by resorting to interpretations. The history may, one day, enlighten us about this puzzle but the later events proved that the Congress leadership had always used ‘interpretation’ as a convenient tool for resiling from agreements.” (Tehdise Nemat or Recollection of Divine Favours [English], pp. 516-517) HM Seervai expressed a similar kind of view, and stated:

“The large number of official documents leave no doubt that the Congress was not interested in working the Plan in the spirit in which it was intended to be worked. [...]

The published documents leave no doubt that the Plan was designed to give to the Congress its cherished goal of a united India and to give to the Muslim League the grouping of Muslim Provinces in Sections B and C which it wanted.” (Partition of India: Legend and Reality, Emmenem Publications, Bombay, 1990, p. 68) On 3 June 1947, the Prime Minister Mr Attlee stated in the British Parliament: “On 20th February, 1947, His Majesty’s Government announced their intention of transferring power in British India to Indian hands by June, 1948. His Majesty’s Government had hoped that it would be possible for the major parties to co-operate in the working-out of the Cabinet Mission’s Plan of 16th May 1946, and evolve for India a constitution acceptable to all concerned.

This hope has not been fulfilled.” (Hansard, HC Deb 3 June 1947, Vol. 438, cc. 35-46, https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard) Therefore, on the same day, the Viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten and Prime Minister Mr Attlee simultaneously announced the partition of British-India into two independent nations – India and Pakistan.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022

Friday Sermon 17 June 2022 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakrra After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: In the previous Friday Sermon, I mentioned that the accounts in relation to the apostates and the hypocrites who waged war in the Battle of Yamamah - namely Musailimah Kazzab and his comrades - had come to a conclusion.

There are some accounts remaining with regard to the apostates who raised arms during the time of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra. As I said, a number of expeditions took place. The first expedition has already been mentioned in great detail. Out of the remaining 10 expeditions, the following is stated with regard to the second and third expedition: These expeditions were led by Hazrat Huzayfara and Hazrat Arfajahra against the rebellious apostates of Oman. Oman is a city in Yemen [area], situated close to Bahrain. It is situated between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. At that time, it also comprised of the eastern regions of the present-day United Arab Emirates.

Oman was home to the idolatrous tribe of Azd as well as other Zoroastrian tribes.

Muscat, Sohar and Dibba were cities located on the coast. During the blessed era of the Holy Prophetsa, Oman was part of the Persian government and an individual by the name of Jaifar was appointed as its governor. Zoroastrianism had spread across this region. For the purpose of propagating the message of Islam, in 8 AH, the Holy Prophetsa sent a letter with Hazrat Abu Zaid Ansarira and Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas to two brothers – Jaifar bin Julundi and Abbad bin Julundi, who were chieftains of that area.

The content of the letter sent by the Holy Prophetsa was as follows: “In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. This letter is from Muhammad, servant of Allah and His Messenger, addressed to Jaifar and Abbad, the sons of Julundi. Peace be upon those who have followed the guidance. I invite you to accept Islam. You should embrace Islam and as a result you will remain safeguarded. I am the Messenger of Allah and have been sent to the entire world, so that I may warn all those who are living and convey the arguments to the disbelievers. If you accept Islam, then in accordance with the established practice, I shall allow you to remain as leaders.

However, if you refuse to accept Islam, then your authority shall be seized.” (Dr Ibrahim Hasan, Sirat Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas– Urdu Translation by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Pati) (Imam Abu al-Hasan Ahmad bin Yahya al-Buladhari, Futuh al-Buldan [Mu‘assisat al-Ma‘arif, Beirut, 1987] pp. 103-104) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 209) (Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p. 68, Maktabah Dar al-Islam, 1424 AH)

According to some narrations, the two brothers accepted Islam after days of debating the matter. According to another narration, the ruler of Oman, Jaifar, stated, “I find no reason to reject Islam; however, I do fear that if I collect the Zakat from here and send it to Medina, my people will turn against me.”

Upon this, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas suggested to him that the Zakat collected from the people of that area would be spent on the poor members of that very region. And so, he accepted Islam. Hazrat Amrra stayed there for two years and continued to convey the message of Islam to the people. Owing to his successful preaching endeavours, most people in that region accepted Islam. When the Holy Prophetsa passed away and when apostasy and rebellion had spread across the whole of Arabia, Hazrat Abu Bakrra asked

Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas to come to Medina from Oman. Following the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, Laqit bin Malik Azdi rose up. His title was Dhu al-Taj [possessor of the crown] and during the era of ignorance, he was given the same status as Julundi, the governor of Oman.

Julundi was the title given to the kings of Oman. In any case, he had claimed prophethood and the ignorant people of Oman followed him. He gained power over Oman and so Jaifar and his brother Abbad had to take refuge in the mountains. Jaifar informed Hazrat Abu Bakrra about all these events and sought help. Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent two commanders; one was Huzayfa bin Mihsan Ghalfani Himyarira who was sent to Oman and the other was Arfajah bin Harsamah Bariki Yazdira who was sent towards Mahra. Both were sent with the instructions to travel together and to start the battle from Oman. Mahra was the name of a Yemeni tribe. [Hazrat Abu Bakrra] instructed that when the battle would begin in Oman, Huzayfara would be the leader and when there was a battle in Mahra, he would fulfil the duties of commander-in-chief.

An introduction to Hazrat Huzayfara and Hazrat Arfajahra is that according to Tarikh Al-Tabari, Hazrat Huzayfa’s

name was Huzayfa bin Mihsan Ghalfani, whereas according to a book on the life of Companions, his name was Huzayfa Qal‘ani. He remained the governor of Oman until the demise of Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

According to a book on the lives of the Companions, Hazrat Arfajah’sra full name was Arfajah bin Huzaimah. According to Allamah Ibn Athir, his father’s name was Harthamah who was renowned for his war strategies against his enemies. Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent Hazrat Ikrimah bin Abi Jahlra to assist both of them.

Previously, during the accounts relating to the Battle of Yamamah, with reference to Musailimah Kazzab, it was mentioned that when Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent Hazrat Ikrimahra to combat the wave of apostasy and rebellion and sent Shurahbilra bin Hasanah for his support, he instructed Ikrimahra that he should not attack prior to the arrival of Shurahbilra. However, he did not wait for him and launched an attack as a result of which he suffered defeat. Due to this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra expressed his displeasure at him and instructed him to go to Oman.

According to Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra instruction, Ikrimahra set out for Oman to help Arfajahra and Huzayfara. Before the two reached Oman, Ikrimahra met them at a place called Rijam and they sent a message to Jaifar and his brother, Abbad. According to some books of history such as Al-Kamil,

by Ibn Athir, his name is recorded as Ayyaz.

Rijam is a vast mountain range in Oman.

In any case, after receiving this message from the leaders of the Muslim army, Jaifar and Abbad came out from the residence in which they were hiding after the apostate [ruler] had claimed prophethood and had formed an army which grew in strength.

In any case they came out from where they were staying and they set up camp in Sohar.

They sent a message to Huzayfara, Arfajahra and Ikrimahra that they should all come and join them. Sohar is also a village in a mountainous area of Oman. It is recorded that there would be a market there for the first five nights of Rajab. Hence the Muslim army gathered in Sohar and eliminated the apostates from nearby areas.

When Laqit bin Malik learned of the Islamic army’s arrival he set out with his army in order to confront them and

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

22 encamped at a place called Dibba. He placed women, children and their provisions at the rear, so as to strengthen them in war. Dibba was a city in that area and was a centre for trading. The Muslim leaders sent letters to the chieftains accompanying Laqit, beginning with the chief of the Banu Judaid tribe. Those chieftains also wrote letters replying to the Muslim leaders. The result of this correspondence was that all of those chieftains left Laqit and joined the Muslims.

(Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2008], pp. 21-22) (Al-Mufassil fi Tarikh al-Arab Qabl alIslam, Ch. 46, Insab al-Qaba’il, Vol. 4, p. 329, Maktabah Jarir, 2006) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2012], pp. 291-292) (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra Shakhsiyyat aur Karname [Khan Garh, Pakistan: Al-Furqan Trust], p. 338) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi], p. 270) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 170)

In Dibba, a vicious battle took place; initially, Laqit had the upper hand and it was nigh that the Muslims suffered defeat; however, Allah the Almighty bestowed His favour and benevolence and sent down His assistance in that delicate hour.

Various tribes from Bahrain and a large battalion from Banu Abd al-Qais arrived as reinforcements, which greatly strengthened them. They launched a strong attack against Laqit’s army, as a result of which they lost their footing and ran away. The Muslims chased after them and killed 10,000 of their warriors and imprisoned the women and children.

They seized control of the wealth and market of which they sent one-fifth to Hazrat Abu Bakrra through Arfajahra. Hence, in this way, the disorder in Oman was eradicated and the Muslim rule was established upon firm foundations. After the battle, Huzayfara took up residence in Oman and became engaged in improving the conditions there and establishing peace and security. As mentioned previously, Arfajahra went to Medina with the spoils and Hazrat Ikrimahra went with his army to Mahra in order to eliminate the rebellion there. (Muhammad al-

Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra Shakhsiyyat aur Karname [Khan Garh, Pakistan: Maktabah al-Furqan], pp. 338-339) (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra – Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Piti [Lahore: Maktabah Jadid], pp. 244245)

It is recorded with regard to Hazrat Ikrimah’sra expeditions against the apostates and rebels that Hazrat Abu Bakrra granted one of the flags to Hazrat Ikrimahra and instructed him to confront Musailimah.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 257)

In order to combat Musailimah, Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent Hazrat Ikrimahra to Yamamah and then sent Hazrat Shurahbilra bin Hasanah in support. Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent both of them to Yamamah; however, he had told Ikrimahra not to attack until Shurahbilra reached there. However, Ikrimahra acted in haste, as has been mentioned before, and advanced with an attack before the arrival of Shurahbil, as a result of which Musailimah pushed them back and defeated them. When Hazrat Shurahbilra bin Hasanah learned about what happened, he remained where he

was. Hazrat Abu Bakrra wrote to Shurahbilra saying that he should remain close to Yamamah until he received his next set of instructions from him. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir alTabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 291)

Hazrat Abu Bakrra wrote to Ikrimahra that he would not even look at him – as has been mentioned before – and that he would not listen to anything he had to say until he achieved some great feat and did something extraordinary. Only then should he return to him. He then said that he should go to Oman and help Huzayfara and Arfajahra in combatting the people of Oman.

In any case, as it has already been mentioned, Oman was part of the Persian Gulf [region] which also included the eastern areas of the United Arab Emirates of today. The idolatrous tribe Azd resided there along with others who were Zoroastrians.

Muscat, Sohar and Dibba were cities located along its coast. Hazrat Abu Bakrra also said that each one of them were to command over the cavalry; however, when they were in the areas led by Huzayfara, he would be the overall commander and that when they had completed their mission, they should proceed to Mahra and then from there they should go to Yemen. They should remain with Muhajir bin Abi Umayyah while tending to the matters of Yemen and Hadarmaut and that they should punish those who had become apostates between Oman and Yemen. He said that he hoped to receive news of their achievements in battle.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 291) (Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p. 68, Maktabah Dar alIslam, 1424 AH)

These were the instructions given by Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

In any case, before Ikrimahra set out, Huzayfara bin Mihsan Ghalfani went to Oman, and Arfajah Barikira went to Mahra to fight the apostates according to the instructions of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Ikrimahra set out later with his army to assist Arfajahra and Huzayfara. Ikrimahra met them both before they reached Oman.

Prior to this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra clearly instructed them that after completing their task in Oman, they should act according to the opinion of Ikrimahra, whether he asked them to accompany him ahead or ordered them to stay in Oman.

Nonetheless, as it has already been mentioned, when these three commanders converged at Rijam – a place in the near vicinity of Oman – they sent their messengers to Jaifer and Abbad. At the same time, when Laqit heard of their army approaching, he gathered his forces and went to Dibba to set up his encampment. Jaifer and Abbad also set forth from their settlements and set up their encampments in Sohar. They also sent for Huzayfara, Arfajahra and Ikrimahra to all come to their location. Therefore, as it has been mentioned, they all came to the two of them and gathered in Sohar. Thereafter, they purged their regions of apostates until there was peace with all the people in their surrounding areas. Furthermore, the three [aforementioned] commanders also wrote letters to the chieftain associates of Laqit.

They took the initiative to reach out to the chief of Banu Judaid, and in response, the chieftains wrote letters to the Muslims. As it was mentioned, this resulted in the chieftains parting ways from Laqit. Following this,

the army of Laqit fought an intense battle against the Muslims, the details of which have already been mentioned. After this expedition, Ikrimahra and Huzayfara unanimously decided amongst each other that Huzayfara would stay back in Oman to reconcile matters and grant assurance of peace to the people, while Hazrat Ikrimahra would advance with the main Muslim forces against other [rebellious] idolaters to crush them. He [Ikrimahra] started his advance for the battle from Mahra. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir alTabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 292)

In respect to Hazrat Ikrimahra advancing against the tribe of Mahra, it is recorded as follows: “After suppressing the apostates in Oman, Ikrimahra and his army set forth to another region in Najd, namely towards the tribe of Mahra.”

It is further recorded: “He requested help from the people of Oman and those in the surrounding area to partake in this expedition. They continued to advance forward until they reached the area where the Mahra tribe resided. They were accompanied by people from different tribes as Hazrat Ikrimahra mounted an attack against Mahra and its surrounding settlements. In defence against them, the people of Mahra split into two groups; one group had fortified Jayrut under the leadership of a man named Shikhrit, while the other group was under the leadership of Musabbah, who belonged to the Banu Maharib tribe of Najd. In fact, all of the armies in Mahra were under Musabbah’s command, except the contingent that was under the leadership of Shikhrit. Both these chieftains were at odds with one another and each of them tried to convince the other to join their side. All the warriors within their armies only desired for their own leader to be successful. This was the factor through which Allah the Almighty granted help to the Muslims and strengthened them against their enemy, rendering them weak.

“When Ikrimahra observed that Shikhrit was accompanied by a small number of people, he invited him to return to Islam”, he was a Muslim prior to this, “and said, ‘Accept Islam once again and cease your battle against the Muslims.’ It so happened that upon this initial invitation, Shikhrit accepted Islam and in this way, Allah the Almighty weakened Musabbah even more.

Following this, Ikrimahra sent a messenger to Musabbah to invite him back to Islam and to shun disbelief; however, he was deceived by the large number of people he had in his ranks. Owing to Shikhrit’s acceptance of Islam, the disagreement between him and Musabbah increased even more.

Nonetheless, both Ikrimahra and Shikhrit mounted an attack against Musabbah in Najd and a battle ensued that was far more severe than the battle fought in Dibba. Allah made the forces of the rebellious apostates accept defeat and their leader was killed.

The Muslims pursued those who fled and killed many of them, while a great many were taken as prisoners of war. The Muslims also took 2000 camels of an excellent breed as spoils from this battle.”

Hazrat Ikrimahra divided the spoils of war into five parts and sent the khums [one-fifth of the spoils of war reserved for Allah and His messengersa] with Shikhrit for Hazrat Abu Bakrra. The remaining four parts

were distributed amongst the Muslims. In this way, Ikrimahra and his army was further strengthened by their acquisition of mounts, wealth, provisions and supplies. Hazrat Ikrimahra stayed in that area and gathered all the people, all of whom accepted Islam.

Hazrat Ikrimahsa sent news of this victory to Hazrat Abu Bakrra with a messenger named Sa’ib. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh alTabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2012], pp. 292-293)

Then, there is mention of Hazrat Ikrimah’sra expeditions in Yemen. In his letter to Hazrat Ikrimahra – which has already been mentioned – Hazrat Abu Bakrra instructed him to go towards Yemen after [conquering] Mahra, to accompany Hazrat Muhajirra bin Abi Umayyah in dealing with matters of Hadramaut and to suppress those who rebelled in apostasy between Oman and Yemen. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2012], p. 291)

Therefore, in fulfilment of this instruction from Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Ikrimahra set forth from Mahra towards Yemen until he reached Abyan. Abyan is also a village in Yemen. He was accompanied by a very large army comprising of people from the tribe of Mahra and many other tribes.

Much of Hazrat Ikrimah’sra stay was spent in southern Yemen where he remained occupied suppressing uprisings in the tribes of Nakha and Himyar, after which there was no longer a need to go towards northern Yemen. After capturing the runaways of the Nakha tribe, Hazrat Ikrimahra gathered the people and asked them, “What is your opinion of Islam?” They replied, “In the age of ignorance, we were religious people who were attached to our faith. We did not fight against other Arab tribes. What will become of us when we accept the religion whose superiority is well-known to us and whose love has already entered our hearts?”

In other words, love for Islam has taken root in their hearts.

When Hazrat Ikrimahra investigated whether what they were saying was from the heart or whether they were just trying to save themselves, he found out that they were telling the truth. The general population remained firm on Islam, although a few among the elite turned to apostasy and fled.

In this manner, Hazrat Ikrimahra absolved the tribes of Nakha and Himyar of the allegations of apostasy and stayed there so they can re-organise themselves. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 298) (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra – Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Piti [Jhelum: Book Corner Showroom], p. 233) (Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 109)

Hazrat Ikrimah’sra stay in Abyan had a great impact on the little remaining followers of Aswad Ansi, who were led by Qais bin Maqshuh and Amr bin Ma‘di Karib.

After fleeing from Sana, Qais continued to make rounds of Sana while Amr bin Ma‘di Karib had joined the party of Aswad Ansi in Lahj. However, when Hazrat Ikrimahra arrived in Abyan, both – Qais and Amr bin Ma‘di Karib – joined forces to fight against him. Their alliance was short-lived as they quickly became conflicted and separated. In this way, Hazrat Ikrimah’sra approach from the east played a key role in bringing an end to apostate groups in Lahj. (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra Shakhsiyyat aur

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 July 2022 Karname [Khan Garh, Pakistan: Maktabah al-Furqan], p. 204)

Adjacent to Yemen was the tribe of Kindah, located in the region of Hadramaut.

The governor of this area was Hazrat Ziyadra bin Labid. He was strict in matters of Zakat as a result of which the people rebelled against him. Thus, Hazrat Ikrimahra and Hazrat Muhajirra bin Abi Ummayah both came to his aid. The details of this will be mentioned alongside the details of Hazrat Muhajirra bin Abi Ummayah. Nonetheless, when Hazrat Ikrimahra made preparations for his return to Madinah following his efforts against the apostates, he had along with him the daughter of Nu‘man bin Jaun whom he married during one of the battles.

Even though Hazrat Ikrimahra was aware of the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakrra was extremely displeased with Hazrat Khalidra for marrying Umm Tamim and the daughter of Muja‘ah – this has been mentioned in detail in the previous sermon – despite this, Hazrat Ikrimahra married her. As a result of this, many members from Hazrat Ikrimah’sra army distanced themselves from him. The matter was then presented before Hazrat Muhajirra; however, he too was unable to give a verdict and thus wrote to Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra and informed him of the entire situation and sought his decision on the matter. Hazrat Abu Bakrra wrote back and stated, “Ikrimah has not done anything wrong by marrying her.”

This reassured all those people who were displeased over this [marriage]. It has also been mentioned that the reason why some of the people were displeased with Hazrat Ikrimahra was that Nu‘man bin Jaun presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and requested him to accept his daughter’s hand in marriage; however, the Holy Prophetsa declined the proposal and sent her back with her father. Since the Holy Prophetsa had already once refused to marry this woman, therefore a section of Hazrat Ikrimah’sra army believed that based on the noble example of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Ikrimahra also should not have married her. However, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra did not accept this argument and said this was a completely wrong view to hold and considered Hazrat Ikrimah’sra marriage to be lawful. Hazrat Ikrimahra, along with his wife, returned to Medina and this particular section of the army which had become displeased with him and separated themselves from him, re-joined him. (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra – Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Piti [Lahore: Shirkat Printing press], p. 242, 243)

The woman [who Hazrat Ikrimahra married] was Asma bint Nu‘man bin Jaun.

Her brief introduction is as follows: There are various narrations recorded in Bukhari and in other books of ahadith with regard to the woman who Hazrat Ikrimahra married. Her nikah was announced with the Holy Prophetsa; however, before the marriage was solemnised, she committed an act as a result of which the Holy Prophetsa sent her back to her tribe.

There are many varying opinions in relation to her name as well as the incidents in connection with her. Some have reported that her marriage took place with Hazrat Muhajirra bin Umaiyyah bin Abi Umaiyyah.

In any case, whilst mentioning the details of this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated:

“When Arabia was conquered and Islam began to spread, there was a lady from the tribe of Kindah, whose name was Asma or Umaimah, who was also called Jauniya or Bint al-Jaun. Her brother, Luqman, came to the Holy Prophetsa as a representative of his tribe. On that occasion, he also expressed his desire for his sister’s hand to be given in marriage to the Holy Prophetsa. He made the request directly to the Holy Prophetsa saying, ‘My sister, who was previously married to a relative, is now widowed. She is very beautiful and intelligent. Please accept her proposal of marriage.’ As the Holy Prophetsa desired to unite the tribes of Arabia, he accepted this request of his and said that the nikah should be announced on the basis of twelve and a half ounces of silver [as her dowry]. He said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

We are counted amongst the honourable families. The amount set for this dowry is very little.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘I have not set a higher dowry for any of my wives, nor for any of my daughters.’ Once he expressed his satisfaction, the nikah was announced. Furthermore, he requested the Holy Prophetsa to send a person in order to bring his wife. The Holy Prophetsa appointed Abu Usaid for this task. He went there. Jauniya invited him to her home upon which Hazrat Usaid said that the wives of the Holy Prophetsa have been instructed to observe the veil. Upon this, she inquired about further guidance, which he imparted to her. He then brought her to Madinah on a camel and settled her in a house, which was surrounded by date palms. The relatives of this lady sent her wet-nurse along with her.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes: “In our countries, affluent people send female maids along with them [i.e. with the newly married woman], so that she does not experience any kind of discomfort. As this lady was known for her beauty and as is customary that the women wish to meet a new bride in the area, the women of Medina also went to see her. And according to her own testimony, another lady had taught her to impose her authority from the very first day. She was told that when the Holy Prophetsa approaches, she should say, ‘I seek Allah’s protection from you.’ In this manner, he will become more fond of you.’

“If this was not a fabrication of this lady [who got married]”, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra says, “it is very possible that a hypocrite schemed this mischief through his wife or another relative. Nevertheless, when the Holy Prophetsa received the news of her arrival, he went to the house which was designated for her. In the ahadith, it is written (and the translation of it is) that when the Holy Prophetsa approached her, he said to her, ‘Present yourself to me [through this marriage].’ Upon this she replied, ‘Does a queen offer herself to an ordinary man?’”

God forbid, she considered herself to be of a higher status. “Abu Usaid says that as the Holy Prophetsa thought that she was nervous due to not being familiar with him, he placed his hand on her in order to comfort her. As soon as he placed his hand on her, she uttered these utmost abhorrent and inappropriate words that ‘I seek Allah’s protection from you.’

“As a prophet becomes humbled when he hears the name of God the Exalted and is awestruck by His magnificence, the Holy Prophetsa immediately said upon hearing her words ‘You have sought refuge and

protection of the Highest Being, Who grants protection in great abundance. Therefore, I accept your request.’ Hence, the Holy Prophetsa immediately came out of the house and said ‘O Abu Usaid! Give her two pieces of cloth and send her to her family.’ Hence, following that, apart from her dowry, the Holy Prophetsa instructed to give her two sheets as a gesture of kindness.”

There were two long sheets of white cloth of a really good quality given to her.

“This was done in order to fulfil the commandment of the Holy Quran:

َُ ۡ َْۡ َ َ َ​َ ‫نسوُا لفض َل بَ ۡينك ۡم‬ ‫ولا ت‬

“[‘Do not forget to do good to one another’. (Ch.2: V.238)] This [verse] is in relation to women, who are divorced without having consummated the marriage.

The Holy Prophetsa sent her away and Abu Usaid brought her to her home. This matter was very burdensome for the people of her tribe and they scolded her. However, she continued to reply that it was her ill fortune. At times, she even said that she was deceived and told that when the Holy Prophetsa approached her, she should step aside and express a sense of dislike. In this manner, she would impose her rank on him.

Whether this was the reason or something else, she expressed a sense of dislike and the Holy Prophetsa separated himself from her and sent her away.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 533535)

I have mentioned this once before as well and in relation to a companion, Hazrat Usaid. In any case, Hazrat Ikrimahra returned to Medina from Kindah and Hadramaut along the route of Mecca and Yemen. When he arrived in Medina, Hazrat Abu Bakrra instructed him to go and help Khalid bin Saeed. Hazrat Ikrimahra had sent his army on leave which had previously fought against the apostates. Hazrat Abu Bakrra prepared another army for him in its place. The reason why they were given leave was that he felt that they had become tired from after having taken part in such a major expedition. In any case, Hazrat Abu Bakrra prepared another army and instructed them to assemble under the flag of Ikrimahra and depart for Syria. (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna

Abu Bakr Siddiqra Shakhsiyyat aur Karname [Khan Garh, Pakistan: Maktabah al-Furqan], 433, Footnote)

The details of Hazrat Ikrimah’sra extraordinary achievements in Syria and his fighting with such great bravery and embracing martyrdom will, insha-Allah, be mentioned in relation to the expeditions that took place in Syria.

The fifth expedition was led by Hazrat Shurahbil bin Hasanahra against the rebellious apostates. Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent Hazrat Ikrimahra towards Musailimah in Yamamah and also sent Hazrat Shurahbilra towards Yamamah as well. A brief introduction of Hazrat Shurahbilra bin Hasanah is that his father’s name was Abdullah bin Muta’ and his mother’s name was Hasanah. Some people refer to him as “Kindi” and also as “Tamimi”. Shurahbil’sra father passed away during his childhood and he was known by his mother’s name, hence his name was Shurahbil bin Hasanah.

Hazrat Shurahbilra was among the early converts to Islam. He, along with his brothers, migrated towards Abyssinia and upon returning from Abyssinia, he stayed in the houses belonging to the Banu Zuraiq.

During the era of Khilafat-e-Rashidah, he

was among the well-known commanders of the army. He passed away in 18 AH at the age of 67 during the outbreak of the Amwas plague. (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2008], pp. 619-620)

Nonetheless, as has been mentioned previously, despite Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra instructions not to attack until the arrival of Hazrat Shurahbil, Ikrimahra acted in haste and launched an attack against Musailimah, so that the recognition of this victory would be attributed to him. However, Musailmiah’s forces repelled his attack. When Hazrat Ikrimahra informed Hazrat Abu Bakrra of this setback, then as mentioned previously, Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent him a letter admonishing him that he should not return to Medina with this blemish of defeat, as it would bring down the morale of the people and dampen the spirits of everyone. Hazrat Abu Bakrra ordered him to go towards Oman. Hazrat Shurahbilra bin Hasanah was still en route when he learnt of Hazrat Ikrimah’sra defeat. He stopped his advance and sent a message to Hazrat Abu Bakrra asking him for new instructions. Hazrat Abu Bakrra instructed him to remain where he was. (Khurshid Ahmad Fariq, Hazrat Abu Bakrra ke Sarkari Khutut [Kitab Maila, Javaid Butt Press], p.

43)

He wrote to him saying, “Remain stationed close to Yamamah until you receive my second command. At present, do not confront the one you have been sent to attack (i.e. Musailimah).” (Muhammad Ibn Jarir

al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 291)

Then, when Hazrat Abu Bakrra assigned Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid to head towards Yamamah, he also ordered Hazrat Shurahbilra bin Hasanah to wait for Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid to join him. Then when they successfully finish their campaign in Yamamah, they ought to head towards the Quda‘ah tribe and along with Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas they should deal with the rebels among the Quda‘ah tribe who not only turned away from Islam, but actively opposed it. (Khurshid Ahmad Fariq, Hazrat Abu Bakrra ke Sarkari Khutut [Kitab Maila, Javaid Butt Press], p. 24)

Quda‘ah was a famous Arab tribe which lived at a distance of 10 manzils [one manzil would be equivalent to one day’s journey] from Medina, to the west of Mada’in Salih, further on from Wadi al-Qura. (Sayyid Fadl al-

Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 237)

Nonetheless, in accordance with Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra instructions, Hazrat Shurahbilra remained in his position along with his army. However, Musailimah attacked him with his army.

Whilst mentioning this, an author writes that Hazrat Khalidra was still making his way towards Yamamah when Musailimah’s army launched an attack on Hazrat Shurahbil’sra army and pushed them back.

Some historians have written that Hazrat Shurahbilra made the same mistake as his predecessor Hazrat Ikrimahra did, i.e. that he attacked Musailimah’s army with the hope of claiming victory to his name, but he too was defeated and had to retreat. However, this does not seem to be correct. In fact, fearing the impact of Hazrat Khalidra joining forces with Hazrat Shurahbilra, the army of Musailimah marched ahead and defeated Hazrat Shurahbil’sra army. In turn, they

Friday 15 July 2022 | AL HAKAM

24 succeeded in pushing them back. Either of the two scenarios are plausible; but the fact remains that Hazrat Shurahbilra retreated with his army. When he reached Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid and he was informed about all the events, Hazrat Khalidra rebuked Hazrat Shurahbilra. Hazrat Khalidra was of the opinion that if the army does not have the strength to face an enemy, then they should refrain from engaging in battle, until the required reinforcements arrive, as opposed to engaging with the enemy with an understrength army and having to face defeat. Nonetheless, Hazrat Shurahbilra then joined forces with Hazrat Khalid bin Walidra.

(Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra – Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Piti [Lahore: Shirkat Printing press], p. 190)

Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid appointed Hazrat Shurahbilra as the commander of the vanguard, i.e. the front part of the army, and appointed Hazrat Zaidra bin Khattab and Abu Huzayfa bin Utbah bin Rabi‘ah as commanders of the right and left flank respectively. (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra Shakhsiyyat aur Karname [Muzaffar Garh, Pakistan: Maktabah al-Furqan], p. 355)

In accordance with the instructions of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, after finishing the campaign in Yamamah, Hazrat Shurahbilra went to deal with the rebels of the Banu Quda‘ah tribe and joined Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas. It is written that Hazrat Shurahbilra and Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas attacked the rebels of Banu Quda‘ah. Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas attacked the Saad and Balq tribes and Hazrat Shurahbilra attacked the Kalb tribe and those tribes under their authority.

(Tarikh Ibn Khuldun, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2016], p. 440)

The sixth expedition was the expedition in which Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas was sent to confront the rebels. Hazrat Abu Bakrra handed a banner to Amrra bin Al-Aas and ordered him to deal with three tribes: Quda‘ah, Wadi‘ah and Harith. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 257)

Quda‘ah was a famous Arab tribe which lived at a distance of 10 manzils from Medina, to the west of Mada’in Salih, further on from Wadi Al-Qura. (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman,

Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 237)

A brief introduction to Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas is as follows: His name was Amr and his appellation was Abdullah bin Abdillah or according to some it was Abu Muhammad. His father’s name was Aas bin Wa’il and his mother’s name was Nabighah bint Harmalah.

According to one narration, his mother’s real name was Salma, and Nabighah was her title. Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas accepted Islam in 8 AH, six months prior to the conquest of Mecca.

The Holy Prophetsa appointed him as the governor of Oman and he remained in this post until the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. After this, he joined the conquest of the Levant. During the era of Hazrat Umarra, he served as the governor of Palestine. Among his notable achievements is the conquest of Egypt. After conquering Egypt, Hazrat Umarra appointed him as the governor of Egypt. During the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra, he was removed from the governorship, after which he

moved to Palestine and lived in seclusion.

Amir Muawiyahra reappointed him as the governor of Egypt and he remained in this position until his demise. It is said that he passed away in 43 AH, whereas according to some he passed away in 47 AH, some state his demise as 48 AH and others say 51 AH. The narration in which it states that he passed away in 43 AH is commonly accepted to be correct. (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd alGhabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2016], pp. 232-234)

Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas was an eloquent and articulate orator. He was intelligent, expressive, distinguished in politics and a commander-in-chief of the army. The Holy Prophetsa trusted him in military expeditions. The Holy Prophetsa declared that the family of Amr bin Al-Aas, his son Abdullah and Umm Abdullah are among the best households. (Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p. 386,

Maktabah Dar al-Islam, 1424 AH)

In Dhu Al-Hijjah, 8 AH, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas for the purpose of tabligh along with a letter to Jaifar and Abbad bin Julundi, who were two chiefs in Oman. This deputation proved to be very successful and the people of Oman accepted Islam through Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas. Expressing his delight owing to this success, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas the task of collecting Zakat from Oman. He was in Oman when he received a letter from Hazrat Abu Bakrra informing him of the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the majority of the Arab tribes became apostates. In order to suppress this [rebellion], Hazrat Abu Bakrra called Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas from Oman, and so according to these instructions, Hazrat Amrra returned to Medina from Oman. (Dr Ibrahim Hasan, Sirat Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas – Urdu Translation by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Pati [Lahore, Pakistan: Maktabah Jadid], p. 49)

An author writes that out of the 11 flags that Hazrat Abu Bakrra ordered to be prepared, one of them was for Amrra bin Al-Aas. Hazrat Abu Bakrra assigned him the task to fight against the rebels of the Quda‘ah tribe, because even during the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, he had already fought against the Quda‘ah tribe in the Battle of Dhat al-Salasil; he was aware of the conditions of the tribe as well as all the routes around them. (Muhammad Faraj

In order to crush the wave of apostasy and rebellion, Hazrat Abu Bakrra appointed 11 commanders. It was at this point that Hazrat Abu Bakrra ordered Hazrat Shurahbilra bin Hasanah that when he successfully completes the expedition in Yamamah, he ought to head towards the Quda‘ah tribe and alongside Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas, he ought to defeat those rebels who had left Islam and were actively planning against it.

Misri, Fatih A‘zam Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas – Translated [Karachi, Pakistan: Nafees Academy, p. 109)

(Khurshid Ahmad Fariq, Hazrat Abu Bakrra ke Sarkari Khutut [Kitab Maila, Javaid Butt Press], p. 43)

Hence, both Hazrat Shurahbilra and Hazrat Amrra launched an attack on the rebels of the Banu Quda‘ah and began their campaign against them. Details regarding this are mentioned by one author as follows: “The Banu Quda‘ah did not enter Islam joyfully; rather, just like some other tribes, they accepted Islam either out of fear or in the hope of attaining wealth and prestige, whereas their hearts were devoid of the love of Islam. Therefore, after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the minute they sensed a weakness among the Muslims, they refused to pay the Zakat. As soon as he received instructions from the Khalifa of the time, Amrra bin Al-Aas immediately left with his army for Juzam along the route he took previously. When he arrived there, he saw that the Banu Quda‘ah were fully prepared for war. A fierce battle ensued and just as they suffered defeat in the past, the Banu Quda‘ah faced defeat again. Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas succeeded in bringing them back into the fold of Islam, and he brought the Zakat that he had taken from them to Medina.” (Muhammad Faraj Misri, Fatih A‘zam Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas – Translated [Karachi, Pakistan: Nafees Academy, p. 109) Insha-Allah, the remaining expeditions will be mentioned in the future.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 8 July 2022, pp. 5-9. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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