Al Hakam - 17 February 2023

A brilliant sign of ‘the devotees of Syria’: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s 1955 visit to Damascus

Sailing through the

of India’s partition: Recollections of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud's biographer

Concerted and fervent prayers of Ahmadis can overcome opposition within days

Atfal and khuddam from Finland were blessed with the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat on 12 February 2023.

At the opening of the meeting, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam and invited Hafiz Ataul Awwal Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran and Sheikh Kaleem Ahmad Sahib read out the Urdu translation. Hasan Bashir Sahib presented a hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and Abdul Nasir Jamal Sahib read its Urdu translation. Hannan Ahmad was invited to read out an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas

A taranah (choral poem) was then presented by three khuddam. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then turned to Zeerak Ijaz Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Finland and asked if atfal had not prepared anything. Sadr Sahib responded that the atfal had prepared some questions. Huzooraa said to Sadr Sahib that they could have presented a poem. Huzooraa then asked him to present the report.

In the report, Sadr Sahib said there were now 102 members of MKA Finland, out of whom 71 khuddam were present in the mulaqat. He added there are 13 members of Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya, of whom 12 were present in the mulaqat. Sadr

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

It was narrated by Hazrat Abu Sa‘id al-Khudrira that he heard Allah’s Messengersa saying, “A pious dream constitutes one out of the forty six parts of prophethood.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab at-ta‘bir)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

“God has endowed me with such fervour in supplications as that found in the ocean.” (Al-Badr, 3 April 1903; Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 5, p. 229)

<< Continued from previous page Sahib enumerated some of the accomplishments over the year for both Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya and Atfal-ulAhmadiyya.

Thereafter, members had the opportunity to ask Huzooraa questions on an array of matters.

Muneer Ahmad asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa how one could communicate with Allah. Huzooraa responded by telling Muneer Ahmad that, as a young person, he should continue to make an effort.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if he prayed to Allah during the five daily prayers and said that he should pray to Allah to speak with him and to answer his prayers. Huzooraa further explained that one of God’s ways of responding and speaking is through answering prayers. Sometimes, God discloses an answer to a prayer in a dream, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added. Those who have a strong relationship with Allah, may even hear Allah through a kashf (vision) or other means. Huzooraa added, “Allah has different ways.”Huzooraa then quoted the following couplet of the Promised Messiahas:

“Through His Might does God prove His existence; this is how He unveils His invisible countenance.” (Majmu‘ah-eIshtiharat [1986], Vol. 1, p. 143)

Huzooraa said some holy personages see visions, and matters are also disclosed to Prophets through revelation.

Safeer Ahmad Qureshi said he had firm faith that the Khalifah of the time is the closest person to Allah in this day and age. He then asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how Allah guides the Khalifah.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained that when he prays to Allah, He responds by placing satisfaction in his heart. Huzooraa added that sometimes he is granted consolation and comfort through a dream, or his heart is comforted. If Allah so desires, Huzooraa said, He can speak too, “these are Allah’s ways, as I have explained before.”

Usharab Hamdun Sahib asked that if Allah alone is eternal, how will those granted paradise, abide therein for eternity?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said the concept of eternity in this context needs to be understood first. Huzooraa said that in the Holy Quran, God Almighty states that one day of Allah is equal to 50,000 human years. Therefore, in human terms, 50,000 years amounts to infinity or something without a limit. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that there may come a time when that paradise may come to an end, and only Allah knows when that may happen.

Huzooraa explained that we have no knowledge of when this may occur. When we say that heaven will be eternal, it means that its duration will be of such a nature that humans cannot fathom it.

Asad Suhail Sahib asked how one can overcome anger. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and asked, “Are you

angry at this moment?” Asad, along with the gathering, enjoyed this, and said that he was not. Huzooraa then said that he should remain like this. Huzooraa added that one should recite istighfar. The Holy Prophetsa said that when one is in a fit of anger, they should sit down, if the anger persists, they should lie down, and they should also drink water.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added that while there may be cases of justifiable anger, it should not consume a person. Huzooraa emphasised the importance of utilising one’s innate faculty of logic and practicality to make informed decisions.

Ataul Ghalib Sahib, National President Jamaat Finland, said that at times, due to the intervention in the private affairs of a couple by the husband’s or the wife’s parents or cousins, marital issues arise. He asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how these issues can be resolved.

Huzooraa said that the parents of both the husband and wife should acknowledge that their children are married and must be allowed to live in peace without interference in their private affairs. Further, Huzooraa said that there should be mutual understanding and trust between the husband and wife.

Shafiq Ahmad Shahid Sahib said that the Jamaat is facing significant opposition and asked for how long this opposition might persist.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa suggested that we should first evaluate ourselves and determine to what extent we have established a relationship with Allah the Almighty. We should ask ourselves if we are fulfilling our duties to God Almighty and abiding by the commandments of the Holy Quran, as well as whether we are earnestly praying to Allah.

With regard to the issue of the opposition of the Jamaat, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further said, “On one occasion when I prayed, [...] Allah told me that if the entire Jamaat starts praying fervently like the people of Yunusas for three days – every child, old and young person – cries before Allah the Almighty, then within three days this issue can be resolved.

“This means that it is our fault,” Huzooraa added.

Huzooraa further mentioned that despite

the prayers of the Holy Prophetsa, Muslims had to endure hardships in Mecca for 13 years. Various trials arose in Medina too, however, it was with the prayers and faith of the Muslims that things started to improve.

Alluding to noble examples in the Jamaat, Huzooraa mentioned the sacrifice of martyrs of Burkina Faso who remained steadfast in their faith.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa alluded to the fact that some people seated in the mulaqat had migrated from Pakistan to Finland due to persecution. Huzooraa encouraged them and their children to remain steadfast in their faith, assuring them that a time will come when they will be able to move around on God’s earth freely. “Insha-Allah”, Huzooraa said, “This time shall come.”

Rehman Masroor Sahib stated that it can be difficult to maintain focus and consistency on a given task, and asked Huzooraa how one can overcome this challenge.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa responded, “by removing your laziness.” Huzooraa explained that to maintain consistency in anything, one must be determined and have the right intentions. Huzooraa further emphasised the importance of hard work and prayer to Allah as key factors in achieving success.

Arslan Ijaz Sahib shared that he works in accounting, and some of his clients are in the food industry and deal with alcohol. He expressed concerns about potential disinformation to avoid tax and questioned whether he should continue to work with these clients.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa first advised that if Arslan Ijaz Sahib’s clients were requesting him to lie to avoid taxes, he should not work with such people. “Your work should be lawful,” Huzooraa emphasised. While alluding to the presence of alcohol in his client’s business, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated that as an accountant, he was only responsible for overseeing the accounts, and not directly involved with the business operations. Huzooraa added that working as an accountant was acceptable, but if one is instructed to lie or engage in unlawful practices to avoid taxes, it would be wrong to comply.

Usman Masroor Ahmad Sahib asked

about angels.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa made a reference to Prophet Adamas and explained that the angels were commanded to submit to him; however, Iblis, who was among the jinn, out of arrogance, refused to comply and submit to Adamas as he deemed himself to be superior. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa also highlighted that Satan entices humans towards immoral deeds. In contrast, Huzooraa alluded to the angels, who convey Allah’s message to humankind and only perform righteous deeds.

Omair Ahmad Sahib raised a concern regarding the practice of keeping pets such as dogs and cats and allowing them to sit on one’s lap or clothes. He asked whether it was permissible to offer salat in such clothes that had been touched or sat on by the pets.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that there is no issue with owning a dog for a specific purpose and need; however, pets must be trained to relieve themselves outside at the specified place. Huzooraa emphasised that animals should not be kept inside homes but provided with their own separate space outside, where they can stay safe and protected from the cold.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa mentioned that during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, some shepherds owned dogs and, at times, the dogs would touch their clothes while they were working as shepherds. Huzooraa added that those same people would go to the mosque, perform ablution, and offer salat. Huzooraa explained that unless the pet was clearly dirty, a mere touch from a dog usually does not make one’s clothes impure as dogs’ skin is usually not that dirty. Huzooraa pointed out that in modern times, it is easy to find shampoos for pets, including dogs and cats. Additionally, Huzooraa re-emphasised the importance of not keeping pets inside the house. Dogs may be kept for hunting or security but one should avoid keeping them merely as pets.

Nauman Masroor Sahib asked what he could do to benefit the Jamaat as a waqife-nau

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked him which grade he was in and whether he desired to become a missionary of the Jamaat. He replied in the affirmative and mentioned that he was currently studying in year nine. Huzooraa said that regardless

of the profession one wishes to pursue, it is crucial to establish a strong relationship with Allah and maintain regularity in prayers.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa emphasised that this is an essential aspect that comes in handy during tabligh

Abdun Nasir Jamal Sahib asked Huzooraa what advice he had for those Waqf-e-Nau who were close to completing their studies.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that waqifeen-e-nau, who reach the age of 15, and desire to continue serving the Jamaat should renew their commitment, and when they have completed their studies, they should inform the Jamaat that they have completed their education and are ready to undertake the tasks assigned to them by the Jamaat. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added that if the Jamaat requires doctors, they will appoint them to serve in a Jamaat hospital, and similarly, if there is a need for teachers, engineers, researchers, or scientists, they will be assigned roles accordingly.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa reminded the waqifeen-e-nau that they should be mindful of their salat, focus on worship, and seek religious knowledge.

Zeerak Ijaz Sahib, Sadr MKA Finland, after reading a passage from the writings of the Promised Messiahas, asked how one could pass through the stage of nafs-ilawwamah (‘the Reproving Self’) and attain nafs-i-mutma’innah (‘the Soul at Rest’).

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa emphasised the importance of seeking Allah’s help in the struggle from nafs-i-lawwamah to nafsi-mutma’innah to overcome the struggles of the self. “This is not possible without the help of Allah,” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated, as Man cannot achieve it through his own efforts. Prayer is necessary to attain this goal. Consistency in prayer weakens Satan’s influence and ultimately overpowers it.

Zishan Ahmad Sahib asked what one should do when they are given responsibility within the Jamaat and know that they will not be able to fulfil the duty due to certain personal reasons that can cause difficulty with the Jamaat work, yet they are afraid to refuse the duty.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa mentioned that if the person’s circumstances are serious, then there is no problem in declining the duty; however, if one is simply making excuses, then one should pray to Allah for help to fulfil the task and duty. Huzooraa said that one should, “remain humble and serve.” Huzooraa added that one should not fret and said that divine grace is in the service of religion.

As the mulaqat drew to a close, Huzooraa saw a Ghanaian seated at the back of the hall and asked him to come forward. Huzooraa asked him which part of Ghana he was from, to which he replied that he was from the Central Region, Huzooraa asked him how long he had been living in Finland and what his profession was. He said that he had been in Finland since 2012 and was working in construction. Huzooraa asked about his family and if they lived with him; to which he replied in the affirmative.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam to all members and the mulaqat came to a successful end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

The prophecy about the Musleh-e-Maud

Messenger Muhammad, the chosen one [on whom be peace] may be confronted with a clear sign and the way of the guilty ones may become manifest.

“Rejoice, therefore, that a handsome and pure boy will be bestowed on thee. Thou wilt receive a bright youth who will be of thy seed and will be of thy progeny. A handsome and pure boy will come as your guest.

“His name is Emmanuel and Bashir. He has been invested with a holy spirit and he will be free from all impurity. He is the light of Allah.

On 20 February 1886, a leaflet was published in which Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas expressed that Allah the Almighty vouchsafed a sign amid his time of isolation that a child would be born to him who would serve Islam and would be blessed with extraordinary attributes.

The words of the prophecy are as follows:

“I confer upon thee a Sign of My mercy according to thy supplications. I have heard thy entreaties and have honoured thy prayers with My acceptance through My mercy and have blessed this thy journey.

“A sign of power, mercy, nearness to Me is bestowed on thee. A Sign of grace and beneficence is awarded to thee and thou art granted the key of success and victory. Peace on thee, O victorious one.

“Thus does God speak so that those who desire life may be rescued from the grip of death and those who are buried in the graves may emerge therefrom and so that the superiority of Islam and the dignity of God’s word may become manifest unto the people and so that the truth may arrive with all its blessings and falsehood may depart with all its ills, and so that people may understand that I am the Lord of Power, I do whatever I will, and so that they may believe that I am with thee, and so that those who do not believe in God and deny and reject His religion and His Book and His Holy

“Blessed is he who comes from heaven. He shall be accompanied by grace (Fazl) which shall arrive with him. He will be characterised with grandeur, greatness and wealth. He will come into the world and will heal many of their disorder through his Messianic qualities and through the blessings of the Holy Spirit.

“He is the Word of Allah for Allah’s mercy and honour have equipped him with the Word of Majesty. He will be extremely intelligent and understanding and will be meek of heart and will be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge. He will convert three into four. [the Promised Messiahas said concerning this, ‘Of this, the meaning is not clear.’]

“It is Monday, a blessed Monday. Son, delight of heart, high-ranking, noble; a manifestation of the First and the Last, a manifestation of the True and the High; as if Allah has descended from heaven. His advent will be greatly blessed and will be a source of manifestation of Divine Majesty.

“Behold! a light cometh, a light anointed by God with the perfume of His pleasure. We shall pour our spirit into him and he will be sheltered under the shadow of God. He will grow rapidly in stature and will be the means of procuring the release of those held in bondage. His fame will spread to the ends of the earth and peoples will be blessed through him. He will then be raised to his spiritual station in heaven. This is a matter decreed.”

This Week in History

A selection from the first 15 blessed years of Khilafat-e-Khamisa

class of Ahmadi children was held with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. In it, among other things, a detailed presentation was also made for young children about the projects of International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) in Africa. Huzooraa also shared his own experience of living in Africa.

20 February

20 February 2016: Hazrat

17 February

17 February 2006: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the rising incidents of mockery against the blessed character of the Holy Prophetsa in several European countries. He stated that these actions are equivalent to inciting the wrath of God Almighty.

Furthermore, Huzooraa stressed the importance of Muslim reform and encouraged Muslims to respond to such ridicule in a manner that elevates the status of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in the eyes of the world. This can be achieved by embodying and exhibiting the noble traits and teachings of the Holy Prophetsa to the world and by

demonstrating the correct conduct expected of a true believer.

18 February

18 February 2005: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa urged Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya and Lajna Imaillah to form their respective teams of 100 young members to keep an eye on the Islamophobic material published in newspapers and magazines, and then to refute it through arguments and respond to it through letters. However, Huzooraa said, this will not be a team effort as such. Instead, individuals will respond to the allegations on their own, with each person offering the Islamic perspective in their own way; some

may provide historical evidence, while others may cite verses from the Holy Quran to support their arguments. By compiling a variety of responses, a clearer understanding of Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa can be achieved, highlighting their beauty and significance.

18 February 2011: During his Friday Sermon on this day – upon the completion of 125 years of the Prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa called the attention of the Jamaat organs who publish the writings and speeches of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that they should speed up their work to gather the material as soon as possible, and then translate it into different languages.

Huzooraa stated, Hazrat Musleh-eMaud once said Allah has simplified our task by consolidating the vast number of languages into a few significant ones. While there are numerous languages spoken globally, a few widely used ones have established themselves as the dominant ones. He referred to languages like English, German, and French, which are spoken and understood in large parts of the world, in addition to Arabic and Urdu. Translating our message into these languages will enable us to reach 90% of the world’s population.

Huzooraa said, while some books by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra have already been translated, many more translations are still needed to fulfil the spiritual and intellectual needs of mankind.

19 February

19 February 2011: An educational

Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated the Baitul Ikram Mosque in Leicester, England. It is the first purposebuilt mosque in the East Midlands region of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. It has a capacity of around 300 worshippers. (Baitul Ikram Mosque, www.ahmadipedia. org)

During the inaugural address, Huzooraa said, “In terms of its purpose, a true mosque is a place for Muslims to congregate in order to worship the One God. Furthermore, it is also a place for Muslims to gather together to fulfil the rights of God’s creation. Thus, where this mosque provides us with a place to worship God Almighty, it also presents us with a place to join together to work for the betterment of society and to serve humanity.” (www. reviewofreligions.org/12501/goodmosques-good-neighbours/)

21 February

21 February 2014: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Sahibzada Mirza Hanif Ahmad Sahib, who had passed away on 17 February. He was the son of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and grandson of the Promised Messiahas. He dedicated his life to the service of the Community and served in various capacities.

Huzooraa also said, Sahibzada Mirza Hanif Ahmad Sahib possessed a scholarly personality and devoted twenty years of his life to extensive research on the tafsir and writings of the Promised Messiahas on the Holy Quran. He meticulously collected and compiled valuable insights to produce a

February

comprehensive book titled, “Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas Ki Ta‘lim-e-Fehme-Qur’an”, which was published in 2004. “Adab-ul-Masih” is considered another of his masterpieces about the poetic and literary pearls from the writings of the Promised Messiahas.

22 February

22 February 2013: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa paid a special tribute to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, who was also the second Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas. Huzooraa said that his writings and addresses are a great treasure that he bequeathed to the Jamaat during his life and period of Khilafat.

Huzooraa said that, it is only if we delve into the riches and treasures contained within his works, that we can gauge the intellectual prowess of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and understand the prophecy about his being “endowed with secular and spiritual knowledge” by Allah the Exalted. Additionally, we can expand and enhance our own knowledge in this way.

22 February 2014: Hazrat

Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the delegates of the European Annual Symposium of the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE). During his address, Huzooraa congratulated the members of the IAAAE for their continued commitment to selflessly serving humanity. He said the Association had now installed or rehabilitated thousands of water pumps in Africa that were providing clean drinking water to thousands of deprived people.

23 February

23 February 2007: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned that a member of the Dutch Parliament had uttered disrespectful words against the Holy Prophetsa, the Holy Quran and Islamic teachings. Huzooraa strongly condemned it and warned that the world is inviting the wrath of God by attacking the blessed character of His beloved.

A helping hand in face of adversity: Humanity First Germany’s relief efforts in Turkiye

Mohammad Athar Zubair Humanity First

Germany

On 6 February 2023, the city of Gaziantep, near the southeast border of Turkiye, was struck by a devastating earthquake. In response, my humble self immediately called for an emergency meeting along with Mohammad Munawwar Abid Sahib, Director of Disaster Relief at Humanity First Germany, Mahmood Qureshi Sahib, Director of Disaster Relief at Humanity First International, president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Turkiye, Sadiq Sahib, and the representative of Humanity First in Turkiye, Mehmet Sahib.

Determined to bring aid to those affected by the quake as quickly as possible, a dynamic duo of assessors, Hammad Härter Sahib, Vice Chairman Humanity

First and Dr Raza Ahmed Sahib, was sent from Germany to Adana the very next day. This team worked tirelessly to gain a complete understanding of the situation on the ground, make crucial connections with local authorities, and organise a comprehensive relief effort. Their rapid response and dedication to helping those in need demonstrate the unwavering spirit of Humanity First and their commitment to making a difference in times of crisis. With nothing in hand and no seats available to send our team and equipment to the destination, we faced a great challenge. The assessment team on the ground was pushing us to arrive as soon as possible, but the officials and the government were not ready to help us.

Faced with this challenge, we requested Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa for prayers and guidance and miraculously, we received a call from a former minister who introduced us to a highly influential person who offered to transport our entire team, equipment, and medicines for free on his private plane, which was unbelievable for us, alhamdulillah

As we reached the airport at the cargo area for private planes, security personnel stopped us and informed us that everything needed to be scanned, but since it was the weekend and late in the night, we would have to hire an external company to do so. We thought we had no choice but to pay for it, but the company changed their mind when they saw that we were bringing these things to help people in need, and offered to do it for free. The following day, the team travelled on a plane reserved just for us. When we reached Adana, we were pleasantly surprised when the agencies came to us and asked how they could help. We told them we needed transport to take our equipment and medicines to our base camp, and they immediately arranged a truck to bring everything to our camp, which was five hours away from the airport and free of charge.

Early in the same morning, we were informed that there were no suitable sleeping arrangements. I was concerned about where the team would stay. However, during the flight, I received a call from Hammad Härter Sahib from our base camp. He informed me that we had

been assigned a new coordinator who spoke good English and had offered us a large tent for our medical facilities. This coordinator had also arranged for us to have sleeping quarters with a bathroom for the team. Everything was ready just in time for our team’s arrival, and they could start working immediately.

Alhamdulillah, Humanity First is now active in the provinces of Hatay and Osmaniye. Currently, there are 31 aid workers on the ground, including seven doctors, who have already provided medical care to over 580 patients. Additionally, evacuations are being carried out, with 80 people having been relocated from the crisis area. For this purpose, 20 tents and a house for refugee families have been rented. More than 400 families are being provided with blankets and other important items, such as food packages and hygiene products.

In the two refugee camps where the Humanity First team is working, they are responsible for the care of a total of 2,500 people.

We are thankful to the Turkish government for providing us with an ambulance that has been instrumental in enabling our doctor to offer medical care to nearby villages. Above all, we are grateful to God Almighty for accepting Huzoor’s aa prayers and thereby helping us overcome the challenges that we faced in the most unexpected and miraculous ways. Alhamdulillah.

For donations, please visit:  https://donate.humanityfirst.org/

Continuously strive for victory of Islam Ahmadiyyat and remain loyal to Khilafat: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s advice to Ahmadi youth

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir

Al Hakam

On 24 October 1959, Hazrat Muslehe-Maud, Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, addressed the annual ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

At the beginning of his address, Huzoorra said that it is a practice of this world that people are born and then pass away after living for a certain time, however, the life of a nation could certainly be prolonged through the efforts and sacrifices of its members:

“Therefore, you need to make continuous efforts to establish and consolidate your national life, and to strive for spreading Islam and Ahmadiyyat generation after generation. If the followers of the Mosaic Messiah [Jesusas] have spread the world over, then nothing can halt the jamaat of the Muhammadan Messiah [Promised Messiahas] from spreading throughout the world […]. For this purpose, the Promised Messiahas has prayed to Allah the Almighty as well, and stated:

[‘Do turn the tide in my favour, O Driving Force of the universe.’ (Barahin-eAhmadiyya, Part V [English], p. 162)]

“It is your duty to strive to fulfil this prayer and desire of the Promised Messiahas, and you should continue the efforts till the Day of Judgement. [...] It is your responsibility which has been made incumbent upon you by Allah the Almighty to aloft the flag of Islam and Ahmadiyyat till

the Day of Judgement.” (Al Fazl, 28 October 1959, p. 2)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continued:

“The Promised Messiahas has stated, ‘I saw in a blessed dream a group of sincere believers and just and righteous kings, some of whom belonged to this country [British India], some to Arabia, some to Iran, some to Syria, some to Turkey, and some to other regions of which I am not aware. Thereafter, I was told by Allah the Almighty:

“‘These people will affirm your righteousness and will believe in you and will call down blessings upon you and will pray for you. I shall bestow great blessings upon you, so much so that kings will seek blessings from your garments and I will join them amongst your sincere followers.’

(Tadhkirah [English], p. 14) [...]

“In order to witness its fulfilment, it is necessary for us to continue our endeavours and to never halt the tabligh [preaching] of Islam.” (Al Fazl, 28 October 1959, p. 2)

Huzoorra then quoted the following verse of the Holy Quran:

“Dost thou not see how Allah sets forth the similitude of a good word? [It is] like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches [reach] into heaven.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch. 14: V. 25)

Commenting on this, Huzoorra said:

“Meaning, on the one hand, the followers of the true religion would spread throughout the world in great numbers, and on the other hand, God Almighty would grant them so many blessings that their prayers would be accepted abundantly and the Heavenly nur [divine light] would descend upon them. This is what ءآمسلا یف اھعرفو means.

[...]

“Therefore, it is necessary for the whole Jamaat to instil in themselves such sincerity that God Almighty accepts their prayers, their roots may establish everywhere, and the Ahmadiyya Jamaat may establish firmly in all parts of the world. [...] Thus, carry out the task of tabligh, and also pray to God Almighty that He may grant you unprecedented progress.” (Al Fazl, 28 October 1959, p. 3)

Huzoorra then quoted the following

couplet of the Promised Messiahas:

“I am the tree that bore fruits resembling Dawud [David]; I became Dawud and Jalut [Goliath] is my prey.” (Barahin-eAhmadiyya, Part V [English], p. 171)

Commenting on this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra said:

“Jalut [Goliath] implies the one who creates disorder and shatters the peace of society. Therefore, it means that Allah the Almighty will establish peace in the world through the Promised Messiahas, and eradicate all kinds of mischief and troubles.

“Thus, continue to propagate Islam and hold fast to the institution of Khilafat with complete sincerity. The Promised Messiahas has stated in The Will:

“‘I came from God as a Manifestation of Divine Providence and I am a personification of His Power. And after I am gone there will be some other persons who will be the manifestation of the second Power [of God].’ (The Will, p. 8)

“The Promised Messiahas has also stated:

“‘It is essential for you to witness the second Manifestation also, and its Coming is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement.’ (Ibid., p. 7)

“Therefore, you should hold fast to Khilafat till the Day of Judgement, so that God Almighty showers upon you great blessings till the Day of Judgement.” (Al

Fazl, 28 October 1959, p. 3)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further said:

“Now, I wish to take a pledge from all khuddam, in regards to the propagation of Islam. All khuddam should stand and repeat the following pledge:

“‘[I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, Who is One and has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammadsa is His Servant and Messenger.]

“‘We make a solemn pledge, in the name of Allah the Exalted, that we shall continue to strive until the last moments of our lives for the propagation of Islam and Ahmadiyyat and shall convey the name of Muhammad Rasulullahsa to the ends of the world. For the accomplishment of this sacred obligation, we shall always keep our lives dedicated to God and His Messengersa and shall keep the flag of Islam aloft in every country of the world by offering the greatest sacrifices.

“‘We also pledge that for the safeguarding of the system of Khilafat and for its consolidation, we shall continue to strive, till our last breath, and exhort our children and their progenies, to always remain attached to Khilafat and benefit from its blessings, so that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya continues safely

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Jamaica holds annual refresher course

Misbah Anmol Tariq Jamaica Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Jamaica held its annual refresher course, on 22 January 2023. The event was aimed at educating the new converts to Islam Ahmadiyyat on the basic beliefs and practices of Islam. As the majority of our members have converted in recent years, this event plays an integral role in the moral training of the Jamaat members. For the last two years, we were not able to hold the event due to Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, being able to conduct this crucial event this year was a great blessing from Allah the Almighty.

Guests started to arrive at the Mahdi Mosque by 10am, where arrangements were made to serve breakfast to the guests. These guests travelled from various towns across Jamaica, including Clark’s Town,

German Town, Falmouth, Kingston, Spanish Town and Old Harbour.

The event started at 11 am with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Arabic qasidah written by the Promised Messiahas

The first presentation of the refresher course was delivered by Tariq Azeem Sahib, president and missionary-incharge, on the topic of “Basics of Islam”. In his presentation, he spoke about the five pillars of Islam, six articles of faith, belief in One God and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, the Promised Messiah and Khilafat.

Following this presentation, the local mu‘allim Ghulam Ahmad Sahib delivered a presentation on the topic of “Importance of Salat ”. In his presentation, he shared several verses from the Holy Quran and various sayings of the Holy Prophet sa to

said:

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till the end of time and the propagation of Islam continues till the Day of Judgment through the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the flag of Muhammad Rasulullahsa flies higher than all other flags of the world. O God, enable us to fulfil this pledge. Allah-humma Amin, Allah-humma Amin, Allah-humma Amin.’” (Ibid., p. 4)

At that time, this pledge was simultaneously repeated by the attendees of the ijtema and later on, the Ahmadis around the world affirmed this pledge upon reading it in the Jamaat’s periodicals of the time. However, the blessings of Khilafat manifested in such an amazing way that many of us were blessed to witness a historic moment on 27 May 2008, when the words of this pledge echoed to the corners of the world and millions of Ahmadis repeated it simultaneously after their beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

After mentioning this pledge, during his address at the Khilafat Centenary Jalsa on 27 May 2008, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

“With a minor amendment, with reference to the Khilafat Centenary, I take this pledge from you, so that despite the passage of time, our actions should not take us away from the teachings and example of the Promised Messiahas and the commandments of Allah the Almighty. But each day should make us [hold in high] value the promise of Allah the Almighty.”

(“Ahmadiyya Muslim Khilafat Centenary Jalsa held at the Excel Centre on 27th May, 2008”, www.reviewofreligions.org)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continued his address to the Ijtema by saying:

“The pledge which you have made just now, should be taken from the youth of the Jamaat regularly up to four centuries, or rather 4,000 years, and you should advise your next generation to keep in mind this pledge and to repeat it forever, and then they should pass on this pledge to the third generation, and in this way, every generation should continue to make this advice to their coming generation.” (Al Fazl, 28 October, p. 4)

expound upon the importance of salat

He also shared some basic information regarding salat , including the timings of prayers, the number of rak‘aat [units], and times of the day when salat is forbidden.

This was followed by a presentation on the “Ten Conditions of Bai‘at ” by Ahmad Forson Sahib.

In between the presentations, Tariq Azeem Sahib shared insight on various subjects related to the Islamic code of life. This included a brief note on each of the following subjects: marriages in Islam, an ideal husband, abstinence from alcohol and

After narrating one of his visions, Huzoorra said:

“Therefore, put your trust in Allah the Almighty and continue to offer sacrifices for the propagation of the Faith. [...] It is your duty to always trust in Allah, He will help you from the unseen, and will alleviate your problems. [...] Thus, you are required to serve the Faith with sincerity. [...]

“While mentioning the prophecy about the Musleh-e-Maud, the Promised Messiahas stated:

other intoxicants and the concept of hijab and modesty in Islam.

To make the event more engaging and beneficial for the members, there was an interactive workshop on salat . On the men’s side, the two missionaries educated the members on the correct form or posture for salat ; they also pointed out some of the common mistakes people make and how one can avoid them. Similarly, on the Lajna side, Samina Rai Sahiba, with help from other volunteers, carried out the same workshop.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, the event was a great success, as members gave positive feedback in regard to the event. In total, 45 members attended the event.

“[‘Thou gave glad tidings that, ‘There is a son of yours who shall one day become a beloved of Mine. I shall remove all darkness from that moon, and I shall show that he transformed the world.’ Not just a tiding, thou gave nourishment for the heart, Holy

is

Who has confounded my foes.’ (Durre-Sameen, p. 58)]

“It indicates that Allah the Almighty will create extraordinary revolutions in the world, as a result of which, our Jamaat will attain so much progress that people will begin to join it from all over the world. This prophecy also suggests that Allah the Almighty will grant us success and progress, and our opponents will face failure and humiliation.

“May Allah the Almighty be with you and enable you all to continuously strive for the victory of Islam and the progress of Ahmadiyyat, so much so that Ahmadiyyat spreads the world over, and Christians, Jews and followers of all other religions accept Ahmadiyyat. [...] We do not have any [worldly] power, however, our God is All-Powerful; thus, you should seek prayers from Him alone and always strive to keep the flag of Islam higher than the flags of all other religions in the world.” (Al Fazl, 28 October 1959, pp. 4-5)

May Allah the Almighty enable us all to act upon these golden principles. Amin

The magnificent personality of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad: A wife remembers – Part I

Recollections of Hazrat Syeda Bushra Begum (Mehr Apa)

Hazrat Syeda Bushra Begum (1919-1997)

Hazrat Syeda Bushra Begum (Mehr Apa) was born in 1919 to Hazrat Syed Azizullah Shahra, son of Hazrat Dr Syed Abdus Sattar Shahra. After the demise of Hazrat Syeda Umm-e-Tahir (ra), Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra wanted someone to take care of their children. Consequently, after heartfelt prayers and divine guidance, the marriage between Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and Hazrat Syeda Bushra Begum took place. In light of a vision of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, she was named “Mehr Apa”.

In 1944, besides matriculation, Hazrat Mehr Apa studied theology for some time and then got her FA (Fine Arts’) degree. She then got admission to a BA (Bachelor of Arts) programme, but gave up her education to take care of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra during his illness.

In Lajna Imaillah, Hazrat Mehr Apa served as the General Secretary, Secretary Khidmat-e-Khalq and Secretary Tarbiyato-Islah. From 1966 to 1990, she also served as Naib Sadr Lajna Imaillah Markziyyah.

Hazrat Mehr Apa was blessed to have dedicated all her property in the way of Allah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh gave a huge sum of money from her donation for the construction of 100 mosques in Germany.

After a long illness, Hazrat Mehr Apa passed away on 22 May 1997. (Editor, Al Hakam )

It is not at all possible for me to shed light on the blessed life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and to express something in the truest sense. Whatever I will say cannot even be a tenth of what was his true character. Given the circumstances, this effort of mine is only to honour the sincere wish of an elder.

Few examples of acceptance of prayers

I did not know the true meaning of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra being mustajab-ud-da‘waat [a person whose prayers are accepted by God Almighty]. I truly understood its meaning when I witnessed the phenomenon of his being mustajab-ud-da‘waat with my own eyes and observed it. I will now present a few examples.

Everyone knows about the situation before the partition; it was a very dangerous time and we had to face harsh conditions. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra

was in a state of great distress during those days. He did not care about worldly possessions. He was also not overly worried about his wife and children. His only concern was that the Indian partition should not become a hindrance to the advancement of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the religious paths should not be blocked. Although he knew very well that the path he had taken was surely the way of Allah the Almighty, trials are also part of it. He used to pray day and night and sometimes, I saw him prostrating and sobbing for hours. From time to time, he received glad tidings regarding those conditions, but still, there was a state of anxiety and concern.

When his health was good, he used to work all day long alone in his office. He would come home at night or at mealtimes.

During one of those tense days of partition, he came to me in the evening. His eyes were red and swollen. He had a slight quaver in his voice, yet he was fully in control of himself. He said to me, “Tomorrow is Eid, I might forget to give you all the ‘ eidi ’ [a gift given on Eid] as I am overly occupied with work. Moreover, I am very worried about the current situation. However, God Almighty has heard my prayer by His grace. I was in a state of prostration when I received this good news from God Almighty and I have full faith in it. But still, there is a great need for prayers and you should also pray fervently. May Allah the Almighty keep the paths of tabligh [preaching] open at all times.”

I wrote down the glad tiding he had received and waited for its fulfilment. Today, everyone is witnessing how that prayer and its answer [by God Almighty], which contained the good news, was fulfilled with grandeur and sublimity. [We saw] how, after migrating from Qadian, all the Jamaat gathered under one flag and [witnessed] the glory with which the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat reached the corners of the world. [We observed] how those who yearned for truth came in droves to this second markaz [centre] of Ahmadiyyat [i.e. Rabwah].

Another incident is from the recent past, which is also proof of his being mustajab-ud-da‘waat [i.e. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra]. After the partition, we faced severe difficulties. When Mian Nasir Ahmad Sahib (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh) and Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad ra were imprisoned simply because of the enmity against the Ahmadiyya

Jamaat, it was only natural for him to be disturbed. Beyond any doubt, he was perfectly content that the only crime of his son and brother was that they believed in the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as].

It was scorching summer days and that too in Rabwah. At the time of the Isha prayer, we were in the courtyard as usual. Despite being on the top floor, there was no drop in the intensity of the heat. We were having dinner together. In the meantime, he expressed discomfort due to the intensity of the heat. I promptly said, “I don’t know what will be the state of Nasir (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh) and Mian Sahib (Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad ra) in this heat. God knows whether they have any facilities there (in jail) or not.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said:

“May Allah have mercy on them. They are guilty of no crime. Thus, I have full faith in my God that He will soon bless them [with freedom].”

After that, I observed that the appearance of his face changed and he stood up for Isha prayer. I cannot forget the scene of that impassioned prayer. I cannot express that state in writing as to what my eyes witnessed at that time. He was anxious and writhing in his prayer. It was also a demonstration of perfect faith [in God]. It also had blandishments and praise [for Allah the Almighty]. I saw the same spectacle again at the time of Tahajjud prayer. At that time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra made supplications in a loud voice with great reverence and compassion. It seemed to me that the whole atmosphere was pleasant, and his heartfelt tears instilled such trust in me that I instantly said, “This prayer will not go in vain. Surely, Allah the Almighty will give us the good news with the dawn of the day.” This prayer of his appeared so loud in the silence of the night that I thought that his voice must have reached our children’s houses in the neighbourhood.

Consequently, when the day dawned and the mail came, the first telegram that was received carried the good news that Hazrat Mian Sahib and Mian Nasir Ahmad Sahib (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh) had been released.

In a very short time, my God showed me the miracle of the acceptance of prayer. The foolish opponent was happy that they were somehow able to attack his honour by using their tactics. However, when Mansour Hallaj was hanged, he

attained such a high rank that his enemies were defeated forever.

First letter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra

The first letter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra which he wrote to me after our nikah consisted of various pieces of advice and guidance. The first advice he gave was:

“Soldiers’ wives lead a simple life. If your parents, compelled by your love and compassion, spend extravagantly in preparing for your rukhstanah [formal departure of the bride from her parents’ to the bridegroom’s home] and go to such an extent in the preparation of dowry and other things that they become burdened, then you should not allow them to do so. If they do that, then you should politely refuse to accept that dowry, except that which is conveniently available at home. It occurred to me that perhaps, while considering to honour me, they would make the preparations of your departure a matter of trouble for themselves. Thus, take care of it, as God does not like this [extravagance].”

Today, in the present era, we observe in society that certain instances are against it [i.e., the advice of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra], and they must be addressed.

Respect for God’s worship

Once, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra took us to Rajpura (Qadian) for a picnic. We enjoyed the river, green fields, hunting, etc. He personally taught us how to target the prey by taking us with him. As long as we stayed for the picnic, he not only looked after his family, but also took care of the workers to the extent that he would pick up food and drinks with his own hands and give it to them. At the same time, he advised us to take special care of the workers and give them complete freedom so that they could also enjoy the picnic like us.

After boating, hunting and shooting, it was time for salat . He stood with the men at some distance from us to lead them in prayer. Since there was no arrangement for purdah, we started praying separately in the green fields. When we finished the prayer, we did not pay attention to the fact that the men were still praying, […] and the other thing was that there was a considerable distance between us and them. We laughed at something and the sound of laughter reached Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. After performing Continued on next

A brilliant sign of ‘the devotees of Syria’: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s 1955 visit to Damascus

Ataul Fatir Tahir UK

“The abdal [devotees] of Syria and the servants of Allah from among the Arabs are supplicating on your behalf.” – A revelation to the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (Tadhkirah [English], p. 160)

In 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went on his famous journey to Europe and visited Arab countries along the way. Huzoorra visited Egypt, Palestine, and Syria (including modern-day Lebanon) and preached the message of Ahmadiyyat.

While in Damascus, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra and his entourage initially faced great opposition, and there were no Syrian Ahmadis at the time. A famous Muslim scholar, Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Maghrabi, even challenged Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and said that he should not expect any Arab to accept Ahmadi beliefs as “we are of Arab lineage and Arabic is our mother tongue. And an Indian, no matter how great a scholar he may be, can never have the ability to understand the Quran and the Hadith more than us.” In response, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra negated Sheikh Abdul Qadir’s views and, while smiling, said:

“We are to send preachers to every corner of the earth; however, now after returning to India, my first task will be to send [Ahmadi Muslim] preachers to your country and then I will witness your courage in front of those who wave the Divine flag.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, pp. 443-444)

Though, eventually, Muslim Syrians flocked to visit Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in Damascus, even in 1924, upon returning from his trip, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set up an Ahmadiyya mission in Damascus: Hazrat Syed Waliullah Shah Sahib and Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahib were sent

<< Continued from previous page

salat , he came to us and expressed such displeasure with our action that he remained reserved from us for at least two hours. When his displeasure subsided, I said, “At least I won’t come again for the picnic. What’s the point if, after all the enjoyment of the day, there is such a grudge at the end? Intentionally or not, you got hurt.” At this, he laughed and said, “Time and again, you will come for a picnic with me and I will often take you people for sightseeing, but where there is a question of [God’s] worship, its respect is above all else. Where there is a question of religion and Islam Ahmadiyyat, then the best thing is

as missionaries.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra visited Damascus, Syria and Beirut, Lebanon, again in 1955, when he was en route to Europe, among other reasons, also to seek medical treatment following a vicious attack on him by an opponent.

His journey to Damascus after 31 years showcased the great acceptance of Islam Ahmadiyyat amongst the Syrians and showed their sincerity and belief in Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Huzoor’sra visit proved Sheikh Qadir al-Maghrabi’s words to be incorrect and decades later we now witness how Islam Ahmadiyyat has spread amongst Arabs all across the world.

The account of Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra journey to Damascus and Beirut was covered by Al Fazl from March 1955 onwards. Jamaat members back in Pakistan and India were kept up to date on Huzoor’sra tour in this way and almost 70 years later, we are able to find detailed information on Huzoor’sra travel from these issues of

to show perfect seriousness and respect for it. Their importance and honour will prevail over all other things. This kind of negligence is really unbearable for me.”

One item of food at mealtimes under Tehrik-e-Jadid

This incident happened at Dalhousie. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra came to eat at the dinner table. After a while, I saw that he quietly went to his room without eating. I could not understand the reason for his displeasure. Everyone was surprised that, as he would be starving all day and had so much work to do, he might get fatigued. Finally, upon my query, Hazrat Bari Apa (Ami Jan) told

Al Fazl. A compilation of these references can also be found in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya and Masaleh al-‘Arab, available on alislam.org, which have all been consulted for this article.

(We have previously published some details of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra 1924 visit of Damascus under “‘This is the son of the Mahdi’: When the Messiah’s son arrived in Damascus near the white minaret” –The Editor)

Visiting Europe and Syria in 1955

The reason for Huzoor’sra visit to Damascus stemmed from his planned visit to Europe for medical reasons.

On 10 March 1954, immediately after leading the Asr prayer at the Mubarak Mosque, Rabwah, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was stabbed in the neck by a person called Abdul Hameed – a non-Ahmadi youngster who travelled to Rabwah under the guise of converting to Ahmadiyyat.

me that he went to his room and sent a note saying, “I have instructed [the whole Jamaat] under Tehrik-e-Jadid to have only one item of food on the dinner table. Today, I saw three dishes instead of one. Why did this happen? I will not have dinner.”

The fact of the matter was that we used to keep only one item of food on the table after this tehrik . However, sometimes its flavour was not of his liking. There might be something lacking in it, i.e., salt, pepper, etc., or it may be over or undercooked. Consequently, we would prepare two food items for him instead of one, thinking that if he did not like the first one, we would serve the other one.

The stab wound was more than two inches deep and three inches wide; it was an extremely narrow escape. (Silsila-eAhmadiyya, Vol. 2, p. 440) To seek better medical attention, the doctors in Pakistan strongly recommended Huzoorra travel to Europe for better medical care.

After praying and seeking further advice from members of the Jamaat, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra decided to follow the medical advice. On 23 March 1955, Huzoorra left Rabwah and began his journey, staying in Lahore before departing from Karachi towards Europe.

Hazrat Sir Chaudhary Zafrulla Khanra – who had finished his term as the First Foreign Minister of Pakistan in 1954 – joined this journey and suggested that Huzoorra travel to Europe via Arab countries; Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra accepted the suggestion. (Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 2, p. 466) Sir Chaudhary Zafrulla Khanra flew from Europe to Pakistan to aid Huzoorra on the journey.

There was a large entourage with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for his journey, which had been split into three groups. A group travelled from Pakistan directly to Europe, while Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s group travelled to England via Arab countries.

(Al Fazl, 16 April 1955, p. 1)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that he was taking members of Tehrik-e-Jadid and the Sadr Anjuman because they were to stay in parts of Europe for further studies. Also with them were missionaries, along with their families, who were going to remain in various countries. On doctors’ advice, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra took his wives and children with him so that he would not stress and worry about them while he undertook this long and arduous journey towards Europe for medical attention.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 16, p. 469)

Of course, with all Khulafa, a journey

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The goal was to ensure he is able to eat something. We used to worry that if he didn’t like the food, he might not eat at all. He was so strict about following the scheme of Tehrik-e-Jadid that he did not even allow us to prepare another meal for him. Later on, his condition became such that we had to prepare more than one food item because the health of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was getting weaker by the day. We had to prepare food prescribed for his diet regimen and it would be more than one item.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 26 March 1966 issue of Al Fazl )

always involves meeting Ahmadis and Jamaat members. Even though Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was unwell, his decision to visit the Ahmadis in Damascus and Beirut in 1955 shows how the Khulafa worry and care for Jamaat members; they are anguished to meet them and attend to their personal, spiritual and educational needs.

An arduous flight ending in joy

On the night between 29 and 30 April 1955, Hazrat Musleh Maudra and his entourage departed for Damascus from Karachi via a KLM flight. Huzoorra was accompanied by his two wives, Maryam Siddiqa Sahiba (Umm-e Mateen), Syeda Bushra Begum (Mehr Apa), his son Sahibzada Dr Mirza Munawar Ahmad Sahib, his two daughters, Amatul Jameel Sahiba, and Amatul Mateen Sahiba. Also accompanying Huzoorra was Hazrat Sir Chaudhary Zafrulla Khanra (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 16, pp. 502503)

During this sojourn, Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’s first stop was Damascus, where he stayed for a whole week. The weather was bitterly cold on his journey to Damascus, which added to Huzoor’sra ailment. In an attempt to keep Huzoorra comfortable, Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra and Sahibzada Mirza Munawar Ahmad Sahib tended to Huzoorra all night in the plane. In a letter to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra MA, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned how Sir Zafrulla Khan Sahib would try to cover him at night with a blanket to protect him from the cold and how Sir Zafrulla Khan Sahib’s own face seemed like he was ill himself. (Al Fazl, 10 May 1955, p. 1)

At the airport, scores of Arab members of the Damascus Jamaat and representatives from Pakistan’s embassy to Syria came to welcome Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Those present included the sadr of Syria Jamaat, Munir al-Husni Sahib. Munir al-Husni Sahib’s wider family, who were successful Ahmadi Syrian businessmen, personally hosted Huzoorra with great love, sincerity and sacrifice. Badruddin al-Husani Sahib, the younger brother of Munir al-Husani Sahib, gave his large family home to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and his family to stay in. The al-Husni family received special prayers and praise from Huzoorra which we will refer to further in the article.

Mushtaq Ahmad Bajwa Sahib, a missionary, set out and reached Damascus on 28 April, to assist in Huzoor’sra visit, and was also present to welcome Huzoorra at the airport.

After arrival at the airport, Badruddin al-Husani Sahib’s female family members welcomed Huzoor’sra wives and female members of the family and took them to their home shortly after arriving.

On 6 May 1955 Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra met with some Syrian and Palestinian Ahmadis and discussed the issue of Palestine while speaking in Arabic. During the meeting, Huzoorra also discussed plans for the progress of the Jamaat in the Middle East and took counsel from Jamaat members. Due to his God-given planning qualities, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra established the Jamaat as an extremely well-organised body. In Damascus, he even planned for an

Ahmadi school to be built there. (Silsila-eAhmadiyya, Vol. 2, p. 467)

During his stay, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra visited various areas of Damascus. The reports tell us that he went to a place called Damar and sat at a café that was on the banks of a river. (Ibid.) He also went to a garden called Al-Munishia with his family, where they sat on the banks of the river. (Masalih al-‘Arab, Vol. 2, p. 3)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a letter to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra MA, who was amir muqami in Rabwah on 3 May 1955, in which he spoke about his journey. In the letter, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra praised the family of Munir al-Husni Sahib for their sincerity. Huzoorra also expressed how Chaudhary Zafrulla Khan Sahib had

but he is so intense in his service, that due to his sincerity, he is seen more as a servant and less as a noble. Because it is very cold here and there is no heating system like in Europe, I have suffered more from the cold. [...] Now the programme is that, God willing, we will go to Beirut on the 7th and leave for Italy on the 8th. Chaudhary Sahib, God willing, will be with me, his company has been a source of comfort and ease. May Allah reward them well.

“Creating such love in hearts is only the work of Allah the Almighty. Man has no power, so we are thankful to Allah the Almighty that He has created for us something that other human beings are not capable of having, even though they are thousands of times more powerful

The Friday sermon and the last meeting in Damascus

6 May 1955 was a Friday and since Huzoorra was leaving for Beirut on Saturday, members started visiting Huzoor’sra accommodation in the morning. The community arranged for a photographer to preserve the memory of this historic occasion.

Eventually, it was time for the Friday prayers. Badrudin al-Husni Sahib was also blessed that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra led the Friday sermon at his house. Huzoorra recited a short sermon in eloquent and articulate Arabic language, the meaning of which was that Allah Almighty inspired the following to the Promised Messiahas almost half a century before, when those present were not even born:

(“The abdal [devotees] of Syria and the servants of Allah from among the Arabs are supplicating on your behalf.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 160)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said the existence of the Syrian Ahmadis present on that day was a sign of how this prophecy was fulfilled.

After the Friday prayer, Huzoorra remained among the Jamaat members for some more time. During this occasion, Syed Muhammad Zaki Sahib recited the Holy Quran, Syed Muhammad al-Rabbani Sahib recited an Arabic qasida of the Promised Messiahas, and then Syed Ibrahim al-Jaban Sahib recited a wonderful Arabic poem in the glory of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, which was a mirror of his heartfelt feelings and a sign of his sincerity. Many photos were taken of this memorable event and the event ended with prayer.

helped him in the plane to Damascus and that he was a source of ease for Huzoor: “Chaudhary Zafrulla Khan Sahib spent the whole night covering me with blankets, but this was beyond his control. At last, when I was completely worn out, I looked in the direction of Chaudhary Sahib, who was seated beside me and saw that his face was also worn out. I got uneasy and thought Chaudhary Sahib too might have gotten ill.”

Regarding the Husani family, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote in the letter:

“At the airport, members of the Jamaat in Damascus had come, they all met with complete sincerity and brother Munir al-Husni also came with the members.

[...] For the women, the wife of Sayyid Badrudin al-Husni Sahib – the younger brother of Munir al-Husni – was available. She took the women home and we eventually followed them. Out of his love and sincerity, Badruddin al-Husni Sahib has vacated the entire house for us, and we are in it now. The love with which this whole family is serving us is difficult to find in Pakistan. Brother Syed Badruddin al-Husni is a great businessman in Syria,

than us. [...]

“Peace be upon all the friends of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, dear ones and relatives.

“Mirza Mahmood Ahmed” (Al Fazl, 10 May 1955, pp. 1-2)

The first Syrian Ahmadi marriage announced by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra

During this visit, it was the first time Huzoorra led the nikah of a Syrian Ahmadi couple. The nikah was between Sayyida Najmia (daughter of deceased al-Hasan alJabi) with Sayyid Saeed al-Qabani Sahib. (Al-Fazl, 15 May 1955, p. 3)

Reports show Huzoorra would have light-hearted discussions with the Syrian Ahmadis and also speak about the religious situation of Damascus, for example, he enquired about the Bahá’í movement from Sayed Rushdi al-Bisti Sahib. During these sittings, Syrian Ahmadis would also recite portions of the Holy Quran in beautiful voices. On one occasion, Syed Nuruddin al-Husni did a melodious recitation of Surah ad-Duha. (Al Fazl, 15 May 1955, p. 3)

When Huzoorra visited Damascus, 31 years ago, in 1924, there were no Arab Ahmadis present and the locals showed opposition. However, with Allah’s grace and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s great determination and planning, there was now a whole Jamaat of Syrian Ahmadis who were eager to quench their spiritual thirst by meeting Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra They were anxious to catch a glimpse of him, to kiss his hand, to hear his words, and to pray behind him. They used to yearn to introduce themselves to him with pride and get his prayers.

During his stay there, these new Ahmadi Arabs were proud and honoured for even guarding the door of this Promised Khalifa of God. (Al Fazl, 15 May 1955, p. 3)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra prayer for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Damascus

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra left Damascus for Beirut on 7 May 1955. Before leaving, Huzoorra wrote the following words in the visitors’ book of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Syria with his blessed hand:

“May Allah have mercy on you and bless you in all your deeds and occupations.”

Meek of heart: Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’s compassion towards his adversaries

Talha Ali Missionary Philippines

One of the signs of the Promised Son, mentioned in the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud, is that he will have a meek heart. The words of the prophecy in Urdu are “ م ل� کا لد”. The English word “meek” suggests humility, long-suffering, gentleness, patience, kindness, and, at times, overly submissive behaviour. In modern English, the word has come to primarily denote overly submissive and patient behaviour. However, the revealed Urdu word “ م �” denotes gentleness and kindness.

The word “ م ل�” in modern English can probably be best translated as “forbearing”. Hence, the prophecy suggests that the Promised Son will have a kind heart, pure of rancour and malice, and that he will be patient in suffering. Some incidents are being shared as proof of the fulfilment of this sign in the person of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II ra

Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum ra , daughter of the Promised Messiahas, writes in regard to this aspect of the prophecy:

“He [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] was a great lover of the Merciful God and was firm in holding to the Unity of God. His life and death were all for his Lord. He would get angry at something wrong but immediately return to a gentle demeanour. His anger was constructive in nature, and was never deep and lasting. Allah the Almighty has called him meek of heart because he knew that he would get people to work for him and would sometimes get angry, but remember that he is meek of heart. He never got angry at me even once in his life. I have always found him to be a fountain of love and affection.” ( Sawaneh Fazl-e-Umar,  Vol. 5, p. 324)

Kind treatment of members of Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha‘at-eIslam, Lahore

Hazrat Maulvi Abul Ata Jalandhri, a renowned scholar of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, recounts an instance of the generosity shown by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra towards one of the leaders of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha ‘at-eIslam in Lahore, Khwaja Kamaluddin Sahib. He recounts:

“It was most likely during the summer of 1929 that Huzoor ra was in Srinagar along with his family. He called me to Srinagar from Murree to attend a debate with the members of Anjuman Isha‘at-e-Islam, Lahore. After the debate, Huzoor ra asked me if I had met Khwaja Kamaluddin Sa -

hib, who was also in Srinagar. Huzoor ra asked me to go meet him as he was sick those days. So, according to his instructions, I visited Khwaja Kamaluddin Sahib a few times and asked for his well-being.” This incident indicates the meekness and pure-heartedness of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra as he did not harbour malice even against those who spent their entire lives raising allegations against him and the family of the Promised Messiahas ( Al-Furqan, 1965)

In 1932, at the passing of Khwaja Kamaluddin Sahib, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra shared these words:

“Even though Khwaja Sahib showed intense animosity to me, he also offered a lot of valuable services during the time of the Promised Messiahas. Hence, when I heard the news of his demise, I said right away, ‘‘I forgive all his opposition, and O God the Almighty, you forgive him as well.’ The truth is that those servants whom God draws towards his appointed ones might have shortcomings, but they also have many good attributes. One should honour their goodness. I think that not accepting the Khilafat is a big mistake that God has mentioned as a great sin, but as far as we are concerned, we should forgive them. If in the eyes of God, that person has more good qualities [than shortcomings] then God will deal with them in a good manner.” ( Mahnamah Ansarullah, February 2008, p. 27)

Willingness to help his enemies in need

Once, a non-Ahmadi opponent of the community, Khalifa Shuja-ud-Din, came to meet Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. He was running for a certain position in the Punjab assembly and needed the help of the community in winning the elections. He was a close relative of Hazrat Umm-e-Nasir ra (wife of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra) and asked her to set up a meeting with him. She responded, “You abuse and curse my husband in general and now that you need his help, you are here to meet him? I will not help you meet him, nor will I meet you myself and I will not relay your message to him.” Hearing this, he went to the office of the private secretary and asked the private secretary to meet Huzoor. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra graciously accepted his request and asked Hazrat Umm-eNasir ra to prepare extra food for the same guest. She informed him of what she had told the opponent earlier. Huzoor ra replied, “You denied his request out of your love and affection for me, but now he is my guest. He has shown his morals by abusing

me behind my back and I have shown my morals by following in the footsteps of Holy Prophet sa and forgiving him and by showing kindness to him.” ( Sawaneh Fazle-Umar,  Vol. 5, pp. 122-123)

Dr Gurbakhsh Singh was a fierce opponent of Ahmadiyyat and was one of the leaders of the opposition in Qadian. He writes, “My niece was studying in FA and one of her subjects was philosophy. She was really weak in that subject and needed some tutoring; however, the Ahmadiyya community was the only learned community living in Qadian. Upon inquiry, I was told that Mr Abdus Salam had done his master’s in philosophy and since I knew his father, I asked him to request that his son tutor my niece. His father told me that his son had devoted his life to the service of Islam and could not do anything without the permission of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad ra. In those days, I had filed some complaints against Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad ra and his community in the courts and I did not want to ask him for help. However, when I could not find any other appropriate person to tutor my niece, I wrote to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad ra and requested that he kindly allow Abdus Salam to tutor my niece. He graciously accepted my request and Mr Abdus Salam started tutoring my niece. He tutored my niece for many months and did not accept any fee in return either. My niece passed her philosophy exam with high marks, so I went to Mr Abdus Salam’s house with some money and sweets. He did not accept the money and asked me to take it to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad ra if I wanted. I sent the sweets and money to him, to which I received the response, ‘We did not offer our services for money or gifts, but it was our duty as neighbours.’ He congratulated my niece, distributed the sweets in the neighbourhood and returned the money to me.” ( Mahnamah Ansarullah , February 2008, pp. 29-30)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra was known for his forbearance, never harbouring animosity or rancour towards those who tried to harm him. It has been previously mentioned that he held no ill will towards those who did not accept him as the Khalifa and caused a split in the Community. Another example of his pure heart is shown in the story of Fakhr-ud-Din Multani. He founded a scheme to harm the community, exploiting foul language against Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra and the family of the Promised Messiahas. He

even formed his own small group within the community and tried to cause trouble by making allegations against the family of the Promised Messiahas. However, after his death, his wife approached Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra seeking financial assistance. Despite all the pain that Multani had tried to cause, Huzoor ra took care of his family in their time of need and provided them with assistance to get groceries and gave them financial support.

( Mahnamah Ansarullah,   February, p. 31, 2008)

Similarly, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra could not announce the marriages of all members of the Jamaat as it was growing day by day. Instead, he only announced the marriages of his relatives and those who had dedicated their lives to serving Islam. However, after the death of Fakhrud-Din Multani, his son approached Huzoor ra and asked him to announce the marriage of his sister. He pleaded that, due to his father’s actions, no Ahmadi would be willing to marry her unless Huzoor ra himself made the announcement. Huzoorra graciously accepted the request, seeking to ease the lives of those who had caused him and his family pain.

( Mahnamah Ansarullah,  February 2008, pp. 29-30)

Kindness towards the Ahrar

Another incident that proves that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra was meek of heart and never entertained rancour and malice even against his worst enemies is regarding Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan, a famous journalist and religious leader, and editor of the daily newspaper  Zamindar . He spent his whole life fighting against the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and was even part of the Ahrar (a religious-political party, that spent all its resources trying to destroy A ḥ madiyyat) for a short while though he later deserted his support for Ahrar but not his animosity against the Ahmadiyya community. His newspaper was devoted to spreading false claims that Ahmadiyyat is a new religion and has nothing to do with Islam, and in doing so, he would sometimes use foul language against the founder of the Jamaat and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra

In his final days, Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan got extremely ill and was paralysed and bed-struck for the most part. In 1956, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra was in Murree and he found out that Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan was also there. He sent Dr Mirza Munawar Ahmad, Dr Hashmatullah, and Mirza Rafiq Ahmad to visit him and pres -

Sailing through the tempest of India’s partition

Recollections of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud's biographer

and we would never have to leave our beloved hometown of Qadian.

People often ask me what impression Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra grand personality left on me. I always tell them that I don’t even know where to start. I was born in his time, brought up in his time, my student life was spent in his time, I got married and had children in his time, and I started my service as a murrabi-e-silisilah in his time. How can I even begin to count the countless impressions that his life and time have left on me.

I am indebted to him in many ways. However, I will only recount a single incident which might seem singular apparently but has touched the hearts of all those who underwent the episode - the partition of India.

I was born in Qadian and loved the atmosphere so much that I had never imagined ever having to leave it. Even a few days away from it would leave me restless and I would desire to return to my hometown at the first available chance. But when the independence movement finally got to see fruition, it meant that Muslims might have to migrate to the newfound land called Pakistan. My family and I had hoped that this would change

However, it was finally decided that Ahmadis in Qadian will have to migrate and only a handful will remain behind to safeguard the holy sites of Qadian, the birthplace of the Promised Messiah, his lifelong residential quarters (more commonly known as Dar al-Masih) and his last resting place. My father was one of those who chose to stay behind for a cause that was noble not only to the Jamaat but also to humanity at large – the latter being a fact that time will, insha-Allah prove.

It is important to mention here, briefly though, the spirit of this group of people who were termed “Dervish” by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had asked for some male members to stay behind and safeguard Qadian. I believe that all men must have offered to stay in Qadian, but not all could be kept behind. My father, Abdur Rahim Diyanat, was lucky to be accepted among the fortunate few.

The whole subcontinent was in a very fragile state. Communal violence was rife, and law-andorder was nullified such that killing someone, and getting away with it was as easy as pie. What

I mean to say here is that when my six siblings and I left Qadian to migrate to Lahore, we were fatherless. Our mother, who was expecting my youngest brother, Abdus Salam, was all we had as a parent.

This voluntary and wholehearted decision of my father to stay behind, sending seven of his children with his heavily expecting wife, was out of his sheer love for the Jamaat but was also a direct response to the call of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra His Imam had called and he had responded with great fervour.

He would never have been able to do so if our mother had shown reluctance. Our mother, Amna Begum, gave him the confidence and courage and zeal to readily respond to the Imam’s call. Everything was obscure. People were being slain left, right and centre. My father didn’t know what he was sending us into; and neither did my mother know what she was heading into.

But it was a collective response to the call of their Imam and they both went for it. This shows the level of love both my parents had for Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. I can only thank Allah that I was born to such parents. Moreover, I thank my

parents, who instilled in my very young child, the love Maudra through their practical My mother and father years - right to the end of my 1976; my father lived another us all in Qadian until he too these three decades of my life to the love that both my parents man we know as Musleh-e-Maud of my father’s life strengthened importance of the call of duty sacrifice we should all show My father used to tell me not intend to send me with that I could stay behind and helping him. But then, as the number of Ahmadis was about little gap just beside the driver’s into that little corner - just The lorry revved and moved Qadian and into the oblivion going to be our home. As the thinking of my school shoes and carefully placed under next day. I remember how that I was never going to wear that moment, I missed my Qadian, where I had lived life. Above all, I missed my didn’t even get the time to us.

However, bidding farewell as we drove through the valley ever the lorry stopped for short come running and beg the daughter across the border. their daughters were safely for themselves to be shot dead get to know what happened during or after migration –apocalyptic.

My mother later told me get a glimpse of me as I sat driver’s side. She said she was that I might fall off the lorry. Allah, I didn’t and by the grace see how Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud so successfully through a storm too rough to ever come to When we arrived in Lahore, to a refugee camp called Ratan pleasantly surprised to see Maudra had already arrived this building and its compounds Ahmadis migrating from Qadian of India.

Abdul Basit Shahid

Author of Sawaneh Fazl-e-Umar, Vol. III, IV, V

my heart, when I was a of Hazrat Musleh-epractical example. lived apart for nineteen my mother’s death in another four years away from too died in 1980. Thus, life remain a testament parents had for the great Musleh-e-Maudra. Every day strengthened in our hearts the duty and the level of show for Khilafat.

me that initially, he did with the rest of the family so and make myself useful by the lorry carrying a large about to depart, he saw a driver’s seat and thrust me in time. moved us away from oblivion of what was now the lorry left, I remember shoes that I had polished a cupboard to wear the much I missed my shoes wear to school again. At school and the streets of for fourteen years of my father - the father who properly say goodbye to farewell was no one’s priority valley of death. Where short breaks, men would driver to get their border. They begged that once on board, they wished dead so that they never happened to their daughters – an episode that seemed me that she could hardly in a little corner by the was constantly worried lorry. But by the grace of grace of Allah, I lived to Musleh-e-Maudra sailed the Jamaat storm that then seemed an end.

Lahore, we were taken Ratan Bagh. We were that Hazrat Musleh-earrived and had arranged for compounds to accommodate Qadian and other parts

As we disembarked the lorry, it was like we had come back to life, and getting to know that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had arranged for us Ahmadis to live together in Ratan Bagh was a feeling of reassurance that we had never before experienced.

In circumstances where everyone only cared for themselves or their families, Hazrat Muslehe-Maud’sra care for all Ahmadis showed the great love he had for the Jamaat of the Promised Messiah. This incident, which I remember very well, drew my heart closer to my Imam and master and his love sat so deeply in my heart that it continues to live there even today - threequarters of a century on.

Ahmadis would live in Ratan Bagh and then move on to where they were allocated to live; more caravans carrying Ahmadis from Qadian and other parts of India would arrive and settle in this abode of peace - a rare commodity in those circumstances - that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had arranged for them.

Not only did Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrange for this temporary accommodation, but he also had a langar (kitchen) set up to provide food for immigrant families. The food was very simple but precious, for there were hundreds of thousands who died of hunger during those days. We, who had left their father behind as a dervish, never felt for a moment that we had no guardian. It was as if Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had become our guardian and had taken us under his wing of mercy and compassion. This, and many other aspects of Hazrat Musleh Maudra, made me and millions of others fall in love with him forever.

As I mentioned earlier, families of immigrants would stay in the abode of Ratan Bagh until they could go out and find their feet in their new lives in Pakistan. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would ensure that the families were not risking themselves by making a wrong move in an already challenging scenario. But with the families of dervishesknowing that they had left their husbands and fathers behind - he would show special care and deep affection. As the families of dervishes left Ratan Bagh, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would personally be present at the Lahore railway station to see them off under his supervision. I can still remember him calling out the names of families and asking them if all their luggage was with them and ensuring that all family members were boarding the train together.

I had left Qadian as a foundation stage student of Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya. Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was keen to have all institutions of the Jamaat reinstated and fully functional. For that, he did not wait for buildings to be acquired or allocated by the government, rather, he set every organisation into motion, even if it meant working under the shade of a tree. Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya was established in a stable where horses had been looted and all that was left was a shed with unpleasant reminders of its once-upon-a-time occupants. We cleaned it very thoroughly (as thoroughly as a stable can be cleaned) and the Madrasah was up and running, albeit with only one teacher who would sit us all around him and teach us students who had managed to migrate and reassemble.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once visited the Madrasah in Ahmad Nagar and, I recall him saying: “The Ahmadiyya vanguard is all set!” This inspired all of us and we put all our energies into living up to the great expectation that he had expressed through these words - his magical words. He was a man of magical charisma. Anyone who

got to meet him was left enchanted. Madrasah Ahmadiyya was first set up in Chiniot and then Ahmad Nagar before moving to Rabwah. Senior classes moved to Ahmad Nagar first and we, the junior classes, followed later. While in Chiniot, my late friend Abdul Hakim Akmal and I walked the few miles to Ahmad Nagar through the then barren land that had been purchased and was later to be named Rabwah. It was as if we had walked into a desert of saline sand, our feet immersed up to five or six inches in its barren soil. We both looked at each other in shock, thinking that nothing could become of this land. However, when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set foot on this land, and started to live there in the tent city, we saw mud quarters emerge. One of such quarters was Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra own residence. Then came water, and plants and trees followed and then came the days when Rabwah blossomed into a vibrant town with amenities that even some big cities remained devoid of. Rabwah is undoubtedly a miracle that became manifest at the hand of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra - especially for people like me who have seen it in both its barren days and in its heyday today. I will conclude this piece with an incident that has left a very deep mark on my mind and soul. Many years after the partition, my mother asked me to write to my father and tell him that he had fulfilled his pledge of being among those who safeguarded Qadian in the turbulent days of the partition. She requested that he now join his family in Rabwah.

The reply we received from my father still leaves me moved when I recall it. He wrote back: “Tell your mother that I can return if she insists. But I made a pledge to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and there was no time limit to it. It is incumbent on me to fulfil my pledge until my last breath. And also ask her that even if I decide to return, what guarantee is there that I will even survive without Qadian?”

My mother never repeated her request. She too had great love for Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and also for her dervish husband. Both my parents had inculcated this love in our hearts through their practical example, and by the grace of Allah, it remains as pure today as it ever was, if not evergrowing by the day.

When I returned to Rabwah after my services in Africa, I was assigned the duty of writing the biography of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh had written the first two volumes before he became Khalifa and had assigned me to write the remaining three volumes.

By the grace of Allah, I was able to put together the three volumes. The work is in no way complete or even satisfactory. How could it be? It is simply impossible to do justice to the great man who was born according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophet and that of his servant, the Promised Messiah. However, I feel humbled that I got the chance to write about his blessed and very eventful life. May Allah accept this humble effort of mine as my tribute to the man I loved and still love from the core of my heart. The man, most admirable: The Musleh-e-Maudra

partition biographer

Power of preaching: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s correspondence with world leaders

Awwab Saad Hayat

Al Hakam

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashiruddin

Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II’sra, passion for preaching was not limited to a specific country, nation, or social class. Huzoorra shared his knowledge and illuminated the hearts of kings, governors, statesmen, and monarchs with his guidance. He also sent letters inviting them to embrace Islam.

In the first year of his Khilafat, during a speech before a sitting of the Majlis-eMushawarat, he expressed his passion for preaching in the following words:

“As far as I have pondered, I do not know the reason for the great passion, instilled within me, for preaching the message of Islam that I have had since childhood. This feeling for tabligh [preaching] is indescribable. From a young age, I have sought prayers and eagerly desired for any work related to Islam to be accomplished through my efforts. I cannot recall when this tendency first appeared, but I have always felt this zeal in my heart.

“It is my hope that [my preaching efforts are so vast], that there will never be an era where my students, who will serve Islam, are not present. I still struggle to understand why I have been instilled with such passion and love for the service of Islam, but I know that this love has been with me from the beginning. I have prayed to God Almighty that I may play a role in the preaching of Islam, and I am grateful to God that He has answered my prayers with great tidings.” (Mansab-e-Khilafat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 2, pp. 35-36)

In the prophecy regarding the Promised Son, it was stated that the son would bear a resemblance to the Promised Messiahas. This comparison serves to highlight the significance of the Promised Son and his connection to his father, the Promised Messiahas, and emphasises that the Promised Son will embody the traits and qualities of the Promised Messiahas

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra fulfilled the responsibility of introducing Islam to the Crown Prince of Great Britain, in accordance with the preaching tradition of the Promised Messiahas. He also gave A Gift for the Queen and Star of the Empress to them.

He also trained and equipped dedicated preachers to carry the message of Islam to every corner of the world, across shores and continents. Under the guidance of Huzoor’sra spiritual vision, these pioneer missionaries

fearlessly preached Islam to all classes of people, including government officials and chiefs, as they shored the world. The full details of their efforts under the guidance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would warrant a separate book.

When one reads the works and writings of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and the knowledge found in them, one is struck by his devotion to religion and humanity. He would spend his nights in service and remain dedicated from the dawn’s first light to the stillness of the night.

Given his immense passion for serving Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra dedicated the evenings and dawns of his youth to the propagation of Islam, sacrificing as much as he could for this cause. For instance, when Rev. Dr White Brecht gave a lecture against Islam at a missionary conference in Cairo, Egypt, the young Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra wrote a powerful article to dispel the misunderstandings that had been spread. This article was published in the April 1908 issue of the magazine Tashheez-ul-Azhan

At the age of 20, in the city of Lahore, a friend took the then-young Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad to meet a priest named Mr Wood, who was the principal of a missionary college. Despite his age, the young Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra not only answered the principal’s questions with clarity, but also guided him by presenting his well-reasoned position based on the teachings of Islam. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 81)

A review of the titles of the great articles, which were written and published by the young Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad in the magazine Tashheezul-Azhan throughout the year 1909 is sufficient to showcase his exceptional knowledge, preaching abilities, and research inclinations.

A Gift to Kings

Tohfat-ul-Muluk is a letter from Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra to Mir Osman Ali Khan Sahib, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the largest princely state in British India.

According to Tarikh Ahmadiyyat, Huzoorra was inspired to write this treatise in a dream. He authored Tohfat-ul-Muluk in June 1914. This was the first article or book written by him after he was blessed with the mantle of Khilafat. When the draft of this book was complete, Huzoorra read it aloud to the people of Qadian during a meeting after the Asr prayer. (Tarikh Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 155)

Hazrat Munshi Abdul Haqra was tasked with binding the book. This book was printed in a most elegant design and sent to the Nizam of Hyderabad. Many copies were also distributed among various individuals and sections of the society in that region.

For this effort, Hazrat Hakeem Muhammad Hussain Qureshira, and later Hazrat Maulana Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shahra and Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra were dispatched to Hyderabad to preach there for three months.

Tohfat-ul-Muluk was not only sent to the Nizam of Hyderabad, but also to other government officials. The book’s impact was significant and influential, leading many people, such as Seth Abdullah Allah Din, to embrace Islam Ahmadiyyat. Seth Abdullah was a wealthy and influential member of the Ismaili sect, who devoted much of his wealth to spreading the message of the Promised Messiahas. Through his efforts, he reached out to the English scholarly class and successfully converted many individuals to Islam Ahmadiyyat. The book’s spiritual power and blessings were evident in its ability to attract new followers to the movement.

Hazrat Dr Karam Ilahira once stated that an atheist, after reading Tohfat-ul-Muluk, commented that the author displays such a powerful and compelling writing style that no person could resist its impact.

Letter to the Governor of Bhopal

On 16 September 1914, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra wrote a letter to Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum Sahiba, Grand Commander of the Star of India and Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire of Walia Bhopal, through Hazrat Mian Miraj Din Umarra. In the letter, Huzoorra specifically mentioned the fulfilment of the sign of the Promised Messiahas in Bhopal with regards to Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan and offered to send scholars from the Jamaat to Bhopal for a few days, if desired, to educate the residents of Bhopal about the history and teachings of the Jamaat.

The text of this letter was first published in the May 1941 issue of The Review of Religions (Urdu). This was made possible through the efforts of Fazl Hussain Muhajir Sahib.

A letter to a ruling state

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote a letter to a ruling state, inviting them to embrace Islam. The ruler of the state asked a critical question regarding the claim of Hazrat Ahmad, the Promised Messiah. In response to this, Huzoorra not only wrote a comprehensive letter, but also sent the books Tohfat-ulMuluk and Haqiqat-un-Nubuwwah. This letter can be found in the May 1915 issue of The Review of Religions, in Urdu. It is believed that the letter was likely sent to the State of Rampur.

A response to a state leader

After hearing about the remarkable and significant preaching efforts of Hazrat

Musleh-e-Maudra, a state leader expressed his desire, through his confidant, for Huzoorra to visit him. He stated that he wanted to learn more about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Huzoorra replied by saying that it was the thirsty who journeyed to the well, not the reverse. Huzoorra offered to send scholars from the Jamaat to the state leader, provided that he would take full responsibility for their protection and wellbeing. (Al Fazl, 20 July, 1915)

Letter of invitation to Amir Amaullah Khan

One of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra most significant books and letters of invitation to Islam is Dawat-ul-Amir, which was sent to Afghanistan.

In 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra published a comprehensive book entitled Dawat-ul-Amir, addressed to Amir Amanullah Khan, the King of Afghanistan.

Through the study of history, we find evidence that before sending the book, Huzoorra had sent Abdul Ahad Khan Afghan Sahib with a letter to Afghanistan. Hazrat Maulana Ubaidullahra translated the book into Persian. Initially, it was planned for the book to be sent through the post to the Amir of Kabul. However, Hazrat Syed Waliullah Shahra and Naik Mohammad Khan Ghaznavi travelled to Bombay, where Mahmud Tarazi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, was given the book Dawat-ul-Amir and requested to deliver it to the Amir of Kabul.

In this exceptional book, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra thoroughly explained the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya community regarding the mission of the Promised Messiahas and outlined twelve significant fulfillments of his prophecies. The book concluded with these words:

“Accept the ma’mur [appointee] of Allah, for this will bring you peace and serenity. Embrace the message of peace that you may take part in peace. My responsibility today has been fulfilled by delivering the message of Allah to you. The choice to accept or reject it now lies solely with you.”

Alas, Amir Amanullah Khan not only rejected this heavenly and noble gift and refused God’s protection, but with extreme arrogance and pride, he inflicted many atrocities upon the helpless and oppressed Ahmadis. However, in 1929, his throne was overthrown, forcing Amir Amanullah Khan

to flee Kandahar and then to Bombay, before seeking asylum in Italy. He lived a secluded and anonymous life for many years before passing away on 3 April 1960.

Although Amir Amanullah disregarded the significance of the book Dawat-ul-Amir in his pursuit and greed for power, it has served as a source of guidance for numerous individuals on their spiritual journey. One notable example is Khan Faqir Muhammad Sahib, who became an Ahmadi as a result of reading this remarkable book.

A gift to Lord Irwin

Lord Irwin was appointed Viceroy of India in 1926 and served in this position until 1931. He was known for his good nature, compassion, and religious values, setting a high moral standard throughout his fiveyear rule.

When Lord Irwin was about to leave India, many people presented him with material gifts; however, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, being a champion of Islam, wrote a book titled Gift to Lord Darwin within a span of five days from 27 to 31 March 1931. This was then presented to Lord Irwin as a gift.

A Present to His Royal Highness –The Prince of Wales

In 1921, when the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII and abdicated in 1936 due to his disagreement with the Church of England, and was thereafter known as the Duke of Windsor) visited India, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihra presented him with a unique gift. Huzoorra wrote a magnificent book called A Present to His Royal Highness – The Prince of Wales. Over 3200 individuals contributed one anna each towards the publication of this book. On 27 February 1922, the members of the Jamaat presented the book to the Prince in Lahore. The book was translated into English by Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarulla Khanra. Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira himself travelled to Bombay to oversee its publication.

The Prince of Wales held this gift in high regard and expressed his gratitude through his Chief Secretary. He also thoroughly read it during his journey from Lahore to Jammu on 1 March 1922. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 293)

Letters to the Pope

During his historic trip to Europe in 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra made two attempts to enlighten the Roman Catholic Pope about the true teachings of Islam. The Pope’s refusal to accept the invitation was seen as a historical act of irresponsibility, not only by the foreigners, but also by the people of Islam. Huzoorra, on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, sent a call for peace and security to the People of the Book, however, the Pope declined.

The Holy Quran invites the People of the Book saying:

“Say, ‘O People of the Book! come to a word equal between us and you — that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him, and that some of us take not others for Lords beside Allah.’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to [God].’”

(Surah Aal-e-`Imran, Ch. 3: V.65)

The Pope failed to respond to Huzoor’sra message of cooperation for the elimination of polytheism from the world. At the time, the Pope was Ambrogio Damiano Achille Cardinal Ratti. He was elected as the Bishop of Rome on 6 February 1922, at the age of 64, and passed away on 10 February 1939.

In this context, during his Friday Sermon on 23 August 1957, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra said:

“When I visited Europe in 1924, I stayed in Rome as well. There, I wrote to the Pope, saying, ‘You are the leader of the Christians, and I am the leader of Islam. I invite you for a meeting so that we can have a one-toone talk about Islam and Christianity.’ In response, the Pope’s secretary wrote to me that ‘the Pope was not feeling well and thus he cannot meet.’ During the same days, the editor of an Italian newspaper, who was a socialist, came to meet me. That newspaper published 12 papers daily. […] He said to me, ‘You have come here for the first time, so it is a good opportunity, you should try to meet the Pope, which will give us a chance to listen to the views of the leaders of both Muslims and Christians’. I responded that I had myself invited him for a meeting, but his secretary replied that the Pope was not feeling well. He said, ‘you should write to him again, just for my sake.’ I said, ‘It means that you wish to dishonour me, because he would not come to meet.’ He said, ‘From this, your respect in our eyes increases, instead of decreasing.’ […] I wrote another letter on his insistence, and in response, his chief secretary wrote that ‘the Pope’s palace is nowadays under repair, so I am afraid he cannot have a meeting.’ After some days, the same editor came to meet me and inquired if there was any response from the pope, I replied, ‘Yes, he has given this response, you may read it.’ Upon reading that letter, he became furious, and said that he would write about this issue in his

newspaper. […] Thereafter, in the next day’s issue, he wrote a lengthy article and stated that ‘Currently, there has come a very big leader of the Muslims who wrote a letter to the Pope and invited him for a meeting so that a mutual discussion about Islam and Christianity may take place. We think that it was a very good opportunity and in the event of a meeting, we might know to what extent our leader [Pope] and the Muslims’ leader are acquainted with their religion. But the Pope’s chief secretary responded that the Pope’s palace is nowadays under repair, so he cannot meet.’ After that, he wrote as a taunt, ‘We believe that from now on the Pope’s palace will remain under repair till the Day of Judgment.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 38, pp. 186-187)

In accordance with the tradition of pious individuals, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra propagated the true teachings of Islam to some of the kings of his era. The outcomes of this invitation are a valuable part of history. However, a review of history and the rulers Huzoorra addressed shows that male rulers were not always blessed with the wisdom granted to Queen Sheba.

In an edition of Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Yusuf Peshawari’sra, book Shuhada-ul-Haq, the publisher, Hakim Muhammad Abdul Latif Shahid, has expressed his opinion in a footnote on page one:

“Today, we witness the great miracle of the Divine Power, and [Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra] faith-inspiring miraculousness that whenever any of those kings did not pay heed to his invitation, and showed carelessness, Allah the Almighty snatched from them all of their ruling powers.”

In further elaboration, Hakim Muhammad Abdul Latif Shahid continues by providing a few instances to support his argument. Firstly, he mentions the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was overthrown in the Deccan region. He also references Amir Amanullah, who was exiled to Italy. He cites Lord Irwin, a former Viceroy of India, who was later stripped of all authority.

As we come to the end of this article on Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra fervent dedication and passion for the cause of spreading Islam, let us take a moment to reflect on our responsibilities as Muslims who have pledged allegiance to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and accepted the Messiah of the age. In a powerful Friday sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“May Allah the Almighty send thousands of blessings upon Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and may He continue to elevate his station. Just like this son of the Promised Messiahas, may we also instil the passion within our hearts for the spread of Islam and may we be ever ready to serve Islam. May we be counted amongst those who truly serve their faith and not among those regarding whom Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated that ‘Let it not be the case that the community is defamed in your time.’ (Kalam-e-Mahmud, p.97)” (Al Hakam, 20 March 2020, issue 105 , p. 27)

Remember, if we truly desire to be recipients of Allah’s love, we must adhere to following in the footsteps of His beloved one. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once said:

“I search for a heart throbbing with passion; like an active volcano ready to erupt.” (Al Fazl, 27 April 1946, Vol. 34, no. 99)

Charlie Hebdo sparks global outrage after mocking Turkey-Syria earthquake victims

Jazib Mehmood

Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana

When I first heard that there had been an earthquake in Turkey and Syria three or four days ago, the death toll was less than a thousand. Many more aftershocks were experienced, some nearly as bad as the first earthquakes.

Today, on 9 February 2023, I opened the BBC website to check the latest figures, and saw that the figure had risen to 17,000. Some time later, I decided to check the website again. I was shocked to find out that in less than two hours, the death toll had reached more than 19,300. (www.bbc. co.uk/news/live/world-europe-64565412)

What’s worse is that this number is expected to increase. Who knows what the death toll will be when you read this? [The death toll from the Turkey-Syria earthquakes has nearly doubled since this piece was first published online. –The Editor] Many more survivors are stuck without food, water, and electricity, not to speak of the economic loss both countries will incur.

This is undeniably an enormous tragedy that has affected millions of people. And it is hard to imagine what people must be going through at this time. Heart-wrenching social media posts of people stuck in

<< Continued from page 11

ent their medical report on his health. On their return, Huzoor ra sent some money, medicine, and other necessities and instructed them to visit him daily and take care of all his medical and other needs.

Mirza Rafiq Ahmad narrates that as long as Huzoor ra was in Murree he asked about Maulvi Zafar Ali’s health and sent money and medicine on a regular basis. ( Sawaneh Fazl-e-Umar,  Vol. 5, pp. 120-121) This incident was also quoted in non-Ahmadi newspapers. Nawaiwaqt reported in their newspaper dated 30 October 1975, “A year ago, when Agha Sahib [Agha Shorish Kashmiri] was severely ill, he was offered allopathic medicine by the leader of the Ahmadiyya community [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh]. A similar proposition was also made to Maulana Zafar Ali Khan when he was ill and residing in Murree by the then leader of the Ahmadiyya sect.” (Mahnamah Ansarullah,  February 2008, p. 31)

There is also the famous incident of Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata Jalandhri visiting the leader of Ahrar, Ataullah Shah Bukhari. Ataullah Shah Bukhari was a famous leader of the Ahrar Movement and was famous for his speeches in which he used extremely inflammatory and derogatory language towards Hazrat Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and his family. It is narrated that when he was extremely sick and even his close

the rubble are spreading all across platforms. Other posts show immense joy of people along with cheers of ‘Allahu ‘Akbar’ as a child is miraculously taken out of a building that fell.

It has been heart-warming to see countries around the world send immediate aid to the affected areas, but very recently, the ever-so-controversial Charlie Hebdo magazine decided that all the people involved in this international tragedy hadn’t experienced enough pain.

They put out their “drawing of the day”, which featured the ruins of the earthquake with the caption “[No] need to send tanks”. There has been near universal condemnation of the drawing, and many people have expressed their disgust at the gross misuse of free speech.

Of course, Charlie Hebdo has a history of mocking the pain and suffering of others, with little regard for the consequences. The magazine published a cartoon in September 2016 mocking the victims of the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Italy at the time. Then, when people criticised it, the magazine shared another cartoon demonising their critics.

While the actions of the magazine are indefensible, it is a classic example of what happens when the lines of free speech are blurred. For years, this magazine has been

friends left him to die, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra sent Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata Jalandhri to meet him and help him in any way possible. When he got there and was asked to introduce himself, he introduced himself as Allah Ditta (which was his name by birth). After the meeting, when someone asked him why he did not use his common name, he replied that my name, Abul Ata, means the father of Ata and since his name was Ataullah, I did not want him to think that I was taunting him in any way. This incident shows the kindness Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra showed to his enemies; he visited them in a time of need when even their closest friends had left to die. Secondly, it shows the training of his preachers, who were so careful not to offend one of the fiercest enemies of the community.

Another incident that sheds light on the meekness of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra is also related to Maulana Zafar Ali Khan. Once, in a debate, the famous Ahmadi debater, Abdur Rehman Khadim, debated so furiously with Maulana Zafar Ali Khan that he left the stage, saying that he would not speak in a gathering where he was continuously interrupted. Abdur Rehman Khadim followed Maulana Zafar Ali Khan along with some Ahmadi students and kept forcing him to answer his questions while he walked home. Once at home, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan locked his door in anger. Abdur Rahman Khadim Sahib sent a letter to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra informing him

mocking the holiest personages of various religions including the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa but it seems the magazine lacks what little humanity it takes to not go out of one’s way to hurt others.

What’s worse is that the magazine hides behind freedom of speech and conscience to defend its actions. Previously, when the magazine published disrespectful cartoons featuring the Holy Prophetsa – knowing full well how it would hurt the sentiments of over a billion people – they defended themselves by saying that free speech and freedom of the press allowed them to do such things.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has always been at the forefront of denouncing such insensitive and unjustifiable use of absolute free speech. Keeping in line with the true teachings of Islam, instead of asking his followers or the Muslim community at large to rage against the magazine and take to the streets, he urged them to pray for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and to respond by educating the public about the reality of unshackled free speech. Speaking about Charlie Hebdo’s justifications of absolute free speech, exactly 17 years ago, he stated:

“You apparently champion democracy and freedom of expression, but are playing

of his great victory and started waiting for his response anxiously, looking forward to all the praise he was about to get from his spiritual leader. But when the letter came back, it was full of anger and Huzoorra told him that he was angry with him and would not forgive him until he went and sought forgiveness from Maulana Zafar Ali Khan. Abdur Rahman Khadim Sahib narrates that seeing the letter made his world turn upside down and he had no idea what to do as his spiritual master was angry with him. He went to Maulana Zafar Ali Khan right away, but as soon as he opened the door and saw Khadim Sahib’s face, he was about to close the door in anger. Abdur Rahman Khadim Sahib came in the middle of the door and said, “Maulana, I am not here to bother you; I just need to ask you for your forgiveness for the incident that happened the other day.” Maulana Zafar Ali Khan was very perplexed, but when he read the letter from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, his eyes filled up with tears and he said that he used to think that this sort of morality was limited to the companions of the Holy Prophetsa after the Holy Prophetsa himself, but, he says, he was wrong. (Sawaneh Fazl-e-Umar, Vol. 5, 137)

There are countless other examples portraying the forbearance and meekness of the heart of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra but these examples are quoted here because most of them have to do with his kindness towards those who weren’t so kind to reciprocate the feelings. Thousands of incidents show his kindness towards his

with the sentiments of others; this is neither democracy nor freedom of expression. Everything has a limit and some code of conduct.

“Just as there are codes of conduct in all professions, there is also a code of conduct in journalism. Just as no matter what kind of government there is, it has its rules and regulations. Freedom of expression certainly does not mean that sentiments are trifled with, or caused to be hurt.

“If this is the freedom that the West is proud of, then this freedom does not lead to advancement, rather it leads to decline.”

(The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the Caricatures, pp. 32–33)

True to the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Charlie Hebdo has suffered further moral degradation. Looking at the track record of the magazine so far, one can only wonder what direction this magazine will take in the future, and how it will further decline and show us its moral ugliness.

On this topic, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa has always urged Muslims to pray and raise their voices in a peaceful manner instead of reacting violently, and stressed the significant impact the media can have on shaping public opinion and the crucial role it can play in either escalating or defusing a situation.

relatives, family members, and those who believed in him and those who worked with him. But the above-mentioned incidents are enough to prove the point, as nothing proves the meekness of heart more than the kind treatment of one’s enemies.

It seems appropriate to end with a passage from a sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. This sermon was delivered on 9 November 1934 in which he announced the grand scheme of Tehrik-e-Jadid along with its various requirements. One of the requirements of Tehrik-e-Jadid was that each and every Ahmadi should get rid of any rancour or malice that he might have against his Ahmadi brother. While announcing this scheme, and asking every Ahmadi to clear their hearts of any ill feelings, he said:

“When I thought of this directive for the community, I first said to God, ‘O my God, my heart is pure and I do not have any animosity, rancour, malice or hatred against anyone except those who you have commanded to dislike. But if there is some rancour or hatred against a person in my heart without me knowing it, then, O my Lord, I clear my heart of all such emotions and beseech thee for your help and forgiveness.’ My heart bears witness that I have never harboured malice against anyone. I do not have any rancour in my heart even against my worst enemies. […] You should keep peace and love with everyone and live amongst each other like brothers.” (Khutbat-e- Mahmud, Vol. 15, p. 372)

Prophets of Allah

Hazrat Ishmael: An exemplar and faithful son of Abraham

Jalees Ahmad

Al Hakam

Ishmaelas, commonly known as لیعامسإ [Isma‘il] among Muslims and in the Holy Quran, was a prophet of Allah and the eldest son of Prophet Abrahamas [Ibrahim]. The name Isma‘il literally means ‘God has heard’. (Encyclopedia of Religion, Vol. 7, Macmillan Reference USA, pp. 4551–52)

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was a descendant of Ishmaelas; this fact, among others, also establishes the grandness bestowed upon Ishmaelas, and his father, Abrahamas, by extension. His mother’s name was Hagarra [Hajira].

Ishmael’sas father, Abrahamas, and God’s covenant

Abrahamas is commonly referred to as AbulAnbiya’ (father of the prophets). A common and obvious reason for this is that he was the father of Ishmaelas and Isaacas [Ishaq], who were both prophets. Another reason for this title is that, through these sons, God raised a long line of prophets. Allah the Almighty was so pleased with Abrahamas and his loyalty that He chose him and his progeny to be the recipients of His blessings and rewards. Allah established a covenant with Abrahamas, which has been recorded in the Bible as follows:

“And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” (Gen. 17:19-20).

Alluding to this covenant, the  FiveVolume Commentary states:

“The covenant began with Isaacas and in fulfilment of it, God raised a long line of Prophets among his descendants, and also gave them worldly dominion, power and wealth. The covenant found its highest fulfilment in Moses. When, however, the long line of Prophets who came after Moses as his successors terminated with Jesus, the second part of the covenant which was to be fulfilled through Ishmaelas came into operation and prophethood passed from the House of Israel to that of Ishmaelas and this was quite in harmony with the covenant which God had established with Abrahamas regarding the conferring of His favour upon him and his progeny.” (Five-Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, pp. 1973-1974)

Ishmaelas: The result of Abraham’sas prayer

The Holy Quran, being al-Furqan (the discrimination), serves as a source of illumination for various matters that have been previously misinterpreted or misunderstood. It offers the truth about various prophets, shedding light on their pure nature, which may have been portrayed contrary to that in other religious texts such as the Bible. The Holy Quran delves into the truth and provides clarity on these subjects. Ishmaelas was the result of a prayer from his father, Abrahamas. In Surah alSaffat, Allah Almighty records a prayer of Abrahamas:

“[And he prayed,] ‘My Lord, grant me a righteous son.’ So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing son.” (Surah al-Saffat, Ch. 37: V. 101-102)

This verse tells us that Ishmaelas was both forbearing and intelligent. Ishmaelas was a prophet who strictly kept his promise and enjoined prayer and almsgiving on his people. (Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.55-56)

Ishmaelas and Hagarra in the valley of Bakkah

When Ishmael was still young, Sarahra –who later bore Isaacas – asked Abrahamas to

settle Ishmaelas, and his other wife, Hagarra, elsewhere. Both Sarahra and Hagarra were the wives of Prophet Abrahamas

During a time of severe famine in Canaan, Abrahamas left for Egypt, where he married Hagarra, who went on to become the mother of Ishmaelas.

Hagara met Abrahamas when he was in Egypt. Being impressed by his noble character, a chief of Egypt presented Abrahamas with Hagarra, who was a noble girl, for marriage.

Alluding to the incident of Ishmaelas and Hagarra in the valley of Bakkah, the Promised Messiahas states:

“Sarahra wanted Ishmaelas to die somehow, for she was the one who told Abrahamas to leave them in such a land. Although Abrahamas took offence at this, God instructed him to do as Sarahra had said, but not because He preferred Sarahra In fact, Sarahra had previously expelled Hagarra as well and at that time, an angel of God spoke to Hagarra. Allah the Exalted speaks to those of His servants as well who are not Prophets. As such, God Almighty spoke to Hagarra twice.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 264-265)

Hearing Sarahra’s words caused Abrahamas a lot of grief; however, God commanded Abrahamas to do as Sarahra had asked. The Bible states that God desired to make a nation from Ishmaelas. Alluding

to Prophet Abraham’sas son, Ishmaelas, it is recorded in the Bible, “I will make a nation of him.” (Genesis 21:13)

According to Allah’s commandment, Abrahamas took his son, Ishmaelas, and Hagarra, and settled them in the valley of Bakkah, which later came to be known as Makkah (Mecca).

As there was no water there, Abrahamas placed a leather bag containing some dates and some water near Ishmaelas and Hagar. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadithi l-’anbiya’, Hadith 3364) It is also recorded in Sahih alBukhari that as Hazrat Abrahamas left, Hazrat Hagarra said:

“‘O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no one whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything?’ She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him, ‘Has Allah ordered you to do so?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘Then He will not neglect us.’” (Ibid.)

Alluding to this incident, the Holy Quran records a prayer of Abrahamas on this occasion. Abrahamas faced the Ka‘bah and prayed:

I have settled some of my children in an uncultivable valley near Thy Sacred House, – our Lord, – that they may observe Prayer. So make men’s hearts incline towards them and provide them with fruits, that they may be thankful.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.38)

The hadith further narrates that when the water Abrahamas provided had been used up, Hagarra and her child became thirsty in the intense heat of Bakkah. Hagar, not being able to bear seeing her child like this, started searching for water in agony. During her search for water, she mounted the mountain of as-Safa to see if she could sight anyone; however, she could not see anyone. She then dismounted and ran towards al-Marwah. She reached al-Marwah and stood on the mountain to see if she could see anyone. She repeated this seven times.

Alluding to this incident, the Holy Prophetsa said, “This is the source of the tradition of the walking of people between them,” i.e. mounts as-Safa and al-Marwah, during Hajj [the greater pilgrimage].

When she returned to her son, Ishmaelas, history recalls that she found an angel beating the ground with his heel. As she moved forward, she saw water gushing out in abundance. She, immediately, quenched the thirst of her child and placed stones

“And We did raise among every people a Messenger”

around it, constructing a basin for keeping the water. The Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said: “May God have mercy on Hagarra, for had she not controlled this water, it would have become a flowing stream.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-musaqat, Hadith 2368)

In light of this incident, which billions of Muslims remember and keep in mind throughout their lives, especially during Hajj, the Five-Volume Commentary states:

“The object of Pilgrimage is to accustom men to leave their home and country and suffer separation from relatives and friends for the sake of God. The Pilgrimage to Mecca is also a symbol of the respect shown to places where the will of God was specially manifested and a reminder of the incidents connected with that manifestation. It reminds believers of the long and hazardous journey of Abrahamas and Ishmaelas to the desert valley of Mecca and of Ishmael’sas being left in that desert by Abrahamas; it tells them in speechless eloquence how those who make sacrifices in the way of God are protected and honoured by him; and it fosters their faith in the power and might of God. Again, the pilgrim, on finding himself near the place which has, from the beginning of the world, been dedicated to the worship of God, is sure to experience a peculiar spiritual association with those who have, through centuries, been bound together by the love and remembrance of God.” (Five-Volume Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 535)

Ishmaelas’s obedience to his father

One of the main things Ishmaelas, the son of Abrahamas, is remembered for is his obedience and unwavering devotion to his father.

After settling Ishmaelas and Hagar in Bakkah, now Mecca, Abrahamas would, from time to time, journey back and forth to meet them. When Ishmaelas grew up to an age where he was able to work with his father, Abrahamas saw in a dream that he

was slaughtering his son. The Holy Quran narrates this instance in Surah as-Saffat:

“And when he was old enough to work with him, he said, ‘O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering thee. So consider, what thou thinkest [of it]!’ He replied, ‘O my father, do as thou art commanded; thou wilt find me, if Allah please, steadfast [in my faith].” (Surah asSaffat, Ch.37: V.103)

As Abrahamas laid his son down, ready to commence fulfilling the dream, an angel of Allah called to him and said, “Thou hast indeed fulfilled the dream.” (Surah as-Saffat, Ch.37: V.106) Then, Abrahamas was commanded to release Ishmaelas and sacrifice a ram in his place.

Referring to this episode,  the FiveVolume Commentary of the Holy Quran states:

“Abraham’sas preparedness to sacrifice Ishmaelas was perpetuated in the Islamic institution of ‘Sacrifice’ which forms an integral part of the ceremonies of Hajj. As long as Islam lasts – and it shall last till the end of time – Pilgrimage to Mecca will continue to be performed and on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah goats and rams will continue to be slaughtered in hundreds of thousands in Mecca and all over the Muslim world in commemoration of Ishmael’sas sacrifice. It is this institution of ‘Sacrifice’ that seems to have been referred to in this verse in the words ‘And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice’.” (Five-Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, pp. 2699-2700)

Various historians claim that the child whom Abrahamas was told to slaughter was Isaacas and not Ishmaelas. A detailed discussion of this will be given in the article on Isaacas

Raising the foundations of the house of Allah

Undoubtedly, Abrahamas and Ishmaelas building the Holy Ka‘bah in the holy city of Mecca is an important event in Islamic history.

“When Abrahamas visited Makkah for the second and third time, Hagaras had passed away. Coincidentally, Ishmaelas was also absent, due to which a reunion of father and son could not take place. Upon this, Abrahamas honoured Makkah with his presence a fourth time, and this time, together, both of them began the construction of a house of worship in Makkah. This house of worship was in fact quite old and its markings had been destroyed. Abrahamas proposed to build the house anew, after receiving Divine knowledge.” (Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra, Seal of the Prophets, Vol. 1, p. 100)

Many are of the opinion that Abrahamas and Ishmaelas were the first to build the Holy Ka‘bah. However, this seems to be yet another misunderstanding. As alluded to in the article about Prophet Adamas, some traditions point towards Hazrat Adamas having originally built the Holy Ka‘bah. And from then on, it served as the centre of worship for his progeny. The Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa are very clear on this matter. Allah states in the Holy Quran:

“And [remember the time] when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House, [praying,] ‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us; for Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.128)

This verse highlights that Abrahamas and Ishmaelas raised the foundations of the Holy Ka‘bah and did not build it anew. The words

indicate that the foundations of the house existed prior to this incident.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, addressing this very matter, stated:

“Here, Allah the Almighty did not say

existed, but its buildings had been destroyed. Hazrat Abrahamas under Allah the Almighty’s commandment, raised its foundations.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 177-178)

It is narrated in  Sahih al-Bukhari that when Abrahamas settled Ishmaelas and Hagarra in the valley of Bakkah, he said a prayer. Before praying, he raised his hands and “faced the Ka‘bah”. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadith al-anbiya’, Hadith 3364)

Sons of Ishmaelas

After the settlement of Ishmaelas and Hagarra, a tribe named Jurhum was the first tribe to settle in Mecca. The daughter of al-Mudad b. Amr, who was the chief of the clan, was married to Ishmaelas (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra, ibid., p. 103). Prophet Ishmaelas is recorded, in the Bible, as having had twelve sons who multiplied exceedingly. The Bible lists the names of Ishamel’sas sons: Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

“The people of Arabia are primarily the children of Kedar, son of Ishmaelas, and the Quraysh are also his descendants. As long as Ishmaelas was alive it was he who supervised the Ka‘bah, but after his death, the eldest of his sons, named Nebaioth became its custodian. After his death, the custodianship of the Ka‘bah was entrusted to his maternal grandfather, al-Mudad b. ‘Amr, and for an extended period of time it remained with the tribe of Jurhum.” (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra, ibid.)

, but said

. If there was a mention of laying the foundation, then the [root] word عضو would have been used. This shows that the House of Allah already

HRCP mission finds upsurge in rights violations against religious minorities in Gujranwala, Pakistan

Hina Jilani Chairperson, HRCP

Lahore, 15 February 2023. A factfinding mission led by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has underscored an alarming uptick in the persecution of members of the Ahmadiyya community in Gujranwala and surrounding areas—specifically, the desecration of their graves, the destruction of minarets at Ahmadi sites of worship and first information reports (FIRs) filed against community members for carrying out ritual animal sacrifice on Eid.

The mission’s report, released earlier today, finds evidence to suggest that the civil administration in Gujranwala and Wazirabad were directly involved in destroying the minarets on Ahmadi sites of worship in December 2022 and January 2023, following objections raised by members of a local politicalreligious outfit. While the administration claims to have done so to circumvent the threat of mob violence, the way it has handled the matter has only fostered growing hostility towards the Ahmadiyya

community and increased the vulnerability of Ahmadi residents in the area.

Of particular concern is the district administration’s perception that some legal and constitutional provisions provide room for persecution of this kind, although the report notes that, under Article 20(b) of the Constitution, this is not the case.

‘While the mission understands that the local bureaucracy, police and judiciary were successfully intimidated by a religious group, their response displays a pitiful inability to manage law and order while

The Quraysh are the descendants of Ishmaelas. “According to the Bible, the Ishmaelites lived in Paran, and Paran, according to Arab geographers, is the territory extending from Mecca to the northern border of Arabia. Paran, therefore, is part of Arabia, as certainly as the Quraysh, are the descendants of Ishmaelas. The divine glory that was to rise from Paran was, therefore, to rise from Arabia.” (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 69)

respecting the fundamental rights of the Ahmadiyya community,’ the report adds.

The mission recommends that the judgments of Supreme Court Justices Tasadduq Hussain Jilani and Syed Mansoor Ali Shah from 2014 and 2021 be implemented in letter and spirit, including the establishment of a special police force to guard religious minorities’ places of worship. Additionally, the police’s capacity to deal with the threat of mob violence in such situations must be augmented through proper infrastructure and training.

100 Years Ago...

Expressions of appreciation for The Moslem Sunrise

The Moslem Sunrise, January 1923

Alhamdolillah

The Moslem Sunrise is scattering seeds upon the desert sands

And with each seed is mingled a drop of rain,

Thy mind is but a desert without the sacred truth,

Receive, O blind one, the seed and rain the Moslem Sunrise gives to you,

After two years of ceaseless labor

Sowing seeds in hard-baked soil, Here and there a flower is blooming

To gladden the Mufti’s heart.

I thank Allah for His gift to the Ahmadia Community and I trust this home, with its majestic dome pointing heavenward, which has been established by the Mufti’s ceaseless efforts, may be the means of bringing souls together for true and earnest work.

May our Mufti be spared to us for many years.

By Rahatullah (Mrs Mustapha Taha).

Expressions of appreciation

Haji Muhkumdin, Calcutta:

“We all pray for your strength of body, mind and soul, and solicit for your prayers, which we are sure are always accepted.”

Mrs Golda Ortgier, St. Louis, Missouri:

“I received my Moslem Sunrise and it surely is a comfort and pleasure.”

Mrs Edyth D Wade, Kern, California:

“I must say I enjoyed reading the Moslem Sunrise so much.”

BW Lye, Colombo:

“I have seen the first three numbers of your grand [Moslem] Sunrise, and have put up a notice at the Anjuman calling for subscribers. We pray for the continued success of your missionary efforts in America.”

Shaikh Abdullah Din Muhammad (Mr JL Mott), New Orleans:

“I pray five times a day after the Moslem rule and according to the Islamic mode of worship and you may be sure that you, my dear brother, are remembered every time. I thank you for your prayers and hope you will continue to pray for me and that my affairs will soon be readjusted.”

Haji Ghazi-ud-Din Muhammed Yoosuf, Junagarh:

“God has made you Asadullah alGhalib [Dominant Lion of Allah] for the Promised Messiah[as]. The Sun has come out of the West. That which was foretold by the Master-Prophet[sa] fourteen hundred years ago is being fulfilled today.”

Shaikh Ghulam Ahmed, Rori:

“In answer to my prayers, I have got this message several times that Sadiq will return to Qadian safe and in good health and will meet me there.

In my mind, there was no thought Of ever leaving you, But distant paths Allah has brought

For us to travel through.

And if we find our sorrow great, Too great for us to bear, We must remember ’tis His will –And each must bravely share.”

Nasrullah Ahmadi, Mardan: “You are the Spiritual Columbus for America.”

N Koya Kutti, Cannanore:

“I always pray to God to crown your efforts with tenfold success and to grant you a long lease of life, health and vigor to carry on the work in the West.”

Mrs VE Hoffman, RN, Pennsylvania:

“I have read and reread the Moslem Sunrise, like it very much and believe its continued messages will eventually pierce the heart of every American home.”

Syed Hussein Khan, Teheran, Persia:

“Many of the articles of the Moslem Sunrise have been translated and published in Persian papers. Thanks be to God that an influential Movement with such a valuable paper is now illuminating not only the continent of America, but we are proud to say that it has enlightened all the countries of the whole world, I pray to God that He may help you and bestow His blessings through your Movement not only to the people of the United States but to all the nations of the world.”

Brother Omar (Mr William M Patton), St. Louis, Missouri:

“Have been seeking more the fullness of Divine Wisdom, still greater of Divine

Power, a clearer Soul sensitiveness of the Divine Will, and brighter and active Spiritual Visions; that the issues at hand may be met and the problems solved; as Providence may direct, on behalf of humanity; to the exclusive glory of Allah; and in due honor to His Holy Prophet Muhammad ‘sal-lal-laho-a-lai-he-wa-sal-lam.’ The brief narrative by Mrs Mustapha Thaha (Rahatullah) [in] October, [Muslim] Sunrise, which I may again mention: characteristic languages fail me for words with which to express the appreciation of my very soul for the reading. May the blessings of Allah ever be upon her, and hers to share in conveying said intelligence to the countless number of [women].

“All Praises, honor and glory be to Allah for having in His providential provision stirred up (awakened to a sense of duty) Islam and moved the Caliph of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, causing them to see, not only its expediency, but the alarming and divine need of them, sending Heralders of the doctrine of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to the Western people.”

Muhammad Ali Khan, Shahjahanpur:

“Ahmad[as] was the True Promised Messiah and you are his true companion, who has established the standard of Islam on American soil, you have secured eternal life and even the coming generations will pray to God to shower His blessings on your soul.”

M Mubarak Ali, London:

The Moslem House in Chicago and the Moslem Sunrise are monuments of your splendid work in America. I believe it was at your inspiration that the house in London was bought. Surely these are signs of acceptance of your work by God.”

GM Ebrahim, Secunderabad:

“I received the Moslem Sunrise, Number 5. Words fail to express the joy I felt in reading it and my admiration for its most revered editor; without exaggeration, I can class it as a marvel; in its small size, there are no less than twenty-two brilliant articles on the most important topics. It is true to its name; every page seems to have been sprayed with millions of sunbeams. The cry of ‘God bless our dear Mufti Sahib’ comes out of our hearts when we come to think about what has been achieved by you.

“I pray that God may give your dear self a long lease of life, strength to work for Islam, and may all your wishes be fulfilled.”

Mrs Elma Blanche, Kern, North Dakota: “Whatever you are doing, I trust you will have great success. I am trying, in my little way, to give my own countrymen a truer idea of the Moslem people. We are all so prejudiced in America and therefore, I hope you may be able to talk to a number of Americans wherever you go.”

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Moslem Sunrise, January 1923)

Friday Sermon

Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, UK, 20 January 2023

The Martyrs in Burkina Faso: Stars of Ahmadiyyat

After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa recited verses 155-157 of Surah al-Baqarah and stated:

“And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah that they are dead; nay, they are living, only you perceive not. And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’”

Allah the Almighty has stated regarding those who sacrifice their lives in His way that they are not dead, but are living. For

over a hundred years, the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat have been sacrificing their lives in the way of Allah the Almighty. Have these sacrifices been in vain? No! In fact, aside from elevating the status of the martyrs of Ahmadiyyat in accordance with His promise, Allah the Almighty has bestowed the Jamaat with even greater progress than before.

Whereas on the one hand, these martyrs have acquired a distinct status in the hereafter, which has been specifically

reserved for them, and this status will continue to be elevated, at the same time, they have left behind a shining legacy in this world as well. Moreover, the sacrifices of their lives in the way of Allah the Almighty is a means of bestowing them with an eternal life and also for the Jamaat. It is these very individuals who are serving as a means of granting life and progress to those who they leave behind. How then can they be considered among the dead?

Sacrificing one’s life for the Ahmadiyya

Jamaat, the precedent for which was set by the sacrifice of Hazrat Sahibzada Syed Abdul Latif Shaheedra, has generally been confined to the Ahmadis in Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent. Then in Congo, Africa, a devoted Ahmadi sacrificed his life in 2005, purely for the sake of the Jamaat. Recently, in Burkina Faso, which is a country on the continent of Africa, members of its Jamaat collectively set a remarkable and truly unique example of utmost love, loyalty, sincerity, faith and conviction. These

individuals were given the option to deny the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas and to accept the belief that Jesusas is alive in the heavens and will descend from there, as a result of which, their lives would be spared. However, these individuals, who were filled with faith and conviction, whose faith was even stronger than the mountains, replied, “Everyone is going to eventually pass away, if not today then tomorrow. Thus, we cannot compromise our faith in exchange for saving our lives. We cannot abandon the truth which we have witnessed for ourselves.” And thus, each one of them, one after the other, gave up their lives. Their women and children were also witnessing these scenes, but they remained in control of their emotions. Thus, these are the people who have written a new chapter of sacrifices in the history of Ahmadiyyat, i.e. after the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas wherein Hazrat Sahibzada Sahibra offered a sacrifice. They sacrificed their lives in this world, and in turn, attained eternal life. They indeed fulfilled the oath that they had taken to sacrifice their lives, wealth and time and they indeed fulfilled it in such a manner that, despite having joined later, they surpassed those who had joined before them. May Allah the Almighty enable each one of them to become the recipient of those glad tidings, which He has given to those who offer sacrifices in His way.

Now, I will briefly speak about these martyrs; who demonstrated that they were always resolute and firm in their faith. According to the reports, there is a relatively new settlement, Mehdi Abad in the city of Dori, Burkina Faso. On the 11th of January at the time of the Isha prayer, nine Ahmadi elders were martyred, one by one, because they refused to renounce Islam Ahmadiyyat. This occurred in the courtyard of the mosque, in front of all those who had gathered for prayer.

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

According to the report, eight armed men arrived at the mosque on four motorcycles at the time for Isha prayer. Prior to coming to the Ahmadiyya mosque, these armed men were in the nearby Wahabi mosque, where they stayed from the Maghrib prayer to the Isha prayer. However, no one was harmed in the Wahabi mosque because they only came to attack Ahmadis.

When these terrorists arrived at the Ahmadiyya mosque, the Adhan [call for prayer] was being proclaimed. By this time, some worshippers had already arrived, and some were still arriving. After the Adhan had finished, the terrorists told the muezzin to announce that everyone should come inside the mosque quickly, because some people had come and they wished to speak to them.

Then, when all the worshippers had gathered, the terrorists asked who the imam was. Alhaj Ibrahim Bidiga Sahib told them that he was the imam of the mosque. When they asked who the deputy imam was, Umar AG Adramane Sahib said that he was the deputy imam.

When it was time for prayers, Imam Ibrahim Sahib asked the terrorists to let them offer prayers, but the terrorists did not allow them to pray. The armed men asked the Imam many questions about the beliefs

of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which the Imam answered with complete steadfastness and bravery.

Imam Sahib said that we are Muslims, and we believe in the Holy Prophetsa. The terrorists asked what sect they belonged to, to which Imam Sahib replied that they belonged to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Then Imam Sahib was asked regarding our beliefs, and he explained to them. The terrorists asked that, according to your beliefs, is Prophet Jesusas alive, or has he passed away?

Imam Sahib said that Prophet Jesusas had passed away. Regardless, these terrorists said that in fact, Jesusas was alive in the heavens, and that he will come back to kill Dajjal [antichrist] and solve the problems of the Muslims. (These people are still clinging on to this hope).

They then asked, ‘Who is the Imam Mahdi?’ Imam Sahib replied that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadianias has come as the Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiahas. In the end, these armed men said that after listening to these words, [they considered] Ahmadis as not Muslims, rather they were most certainly disbelievers.

After this, the armed men took Imam Sahib to the adjoining Ahmadiyya Sewing Centre. Pictures of the Promised Messiahas and the Caliphs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community were displayed on the walls. With these pictures, they took Imam Sahib back to the mosque, and then asked Imam Ibrahim Sahib about these pictures.

Imam Sahib told them the names of the Promised Messiahas and the Caliphs, and introduced each picture one by one, and said that the Promised Messiahas has come as the Imam Mahdi and Messiah. Upon this, the terrorists said that the Promised Messiah’sas claim to prophethood was false, (God forbid).

Then, these terrorists made separate groups of those that were present in the mosque and divided them into children, young men, and elders. Including the young, the old, and the women, there were approximately 60 to 70 people present at the time. On the other side of the curtain, 10 to 12 women were present for prayer.

After dividing them into groups based on age, the terrorists told the Ansar [men over 40] to go to the courtyard of the mosque. At the time, 10 elders were present in the mosque, among whom there was an elder who was physically impaired. When he got up to go along with his Ansar brothers, the terrorists told him that he was of no use and forced him to sit back down.

They took the other nine members into the courtyard. They made them stand in the courtyard and said to Imam Ibrahim Bidiga Sahib that if he rejected Ahmadiyyat, his life would be spared. Imam Sahib replied, “If you wish to, you can cut off my head, but I cannot leave Ahmadiyyat. It is not possible for me to turn back from the truth that I have accepted. What is the value of life in comparison to faith?”

The terrorists placed a large knife on the neck of Imam Sahib, and tried to pin him down to kill him, but Imam Sahib resisted and said, “Instead of giving my life laying down, I would prefer to be killed whilst standing.” Upon hearing this, they shot Imam Sahib and martyred him. The first martyrdom was that of Imam Alhaj Ibrahim Bidiga Sahib.After mercilessly martyring

Imam Sahib, the terrorists thought that the remaining men would become afraid and turn away from their faith. Thus, they said to the next Ahmadi elder, “Leave Ahmadiyyat, or you too will meet the same end as your Imam.”

With great courage and bravery, this elder said, “It is not possible for me to abandon Ahmadiyyat. The path upon which our Imam has given his life, we will also tread that same path.”

Upon hearing this, they shot him in the head and martyred him.

Those who were left behind were asked one by one to deny the Imam Mahdi and leave Ahmadiyyat; if they did so, nothing would be said to them, and they would be allowed to live.

Whilst displaying resolve greater than mountains, all the members embraced and accepted martyrdom with the utmost bravery and valour. Not a single one of them showed even the slightest weakness, nor did they forsake Ahmadiyyat. One after the other, they fell to the ground as they were martyred, yet no one’s faith was shaken. Each of them displayed resolute conviction and fearlessness, and whilst raising aloft the banner of their faith, they gave their lives in the way of Allah. Three or so bullets were fired at each of the martyrs. Among the nine martyrs, there were also twin brothers. When eight individuals had been martyred, there only remained Umar AG Adramane Sahib who was 44 years of age. In terms of age, he was the youngest of the martyrs. The terrorists said to him that he was young and could save himself by abandoning Ahmadiyyat. But he replied with great courage, “I am also prepared to follow my imam and elders and lay down my life for the sake of my faith, which is the path of truth.” Upon this, they mercilessly martyred him as well.

Whilst mentioning Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Sahib Shaheedra, the Promised Messiahas mentioned a vision in his book Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain (The Narrative of Two Martyrdoms) and said, “God Almighty will produce many in his stead.” (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 76)

The Promised Messiahas deduced from this vision that he hoped that after the martyrdom of Sahibzada Sahibra, Allah the Almighty would produce many more in his place. We are witnesses to the fact that today, people living in Africa as a whole have demonstrated this example and have truly done justice by following in these footsteps.

From the time the terrorists entered the mosque, to the detailed discussion about the teachings [of the Jamaat], and this entire ordeal up until they left the mosque lasted approximately one and a half hours. One cannot even begin to imagine the distress and pain that the children and the rest of the people were experiencing at this time, as their elders were being martyred before their very eyes. After leaving the mosque, the terrorists did not flee immediately, rather, they remained in Mehdi Abad for quite a while and the armed men threatened the people in the mosque by saying, “It would be better for you if you all abandoned Ahmadiyyat. We will return once again and if you have not left Ahmadiyyat or if anyone has tried to reopen the mosque, then you will all be killed.”

In relation to when the Mehdi Abad

Jamaat was established and information regarding it, it is mentioned that the mission was officially established here towards the latter part of 1998. The Jamaat grew rapidly and in 1999, the overwhelming majority of the Tickneville village accepted Ahmadiyyat, and thereby a sincere Jamaat was established. Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, the Imam of this village, Alhaj Ibrahim Bidiga, was the most prominent Wahhabi Imam of the area. He pledged his allegiance [bai‘at] after thorough research. After pledging allegiance, he became a passionate preacher, a fearless missionary and a courageous soldier [of the Jamaat]. Furthermore, it has been mentioned that when he pledged his allegiance, his friends and fellow scholars questioned as to why he had accepted Ahmadiyyat. He answered, “I have found gold, it is the command of Allah Almighty, the [prophecies] of the Holy Prophetsa are all being fulfilled, and the Holy Quran testifies to this, so how can I reject it and remain deprived?”

In any case, Imam Sahib was a very knowledgeable person. All the people of this village belong to the Tamasheq tribe and they all speak the Tamasheq language. The total population of the Tamasheq people is said to be close to 200,000.

The Tamasheq people are situated all over Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Algeria. 99.9 percent of them are Muslim. Most of them hold extreme Wahabi beliefs. Although there are not many Tamasheq people who converted to Ahmadiyyat, the Tamasheq residents of Mehdi Abad were the first among them to pledge allegiance to the Promised Messiahas. Furthermore, after making such an extraordinary sacrifice, they have attained their own special rank. In 2004, when a large deposit of gold was discovered in that region, the mining company built a residential area close to that village and told everyone to relocate there. The majority of the people who moved were Ahmadis and there were very few nonAhmadi households. Thus, the new village that was formed, comprised mainly of Ahmadis. Imam Ibrahim proposed that the [new] village should not be given the same old name, and so he wrote to me asking for a name for the village. Thus, it was named Mehdi Abad. In 2008, a model village was constructed there by the IAAAE; amenities such as water and electricity were provided. This was the first model village project in Burkina Faso and the entire world [by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat]. Through this project, the village was provided with amenities such as electricity, water, a sewing school and so forth.

Regarding their burial, it is written in the report that the terrorists spent an hour and a half in the mosque and created such a terrifying atmosphere that the bodies of the martyrs were unmoved throughout the night. The danger remained as the terrorists had not left the village, if anyone tried to remove the bodies, they too could have been killed. There was a military base in the nearby vicinity that was informed of the incident, however, no one came from there, nor did any personnel from any security agency arrive at the scene. The martyrs were buried on 12 January at 10am in Mehdi Abad.

Now, I will briefly mention details about each of the martyrs. Alhaj Ibrahim Bidigia – the imam who I have already spoken

about – was 68 years old at the time of his martyrdom. Due to his pursuit of education, he also lived in Saudi Arabia for a while. He was a great scholar of the Tamasheq language and an exegete of the Holy Quran in his language. He pledged allegiance in 1999.

Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, Imam Ibrahim Bidiga was the chief imam of many villages. Numerous scholars in this zone considered themselves fortunate to be able to sit in his company and learn from him. At least once a year, the scholars and preachers of that region would come to stay with him and derive benefit from his company. Their numbers would even reach 500, and they would stay with him for a week. It is said that the annual meeting of scholars and imams would take place in his presence.

According to his students, even in those days, Imam [Ibrahim] Sahib would say, “The truth has not yet come to light, for only a few people accept the truth. Even though hundreds of imams come to be in my presence and apparently consider one another to be Muslims, when the truth comes to light, those who accept it will be few in number. These people will then abandon me as well.” He was pious, righteous and wise, and in light of the conditions, he deduced that the truth was yet to become manifest. He arrived at the conclusion that these people would become the opponents and behave just as the enemies of prophets have always behaved. Nonetheless, he had decided in his heart that he would accept the truth once it came to light.

In 1998, when a permanent Ahmadiyya mission was established in Dori, the message of Ahmadiyyat also reached Imam Ibrahim. It was during a tabligh campaign in a market that Alhaj Bidiga heard the name “Ahmadiyya” for the first time. He learned that Ahmadis believe that Jesusas had passed away and are conveying news of the advent of the Messiah and Mahdi. Thus, Ibrahim Bidiga and seven others travelled to the mission house in Dori in search of the truth. After a great deal of research, he accepted Ahmadiyyat. He had the honour of being the first Ahmadi in his zone. Our enemies object that we entice the poor and needy to pledge allegiance because they have no knowledge of religion. These martyrs have

completely silenced such people. They accepted the truth after comprehending and understanding it, and after that, they became models by making a sacrifice of the highest order.

Nonetheless, regarding Imam Ibrahim, it is further recorded – though it has already been mentioned – that he was a fearless soldier of the Community. He was a courageous preacher and the true embodiment of a devout Ahmadi. Ahmadiyyat spread throughout his region due to his preaching efforts. He established many local jamaats in the area. He actively participated in the activities of the Community. Before accepting Ahmadiyyat, he believed all other sects [of Muslims] apart from the Wahabis to be disbelievers. According to the Wahabi belief, watching TV, going to school, playing or watching football, drawing pictures – all such things were unlawful. However, after accepting Ahmadiyyat, he abstained from all such erroneous beliefs and educated others about the truth.

He also had the opportunity of attending the Jalsa here in the UK during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in the year 2000. He was completely devoted to preaching. As mentioned earlier, even before accepting Ahmadiyyat, he was a man of stature and influence and was the chief imam of many villages. After accepting Ahmadiyyat, he devoted himself to preaching; it was as though he desired nothing else than to propagate the message. He had created WhatsApp groups for preaching and dedicated a group, especially for the Tamasheq people. That group consisted of people from Mali, Niger, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and various other countries. He was continuously engaged in preaching to these people. He would record and send audio messages and was occupied in this day and night. He faced a great deal of opposition and many opponents would send him messages slandering and verbally abusing him. He also received death threats, however, he never spoke to anyone in an angry tone. In fact, he would respond to those who sent him death threats by saying that he would pay for their journey so they could come and kill him.

When the circumstances [in Burkina Faso] became unfavourable, he would encourage the missionaries and mu‘allimin [local missionaries] to continue preaching and not to cite the excuse that due to the dangerous circumstances they were not able to travel for the purpose of tabligh. He would say that one could preach through the media. He offered to pay for mobile phone data packages for those who could not afford it and encouraged everyone to create social media groups and engage in the Jihad of preaching from their homes. He had a desire and passion for preaching.

Nasir Siddhu Sahib, who is a missionary serving in Burkina Faso, says, “I arrived in Burkina Faso in 1997 and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh had entrusted me with the task of da‘wat ila-Allah [propagation]. I did not know the language and so a duration of three months passed in just making a plan for this. Thereafter, I travelled and visited various villages and I also met the imam of the village. When they heard about the death of Jesusas and the advent of the Messiah and Mahdi, Ibrahim Bidiga Sahib came to the mission house in Dori along with seven other men and asked various questions. He remained with me for three days and for those three days, he neither slept himself nor allowed me to sleep. Thereafter, they all left. We would have a discussion every day from morning until evening [whilst they were there]. The following week they came again and brought another Imam with them and continued their research for three months continuously. Though he had received the answers to most of his questions, however, he had not yet expressed his intention to enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Nonetheless, I continued to write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh for prayers. One day, Imam Sahib came and filled out the Bai’at form. I asked about the other men as well, who would visit [the mission house] regularly and I enquired as to when they would do the bai‘at and he replied that they would all do the Bai’at as well, but he came because he wanted to be the first among them to enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat. He had great love for Khilafat as well.”

The Amir Jamaat of Burkina Faso writes that around 45 villages were under Imam Sahib. He also travelled to perform the

Hajj and then remained there to acquire further education. He spoke Arabic very well and he did a lot of tabligh in the area. He would go to the villages on a bicycle and by the grace of Allah the Almighty, he enlightened many people with the spiritual light of Ahmadiyyat. Through him, many prominent scholars of the area entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Many of the jamaats in that area were established owing to his tabligh efforts. Whenever Amir Sahib would visit London, Imam Sahib would ask how the Khalifah was. He would show great love [for Khilafat]. An example of this love is evident from the fact that, despite not knowing the Urdu language, he would watch my classes with the children with great attention as if he could understand what was being said. He would say that simply sitting in that gathering and observing it was a means of increasing his faith. He was very hospitable and generally spoke very little. But, if ever he had to speak up for the sake of the Jamaat, then he would do so in a very passionate manner. He was a complete missionary and he held many debates and also question and answer sessions, both individually and collectively, with the non-Ahmadis.

Another missionary from [Burkina Faso], Muhib Allah Sahib, says:

“I knew these individuals personally as I would often visit that area. They had great love for Khilafat and were extremely hospitable and loyal. When the young men would be out working all day, these elders would sit in the shade that was built outside the mosque and watch MTA. When they were martyred, I immediately received a phone call from a young man through which he informed me that these respected members had been martyred and that they were told that their lives would be spared if they renounced Ahmadiyyat, however, they preferred martyrdom instead. This young man then said to me that even if they martyred all of us, even then we would not give up Ahmadiyyat. He said that these were only nine Ansar members, however, if they had martyred all of the Khuddam and Lajna as well, even then they would not abandon Ahmadiyyat, insha-Allah.”

This was the spirit that these sincere members of the Jamaat had instilled within them. When the elders have been trained in this manner and lead by example, only then can this level of faith be instilled amongst the youth and women of the Jamaat.

The local missionary, Maiga Tijan Sahib, says, “Imam Ibrahim Sahib was receiving death threats. A few days prior to his martyrdom, he mentioned to me that he was receiving death threats and that they would kill him.”

With regard to his excellent morals, he states, “He treated his family members and relatives with great kindness. It was his habit to treat everyone with compassion. To sacrifice for the sake of others and to demonstrate a spirit of sacrifice was an outstanding quality of his. He was a very honourable individual of the area and people respected him greatly. Whenever Ibrahim Sahib would make a decision, people would have great regard for it and accept it. He had many students and some of them are serving as imams and mu‘allims in the neighbouring countries and many of them are also serving as mu‘allims and local missionaries in Burkina Faso as well.

He was an example for others in piety

and righteousness and to excel one another in good deeds. Whenever he would tell the members to take part in any project, he would first take part in it himself. If there was an appeal for financial sacrifices, he would be the first to contribute towards it. He would never remain behind in any Jamaat activity or Jalsa, Ijtema or any other event. He would offer his five daily prayers at the mosque and was regular in offering his Tahajjud prayer. If ever he was not present in a Jamaat programme, then it meant that either he was unwell or he was travelling. He would never worry about spending his money for the sake of taking part in the Jamaat activities. He had two wives and Allah the Almighty had granted him 11 children from them.”

Khalid Mahmood Sahib, who is a missionary, writes that these individuals were filled with sincerity and loyalty. They were devoted to Khilafat and Ahmadiyyat. He writes that in 2008, when I [i.e. His Holiness] visited Ghana in the Khilafat Jubilee year and attended the Jalsa there, thousands of Ahmadis from Burkina Faso, Mali, etc., also came to meet me. At the time, the Ghana Jamaat had made very good arrangements for food and accommodation. However, some members, including those who had come from Dori, were delayed in getting food, or perhaps they did not receive any food at all and late into the night some food was purchased from the market and given to them. At the time, I told the missionary who met me to apologise to those members on my behalf and also console them. The missionary says that he went to them to apologise and when he conveyed my message, Alhaj Ibrahim Sahib, who was the president of the Jamaat at the time and along with the other members ,said, “We came to meet the Khalifah of the time and now that we have seen him and met him, our hunger and tiredness have disappeared and we have no complaints. In fact, we are sitting here and only discussing our meeting [with the Khalifah] and enjoying this moment.” In any case, I was also concerned at the time that they had travelled such a long distance, many of them on bicycles and adequate arrangements were not made for them. And though immediate action was taken to make the necessary arrangements, they displayed an astonishing level of sincerity and loyalty. Even at the time when I received this response of theirs, I was amazed at how strong these people were in their faith.

A mu‘allim, Al-Hajj Mahmood Deko Sahib says:

“Sharif Odeh Sahib came to visit Benin and Imam Sahib travelled a thousand kilometres from Burkina Faso by bus in the night and reached there at 3 am in the morning. It was a 30-hour-long tiring journey (and the roads are also not in good condition there) and yet he was extremely joyful and happy. They had to then further travel from there as well which he also did along with them and participated in all the programmes. He had a great passion for Jamaat work. He would become extremely happy upon observing the mosques in Benin and would say, ‘this is also proof of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.’ Also, during the debates with the nonAhmadis, he would deliver his speeches very eloquently in Arabic. On one occasion, there was a debate taking place between the Maulvis and Sharif Odeh Sahib and the

Maulvis uttered something improper, so he stood up in anger and wanted to respond to them, but when he was told not to say anything, he immediately sat down. The non-Ahmadis then said that if they [i.e. the Ahmadis] considered them to be Muslims, then they should offer Salat behind them. In response, he stood up and said, ‘How can we offer Salat behind those who call us Kafir and do not accept the Imam of this age? If you accept that the Promised Messiahas is the Imam of the age then we shall offer Salat behind you.’”

A retired local mu‘allim from Benin writes that he was a living example of love for Khilafat. He would often say, “The moment I received the message of Ahmadiyyat from a Pakistani missionary, I became an Ahmadi from that very moment. I have learnt that one’s success in this world can only be achieved by attaching oneself to Khilafat and this alone is the true path and I shall remain firmly established upon it until my last breath.” The mu‘allim Sahib says that indeed he truly fulfilled his oath.

Another local mu’allim of Benin, Isa Sahib, says that he has known him for a very long time. He was an Ahmadi who had no grievances with anyone. He was a true Ahmadi and one who was at the forefront of every deed, be it tabligh, chanda [financial sacrifice]; he was always at the forefront. It is for this reason that the other eight Ansar members also followed his example and sacrificed their lives in the way of God.

The Principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso writes that a person once saw a dream, and whilst commenting on the dream, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh wrote to the Ameer [National President] saying, “The dream is blessed and it means that the soil of this country was fertile and ready to accept the truth. After my tour, God Willing, they will shine brightly after accepting the truth. May God enable this to come to fruition.” (Khat Mukarram Additional Wakil-ul-Tabshir Sahib London, T.3360, 19 June 1990)

I believe that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh could not visit [Burkina Faso]. Nonetheless, I travelled there on a visit in 2004.

The Principal further writes, “You [i.e. His Holiness] also stated that ‘I believe that the seed of Ahmadiyyat that has been sown in Burkina Faso, will swiftly bear lasting fruits. The people of Burkina Faso are truly remarkable, and I am pleased that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon them the [spiritual] light of Ahmadiyyat. The focus and determination that I have seen amongst the members of the Burkina Faso Jamaat is truly astonishing. I hope that the extraordinary results of this tour will come to light in the next two or three years and the Jamaat will progress swiftly, God Willing.’”

(Letter T.9653, 1 May 2004)

I wrote this to him after my tour. From the jamaats in Africa, I have seen that a special trait of the Burkina Faso Jamaat members is that each one of them would desire to embrace me. Furthermore, the love they expressed was exemplary.

Principal Sahib further writes, “Today, through their extraordinary sacrifice, the sincere devotees from Mehdi Abad have attested to your words of being ‘truly remarkable people.’”

The second of the martyrs is Alhassane AG Maliel Sahib. At the time of his

martyrdom, he was 71 years old. He worked as a farmer. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999 and was among the pioneer Ahmadis of the village. He was part of the delegation that went to the Dori Mission along with Ibrahim Sahib, in order to inquire about Ahmadiyyat. From the time he pledged allegiance, he continued to excel in his sincerity and loyalty. He had a sincere bond of loyalty with Khilafat. He was regular in offering prayers in congregation and also offering the Tahajjud prayers. He would always partake in financial contributions and leaves behind a pious model for his family. Overall, the way in which he sacrificed his life, wealth and time for the Jamaat was extraordinary. He could speak approximately four or five local languages of Burkina Faso due to which he knew members of the Jamaat throughout the country. Due to his knowledge of other languages, on the occasion of Jalsa Salana, he would meet those guests who spoke other languages and spend time with them. People were very fond of him and would enjoy spending time in his company. Whenever an initiative of the Jamaat was announced, he would strive to be a part of it. Last year, when the Jamaat members were encouraged to do Waqf-e-Arzi [temporary devotion], Alhassane Sahib was the first to put his name down from the Mehdi Abad Jamaat. In the Medhi Abad tragedy, his twin brother, Ousseni AG Maliel Sahib was also martyred.

[The next mention is] Ousseni AG Maliel Sahib and as stated, he was Alhassane Sahib’s twin brother and he was also 71 years old [at the time of his martyrdom]. He had the opportunity to pledge allegiance in 1999 and was among the pioneer Ahmadis in his village. He was part of the delegation with Alhaj Ibrahim Sahib who went to the Dori mission house to inquire about Ahmadiyyat. Before his martyrdom, he was serving as Zaeem Ansarullah of Mehdi Abad. He had the skill of organising the Ansar brothers in an excellent manner. He would keep the members involved in the activities and programmes of the Jamaat. He organised many programmes for their moral training. He would ensure the cleaning of the mosque and other places through waqar-e-amal. He was regular in paying chanda and would offer the five daily prayers in the mosque. He was regular in offering the Tahajjud prayers. As mentioned earlier, his twin brother was also martyred in the tragedy of Mehdi Abad. They entered this world on the same day and departed from here on the same day also.

[The next martyr is] Hamidou AG Abdouramanae Sahib; he was 67 years old. He also worked as a farmer. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999. He had a very pure heart and forbearing disposition. He was always at the forefront in Jamaat programmes. If he was absent from any programme it would be assumed that there was an urgent matter or that he was unwell, otherwise, he was never absent from any programme. He was one of those who greatly assisted Imam Ibrahim Sahib. He ensured that his family remained attached to the Jamaat and would encourage them to attend Jamaat programmes. He had a bond of loyalty with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. He would spend most of his time in the mosque and watch programmes on MTA. He would especially watch my Friday sermons with full attention.

Souley AG Ibrahim Sahib; at the time of his martyrdom he was 67. He also worked as a farmer. He was regular in his five daily prayers and in giving chanda. He was an active member of Majlis Ansarullah and a very sincere Ahmadi. He was a helper to Ibrahim Sahib and supported him greatly. By the grace of Allah, he was very knowledgeable and it was his habit to engage in discussions on religion and secular topics. Whenever the Ansar members of the Jamaat would be involved in a discussion, he would always be present. He was a very noble and kind individual. Among his qualities was that he would deal kindly with everyone; young and old alike. On the way to Jalsa Salana [annual convention] or an Ijtema [gathering], if he ever found out that another member did not have money to attend or did not have enough for the journey, he would pay for them himself so they could attend.

Travelling outside of Dori these days was very challenging due to insurgency in the area by terrorists. Despite all these dangers, he travelled from Mehdi Abad to Jalsa Salana Burkina Faso, which took place in the last week of December.

The next mention is of Ousmane AG Soudeye Sahib, who was 59 years old. He was a sincere and devoted Ahmadi. He would sacrifice his wealth and time for the sake of the Jamaat and in the end, Allah the Almighty bestowed upon him the opportunity to sacrifice his life as well. During the construction of the mosque in Medhi Abad, he would provide water and assisted greatly throughout the construction process. He was regular in offering the prayers and giving chanda. Whatever he would earn, he would first pay chanda out of it. Can a person with such a mindset have pledged allegiance out of greed for money, as the opponents [of Ahmadiyyat] claim? He was a businessman by profession and had a shoe business. If a person came to him to buy a shoe, but could not afford to buy a pair of shoes or did not have enough money, he would never let them leave empty-handed. If the customer did not have enough money, he would tell them that they could pay him later.

The next mention is of AG Ali AG Maguel, who was born in 1970. He accepted Ahmadiyyat along with his father in 1999. He also worked as a farmer. He was the muazzin [one who proclaims the call to prayer] for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Belare. A short while ago, when he was forced to move out of his village due to the terrorists, he came and settled in Mehdi Abad. He was a very sincere Ahmadi, he was regular in his prayers and giving chanda. He would strive to take part in all the activities of the Jamaat.

The next mention is of Moussa AG Idrahi, who was 53 years old at the time of his martyrdom. He also worked in farming. When it came to Jamaat activities, he would be at the forefront. Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, he was an active member of the Wahabi sect. He regularly offered his prayers as well as the Tahajjud prayers. He would come to the mosque for Maghrib prayer and return home after offering the Isha prayers. He would spend the time between Maghrib and Isha in the mosque by remembering Allah the Almighty. Everyone has said about him that he was a true Ahmadi and a believer, who practically demonstrated what it meant to be a sincere Ahmadi. He would

write letters to me regularly requesting prayers and would say that it was his habit to pray for the Khalifa.

The ninth [martyr] is AG Umar AG Adramane Agouma. He was 44 years of age at the time of his martyrdom. As it was mentioned earlier, he was the youngest [among the martyrs]. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999 at the age of 20, after which his connection and sincerity with the Jamaat continued to grow. He was a sincere and passionate member of the Mehdi Abad community. He greatly assisted Imam Ibrahim and he was also the deputy imam in the Mehdi Abad Jamaat. When the terrorists entered the mosque, after asking about Imam Ibrahim they asked who the deputy imam was, and without any hesitation he said that it was him. He was always among the first people to reach the mosque. He would offer prayers with great fervour. He regularly offered Tahajjud prayers. He would also bring his children with him to the mosque and paid special attention to their moral training. He was also regular in writing letters to me. He was an expert cyclist, and he would go on long journeys throughout the area. He travelled 265 kilometres from Dori to Ouagadougou four times for the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema. In 2008, he was part of the group that travelled by bicycle from Burkina Faso to Ghana to attend the Khilafat Jubilee Jalsa.

The word “Ag” which has been used with every name, according to my understanding based on their reports, is the equivalent of “ibn”, referring to whose sons they were. Therefore, “Ag’, indicates that they are the son of such and such a person. In any case, it is further written about him that when eight people were martyred, Umar AG Adramane Agouma was the only one remaining. He was the youngest in age [among the martyrs]. The terrorists said to him that he was still young, and that he could save his life by denouncing Ahmadiyyat. He bravely replied, saying, that he would follow the same path of the sacrifices made by his elders and that he was prepared to sacrifice his life for the sake of his faith. Upon this, he was brutally shot in the face and martyred.

The conditions in Burkina Faso are generally dire; terrorists are wreaking havoc in various areas. Just a few days ago, the Qaid Sahib of Denea came to the central mission house at the headquarters and said that there was a grocery store in his village, and one day, a terrorist went there (this is in a completely different area). He went to buy something and was looking everywhere. There were pictures of the Promised Messiahas and the Caliphs in the store. He asked Qaid Sahib whose pictures they were. Qaid Sahib replied that these were pictures of the Promised Messiahas and his Caliphs. He replied saying that this was not the Promised Messiah, rather some Muslims had simply come together and formed a group, and this was that very group, who are disbelievers. Before leaving, he threatened the Qaid, saying that he should remove the pictures; otherwise, if the pictures were still there the next time he came, then it would not be good for him. However, the Qaid Sahib left the pictures there as they were. A few days later, that

person returned to purchase some things, and he saw that the pictures were still there, so he left. Qaid Sahib related this incident and even asked for more pictures. Rather than getting scared, he said that he would put these pictures up in other locations as well. This entire area has been controlled by terrorists for a long time, whereas the government has no control there at all. This area borders Mali and on the other side, Dori borders Niger. In this way, the entire belt is under their control.

In any case, these are the shining stars of Ahmadiyyat who have left behind a great legacy. May Allah the Almighty increase their progenies’ sincerity and loyalty. The enemy thinks that their martyrdoms will lead to the end of Ahmadiyyat in the area, but God-willing, Ahmadiyyat will flourish and grow there even more than before. The administration there, including the Amir, should be wise and devise a plan for propagation and they should give reassurance to the people there. May Allah the Almighty continue to grant the families patience and strength. May He enable them to understand the purpose for which their elders sacrificed their lives. In any case, we will have to be wise and devise a plan there. I have already told them before that they should go out [and propagate the message].

In order to fulfil the needs of the families of martyrs and to help them get back on their own two feet, there was a fund established during the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh known as the “Syedna Bilal Fund”, which is spent on the families of martyrs. Recently, after this incident took place, some people at an individual level, and the auxiliary organisations and even jamaats have been sending donations in order to help fulfil the needs of the families. However, when a fund has already been established, everyone should make their donations to the Syedna Bilal Fund and then they can specify that these donations are specifically for the martyrs in the Mehdi Abad Jamaat in Dori. In any case, the headquarters will make the ultimate decision. Whether donations are made or not, the headquarters has to tend to the needs of these people, and it will, Godwilling. However, those who do wish to make donations should do so to the Syedna Bilal Fund. This is not conferring a favour upon the families of the martyrs, in fact, it is our duty to look after their needs and fulfil them. In the end, I will present a quote of the Promised Messiahas; he states, “Do not think that God will let you go to waste. You are a seed sown in the ground by God’s Own hand. God says that this seed will grow and blossom and it will branch out in every direction as it turns into a grand tree, Godwilling. Hence, blessed is he who believes in the words of God and does not fear the trials that appear along the way, because these are necessary so that God may try you through them.” (Risalah al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 309)

These people who made this sacrifice have succeeded in this trial. Now it is a test of faith and certainty for those who have been left behind. May Allah the Almighty grant them the ability, and us as well, to remain complete in our faith and certainty. May Allah the Almighty continue to elevate

the station of these martyrs; may He cause their sacrifice to bear fruit, as a result of which we may see the true teachings of the Holy Prophetsa spread swiftly throughout the world. May the world be rid of its ignorance and may the true Sovereignty of the One God be established in the world.

Along with the funerals of these martyrs, which I will lead now after the prayers, there will also be the funeral prayers [in absentia] of the following two sincere members:

One of them is Dr Karimullah Zirvi Sahib, who was the son of Sufi Khuda Bakhsh Zirvi Sahib. He was from the USA and passed away on 4 January at the age of 83.

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he was a musi. His father, Sufi Khuda Bakhsh Sahib pledged allegiance in Qadian at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in 1928 at the age of 17. Karimullah Zirvi Sahib was also the son-in-law of Hazrat Malik Saifur Rahman Sahib. The deceased was a very scholarly person who authored various books. He was also able to render many services to the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty grant him forgiveness and mercy.

The second funeral is of the wife of Karimullah Zirvi Sahib’s wife, Amatul Latif Zirvi Sahiba. She lived in the USA and was Malik Saifur Rahman Sahib’s daughter. She passed away on 6 January, 2 days after her husband’s passing at the age of 78.

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

She was a musia. As I mentioned, she was the daughter of Malik Saifur Rahman Sahib, and her mother’s name was Amatul Rasheed Shaukat, who used to be the editor of the Misbah magazine in Rabwah. She was born in Qadian. She had a passion for learning. She was well educated, with an MSc degree. She also had the opportunity to render great services for the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty also grant her His forgiveness and mercy. Her brother Malik Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Sahib writes about his sister and brother-in-law:

“They were a very loving couple. They endured many difficulties, but they never complained about anything. I never heard them speak negatively about anyone. Both were deep oceans of knowledge. Until their last days, they treated everyone with love, took care of their needs and showed a great deal of love and compassion. Masha-Allah they lived complete and fulfilling lives. They would have a positive impact on all those who were around them and they were influential elders.”

May Allah the Almighty grant them forgiveness and mercy.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International on 10 February 2023, pp. 5-11. Translation by The Review of Religions.)

Editor-in-chief: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Executive editors: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | Research coordinator: Awwab Saad Hayat | Associate editors: Jalees Ahmad, Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Translations: M Adam Ahmad | Design: Tahmeed Ahmad