Al Hakam - 17 April 2020

How the world is inclining towards the Islamic way of life

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Ramadan in lockdown

Binge-watching

The glass half full

Another curve on the rise

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New Atheism and the art of civilised dialogue

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 17 April 2020 | Issue CIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Notice: The world is closed for repairs

A duck crossing a usually-very-busy, but now deserted, road with its six little ducklings is indeed a very unusual sight.

So are the birdsongs that we all wake up to these days. And if a squirrel wiggles out of the shrubs in your garden and walks up to you to pick a groundnut from the palm of your hand, then it definitely means that something has drastically changed. These

ducklings, squirrels and birds seem to be saying, “Stay at home, so we can come out”.

The global village had crossed all timezone restrictions and was collectively moving at an extremely fast pace; it just didn’t rest.

Human population was moving at a speed thousands of times faster than the speed of the earth rotating. Doctors would advise individuals to rest, economists would advise

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

Learning the Holy Quran Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Such a person who recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person who exerts himself to learn the Quran by heart and recites it with great difficulty will have a double reward.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The lofty morals of the Noble Messengersa

nations not to inflate the balloons of capitalist economies to a point where they might just burst, ecologists advised societies to rid themselves of fuel-based motors, engines and industries; all in vain as no one had the time to even stop and listen or watch the trajectories of such graphs shoot in an almost vertical fashion.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the most perfect model and example, who was a perfect compendium of every moral quality. This is why Allah the Exalted honours him by stating: َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ‫ِيم‬ ٍ ‫إِنﻚ لعل ٰی خل ٍﻖ عظ‬ [Thou dost surely possess high moral excellences.]

At times, the Holy Prophetsa would confound the congregation with his immensely eloquent speech. At other times he would make a valiant display in the field of battle. When it came to generosity, he would give mountains of gold. When it came to demonstrating the greatness of his forbearance, he would forgive criminals worthy of death. In short, God Almighty has showcased the unparalleled and perfect model of His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and it may be likened to a magnificent tree in whose shade a person can sit to fulfil their needs from its every part: its fruit and flowers; its bark and leaves; in summary, every aspect of the tree is beneficial. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is like a magnificent tree that grants shade to tens of millions of creatures, who find comfort and refuge under it – just like under the wings of a hen. In battle, those who were with the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were considered to be the bravest. For the Holy Prophetsa would be in the most dangerous place. Holy is Allah!

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 17 - 23 April In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, this time, with some more details 17 April 1885: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Pandit Lekhram, an Arya Samajist of Peshawar, in a chain of letters shared between the two. Earlier, Lekhram wrote that he would like to come to Qadian to see some heavenly signs and that 2,400 rupees, as offered by the Promised Messiahas for representatives of all confronting faiths willing to accept the offer, should be deposited in the treasury beforehand by the Promised Messiahas, which he would not be able to withdraw ahead of the declared time. In response to his letter, Hazrat Ahmadas asked him to show if he was in any way the representative of the Arya Samaj. In this letter, Hazrat Ahmadas put forward the explained terms as to how Lekhram could represent his community and receive 2,400 rupees.

17 April 1897: The Promised Messiahas dispatched a brief letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra informing him about the sad demise of the young daughter of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra, who was suffering from terminal illness. Hazrat Ahmadas conveyed his deep sorrow and grief for the distressed mother. The death of this one-year-old girl was foretold to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in a dream, so this loss actually increased him in faith. This letter adds to our information that the malady the girl was suffering from hindered Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib’sra visit to Hazrat Nawab Sahibra in Malerkotla from quite some time.

18 April 1887: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, praying and praising him greatly for his fearless monetary contributions towards the cause of literature of the community.

18 April 1889: The Promised Messiahas spent a week in Aligarh. He travelled there on the invitation of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Tafazzul Hussainra tehsildar [tax collector]. This companion had deep respect for Hazrat Ahmadas from the time when he authored Barahin-eAhmadiyya. Hazrat Ahmadas was accompanied by his personal steward Hazrat Hafiz Hamid Alira, along with Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira and Mir Abbas Ali Sahib.

Here, Huzoor’sas obedience for the revelation of God was manifested in a most clear manner, when he simply declined a well-publicised public lecture due to the commandment vouchsafed to him by God Almighty. During the course of this tour, an early glimpse of Mir Abbas Ali Sahib’s dissidence was also witnessed. On this date, Huzooras returned to Qadian.

18 April 1897: The Promised Messiahas issued a meticulous notification titled, Hearken Sardar Rajinder Singh Sahib!

In it, Huzooras aptly refuted his false and provocative publication titled Khabt-e-Qadiani.

18 April 1899: The Promised Messiahas sent a letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra. In the letter, Huzooras shared his longing to see him and expressed his sorrow at the loss of his wife and stated that Nawab Sahibra should arrange accommodation in Qadian so that he could spend some months there. Huzooras imparted in this letter that he had been informed by the God Almighty that if people of the country did not repent before Him, the plague would re-surface in the coming days with unparalleled resurgence and in those disturbing waves, Qadian would have to provide refuge to many, so Ahmadis should build their houses in Qadian.

18 April 1905: The Promised Messiahas issued an extended notification containing an open warning for the people about the coming catastrophes. Naval Kishore Press Lahore printed this announcement.

19 April 1901: Guests from the Forman College and American College, Lahore paid a visit to Qadian. These

Christian priests were given the opportunity to have an audience with the Promised Messiahas. The editor of Al Hakam reproduced this studious discussion as these guests asked a series of questions across an array of issues.

20 April 1883: The Promised Messiahas sent a registered letter to Pandit Dayanand Saraswati, leader and founder of the Arya Samaj. Huzooras alerted him about his misguided views and offered to send his book Barahin-eAhmadiyya free of cost if he preferred. Huzooras voiced that his sympathies and compassion prompted him to write the letter. Huzooras added that if he could not read Urdu text, he could get help from someone suitable to comprehend the book.

20 April 1891: The Promised Messiahas sent another letter to Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala on this date.

Huzooras was in Iqbal Ganj Ludhiana and he was trying to set some general terms and conditions before the proposed religious debate with Maulvi Sahib.

20 April 1893: Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra was born to the Promised Messiahas at 8 o’clock in the morning on this date. His birth fulfilled the Divine revelation, “Qamar-ulAnbiya (The Moon of the Prophets) will arrive and your affair will become manifest. Soon, a son will be born to you and grace will come close to you.” Huzooras said, “Once my son, Bashir Ahmad became ill due to an eye condition. He received treatment for a long time, but to no avail. In view of his restlessness, I prayed to God and received this revelation: ‫برق ﻃفلى �ﺸ�ر‬ meaning, ‘My son Bashir opened his eyes.’ By the grace of God, his eyes were cured the same day.”

21 April 1896: The Promised Messiahas sent a letter to Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira. Earlier, this devout companion conveyed through his postcard that his application for leave had been accepted. Huzooras was pleased to hear that he would come and stay in Qadian for a period of two months. Huzooras repeatedly persuaded him to be prompt and reach Qadian without any further delays because one of the relatives of Abdullah Sanauri Sahibra was under treatment with Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in Qadian.

22 April 1898: The Promised Messiahas published a notification informing his followers about the coming Jalsa regarding plague on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha in Qadian.

Huzooras directed Jamaat members to try their utmost to attend that special gathering, where benefits of the government’s instructions regarding the outbreak of plague would be highlighted. Huzooras stated that in his opinion, the coming summer conditions would not cease the epidemic from spreading.

22 April 1908: The Promised Messiahas received the following Urdu revelations from God Almighty on this date: ‫ا� �ن آ�ن � �� �ا‬ ‫ی��ے � ی‬ (A sign appeared for me in the heavens) � ‫ی‬ ‫�� و �� اک �ن‬ (A sign, good and excellent) � ‫رماد� �رى ی‬ ‫ی‬ �� ‫ی��ى‬ (My wishes have been fulfilled) 23 April 1902: The Promised Messiahas issued a notification about Charagh Din of Jammu, an erstwhile follower of Huzooras. 5,000 copies of that announcement were published for members of the Jamaat. In it, Huzooras announced the expulsion of Charagh Din from his Jamaat after refuting his untruthful and deceitful views.

Continued from page 1 How impressive! In Uhud, he was showered with swords, and such carnage ensued that the companions found it difficult to bear, but this valiant warrior stood firm like a rock and went on fighting. No blame lies on the companions, for Allah the Exalted forgave them. The underlying secret in this incident was to exhibit the bravery of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. On one occasion, he was struck by swords repeatedly, but he would firmly proclaim that he was Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah. It is said that the Holy Prophetsa sustained seventy wounds to his forehead. They were light wounds nonetheless, but this displays his exalted character.

There was a time when the Holy Prophetsa owned even more sheep and goats than the Caesar and Chosroes. The Holy Prophetsa granted them all to a person who asked for them. If he had not come to own anything, how could he have demonstrated his immense generosity. If he had never been a ruler, how would it be established that despite having the power to seek revenge, he had it within him to forgive the disbelievers of Mecca, who were deserving of death – the very same disbelievers who inflicted the harshest of torments upon the companions, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the Muslim women. When they were presented َْ َ ُ َ before him, he announced: ‫لا ت� ِريْ َب َعل ْيك ُم‬ ْ ‫ ال َي ْو َم‬meaning, “On this day I have forgiven you”. If such opportunities had not arisen, how would the lofty morals of the Holy Prophetsa have come to light? This greatness is unique to the Holy Prophetsa. Name a single moral quality that the Holy Prophetsa did not possess – and that too to the utmost level of perfection.

When one studies the life of the Messiah, on whom be peace, it must be said that his morals remained hidden. The evil from among the Jews who were given seats of honour by the government, and the Roman government respected them due to their influence, continued to trouble the Messiah, but during his life, there was no time when he was in power so that one could judge the degree to which he would exhibit forgiveness, despite having the authority to exact revenge. However, in contrast to this, the morals of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were such that they were established to be perfect on the touchstone of observation and experience. His morals are not imaginary notions, rather, we possess evidence of their reality just as the principles of mathematics and numbers are a fact and known to be true. We can establish evidence of his morals just as one is able to prove that two and two equal four. However, the follower of no other Prophet can do so. This is why the Holy Prophetsa is like a tree whose every element, be it the roots, bark, fruit, flowers, or leaves, are all beneficial, and rather, prove to be beneficial to the highest degree; they bestow comfort and grant pleasure. After the Honourable Chief of the Universe, on whom be salutations, discord eventually arose among the Muslims and so as a community, it no longer preserved its good morals collectively. Instead, their collective morals were divided and dispersed across various factions of the community. This is why certain individuals are able to adopt selective morals with greater ease.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp.

130-131)

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

So the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent lockdown measures seem to have come as mother nature’s way of getting mankind to take a little rest. The placards, billboards and television adverts saying “stay at home” can, hence, be best read as “Warning: The world is closed for repairs”.

Knowing that there are other sources and resources that provide a very accurate, statistical picture of pollution levels and emissions during these weeks of lockdowns, we do not go into greater detail. What we know is that mankind is no longer monopolising life on earth; other creation of God are also beginning to get a near-tofair share.

There were other lessons that appeared to have been learnt at the onset of the coronavirus breakout: world leaders working towards a unified strategy to fight the battle with the virus; ceasefire in war-torn regions; international funds to sponsor pharmaceutical rescue; grants from international monetary bodies to help countries sustain through this unprecedented economic crisis.

But modern-man seems to be too

restless to stop at a point for too long; to acknowledge that a lesson has been learnt; to express regrets on what has happened in the past and that it will not happen again.

We’ve given you some good news in the first few paragraphs. The bad news is that some world leaders seem to show no remorse and to have drifted back to the same old destructive practices.

When the only ray of hope in this pandemic is a vaccine – in the making and around 18 months away – some “super” powers thought it was the best time to withdraw their funding from the WHO vaccine project. Why? Because they thought WHO had been “nice” to some other country in dealing with the outbreak.

We are not questioning the validity of this accusation, but we still don’t see a rationale behind this draconian approach to resolve a dispute (if it really was one).

In a time of desperation and frustration, when we had only just started to believe that world powers might now find peaceful and less detrimental ways of conflict resolution, we have a super-power proving us wrong.

When Bill Gates and his foundation step forward to donate millions of dollars to the cause of finding a vaccine for this deadly virus, you get conspiracy theorists

swarming the social media. Reviving the debate of population control, they are seen accusing Bill Gates of promoting an agenda of depopulating the world through vaccines and other pharmaceutical tactics. Ironically so, but these anti-depopulation and antivaccine advocates may well be at the front of the queue when vaccinations are out in the market.

When the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ended up in an ICU with coronavirus symptoms, it was shocking to see some circles wishing for him the worst.

Had things gone the wrong way, what a blow it would have been to the nation’s collective morale. One finds it hard to believe that such circles could have any sympathy for the nation when they have proven through action that they couldn’t care less.

The UK is said to be one of the worst affected countries by the pandemic in Europe, if not the worst. The government ministers have shown reluctance in discussing the exit strategy at this stage where lockdown and distancing measures have only just started to show some green shoots; they do not want to risk the whole nation’s efforts and sacrifices by giving some false sense of hope and losing the good results. The opposition, however, demands

the exit strategy to be not only announced but also to be published so that there is little or no room for the government to manoeuvre out of it.

In such uncertain times – when the best courtesy with the government can be to allow them room to make timely decisions in changing circumstances – the opposition seems to be going a bit too harsh on the pedal; we don’t always have to justify our job descriptions, do we?

So what we have seen is that politics – national or international – is not ready to part from its custom.

There will, God willing, be an exit from this pandemic. There will be strategies of course. But if we recover from this big shakeup from mother nature without having learnt lessons, then the lives lost, the battle fought by health-workers, the jobs lost, the businesses collapsed, education compromised and the sacrifice of freedom during this pandemic may well just go in vain.

The best way forward is to make use of this time, when the “world is shut for repair”, with prayer and bring positive changes in our individual, national and international lives.

How Christians (and Muslims) can celebrate Christ this Easter Frasat Ahmad Missionary, USA

11 April: As Easter Weekend approaches, a quiver of unrest has fallen upon the Christian world. As Covid-19 has forced billions of people across the world to stay home (www.aljazeera. com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-worldstaying-home-200406122943899.html) and millions to forego church services, many Christians are left wondering, “How will I celebrate Easter this year?”

As a Muslim Missionary, I believe in the Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. I may not celebrate Easter, but I understand the distress of a Christian in seeing their church closed this weekend. I know first-hand how cathartic congregational worship can be as I (used to) lead daily prayers at my mosque. I empathise with Christian worshippers who long for the comfort and power that

their church offers.

But this Easter, Christians should take comfort in knowing that the physical confines of the church cannot limit the celebration of Christ. In these trying times, Christians (and Muslims) can still inculcate Christ’s spirit of sacrifice and service to humanity. Love thy neighbour.

It’s the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:39). For the time being, in keeping our churches and mosques closed, we fulfill this commandment by keeping our neighbour safe from contracting disease.

What’s more Christ-like than that?

And in this regard, who was more Christ-like than the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas?

The Second Coming of Christ brought the first’s spirit of sacrifice and service to a pinnacle, as he pens: ‫رما وصقمد و ولطمب و انمت دخِتم قلخ اتس‬ ‫ہ س‬ ‫� ر مم ہ ی‬ ‫� ابرم ی‬ ‫� اکرم ہ ی‬ ‫ہ ی‬ ‫� رامہ‬ “My purpose, yearning and heartfelt desire is to serve humanity; This is my job, this is my faith, this is my habit and this is my way of life.”

The Christ of Bethlehem physically fed thousands of people. He washed their feet. He healed the sick and infirm. He was his brother’s keeper.

The Christ of Qadian fed millions through his

spiritual bounty. He washed their souls.

He spiritually healed those empty souls bereft of the recognition of Allah. He not only became his brother’s keeper, but also instructed an entire Community to do the same.

Even today, his Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, has spent, in total, the better part of three years of his Khilafat touring the world, imparting this same message: “At all times, we should utilise our capabilities and skills to the very maximum in order to remove the hardships of innocent people and to comfort those stricken by grief. We should be there to wipe away the tears of those who have been left bereft, heartbroken and vulnerable. We should be there to give hope to those who were previously hopeless.” (Address to Humanity First International Conference, 3 March 2018) Today, with Covid-19 disrupting our lives, we can all find comfort in knowing that even if we cannot visit our places of worship, we can still worship God by giving hope to the hopeless and removing their hardships. 815 million people across the world suffer from chronic undernourishment (www.worldhunger. org/world-hunger-and-poverty-factsand-statistics). In America alone, 15 million households suffer from food insecurity (www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/ publications/90023/err-256.pdf?v=0).

During these trying times, we can

worship God by checking up on refugees, widows and elders who are most vulnerable.

We need to set up online portals to educate our community on how to manage our finances, how to find employment and what supplies we should (and should not) be stocking during these uncertain times.

But it is not enough to merely make a call for such actions; “Most hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do” (Surah al-Saff, Ch.61: V.4). “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Thankfully, I know that across all 62 of our chapters in America, members of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya USA are implementing the above measures to help the helpless. Thus far, we have delivered supplies to more than 1,300 families across America. We have joined with the American Red Cross to answer the call of our government to combat the severe shortage of blood donations. With governmental permission, our mosques are re-opening – not for congregational prayers, but as blood donation sites.

As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesusas Christ this weekend, anyone can appreciate resurrecting his spirit of sacrifice and service to humanity, especially Ahmadi Muslims.

As the second Messiah pens: “Treat all the creation of God with such deep love as though they are your close family members. Treat mankind in the same way that a mother treats her child.”

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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UK Jamaat holds over 140 free classes online Nadimur Rahman Secretary Talim UK

On 18 March 2020, the UK Government announced that schools would close and this summer’s GCSE and A level examinations would be cancelled as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. This unprecedented measure affected millions of children of all ages who are now learning from home, many without the direct support of their normal teachers.

Under the instructions and guidance of Amir Jamaat UK, the National Talim Department UK has started free online lessons for Ahmadi Muslim students at primary, secondary and post-16 levels. An exhaustive schedule of lessons has been drawn up, covering a variety of national curriculum, GCSE and A level subjects, including English, maths, science, religious studies, history and many more.

These lessons are being taught by professional teachers in the Jamaat. In addition, classes are being taught about different Islamic and contemporary topics ranging from the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to mindfulness, honesty and hygiene. Lessons are taking place on the Microsoft Teams platform.

Within two weeks of launching, 100 teachers and more than 1,000 students have registered and more than 4,000 bookings made for the 140 plus lessons offered.

Children from other countries, such as Mauritius and Pakistan, have also been taking part. The schedule is updated daily with more lessons being added regularly.

The quality of lessons has been praised highly by students and parents. Some of the feedback received was: “I really enjoyed the lesson. The teacher was fantastic and I hope I have lessons like these again. The topic was fractions today and last time was VAT and percentages. I really understand these topics more now.

Jazakallah.”

“Masha-Allah the work put into these classes and the organisation is incredible.

We as parents/students will never know how much effort has been put in from the organisers. Hats off to all the teachers and especially the national talim team facilitating and organising every class!”

“I suggest that next time, parents sit with their children as they could be beneficial for parents as well.

“I liked the fact that you could message the answers on the chat and I managed to learn a lot from the class which was taught well and easy to understand for a range of ages. Would definitely join other classes in the future.”

“I had a great business lesson. Thank you very much.”

The talim department will be uploading video lessons and learning resources on their website and social media accounts in due course.

For further details go to https:// ahmadiyya.uk/talim/online-classes/.

How the world is inclining towards the Islamic way of life

Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam Engulfed in the coronavirus pandemic, the world has been forced into making drastic changes in lifestyle to combat this virus. With such drastic measures being set into place, man has begun looking at the world in a different light.

Difficult times have led many to cling on to God and an idea of a saviour who can come and save the world from this chaos has become even more popular.

With reality hitting hard, the root of such thoughts lies within the fact that though mankind has advanced in technology, we are still dependant on a higher being.

With Wuhan’s lockdown having just ended, the majority of countries are still quarantining. Society is now realising the importance of cleanliness and selfhygiene. We have realised that the real heroes in our society are not the actors who appear on the big screen, footballers or athletes, but they are the doctors, nurses, shop employees and staff, all of whom are now being defined as “key workers”.

It took the world to witness a global pandemic to make this reality certain and ever clearer.

With so much in our lives changing, many people have taken to Twitter and other social media to share and express how this unprecedented period in their lives has been difficult and how so much has changed so fast.

Amidst all this is chaos, as lockdown methods increase, I cannot help but express that the world is, unknowingly, become more inclined towards the Islamic way of life.

For a long time now, the Muslim world has been under the microscope, with many raising their objections against the teachings of Islam.

France, for example, almost 10 years ago, passed a law banning the wearing of burqas, hijabs and niqabs.

It has been recorded that on multiple occasions, Muslim women have been asked why they wear a face covering, and though the answer is and has always been that “it is what my religion teaches” or “it is a personal choice”, in many countries, it has led to political controversies and proposals for a legal ban.

Now, ironically, the world is somewhat forced to wear a face mask as a safeguard.

Although there is little research to suggest that a person who wears a mask will be safe from the virus, it has simply become a personal choice as people have said that it makes them “feel safe”.

Ironically, the government of the same country that put a ban on Muslim woman wearing a scarf has stepped in to regulate face masks and is now taking extra action around its supply.

Even casinos, pubs and bars are closed.

Some countries, such as Greenland, have even completely banned alcohol (www. theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/29/

alcohol-sales-banned-in-greenlandcapital-during-lockdown).

From the most recent survey, conducted between April 2017 and March 2018, around 53% of adults said that they go to pubs, bars and/or clubs in their free time (www.statista.com/statistics/942580/ going-to-pubs-bars-clubs-by-age-uk-

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM england).

The very pubs and bars that were once the centres of the UK’s population are now closed, with the outcome of what can only be thought of as a resemblance to the time when the Muslims, upon hearing that alcohol is now forbidden, broke their alcohol vases, draining the gutters of Medina with alcohol.

Combatting this pandemic and

protecting oneself from contracting this virus, WHO stated guidelines and measures for everyone to follow – to clean hands regularly, wash hands with soap and water, dry them thoroughly and to use alcohol-based handrub if one does not have immediate access to soap and water.

Following these guidelines, society has become ever more concerned about cleanliness and hygiene.

Islam, 1,400 years ago, taught us about the importance of cleanliness and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa even stated that “Cleanliness is half of one’s faith”.

The Holy Quran, on multiple occasions, has told Muslims to take good care of cleanliness.

“Allah loves those who turn to Him and loves those who keep themselves clean.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.223) And again: “O you who believe! When you intend to offer the prayer, wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe your heads and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.7) And, as highlighted by our beloved Khalifa in his Friday Sermon, such measures are already a part of the Islamic life: “… those who perform the ablution at least five times a day, are given a chance for maintaining good hygiene”.

With eggs, milk and bread, among other things, on high demand and becoming a “rare commodity”, society is compelled to lead simple lives and eat less and that which is only necessary. Again, a teaching taught to Muslims is being acted upon today as governments encourages citizens to only shop for “basic necessities” and not to exceed limits. (www.bbc.co.uk/ news/uk-52097797) The Holy Prophetsa, while mentioning the qualities of a believer, stated that a believer is satisfied with little food.

On another occasion, it is reported from Hazrat Anasra that the Holy Prophetsa did not eat his meals in a big tray. (Sahih al-Bukhari) It is also narrated by Hazrat Aishara, the noble wife of the Holy Prophetsa, that “The Messengersa of Allah would never eat to his fill.” (Sahih Muslim) The Quran, again, being the source of guidance in our lives, states:

“O children of Adam! look to your adornment at every time and place of worship, and eat and drink but exceed not the bounds; surely, He does not love those who exceed the bounds.” (Surah Al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.33) Before this pandemic, it was very common for people to shake hands as a way of greeting each other. Now, due to this pandemic, it has become socially acceptable not to shake hands, including with the opposite sex, something which Islam has emphasised from the start, in light of teachings related to morality and safeguard between sexes.

People today are busier in charity work and helping those in need by delivering foods to the vulnerable, who are unable to leave their homes. Others have started checking in, more than ever, on their neighbours to see if they are doing well, both of which are highly encouraged in Islam as God says in the Holy Quran: “And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your Side, and the wayfarer.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.37) On one occasion, it has been reported that the Holy Prophetsa said, “The companion who is the best to Allah is the one who is best to his companion. And the neighbour that is the best to Allah is the one that is best to his neighbour.”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi) A healthy lifestyle along with eating and drinking the “right” things are essential in Islamic traditions. The coronavirus has very emphatically shone a light on our lifestyle, especially with regard to what we eat.

On the Science Daily website, it is stated: “Based on their genomic sequencing analysis, Andersen and his collaborators concluded that the most likely origins for SARS-CoV-2 followed one of two possible scenarios.

“In one scenario, the virus evolved to its current pathogenic state through natural selection in a non-human host and then jumped to humans. This is how previous coronavirus outbreaks have emerged, with humans contracting the virus after direct exposure to civets (SARS) and camels (MERS). The researchers proposed bats as the most likely reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 as it is very similar to a bat coronavirus. There are no documented cases of direct bat-human transmission, however, suggesting that an intermediate

Priorities set wrong What the pandemic has revealed Ata-Ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

While the world is in distress and fear during the tragic Covid-19 pandemic, many countries’ excellent management capabilities have emerged. However, at the same time, the administrative flaws of many countries are also visible now.

The coronavirus has also exposed positive and negative aspects of societies in many countries. For instance, in Pakistan, the lack of religious tolerance is evident once again. For example, Sunni scholars have been found telling their followers not to take any sort of aid from Muslims who are Shiite, while Shiite scholars have also expressed the same views to their followers.

This same game of hate and false propaganda has also been spread against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. So-called scholars in Pakistan have told their adherents not to accept any aid from the prime minister’s relief fund, as Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has also contributed in it. They have even said to reject any products which belong to Ahmadi manufacturers. On the contrary, Ahmadis are helping people in need, out of pure humanity and service, as the Holy Quran teaches.

Then, in India also, religious extremism has emerged, as Hindu extremists and parts of the Indian media is constantly spreading false propaganda that Muslims have deliberately spread the coronavirus in India.

This propaganda is constantly intensifying and there is great danger that it can result into a major catastrophe between Muslims and Hindus.

However, when we look at Jamaat-e-

host was likely involved between bats and humans.” (https://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2020/03/200317175442.htm) With this pandemic, we have become much careful of the foods we consume.

Islam, being the complete way of life, has enjoined upon Muslims to eat that which is good.

“O ye who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is He whom ye worship.

“He has made unlawful to you only that which dies of itself, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which the name of any other than Allah has been invoked. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.173174)

Ahmadiyya, it appears that at every step, under the blessed leadership of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, may Allah be his Helper, Ahmadi Muslims are offering great service to humanity around the world and serving without discrimination of colour, race or religion. This service is being offered not only at an individual level, but also through the organisation of Humanity First International.

The pandemic, in the United Kingdom, has revealed the lack of justice the NHS has received over the years by the government.

Despite the lack of attention given to health workers, members of the NHS have proved to be the most crucial individuals during this pandemic; working tirelessly to save lives, while putting their own in danger.

The unfair and undue distribution of national budgets has come to surface for many other countries; priorities are clearly not right.

While many countries have allocated excessive budgets to the defence sector, there is no special spending on the health sector. Although it is true that the defence sector of a country must be allocated with a certain amount of money, but if the unnecessary portion of its budget was spent on the preparation of ventilators, today the outbreak could have been dealt with more effectively and less deaths would have been witnessed.

All of these things will surely make the world think that it is inevitable to change our priorities. The health and education sectors need the most attention.

Let’s hope that governments across the world overcome their shortcomings and make their policies truly public friendly.

In Sahih al-Bukhari, it has been reported that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa forbade consuming the meat of beasts having fangs.

With such emphasis and such guidance, Islam embodies a complete code of conduct, enabling man to live the best version of life.

We can only hope and pray to God Almighty to help us get through these difficult times and help humanity understand that the code of conduct and guidelines of Islam are not to ground a person, but to help humanity at large and live the best and healthiest lifestyle.

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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AMRA Design Thinking workshops for Covid-19 Dr Mussawar Ahmad Head of Research, AMRA UK

2. Impart knowledge and understanding of the Design Thinking process

The current pandemic that faces the world has presented a myriad of challenges ranging from concerns around physical and mental well-being through to vaccine development and distribution. Many of us feel helpless and powerless. We all want

3. Leverage Design Thinking and the collaborative networks formed to address challenges surrounding the current pandemic These objectives are underpinned by a direction from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, who said:

Jamaat to rally together and start to develop innovative and novel solutions that tackle key problems that are being faced by humanity. Indeed, many of the challenges being faced, e.g. isolation, are only amplified by the current crisis.

Solutions devised today could set to help people for years to come.

So, how has AMRA done this? And what has been achieved to date?

The first session kicked off on 2 April and was focused on a phase referred to as “Empathise”, which is to understand the problems or challenges faced and by whom. To begin with, there was an exercise to pool all attendees together and create common ground. A word cloud was generated from which seven working groups were synthesised: 1. Isolation and mental and physical health 2. Misinformation and public fear 3. Equipment shortages 4. Healthcare systems 5. Education in pandemic 6. Treatments; testing capacity/diagnostic tools

Wordcloud from session 1

to find a way to help and the question remains, how?

To address this question, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) has established a series of workshops that utilise the Design Thinking framework (Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test).

Simply put, Design Thinking is a process for creative problem solving. It has a human-centred core. It encourages problem solvers to focus on the people they’re creating for, which leads to better products, services and internal processes.

Through these workshops, AMRA aims to achieve the following: 1. Foster collaboration within and across multiple Ahmadiyya community organisations in the UK and across the world

“…those who strive to advance human knowledge for the benefit of humanity will reap the rewards of Allah the Almighty for their efforts.” (10th AMRA Conference, 14 December 2019) Design Thinking workshops and design sprints are usually held in person and often require face-to-face interaction in order to successfully deliver a solution.

Given the climate, AMRA has had to devise innovative means to deliver these workshops using solely online tools and methods. Engagement has been fantastic with attendees coming together from across the world, both men and women, young and old.

In fact, the worldwide Ahmadiyya community has a host of skills and expertise from all domains and industries.

This presents an opportunity for the

7. Economic shift - unemployment and job security Each of these groups now have their own Slack channels with groups of enthusiastic people collaborating to explore the problem space and identify opportunities for devising innovative solutions.

Following on from this, the working groups used tools like empathy maps and personas to understand more about the problem: who was being affected, how that was making them feel, what they were able to do and what their biggest pains were etc.

This concluded the Empathise session with the Define session being held three days later on 5 of April. In this session, attendees had to begin fleshing out the problems they were investigating to get down into the details. They used tools such as 5 Whys and continued to build on their empathy maps and personas. Working

Example of MIRO board with the “worst possible idea” exercise

between these different tools helped the attendees to understand the problem space and begin synthesising specific problem statements.

The most recent session, which was held on 11 April, focused on Ideation.

Here, the working groups were asked to generate the worst possible ideas for their selected problem statements. With the aim to i) understand what a bad solution looks like and therefore ascertain what a good solution could look like, and ii) ensure that there was an openness to criticism – it’s far easier to take criticism on a bad idea than a good one!

Next, there was an activity that forced rapid and intense generation of ideas through an exercise called “Crazy 8s”. Each person had eight ideas in eight minutes that corresponded to their problem statement.

This proved to be a real favourite activity!

Once ideas had been generated, the top ones were selected and clustered into a matrix to help to prioritise what should be worked on due to ease of implementation and high impact i.e. the top right quadrant.

Time limitations meant that there is much more work to be done as part of the ideation phase and hence, AMRA will be holding an “Ideation 2” session on 16 April.

It is the hope of the organisers that these sessions continue to attract more interest and talent so that tangible solutions can be designed and implemented to help people through this most unusual and distressing of times. To this effect, once the Prototype and Test phases are complete, working groups will be encouraged and supported to apply for funding to take their ideas to the next step.

The fruits of coming together in this way are already being realised, with friendships and networks being formed that otherwise would have never been created.

For those that are interested, they can sign up here: https://amracovid-19-3-2. eventbrite.co.uk If you would like to find out more about AMRA and its activities, please get in touch: research@khuddam.co.uk

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Mufti Sahib in American newspapers Al Hakam, 14-18 April 1920 In the previous issue, we have mentioned the current difficulties being faced by respected Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib in the propagation of Islam in America and have drawn the attention of all Muslims that they should not remain silent on this important issue, rather they should appeal to the government to assist in removing the obstacles that America wants to put in the way of the promulgation of Islam. If America does not agree, then American Christian missionaries should also be prevented from establishing a mission in Hindustan.

Efforts to remove the problems and hurdles in the way of respected Mufti Sahib are being carried out and by the grace of God, we are hopeful that they will produce good results.

Now, we present the views of two famous newspapers of America which they have expressed about respected Mufti Sahib. (Editor) The newspaper Public Ledger of Philadelphia, America, writes in its issue of 17 February [1920]: “Spreading a new oriental religion without the sword is uphill work, but as it is necessary under modern conditions to proceed without the sword, Mufti Muhammed Sadiq, missionary from the Ahmadia Church in India has come to this country without side arms of any sort to convert America….

“Mufti, who is a highly educated, elderly man, arrived in Philadelphia from Liverpool on the steamship Haverford last Saturday. Before sailing for America, he was a missionary in England for three years. He said that he made 300 converts, including Solomon Feit [sic], a London iron manufacturer.

“He is a follower of a new prophet, Ahmad[as]…

The Ahmadia belief is that prophets will come to the world constantly. The latest, they hold, was Ahmad[as], who preached in India between 1888 and 1908….

“Mufti Muhammed Sadiq came to this country with elaborate printed matter and all arrangements made for an active proselyting campaign. “‘My intention,’ he said today at the Gloucester immigration station, ‘is to start my work in New York and then extend it to other cities. I know no one in this country. There are no converts to the Ahmadia movement here and I know no one in this country. I come as a missionary, with belief in the work before me.’

“As he talked he attracted much attention among the other persons detained at the station because of the dark green turban on his head and the strange cut of the slate gray garments he wore.

“He prepared this digest of the religion [which] he hopes to introduce into this country: (Islamic beliefs are listed after it).”

Another newspaper of Philadelphia, Press, states: “While many religious sects in the United States are spending many thousands of dollars and sending hundreds of philosophers and teachers to the wilds of Tibet, the far reaches of Arabia and Hindustan and to the unexplored regions of Africa and China, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, after travelling thousands of miles, alone and friendless, hopes to begin his crusade to convert Americans to the doctrines taught by the prophet Ahmad[as], of whom he is the principal disciple. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq’s intentions did not falter due to the ill-treatment carried out by America. He is anxious to start his lecture as soon as possible and guide the people of America to the peaceful doctrines that prophet Ahmad[as], reflection of Muhammad[sa] taught in this age. Sadiq, a resident of Qadian, Punjab, is a philosopher and an experienced, courageous and determined man. In the most polite and kind words that characterise the educated group, he presented [the beliefs] of his religion before the Press’ reporter and said, ‘I have worked in London as a missionary of Islam for three years. There, I delivered many lectures and converted many to Ahmadiyyat.

Ahmad[as], who was the founder of this sect, was born in 1837 and started his work in 1888. In 1908, when the number of his followers had exceeded 600,000, he passed away. Ahmad[as] held the status of a messenger and a prophet in Islam and believed the Holy Quran to be the Book of God. He carried out certain reforms in the Muslims. He claimed that God spoke to him and He has entrusted him with the title of Messiah and sent him to reform the world. He made many prophecies that were fulfilled in due course. In addition, he presented various miracles that God showed on his hand as a proof of him being from God. “I remained in his company for 18 years and I have personally witnessed a lot of prophecies come true before my own eyes. He predicted the dreadful and dangerous war, and the pitiable and horrible condition of Russian Tsar, ten years before the occurrence of those events, and had it published and circulated in the world. He also prophesied about the plague in Hindustan and foretold the occurrence of many important events world-wide that were fulfilled on their own time. He held a prayer duel with the Dr Dowie of Chicago and told the world that as Dr Dowie was an outright liar, he would soon perish. Thus, America witnessed his death.”

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Binge-watching: Another curve on the rise Qasim Choudhary Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

Those who are still safe from Covid-19 now face a dilemma of their own – boredom.

As week 5 of the quarantine approaches, our screen-time is, understandably, on an upwards trajectory.

Perhaps you have exhausted the entire collection of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ and are hard-pressed in search of a new pastime. But before exploring alternative hobbies, let’s break down our binge-watching for the past 30 days and what it means for our health.

Let’s look at a typical schedule for the average person: • 8 hours of sleep • 5 hours of (movies/television) • 3 hours (cellphone/videogames) • 8 hours for other activities (cooking, eating, cleaning, exercise, schoolwork, etc.)

A schedule like the one above means watching 93 movies (the average movie being 96.5 minutes) or 225 television episodes (assuming each episode was 40 minutes long) over the past 30 days.

How does this schedule translate in terms of our health? Those who exhaust long hours snugly seated before their screens are most susceptible to obesity (Thorp AA, Owen N, Neuhaus M, Dunstan DW. Sedentary behaviors and subsequent health outcomes in adults a systematic review of longitudinal studies, 1996-2011. Am J Prev Med). What’s more is that people spending more than four hours a day glued to screens face a staggering 49% greater risk of heart attack or stroke than those who viewed fewer than two hours of television a day. (www.health. harvard.edu/heart-health/the-trouble-withwatching-too-much-tv) With fitness and recreational centres shutting their doors, the waistbands of the

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa recently advised to stay away from processed foods like potato crisps as they can have an adverse effect on the immune system

masses are in serious danger of opening.

Steve Gortmaker, a professor of the practice of health sociology in the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, says: “Most people think, ‘Well, you spend a lot of time sitting around, so you gain weight.’

But most of the impact is just because of the marketing and advertising during that time that tends to increase the intake of a range of

unhealthy food products.”

Alongside sedentary and unconscious behaviors are the tempting whispers from the kitchen; no cinematic experience is truly complete without munching down on artery-clogging foods and sipping on drinks causing tooth decay.

Falling victim to the evil whispers of sugary snacks is a phenomenon experienced by all that is devastating to our health.

(Miller SA, Taveras EM, Rifas-Shiman SL, Gillman MW. Association between television viewing and poor diet quality in young children. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2008; 3:168-76) Then comes the issue of long nights and irregular sleep patterns; inadequate sleep is another contributing factor to obesity (Strasburger VC. Children, adolescents, obesity, and the media. Pediatrics. 2011; 128:201-8). Studies have shown that sleepdeprived young men have higher cravings for foods rich in fat and carbohydrates than those who are well rested, owing to hormonal changes caused by the lack of sleep. (Spiegel K, Tasali E, Penev P, Van Cauter E Brief communication: Sleep curtailment in healthy young men is associated with decreased leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased hunger and appetite. Ann Intern Med. 2004; 141:846-50) Growing bellies aside, the content our eyes and brains are consuming possesses dangers of its own to our spiritual wellbeing. When encouraging children to finish all their vegetables, the intention is to promote healthy nutrition for a healthy body. A healthy mind is just as vital, but this is, oddly, often overlooked. While the junk our bodies consume is regulated, why is the junk our eyes consume ignored? Isn’t it time that a “media diet” is implemented in our households?

Children today are being exposed to more graphic, violent and sexualised material earlier and more readily than ever before. Unfortunately, the popular media and Hollywood are the main culprits of this barrage of ill-timed and sensationalised images and notions.

Research has shown that children exposed to sexual content are more likely to engage in casual sex at a younger age. Cinema has normalised sexual experimentation, thus empowering youth to “explore” their sexual desires. No wonder Huzooraa categorically states that viewing

such immoral programmes “destroy morality”.

Alongside the promiscuous content is the presence and demand of “virtual violence”. It comes as no surprise that firstperson shooting games, such as Call Of Duty, reign supreme in popularity, with sales topping $600 million in a matter of three days following its release. (www.forbes. com/sites/paultassi/2019/10/30/call-of-dutymodern-warfare-sales-top-600-million-inthree-days/#2bddae707956) Multiple studies have shown that children exposed to violence are more likely to be aggressive and may also develop behavioral problems. They can also become desensitised to violence, which may be the worst outcome. (McCarthy, 5 August 2019, Protecting children from the dangers of “virtual violence”, Harvard Health Publishing) But perhaps the most severe consequence of late nights and adopting a mindless sofaspud lifestyle is missing prayers.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper, outlines how excessive use of TV causes one to neglect worship. He says: “Evils of these days include television and the Internet. You can observe this in

most homes that the eldest to the youngest are not offering Fajr Salat on time as they are either watching TV or are online on the Internet until late, watching some programme and, as a result, they cannot wake up on time. Such people do not even realise that they have to get up for Salat in the morning. Both the Internet and TV and

similar useless things not only cause you to miss your Salat once or twice but those who fall victim to this behavior get into this habit of watching programmes until late at night or sitting on the Internet. Then it becomes challenging to get up for the prayer in the morning, and [such people] may not even wake up [at a reasonable time]. Some people eventually fail to give any importance to Salat.” (Friday Sermon, 20 May 2016) With such apparent adverse effects on ones physical and spiritual health, how can one curb the unhealthy binge-watching habit back into a healthier and more meaningful lifestyle?

Consider the following: Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa advises us to spend this time of quarantine productively by reading various books and publications of the Jamaat (amongst other things). (Special Message, 27 March 2020) Take, for example, the book Noah’s Ark, written by the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. The English translation of this book contains approximately 38,225 words. The average reading speed is 300 words per minute, which means it would take around 1.5 hours to complete this book.

In other words, it takes less time to finish this one book of the Promised Messiahas than it takes to finish a Harry Potter movie.

Aside from the intellectual stimulation provided by the Promised Messiah’sas literary works, the blessings associated with studying and pondering over his divinelyinspired literature is unmatched.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, commenting on the benefit enveloped in reading the books of the Promised Messiahas, states: “Therefore, read the Holy Quran and, to understand it, remember the books of the Promised Messiahas. These books are such an incredible national weapon in your hand

that Satan runs away, even at the mere sight of them.” (Al Fazl, 22 January 1920) For the sake of ourselves and our children, let us put down the remote control and flatten our TV curve, lest Satan flattens our spiritual curve. Take this opportunity to grow upwards, not outwards. Take this time to, as our beloved Imamaa has said, “Purify your hearts.” (Friday Sermon, 10 April 2020)

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Anxiety and depression Trusting in Allah

Asif Mahmood Rana Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat َّ َ ْ َ َّ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫نس ِإلا ل َِي ْع ُب ُد ْو ِن‬ ‫وما خلقت ال ِجن وال ِإ‬ “And I have not created the jinn and the men but that they may worship Me [Allah].”

(Surah al-Jinn, Ch.51: V.57) It is our common observation that when an object is not used the way it is meant to be, it fails to perform its actual job properly.

Defects appear in it and if returned to the manufacturers, complaints are not entertained because of the wrong usage of the object that contradicts with the given manual.

Likewise, we, humans, are meant for something. If we fail to perform our duties according to the manual given by our Creator, we are prone to face spiritual, mental, physical and emotional ailments; anxiety and depression being examples of these. And if the consequences harm us in anyway, we cannot hold our Creator responsible for it. The summary of our manual is described in the above-mentioned verse of the Holy Quran i.e. the centre of all our goals and achievements must be a special bond with our Creator for which He created us. Worship is not merely any specific

formal way of prayer, rather whenever we try to fulfill the aim of our creation, we are worshipping our Creator.

The ever changing social, political and religious condition of the world from personal, national and international levels is a reason for increasing tensions and material competition among people.

Though the dramatic increase in the usage of modern technology in the form of social media has brought distant people nearer, it has disconnected those who live close to us. The globalisation has woven people of all the nations in one network.

An event anywhere on the Northern Hemisphere disturbs those who live on the other side of the world in one way or another. As a result, our regrets and fears are, in a sense, much more than the people of the past. Regret for the past and fear of the future kills hope and one stops to appreciate the blessings of God Almighty and fails to serve humanity. Curbing anxiety and depression therefore becomes a great challenge for world religions, who claim to have come to remove burdens of the material world and pave a righteous path for salvation.

Almost every divine religion has addressed the issue in one way or another.

Ancient Indian religions, for instance Buddhism and Jainism, have described the material bond to be the reason of dukkha i.e. the suffering. Getting rid of the worldly bonds altogether is the only way, according to their philosophy, to attain mental calmness. These religions suggest that one should experience extreme suffering and pain and practice celibacy for the moksha of soul and removal of material bonds. Though the idea is not all in vain and it might have done well to achieve the purpose in ancient times in some aspects, but to run away from the actual causes of stress and anxiety in the form of isolation from society does not serve the cause of religion i.e. to serve humanity.

From such practices, one can save oneself from acquiring pain from others or possibly restrain themselves from giving pain to others, mentally or physically, but serving humanity is much more than that. Isolation itself brings about anxieties and stress. Such solutions can give rise to new social and moral issues. Therefore, we should look for solutions that are free from these drawbacks and fulfill the needs of the body and soul in a way that is practical for everyone.

Let us look for such solutions in Islam that not only claim to be divine and universal, but also testify to the true teachings of the

previous religions. Allah the Almighty says: ُ​ُْ ْ َ ّٰ ْ َ ‫ألَا ِب ِذك ِر الل ِه تط َم ِئ ُّن القلوْ ُب‬ “Aye, it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Surah alRa‘d, Ch.13: V.29) The principle solution for all emotional and psychological disorders have been given in this part of the verse of the Holy Quran i.e. the remembrance of one’s Creator; the Sustainer of everything, and Destroyer of evils. When a man knows that there is someone who created him or in other words, programmed him and created the universe, then he can realise someone is more powerful than his worries. As we see, inventors know the limitations, needs and drawbacks of their inventions, similarly or more profoundly, the Divine Creator is All-Knowing. When man entrusts to Him everything, his worries about the results of his plans no longer disturb him.

Here, I wish to make my point clear with a story and an example. There was once a king. He was always worried about the matters of his kingdom that kept him awake at nights. With his anxiety and depression, he went to his guru, who was a saint, and told him the matter. His guru told him to entrust his kingdom and all his matters to him. The king happily agreed and asked to leave. The guru asked him where he would go. The king replied that he would take some money from the treasury and go to another kingdom where he could start a small business and live happily. The guru said, “Now the treasury belongs to me and you are my subject. You cannot take anything or go anywhere without my permission.”

The king asked his guru, “What should I do then?” The guru said, “You are my minister from now on. Go to my kingdom and perform your duties on my behalf.” The king agreed and went back.

After a few months, the guru made a visit to the royal palace and met his minister, the king. The guru asked, “How are the matters of the kingdom going?” He replied, “Everything is going well.” When the guru asked him about his former worries and depression, he replied, “Why should I worry about anything now while performing my duty in the best way I can? The kingdom is yours; the subjects are yours. If something wrong was to happen, I would tell you. It would be up to you to make it right.”

Here, with the help of this story, we understand that depression and anxiety about the results of our matters arise when we think that all things and their consequences are in our hands and we must solve these issues solely on our own.

Continued on page 16

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Ramadan in lockdown The glass half full

Romaan Basit Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

With Ramadan fast approaching and Covid-19 not showing any sign of moving out of the way, this blessed month dawns upon us shrouded in many uncertainties; uncertainties we had never imagined. No more Tarawih prayer? End of iftars at the mosque? What about Eid prayer? Can we still reap the same blessings? These are a few questions on the minds of Muslims, who have always enjoyed Ramadan for its spirit of collectiveness.

Mosques around the world have had to close their doors to curb the spread of this coronavirus, and countries have been sent into unprecedented lockdowns across the world. Staying at home all day is proving a challenge for many. However, as Muslims, it is incumbent that we stay positive and see the glass half full rather than half empty.

Spending Ramadan at home can be a blessing in disguise, but only if we choose to make it so. While there are many vices and evils that are prohibited in Islam, fasting is

a practice that teaches us to give up even that which is permissible, i.e. food and drink. Why? To excel spiritually, develop self-control, relate with those less fortunate and, in turn, progress in gratitude.

Interestingly, the coronavirus lockdown is teaching us the very same thing. We have given up our freedom, our right to socialise and our usual means of entertainment. These are only but a few examples of abstaining from what is usually permissible or even encouraged. All this became possible and endurable because of the end-result in mind: the greater good of humanity.

This really puts life into perspective and makes us realise just how lucky we usually are; to have the freedom to do whatever we want, whenever we want! See how a small shift in mind-set can work wonders!

Nevertheless, lockdown does not mean that we must sit at home during Ramadan just thinking about food and freedom.

Why not put all the negativity aside and make this year’s Ramadan a very special one; that too from the comfort of our own homes.

All year round, every Muslim yearns to comprehend the meanings of the Holy Quran, understand its message, get to know the one to whom it was revealed and above all, fall in love with the One Who revealed it.

But packed schedules and busy timetables have always stood in the way of doing so; a challenge that many of us have always complained about. Now, with more

time, opportunity is at our doorstep; to read, study, understand, enjoy and absorb the warmth and radiant light of the most majestic and revolutionising word in the whole of the universe.

The special connection between Ramadan and the Holy Quran is a wellknown fact, as it was the month in which this Holy Book was revealed: “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186) Every year, we strive to complete a full reading of the Holy Quran during

Ramadan, but with all this time, isn’t it a golden opportunity to take this connection with the Holy Book to a new level, where we know and understand what we read?

Everyone, irrespective of age, can invest this extra time into this blessed activity.

Beginners can start to learn to read the Quran; those who can read can now learn basic Arabic; those who know basic Arabic can now focus on the translation and tafsir (exegesis and explanation of the Quran).

This lockdown is the perfect time to finally make the Quran a companion in our lives.

Let’s turn this Ramadan, which will be significantly different in its outlook, into an experience significantly different from any previous year.

Then there are Tarawih prayers, which are a great socio-spiritual aspect of Ramadan. We are all accustomed to making our ways to the mosque every night, standing shoulder to shoulder, and listening to the Holy Quran being recited.

So, with Tarawih now being taken out of the picture has left many of us wondering how to fill this vacuum. Well, let us have the Holy Quran come to the rescue again.

Although Tarawih can be offered individually, in the early or late parts of the night, but what makes the congregational Tarawih so special is that we get to listen to a greater portion of the Holy Quran every night. So why not offer Tarawih in congregation at home and prepare for it during the day by memorising a small part, or even a few verses to recite before the family.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small. Just imagine the end-result of committing a few new verses every day to memory. We will have learnt new parts of the Holy Quran by the time we approach Eid; what more happiness can Eid bring with it!

Last but not the least is an aspect of Ramadan observed in the final ten days, called E‘tikaf, a spiritual exercise where one willingly decides to self-isolate from the world and live in a mosque for the sole purpose of gaining nearness to the Almighty. This is no easy task, but then again, in life, no reward worth attaining comes easy. I am sure all of us have wondered, “Would we really be able to do

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Humanity First Germany distributes two tons of food in Albania Samad Ahmed Ghori President Jamaat Albania

sit E‘tikaf for ten days? Would we really be able to stay away from technology, friends and work, all whilst being confined within four walls, all day and night?”

Well now, we do not need to wonder anymore. This lockdown is allowing us to experience a type of E‘tikaf in our own homes. So why not use this God-given opportunity to get a feel of what E‘tikaf is really like. Instead of aimlessly scrolling through Twitter and Instagram timelines and binge-watching Netflix, why not spend our time doing things that will benefit us in the long run?

Though we all wish this lockdown would end and the horrible suffering would come to a swift halt, spending time at home is allowing us to stay away from things we never thought we could live without and is finally giving us the opportunity to do the things we never thought we actually could.

“The month of Ramadan is that in

which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind.” (Surah al-Baqarah Ch.2: V.186) Being the month in which the Quran was revealed, this Ramadan, why not let the word of God illuminate and enlighten our hearts, our souls and our homes during this period of uncertainty.

In life, staying positive and optimistic in any situation comes down to perspective; the glass isn’t half-empty after all, it’s halffull. Isn’t it?

On 1 April 2020, Humanity First Germany donated food packets to 110 needy families of Tirana City, Albania amid the Coronavirus spread.

The project was done with the collaboration of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Albania and the Municipality of Tirana.

Two tons of food were distributed to more than 500 people who needed it.

As Albania is in lockdown, we could not go to distribute the food ourselves. The municipality staff distributed the packets among four different Administrative Units of Tirana; Vaqarr, Ndroq, Administrative Unit number 4 and 6.

In his letter, the Mayor of Tirana, Mr Erion Veliaj stated: “On behalf of the Municipality of Tirana, I would like to thank you for the support that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Foundation of Albania has given for the fulfillment of various projects and initiatives undertaken for our city. In this context,

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Foundation of Albania in cooperation with its humanitarian organisation of the German branch Humanity First Deutschland, have been supportive for coping with the recent pandemic of Covid-19 by donating 110 food packages for families in need, in the territory of the Municipality of Tirana.

“I would like to assure you that the assistance you have provided to the needy in the capital city has the gratitude of the entire community of Tirana, from all its Administrative Units, among the families who received it. We thank you again for being part of our projects and for supporting us to transform Tirana into a dignified European city and for the solidarity with its citizens.”

The food packets included essentials such as, sugar, rice, flour, oil, sauces, legumes, pasta, salt, trahana, marmalade, margarine, milk and liquid soap.

May Allah the Almighty bless Humanity First Germany for the great help during a time when people are scared and helpless.

Amin.

US Muslim Youth solidify their brotherhood online Madeel Abdullah Sadr MKA USA

The Covid-19 endorsed quarantines may be able to physically separate Khuddam from one another, but surely, nothing can divide their spirits.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA embarked on a week of brotherhood and learning, titled MKA Connects.

The premise, bring Khuddam back together, abolish their emotional and spiritual distance, no matter how far they may physically reside. MKA Connects was a set of virtual, Ijtema like sessions, that kicked-off on 5 April 2020 and concluded with the closing address of, and question and answer session with, respected Amir Jamaat USA, Sahibzada Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib on 12 April.

The programme ran for 8 consecutive

days in which different topics relevant to Khuddam, considering the Covid-19 Pandemic, were discussed and presented upon. Each day Khuddam enjoyed two sessions chaired by different departments of MKA USA, chaired by the respective department heads.

The highlights of the week’s programmes included, “Our Secret Weapon Against the Virus – the Power of Prayers”, “Emulating the Spirit of 1918 – Serving Mankind at a Time of Crisis”, “Adjusting to the Online Learning Platform”, “Spreading the Message While Quarantined – Tabligh through Social Media”, “Be Prepared for a Future Crisis”, “Cleanliness as a Part of Faith”, “Live at Home Workout and Health Tips”, “Writing in the Defense of Islam”, “The Financial Impact of Getting Laid Off ”, a program on Marriage and Chastity, and a question and answer session on the impact of the Coronavirus, presided by Naib Amir Dr Faheem Younus

Qureshi, Chief of Infectious Disease at the University of Maryland UCH. Each day’s programme allowed Khuddam not only to learn about the topic at hand, via the before mentioned presentations, but also featured an interactive component where Khuddam were able to discuss, ask questions, and directly shape the conversation of each session.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the week’s sessions were attended by thousands of Khuddam from across the country. The week’s highlight came at the closing session, in which respected Amir Jamaat USA addressed the Majlis on the standard that all Khuddam must hold themselves to, in order to truly fulfil their commitment of service.

Amir Sahib, in his session, particularly emphasised that the members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya should remember that they are a unique group of individuals,

unlike others in the society around. He reminded Khuddam that they must be living embodiments of the wishes of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah be his Helper, and in all times, both of ease and difficulty, turn solely to prayer for comfort. Amir Sahib also graciously spent over two hours answering the questions of both Khuddam and Atfal.

The closing session was virtually attended by over 1,164 viewers.

Khuddam were again and again reminded that they belong to a unique brotherhood united under the banner of Khilafat.

Amir Sahib closed with the reminder to all Khuddam that the protection of Khilafate-Ahmadiyya is their utmost duty, and all Khuddam should strive day and night in this cause. Only through the grace of Allah, were Khuddam once again reminded, that they are an unbreakable group of brothers united for the cause of Allah.

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

12

Responding to Allegations

Signs of the Messiah in Surah al-Takwir belongings on camels and travel long distances. When the Holy Quran was revealed, the camel was highly regarded in Arab society owing to its enormous benefits, and the value of a she-camel being pregnant and becoming a mother increased its worth.

The prophecy that even ten-month pregnant she-camels would be abandoned indicates their replacement by enhanced and fast means of transport like trains, ships, cars and planes etc. and that camels will lose their importance, even in Arabia. A hadith also points towards this prophecy and relates it to the time of the coming Messiah. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: َّ َّ َ ْ َ َ ً َ ً َ َ َ ‫َ ّٰ َ َ ْ ل َ َّن بْ ُن‬ َ ‫الصل‬ ‫والل ِہ لين ِز ْا مريم حكما عادِلا فليكسرن‬ ‫يب َو‬ ِ َ َ ُ َ ْ َّ ِ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ​َ ْ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ليق ُتل ّن ال ِخن ِز‬ ‫الجزية ولتتركن ال ِقلاص فلا‬ ِ ‫ير و ليضعن‬ َ‫يس َعى َعلَيها‬ ْ

“[The] fourth sign is the invention of a new means of transport which is a special sign of the advent of the Promised Messiah, as is written in the Holy Quran: َ ّ َ ْ َ ‫َو ِاذا ال ِعش ُار ُع ِطل ْت‬ meaning that the Latter Days are those when she-camels will become obsolete.

Similarly, there is a hadith in Sahih Muslim that: ٰ ‫ولیتركن القلاص فلا‬ ‫یسعی علیھا‬ meaning that in that age, ‘she-camels will become useless and no one will travel on them.’ During the days of the Hajj, the journey between Mecca and Medina is undertaken on she-camels, but the day is close at hand when railways will be constructed for this journey and then it will be true for this journey that ‫لیتركن‬ ٰ ‫[ القلاص فلا‬She-camels will become ‫یسعی علیھا‬ useless and no one travels on them].” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p. 248 [English Translation of Haqiqatul Wahi]) The opponents of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and the Promised Messiahas allege that Ahmadis misinterpret Surah al-Takwir and the hadith of Sahih Muslim ٰ ‫ لیتركن القلاص فلا‬to trick people ‫یسعی علیھا‬ into believing that it carries the news of the second coming of the Messiah.

They emphasise that the said surah and hadith neither indicate the advent of the

Promised Messiah, nor mention the age of his appearance.

Surah al-Takwir, present in the last part of the Holy Quran, mentions certain prophecies about the last age. These future divinations are such that people of the past associated them with the happenings of qayamat-e-kubra [Judgement Day].

By doing so, they used to solace their hearts that as these events are related to Doomsday, they could not occur.

The reality of the matter is that the prophecies described in the verses of Surah al-Takwir have come true and their fulfillment in this world testifies to the fact that they were not about the Day of Judgement. Moreover, if the things mentioned in the said verses have come to pass, then their true interpretation has been manifested by God Himself.

Present among the various prophecies in the said chapter of the Holy Quran is: َ ّ َ ْ َ ‫َو ِاذا ال ِعش ُار ُع ِطل ْت‬ “And when the she camels, ten months with young, are abandoned.” (Surah alTakwir, Ch.81: V.5) At the time when this verse was revealed, the most valuable possession of the Arabs was considered to be the camel. Arabs used to drink camel’s milk, eat its meat and make tents and clothing from its wool. Families used to load their

“I swear by Allah that the son of Mary shall surely appear as a just arbiter and shall break the cross, kill the swine, abolish jizya [tax] and the she-camels shall be abandoned and shall not be used for transport.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ulIman) This saying of the Holy Prophetsa is the most suitable and precise interpretation of the prophecy within the Holy Quran.

The words, “And I swear by Allah that the son of Mary shall surely appear” signify the second coming of the Messiah and then certain signs allude to the age of his appearance. One of those signs, as stated by the Holy Prophetsa, is, “the shecamels shall be abandoned and shall not be used for transport.” Now, either the explanation of the Holy Prophetsa is true or the opponents are right when they say that Surah al-Takwir and the said hadith do not refer to the advent and the time of the Messiah. Most certainly, the statement of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam is what all Muslims will hold onto and accept as the most accurate.

As the opponents submit that Ahmadi Muslims falsely relate Surah al-Takwir to the advent of the Promised Messiah, we shall now explain certain verses of this chapter in light of the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa.

In the first verse of the Surah al-Takwir, Allah Almighty states: َّ َ ْ ُ ‫ِإذا الش ْم ُس ك ِّو َرت‬ “When the sun is wrapped up.” (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.2) The Holy Prophetsa is described in the

Holy Quran as the Bright Sun (Ch.25: V.62). The verse, therefore, may mean: When there will be spiritual darkness all over the world, the light of the Spiritual Sun will become dim or disappeared altogether. Or the verse may refer to the eclipse of the sun and the moon, which, according to a well-known saying of the Holy Prophetsa, was to take place at the time of the Mahdi, a phenomenon that the world had never witnessed before (Dar Qutni). A reference to this is also to be found in (Ch.75: V10). This predicted eclipse of the sun and the moon took place in 1894 in the month of Ramadan. (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 3,320) In the next verse, Allah Almighty states: ْ َ ُ ُ ُّ َ َ ‫وم انك َد َرت‬ ‫وإِذا النج‬ “And when the stars are obscured” (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.3).

The word ‫ النجوم‬means stars and signifies true religious scholars. The wellknown hadith, “My Companions are like stars, whomsoever you will follow, you will receive right guidance” (Baihaqi), supports this meaning. In this sense of the word, the verse means, “When religious leaders become corrupt and cease to exercise any influence.”

A more literal translation of the verse would be, “When stars fall in large numbers.” This may be a reference to shooting stars at exceptionally large numbers in 1885 when the Promised Messiahas, the founder of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya, had already announced his claim to be a Divine Reformer. (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 5, pp. 3320-21) Explaining the verses of Surah alTakwir, the Promised Messiahas states: َ ّ َ ْ َ ‫َوإِذا ال ِعش ُار ُع ِطل ْت‬ “[‘And when the she camels, ten months pregnant, are abandoned’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.5)], i.e. at that time the she-camel will become redundant and rendered worthless. Ishar means a pregnant she-camel, which was highly valuable in the eyes of Arabs. It is clear that this verse has nothing to do with Resurrection, for the Day of Judgment is not the time when a male and a female camel could mate and a pregnancy ensue. In fact, it refers to invention of the train. The phenomena of pregnancy was combined with the she-camel to strongly demonstrate that an event of this world is being mentioned and the mind is not diverted towards the Hereafter in any way.

13

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM Promised Messiah. A major sign among them is that the Promised Messiah must appear in the latter days as set out in the hadith: ‫یکون فی آخر الزمان عند تظاھر من الفتن و انقطاع من‬ ‫الزمن‬

[‘It will be in the latter days when tribulations will abound and the age will be approaching its end’].

“There are two kinds of indications to prove that these are the last days in which the Messiah should appear. The signs set out in the Quran and the ahadith which indicate the approach of the Day of Judgement and which have been clearly fulfilled. As, for instance, the eclipse of the sun and the moon in the month of Ramadan which is indicated َّ َ ُ َ in the verse: ُ‫الش ْم ُس َوالْقَ َمر‬ ‫وج ِمع‬ [‘And the sun and the moon are brought together’ (Surah al-Qiyamah, Ch.75: V.10)].

“Then there is the discarding of camels as a means of transportation, as is clearly indicated in the verse: َ ّ َ ْ َ ‫َو ِإذا ال ِعش ُار ُع ِطل ْت‬ [‘And when the she camels, ten months with young, are abandoned’ (Surah alTakwir, Ch.81: V.5)].

“And the multiplication of irrigation canals which is obvious from the verse: ْ ُ ْ َ ‫َوإِذا ال ِب َح ُار ف ِّجرَت‬ [‘And when the oceans are made to flow forth and are joined together’ (Surah al-Infitar, Ch.82: V.4)].

“And the continuous falling of stars as indicated in: ْ َ​َ ُ َ​َْ َ َ ‫انتث َرت‬ ‫و ِإذا الكواك ِب‬

ْ ُ ُّ َ َ ‫الص ُح ُف ن ِش َرت‬ ‫و ِإذا‬ “[‘And when books are spread abroad’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.11)], and the time when the books will be distributed and spread, i.e. means for the publication of books will be invented. This refers to the printing press and the post offices, that they will be in abundance in the last age. ُ ُ ُ ُّ َ َ ‫وس ز ِّو َج ْت‬ ‫و ِإذا النف‬ “[‘And when people are brought together’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.8)], and when the souls will be joined together. This alludes to the relations among nations and countries. It implies that with the opening up of travel routes and establishment of postal and telegraph services, the mutual relations of humans will substantially increase in the latter days.

One nation will meet the other, distant associations and trade connections will develop, and ties of friendship between far off countries will increase. ُ ْ َ ْ ‫َوإِذا الوُ ُحوش ُح ِش َرت‬ “[‘And when the beasts are gathered together’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.6)], when animals will be assembled with people. This means that savage nations

will turn towards civilisation and acquire humanity and ethics. The inferior classes will become prominent by achieving worldly honours and dignity. Owing to the global spread of knowledge and technology, there will remain no difference between the vile and the nobles.

In fact, the wicked will dominate, so much so that the keys of treasury and the reins of government will be in their hands. The meaning of this verse is similar to the contents of a certain hadith….

“Apart from these, signs of widespread darkness is mentioned [in the Holy Quran]. [Allah Almighty] said: َّ َ ْ ُ ‫ِإذا الش ْم ُس ك ِّو َرت‬ [‘When the sun is wrapped up’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.2)], when the sun will be enveloped i.e. sheer darkness of ignorance and evilness will prevail the earth.” (Shahadatul Quran, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, pp. 318-319) Highlighting the signs related to the time of his appearance, the Promised Messiahas states: “Among the arguments which prove that I am the Promised Messiah, there are some signs that are personal to the

[‘And when the stars are scattered’ (Surah al-Infitar, Ch.82: V.3)].

“And the occurrence of famines and the spread of epidemics and the scarcity of rain as contained in: ْ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ‫اء انفط َرت‬ ‫ِإذا السم‬ [‘When the heaven is cleft asunder’ (Surah al-Infitar, Ch.82: V.2)].

“And a total eclipse of the sun; thus spreading darkness as stated in: َّ َ ْ ُ ‫ِإذا الش ْم ُس ك ِّو َرت‬ [‘When the sun is wrapped up’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.2)].

“And the moving of the mountains as is generally understood to be the meaning of the verse: ْ ّ ُ َ ْ َ َ ‫ال ُس ِي َرت‬ ‫و ِإذا ال ِجب‬ [‘And when the mountains are made to move’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.4)].

“And the rising of the fortunes of the people who are wild, lowly, and unacquainted with noble Islamic virtues, as is obvious from the verse: ُ ْ َ ْ ‫َوإِذا الوُ ُحوش ُح ِش َرت‬ [‘And when the beasts are gathered together’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.6)].

“And the multiplication of communication means and travel, whereby it will become easy for people to meet one another, which is an accepted interpretation of the verse:

ُ ُ ُ ُّ َ َ ‫وس ز ِّو َج ْت‬ ‫و ِإذا النف‬ [‘And when people are brought together’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.8)].

“And publication of books, pamphlets and letters in all countries, as indicated in: ْ ُ ُّ َ َ ‫الص ُح ُف ن ِش َرت‬ ‫وإِذا‬ [‘And when books are spread abroad’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.11)].

“And the corruption of the inner condition of the divines, who are the stars of Islam, which is a clear purport of the verse: ْ َ ُ ُ ُّ َ َ ‫وم انك َد َرت‬ ‫و ِإذا النج‬ [‘And when the stars are obscured’ (Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.3)].

“And the spread of innovations, errors and all kinds of disobedience and vices, as indicated in the verse: َّ َ ُ َ َّ َ ‫اء انشق ْت‬ ‫ِإذا السم‬ [‘When the heaven bursts asunder’ (Surah al-Inshiqaq, Ch.84: V.2)].

“All these signs of the approach of the Day of Judgement have been manifested and the world is in the grip of a great revolution…

“Then there is the verse in Surah alMursalat which indicates that a great sign of the approach of the Day of Judgement is that someone should appear and with his coming, the number of Messengers should be determined. This means that the last Khalifa in the chain of successors in the Islamic dispensation, whose name is the Promised Messiah and the awaited Mahdi, shall make his appearance in the last days.

“The verse is: ُّ ّ َ َ ‫الرُ ُس ُل أقِ َت ْت‬ ‫و ِإذا‬ [‘And when the Messengers are made to appear at the appointed time’ (Surah al-Mursalat, Ch.77: V.12)], i.e. the time when number of the Messengers will be determined. This means that with the appearance of the last Khalifa, the number of Messengers which had been determined by Divine decree and had been hidden, shall become manifest. This verse also clearly shows that the Promised Messiah will be from among the Muslims.”

(Essence of Islam, Vol. 4, pp. 194-197, [Tohfah-e-Golarhviyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p. 241-244]) Hence, the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa clarify that the prophecies of Surah al-Takwir are not associated with resurrection or the last day of the earth.

Moreover, the details of this Surah express its connection with the physical world because some of the verses will lose all sense if they are taken as referring to the Day of Judgment. Further, it discusses the extraordinary changes that have occurred in the world and in human life since the era of the Holy Prophetsa, especially in the present age. Consequently, it points towards the time of the Promised Messiahas.

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

14

100 Years Ago...

German and American converts, Ahmadi pilots and preaching in the West Al Fazl, 15 April 1920

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

Where we acknowledge our limited resources and apparent obscurity in the eyes of the world, we are also proud to possess the blessings and assurance of our Pure Lord.

Moreover, we see that the God Who sent the Promised Messiah is doing our work

by Himself and countless opportunities for the promulgation of Ahmadiyyat are being created in different parts of the world.

Below is the letter of a recent Muslim convert German lady, which she wrote to the Khalifa, Hazrat Syedna Mahmud[ra]. Our new convert sister, Mahmuda states: “To Hazrat Imam Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, my holy guide, Assalamo Alaikum!

“I am a German woman. I was born in Berlin. I belong to a respected family. Prior to changing nationality through marriage and coming to England, I used to work as a clerk at a bank in Berlin.

“It was with good luck that I met Ahmadi missionaries here and after comparing Christianity and Islam, I converted to Islam.

I find the teachings of the Holy Quran far more superior to the doctrines of the Trinity [Christian] religion. I have faith in One God, accept the prophethood of Muhammadsa Rasulullah [Prophet of Allah] and believe Hazrat Ahmad[as] of Qadian to be the prophet of this age.

“My holy master! Pray to God that His Supreme Being grants me a life of prosperity, chastity, and happiness. Huzoor, also pray that my poor country, which has experienced enough Christianity, embraces Islam, the religion of peace and harmony and then, blissfully accepts it.

“Servant of Huzoor, Martha Mahmuda, 3 March 1920” An American accepts Islam A young man from the Caribbean Islands located in America runs his own business in London. He is also the chairman of the United African Brotherhood and is a welleducated decent person. He was introduced to Ahmadi missionaries through Brother Aziz Brown. After many meetings and studying literature, a beam of Islam’s light struck his heart and the darkness of Christianity transformed to the light of Islam. Praise be to Allah Who made it all possible! The Christian name of our new friend was Hubert Marvelli. Keeping in mind his noble character, he has been given the Islamic name Sharif. Our friend belongs to the coloured nations like the eastern Prophets and is an American citizen.

Lecture of Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal

As I have mentioned in the previous [issue], Hazrat Chaudhry Sahib’s lecture on “Muhammad Rasulullah and his teachings” was due to take place at Western and Eastern Studio on 27 February. The speaker reached the lecture hall at the scheduled time and Mrs S Hall Simpon, being the president of the gathering, introduced the Ahmadi missionary before the audience. Apart from other praise worthy remarks, she said: “He is a well-travelled missionary and an experienced lecturer. No greater exponent of Islam could be found to speak on the teachings of the Arabian Prophet. I hope you will enjoy his speech.”

The speech was held and by the grace of God, it was remarkable. Its standard in terms of language and subject was such that the harshest of critics stood in harmony with me in saying, “Today’s speech was eloquent, effective, interesting and wellthought-out. It was decorated with the quality of discussing the issues such as divorce and polygamy before the ladies [audience] with well-suited, befitting and reasonable arguments. Thus, the speaker deserves every kind of congratulations on this success.” After the lecture, each of the attendees confirmed this fact through their actions and words.

Summary of the lecture After highlighting the teachings of tolerance, magnanimity, wholeheartedness and morality taught by the Holy Quran and explaining that Muhammadsa Rasulullah [Prophet of Allah] is the perfect reformer and a testifier to the teachings of the earlier Prophets, the erudite speaker compared the commandments of Prophet Adamas, Jesusas and Mosesas with the comprehensive laws of Islam. He presented a fine explanation of the following verses: ُْ ٌَ َ ُ َ​َ ‫اء َس ِّيئ ٍة َس ِّيئة ِّمثل َها‬ ‫جز‬ [The recompense of an injury is the injury the like thereof. (Surah al-Shura, Ch.42: V.41)] ْ ْ ّٰ َ ‫ِإ ّن الل َه يَأ ُمرُ ِبال َع ْد ِل۔۔۔‬ [Verily, Allah requires you to abide by justice, and to treat with grace, and give like the giving of kin to kin; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and transgression. (Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.91)] By elucidating that Allah the Almighty is the source of all goodness, noble motives and actions, he refuted the modern and superficial ideas of those new religions which reinforce the doctrines of human worship. He also explained and revealed the reality behind the statement of Prophet Jesusas, “Why do you call me good? Only

God is Good.”

At this point in the lecture, finding the audience interested and realising that no matter what the subject is, the questions will most probably be on polygamy, divorce and the [Jihad of] sword, the able lecturer shed light on all of these issues, giving sound arguments. He said that the West only gives women the status of a wife but Islam, which always adheres to moral education, promotes feelings of dignity, respect and honour by calling her a mother. Men are exposed to all dangers and difficulties. Why? Because human race can survive the limited death of men. However, the deaths of the mothers of the sons of Adam would result in the extinction of entire human race. These are the reasons that justify polygamy.

Adultery is a source of human destruction. Therefore, Islam has ordained a punishment of death for it because the adulterer is a murderer and in their death lies the protection of human race.

Facilities in divorce have been provided in order to secure the status of women, to prevent adversity and suffering and to make them a beneficial member of the human society.

Post lecture As the answers to all the questions were already given in the speech, no one felt the need to ask any questions after it. Only one Anglo-Indian officer asked, “What do you think of the fact that in India, we have seen women as inferior to men and witnessed them walking behind men?” The first answer was given by the speaker and then Nayyar followed it by saying, “You should realise that we belong to that Jamaat which is reformed and presents the true Islam. According to the teachings of Hazrat Ahmadas, women have been given that status in our community which they hold as per the doctrines of Islam. You might have seen Hindus and other people.”

Some other speeches Another lecture of Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal was held at the Ahmadiyya Lecture Hall on “Evolution of the World and Prophets.” Likewise, Mr Muhammed Suleiman Faith delivered a speech on the subject of “The Holy Prophetsa in the Bible.” Brother Suleiman read out the original Hebrew Bible before the audience and highlighting the prophecies about the blessings promised to the descendants of Ishmael, the birth of a prophet similar to Mosesas in the brethren of Israel and the glad tiding of “Muhammadim” given by the Prophet Solomonas, drew their attention towards the rightful advent of the Holy Prophetsa and then, he gave prominence

to the appearance of Hazrat Ahmadas, the prophet of this age.

In the week under discussion, this humble one went to attend the speech of the Right Honorable Lord Headley at International Society of Philology. After the Lord’s speech, owing to the significant participation in the discussions, I was thanked by the speaker and had the honour of being introduced before the audience.

I also had the opportunity to convey the message of the true Jamaat to an American tourist, an Englishman of Cairo college and an English woman of noble decent. Likewise, an interesting discussion took place in Hyde Park with a notable Christian sermonizer on Islam being a universal religion.

Pakka Pathan Kacha Krischan Following the speech of Brother Muhammad Suleiman Faith on 29 February, Colonel Cockburn Sahib, who was in the audience, attested to the speaker and said, “Agreeing with the entire speech, I want to tell the participants that I am a Muslim and my name is Ibrahim Khan Pakka Pathan Kacha Krischan [resolute Pathan and uncommitted Christian].” The colonel is 100 years old and travelled a long distance to attend the lecture.

Flight of Ahmadi pilot to Hindustan Ahmadi members will be happy to hear that Brother Muhammed Abdullah Bottomley, who is in Royal Air Force, intends to visit India along with Mrs Bottomley. There lies a passion in his heart to visit his master and mentor. Apart from him, Mr Hassan Goar Ahmadi of Egypt, who holds the rank of Aircraft Leader in the Air Force Department, is keen to visit Darul Aman during his service period. Thus, Ahmadi members who keep praying for their brothers working across lands and seas, should now know that those flying in the air also request prayers from them.

Goodnight Father I had the opportunity to carry out tabligh to a group of African Christians, consisting of English speaking black brothers. They listened very carefully to the message of the Promised Messiahas and when this humble one took leave from them, everyone spoke in united voices and in a very respectable manner, “Goodnight Father.”

New fellows have arrived By the grace of God, Brother Babu Azizuddin Sahib and Khan Nawabzada Abdul Rahim Khan have arrived safely in London on 3 March 1920. Each of the two Ahmadi servants of Islam were present at the Victoria Station to welcome them. Both Nawab and Aziz are in good health by the blessings of God. Hazrat Mufti Sahib A wireless telegraph of Hazrat Mufti Sahib has been received from the ocean, along with a letter from the coast of Canada, and another from Philadelphia. On his way, he suffered due to the turbulent [tides] but he was fine at the time of writing the letters. We pray to Allah that long before this writing reaches Hindustan, dear Mufti regains good health and achieves the strength to work successfully and catch white birds in the new world. Amin thumma Amin!

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Five Muslim inventions that shaped our world Mirza Usama Bashir Ahmad Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

From carpets, optics and coffee to degreeawarding universities and hospitals, Islamic inventors have changed and molded the modern-day world as we know it. Talented and hardworking Muslim scholars, who were also students of the sciences, the likes of Jabir Ibn Hayyan, Al-Jazari, Al-Zahrawi and Abbas ibn Firnas, discovered things that we still hold onto now.

With the inauguration of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, such major advances in science and technology took place, the likes of which had not been seen since the times of the ancient Greeks. With the vast Islamic Empire covering an area larger in expanse than that of the Roman Empire at its peak, the young prince AlMamun pushed an immense amount of focus and resources toward scientific and technological advances. The effects of this would not only be seen in the world of science, but also would have a direct impact on all sectors of life.

It is important to note that Muslim scientists, researchers and inventors of the Islamic Golden Age were inspired and motivated by their religion, Islam.

Allah, in the Holy Quran instructs Muslims to “think” and “ponder” over the “creation of the heavens and earth”. Allah talks about the “alternation of the night and day” and how He causes plants to grow and flourish. The Quran covers topics across biology, geology, embryology, astronomy and many more sciences. At the same time, it communicates to its readers to ponder and reflect. Couple these Quranic teachings with the instructions of the Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, of pursuing knowledge and education, and you have the great age of discovery and science that the Muslims created between 786 and 1258.

The contribution of Muslims is vast, therefore I will only highlight five Muslim inventions that we still enjoy and use today.

1. Algebra Algebra, a concept in mathematics that is the main component of any technological or engineering feat, unbeknownst to many, is in fact a contribution of Islam’s Golden Age. This invaluable contribution to the study of mathematics was made by renowned Persian scientist, Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi who is regarded as the cornerstone of the sciences.

Al-Khwarizmi set out the basics of algebraic equations in his book Kitab almukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr wal-muqabala,

which went on to be translated by a British Arabist into what is known as The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing. After his book was translated, he became known as algoritmi, from which the word algorithm also derives.

The purpose of these equations was to make life easier, especially when one had to make calculations decreed by Islam such as the Zakat or inheritance division.

The absence of calculators and computers that we have in the 21st Century meant that effective, accurate and swift mathematical equations needed to be developed to assist in complex or lengthy calculations. By introducing this concept into the world, he allowed mathematics to become broader in scope. Algebra has aided in building almost everything in the 21st Century, from towering skyscrapers to long bridges. (www.aljazeera.com/programmes/sciencein-a-golden-age/2015/10/al-khwarizmifather-algebra-151019144853758.html) 2. Degree-granting universities Today, there is an eclectic spectrum of professions prevalent, from archaeologists and researchers to doctors and engineers.

A crucial requirement to be certified and able to practice within a respected field is a university degree. What many do not know is that degree-granting universities are a product of Islam’s Golden Age and not only that, but the first university to be formally established was by a Muslim princess by the name of Fatima Al-Fihri.

Even before this institution was established, mosques doubled up as learning centres where the Quran, fiqh (jurisprudence) and ahadith were being taught. Whilst institutions

such as Oxford and Cambridge are known as being extremely old, dating back to the 13th Century, there are yet older institutions from the early Islamic era which have survived the test of time such as Al-Azhar University in Cairo and also the very institution which was founded by Fatima Al-Fihri and is famously known as Al-Qarawiyin.

This institution came into existence when Fatima Al-Fihri and her sister, Mariam, received a vast inheritance upon the deaths of their father and brother. Both decided to start projects which would benefit the people of Fez, Morocco, due to

The University of al-Qarawiyyin, Morocco founded by Fatima al-Fihri

their rising concern for the community.

They felt obliged to ensure others could also attain the same high level of education they had been blessed with. First, Mariam built the monumental Al-Andalus Mosque in 859 AD, which was quickly followed

by Fatima founding the Al-Qawariyin Mosque, boasting such a large complex that it was able to host a university within its walls.

Students were able to reside on at campus and had to pay no “tuition” fees; instead, they received free food and accommodation allowances. As the demand for places in the university grew, a selection process was established which tested candidates on their knowledge of Arabic, the Quran and general sciences.

The studies themselves were not limited to religion but expanded over the years to fields such as medicine and astronomy, with a keen focus on the natural sciences.

Fatima Al-Fihri passed away in 880 AD, but her institution has continued to operate and her contribution to this world paved the way in later years for further institutions to open across the globe. (https://aboutislam.net/family-life/culture/ worlds-first-university-founded-muslimwoman/) 3. Hospitals The earliest hospital, as we view them, was built in 805 in Baghdad by Harun AlRashid. These hospitals evolved in their scope and nature. The establishment of the Ahmad ibn Tulun Hospital in Egypt was special as well, as it was one of the first fully functional hospitals and one which became a template for the hospitals we see nowadays. A key concept which came about with the establishment of the Ahmad ibn Tulun Hospital was free healthcare – a concept which was and is prevalent in Islamic tradition institutionalised with the advent of this hospital.

Such hospitals served a magnitude of purposes, namely, treatment centres, recovery wards and even retirement homes. Many more similar medical centres opened across the vast Islamic Empire and became known as “Bimaristan” or “Maristan”, deriving from the Persian word for “ill” and “place”.

The question which many people think of is where the idea of a hospital actually come from. Well, it is said that it was the result of physicians at the time wanting to advance in medical knowledge and having the ability to apply it in a more practical manner. Such a place would treat those suffering with various ailments but also give them more insight into a field that was

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

16 greatly limited at the time.

These institutions boasted grand lecture halls where medical students were able to learn from the experienced doctors of the time. They may not have been to the standard you see nowadays, but these were the very places that became the inspiration for the medical centres you see dotted across the globe. (How Early Islamic Science Advanced Medicine, National Geographic History, November/ December 2016,The Islamic Roots of the Modern Hospital, AramcoWorld, March/ April 2017)

In fact, coffee became so influential that it became a big cause of concern, such that attempts to ban coffee were made with threats of the death penalty under the reign of Murad IV (1623-40).

When the drink first made its way to Europe, it was met with suspicion as it was a “Muslim” drink. Reportedly in 1600, Pope Clement VIII enjoyed a cup of coffee so much that he decreed it wrong to permit Muslims to monopolise it and subsequently declared that it should therefore be baptised. (www.bbc.co.uk/ news/magazine-22190802)

But if we entrust our matters to someone responsible or to whom we believe can make our struggle fruitful, our “burden” is instantly alleviated.

The Holy Quran mentions a believer who stood in Pharaoh’s court to support Prophet Mosesas. When he had delivered his message and fulfilled his responsibility, the Holy Quran mentioned that he said: َ ُ َُ ْ ْ ّٰ َ ّٰ ‫َوأف ِّوض أ ْمرِ ْي إِلَى الل ِه ۚ إِ ّن الل َه بَ ِصي ٌر ِبالع َِبا ِد‬

4. Coffee 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. It is now a staple and key part of the daily routine for many. The coffee industry is worth some $100 billion, yet the origins of this staple drink are not known to many.

5. The Camera While the camera was not directly an invention of the Muslim Golden Age, the optics and function behind the camera were developed by a Muslim scientist who went by the name of Ibn al-Haytham.

“And I entrust my affairs to Allah. Verily, Allah watches over His servants.” (Surah alMu‘min, Ch.40: V.45) In another verse of the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty has mentioned: ُ ُ ُ ّٰ ّٰ َّ ْ َ ْ َ َ ِ ‫او‬ َ ‫الس َم‬ ‫َول ِل ِه َما فِي‬ ‫ض ۚ َو ِإلَى الل ِه ت ْر َجع الْأ ُم ُور‬ ِ ‫ات وما فِي الأر‬

The origins of this drink in fact trace back to the early years of the Islamic Era. (www. businessinsider.com/facts-about-the-coffeeindustry-2011-11?r=US&IR=T) The story is that a Muslim Ethiopian by the name of Khalid (also referred as Kaldi) noticed one day, whilst tending to his goats, that they became livelier after eating a certain berry. He boiled the berries and this produced the first coffee. From the highlands of Ethiopia and Yemen, this berry produced a drink which first began to be used by Sufis who would use it to stay awake all night in order to pray. In fact, coffee is referred to as “the nectar of Sufism”. Sufis used it for years to come and this spread to the wider Muslim society.

As time went on, the tradition of roasting beans and putting them in hot water to produce a bitter drink, which could double as an energy boost, developed and became known as coffee.

The Arabic qahwa became the Turkish kahve and then the Italian caffe and then the English coffee. After the drink began to be consumed popularly, specialised coffeehouses began to open around the cities of the Muslim Empire, such as in Damascus, Cairo and Baghdad.

The drink only came to be known in the Western world after an Ottoman merchant brought the drink to London in the 17th Century. From there, coffee spread to Venice, Italy in 1645 and Germany in 1683 after the retreat of the Turks from Austria.

Without his research in the field of optics, the modern-day camera would have been impossible to develop.

Ibn al-Haytham is seen as one of the greatest scientists of all time, spending most of his working life in the imperial city of Cairo. His research in optics only came about after he was put under house arrest by the Fatimid ruler, Al-Hakim.

Taking advantage of this unjust decision he put his research to work and sought to see how light works. The core emphasis of his research was to see how the pinhole camera worked.

He is seen as the first scientist to discover that when a small hole is made

Continued from page 9

“And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and to Allah shall all affairs be returned for decision.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.110) A very good example to understand this reality is in our childhood. Whenever something wrong happened to us, someone scared us or we lost something, we used to run to our parents anxiously to tell them the matter and became calm because we had faith in them that they could solve the issue and save us from any consequences. The Holy Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, once said that Allah loves His servants 70 times more than a mother does. So, this is how remembering Him and entrusting Him with all our matters help us in getting rid of any anxiety and depression.

Now, the question arises: How can we always remember Him? As a matter of fact, Islam teaches that anyone, anytime and anywhere can remember their Creator in anyway and in whatever words they deem fit. Islam has also made it compulsory for its followers to remember Him at least five times a day in a specific way called Salat.

Salat itself, when performed with all its essentials, aids towards curbing anxiety and depression. When we start our day with

into the side of a lightproof box, rays of light from the outside are projected through that pinhole into the box and onto the back wall of it. He discovered that the smaller the pinhole (aperture) was, the sharper the quality of the image, which ultimately gave the ability to produce very

the remembrance of the Creator and seek help from Him and entrust our matters to Him, the day appears lighter to us. But after six to seven hours, worldly matters start accumulating. Here we need a break and recollect ourselves and offer the afternoon prayer and again seek help from God Almighty and tell ourselves that everything is not in our hands; consequences are not in our hands. Explaining our worries to Him, we again become lighter and until we fall asleep, we repeat this practice at specific intervals.

Psychologists recommend people to share their worries with others to help alleviate stress anxiety. Although one feels relieved through sharing worries with others, sharing all types of matters with others is not suitable, nor can people help us in most of our problems.

We need someone who listens to us, guides us, solves all our issues, does not tell our problems to others. Such a being must be all-knowing, sustainer of everything and there is none but Allah the Almighty.

Through prayers, we can get rid of all our thoughts that disturb us until we share them with someone. Through prayers, we can seek help for the things that are beyond our limits and powers. Through prayers, we can save ourselves from the unseen results of our deeds or deeds of our fellow beings.

The idea of entrusting one’s matters to someone and sharing worries to get rid of depression and anxiety is not just theoretical and practical. Lives of thousands of prophets and saints and millions of their followers are a proof of this phenomenon.

Prophet Jesusas cried when he was in great pain ‫( ایلی ایلی لما سبقتنی‬O Lord, why have you forsaken me?); in turn, he was saved.

The Holy Prophetsa prayed ‫اللھم اھد قومی‬ ‫ فانھم لا یعلمون‬when he was rejected by his people and his prayers were answered too.

May Allah enable us all to follow the path of His beloved ones to seek Divine help in our matters that could otherwise lead us to physical, mental our spiritual ailments.

Amin.

clear images. His research was compiled in the well-known book Kitab Al-Manazir, known as The Book of Optics in English.

This discovery of al-Haytham led to the invention of the modern-day camera and without his research into how light works, the mechanisms behind a camera would not exist. So, the next time you take a picture to upload onto social platforms like Twitter or Instagram, just remember that a Muslim scientist from more than 1,000 years ago is in part to thank for those likes you’re soon going to be piling up. (www. elsevier.com/connect/how-an-ancientmuslim-scientist-cast-his-light-into-the21st-century, Encyclopaedia Britannica) These inventions are but a handful of hundreds if not thousands that Muslim inventors and scholars contributed towards.

A great number of the everyday items we use are products of such inventors and scholars, and whilst the days of the cities of the vast Islamic Empire being the learning centres of the world may be long gone, their legacy still lives on and, God-willing, will see a new dawn.

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Atheism on Trial

New Atheism and the art of civilised dialogue Part I Sabahat Ali Rajput Missionary, Mexico

Civility is not the cleanness of one’s shave, the knot on one’s tie or the smile he wears before the masses, for by the blade of his tongue, the mace of his mind and the hatred of his heart, he may be no more than a snake in a suit.

There are certain sentiments which are precious and sacrosanct to everyone.

When these beliefs are insulted, especially publicly, a sinister seed of hatred and pain is sown. With time and the constant bombardment of such insults, the roots of this seed become entrenched in the mind and their unassuming branches begin to possess one’s actions. Such a wound drives the victim toward retaliating, perpetuating devastating chain reaction of resentment and frustrations between the parties.

Richard Dawkins has devoted an entire chapter in his book, The God Delusion to what he calls the “undeserved respect” that religious sentiments enjoy today. He writes: “The whole point of religious faith, its strength and chief glory, is that it does not depend on rational justification. The rest of us are expected to defend our prejudices. But ask a religious person to justify their faith and you infringe ‘religious liberty’.” (Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, p. 23, Bantam Press [2006]) The very first sentence is preposterously antithetical to the Islamic philosophy of intellectual dialogue. It is amazing to see how conveniently atheists like Dawkins take grossly ill-afforded liberties to dub all religions as one.

So far as Islam is concerned, it demands rational justification as a prerequisite to faith and when elucidating its teachings, the Holy Quran itself puts forth numerous rational arguments in support of its statements. In fact, it calls upon those who seek an intellectual contest with the Holy Quran in the words, “Bring forth your proof and your evidence” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.25). Hence, insofar as Islam is concerned, matters of faith do have a rational basis and scholastic dialogue requires backing evidence to substantiate one’s claims.

However, to publicly mock and ridicule someone’s religious belief in childish ways is both juvenile and inane.

Caricaturising sacrosanct personalities is one such example.

While it goes against the dictates of good will and respect in general, it is also malicious because more often than not, such disrespectful expression is not

limited to the confines of quill and ink – eventually, it has a physical impact as well.

Evan Davis, a well-known BBC Reporter, interviewed Mr Dawkins and, in the context of how people of different belief systems should interact, he asked Mr Dawkins, “What do you think the rules of the game should be?”

Dawkins replied: “I think the rules of the game are that you should be allowed to believe anything you like – and of course that’s right – but that you shouldn’t impose your beliefs on other people. And so, any creed that thinks it has the right to say, ‘Not only do we believe this, but you’ve got to believe it too or else’, I mean, that is a very very serious violation of everything that democracy stands for.”

When asked about the burka ban in France, he surprisingly replied: “I’m not in favour of the burka ban; it seems to me to be a violation of individual liberty. I mean, when I see woman in a full burka with just the slit, I feel personally offended. But it’s an important part of what I believe that what I feel personally is irrelevant, what I feel, nobody else should have to abide by what I feel. And that applies on the other side as well.” (Richard Dawkins on Islam, Jews, science and the burka, BBC Newsnight, Evan Davis speaks to Richard Dawkins, Published on 18 February 2015) Professor Dawkins must be applauded for analysing the burka ban relatively unbiasedly and, based on the preservation of personal liberty, defending women’s right to wear what they please. However, while his belief that “nobody else should have to abide by what I feel” sounds fair enough, it can cause more problems than it resolves, if left to the whims and caprice of the public. After all, the feelings and sentiments of other members in society are of utmost importance.

It seems that Dawkins does not understand the destructive effects and consequences that can emerge when members of society publicly disrespect each other, especially where religion is concerned. By making statements such as, “Nobody else should have to abide by what I feel”, New Atheists lay the groundwork for various problems. Not considering the feelings and sentiments of one’s fellow men can be damaging on many levels, from fueling an increase in hate crimes, to even pushing individuals toward murder.

For instance, according to Psychology Today, two-thirds of all murders in the US are carried out by young men because

of someone having publicly disrespected them. Criminologists have observed that numerous acts of violence stem from people being publicly disrespected. The United States witnessed a staggering rise in the number of “flashpoint killings” some years ago. Typically, the flashpoint killer was a young man who became furious after feeling that he had been disrespected in front of others. (Steve Taylor, “Slighting - the Dangers of Being Disrespected”, Psychology Today, 22 January 2012) New Atheists posit that religious ideas and sentiments need not be respected because they are not backed by evidence.

However, they do not just stop there. For example, Dawkins mentions that Andrew Mueller, a journalist, interviewed Sir Iqbal Sacranie, a “moderate” Muslim, about the infamous Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Even after Sacranie tells Mueller that for Muslims, “the Prophet Muhammadsa is held in higher esteem, respect and regard than their own parents and children”, Mueller assumes falsely: “… that the values of Islam trump anyone else’s, which is what any follower of Islam does assume, just as any follower of any religion believes that theirs is the sole way, truth and light. If people wish to love a seventh century preacher more than their own families, that’s up to them, but nobody else is obliged to take it seriously …”

Firstly, the conclusion that Andrew Mueller draws is a typical example of how New Atheists’ attitudes toward Islam are corrupted by premature bias. Mueller’s statement, that “the values of Islam trump anyone else’s” demonstrates how rigidly New Atheists hold on to their totally false and preconceived notions of Islam. Rather than focus on the actual point, which is the reasoning behind why Muslims were hurt and offended by the cartoons, Dawkins presents such quotes as suggest lies and falsehoods about Islam.

Secondly, arguing that “nobody is obliged to take it seriously” is fundamentally against the dictates of basic human respect. To go out of one’s way and publish derogatory drawings of a man held as the holiest person in mankind’s history by almost two billion people, just because freedom of speech allows it, is both impudent and unbecoming of any decent human. Especially when it would prove a source of humiliation, embarrassment, offense and outrage to people all over the world, it is but elementary to avoid tactics which fan the flames of disorder and

violence.

This is not to excuse any violence in response to written expressions of hate.

However, how many men will simply walk away if someone, God forbid, caricaturised their mothers in an unbecoming manner for the world to see in papers? Even after knowing that the Prophetsa of Islam is held with greater reverence by nearly two billion Muslims than their own mothers, how can one continue to brazenly declare that “nobody else is obliged to take it seriously”?

Islamic philosophy of communication Islam pointedly rejects the expression of arrogant and condescending attitudes towards one’s fellow man and calls for a brilliant balance betwixt humility and dignity. It enshrines the sentiments of loving for others what we desire for ourselves and describes a Muslim as one from whose hands and tongue others are secure and safe. In fact, every interaction between Muslims begins by pronouncedly offering a prayer of peace for the other.

Such is the spirit of communal good-will between Muslims and this is before any other exchange even occurs.

Beyond this, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa gave such enormous emphasis to speaking kindly and using dignified language that he deemed it an action which could save one from the hellfire (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Adab).

By using the words “Kalimatin tayyibatin” (a pure word which is intrinsically and extrinsically useful and free of malice and rancour), the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa intended to convey a great many things.

The words “Kalimatin tayyibatin” have been used and subsequently defined by the Holy Quran in a superbly comprehensive manner, which casts open vistas of understanding about the style in which a Muslim should always conduct his/her speech, discourse, dialogue and, in fact, all communication with his fellow man.

Curiously enough, the Holy Quran describes a good word as the following: َ َ ً َ ً َ َ ّٰ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ‫ال َ ۡم ترَ ک ۡی َف ض َر َب الل ُہ َمثلًا ک ِل َمۃ ط ِّی َبۃ کش َجرَ ٍۃ ط ِّی َب ٍۃ ا ۡصل َہا ث ِاب ٌت ّو‬ َ َّ ‫الس َمٓا ِء‬ ‫ف ۡر ُع َہا فِی‬ َ ٰ َ ّ ّ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ّ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ّ َ ۡ ۡ َّ ُ َ َ ُ ُ ۤ ۡ ُ ‫اس ل َ َعل ُہ ۡم‬ ِ ‫تؤ ِت ۡی اکلہا کل ِحی ٍۭن ِب ِاذ ِن ر ِبہا ؕ وَ یَّض ِرب اللہ الامثال ل ِلن‬ ‫یَ َتذک ُر ۡو َن‬ “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.

It brings forth its fruit at all times by the Continued on page 18

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Covid-19: A chance to daydream

Kamal Ahmad Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana

Almost a decade ago, the University of Hertfordshire published the results of an international study measuring the speed of life in 32 countries – it proved that the pace of life is speeding up by 10%.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the speed of our “busy” lives has been driven by the variable of commerce and business. Ever-evolving technology has a lot to do with the feeling that life is getting faster and faster, after all, every few years a new device appears that allows us to do

Continued from page 17

command of its Lord. And Allah sets forth similitudes for men that they may reflect.”

(Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.25-26) In these words, Islam appeals to the loftiest excellences of human communication and challenges mankind to adopt such a towering caliber of speech that it becomes like a tree of life which is firmly entrenched in the soil of true and long-lasting goodness. This illustration is astonishing for several reasons.

Firstly, the roots of a tree draw upon the water in the subsurface of the ground and through the incredible mechanism of reverse osmosis move against the natural tug of gravity to supply water to the tree.

The most impressive trees like the sequoia and large oaks are able to transmit up to 500 gallons of water a day – so much water in fact that the colossal volume of water vapour they emit as a result contributes to condensation and encourages rainfall, which in turn becomes a blessing for all

something quicker and more efficiently.

We have crammed schedules with activities planned out for the coming weeks, months and years. Hours are spent perfecting and modifying timetables to reduce “wasting” time. Apps tell us how much sleep we need and how many calories we need to burn off. We jump from one activity to another; constant productivity is expected in this racing world.

The adage of “time is money” is now a universal truth and with that, we weave this urgency to make every moment count.

Sadly for most of the world, religion does not fit into the picture.

Of course, productivity is good. But being engulfed in a non-stop life in which we chase nothing but worldly pursuits is the point of contention.

Most have become so intimately entangled with digital lives that we sometimes feel our phones vibrating in our pockets when they aren’t even there.

Notification sounds alerting us of the likes and retweets satisfy our dopamine-driven desire for social validation. And in this madness, we have lost our once esteemed virtues. Humanity has grown increasingly impatient. Restlessness kicks in instantly when one must stand in line, or a webpage

life in the forest.

Hence, the first characteristic of a “good word” in Islam refers to such speech as draws upon the water of true and vestal goodness. If the subsoil of a person’s mind is truly pure, then the water that is unearthed to express one’s thoughts will also be pure and wholesome. On the contrary, if the subsoil of one’s heart is without the water of human compassion and universal love, then that will reflect in his speech just the same.

The second salient characteristic in this example is the ingenious process of reverse osmosis. Just as gravity naturally pulls the water downward in a tree and reverse osmosis defies gravity in an epic struggle against the elements, heaving the water upward instead, so too does a good word demand that a believer fight against his animal self which seeks to drag down with it the water of human compassion and goodness.

Hence, the first quality of a good

word is intrinsically intertwined with the soil of the human heart and the water of human empathy and respect, for it is this which irrigates the garden of delightful and beneficial speech that gives life to the people who hear it.

Secondly, no matter how much the gravity of the baser (carnal) self seeks to pull a believer down, he pushes upward and against it with this water of extraordinary benevolence and warmth, just like a tree forces water upward against gravity.

The third major role of a tree’s roots is one of anchoring the body of the tree for its structural upkeep and resilience against powerful winds and other climatic factors which threaten to compromise its mechanical as well as operational integrity. Hence, a good word is one whose roots are firmly grounded in truth and the placement of which is aligned with rationality and human reason.

doesn’t load quickly enough or when a video starts to buffer.

This busy and hectic lifestyle has become a problem as the remembrance of Allah is sidelined or engulfed in this “fast-paced” lifestyle and not given due time. Allah the Exalted has stated in the fourth verse of Surah al-Baqarah: َ َّ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ‫الص ٰلوۃ‬ ‫و یقِیمون‬

“[Believers] Observe Prayer…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.4) The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, explaining this verse said that a believer sets upright their prayer. Here, “to set upright” (translated as “observe”) alludes to the forced effort that is specific to a righteous person when praying. When such a person begins their prayer, they must ward off countless evil whisperings, due to which their prayer “falls” repeatedly as it were, and they must keep it held up. When the worshipper says Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) to begin the prayer, a swarm of evil temptations rush to dissipate his heart’s concentration. These thoughts lead a person to a far off place, causing them distress, but they go on fighting in order to acquire concentration and contentment in prayer.

Difficulty in concentrating is a normal and periodic occurrence for most people but this hectic lifestyle that we are forced to live causes our concentration spans to deteriorate at a much faster rate. Our attention spans have shortened, we become distracted easily and cannot suffer the wait.

The French philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal in the mid17th century said that “all of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone”. Is it truly impossible to sit alone in a quiet room for a few minutes without external stimulation in today’s world?

Psychologists at the University of Virginia and Harvard tested this with college students. Each of their 146 subjects were required to sit in a chair, alone, in a quiet room for twelve minutes. All external devices, including smartphones and watches, were confiscated. However, one type of external stimulation was allowed. A button next to

If the soil which contains the roots is too over-laden with clay or the oxygen and moisture levels are not favourable, the roots of a tree will not continue to grow, which consequently will weaken its structural potency. Likewise, a good word must enjoy the soil of truth in whose nature it is to grow and flourish and must be aligned with the dictates of rationality and wisdom, which are no less than oxygen and nutrients to a tree.

The forest of pristine speech and communication And so, Islam invites each believer to become a “Shajaratin tayyibatin” (pure and noble tree) within him/herself, so that the Ummah becomes as though a lush forest of good words, pure speech and beautiful communication. The trees of a forest envelop the ground with their shade, which is also why paradise is referred to as Jannah or a place covered by Continued on next page >>

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM the chair, when pushed, would administer an electric shock to the participant. Before the experiment began, the participants were asked to press the button “just for practice.”

All of them reported that the shock was unpleasant, something they would avoid if possible. Then the experiment began. One at a time, the subjects were asked to sit “for ten or twenty minutes” (exactly how long they didn’t know, since their devices had been taken from them), with two rules: they couldn’t fall asleep, and they couldn’t get out of the chair. But if they wanted to press the button and receive a shocked, it was okay.

The researchers found that 67 percent of the men and 25 percent of the women chose to shock themselves during the twelve minutes of the experiment rather than sit quietly with their thoughts.

We reached to this point consciously.

This cancer didn’t just spring up on us but it’s an invited guest. Day by day, the noise and speed of our surrounding environment increased, and we just gasped at how fast our webpages loaded and videos downloaded. It is a challenge to recall a time of slowness, calmness, tranquility and quietness, when our minds could drift away in thought.

The coronavirus has, to some extent, slowed us down. Daily routines have been interrupted and suddenly we have unstructured, free-floating time. This terrible pandemic has freed us from the

prison of our time-driven lives. And this is a perfect storm within which we can reestablish a link with our God. The Promised Messiahas states: “If our entire lives are spent in worldly engagements, what will we have accumulated for the hereafter? Make a special effort to wake up for tahajjud and offer it with fervour and joy. At times, the prayers to be offered during the day pose a challenge to those who are in employment, but Allah the Exalted is the Provider. The obligatory prayers ought to be offered at their prescribed times.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p.

5) This is a period where we should take a step back, evaluate and recognise where we have failed traversing toward God. What areas of our lives need improving to establish a connection with God and how can we given precedence to the Hereafter?

Consider this time in isolation to be a time to recollect our thoughts.

In fact, studies have show that when the mind is at rest, great subconscious achievements can sprout from the mind.

Brian Sutton-Smith was one of the foremost play theorists of his time. With over sixty-five years observing, researching, and teaching in the fields of educational psychology and play theory. He argued that any useful definition of play must apply to both adults and children. He explained that activities

are just not for fun and amusement. This is the time to let the mind rest. A chance to daydream. To rest the mind.

A few years ago, Jihae Shin, an assistant professor of management and human resources at the business school of the University of Wisconsin (Madison), performed a simple experiment to test the impact of play and procrastination on creativity. Professor Shin asked people to come up with new business ideas. The participants were divided into three groups.

The first group started throwing out ideas immediately. The second group, before coming up with ideas, was asked to first spend a few minutes playing Minesweeper or Solitaire, two popular video games from the 1990s. An independent group rated the ideas that both groups came up with. They found that those in the second group, who had “procrastinated” for a few minutes, were noticeably more creative. Furthermore, Shin determined that another group, asked to play the games before being told about the assignment, was no more creative than the first group. Evidently, the decisive factor in increasing creativity seems to have been allowing a period to ponder a given problem at a leisurely and subconscious level, exploring possibilities while at play.

Let this be a time to let our mind give birth to new ideas and ways in which we can better ourselves spiritually.

The mind needs to rest. The mind needs periods of calmness. The brain is always busy, even during periods of apparent rest.

Einstein once said that “adversity is the mother of inventions” and this is being noticed around the world.

People are discovering deep-seated creativity within themselves which they’ve been too busy to develop, before the lockdown. They are now free and are left to roam through the halls of their minds.

This is the time for us to ponder over the challenges which we are confronted with in this busy world, especially in terms of our spirituality and connection with God, which is often lost in our “busy lives”.

<< Continued from previous page

Muhammadsa conveyed, when he said, “Speak only if you have something good to say, otherwise, remain silent.” (Sahihain – Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim) This is how Islam has also championed the genius of silence and encouraged its application over hurtful or non-beneficial speech. As any person who has ever regretted saying something will gladly observe, sometimes, the best thing to say is nothing at all.

is greater than Mosesas, the Jew was offended by this and brought the case to Prophet Muhammadsa. According to the established attitudes of New Atheists, Prophet Muhammadsa should have simply brushed the matter aside, quoting freedom of speech as a justification.

According to them, the Muslim had every right to profess his belief in the superiority of Muhammadsa over Mosesas. Yet, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, who was a paragon of sympathy and mercy, saw that the Jew was hurt and his universal love and empathy for all of mankind compelled him to admonish the Muslim, saying: َ َُّ ‫لَا تخ ِي ُر ْونِي َعلى ُموْ َسى‬ “Do not give me superiority over Moses.” This is yet another example of how Islam fosters the ideals of going beyond the basic level of justice and seeks to be benevolent and considerate of others’ feelings at every level.

Secondly, the fact that the Jew went to the Holy Prophetsa to complain about this matter, itself discloses that he knew

the cooling shade of trees.

Just as trees take in carbon dioxide and other pollutants and respond with oxygen, so too does a believer hear unkind words and respond with speech, which gives life – whether that is by educating the attacker about the truth, pointing out the error of his ways or restraining him from hurting another.

As trees offer restorative nectars, splendorous beauty and invigorating fragrances, so too are Muslims challenged to become a sumptuous and verdant community of the trees of righteousness in their communication and speech.

So lofty are the standards of human interaction to which Islam invites man that upon reflecting on the profound qualities which constitute Islamic etiquette, one is left thinking a thousand times before they utter any words at all. It is this very idea which the Holy Prophet

The greatest tree of nobility in action The pristine example of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam lucidly exemplifies and demonstrates for us the application of the above-mentioned analogy of a good word being a pure tree. From the soil of goodness to the roots entrenched firmly in truth, to the life that his words gave, the following example beautifully paints a picturesque example of a true shajaratin tayyibatin.

When a Muslim proclaimed before a Jew that the Prophet Muhammadsa

full well that the Prophetsa was a man of boundless sympathy, who would understand the pain of his fellow man.

This is yet another timeless lesson for today’s self-styled civil elites on how to deal with issues where one’s freedom of speech clashes with other people’s sacred views.

The very fact that the Jewish person made recourse to the Holy Prophetsa indicates that he expected mollifying treatment from him for his aggrieved religious sentiments. It also reveals the incredible level of sympathy, love and respect that the Prophetsa had for the beliefs of those who did not share his views. It is a lesson to all followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa to not look at others with condescension and arrogance, and a profound message to peoples of all eras that wherever someone makes an upsetting remark about another’s religious leader, a statement of apology or the retraction of that statement should be expressed out of respect for the person.

After all, if a person makes a crude and offensive remark about another’s mother, is it not basic civility to at least offer an apology or withdraw the comment? Then what about one who is held with even greater reverence and dignity than one’s mother?

Regrettably though, when it comes to the anguish that Muslims suffered at the publication of the infamous Danish cartoons, New Atheists like Dawkins are apathetic and indifferent. Thus, referring to the pain felt by Muslims at the publishing of these ignoble cartoons, Dawkins writes: “The ‘hurt’ and ‘suffering’ consisted, remember, not in any person enduring violence or real pain of any kind: nothing more than a few daubs of printing ink in a newspaper…” (Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, p. 27, Bantam Press [2006]) It is mortifying to note how quickly and conveniently a man of Dawkins’ gargantuan educational calibre can forget the power of the pen when seeking to justify vilifying and provocative expressions of hate against Islam.

One must bear in mind that Dawkins has been at the forefront of opposing the notion of doing good for the sake of God and instead, promotes the idea that man does not need religion to be moral.

Yet, the above example is sufficient to demonstrate without a shadow of doubt that there is a disparity of several light years between the civility of Dawkins, an ambassador of atheism, and the “seventh century preacher”, peace and blessings of God be upon him, who he believes was no more than a war-monger and a savage.

Yet, the light of this Prophet’ssa compassion continues to outshine even those who lay claim to the highest echelons of civility 1,400 years later.

(To be continued…)

In the next issue, the second segment of this piece, we shall explore how New Atheists ride the wave of Islamophobia to perpetuate fear and insecurities and the Islamic response to hate speech by such detractors

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Promised Messiah Day in Sri Lanka Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

Due to the prevailing situation, the tabligh department of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka organised a “Social Media Contact” to mark Promised Messiah Day. A number of posters were prepared that included sayings of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, his claims, doctrines

of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya as taught by the Promised Messiahas, the Ten Conditions of Bai‘at, the death of Jesusas and also other topics including selected sayings of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

These posters were disseminated among Jamaat members throughout the day of 23 March 2020 through WhatsApp and

Facebook etc. Jamaat members from all auxiliaries, Ansar, Khuddam and Lajna enthusiastically participated.

We started this campaign in three languages; English, Tamil and Sinhala. And our tabligh to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat continues even after Promised Messiah Day and is spreading far and wide across the island. People from all religions

are being preached to.

Daily short messages are prepared and sent. Extracts from the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, may Allah be his Helper, are also selected and being sent.

It is our sincere prayer, that may Allah the Almighty open the eyes of the world towards the truth and may everyone return to Allah the Almighty and His teachings.

Hugging the pandemic away A Mexican dilemma

Sabahat Ali Rajput Missionary, Mexico

Think your government’s approach to tackling Covid-19 is bad? Think again.

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, or as he’s known more commonly, “AMLO”, declared hardly a month ago, “With the coronavirus, this idea that you can’t hug – you have to hug!

Nothing happens!”

More than a week later, after death tolls had confounded the best health-care professionals in the world and paralysed entire countries, Mr AMLO decided that the best response was to visit the destitute state of Guerrero and hug as many people as possible before uploading a video of it as an example for the entire country of 129 million people to follow.

Now, a stomach-churning video of Mexican medical workers from one of the country’s top hospitals is circulating.

It shows them discussing that testing for Covid-19 in Mexico is nearly nonexistent compared to the spread.

What’s more, the actual testing equipment for the novel coronavirus has only been delivered to 3 or 4 of Mexico’s most expensive hospitals.

As though this wasn’t already an awardwinning recipe for pandemic disaster, some hospitals are charging obscenely high prices of nearly 10,000 pesos a test (“Coronavirus test costs up to 10,000 pesos in private hospitals”, Mexico News Daily, 17 March 2020, accessed 8 April 2020), which is about $433.00 (USD).

To put it into perspective, the average middle-class Mexican makes significantly less than that in an entire month – and that’s not including the nearly 40% of the population that is barely balancing on the tight rope of poverty and the lower-middle classes.

For them, the choice between the certainty of starving if they stay home and the chance of dying by the virus is an easy one. The ghastly lack of access to the select few hospitals which are making the test available has, much like an anesthetic, numbed them.

“I don’t care much about the virus,” one mechanic replied, when asked about the dangers he exposes himself to every day.

“If the virus gets me, it gets me. What can I do?” (The New York Times, “As the Coronavirus Approaches, Mexico Looks the Other Way”. Accessed 8 April 2020) As I make my way to Costco through Mexico City to replenish my stock-up of supplies (as instructed time-and-time-again by the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa) I pass a number of the 16 delegations which make up this vibrant and buzzing metropolis.

Aside from the extremely well-off areas (which represent less than 1% of the population), everyday business is alive and well. Scores of people in this nine-millionperson supercity blur past my Uber window, hugging, sitting in groups huddled together in the archetypal Mexican way, kissing each other upon saying hello and again when saying goodbye.

There’s hardly a mask in site.

While just north of the border, the US is crawling upward of 25,000 tragic losses of life to the pandemic, 350,000 Mexican workers who depend on foreign tourism and earn hand-to-mouth wages are facing a lethal loss of livelihood and jobs (VOA News, “Mexico Loses Nearly 350,000 Jobs Battling Coronavirus”, 9 April 2020) Readers from the developed world should bear in mind that each day’s earnings for these workers decide if their children will eat that week.

And so, while the apprehension in the first world is no doubt terrifying, the tension in the toxically polluted air of Mexico City can be cut with a knife. The grim silence in her affluent streets bangs loudly against the heads of the poorer delegations in the city.

The quiet winds that blow in the richest neighborhoods fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of lockdown resonate like bombs upon the eardrums of the less privileged majority.

It is impossible not to notice the eyes of passers-by when I step out of Costco with supplies to last a few weeks. I see some local Mexican children running about freely in the streets – they do not enjoy the luxury of checking their phones every few minutes to see the number of Covid deaths. The tips I give to the cashier, then to the doorman and again to my Uber driver hardly dissipate the stone anchoring down my stomach and my

heart bleeds after them.

These people may not wear silks, but there are angels amongst them.

I recall I once had to go to a pharmacy for a specific medicine only available in the extremely wealthy Polanco region of Mexico City – the Beverly Hills of Latin America.

I remember seeing a young woman seated outside with a blanket around her and her infant. I was with my wife and our one-year old daughter who was nestled in her stroller.

I looked at my daughter and my heart nearly burst from the confused explosion of emotions – gratefulness to God for having given me everything and ineffable agony for the lady and her child. She literally was sitting at the feet of the richest people in the world.

As I walked up the ramp – a climb that seemed never to end as I could feel the desperate eyes of a mother burning a hole through my conscience – the lady suddenly called out to me.

“Sir!” I reached into my pocket before turning around to see if I had anything I could give her. I wouldn’t face her any other way.

I couldn’t face her any other way.

My heart sank as soon as I put my hand in my other pocket. My wallet was gone. I looked back at her in horror – less because of the missing wallet and more because I couldn’t even help her.

What I next saw shattered my already throbbing soul into a million smithereens and erected in its place a universe of

unspeakable respect for these amazing people.

The lady had left her spot to pick up my wallet which I had dropped coming out of our car and was rushing towards me to return it.

My fingers tremble as I recall that moment – when time literally froze and all I could see was an angel of God before me. I did not care in that moment what was in my wallet, for I had been struck by a lightning rod of humanity. My eyes burned with water and my heart was like a supernova in adoration of this woman who had nothing of the material world, yet chose to help me even when she could have easily kept it.

After all, for the sake of her child, why not keep the wallet?

Nowadays, as Mexico is being described as “the next Italy” by several medical health experts across the country, my heart goes out to all the angels in these streets.

So while we sit in the confines of our homes watching the horror of Covid-19 from the safety of our flatscreens and complaining about how difficult it is to go out with a mask, let’s also remember that there are those who have so little, yet carry hearts of gold, who deserve our attention, care and anything else we can give them especially in these days.

As God Almighty once informed the Holy Prophetsa of a question He will ask humanity, “Why did you not feed me when I was hungry?”

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

British Muslims to #PrayForHeroes Just Days Before Ramadan

Over the past month, Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK has been supporting those on the front line and vulnerable members of the public through a number of campaigns, including: - Assisting 600 NHS staff with food packages and PPE supplies - Supplying 3,200 households with food parcels and medicine - Established 25 foodbanks across the UK Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK said: ‘‘In these tough times, many may feel insecure and afraid, but our message to fellow Brits is one of solidarity, unity and security; our message is that we are there for you and if you need us, you need only call and we will respond. ‘‘As Muslims, love for our nation is a part of our faith and we also believe that being grateful is a duty upon all Muslims.’’

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK has been working hard across various campaigns during 2019-2020. Through their efforts, they have donated 7,700kg of food and 4,100kg of clothes, made 4,000 welfare visits, donated 750 units of blood, planted 37,000 trees and much more alongside holding charity runs known as the Charity Challenge to raise more than a million pounds for British charities.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK has helped 3,200 households, 23 charities and food banks, 20 local councils and 600 NHS staff.

AMYA is also holding regular classes and hosting online content reaching the masses.

Kosovo Jamaat distributes hygiene packages to 2,557 people in need Jinahuddin Saif President Jamaat Kosovo

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo, in cooperation with the Municipality of Kamenica, has started sharing hygienic packages to 2,557 people in need. These packages are being distributed to families in need, who are registered in the social centre in Kamenica and through the identification of local councils.

These hygiene packages are also transported door to door, taking care to maintain social distance. Each package contained a hand sanitiser, soap, laundry detergent, container detergent, hair shampoo and toilet paper. The Mayor of Kamenica, Mr Qendon Kastrati thanked Ahmadiyya Jamaat for this donation and help in this critical time.

The coverage of this activity has been very good, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, more than 30 newspapers have published this humanitarian project on their websites and social networks, totalling over five million viewers or followers.

Furthermore, the official websites of the

municipality published this news as well.

The reason why it has been hygienic packages and not packages of food was because we were asked to help in providing hygiene supplies to 2,550 people on social assistance. These people receive some relief from the municipality, but they are not able to spend money on hygienic utilities. They can only spend their money on food. This could create severe problems, therefore he said, “I have thought of you”. We thank Allah that we were of assistance and were able to help humanity and the government.

We request all the readers of Al Hakam for prayers that may Allah the Almighty protect the whole mankind all around the world. Amin.

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Staying connected during Covid-19

Mayotte Island Jamaat helps rural areas Usama Umar Joya Missionary, Mayotte Island

Like other countries, Mayotte Island has also been in lockdown for the past couple of weeks. As in other countries of the world, Allah the Almighty has enabled the members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mayotte as well to put their lives on the line and help serve mankind in every way possible.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mayotte contacted the government to offer its services, upon which the government expressed their immense gratitude. The ambassador of Mayotte Island congratulated me and said that the service which we as a Jamaat are rendering for humanity is very helpful to the government. The ambassador gave us cheques of thousands of Euros and said that it is now our responsibility to utilise this to serve those in need and also expressed his assurance that we would help the government in reaching out to those who are in need.

Alhamdulillah, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mayotte Island used that cheque to serve underprivileged people in the most remote areas of Mayotte. The areas that we helped were practically unreachable, one cannot access those areas through normal means of transport, rather walking by foot is the only way to reach them.

After helping the less privileged people in these areas, we also came to know that this was the first time that they received aid of any sort.

Saad Waraich University of Waterloo, Canada

Our world is at war with a rapidly growing pandemic which has taken away thousands of lives globally. More than one-third of the world’s population is currently under some form of lockdown. Countless lives have been disrupted due to workplace closures and isolation, leaving many in stress, loss, loneliness and in need of help.

All these factors and the drastic changes in daily life can lead to a rise in clinical depression among people which also harms their immunity. Hence, as we practice selfquarantine to keep ourselves and others safe, it is becoming increasingly vital to stay connected with each other during this outbreak.

The Holy Quran teaches: “And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful.” (Surah an-Nisa, Ch.4: V.37) Social isolation can have a negative

impact on physical and mental health; therefore, it is imperative to reach out to your relatives, family, neighbours and friends just to connect with them on how they are coping and if they require any sort of assistance.

Help especially those who are elderly, with essential things like grocery and prescription pick-ups. This way not only will people know how much you care

about them, but at the same time you’ll feel better as well. With modern means of quick communication like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Duo etc., it has become very easy to voice or video call your loved ones.

Such platforms can also be used to form groups where relatives can instantly know about each other’s health, request prayers and give emotional support to reduce panic or worries.

Try having conversations unrelated to Covid19, to divert frustration from the outbreak to positive thoughts and feelings.

Plan certain activities together like group reading and discussions on the books of Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, and other literature. You can also play a boardgame or any indoor game with family for recreation.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him keep the ties of relations.”

(Sahih Bukhari) This worldwide crisis we are going through may not end soon. By reaching out and caring for each other, we can at least overcome the struggles during this period, together forming stronger bonds of empathy and kinship. Moreover, during this time we should specially pray a lot for ourselves and others. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, recently said: “Most of all, as I said in my previous sermons, give heed greatly towards prayers.

Through prayers we can absorb the blessings and grace of Allah the Almighty and we can maintain a healthy spiritual and physical state. The Promised Messiahas has repeatedly admonished us towards this… May Allah enable mankind to fulfil the rights of one

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Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

A blessing in disguise

Bushra Nasir Australia 16 April: Today marks exactly three weeks since we in Australia have taken a pause in what was our daily lives. We have settled into our new realities and experienced all the highs and lows associated with these

changes.

However, we have not just taken a pause. For some, the past few weeks have felt more like a deep and sudden sinking.

If you really think about it, we were, in reality, coming up for air.

How often did we have a chance to stop and look up, stop and notice, breathe?

How many times did we say to

ourselves that we would get to this change or pick up that hobby, take up that skill or simply make time for ourselves? Only to, once again, find ourselves months down the line with nothing taking effect.

We have been given a blessing in disguise.

Through this hardship and sadness, we have been given permission to adjust,

but also, to just be; not plan our day around what needs to be done, but what we actually want to do. For the first time, we have all the time in the world and can choose what we want to do; to focus on our health, strive for those in need, look after our elders and the vulnerable and focus on spreading peace and positivity. As the Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, so wisely said: “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time for doing good.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) Although many have faced immense hardships, and for them the blessings may well be in disguise, we must still count them. This new reality has created a shift in our norm. Not only that, it has also challenged many of us to reconsider what we prioritise.

It has also reinforced a view of just how real, solid and powerful our community is. Listening and watching our Imamaa – first from his office and next from the Mubarak Mosque – blessing us with his grace and guidance, has been enormously uplifting in the past few weeks to say the least. This is our north star. It does not matter how much we grow or how much our internal or external world changes, we hold onto the centre ethos of our community. Reassuring his community, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, recently reminded us: “[God] He is the One Who has announced that He will guide those Who make an effort in coming towards Him. He has stated that He will come fast towards those who take even one step towards Him and has said that He will take them into His shelter.”

Human connection is the fabric on which we survive. The number one thing that everyone misses at this time is human interaction. There may be a physical distance between each other, however a real connection between humanity is at an all-time high.

Nevertheless, while we reminisce our physical connections, the spiritual connection we so easily tend to deprive has become the centre of our day-today activities. “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast…” said Prophet Muhammadsa. With Ramadan most likely occurring during our days of quarantine, we have been given an experience like never before – to fully devote our days and nights in seeking the blessings of this Holy month.

“And He gave you all that you wanted of Him; and if you [try to] count the favours of Allah, you will not be able to number them. Verily, man is very unjust, very ungrateful.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.35) Post-Covid-19 is but a mere distant thought; we will not be just going back to what we knew before. This is a chance to pivot and grow in a million new directions.

So let us challenge our new realities. When we can no longer hear the birds singing or see clearer waters, let us not forget this new way of life we experienced.

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Friday prayers, women and the loss of a masjid An Ahmadiyya mosque attacked in Faisalabad, on 23 August 2018 Darul Zikr Mosque in Lahore, one of the two mosques attacked during attacks in 2010

Ahmadi mosques in Pakistan have been subject to attacks

Lubna Bajwa Pakistan

My favourite thing about this quarantine has become the at-home Friday prayers, something which I don’t remember offering since 2010. Friday has yet again become a day of such enlarged significance after so many years.

An Ahmadiyya mosque in Sialkot was attacked on 23 May 2018

As my husband and I rush around in a frantic spree after breakfast trying to finish all the household chores to get ready for the Jumuah prayers, I feel waves of nostalgia washing over me. Instead of the usual slouching on the couch or aimlessly moving from the drudgery of one task to another, on Fridays, during these bleak, grim days, we find ourselves consumed by an electric energy of sorts, ensuring to get ready in our best clothes, quick enough to make it to the cut-off point of 1:30pm.

The day is already structured. The house is spotless and we all are well fed, showered and ready to start with our prayers. What a wonderful feeling — perhaps a stay-at-home mother can relate best.

But today — right after the Friday Sermon, when my husband moved onto the latter part of the Jumuah prayers, the khutba thaniya — my mind was flooded by the memories of all the Fridays we got to spent in this ceremonious manner while growing up. For most part of our lives, we grew up in missionary homes, adjoining

the masjid compound.

My father was a missionary, the imam who used to lead the prayers. The congregational prayers were always a blink away — a given, a constant.

I remember Bait-ur-Rahman, Karachi like it was yesterday. Fridays, Eid, Ramadan were always elaborate. The women had their own industrial sized kitchen, a large prayer hall and a beautiful guest room. We even used to have congregational Tahajud prayers occasionally.

I can’t forget the sense of community, the fondness of belief and the strength of faith the masjid and its experience cemented in us. We were posted there for three years and for perhaps four consecutive Eids we could not afford to travel back to Lahore to our family. The community around Bait-urRahman never let us feel lonely during any of those Eids.

But perhaps the strongest and longest association I had was with the mosques in Lahore, Dar-ul-Zikr and Bait-un-Nur, where we spent more than 15 years of our lives.

Today, as I return to offering the Friday prayers with a little family of my own — during a time where all the mosques of the world are closed, inaccessible to each and everyone, regardless of gender, creed, colour or sect — I am reminded of yet another loss which is perhaps more permanent, more fracturing than this temporary shutdown due to Covid-19.

As my husband reads out the khutba thaniya and my ears blare with the words “Wa ladhikrullahi akbar” “And verily, the remembrance of Allah is the highest virtue”, imagery from a distant, long repressed past resurfaces where an endless sea of women used to rise as the imam called out these words.

The coronavirus lockdown will soon lift, Insha-Allah, and life will return to a (new) normal. The men will return to the mosques for their usual prayers and Fridays will be ever so hustling and bustling.

But us women will go back to the same exclusion, enforced due to the fear and insecurities that wounded Bait-unNur and Dar-ul-Zikr on 28 May 2010.

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Friday Sermon 20 March 2020 Claims and teachings: Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In three days, it will be 23 March and it was on this day that the Promised Messiahas inaugurated the system of Bai‘at [oath of initiation] and thus, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was formally established.

This day is commemorated in the Jamaat as the “Promised Messiah Day” and Jalsas [gatherings] are also held with regards to this day. As part of its commemoration, we learn about the claims and the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas as well. Thus, although three days still remain until 23 March, but the next Friday will be many days later.

Therefore, in view of this day, I will present some quotes of the Promised Messiahas in his own words. It may well be that due to the recent outbreak of the virus, it may not be possible to hold Jalsas in most countries. Therefore, in addition to my sermon, programmes will be broadcast on MTA with regard to this.

Every Ahmadi should endeavour to listen to them at home along with their children.

The Promised Messiahas was sent in subservience to the Holy Prophetsa, to continue his mission and to propagate his faith across the world. Hence, the Promised Messiahas once stated: “I invoke durood [salutations] upon the Holy Prophetsa for it is for his sake that Allah the Almighty established this Community and it is due to his grace and blessings that we are witnessing these signs of support.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “I openly proclaim and this indeed is my very belief and creed that no person can attain any spiritual benefit and blessing without following the footsteps of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Lecture Ludhiana, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 267) It is owing to the spiritual blessings that he received from the Holy Prophetsa that Allah the Exalted sent the Promised Messiahas for the reformation of the world.

He sent him to re-establish the glory and grandeur of Islam. Hence, the Promised Messiahas states on one occasion: َْ َ َ ‫َوا ْر َسل ِن ْی َر ِّب ْی لِاِ ْصلَا ِح خل ِق ٖہ‬

‘And God sent me so that I may reform mankind.’” (Aijaz-e-Ahmadi, appendix Nuzul-ul-Messiah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, p. 178) Then, further elaborating regarding the purpose of his advent, the Promised Messiahas states, “I must say – and I cannot be stopped from repeating – that I am the promised one who has been sent to restore the faith, to re-establish it in the hearts of men. I have been sent exactly as was sent the one to follow the man of God they call Kalimullah. I have come like him whose spirit underwent hardships in the

reign of Herod and was at last raised to heaven.”(Fath-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 7-8) Then, announcing that the Messiah, promised by the Holy Prophetsa had appeared at his appointed time, he states: “So, O my brethren! I implore you in the name of God, do not commit excesses against me, for it was imperative that I present to you those things which you initially would fail to comprehend. If you were already on the right path, then there was no need for my advent. I have mentioned previously that I have come in the spirit of Jesus, son of Mary, for the reformation of this Ummah in the same manner Jesusas was sent to reform the Jews. For this very reason I have appeared in the likeness of Jesus, son of Maryas and I have been commissioned with the same task that was assigned to him. After his advent, the Messiahas removed the harmful innovations and erroneous beliefs held by the Jews. One of those beliefs was that the Jews believed that Elijah would appear in this world again. In the same way, the Muslims of today believe that Jesus, son of Maryas would descend from the heavens.

Thus, the Messiahas stated that Elijah would not descend from the skies and instead, John [the Baptist], son of Zechariah was Elijah [in spiritual form], those who wish to accept him should do so. The Messiahas removed the misconception of the Jews and as a result of this was declared to be a heretic and an infidel, yet, he explained all that what was true. The same is the

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

26 case for his spiritual manifestation, in that this humble one has also been declared a heretic like the Messiahas. Is this not a similarity of the highest order?” (Izala-eAuham, Part II, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p.

394) The Promised Messiahas did not only state that his advent was for the Muslims, but his advent was significant for every religion and every nation. At one instance, the Promised Messiahas said: “Finally, let it be clear that my advent in the present age is not for the reformation of the Muslims alone, but I have come to reform the people of all the three religions: Muslims, Christians and Hindus. Just as God has appointed me the Promised Messiah for the Muslims and Christians, so too am I the Avatar for the Hindus.

For the past 20 years or so, I have been proclaiming that just as I have appeared in the spirit of the Messiah son of Maryas for the purpose of removing sins which have filled the earth, so too have I come as Raja Krishna – one of the greatest Avatars of the Hindu faith. In other words, I am the same person by virtue of spiritual reality.

This is no fancy or speculation on my part.

The God of heaven and earth has revealed to me, not once, but a number of times, that for the Hindus I am Krishna and for the Muslims and Christians I am the Promised Messiah.

“I know that the ignorant Muslims, on hearing this, will immediately say that by assuming the name of a kafir [disbeliever], I have openly accepted disbelief. But this revelation is from God and I have no choice but to proclaim it. Today it is for the first time that I am announcing it before such a large gathering, for those who are from God are never afraid of the reproaches of faultfinders.” (Lecture Sialkot, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 228) This was stated by the Promised Messiahas in Lecture Sialkot, which was a lecture delivered by him in front of a large gathering of Muslims and Hindus.

With regard to the significance of his advent, the Promised Messiahas writes: “When man acts contrary to the commands of God Almighty, it becomes a means of him committing sin. Even if a low-ranking soldier is sent by the government with a written order, the one who disobeys that directive would be deemed guilty and punished as a result.

If this is the case with mere mortal rulers, what then would be the state of the one who disrespects and shows no regard for a directive issued by the Best of judges [i.e.

Allah the Almighty]. God Almighty holds His honour dear to Him. In an age of sin and vice, God Almighty commissioned His servant and sent him according to the need of the time so that he can guide people towards the right path. Thus, for one to trample all over this wise judgement is a grave sin.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “…Man can never fathom the wisdom behind God’s design. After all, what is man that he can lay claim to understanding Divine wisdom. The wisdom of God’s design is evident and manifest for this age to see.”

The Promised Messiahas then says: “Previously,” the Promised Messiahas is referring to his time, “if a Muslim would abandon his faith, there would be a great hue and cry. But now Islam is in such a weakened state that approximately 100,000 people have turned their back on Islam.”

The Promised Messiahas further says: “Islam is a pure and flawless religion.

However, it has been attacked in such a manner that there are hundreds of thousands of books written which are filled with vile abuse against the Holy Prophetsa. Some magazines are printed in the millions. If everything that has been written against Islam is gathered together at one place, it would form an enormous mountain.

“The case of the Muslims is that it seems as if they are lifeless and have become like corpses. In times like these, if God Almighty also remains silent, then one can only imagine what would be the outcome. One strike from God Almighty is far greater than even a thousand assaults of man and this one strike alone would be enough for His religion to triumph over others.

“The Christians have spent the past 1,900 years crying out that Jesusas was god. Subsequently, their religion grew and moreover the Muslims are helping them in this cause. The Christians have been equipped with an excellent weapon in that they say Jesus is alive and our Holy Prophet[sa] has passed away.”

The Promised Messiahas further says: “In Lahore, Lord Bishop presented this argument in front of a large congregation and no Muslim was able to reply to it.

However, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, a member of our community who was present at the time, stood up and quoting references from the Holy Quran, Ahadith, books of history and also from the Bible, proved that Jesusas has passed away and the Holy Prophetsa is alive, because there have always been individuals who, having attained blessings through him, demonstrated miracles and excellences.

The Lord Bishop was unable to reply to this.”

The Promised Messiahas then says, “…I once sent an advertisement to a group of Christians in Ludhiana saying that there was little difference in our mutual beliefs. What harm is there if they were to accept that Jesusas had passed away and did not ascend to the heavens? At this, they became infuriated and said that if they accept that Jesusas had passed away and did not ascend to the heavens, then there would not be a single Christian left in the world.”

The Promised Messiahas says: “Always remember that God Almighty is All-Knowing and Wise. He has implemented this design so that the enemy may perish. Why do the Muslims remain adamant upon this point? Was Jesusas superior to the Holy Prophetsa? If you hold animosity towards me then do not exceed all limits and act in a manner that would destroy Islam. God Almighty does not implement anything that is ineffective

and without this belief, [i.e. regarding the death of Jesus] one cannot break the cross.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp.174-175) On another occasion, the Promised Messiahas said: “The actual mission for which God has appointed me is to remove the estrangement that has come between man and his Creator and re-establish a relationship of love and sincerity between him and his Lord. He has also appointed me to put a stop to religious wars by proclaiming the truth, to create religious harmony, to reveal the religious truths that have long remained hidden from mortal eyes, and to display the true spirituality that lies submerged under the darkness of selfish passions. I have also been sent to demonstrate practically, and not just in words, how Divine powers enter man and how they are manifested through prayer and concentration.

“But, first and foremost, I have been sent to re-establish forever the lost belief in the Unity of God – tawhid – which is pure and luminous and unadulterated by any form of idolatry – Shirk. All this will not come about by my power, but by the Mighty hand of the Lord of heaven and earth. While God has taken upon Himself the task of my spiritual training and has inspired me, through His revelation, with a zeal to bring about this reformation, He has also prepared hearts that are ready to accept my words. I observe that ever since God sent me, a great revolution has begun to take shape in the world.” (Lecture Lahore, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 180181) The Promised Messiahas stated this in Lecture Lahore.

Then expounding further on the fact that owing to God Almighty’s mercy and in order to save mankind, God Almighty sends His chosen servants and reformers, the Promised Messiahas states: “It is God’s eternal law that when suffering and hardship reach their extreme, His mercy is aroused and He creates the means for the alleviation of the world’s woes. For example, when drought causes a severe famine and people are about to perish, God the Noble causes rain to fall; when there is an epidemic and thousands begin to die, He causes some means for purifying the air or some remedy to be found; when a nation is in the grip of a tyrant, he is ultimately replaced by a just and benevolent ruler.

“In the same way, when people forsake the path of God and renounce tawhid and worship of God, He raises someone whom He grants perfect vision and honours him with His word and revelation, in order to guide mankind and bring about a reformation of the evil that has occurred.

“The truth is that God is the Sustainer on whom depends the existence and continuity of the universe. He does not deprive His creatures of His benevolent attributes, nor does He suspend them.

Rather, they instantly come into play when they are required.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part II, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 1, pp. 113114, footnote no. 10) On another occasion, the Promised

Messiahas states: “Extremely blessed and fortunate is the one whose heart is pure and desires for the manifestation of Allah the Almighty’s greatness and glory because such a person is chosen by Allah over others. As for those who oppose me, our decision between us lies before Allah the Almighty. Allah the Almighty knows the reality of our hearts, He knows whose hearts are inclined towards the attraction of this world and whose hearts are filled with fervency and fervour for Allah the Almighty.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “Remember well that one can only excel in spirituality when one purifies their heart. When one’s heart becomes pure and cleansed, it develops a particular strength and faculty to progress in spiritualty. One is then endowed with all kinds of means to progress further. Ponder over the example of the Holy Prophetsa; he was alone and while in this very state, he proclaimed: ُ ّٰ ّ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ‫اس ِإنِی َر ُسوْ ُل الل ِہ ِإل َ ْیک ْم َج ِم ْی ًعا‬ ‫یا أیہا الن‬ “‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah’ (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.159) “Who could have imagined at the time that the claim of such an individual, who was all alone, would come to fulfilment?

Moreover, he faced such hardship which we have not even endured a fraction of what he did.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 157158) Granting advice to the world in general, the Promised Messiahas states: “My ultimate advice to you is that you show concern for your faith. Let it not be the case that owing to your arrogance and negligence, you become counted amongst the rebellious ones in the eyes of the Almighty Allah.

“Ponder that God Almighty has looked upon you at a time that had been destined from before, thus strive so that you can become the recipient of these blessings.

God Almighty witnessed from the heavens that one who had been granted honour is being tarnished under the feet and verbal abuse is being hurled at the Prophet, who is the best amongst all of mankind. He is counted amongst the evil ones and liars, and similarly, his book, which is the Holy Quran, is being described with ill words and deemed as a book authored through human effort.

“Thus, God Almighty manifested His promise, which has been recorded in the following verse [of the Holy Quran]: َّ ْ ّ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َّ ُ ‫الذک َر َو ِإنا ل َ ٗہ ل َ َحافِظوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِإنا نحن نزلنا‬ “‘Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.’ (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.10) “Today is the day for the fulfilment of this promise. Through mighty onslaughts and all kinds of signs, Allah the Almighty has proven that this community has been established by Him. Have you ever witnessed such clear and manifest signs of God Almighty as you have witnessed now?

God Almighty fought against the nonMuslims like a wrestler and defeated them.

There was a battle in the case of Atham and now search for yourself and see where Atham is? Today, he lies buried in the

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ground. In accordance to the condition stipulated in the divine revelation, he was granted respite for a while and then in accordance to the condition mentioned in the divine revelation, he was taken in the grasp of the Almighty.

“The second contest was with Lekh Ram. Ponder how God Almighty triumphed in that contest. You witnessed with your very eyes that the signs regarding his death which had been divinely prophesied from before were all fulfilled. The sign of God Almighty’s wrath brought sorrow upon an entire people. Have you ever witnessed such glorious signs manifest right before your eyes? Thus, O progeny of Muslims!

Do not dishonour the works of God. “The third contest was on the occasion of the Maho Taso Jalsa. Again, reflect upon how God Almighty caused Islam to triumph and made you witness His sign.

God Almighty had revealed from before to His servant that his essay will be declared supreme, and indeed this promise was fulfilled. Furthermore, the blessed impact of this essay had left everyone in awe of it.

Was this the work of God or then someone else?”

The Promised Messiahas here is referring to the Jalsa in which his book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam was read out and God Almighty had revealed its success and supremacy from before. The Promised Messiahas therefore had issued an announcement from before and in the end, the non-Muslims all openly acknowledged that indeed out of all the essays presented, this was the most successful. The Promised Messiahas further states: “The fourth contest was the case against Dr Henry Martyn Clarke in which the Christians, Arya and Muslims in opposition to me, were all united in their efforts to falsely prove me guilty of attempted murder. God Almighty had revealed to me from before that they will fail in their efforts. This revelation was shared with almost 200 people from before and in the end, victory was indeed granted to us.

“The fifth contest was the case against

Mirza Ahmad Baig of Hoshiarpur. His family members and close associates would ridicule Islam, whilst some of their staunchest apostates would strongly oppose the Holy Quran and would hurl abuse and demand a sign of Islam from me and even publish announcements for this. Thus, God Almighty revealed a sign that Ahmad Baig shall be made to witness the death of some of his relatives and also some afflictions and ultimately shall pass away within the period of three years.

This is precisely what happened and he died within the time period outlined so that it could be made evident that one who exceeds the bounds shall ultimately be punished.” (Ayam-us-Suluh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, pp. 325-327) Thus, the Promised Messiahas warned the world that they ought not to oppose one who had been commissioned by God Almighty. When God Almighty sends someone, He then supports him with His help and succour and shows His signs.

The Promised Messiahas has stated, “God Almighty has revealed to me in manifest word, ‘A Warner came unto the world, but the world accepted him not; yet God shall accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with powerful signs.’”

(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part IV. Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 1, p. 665, sub-footnote, no.

4) Thus, the spread of the Ahmadiyya Community in over 200 countries of the world is a testimony to the fact that God Almighty is continuously establishing the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas in the world.

May Allah the Almighty enable us to contribute towards fulfilling the mission of the Promised Messiahas; may He increase us in our faith and conviction and enable us to fulfil our responsibilities.

Now I would like to mention something in reference to current pandemic and present the views and analysis of the secular world.

Phillip Johnston writes in the Daily Telegraph on 18 March 2020: “Netflix and other platforms report that one of the most popular movies currently

being streamed is Contagion, a film from 2011 … The plot concerns the spread of a virus, desperate attempts by medical researchers and public health officials to identify and contain the disease, the loss of social order and finally, the introduction of a vaccine to halt its spread.”

He further writes: “I wonder whether our predilection for apocalyptic films is a response to a long period of stability and prosperity which, in the West at least, most of us complacently assumed would just carry on for ever. It is extraordinary to think that in the space of a fortnight, our world has been turned completely upside down, all our plans put on hold, our hopes for the future now uncertain.”

He further writes: “Neither the threat of nuclear winter war, nor the impact of various economic crashes, including the most recent, was anything like [what] this [pandemic is causing now].”

He further writes: “Even during the last war, people went out to the theatre and the cinema, to restaurants and cafes, to clubs and pubs.

Indeed, that is one way they got through.

Yet that is denied to us.”

[Phillip Johnston] then writes: “Most of us who have grown up since the Second World War have come to expect a steady state of prosperity, stability and contentedness that most previous generations never imagined possible – and nor would they have been complacent enough to believe it.”

He then writes: “The hope is that science will come to the rescue with a vaccine or cure and perhaps it will.” He writes, “Trials began in Seattle today on human volunteers. The bad news, it will take months to know if it will work.”

He further writes, “Throughout history, people … have reached for their faith to get them through events such as this.”

Throughout history, if such dangerous events transpired, people took refuge in their faith, [he continues] “and turned

towards God to give meaning to what has happened to them and their loved ones.”

He further writes, “Atheists tend to take a secular, humanist view of man’s propensity always to better himself … This is essentially an Enlightenment concept that natural processes can always be improved by human effort and not ascribed to fate or the wrath of God.” He says, “How many times have we heard people say, ‘Everything will be okay because scientists will work something out’, whether it be global warming or the pandemic? We are about to find out whether such optimism is justified. If it isn’t”, he is a worldly person himself and therefore says, “then I might be heading back to church.”

In other words, he is saying that right now, he is far from religion and God, and in view of the current circumstances and condition of the world, and also if what scientists are saying doesn’t transpire, then one should also think about turning back to the Church and religion.

Therefore, this virus has compelled the world to reflect about returning to God. However, the True God and the Living God is only the God of Islam, Who has announced to show the path towards Himself for those who desire to do so. He has announced to those who take only a step towards Him that He shall hold their hands and take them many steps forward and to take them in His protection.

Thus, in these circumstances, where we need to reform ourselves, we also need to effectively carry out tabligh [propagating the message of Islam]. We must, more than before, acquaint the world with Islam. Moreover, every Ahmadi should try and inform the world that if you desire salvation, then you must recognise your God Who has created you. If you desire a noble end, then recognise your God Who has created you; because the best end is the life in the hereafter. Do not hold associates with Him and fulfil the right of His creation. So we must always make this effort, may Allah enable everyone to do so.

Even the secular world is saying that these pandemics will continue to increase.

Friday 17 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

28 For this reason, like I have said, for a noble end, it is essential that we also turn towards God Almighty and then tell the world that true end is the life in the hereafter for which you must return to God. Regarding this, a warning of an expert (that was published in The Times on 6 March) is that the chances of dangerous virus’ genetic mutations becoming normal are very high and along with this, within a matter of years, a new coronavirus can potentially spread in the world. It is written that maybe every three years, a new disease may surface.

Then Bloomberg [6 February 2020] also published an article stating that “Scientists can conquer coronavirus, but humanity’s war against epidemics is endless … In the evolutionary arms race between humanity and the microbes, the bugs are making a comeback … since 1970, more than 1,500 new pathogens have been discovered, according to the World Health Organisation, and epidemics in the 21st century are spreading faster and farther than ever.” It then states that “outbreaks that were previously localised can now become global very rapidly.”

In any case, these details go much further and they cannot all be presented now. But, like I have said, for our noble end, we need to develop a connection with God Almighty, more than before. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.

I have previously already given guidelines about the coronavirus

pandemic and will give a reminder [now] because this is spreading across the world very quickly and the effect is greatly being felt here as well. The government has therefore been forced to take further steps and stricter measures.

When diseases and pandemics surface, they can take everyone in their grasp.

For this reason, everyone should take great caution. Act upon the advice of the government. Those who are elderly, ill, or have such illnesses that weaken immunity, should take great caution. The elderly should rarely leave the house, and this is what the government has also announced, unless someone has very good health, but generally they should remain at home.

Take precaution when attending mosques as well. Offer Jumuah [Friday] prayers at your local mosque. By the looks of the attendance here today [at the Mubarak Mosque] it seems people are offering Jumuah prayers at their local mosques. But even then, this is only until the government says not to gather for Jumuah either.

Women should generally avoid coming to the mosque [during these days], especially since they come with children, therefore they should avoid it. Generally, doctors are advising to pay attention to rest in order to increase our immune system and therefore attention should be paid towards getting enough sleep.

Make sure you have enough sleep, yourselves and your children. An adult

should get 6-7 hours of sleep and children require 8-9 or 10 hours of sleep. Attention should be paid towards this and it should not be the case that one stays awake watching television till late at night and then in the morning, misses the Fajr [morning] prayer and gets up in a rush for work that one has to get to in a few hours, and remains lethargic and lazy throughout the day, on top of the tiredness from work.

This is how diseases and illnesses attack.

In the same manner, instil the habit of sleeping early and waking up early within children with 8-9 hours of sleep.

Also, avoid eating foods from outside [i.e. unhealthy food], especially crisps that people give to children to eat or such foods that have preservatives in them; these are harmful to health and should be avoided; such foods also slowly weaken the human body.

Doctors are advising to continuously drink water in these days. It is essential to drink some water every hour or every half an hour or so. This is also a way to stay protected from illness.

Hands should be kept clean. Even if sanitisers are not available, wash your hands frequently. And like I mentioned before, those who perform the ablution at least five times a day have the opportunity to remain clean, thus pay attention to this as well.

Regarding sneezing, as I have said before, cover the nose with a handkerchief when at the mosque, at home and in

general. Or, as some doctors have now advised, sneeze into your arm so the droplets do not spread.

In any case, hygiene is very important and great attention should be paid to this.

However, the ultimate solution is prayer. And we should pray that Allah protects us all from this illness and from its ill effects. We should also pray for all those Ahmadis who have contracted this illness in whatever manner, and for those whom doctors suspect have the virus.

In fact, pray for all those who are suffering with any form of illness. In the same manner, like I have said, the virus affects those with underlying health conditions, so pray for such people as well that Allah the Almighty keeps them protected.

In general, pray for everyone. May Allah keep the world protected from the ill effects of this pandemic. May He grant full health to all those who are ill. Whilst granting health to every Ahmadi, may He also increase them in their belief and conviction in faith.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 10 April 2020, pp. 5-8.

Translated by The Review of Religions)

Learning could never have been so easy Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2020