Al Hakam - 19 June 2020

Ad hominem and red herrings The garlic in antiAhmadiyya rhetoric

100 Years Ago...

Responding to Allegations

Lectures in Richmond, Dr Luke’s conversion to Islam and a sincere letter of Abdullah Bottomley

Divine signs: Acceptance of the Promised Messiah’s prayers

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The greatest psychologist – Prophet Muhammadsa

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 19 June 2020 | Issue CXVIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Post-Covid-19: Is Islamic economics the way forward?

The last three months have seen all sorts of data flying just as much around as the coronavirus. Pew Research Center, Womply, 7Park Data and numerous other surveyors and data providers have worked as sources to back up news stories. From number of deaths to number of infections, from job loss to furlough schemes, from superb profits of supermarkets to terminally ill global markets, statistical data has been the bedrock of information and news.

While there has been a great variety in analyses based on such data, data providers have unanimously agreed on one analysis: The global economy is on a ventilator!

World leaders must be, in the heart of their hearts, much thankful to the coronavirus, which has happily taken the role of their scapegoat. For leaders who wanted to shut their borders with certain countries or those that had only just broken away from the European Union with no clear roadmap; or those who had no answers for their failing economy; or

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

Virtues of companions of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Anas, Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ascended the mountain of Uhud and Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman were accompanying him. The mountain gave a shake (i.e. trembled underneath them). The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “O Uhud !

Be calm.” I think that the Prophetsa hit it with his foot, adding, “For upon you there are none but a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Fazail Ashab alNabisa)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Do not disregard my advice

those that were helplessly watching their health systems fail, the coronavirus seems to have come to help in taking all blame.

Every country has been affected by

the outbreak of the deadly pandemic in different ways, but the one common blow – or megablow if you like – has been to their Continued on page 3

Hence, I loudly proclaim once again, and my friends ought to take heed, that they must not disregard my words of advice and view them as the tales of a story-teller. Everything that I have said to you, I have said with a burning heart and true sympathy, which are inherently a part of my soul. Heed my words with the ear of your heart and act upon them.

Bear well in mind and know for certain that one day, you shall be presented before Allah the Exalted.

Therefore, if we depart from this world in an excellent state then this is cause for us to rejoice and enjoy felicitations, Continued on page 3

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 19 - 25 June 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

19 June 1887: The Promised Messiahas informed Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira through a post card that he was leaving for Ambala Cantonment, where his father-in-law, Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra was then staying. Hazrat Mir Sahibra had conveyed earlier to Huzooras that his wife’s health was not stable and on this delicate moment, Huzooras wished that his wife and their daughter, Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begumra must be present in their company. Huzooras always displayed an excellent example in his compassionate behavior and warm dealing with his wife and in-laws.

20 June 1886: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra sharing some personal issues. In it, Huzooras also discussed the overwhelming effects of extra and fragile responsibilities, which fall upon one’s life owing to polygamy. Moreover, Huzooras commented in this letter on Hakim Sahib’s job security.

regarding Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya and experience any antipathy for the writer of this book, under no circumstances should he refuse to display good morals.

21 June 1885: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Pir Siraj-ul-Haq Numanira answering his question about fasting and journeying in the holy month of Ramadan.

21 June 1889: The Promised Messiahas, with regret, said that he would not be able to attend the wedding ceremony, which he was invited to by Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. Huzooras cited many occupations and described the tight schedule of those days. Moreover, Huzooras mentioned the coming visit of Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddinra as he was planning to visit Ludhiana and Qadian from his workplace in Jammu Kashmir.

22 June 1885: The Promised Messiah replied to a letter of Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana. In this detailed letter, Huzooras examined the religion of Hinduism; its scriptures, beliefs and sects. This extended piece covered many misunderstandings of Pandit Dayanand, Dara Shikoh, Mirza Mazhar Jan-e-Janaan etc. regarding Vedas. as

20 June 1890: Through a letter, the Promised Messiahas informed Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira that he was planning to spend some weeks in Ludhiana and his departure would be in a week or so. Hence, this devout companion could come and visit Huzooras there after completing his assigned duties.

20 June 1899: The Promised Messiahas shared his health conditions, particularly about his heart and low blood pressure, with Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, in reply to a letter. Despite being severely ill, Huzooras guided Hazrat Nawab Sahibra in detail about the usage of a certain medicine he had acquired. This letter hints towards the depth of knowledge Huzooras had about human health and different cures.

20 June 1905: The Promised Messiahas received an Arabic revelation: َ َْْ ُ ٰ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َُ َْ َ َ ْ َ ّ َ َْ ْ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ّ َ َْ ��ِ‫ش ا‬ ِ ��‫اﻧﺖ ِ� ِ�� ﺑِم� ِ�ل ِﺔ ﻋر ِ��۔ ْا َﻧﺖ ِ� َِ� ْ� َﺑِم� ِّ�ل ٍﺔ ل َاَ يﻌل ْم َﻬا ا��لﻖ۔ ﺻ��ة ال‬ ْ ‫ش۔ اﻧﺖ ِ� ِ� ْ� َو اﻧا ِ�ﻨک۔‬ ِ ��‫ال‬ “You are to Me like My Throne. You have a standing with Me of which the people have no knowledge. Blessings from the Throne to the earth. You are from Me and I am from you.”

21 June 1883: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana. In it, Huzooras aptly responded to a misconception regarding the diet of Holy Prophetsa of Islam after sharing updates about the printing of the book, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Moreover, Huzoor’s comprehension of the Vedas is also evident from this letter, as Huzooras shared one of his revelations about the Vedas here too. At the end of the letter, Huzooras clearly instructed Mir Sahib that if he should come across any opposition

22 June 1891: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra and urged him towards the careful handling of Muhammad Baig Sahib, who was under treatment with Hazrat Hakim Sahibra. Huzooras also hinted to convey to Baig Sahib that after the full restoration of his health, he would help him in finding a suitable job.

22 June 1904: The Promised Messiahas received these revelations in Arabic: “Make your friendship excellent. I shall soon make your matter easy.

Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love.”

23 June 1897: On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Promised Messiahas issued a leaflet on 7 June asking his followers to reach Qadian. In response, 225 men gathered at Qadian from distant parts of India.

Meetings were held and lectures were delivered in six languages – Urdu, Arabic, Persian, English, Punjabi and Pashto. The speakers included Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddinra, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira, Hazrat Maulvi Burhanuddin Jhelmira and Maulvi Jamal Din of Syedwala (District Nankana Sahib). Prayers were offered and the poor people of the town were entertained. Streets, mosques and houses were all lit up on 22 June, while a congratulatory telegram was sent to Lord Elgin, the Viceroy, on 20 June. A beautifully bound copy of Hazrat Ahmad’sas book, Tohfa-eQaisariyyah [A Gift to the Queen] was sent to

Queen Victoria through the Deputy Commissioner in commemoration of the auspicious occasion.

Copies of the book were also sent to the viceroy and the lieutenant governor of the Punjab. These special celebrations continued till this date.

24 June 1885: The Promised Messiahas informed Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana about his ill health. Earlier, Mir Sahib had sent some questions asking for their answers from Huzooras relating to some spiritual topics.

24 June 1896: The Promised Messiahas informed Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira that a proposed trip towards Dalhousie was postponed owing to the illness of his youngest son, who remained critically ill due to dysentery and the situation of the child had not yet fully stabalised.

25 June 1890: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira informing him about his health and coming trip towards Ludhiana. Huzooras expressed his desire for Munshi Sahibra to come and see him there.

25 June 1892: The Promised Messiahas instructed his friend Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira that whenever he chose to avail his leave, he should find time to see Huzooras as they had not met in a long time. Munshi Sahibra belonged to a respectable family of Madar, Jalandhar. He joined the police and retired as a court inspector. He was well known for his honesty and integrity. He was one of the most devoted followers of Hazrat Ahmadas. On retirement, he came to Qadian where he breathed his last on 11 January 1909.

25 June 1897: The Promised Messiahas published the details of a matter that arose with the newspaper, Chaudhween Sadi. This 12-page long announcement carried almost all necessary points and God’s promises about the bright future of the Jamaat in the face of all adversities. This piece contained clear wording of a warning for every opponent.

25 June 1904: Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra was born in the blessed house of the Promised Messiahas. Huzooras wrote: “Today, 25 June 1904, which is a Saturday, the night that comes after Friday, 10 Rabi‘ al-Thani 1322 AH and 10 Harh 1956 [Bikrami], a girl was born to me and was named Amatul Hafeez.

This is the girl about whom I had received the revelation: ‫وا��� ��رج ما �ﻨ�� تﻜﺘمون‬

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Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

economies. Standing at the slippery cliff of economic disaster, every nation is worried about where to start.

While some nations have just plunged into opening up industries and retail outlets, others think that this alone may not be a sufficient enough measure to resuscitate an economy that might still seem alive, but is virtually, clinically dead.

Wiser are those nations whose economic advisers have understood the fact that capitalism is no longer going to work. Major powers are now looking at China’s model and considering it as a prototype in their own way forward.

China, on the other hand, has suffered bitterly at the hands of a communist economy and borrowed much from capitalism. The state still dominates the economy, while allowing a controlled structure of free-market – a hybrid model of communist and laissez-faire economies.

Western economists sometimes like to call the Chinese model a “third way”, but the fact of the matter is that the third way is yet to be explored. Why the Chinese model cannot be called a third way is for its capitalist inspiration, where a flimsy cloak of communism is only there to save face.

The “third way” is yet to be explored by the world economy and that is none else

but the Islamic economic structure.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has been calling for this consideration for a very long time, but strong, proud and flamboyant economies of the world have always brushed it away. Now that the global economy has experienced and seen for themselves that they cannot fall back on capitalist economies with the hope to bounce back, we thought that now is the time to get our message across again, while the high-flying, arrogant economies seem to be walking on earth.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiurddin Mahmud Ahmadra, the second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, has very clearly outlined how Islam, allowing freemarket to flourish under state control, is the only answer to the failure of capitalism and communism, both.

The Economic System of Islam is a lecture he delivered in 1945. Where freemarket flourishes, yet the state oversees the wellbeing of the nation as a whole is the ideal and only system that can lead the way in terms of economy. Interest has to be replaced with other forms of incentive to allow borrowing, yet curb economic exploitation of the weaker sections of society.

It is only in the Islamic economic structure that the privileged are bound to contribute towards the welfare of the less-

privileged, i.e. through the institution of Zakat.

Coming to the Ahmadiyya Islamic economics, the system of Wasiyyat – where 10% of all assets are paid for upholding the ideal of an Islamic welfare state – is the only unique example, where property and assets remain in personal ownership but still contribute towards the solidarity and wellbeing of the state. The details of this can be read in another great work of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, titled, Nizam-e-Nau (The New World Order).

During a meeting of 20 most powerful economies of the world – more commonly known as G20 – the German Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble made it very clear to the mastermind economists of the world: “Islamic finance is growing in importance for the global economy. It is therefore important that international financial institutions consider questions related to integrating Islamic finance into global finance.” (reuters.com; “G20 – Germany urges more Islamic Finance Globally”, 5 September 2015) We will be writing on this topic in greater detail very soon. In the meantime, we leave our readers for some food for thought.

Continued from page 1

otherwise, there are grave dangers.

Remember that when a person falls into a dreadful state, their hell – a far off place – begins in this very world; that is to say, a change begins to take effect in them in the last moments of their life, even here on earth. Allah the Exalted states: ُ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ً ْ ُ ُ َّ َ ْ َ َ ُ َّ َ ِ‫وت ف‬ ‫یہا َولَا‬ ‫ِإنہ من یﺄ ِت ربہ مﺠﺮِما ف ِﺈن لہ جہنم لا یم‬ ‫یَ ْح َی ٰی‬ This means that any individual who comes to his Lord a sinner – for him is Hell; he shall neither die therein, nor live. How clear is this statement. True pleasure is derived from the comfort and joy of life; and a person can only be deemed living when they are in a state of peace and comfort in every respect. If an individual is afflicted by some sort of pain, such as colic or toothache, their state becomes worse than the dead.

The state of such a person is that they are neither truly alive, nor truly dead.

Now judge from this, how dreadful a state one will suffer on account of the painful punishment of hell.

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

139-140)

Opinion

Reflecting on our existence amid lockdown Haala Ahmed Canada

As we are all isolated in our homes, this pandemic has made me realise that there is more to life than we ever thought of.

Millions of people are now stuck in their homes and find themselves with no purpose. This gives us a bigger picture of life. If our lives consisted of no work or school, what would we have been up to?

Why is our existence even important?

Before this pandemic, many would have never questioned our existence and would have just blindly continued with our daily routines until death arrived. Now that we are all in a state of emergency, we can witness that everything is temporary.

Just within a span of months, millions of people have lost their jobs, the most successful businesses have experienced significant loss and thousands of people have lost their lives, just because of a virus that cannot be predicted.

Nowadays, the world is indulged in the materialistic aspects of life due to the advancements of technology and the world in general. However, during these times of hardship, all of this is insignificant. One’s identity, wealth or status cannot prevent them from the

clasp of the virus; it does not discriminate against any human being.

A life full of materialism and pursuing the delights of this world will reduce to insignificance. After we die, all the materialistic aspects of life will not be given any importance.

The sheer pace of modern-day life – being engaged in work, school, business and other day-to-day engagements – has led to society forgetting and neglecting the very purpose of life; worshipping Allah.

The entire purpose of life is to worship

our Creator, Allah. We as Muslims know this for a fact, but many people are just beginning to realise this now, especially with more time on their hands and the worry of the dangerous and often helpless situation the coronavirus has caused.

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Opinion

Ad hominem and red herrings: the garlic in anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric

Ataul Fatir London

Social media platforms, unfortunately, have become cesspits of hate. We all enjoy benefits of connecting and “staying in the loop”, but the internet is also the perfect niche for haters and conspirers.

For Ahmadis – Muslims who have accepted the Promised Messiahas, a prophet of God – the hate and mockery online is immensely concentrated. All sorts of baseless, vile and disingenuous allegations on the personality and character of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas are spewed; a farrago of lies and distortions.

At times, one wonders how and why – in what is meant to be an age of discovery, rationality, academic honesty and respect – such biased, bitter and baseless insinuations are put forward.

Intellectual debate, discussion and dialogue – to find what is true – have been the backbone of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas welcomed and engaged in academic conversations and debates within the parameters of civility and mutual respect his whole life. It is the manner of dialogue that Islam promotes.

But to smear and mock – resting on vile, fallacious ad hominem arguments – will never be, and never was, the guiding light of discourse within Islam Ahmadiyyat.

After all, the Holy Quran teaches us to “speak kindly” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.84) with people, and to “show justice” even against one’s enemy (Surah alNisa, Ch.4: V.136). To argue fallaciously, especially while attacking the character of a person in bad faith – conscious of the emptiness of those arguments – is blatant injustice and falsehood, contrary to Quranic teachings.

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, even

rebuked a companion for saying to a Jew that Prophet Mosesas was not greater than Prophet Muhammadsa. Hurtful and disrespectful attacks on the other are far from Islamic teachings.

The history of discourse against Ahmadi Muslims is fascinating. When Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas made his claim, Muslim scholars pushed back at his arguments with intellectual debate. The instant reaction wasn’t to deride Hazrat Ahmadas but to challenge his arguments and rationale through academic, objective and scholarly discussions. Yes, some did instantly – due to their ill nature – begin spewing hatred. But, for the most part, character attacks underwent an evolution and increased over time.

Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya detailed powerful arguments in support of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

Let’s not forget, Hazrat Ahmadas was a champion for the Muslims of British India; he successfully and intellectually defended Islam from Christian attacks.

His magnum opus, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, was the ray of hope for Muslims desperately clinging onto faith in the face of Christian (and Hindu) theological arguments that aimed to dismantle Islam.

The astounding academic competence and the pious character of Hazrat Ahmadas was a common acceptance, especially for Muslims.

When Hazrat Ahmadas made his claims, people didn’t instantly rush to attack his personality or character – they had been in awe of him. Rather, intellectual arguments on the death of Jesusas, the reality of modern Jihad, nature of revelation, the dajjal and finality of prophethood etc. took place.

As Hazrat Ahmadas, one by one, proved his arguments from Islamic traditions – the Quran, sunnah and hadith – to be true, scores of academics, intellectuals, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, accepted Hazrat Ahmadas.

Muslim scholars who had great followings, the likes of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Lateefra, an esteemed scholar and adviser to the Afghan Amir, took Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Ahmadas.

Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra, another famous Muslim academic and royal physician in Jammu Kashmir, left his own residence in Kashmir and settled in Qadian, India to stay in the company of Hazrat Ahmadas.

Such people not only understood (and accepted) the rational and logical explanations of Islamic traditions that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas taught, but also realised his spiritual prowess and witnessed the divine signs of Islam Ahmadiyyat. They were intellectually honest, overlooked their egos and wholeheartedly accepted the truth.

However, as Islam Ahmadiyyat saw continuous success and began to grow, anger and frustration over the years evolved into arrogance and blind rejection of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

His opponents certainly labelled him all sorts of names and raised senseless objections while he was alive, but the tempest of abhorrent ad hominem arguments typically developed closer to his demise and after. It was easier to use fallacious arguments as the Ahmadiyya rationale was tremendously testing and strenuous to oppose. Dodging Ahmadiyya academia became the norm.

Today, when discussions take place

about Ahmadiyyat, explicit (or tactful) accusations on the character of Hazrat Ahmadas are pushed into the rhetoric.

Discussions have diverged from academic and open-minded discourse towards (baseless) character attacks on Hazrat Ahmadas, rife with prejudice. It is now part and parcel of anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric.

For me, most of those who claim they challenge Islam Ahmadiyyat solely through academia often aren’t divorced from fallacious ad hominem pursuits; undertones of character attacks and mockery remain. These arguments are the garlic of anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric; impossible to remove.

It is as if the further we move away from the time of Hazrat Ahmadas, the more we find people have failed to read his writings and ultimately rely on fallacious character attacks and red herrings to “prove” Islam Ahmadiyyat wrong.

Intellectual and academic honesty – when it comes to discussing Ahmadiyyat – disappear into the woodwork.

Further, opponents of Islam Ahmadiyyat have a strange fetish with red herrings. Illogical attacks are made on the Chanda system (a means of providing for the poor and propagating Islam), the love Ahmadis have for their Khalifa is questioned and accusations are even levelled about the “intentions” behind charities set up by the Jamaat.

You will come across countless similar red herrings when scanning antiAhmadiyya campaigns online, distracting from the academic essence of Hazrat Ahmad’sas claims. It is clear that these fallacious arguments have developed strong roots because Hazrat Ahmadas and his Khulafa dismantled the academic attempts to prove Islam Ahmadiyyat wrong.

Interestingly, the Holy Quran describes the genre of arguments made against prophets of God to “disprove” them and yes, they are fallacious arguments – it’s a common trend. Prophets of God are labelled as “insane”, “magicians” and from the “lower class”.

Red herrings about financial sacrifice were also used against previous believers.

Allah speaks of how people “deride” the believers who spend wealth (“out of their free will”) for their faith. (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.79) But as the Quran proves, these arguments hold no weight and the success of prophets – no matter how much the mockery – is unstoppable and divinely destined.

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Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

Spiritual advancement How to get a camel through the eye of a needle Dr Kamrudeen Mohammed UK

“Those who reject Our Signs and turn away from them with disdain, the gates of the spiritual firmament will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Heaven until a camel goes through the eye of a needle. And thus do We requite the offenders. (Surah alA‘raf, Ch.7: V.41) This verse describes the highly improbable event of arrogant rejectors of truth gaining access to spiritual knowledge and an analogy is provided to assist our understanding. Just as it is physically impossible for a large animal – the camel – to pass through a small aperture of the needle’s eye, in the same way, those who proudly reject the signs of Allah will not be able to gain access to the spiritual kingdom.

However, the Promised Messiahas – the divine reformer of Islam – gave a very interesting commentary on this verse. He said: “That is disbelievers will not enter heaven until the camel passes through the eye of the needle. The commentators take the literal meaning (of this verse) but I say that the seeker of salvation in the path of Allah should make the unrestrained camel of his inner self so narrow and fine by [religiously] striving, so that it can pass through the eye of the needle. Until the inner self remains corpulent because of the enjoyment of worldly pleasures and carnal pursuits, it is not possible for the soul to enter paradise having followed the path of the sacred religious law. So, bring a death on worldly pleasures and become spiritually slim so that you are able to gain eternal salvation by entering heaven’’. (Commentary of the Holy Quran by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Vol. 4, p.206) The Promised Messiahas thus explained that the camel symbolises our portly soul which feeds on worldly pleasures and immoral enjoyments. The eye of the needle alludes to the stringent limitations for gaining salvation. He clarifies that without intervention, if we feed our souls with nonspiritual intake, in that state, it is virtually impossible for us to gain salvation.

However, it is within our control to change this situation by spiritual striving and exerting effort towards good deeds. As a result, we can slim down our inflated souls and shed the excessive size, enabling us to access a heavenly life.

What exactly is needed to shrink the dimension of our materialistic souls?

The first step which the Promised Messiahas described is to bring a death on our worldly enjoyments i.e the excessive pursuit of pleasures of the world and a life of pure materialism.

Allah describes this state of affairs in the following verse: “And as to those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water until, when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing.

And he finds Allah near him, Who then fully pays him his account; and Allah is swift at reckoning.” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.40) Allah warns us that excessive pursuit of the transitory pleasures of the world to the exclusion of our real purpose will fuel a cycle of hope followed by despair as real solace continues to elude us. The anticipated happiness and heavenly delight from newly acquired possessions and wants (money, cars, homes, status, fame etc.) soon wanes and is replaced by further inflamed, intense and unfulfilled desires as we rotate in this cycle.

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa described this phenomenon in Sahih al-Bukhari under the book, “How to make the heart tender”. Hazrat Anas bin Malikra narrated that Allah’s Messengersa said, “If the son of Adam had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to Him.” Allah clearly describes that path which was exemplified by the Holy Prophetsa in these following verses of the Quran: “Bear patiently then what they say and glorify thy Lord with His praise before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and glorify Him in the hours of the night and at the sides of the day, that thou mayest find true happiness. And strain not thy eyes after what We have bestowed on some classes of them to enjoy for a short time – the splendour of the present world – that We may try them thereby. And the provision of thy Lord is better and more lasting.” (Surah Ta Ha, Ch.20: V.131-132) The second method described by the Promised Messiahas is to develop awe of Allah, Who is the Dispenser of all peace and tranquility. We should kindle the fear of disobedience of Allah, as a life of disobedience leads to separation from Him and places us under His wrath. Allah describes the blessings of fear of Him in this verse: “Surely those who fear their Lord while He is hidden from them – for them is forgiveness and a great reward” (Surah alMulk, Ch.67: V.13) In Sunan al-Nasai – a book of hadith – it is recorded that a companion of the Holy Prophetsa, Uqbah ibn Amirra narrated the following: “I heard the Messengersa of Allah say, ‘Your Lord delights at a shepherd who, on the peak of a mountain crag, gives the call to prayer and prays. Then Allah says, “Look at this servant of Mine, he gives the call to prayer and performs the prayers; he is in awe of Me. I have forgiven My servant [his sins] and have admitted him to Paradise.”’”

So how do we get the camel of our ego through the eye of the needle? We can reduce the size of our hedonistic souls through service to Allah the Provider of happiness and we can live our lives with the awareness of Allah’s gaze on us; helping us on the road toward salvation.

Humanity First Germany and Jamaat Kosovo help General Hospital in Peja Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

During the ongoing crisis of Covid-19 in Kosovo, many different associations and organisations have helped the people of Kosovo with food products, protective and hygienic materials. Among these organisations is Humanity First, which is offering its full support and help to the poor and vulnerable people in many countries during the pandemic.

They have helped the people of the city of Peja for the second time now. Last month, Humanity First Germany, together with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo, assisted the Kosovo Police in the Peja region, with protective materials against coronavirus.

On 11 June 2020, Humanity First Germany, along with the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo donated protective equipment to the staff of the General Hospital in Peja.

This donation includes, 2,000 pairs of gloves, 250 surgical masks, 300 hand sanitisers, 250 bottles of alcohol, 40 litres of medical floor detergent and 20 surgical gowns.

During the donation ceremony, the management staff of the hospital,

representative of Humanity First, representative of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo and volunteers were present.

On behalf of the General Hospital in Peja, the Medical Director, Dr Muhamet Haliti thanked for this donation and said: “Each donation and gratitude are additional motives for the staff of the General Hospital in Peja. Thank you Humanity First and I hope our cooperation will be long lasting.”

In the end, the two sides exchanged gratitude with each other.

In April of this year, Humanity First also assisted the medical staff of the regional hospital and the main family medicine centre of Gjilan Municipality with the basic and much needed equipments.

The official Facebook page of the General Hospital Peja thanked Humanity First for this valuable donation.

This successful project was also accompanied by a huge media coverage. 12 newspapers have published articles about this donation on their websites and social networks. Around a million people followed this donation, alhamdulillah.

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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100 Years Ago...

Lectures in Richmond, Dr Luke’s conversion to Islam and a sincere letter of Abdullah Bottomley Al Fazl, 17 June 1920 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

First lecture in Richmond It has been stated in the previous London’s letter that three lectures of Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal MA, missionary of Islam, are due to be held in Etherington Hall. The first of these lectures took place on 3 May [1920] with all its glory.

Regarding this lecture, which is the first lecture in this series, Richmond Times writes: Islam and the British Empire “Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sahib Sayal MA, Qadian, Punjab, gave the first lecture of the proposed series of speeches on Islam and the British Empire (3 May at 8pm) at Etherington Hall. The speaker said that while studying Islam, the first thing that attracts the attention of the seeker of truth is that this religion is a historic religion and its prophet is a historic prophet. This is a matter in which no other religion or any other founder of religion can compete with Islam. There is no denying the fact that the Prophet of Islam acted as a messenger in the world. The world knows where Muhammadsa was born and under what circumstances [God’s] authority employed his services. How he lived as a boy, as a young man, how he got married, how he contributed to the government and culture in his hometown, what mental struggles he had to pursue for enlightenment and how, eventually,

the final light emanated from the original source of light.

“What was Islam? It was a strong, vibrant and progressive religion. Therefore, this religion spread rapidly around the world.

“One hundred million Muslims live in the British Empire. Therefore, the peace and honour of this kingdom depend on mutual relations of love between the Muslims and the British. The literal meaning of the word Islam is obedience or harmony. The basic tenets of all religions are found in Islam in their pure form.

Islam, as some European authors believe, is not only a combination of the [purest] teachings of Judaism and Christianity, but also contains the best of Egyptian, Babylonian, Iranian and Hindi teachings.

Muslims are commanded to follow Divine attributes in their lives so that they treat God’s creation with compassion.

“The second lecture will be held on Monday evening at 8 pm.” (Richmond Times, 8 May 1920) The second lecture The second lecture in the above series took place on 10 May at the scheduled time.

After an interesting one-hour speech, which was listened to attentively by the educated upper class, the question and answer session continued for about half an hour. As the representatives of local newspapers took notes of the lecture and we hope that they will publish a detailed

account of the occasion, the description of this lecture will be gifted to the readers next week, insha-Allah.

Dr Luke Faruq An educated young man from Trinidad and a resident of America, after studying Teaching of Islam and other Ahmadiyya literature and conversing with missionaries for nearly two months, left Christianity and converted to Islam on 12 May, and … became an Ahmadi and [changed his name to] Muhammad Faruq from Luke.

Praise be to Allah who made it all possible.

A detailed report will be given next week, insha-Allah.

Demolition of churches These days, newspapers in London are criticising a report published by a commission appointed by the Bishop of London on the churches in the city of London. The commission has recommended that 47 churches are too many for 13,000 people and that the Church of England cannot afford to keep 47 churches. Therefore, 19 of these churches should be demolished. Although superannuated minded Christians do not want churches to be demolished, but newspapers write: “Whatever happens, some churches will be demolished because the church must take part in this sacrifice, which has resulted from the ‘consequences of time’ and the people of London should be

pleased about it.”

The readers of Al Fazl should not be surprised, as many churches have been demolished before, while some have become the worship places of Jews [synagogues], some are warehouses and one of the churches displays motion pictures.

Christianity is automatically melting before the effects of time. Now, there is no need for an external attacker. God’s angels are covertly putting an end to human worship.

Al Fazl, 21 June 1920 Second lecture in Richmond Richmond and Twickenham Times writes about Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal’s second lecture: “The second interesting lecture in a series of lectures on the subject of Islam and the British Empire, which began at Etherington Hall, took place on Monday evening.

“Mr Edmund, president of the gathering, told the audience that his personal knowledge of Islam is that it is a driving force in teaching morals and

a very high standing religion and the current declining condition of Muslims is the result of turning away from Islam.

The speaker, Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal MA, stated that the Messenger of Islam attested the truths taught by Jesus and other prophets, and declared that these heads of religions, as their followers have or did believe, were not Gods but had been appointed as tutors by God, and so Muhammadsa presented these heads of religions in their actual status.

“Christianity is grateful to Muhammadsa because the devotion of the

Islamic world towards Prophet Jesus is the result of the teachings of this Prophet and Muslims who share their feelings of respect about Prophet Jesusas with their Christian brethren are inspired by the Prophet Muhammad’s guidance. Friendly relations between Islam and the British Empire can bring good results and may lead to the advancement of both the groups.

“Since Islam is a simple, natural and progressive religion and will surely spread across the globe, therefore it is the duty of the British people on the one hand to study Islam and on the other hand, it is the

duty of the Muslims to appreciate those virtues which they have received from the UK. Muslims need Western knowledge and Europe needs Islam. The nations that considered it a disgrace to meet other nations and did not care to exchange views, fell into disgrace.

“New inventions in warfare and present day modern destructive equipment are making it clear that either the world will now end wars or be destroyed.

“A very interesting series of questions and answers followed the speech.”

(Richmond Times, 15 May 1920)

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Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM New Muslim converts Trinidad’s young, intelligent, polite, Dr A Luke, mentioned in the previous letter, is writing detailed reasons for his conversion to Islam, which shall be gifted to the readers of Al Fazl in an upcoming letter, insha-Allah.

In addition to brother Luke, the following brothers have recently become members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and have earned the honour of becoming Muslims from Christianity: 1. John William – Mubarak 2. John Lingo – Yahya 3. Thomson William – Zahid Speech at Hyde Park As the weather is bright, warm and clear and it is a blessing for the people of London to have such a weather, large numbers of men and women come to Hyde Park for their afternoon walk. Speakers express their views at the park entrance. Most of these Christian preachers are men and women who call, “Come to Christ.”

Among them, Ahmadi missionaries call to the “One God” and keep calling, “Come to

Ahmad.”

This call was made for three consecutive hours last week and free-spirited English men and women listened intently.

Catholics, Protestants and Christian clergy came [after us] from different angles one after the other, but I swear in the name of the One God that they were embarrassed and defeated at the hands of Ahmadi missionaries. All praise belongs to Allah.

Sincerity of beloved Bottomley Respected Brother Abdullah Bottomley, may Allah safeguard him, writes about his wife’s conversion to Islam, the giving of the name, Hameeda and on the suggestion of circumcision of the baby, Bashir: “Alaikumussalam! Thank you for your letter and for naming my wife after your daughter Hameeda.

“Hameeda (wife of Mr Bottomley) is coming to spend holidays in Portsmouth with little Bashir. I hope that Allah the Almighty will make this change of atmosphere beneficial for the mother and the son. Given the circumstances, I request that the circumcision of the child

be postponed for some time. If I had been at home, this duty would have been carried out much earlier than today because I think it is important for every child to be circumcised after birth.

“I’m glad to know that we have good friends and that we have finally been led to the light. Now, our lives will be spent in doing good on this earth and spreading the news of the coming of the Messiah and the teachings of Huzooras.

“Today’s world seems to be experiencing the shocks of the earthquakes and it is warding off the laziness in which it used to be. The world’s men and women are now struggling to see the light. I am hopeful that millions from these doubtful people shall bow down their heads and acknowledge Allah as the God of all universes.

“I hope you are in good health and you will not have to leave London, where so many people love you.

“Your brother, Abdullah Jacques Bottomley.”

Brothers! Pray for respected Abdullah Bottomley, respected Hameeda Bottomley

and little Bashir Bottomley. This sincere English family is the most precious from the white birds of the Allah the Almighty’s Messiah. One of the phrases from the translation of the letter I have given above is as follows: “Insha-Allah, our lives shall be dedicated to doing good upon this earth and spreading the news of teachings of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).”

Azan in the ear of another Ahmadi child God has given another boy to brother Mr Carr. The ceremony of the call to prayer in this child’s ear and the prayer for the parents was held last Friday. Members of the Jamaat will be happy that after dear Musa Faith, God has given another Ahmadi boy within three months. May Allah bless us with many more. The circumcision and aqiqah [Islamic tradition of sacrifice on the occasion of a child’s birth] of this child will be done this week, insha-Allah.

The message of the Messiah The Review of Religions (English), June 1920

Muhammad Dilawar Khan

Bannu, 14th May, 1920.

My dear Khan, …

The message of truth, which I had the good opportunity to convey to you, I hope you remember still. Much can be gained by invocation and by constantly praying to God to open our understandings. If you will only do this you will find at an early stage the light of God coming to dwell in your heart. Vain are the treasures and dignities of this life. Blessed are those who try to prepare themselves for the life of ages – the life where there are no sorrows, nor lust of the vain treasures and dignities of this our temporal life.

Brother, remember and bear it in your mind that there can be no happiness – that bliss and tranquillity of mind which we are all so fond of achieving in our life – until we really believe in the blessed Messiah, Ahmad, of Qadian. Let not the world and all its paraphernalia become a stumbling block in our way to find life, which Ahmad brought down for us. Great is the reward for us undoubtedly, but great also is the sacrifice which Ahmad has demanded of us. Without sacrifice and without a spirit of self-abnegation, there can be no spiritual attainment.

The world has had great visitations from God; but I tell you that greater calamities, more terrible pestilences, earthquakes and hurricanes are still in

store for the world; for “God sent a warner to the world but the world accepted him not, but God has accepted him and will manifest his truth by mighty onslaughts.”

Let the world laugh at the warner of God. The world has always laughed at the chosen ones of God. This warner from God, this our Messiah, who came in the fullness of time, did warn us of all these disastrous calamities – some of which the world has already experienced; while others sufficient to smash the socalled civilisation of proud man, are near at hand, even at our door. Shall we not even now turn to God with a heart full of contrition, full of longing to create true affinity with Allah through this, His Messiah, the Warner, who came to warn the world and foretell the time when Heaven will open the vial of its wrath to punish the seed of Adam for their vile crimes? That day has come upon us. Arise, throw off your shackles. Let not the world and its allurements impede you on your way while running to drink at the fountain of life which the Messiah has opened for you. Behold, his disciples are going far and wide to give the water of life to those who are thirsty for it. These are the Heavenly spirits who will bring the “mighty West” to the feet of Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is now futile to talk of conquering the world by the sword. The days of sword have passed away. The spirit of truth is shining today from the “Minaret” of God at Qadian, illuminating East and West

with its grand celestial light. A new era has begun, a new Adam has come among us.

God has brought into existence from him a great family; a family which may well be called cosmopolitan in its true Meaning, nay, a family of God’s humble servants.

It is now through these that the spiritual banner of Islam will be carried right and left to every home.

Let us hasten to join the fold of the Messiah in order to escape the coming wrath of God. Verily disasters are at the door. None will be saved except those who come to the warner with a humble heart;

for he said more than once, that every one that would not believe in him would be cut off from the world. Rejoice therefore, that even in these days of sorrow and pain there has come among us a Saviour, to warn and teach. Shall we not join his fold to be saved?

Glory be to God – Lord of the Universe who sent the Messiah to redeem the world; but the world accepted him not, but God has accepted him and will manifest his truth by mighty onslaughts.

Tilawat competition held across Benin Mirza Farhan Baig Benin Correspondent

At the end of the month of Ramadan, Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Benin successfully organised an online competition of recitation of the Holy Quran.

On 18 May 2020, the first audition was taken online, in which 27 candidates participated from across Benin.

Recitations were available for voting for 24 hours. After the first round, seven

participants came forward for the final round.

On 21 May 2020, the final competition was held online as well and it was available for voting for 30 hours. Ahmadis from 10 different countries voted for the competition and the top 3 position holders were chosen as winners, alhamdolillah.

May Allah the Almighty increase the love and knowledge of the Holy Quran in our hearts. Amin.

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Responding to Allegations

Divine signs: Acceptance of the Promised Messiah’s prayers The Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was given the miracle of acceptance of prayer.

On many occasions, Arya Samajists, Hindus and Sikhs etc. used to ask the Promised Messiahas for prayers and the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat used to inform them beforehand that his prayers regarding the requested matters had been accepted by Allah. Consequently, the prayers of this messenger of God Almighty were fulfilled exactly as he had foretold.

Hence, the Promised Messiahas states: “Some divine prophecies are listed below…: No. 1 “Name of Arya Samajist: Keson wala Arya [i.e. having five Ks, kesh (uncut hair), kangha (wooden comb), kara (iron or steel bracelet) and kachh (cotton undershorts) and kirpan (sword)] Bhai Kishan Singh of Qadian.

“The revelation or vision that was witnessed: The acquittal of Judge Muhammad Hayat Khan from a crime regarding which he was accused and suspended for a period of time after awkwardly coming under the criticism of the government was an unimaginable thing. Hence, in those days I prayed a lot for him because he had a somewhat sincere connection with our family, so by the grace of God, his matter was revealed to me and about five or six months before it happened, I conveyed the news of his exoneration to an estimated 60 or 70 men from among the Hindus and Muslims, as well as this Arya, in such a critical time while terrible rumours were circulating about Hayat Khan that some were fearful of him being hanged. Thus, if this statement is not correct according to this witness, then he should swear in a proposed Jalsa in such manner, ‘I bear witness to my Parmeshar and I swear sincerely that this prophecy was not told to me at all. And if it has been reported to me and I have told a lie, then, O Sarv shakti maan [Omnipotent God], send down your warning on me and on my family through any affliction.’

No. 2 “Name of Arya Samajist: Lala Malawamal

Khatri of Qadian.

“The revelation or vision that was witnessed: Malawamal was afflicted with tuberculosis and when his condition became dangerous I supplicated on his behalf and received the revelation: ً َ �‫ُق ْل َنا یَا ن َ ُار ُﻛو�� بَ ْﺮ ًدا َو َس‬ ‫اما‬ ِ “That is, ‘O fire of fever, cool down.’

Then I saw in a dream that I had pulled him out of the grave. He was informed both of the revelations and of the dream before the events occurred. Hence, after a few weeks, he recovered. Then, one morning, it was revealed that money would be received from some relative of Arbab Lashkar Khan on that day. In

order to test, the same Arya Sahib went to the post office and brought the news of receiving ten rupees, which were sent

by Arbab Sarwar Khan, son of Lashkar Khan. If this statement is not true, then Malawamal should swear in a proposed Jalsa in such manner: ‘I bear witness to my Parmeshar and I swear sincerely that this prophecy was not told to me at all.

And if it has been reported to me and I have told a lie, then, O Sarv shakti maan [Omnipotent God], send down your warning on me and on my family through any affliction.’ It should be noted that Malawamal, in his letter dated 14 August 1885, written on behalf of Mir Abbas Ali Sahib, which is in our possession, has

acknowledged the authenticity of these two prophecies.

No. 3 “Name of Arya Samajist: Lala Sharampat Rai Khatri of Qadian.

“The revelation or vision that was witnessed: Lala Sharampat Rai’s brother was accused in a criminal case. There was an appeal in the Chief Court. Lala Sharampat asked for prayer. Hence, after carrying a lot of prayers, finally the prayers were accepted and it was revealed from the Knower of the unseen that misal [records] would return from the Chief Court for reinvestigation and then he would be released, but his other Brahman

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Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM friend, whose name is Khushal, would not be released until he served the complete prison sentence. Thus, this news was told to Lala Sharampat in a time of great fear and danger before its occurrence and then when it was fulfilled, he was reminded through a written statement, to which he replied in writing, ‘This matter was revealed to you because you are a pious person.’

“Second, he [Lala Sharampat] was told about Dalip Singh before the event that it had been disclosed to me that he was not destined to arrive in the Punjab. He would either die or be humiliated but would not achieve his purpose. Third, concerning Pandit Dayanand, Lala Sharampat was informed two months before his demise that his end was very near. Actually, in my vision I had seen him dead. Fourth, regarding a land case which was filed with the collaterals and reached the Chief Court through various courts after many years, I received this revelation after praying: َّ ُ ُ َ َ ُ َّ َ ‫ا ِج ْی ُب کل ُد َعائِک اِلا ِف ْی ش َرکائِک‬

“That is, ‘I shall accept all your prayers that you have beseeched but not in the matter of your collaterals.’ Thus, the cognates won this case in the end. At first, they were defeated in the primary courts, but ultimately, they won in the Chief Court. Probably more than 50 people are aware of this revelation, including Lala Sahib, who was foretold this revelation at the beginning of the trials. Fifth, on one occasion, I received the following revelation in the mosque about the time of Asr: ‫ی‬ ‫م ےن ارادہ ی‬ ‫ا� اور اشدی رکوں‬ ‫کا ےہ ہک اہمتری ی‬

“‘[I have determined to arrange another wedding for you.] I will make all the arrangements Myself and you will not be put to any trouble.’ This was accompanied by a Persian couplet: ‫رہہچ اب�ی د ون رعوےس راامہں اسامن منک‬ ‫و آہچن ولطمب امش ابدش اطعےئ آں منک‬ “Some revelations also indicated that the family [into which I would be married] would be high and noble.

Hence, one revelation said, ‘God has provided you with a noble descent and has arranged your marriage in a noble family.’ All this was communicated to Lala Sharampat long before the event. He knows well that without any effort on my part, God arranged this relationship in a high and noble family … of Syeds and made provision for all connected matters and expense in such a manner that I did not undergo any trouble in that regard.

To this day, He continues to fulfil this promise. Sixth, the prophecy mentioned at the outset of which Keson wala Arya is the witness, Lala Sharampat is also among the witnesses. Now I say that if Lala Sharampat does not consider all the said prophecies to be true and believes them to be utter slander, then it is incumbent upon him to hold a public Jalsa and swear before us in this manner, ‘I bear witness to my Parmeshar and I swear sincerely that I am not aware of a single prophecy

which have been mentioned and none was told to me and nothing was fulfilled before my eyes. And if I have told a lie in this statement, then, O Sarv shakti maan [Omnipotent God], send down your warning on me and on my family through any affliction.’

No. 4 “Name of Arya Samajist: Bishan Das Brahman son of Hera Singh.

“The revelation or vision that was witnessed: Bishan Das Brahman son of Hira Singh was informed by this revelation that today a letter by the name of Abdullah Khan Sahib is coming from Dera Ismail Khan and he will also send some money. So this Arya went to the post office for verifying and brought a letter sent from Abdullah Khan Extra Assistant, which came from Dera Ismail Khan with ten rupees. Thus, in the same manner of swearing, the said Bishan Das should be enquired. The man also confessed to witnessing the revelation in front of Harnam Das Arya of Batala.

No. 5 “Name of Arya Samajist: Baijnath Brahman son of Bhagt Ram. “The revelation or vision that was witnessed: Baijnath Brahman son of Bhagt Ram was informed, on the basis of a vision, that in the space of a year he would be afflicted with some misfortune and there would also be an occasion for joy. Thence, I obtained his signature to this prophecy, which I still have with me.

Thereafter, within one year his father died at an early age. On the same day there was a happy occasion, that is, someone’s wedding was being celebrated. He should also be enquired about this prophecy under oath, but by an oath of the same kind [as mentioned above].”

(Shahna-e-Haq, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 2, pp. 380-384) The readers should bear witness to God Almighty with full sincerity of their hearts and ask themselves whether these events are evidence of the Promised Messiahas being from Allah or whether they prove him to be insane and delusional.

Inviting to spiritual competition, the Promised Messiahas states: “Now if anyone is a seeker of truth, whether he is a Hindu or a Christian or an Arya Samajist or a Jew or a Brahman or anyone else, this is a great opportunity for him to stand up against me. If he is able to compete with me in revealing the unseen and the acceptance of prayers, I swear by Allah Almighty that I will hand over all my real estate property, which is close to ten thousand rupees or I will console him in paying the ransom in any way he wishes.

My God is the only witness that I will not be unfair in my dealing and even if there is death penalty, I will embrace it with all my heart. I say this from my heart and Allah Almighty knows that I am telling the truth. If anyone has any doubt and does not believe in my suggestion, then he should offer a good ransom offer and I will accept it. I will not make any excuse.

If I am a liar, it is better that I die with

a severe punishment and if I am truthful, then I wish that some of the dead should be saved at my hand.

“O clergymen, who are honoured and distinguished among their people. I swear by Allah Almighty that you should pay attention to this. If you have an iota of love of this righteous man whose name is Jesus Christ, I swear to you that you must stand up against me. I swear by that God who created Jesus from the womb of righteous Mary, who revealed the Gospel, who caused Jesus to die but did not placed him in the dead, but joined him with His living Jamaat of Abraham and Moses and John and the other prophets. He revived him and brought him to those in the Heavens who were revived before him. So that you may stand up against me if the truth is with you. If the truth is with you and Jesus is the true God, then you have the victory. But if he is not God and he is a humble and weak man and the truth is in Islam, then God will hear me and He will manifest that matter at my hand what you are not capable of showing. If you say, ‘We do not contest, nor do we possess the signs of the believers,’ then let us look at the one-sided work of God Almighty on the condition of converting to Islam.

“Let every one of you who is wellknown, a leader and respected among his people, or one of them, compete me.

If you are unable to contest, just promise me that you will become a believer after witnessing something that cannot be done by a human being and accept Islam. Ask me to see a sign and they should publish their promise as an announcement with twelve testimonies of Christians, Muslims and Hindus, that is, four Christians, four Muslims and four Hindus should put their oath on it. Send an announcement to me as well and if God Almighty shows an extraordinary spectacle of nature which is above human powers, then accept Islam without reluctance. Thereafter, if they do not accept, then the second sign is that I will ask my Almighty God to send down a terrible affliction on such a person in a year’s time, like leprosy or blindness or death. If this prayer is not accepted, then I will pay any kind of suggested ransom as a punishment. The same condition is presented before the Aryans that if they believe their Veda as the word of God Almighty and consider our Divine book, the Holy Quran, as a slander of man, then they should contest. They should keep in mind that they will be greatly disgraced during the competition. They possess atheistic views and unlimited cleverness in abundance. However, God will prove to them that He is, and if they do not compete, then let they see a one-sided sign from me without any absurd condition. It would be sufficient for my sign to be from Allah that if an Aryan who has witnessed a sign does not accept Islam soon after, I will execrate against him and if he does not suffer from leprosy, blindness or death in a year, then I am ready to take any kind of punishment. Same conditions apply to the rest of the people and if still they do not turn towards me, then God Almighty’s demonstration has been established over

them.” (Aina Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. 276-278) The Promised Messiahas, on another occasion, said: “God Almighty bestows three blessings on His perfect servant through His revelation. First, most of their prayers are accepted and they are foretold about their fulfilment. Secondly, God informs them about many unseen matters.

Thirdly, many verities of the Holy Quran full of wisdom are disclosed to him through revelation. Thus, whoever denies this humble one and then claims that these abilities are found in him, I swear

by God Almighty to compete with me in these three things. Both the parties should write a commentary of seven verses of the Holy Quran which are unanimously approved, i.e. the opposing party should compose insightful points from his divine inspiration and I should write from my revelation. Moreover, he should present some revelations in advance which carry the good news of the acceptance of prayer and that prayer should be beyond the power [of man]. I would present in the same way. He should also disclose some unseen matters that are related to the future and so should I reveal so in the same manner. This statement of both parties should be published through announcements. Then, each party’s truth and falsehood will be exposed. However, it should be borne in mind that they will never be able to do so. The curse of God is on the hearts of the deniers. God will not show them the light of the Quran, nor will their prayers carrying the news of fulfillment beforehand be accepted in front [of me], and He will not inform them about the unseen matters. َ َ ْ َ َّ ً َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ‫ول‬ ٍ ‫فلا يظ ِه ُر على غي ِب ِه أحدا ِإلا م ِن ارتضى ِمن رس‬ Thus, now I have presented this announcement. A person who neither competes with me in the rightful manner after this nor refrains from denying, they are under the curse of God, the curse of the angels and the curse of all the righteous ones.” (Appendix Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 11, p. 303) The Promised Messiahas repeatedly drew the attention of his opponents to the subject of the verse: َ َ ۡ َّ ۤ ٗ ُ َ ‫لا ی َ َم ّسہ اِلا ال ُمط ّہ ُر ۡو َن‬ “None shall touch it except those who are purified” (Surah al-Waqiah, Ch.56: V.80), that if he was a liar according to the opinion of the people, then what is the reason that such sublime divine knowledge is granted to him and not given to his opponents?

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat invited leaders and scholars of various religions time and again to compete with him in the acceptance of prayer and challenged them that Allah Almighty shall surely help Islam to triumph.

Despite repeated cries and calls, no one came forward because they knew that the Messiahas of Muhammadsa was supported

by God and they were not.

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Opinion

The greatest psychologist – Prophet Muhammadsa Qasim Choudhary Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

The next time you order a cappuccino, take the bus or simply scroll through podcasts, take note of how many people are accessing increasingly available “selfhelp” resources.

This popular genre has taken the world by storm in recent years and I have been no exception. The self-help industry consists of countless books and videos that claim to contain hundreds of secrets for achieving success through changing personal habits and behaviour.

A timeless example is that of Dale Carnegie’s bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People, seen as gospel for those pursuing success in interpersonal relationships, whether in personal or professional settings.

Going through Carnegie’s book, what amazed me was that this 20th century author was revealing “secrets” that had been laid bare almost 1,400 years ago.

While reading the book, the words

by Michael Hart from The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History beamed before my eyes: “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level.” (p. 3, Carol Publishing Group, 1993) What made the Holy Prophetsa agreeable, approachable and influential? How was it that this man from seventh century Arabia won and influenced hearts, such that even his once staunch opponents became humbled and honoured to be considered his friends?

The reality is that experts in the field of behavioural psychology and other similar areas of research will continue to explore and propose new theories of how to gain success in interpersonal relationships.

However, every ultimate truth that lies at the heart of human consciousness concerning our conduct with each other has already found its clear manifestation in the character and conduct of the Holy Prophetsa. He was endowed these qualities and insights by Allah directly and was genuine in his personality and interactions.

Khalifatul Masih IV, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh once said:

“The Holy Prophetsa has already divulged to us all profound facts of human nature. The greatest psychologist ever born, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa knew God the best, and God – Creator of human nature – taught him everything about human nature. The Holy Prophetsa is the only true source of understanding human nature. It becomes easy to learn man’s nature if one looks at man, free from all prejudice, through the eyes of God. Therefore, I am saying with perfect certainty and guidance, that there is none more knowledgeable than the Holy Prophetsa in understanding human nature. No one before or after him can attain the height of his knowledge.” (The Detroit Address, pp. 31-32, MKA USA Publications Ltd.) Thus, as we go through three brilliant pieces of advice from Carnegie’s bestseller, my mind immediately turns to how the practise of these principles was perfected by that seventh century Arabian prophet of God, whose exceptional character remains our best guide and whose model the world is catching up to now.

Smile The term “million-dollar smile” is now a common part of our lexicon and there’s noting quite like giving – and receiving – a smile.

Consequently, today, smiling has become the gold standard for marketing.

Astonishingly, telephone companies encourage their employees to smile even over the phone while speaking to customers as they suggest that your smile comes through in your voice. In fact, even seeing a grin releases dopamine and increases serotonin levels in the brain chemistry. (https://hms.harvard.edu/sites/ default/files/HMS_OTB_Spring10_Vol16_ No2.pdf) This timeless advice is found even in ancient Chinese wisdom, as the saying goes: “A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.”

Similarly, Professor James McConnell, a psychologist at the University of Michigan, expressed his feelings about smiling, saying, “People who smile tend to manage, teach, sell more effectively, and raise happier children. There is far more information in a smile than a frown. That is why encouragement is a

much more effective teaching device than punishment.”

So how did the Holy Prophetsa leave a lasting influence and impress on the hearts of his people?

It was his captivating smile like the sun breaking through dark clouds, giving joy and hope to the masses. When he smiled, his white teeth sparkled like hail falling from the clouds. (Ash-Shifa, Qadi Ayaz, Vol.1, p.202, Ibni Saad) It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Dharra that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity.” (Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul-Bir wal-Sulh) Hazrat Ibn Jazra narrated: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah”. (Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul-Manaqab) The Holy Prophetsa had the greatest morals a human can ever achieve. And smiling, of course at appropriate occasions, was part and parcel of his personality.

As self-help books often offer advice to improve productivity, it is worth mentioning here how smiling can be helpful even in this regard. The current Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa was once asked how he manages his extremely demanding schedule. As part of his answer, he advised, “Always smile, this will keep you active” Thus, men of God embody deep positivity that helps them in their own dealings, as well as radiating hope to others.

Similarly, another endearing habit that we find in men of God, is that they refrain from negativity.

Carnegie explains this principle as such: Don’t criticise, condemn or complain.

“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain – and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

Carnegie shares the example of a founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. Tactless in his youth, he became so diplomatic, so adroit at handling people, that he was made American Ambassador to France. The secret of his success?

“I will speak ill of no man and speak all the good I know of everybody.” (Benjamin

Franklin) Carnegie argues that criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive, and usually makes them strive to justify themselves. Criticism is dangerous because it wounds a person’s precious pride, hurts their sense of importance, and arouses resentment. If it is not constructive, it can be severely demoralising.

Although one can pen hundreds of pages depicting the moral excellence of the Holy Prophetsa, a few examples will bring to light how he implemented this second principle. The Holy Quran alludes to the clemency and kindness of the Holy Prophetsa, stating: “And it is by the great mercy of Allah that thou art kind towards them, and if thou hadst been rough and hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them”. (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.160) Accordingly, the Holy Prophetsa is narrated to have said: “Don’t look for the faults of others”.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-adab) The Holy Prophetsa extended this approach even towards children, who are often the target of harsh reproach and constant rebuke. The Holy Prophetsa was a shining exemplar when it came to the correct method in dealing with children. In his adolescent years, Hazrat Anasra served the Holy Prophetsa and is reported to have said: “I served the Prophetsa for ten years, and he never said ‘uff’ to me [a minor harsh word denoting impatience] and never blamed me by saying, ‘Why did you do so’ or ‘Why didn’t you do so?’”(Ibid) Echoing the same principle sa of his Master , Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa constantly advises newlyweds to close their eyes, ears and mouths against the weaknesses of each other as a key for a successful marriage.

This brings us to another habit that proves useful for domestic and professional life; listening. As the Greek philosopher, Epictetus once theorised, “We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

A good listener Carnegie suggests that if you aspire to be a good conversationalist, you should be an Continued on next page >>

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Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

Materialism The road to misfortune Jazib Mehmood Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana While reading Yuval Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, it struck me just how lucky the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is.

While the rest of the world clasps at straws to find some meaning in life, our community effortlessly finds answers to life’s greatest questions and provides a deep sense of belonging and understanding of the world around us.

We are blessed to have Khalifat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa guides us through this world and helps make sense of what we ought to be doing when the world and all its infinite possibilities and enticing opportunities beckons us to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Humans need meaning in life. We need to hold on to something which can anchor us during the storm of this world.

After all, what are we doing on earth? Are our lives purely materialistic? What’s the purpose of life?

These questions might seem trivial to Ahmadis who have found solace in the guidance of the Imam of the Age, but one can only imagine just how cold and disheartened these questions might make the rest of the world.

For far too long, philosophers, historians, and the “great” thinkers of our age and those of the past have attempted to answer these poignant questions. Many admit that we might never know the answers. Those who come up with answers throw one into greater confusion. Some, guided by God, are able to find some answers, but sadly they are not heeded as

<< Continued from previous page

attentive listener. In order to be interesting, be interested.

Even the most significant leaders – the likes of Abraham Lincoln – required a pair of attentive ears. During the darkest hours of the Civil War, Lincoln wrote to a friend in Springfield, Illinois, saying he wanted to discuss some problems with him. After hours of discussion, Lincoln bade farewell to his friend who returned home to Illinois. Keep in mind, Lincoln did all the talking, all he required was a sympathetic listener on whom he could unburden himself. Such is reality. When faced with a problem, that is all that we need – someone to listen to us.

they should be. The result is that our ideologies and ideas fixes have divided us. We are no closer to world peace and prosperity which liberalism promised than we are to curing cancer.

The Holy Quran speaks of humanity’s current plight.

It says: ُ َۡ ُ ُ َُ َ ‫ق ۡل َہ ۡل نن ِّبئک ۡم ِبالۡاخ َس ِریۡ َن ا ۡع َمالًا‬ ۡ ُّ ٰ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ َّ َ َ ۡ َّ َ ‫الدن َیا َو ُہ ۡم‬ ‫ال ِذین ضل سعی َہم فِی الحیو ِۃ‬ َّ ۡ ُ ‫یَ ۡح َس ُبوۡ َن ان ُہ ۡم یُ ۡح ِسنوۡ َن ُصن ًعا‬ “Say, ‘Shall We tell you of those who are the greatest losers in respect of their works? — ‘Those whose labour is all lost in search after things pertaining to the life of this world, and they think that they are doing good works.’ (Surah al-Kahf, Ch.18: V. 104-105) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira commented on this verse. He said: “Look at how many inventions are occurring … All their labours are spent on the life of this world. I advise you that you stop thinking of saving rupees because it will result in nothing but sorrow and suffering.” (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan, Vol. 3, p.

53) The following is also said regarding this verse: “The verse means to say that these people look upon the acquisition of material comforts and worldly benefits and upon making new inventions and discoveries to add to those comforts as the sole aim and object of their life, they have no place for God in their hearts.” (The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary Vol. 3, p. 1913) This is one of the reasons our Jamaat is more successful than any other community on earth. Our teachings (and practices) also revolve around the idea that pure

materialism never leads to anything good.

A case in point is naturally the world we have before us. It is proven to be selfdestructive and socially destructive.

The Holy Prophetsa also elegantly described this life and effectively explained how a true believer ought to see this world.

He said: “I am like a traveller who lies down for a while to rest under a tree and then moves on.” (Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul-Zuhd) Seemingly, for humanity, progress is a one-sided affair. We have failed to recognise a fundamental truth. If we are the creators of our world, who is our creator? While we find it irrational to believe that the new iPhone created itself by chance, we prefer to believe that we were created by chance.

While we supply instruction manuals to every piece of technology we create, we fail to realise that perhaps we too might have come with an instruction manual.

Our reliance on science and human knowledge is alarming. Yes, research, science and discovery is integral to Islam, but to make it the new “god” is baffling.

Our knowledge and discovery is flawed itself. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh makes an excellent point when he asks: “If all human vantage points are actually placed on a moving platform, with constant change in the angle of vision, how can any knowledge or piece of information we obtain be declared, with

any certainty, to be the truth?” (Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, p. 8) What this means is that while we are constantly discovering information that rejects previous hypotheses, how can we confidently say that this time we are right?

The Holy Quran offers us the satisfaction in knowing that – unlike our knowledge – it is free from any “doubt”.

(Surah al-Baqarah Ch.2: V.3) The Promised Messiahas spoke of the human tendency to be blinded by the world and its narrow-minded thinking: “… one ought to keep in view the law of nature and ask: have we made good use of that which has already been bestowed upon us? If having been blessed with reason, good sense, eyes, and ears, we have not gone astray and have not pursued ways of foolishness and ignorance, then you shall receive further divine grace through prayer, otherwise there are warning signs of destitution and misfortune.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 128) These signs of destitution and misfortune that the Promised Messiahas spoke of over a hundred years ago are more clearly manifested in today’s world than ever before. Humanity seems to have paid no heed to the words of the Promised Messiahas. We seem to have pursued the ways of foolishness and ignorance and so we are seeing the signs of destitution and misfortune.

The Holy Prophetsa most beautifully encapsulated this practice over 1,400 years ago; when he addressed a person, he turned his whole body towards that person. The Messenger of Allah faced the person he spoke to, with his chest and body. (Shama’il Muhammadiyah) Concerning the patience and the attentiveness of the Holy Prophetsa, he extended this courtesy even to his enemies. It is narrated that when Utbah bin Rabiah came to the Prophetsa to negotiate with him on behalf of the Quraish, the Prophetsa patiently listened to him, even though he did not agree to what was being said. Once Utbah had stopped speaking, Prophet Muhammadsa asked him, “Is this all that you intended to say?” Utbah

replied in the affirmative and this is when the Holy Prophetsa gave his response. (Ibn Hisham) Hazrat Amr ibn Aasra narrates: “The Prophetsa gave attention, spoke, and showed love to the worst person of a nation. So, the person may feel he is being given special attention. He used to give attention and spoke to me also in a special manner.” (Shama’il Muhammadiyah) The Holy Prophetsa also expressed the importance of listening when passing judgment.

Hazrat Alira narrates: “The Messenger of Allah said to me, ‘When two men come to you seeking judgment, do not judge for the first until you have heard the statement of the

other. Soon you will know how to judge.’”

Alira said, “I did not err since then.”

(Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul-Ahkaam An Rasulillah) As we remain confined to our homes and the risk of anxiety increases, take a moment to reflect on the beautiful example of the Holy Prophetsa, who exhibited the most refined conduct at the appropriate occasion. Maybe a smile is all that it takes to lessen the angst of another – a simple yet profound solution prescribed by the greatest psychologist, the Holy Prophetsa.

(The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of Al Hakam or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat)

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon 22 May 2020 Strive for a good ending with quality worship, prayers and good deeds After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

First of all, I would like to thank all the Ahmadis who expressed their sentiments in an exceptional manner and offered intense supplications after I sustained injuries from a fall. May Allah the Almighty grant the most excellent reward to all of you and may He increase your sincerity and loyalty.

In this age, it is only in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that one can find such an example of mutual love, especially sincerity and loyalty, that it shows towards the Khalifa of the time. This is purely expressed for the sake of Allah the Almighty and in accordance with His instruction.

It is only Allah the Almighty, Who can instil this mutual love. In such a case, one cannot determine as to who feels more pain for the other. At times, it seems that the love the members of the Community have for Khilafat is at its peak and upon seeing the examples of some people, it may appear that the attachment and affection of the Khalifa of the time towards the members of the Community may not be of the same level. Nevertheless, this love and this relationship is mutual. As I said, this is such a relationship the likes of which one cannot find in any other worldly relations.

I particularly like these words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh: “The Khalifa of the time and the Jamaat are two names of the same entity.” (Khutabat-e-Nasir, Vol. 4, p.

423, Friday Sermon, 29 September 1972) It is due to the acceptance of your prayers that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the injuries healed exceptionally quickly. The doctor told me that facial injuries usually heal very quickly, but he was not expecting them to heal this

quick. I told him that treatment has its own importance, but the true factor are the supplications that are being made by Ahmadis. I had personally thought that there were quite a few injuries and it may take up to two weeks for them to heal and even then it may leave some marks of the injury. However, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, everything was cleared within seven to eight days.

Let me also mention my experience of applying the “Ointment of Jesus” [Marham-e-Isa] after having sustained this injury. Some time ago, Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib made this according to an ancient Syriac remedy and sent it to me, which I have applied. Likewise, there was also a Calendula-based homeopathic cream that I used.

But in any case, the true source of

blessings is Allah the Almighty. He alone is the Healer. I have mentioned these medicines so that others may also benefit from them as sometimes people require it.

However, you should now pray that Allah the Almighty may quickly remove the remaining effects of the injury.

The grace of Allah is the true power that can only be attained through prayers. I remember that some time ago, I was suffering from extreme pain in my shoulder and arm, so much so that it was difficult to raise the arm and would need to use help of the other hand. When I showed it to a specialist doctor, he said that this pain could persist for a period anywhere between six weeks to three to four months. In any case, when he reexamined after a few days, he saw that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, 90% of

the pain had been alleviated, upon which he was very surprised. I told him that this is how Allah the Almighty blesses a person when hundreds of thousands of people are praying for him. He was an Englishman and said, “I am a Christian and I come from a religious family. I also believe in prayers.” He said, “This is certainly the result of prayers.”

Hence, this is purely owing to grace of Allah the Almighty, which we should continuously be seeking from Him and submit before Him. In the current circumstances we are passing through, we must particularly submit before God Almighty.

I am receiving reports from the UK as well as from other countries that during these circumstances, the attention of the members of the Jamaat has greatly increased towards submitting before Allah the Almighty. As a result of the lockdown, members of the household are making particular efforts to offer the prayers in congregation. Religious lectures and talks [dars] are also given. Lectures are given from different books such as the ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophetsa] and from the Holy Quran, which as a result, is increasing the knowledge of the elders and is also familiarising children with religious knowledge. It is also increasing their faith in Allah the Almighty.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the month of Ramadan also occurred during this period and the attention of people towards worship also increased in comparison to before. Ramadan, however, is now coming to an end and the government is also planning to ease the restrictions of the lockdown to a certain

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Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM degree. Some governments have already done so and this easing [of the lockdown] has already been implemented in some places.

One thing I would like to mention is that every Ahmadi should try to abide by the conditions which the government has introduced in relation to easing the restrictions. However, the most significant and important aspect, which every Ahmadi should remain mindful of, is that the permission to engage in business, easing the restriction of going outdoors and the month of Ramadan coming to an end should not make any Ahmadi stop or decrease their worship of Allah the Almighty and the pious changes they brought about in themselves, rather performing virtuous deeds and offering prayers in congregation at home for as long as there remain restrictions to attend the mosques and then to attend the mosques once permission is granted should become even greater obligations for you. Women should make particular effort to offer prayers at home so that children are able to see a role model before them and so that they may also increase in their faith and conviction in God Almighty. The short religious lectures and lessons should also be continued so that your religious knowledge as well as your understanding and the cognisance of God Almighty increases. Similarly, you should also remain attentive towards watching the programmes on MTA, which I have already before as well.

Thus, none of us should become neglectful of these virtues, neither after the lockdown, nor after Ramadan, rather we should continuously maintain and uphold them. An Ahmadi, who has pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas and pledges to bring about pure transformation within himself, should never become forgetful of his pledge of initiation. It does not behove a believer to be among those people, in relation to whom Allah the Almighty says that when they are faced with difficulties and hardships, they submit before Allah the Almighty and seek His protection, beseech Him for help and call out to Him and when the difficulties are removed, they forget God Almighty.

Nowadays, people are deliberating as to whether this coronavirus is a natural disaster or a divine punishment. However, during such calamities and pandemics, it is the duty of a believer to submit before Allah the Almighty more than ever before.

One should not remain in the mere search of what exactly is the cause and significance of the calamity. In this era, i.e. the era of the Promised Messiahas, there are countless promises which Allah the Almighty has vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas, which have been fulfilled, are being today and will continue to be fulfilled in the future as well. If there are some aspects in the form of warnings, then the first and foremost duty of a believer to become anxious and instil fear in their hearts and strengthen their faith and conviction and pray for their good end. What truly matters is to have a good and prosperous end. I have said this many a time that the natural calamities, such as storms and pandemics that are occurring

in this era, have a particular relation to the era of the Promised Messiahas.

Therefore, we should pray extensively for our faith and to develop conviction in our faith and for a prosperous end.

Moreover, we should pray extensively for the entire world to be saved. Even when Allah the Almighty had clearly informed the Promised Messiahas that the plague had manifested as a sign for him, he still prayed for the world with great anguish.

Even from behind closed doors, those who heard the state of his prayers to save humanity relate that sounds of such profuse weeping could be heard similar to the sound of water boiling over fire.

(Khuda Tala Dunya Ki Hidayat Ke liyea Humesha Nabi Ma’booth Furmata Hai, Anwar-ul-Aloom, Vol. 18, p.514) (Register Riwayat [unpublished], Vol. 7, p. 107, Riwayat Hazrat Master Muhammad Allah Daad Sahibra) Thus, despite God revealing to him that it was a sign, his mercy and kindness for humanity prevailed and he would pray for them to be saved from the plague and its destruction. Such was the fervency of the Promised Messiah’sas prayers; thus we must also look to his example.

Some people are trying to link an essay written by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh titled “Natural Disasters or Divine Wrath?” to this current pandemic and they present interpretations of their own as well in this regard. However, let it be clear, that as I have said before, after the advent of the Promised Messiahas, the frequency of disasters and calamities have increased. Regarding this, the Promised Messiahas has clearly stated that these calamities will descend and there will be destruction – there is no doubt in this.

However, as I have stated in previous sermons, the Promised Messiahas has also said that some believers, owing to the Divine law of nature, also come into its fold, however they are given the status of being a martyr and they have a prosperous end. (Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 252) And according to the Holy Prophetsa, their prosperous end takes them into heaven, as he stated that when those at a funeral praise the deceased and speak highly of his services and testify to his fulfilling the rights to God and rights to humanity, then entrance to paradise becomes incumbent upon such a person.

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith no. 949) We see that that there are many such pious Ahmadis – regarding whom everyone expressed similar sentiments.

But the real thing to be seen regarding these pandemics is their impact upon worldly people. Worldly people have become perplexed at the situation and indeed this is what happens in such cases. We witness their state in the world today. Not only of ordinary people, but of powerful governments as well; those who think of themselves to be established like great mountains. The economy and the order of great and firmly established governments have been completely overturned.

However, as a result of this, their efforts in order to try to divert the attention of the masses is even more dangerous. This could lead them into war and further

destruction of their livelihoods. So, as long as these people do not bring about such change within themselves, which removes this state of disorder and discord, they will continue to be engulfed in one destruction after the other.

The Promised Messiahas has also mentioned this that whether or not one is a Muslim or being held accountable for one’s faults in religious matters will indeed be on the Day of Judgement. Allah the Almighty will see to this in the Hereafter.

However, mischief and disorder, the usurping of rights, mockery of God’s servants; these are such factors that draw destruction which cause great anguish.

(Kishti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, p.

5) In any case, our duty is to pray, to help the world understand and to bring about a pure transformation within ourselves.

The essay of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh which I have mentioned is quite a lengthy essay, but the aspect which every Ahmadi should focus on after having read that essay is to not just merely ponder over the nature of the calamity and how it affected the previous nations and its current impact. No doubt these aspects should instil fear in people and draw them to assess their conditions. However, in reality, the words which one ought to pay particular attention towards – which he [i.e. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh] has also written – is that there is both a warning and glad tiding in this for the Community.

The warning is that simply bearing the title of an Ahmadi alone will not be enough to save a person, rather the condition of righteousness (taqwa) is also attached with this. The aspect of glad tiding is that this will provide an opportunity for the Ahmadis to very swiftly rectify those weaknesses which will have come about in their practical conditions. Thus, in short, those who have simply adopted the label of having done the Bai‘at, they will only be saved when they return to the Promised Messiah’sas true teachings. This will only prove to be a glad tiding if they return to God – otherwise there would be no glad tiding. (Natural Disasters or Divine Wrath?, p. 121) As I stated earlier that the special attention that has come about in these days should remain established. Draw your attention and the attention of your children towards fulfilling the rights of God and the rights of humanity because after the destruction, when the world will turn to God and will turn to fulfilling the rights of humanity, they will look towards the example of this Community. Indeed, then it will be Ahmadis who will guide the world. But before this, we must pray in a heartfelt manner that let it not come to the point where the world is so far gone that the paths leading to light and peace become closed. Let people pay attention before this. Thus, along with our prayers, we must also show our examples. We must tell the world that only in fulfilling the rights of one another can they attain God’s mercy. And without attaining the mercy of God Almighty, Who is the one and only God, our attempts to establish peace in the world will not be successful, nor will we have a prosperous end. By the grace of

Allah the Almighty, where members of the community are focusing on worship, they are also serving humanity; youngsters, healthy elders and women alike. Very good reports are coming in from everywhere in regard to this. This service to humanity is also becoming the means of guiding some of those worldly people who have deviated from the right path.

A few days ago, there was a report from Canada, that at two in the morning, after being disappointed from everywhere else, a woman called the Khuddam neighbourhood help line; saying that she was in desperate need. She stated her son was ill and there was no means to get medicine for him and every place had turned her down. She said that everyone told her that she could not get the medicine until the next morning, and her son was in very bad condition. She relates, “I said that people say there is a God. Though I do not believe in God, but let’s see today if He actually exists.” She says, “It was in a state of great anguish and helplessness, that I prayed, ‘O God, if You exist, my son is in a dire condition, thus arrange for his medicine.’ At that moment I thought of the Khuddam help line. When I called, a man answered and when I informed him of my need, he said that he would try to help. A little while later, he called back saying that it was two in the morning and it would be difficult to arrange [for the medicine]. He then enquired the condition of my son. I told him the situation and expressed my worry, to which he said, ‘Alright, I will see if can do anything; I will go to a certain place where there is a pharmacy that is usually open. If it is open, I will bring the medicine.’ And so, he got up at night and went. When I called, he was sleeping and I had woken him up, yet he still travelled 50 kilometres and brought me the medicine.” She says that this incident proved to her that that God indeed exists, and she gained this certainty because of that Ahmadi Khadim (youth) for which she said she was very thankful. Thus, by serving humanity in these days, we can become a means of bringing people closer to God, for which each and every one of us should strive – not that we should wait to see whether a calamity comes or not.

And we must also continue the lesson of sympathising with the pain of others, which we have received during Ramadan because one of the purposes of Ramadan is to bring awareness to the fact that one should show compassion for the pain of others.

Thus, the general atmosphere that has come about in the world as a result of this pandemic and now with the atmosphere of Ramadan should always serve as a reminder towards our responsibilities.

The month of Ramadan will come to an end tomorrow or the day after; but we must always continue to establish the good deeds. We should always continue those positive changes which we have brought about. And when the lockdown restrictions ease, then we must not forget our responsibilities to ourselves and to humanity. It should always be remembered that where you remind yourselves of fulfilling the rights of God and the rights of humanity, you should

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

14 also draw the attention of others towards this and through your pure examples strive to make the world fulfil its rights to God and its rights to humanity. We have accepted the Promised Messiahas in this age. There was never a gathering in which he did not try to draw our attention towards the standard and status we should acquire in light of the teachings of Allah Almighty and His Messengersa. Hence, we should constantly remind ourselves of his advice so that we attain true faith and certainty, rather than focusing on the weaknesses of others, we should assess our own conditions. In this regard, at this time, I will present some excerpts of the writings of the Promised Messiahas which we must continue to ponder upon. What was the standard and level at which the Promised Messiahas wished to see us? Regarding our standards, the Promised Messiahas said at one instance: “Every one of you ought to strive and wake for Tahajud prayer; and also offer special supplications in your five daily prayers when you stand after the ruku.

Repent from anything and everything which displeases God. Repentance is to abandon all the evil deeds and situations which cause the displeasure of God and to bring about a sincere change; to move forward and adopt righteousness. One ought to hold morality in high regard, for this too brings the mercy of God.” The Promised Messiahas further states: “Refine your habits; be free from anger and replace it with humility and meekness. Along with the reformation of your morals, give charity to the extent of your means as well. Allah Almighty states: َّ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ً ۡ َ​َ َ ‫الط َع‬ ‫ام َع ٰلی ُح ِّب ٖہ ِم ۡس ِک ۡینا ّو یَ ِت ۡی ًما ّو ا ِسی ًرا‬ ‫و یط ِعمون‬ i.e. they feed, for the pleasure of God, the poor, orphans and prisoners and they say: ‘We give you only for the pleasure of Allah Almighty, and fear a day that is most terrifying.’ In short, engage yourselves in prayer and repentance, and continue to give charity so that Allah the Exalted may treat you with grace and compassion.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 215-216 [English Translation]) Granting further advice to the Jamaat, the Promised Messiahas states: “Allah the Almighty has no care except for those who are His pious servants. Foster brotherhood and love amongst yourselves; forsake barbarity and mutual dissension.

Withdraw completely from all forms of jest and mockery, for mockery moves the heart far away from the truth. Treat one another with respect. Each and every one of you ought to give preference to the comfort of your brother over themselves.

Reconcile sincerely with Allah the Exalted and become subservient to Him once again. The wrath of Allah the Almighty is descending upon the earth and only those will be saved who fully repent of all their sins and return to God. Remember that if you bring yourself to obey the commandments of Allah Almighty and endeavour to support His chosen religion, God will remove all the obstacles in your way and you will be successful. Do you not observe how a farmer will uproot weeds from the field so that healthy plants can

flourish; and how he adorns his field with beautiful and fruitful trees; and safeguards and protects them from everything that could cause them harm? However, owners do not care if cattle eat away at such trees and plants which do not bear fruit, and which begin to rot and dry, or if a lumberjack cuts them down and throws the wood of such trees into a furnace.

In the same manner, you too ought to remember that if you are deemed among the truthful in the sight of Allah Almighty, no one who opposes you can cause you grief. If, however, you do not set aright your state of affairs and if you do not make a firm covenant of obedience with Allah the Exalted, then God has no care for such people.”

The Promised Messiahas then says: “You ought to join with those who are loved by God … Rid yourselves of all mutual conflict, aggression and enmity.

Now is the time for you to set aside trivial matters and engage yourselves in important and magnificent work. The people will oppose you …”

The Promised Messiahas states that one should not care about such people and further states: “Always remember my counsel in the form of a testament that you must never act angrily or harshly, but rather you must advise everyone gently, softly and courteously.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 266268 [English Translation]) Whilst drawing our attention towards improving our conditions and towards fulfilling the rights owed to mankind, the Promised Messiahas states: “In a hadith it is stated that on the Day of Judgement, God Almighty will say to some people, ‘You are indeed the chosen ones and I am pleased with you, because when I was hungry, you fed Me; when I was unclothed, you granted Me with clothes; when I was thirsty, you gave Me water and when I was ill, you visited Me.’ They will reply: ‘O Allah! You are free from all these needs, when did such a thing occur and when did we do all of this?’ God Almighty will reply: ‘Such and such servant of Mine was in a poor condition, but you took care of him. And thus, it was as if you did that all to Me.’ Then another group of people will appear before God Almighty to whom He will address and say, ‘You have treated Me unjustly. I was hungry, but you did not feed Me; I was thirsty yet you did not give Me water; I was without clothes but you did not grant Me any clothes; I was sick and you did not come to enquire about Me.’ They will reply by saying: ‘O Allah!

You are free from all these things, when did this take place where we could have helped You?’ Upon this God Almighty will reply, ‘Such and such servant of Mine was in poor condition, but you showed him no sympathy. It was as if you showed the same treatment to Me.’” There is no stipulation here that the person has to be a Muslim, Christian, Hindu or anything else. The Promised Messiahas further writes: “Thus, to show compassion and sympathy to mankind is a significant form of worship and an outstanding means to attain the pleasure of God Almighty.

However, I have observed that people show negligence in this regard. They look upon others with contempt and mock them. To look after the poor and to help them in times of difficulty is a significant matter, yet such people cannot even sympathise with the poor and instead consider them to be inferior. I fear lest such affluent people are engulfed in these hardships themselves. For those whom God Almighty has blessed, one way of showing gratitude for those blessings is to show kindness and compassion to God’s creation. They ought not to demonstrate arrogance over the blessings they have been bestowed by God, nor should they trample over the poor like ferocious beasts.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 102-103) Further elaborating on this, the Promised Messiahas says: “In reality, the most delicate and difficult matter is fulfilling the rights of mankind because this is a matter that one is faced with at all times. Therefore, one ought to be extremely mindful of this when taking any action. It is my belief that one should not be excessive in their conduct even against their enemies. Some people try their utmost to ruin and destroy their enemies and becoming embroiled in this, they overlook what is permissible and what is not. In order to humiliate their enemy, such an individual resorts to fabricating accusations, lying, backbiting and inciting others against them. Just observe how a small enmity can lead one to significant evil and when this further increases, the matter becomes uncontrollable.”

This is what is observed today and the world is succumbing to this, whether on a personal level, collectively, nationally or amongst governments.

The Promised Messiahas further says: “I tell you in earnest; do not consider anyone to be your personal enemy and forsake such a malicious habit. If you become one with God Almighty and He is with you, then God has the power to make your enemies become subservient to you. However, if you have severed all ties with God and have no connection or relationship with Him and instead, you do what you please, then would there be a greater enemy of yours than God? One may be spared if they harbour enmity against God’s creation, but if God becomes the enemy of an individual, then even if the entire world comes to his aid, he will not be saved. Therefore, adopt the practice of the Prophets of God. God Almighty does not desire for you to harbour personal enmity against anyone. Always remember that one is only honoured and blessed when they harbour no personal grudge or enmity against anyone. Indeed, in order to uphold the honour of God and His Prophetsa is a different matter altogether ...”

This means that if someone does not respect God and His Messengersa and instead is their staunch enemy, then you may consider them to be your enemies.

But the term “enmity” here has been further explained; the Promised Messiahas states: “To consider such a person as your enemy does not mean you can fabricate lies against him and make schemes

to cause him grief. Nay, you ought to distance yourself from such a person and entrust the matter to God Almighty. If at all possible, one ought to pray for them to see the error of their ways, but there is no need to start an altercation with them.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 104-105) Then explaining what our moral standards ought to be, the Promised Messiahas states: “Your moral state ought to be so admirable, that with pure intentions, when you seek to advise someone or direct their attention towards an error they have committed, you ought to do so in an appropriate atmosphere so that the person is not offended. Do not view anyone with contempt. Do not break anyone’s heart. There should be no mutual discord within the community. Never look down upon your poor brethren in faith.

Do not take pride unjustly in your wealth and riches or in the distinction of your family background and consider others to be inferior and unworthy. In the sight of God Almighty, honourable is the one who is righteous. As such, Allah the Exalted states: ُ ٰ ْ َ ّٰ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ‫ِا ّن اک َر َمک ْم ِعن َد الل ِہ اتقىک ْم‬ [Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. (Surah alHujarat, Ch.49: V.14)] One should treat others also with the best morals, for those who exhibit ignoble morals do not act with goodness. People search for excuses to engage in litigation against the community. While the people are afflicted with one plague, our community is faced with two plagues. If even one person from an entire community commits an evil, that sole individual tarnishes the whole community. Increase your capacity in wisdom, forbearance and forgiveness. Respond to even the most foolish of people with dignity and goodness. Nonsense must not be returned with similar absurdity.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “It is befitting in these trying times to subdue the inner self and adopt righteousness. My only desire in this discourse is to advise you so that this may serve as an admonition. The world is a transient abode and ultimately, all must die. Happiness lies in religious objectives.

Religion is our very purpose.” (Malfuzat, Vol.1, pp. 216-217 [English Translation]) On another occasion, the Promised Messiahas advised the Jamaat in the following words: Our Jamaat should not merely pronounce the words of the Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] verbally, but instead they ought to fulfil the true purpose of performing the Bai‘at, “That is, they ought to bring about a transformation within themselves. One cannot please God by merely understanding the commandments of the faith”; God will not be pleased by this alone until one does not bring about a transformation within themselves. “Until you do not bring about a change in yourselves, there will be no difference between you and others. If you have the habits of deceit, lying, negligence

15

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM and indolence, then you will perish before anyone else. Everyone ought to take on their own responsibilities and fulfil their pledges as there is no guarantee how long one may live.”

The Promised Messiahas then continues: “The one who performs virtues ahead of time can expect to be purified. Strive to bring about changes within you, supplicate in your prayers and try your utmost through charity and almsgiving or by any other means to be counted amongst: َ َ ‫َوالَّذیْ َن َج‬ ‫اہ ُد ْوا فِ ْینا‬ ِ ‘Those who strive in Our [i.e. God’s] path.’ Just as if when one is ill, they visit a physician in order to obtain medicine, have treatment for their bowel movement, has blood taken or fomentation treatment and tries everything possible to be cured from his illness, in the same way, try your utmost to cure yourself of all spiritual ailments. Do not use words alone to cure, rather one should make a concerted effort and follow all the practices that God Almighty has ordered us to carry out.

Give charity and alms and worship in seclusion.”

The Promised Messiahas says, “God Almighty loves the one who makes an effort and when one tries through various means, they succeed by one method or another”, that is, they are shown a sign.

(Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 188-189) Thus, in these days, especially when Pakistan and other countries have caused agitation against Ahmadis, we ought to adopt all means possible in order to gain the blessings and mercy of God Almighty.

When the enemy has exceeded all bounds in their enmity, it is our responsibility to try even harder than before to attain the mercy and blessings of God Almighty.

In this present age, the Promised Messiahas has clearly explained the lofty status, rank and character of the Holy Prophetsa and stated that it is only by following the example of the Holy Prophetsa that one can attain excellent standard of morals and to fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty and His creation.

The Promised Messiahas has repeatedly mentioned that we should not abandon the way of the Holy Prophetsa.

On one occasion, granting us advice in this regard, the Promised Messiahas states: “I would also like to tell you that there are many people who desire to attain these excellences by way of their own selfinvented incantations and litanies. But let me tell you that if you adopt a method that was not practiced by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, then it is futile. Who could be more truly experienced in the path of those favoured

by God than the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him? In fact, he was a man in whose person all the excellences of prophethood reached their final limit as well. The path adopted by the Holy Prophetsa is the most effective and nearest way to God. To abandon this path and invent another – irrespective of the joy that it may bring – in my opinion, leads to ruin. This is what God has disclosed to me.”

This is precisely the condition of those who seek to separate us from the Holy Prophetsa. The erroneous interpretations of the so-called religious saints and scholars have completely distorted the image of Islam and yet they declare themselves to be true Muslims and expel us from the fold of Islam.

Further elaborating on the status of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas states: “By truly following the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, one finds God; but one who does not follow the Holy Prophetsa – even after an entire life of striving – shall not be able to attain the ultimate objective. As such, even Sa‘di speaks of the necessity of subservience to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the following words (this is Persian couplet): � ‫ف ِ یَ ن‬ ْ ‫ص‬ ‫ول مَ ْی�فَ�زَاےئ رَب ٰےفطصم‬ ‫زبدہ و َو َرع وُکش و ِصدق و َ ا‬ (Strive to forsake materialism, and to adopt piety, sincerity and purity; But do not step beyond [the practices taught by] Mustafasa.)

“So, do not abandon the path of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. I observe that people have invented a plethora of diverse incantations.

They hang themselves upside down and undertake ascetic practices like yogis, but all of this is useless. It is not the custom of Prophets, peace be upon them, to hang upside down or engage in meditative practices of ‘negation and affirmation’ (nafi-o-asbat), or perform the Sufi ‘invocation of the saw’ (dhikr-e-arra). This is why Allah the Exalted has referred to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as a perfect exemplar: ُ ٌ َ ٌ ُ ّٰ ‫لَک ْم فِ ْی َر ُسوْ ِل الل ِہ ا ْسوَۃ َح َسنۃ‬ ‘Verily, you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model.’ (Surah alAhzab: Ch.33: V.22) Follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and do not try to deviate from his path even an inch.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 71-72 [English Translation]) The Promised Messiahas further states: “In short, the real purpose of man is to aspire to the excellences of ‘those upon whom Allah has bestowed his blessings,’ and to which Allah the Exalted has alluded in the following: ْ َ َّ َ ‫ِص َر َاط ال ِذیْ َن ان َع ْم َت َعل ْی ِہ ْم‬ [The Path upon which You have bestowed Your blessings. (Surah alFatihah Ch.1: V.7)] “Our community ought to pay special attention in this regard, for in establishing this community, the very desire of Allah the Exalted is to prepare a community like the one assembled by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, so that in the latter days, this community may serve as a testament to the truthfulness and greatness of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 72, [English Translation]) Thus, having pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas, we have become part of the true followers of the Holy Prophetsa.

Indeed, our prosperity is in entering the Bai‘at of the true ardent devotee of

the Holy Prophetsa and become counted amongst his true followers. Moreover, with all our faculties may we strive to our utmost to follow the example of the Holy Prophetsa and by following his example and his commandments, may we become counted amongst those upon whom Allah the Almighty has bestowed His rewards.

May we always remain protected from the harmful influence of those who have incurred the displeasure of God Almighty and have fallen astray. May we develop the delight and pleasure in our prayers. May we lead our lives by always following the commandments of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa. Also, remember the Aseeran-e-Rah-e-Maula [those imprisoned due to Ahmadiyyat] in your prayers and especially for those Aseeran against whom extremely cruel and unjust charges have been levelled.

A few days ago, an Ahmadi lady, Ramadan Bibi Sahiba, was charged under the blasphemy law and put into jail. This family did the Bai‘at around 2002 and her husband wrote to me saying: “We are not scared of offering sacrifices, nor do we feel any sorrow for being imprisoned. The only sorrow me and my wife have is that we have been accused of dishonouring the very Prophetsa for whom we are ready and willing to offer our lives for the sake of his honour and respect.

This is our only pain.”

Thus, continue to always pray for them and also the other Aseeran [prisoners due to Ahmadiyyat] who have been accused under this law and the death penalty has been declared against them. May Allah the Almighty miraculously provide the means for them to be released and grant them His mercy. May He grant the judicial body and the government to carry out justice.

Although they profess their belief in God and His Messengersa, but may the true fear and love of God and His Messengersa also be instilled in their hearts and may they follow the example of the Holy Prophetsa.

In addition to this, I would like to draw your attention towards other prayers as well.

May Allah the Almighty enable all of

us to recognise the true purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas. May the love for Allah and His Messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, the Seal of all the Prophets prevail over every other relationship of ours. May we adhere to the true teachings of Islam.

May our homes become models of true love and affection. Those children who are distressed owing to the discord and dispute between their parents, may Allah the Almighty alleviate their worries. Pray for all the Waqf-e-Zindagis [life devotees] that may Allah the Almighty enable them to serve their faith in a selfless manner and that they truly fulfil their waqf. Pray for the Waqifeen-e-Nau that May Allah the Almighty enable them to fulfil their and their parent’s pledge. Pray for the martyrs of Ahmadiyyat and their families. Pray for all those Ahmadis who are experiencing hardship and difficulties. Pray for one another and for yourselves. When one prays for others it also becomes a means of attaining the blessings of Allah the Almighty for yourselves as well.

Pray for the marriages of girls, especially those whose marriages are unnecessarily being delayed. Pray for the current circumstances of the world but also pray for every Ahmadi to be safeguarded from the ill effects of the economic situation that is going to develop as a result. Owing to such circumstances developing, pray that may it not hinder the various projects and initiatives of the Jamaat and may Allah the Almighty out of His grace continue to provide the means of its progress.

Pray extensively for those who are offering financial sacrifices even in such conditions that may Allah the Almighty grant manifold blessing to them and their wealth. Pray for those serving in MTA; there are volunteers and also employees who are working extremely diligently in order to convey the message of Islam across the world.

Pray for the Muslim world that may their internal conflicts end and they learn to live with one another in peace and may Allah the Almighty protect them from the evils of those powers who seek to oppose

Friday 19 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

16 Islam. However, this can only happen when their own internal disputes come to an end. I will recite a few other prayers as well and you should repeat them after me: ُ َ ُ َ ُ َ ُ َ َّ َ ّٰ َ ‫الل ُہ ّم ِانا ن ْﺠ َعلﻚ فِ ْی ن ُحوْرِ ِہ ْم َون ُعوْذ ِبﻚ ِم ْن � ُر ْورِ ِہ ْم‬ “O Allah, we make You a shield against the enemies, and take refuge in You from their evils.” (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-ulWitr, Hadith no. 1537) ْ ْ َ ْ ُّ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ٰ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ٰ َ ‫ش ال َﻌ ِظ ْ� ِ�۔‬ ِ ��‫لا ِإ�� ِإلا ا��� الﻌ ِظ�� ا��لِ��۔ لا ِإ�� ِإلا ا��� رب ال‬ َ ْ ُّ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُّ َ َ َ ٰ َّ ُّ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ٰ َ ْ ‫ش‬ ِ ‫لا ِإ�� ِإلا ا��� رب السمو‬ ِ ‫ات ورب ال�ر‬ ِ ��‫ض ورب ال‬ َ ْ ْ ‫ا�� ِري ِﻢ‬ “There is no god but Allah, the Great, the Forebearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Great Throne. There is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Magnificent Throne.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ulDa‘wat, Hadith no. 6346) َْ َ ُ​ُْ َّ َ ‫یَا ُمق ِل َﺐ القلوْ ِب ﺛ ِّب ْت قل ِب ْی َع ٰلی ِدیْ ِنﻚ‬ “O Controller of the Hearts! Strengthen my heart upon Your Religion.” (Sunan alTirmidhi, Abwab-ul-Qadr, Hadith no.

2140) ٰ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ٰ ُّ َ ٰ ُ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ ّ َّ ُ ّٰ َ ‫اف َوال ِﻐنی‬ ‫اللہم إِنِی أسﺄلﻚ الہدى والتقی والعﻔ‬ “O Allah. I seek from You true guidance, righteousness, chastity and selfsufficiency.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Zikr, Hadith no. 2721) َ ْ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ُّ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ّ َّ ُ ّٰ َ ‫اء ِۃ نِق َم ِتﻚ‬ ‫اللہم ِإنِی أعوذ ِبﻚ ِمن زو ِال نِعم ِتﻚ وﺗحو ِل عافِی ِتﻚ وفﺠ‬ َ ْ ‫َو َج ِم ْی ِﻊ ُسﺨ ِطﻚ‬ “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from

being deprived of Your favour, the decline of the good health You have granted, Your swift punishment and from all those deeds which may incur Your displeasure.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Riqaq, Hadith no. 2739) ْٰ َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ ‫َر ّبنا ﻇل ْمنﺂ انﻔ َسنا َو ِا ْن ل ْم تﻐ ِ� ْ� لَنا َو ﺗ ْﺮ َح ْمنا لَنکوْن ّن ِم َن الﺨ ِس ِریْ َن‬ “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost.”

(Holy Qur’an 7:24) ْ َ َ َّ ً َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ َ ُ​ُ ْ ُ َ​َ ‫َر ّبنا لَا ﺗ ِﺰغ قلوْبَنا �َ ْع َد ِاذ َہ َدیْ َتنا َو َہ ْﺐ لَنا ِم ْن ل ُدنﻚ َر ْح َمۃ ِانﻚ ان َت‬ ُ ‫الْوَ َّہ‬ ‫اب‬ “Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us; and bestow on us mercy from Thyself; surely, Thou alone art the Bestower.” (Holy Qur’an َّ َ َ 3:9) ٰ َ ًَ ْ ُّ َ َ ًَ َ َ​َ ‫الدن َیا َح َسنۃ ّو فِی الْا� َِر ِۃ َح َسنۃ ّو قِنا َعذ‬ ‫َر ّبنﺂ ٰا ِﺗنا فِی‬ ِ‫اب النار‬ “Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”

(The Holy Qur’an 2:202) A prayer of the Promised Messiahas is as follows: “O Lord of all the Worlds! I cannot do justice in expressing my gratitude for Your favours. You are Most Merciful and Benevolent. You have bestowed countless favours upon me. Forgive me of my sins, lest I perish. Instil pure love in my heart for You, so that I may be granted life and cover my shortcomings; enable me to carry out those deeds through which You will be pleased. I beseech Your Holy Countenance

and seek refuge in You from incurring Your displeasure. Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me. Save me from the calamities of this world and the Hereafter, for all grace and blessings are in Your hands.” (Maktubate-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 159, letter addressed to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahibra, Letter no. 3) َّ َ َ َ َ َ ّٰ َ ‫الل ُہ ّم َص ِ ّل َع ٰلی ُم َح ّم ٍد ّو َع ٰلی ٰا ِل ُم َح ّم ٍد ﻛ َما َصل ْی َت َع ٰلی ِا ْبﺮَا ِہ ْی َم َو َع ٰلی‬ َ َّ ‫ٰا ِل ِا ْبﺮَا ِہ ْی َم ِانﻚ َح ِم ْی ٌد َم ِﺠ ْی ٌد‬ ْ َ َ ْ َ ّٰ َ َ َ ‫الل ُہ ّم بَارِك َع ٰلی ُم َح ّم ٍد ّو َع ٰلی ٰا ِل ُم َح ّم ٍد ﻛ َما بَ َارﻛ َت َع ٰلی ِا ْبﺮَا ِہ ْی َم َو َع ٰلی‬ َ َّ ‫ٰا ِل ِا ْبﺮَا ِہ ْی َم ِانﻚ َح ِم ْی ٌد َم ِﺠ ْی ٌد‬ “O Allah! Send down Your Mercy on Muhammadsa and on the family of Muhammadsa, as You sent Your Mercy on Abrahamas and on the family of Abrahamas, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.

“O Allah! Send down Your Blessings on Muhammadsa and the family of Muhammadsa, as You sent your Blessings on Abrahamas and on the family of Abrahamas, for You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.”

Today is the last Friday of this Ramadan; may Allah the Almighty enable us to continue the good deeds we developed during this Ramadan and the pious changes we brought about in ourselves and may He accept these prayers in our favour.

I would like to mention in relation to Eid that many people have written to

me that according to the information on the website, Eid is being celebrated on 24 [May], however the new moon will not be visible on Sunday, therefore Eid cannot be on the 24th. And so, I wrote to them [i.e. the committee] to look into this again and also included some other experts in this field and they held a number of meetings.

I also instructed Amir Sb to look into this matter as well.

They submitted a chart which indicates that although the moon will not be visible on 23 [May] in the larger cities according to the website, but according to the chart they have shown, there are certain area such as Falmouth, Penzance and Hayle where the new moon will be visible to the naked eye on the 23rd. If the moon is visible in any part of the country, then Eid can be celebrated in the rest of the country as well. The committees for viewing the moon in other Muslim countries also follow the same practise for determining the sighting of the moon. And so, after this analysis and having conducted this a few times after that again, it has been decided that Eid will insha-Allah be celebrated on Sunday, 24 [May].

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International on 12 June 2020, pp. 5-9.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2020