Al Hakam - 26 June 2020

Where stars descend Chapter 1 (Tawakkul)

100 Years Ago...

Responding to Allegations

Report on tabligh of Islam in the United States

Surah al-Qalam and the sanity of prophets

Part I Page 4

A

Page 8

Page 7

Detroit Jamaat attends 8th Congressional District Interfaith Roundtable with Rep Slotkin Page 10

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 26 June 2020 | Issue CXIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Role models st in the 21 century How Hazrat Khalifatul Masih continues to revive Islamic teachings

In the hyperconnected world we enjoy, role models and figures of considerable influence come from all walks of life. From Hollywood stars to prolific academics, sports personalities to even YouTubers

and Instagrammers; there is a vast array of people who the world idolises.

But, there is one recurring theme among the icons of modern society – materialism.

Materialism casts a shadow over religion

and spirituality, as the steady growth of atheism strongly challenges any plausible proof of God. As a result, our society has glorified wealth, class, social standing and fame as the pillars of success, reflected in the role models and icons – especially those who the younger generations idolise.

Yes, there are “role models” who are not so attached to materialism, but even then, the element of spiritual guidance and morals – encouraged by Islam – are missing.

For the Muslim world, the legacy of Islam is in hot water – the arrival of the Mahdi and the son of Mary – the reformers for Islam – is now growing into a fantasy. The spiritual insight, guidance and leadership, promised to Muslims in the Holy Quran and by Prophet Muhammadsa is (for most Muslims) nowhere to be seen.

There is no one to give direction; no one to follow.

Of course, for Ahmadi Muslims, the legacy of Islam has witnessed a new horizon; Continued on page 3

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

Virtues of companions of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Among the nation of Bani Israel who lived before you, there were men who used to be inspired with guidance though they were not prophets, and if there is any of such persons amongst my followers, it is Umar.”

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A sinner is one who severs their relationship with God Almighty in this life A sinner is one who severs their relationship with God Almighty in this very life. For such a person was instructed to become devoted to God Almighty and to keep in the company of the truthful, but they instead became slaves to passion and desire and joined hands with the wicked and those who were the enemies of God and His Messenger.

In other words, they have demonstrated through their practical example that they have severed their relationship with God Continued on page 3

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 26 June - 2 July 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

26 June 1907: The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was always passionate to establish high morals in humankind and he implored every medium to inculcate true piety and selfpurification. Almost all his writings and speeches contain heartfelt teachings and advice in this regard. On this date, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas extended the idea of preparing placards and hanging charts for Ahmadi households to be placed on prominent points in buildings so that every member of the Jamaat is reminded of their duties. The idea was discussed over a few days but owing to other engagements of Hazrat Ahmadas, it could not be implemented.

This scheme was titled “Alwah-ul-Mahdi”, which means “tablets of the Mahdi”.

29 June 1889: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. In it, Hazrat Ahmadas commented on the Muslim organisation, Anjuman Himayat-e-Islam, which had sent some queries of a certain Christian to be answered. Hazrat Ahmadas criticised the approach and practice of this body and stated that he was extremely busy and his health was feeble too. Despite all these issues, he drafted answers to the two questions out of love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. This letter also hints towards the love and longing of the Promised Messiahas for Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddinra.

29 June 1898: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Mian Shadi Khanra addressing him as his considerate and beloved brother.

In it, Huzooras shared a description of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Fazl Dinra. As Hakim Sahibra had married twice but did not have any children, Huzooras instructed Mian Shadi Khan Sahibra to perform istikhara (prayer for seeking a positive outcome). Huzooras wished that Hakim Fazl Din Sahibra could get married in the house of Mian Shadi Khan Sahibra. Hazrat Ahmadas, despite being greatly occupied, was so compassionate for his companions that he would provide them assistance even in their personal lives.

30 June 1893: The Promised Messiah replied to the letter of Padri Jawala Singh, who earlier sent a lengthy letter to Huzooras. In this letter, Hazrat Ahmadas logically refuted the false assumptions of Padri Sahib through deriving arguments from the Bible and logic. as

30 June 1902: The Promised Messiahas wrote a touching letter to Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha

Abdur Rahmanra citing his recent observation.

Huzooras said that the previous day, at noon, he was sitting alone in one of the porches of his house, where he saw four cats carry a sparrow’s neck in their jaws one after the other. They mercilessly smote the poor bird on the floor multiple times, but out of compassion, he had to divert his attention towards them. As the small bird was under attack, suddenly, the sparrow found a chance to flee as the cats were in the process of passing the bird over to the other.

The sparrow flew to a nearby tree, leaving the cats in utmost despair. Huzooras wrote that he considered it a time for the acceptance of prayers, hence he prayed for Seith Sahibra that Allah may set him free from the jaws of abominable enemies.

of Talim-ul-Islam School. Hence, the publication of this magazine was done under the school administration. The primary purpose was to spread the true meaning and interpretation of the Holy Quran. This magazine contained brief notes taken from Quran classes conducted

by Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra, with a gist of his Arabic interpretation of the Holy Quran and the interpretation of the Holy Quran by the editor. Moreover, this magazine used to publish revelations of the Promised Messiahas as well as news about school events.

This magazine remains a primary source of the unique interpretation of the Quran by Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra. Unfortunately, it could not endure and from May 1907, it was published as an appendix of The Review of Religions.

30 June 1904: The Promised Messiahas was told in an Urdu revelation that God would fulfill all of his desires.

1 July 1890: The Promised Messiahas updated his trusted friend, Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira about his ongoing health problems. Huzooras informed him that God Almighty was the Sustainer of all things and the Best Planner, hence there was nothing left to worry about, so he should never lose hope and weaken his trust in God.

30 June 1906: The Promised Messiahas replied to the letters of Hazrat Syed Nasir Shahra and shared details of his recent gout. Hazrat Ahmadas also commented on some items he received from this devout follower.

July 1893: The Promised Messiah’sas Arabic book, Tohfa-e-Baghdad was published. It is narrated that at the same time, Huzooras was occupied in writing his next Arabic book, Karamat-us-Sadiqin.

July 1899: The Promised Messiahas started writing his book Taryaq-ul-Qulub. This book was published years later. Contrary to all claims and allegations, the writing and publishing dates of this book have a gap of many years (written in 1899 and published in 1902).

June/July 1901: Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahmanra (the first martyr of Ahmadiyyat) was murdered in Afghanistan in these months in a concentration camp of Kabul. His only crime was that he accepted the Imamas of the time. The news of this sad event reached Qadian in late 1901.

July 1906: Another magazine commenced its publication from Qadian, called Talim-ul-Islam.

Before this, there were three magazines being published from this relatively small village; The Review of Religions (English and Urdu), Tabib Haziq and Tash-heez-ul-Azhan. Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra was its editor and the headmaster

1 July 1898: The Promised Messiahas shared his unyielding faith and strong connection with God Almighty with Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra through a letter. Huzooras stated that he was praying intently for Hazrat Seith Sahibra. In this letter, Hazrat Ahmadas shared his deep insight on this temporal life and guided him to rightly grasp the teachings of the Quran.

2 July 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. Huzooras informed him about the deteriorating health condition of his son, Bashir Ahmad, after arriving back to Qadian from Batala. The child had developed multiple issues, for instance, typhoid fever, dysentery and in the meanwhile, diarrhea added to his woes. Hazrat Ahmadas stated that in this condition, it was not possible for him to continue with his publishing of books.

2 July 1892: The Promised Messiahas expressed sorrow in a letter to Hazrat Mian Fateh Muhammadra as he had lost his job again. Hazrat Ahmadas shared his sympathies and instructed him to remain punctual in his five daily prayers and be regular in daily supplications and seeking forgiveness from Allah as God Almighty is the Omnipotent.

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Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

the spiritual reformation of Muslims and understanding of Islam in modern light continues under the institution of Khilafate-Ahmadiyya. It is the Khalifa of the time who enables Ahmadi Muslims – and often other Muslims too – to safely embark on their journey towards God Almighty, disseminating insight into the Quran and examples of the Holy Prophetsa.

Khilafat is a reflection of the teachings of the Holy Quran and its guidance enables one to effectively follow the essence of Islam. For this reason, millions of Ahmadi Muslims across the world not only understand their religion in modern light, but stick to it and practise it.

The Friday Sermons of the Khalifa serve as a weekly boost of spirituality, pregnant with religious guidance.

In the recent past, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been narrating the great lives of the early Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa who fought in the Battle of Badr.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has detailed with great research and precision the lives of these Companionsra; their morals, love for Islam, worship, humanity, courage, charity and even their familial backgrounds. The sermons on the Badri Companionsra have been a means to understand the level of reformation the Holy Prophetsa brought

The new generation has a wide range of role models to look up to, however Huzoor's Friday Sermons on the Badri Companions are a perfect reminder of our priorities as Ahmadi Muslims

through Islam.

They have given us a deep look inside the world of early Islam and the tremendous examples of those who left lives full of vice and immorality and changed into “goblets of gold”, as the Promised Messiahas described.

Listening to how the Companionsra would worship, serve humanity, display courage for Islam and love the Holy Prophetsa has enabled Ahmadi Muslims not to be deterred by so-callled “icons” and “role models” of the materialistic world. It has reminded us of who we really are and the heights we should endeavour to reach.

Interestingly, a prophecy for the latter days – when Islam would lose its spiritual light – mentioned in Surah al-Takwir, was: ُّ َ ۡ َۡ ‫َو ِاذا الن ُجوۡ ُم انك َد َرت‬ “And when the stars are obscured”.

(Ch.81: V.3) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has explained that “the stars” refer to the light and great examples of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa and that their morals and examples would be lost in the world of Islam. He further explained how this verse points towards a period when the very names of the Companionsra and their works will be forgotten and other role models will be adopted in their stead.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained that Surah al-Takwir first portrays how the example of the Holy Prophetsa will diminish from the world and people will move away from Islamic teachings, including Muslims.

Then, the above-mentioned verse talks about “the stars” being obscured, resembling the examples of the Companionsra being lost. The Holy Prophetsa also said that his Companionsra were like “the stars”, all of whom provided the means of guidance towards the right path.

And so, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explains: “… ‘Stars’ refer to his [the Holy Prophet’ssa] Companionsra … that not only would people stop following the Holy

Prophetsa, but also the Companionsra would cease to be followed. Thus, in our age, we can observe this, that whenever someone uses an example, instead of quoting the Companionsra, they say, ‘Hitler said this’, or ‘Napoleon said that’ and ‘Abraham Lincoln deliberated thus’.

“However, earlier, people used to say, ‘Abu Bakrra said this’, ‘Umarra said that’, ‘Uthmanra has said thus’ and ‘Alira had it thus’. Thus, the importance of following the Companionsra amongst the Muslims began to lose traction and vanished … “… The practice of living nations is that every member strives to uphold the good works of their forefathers. They say, ‘My grandfather achieved this great feat’, or ‘He did this [great work]’. Until a nation maintains and protects this spirit, the clocks of their lives remain ticking for a long period. And when this spirit dies, the nation also perishes.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p. 201) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then explains that the verse, “And when the stars are obscured” means that Muslims will forget the tradition of the Companionsra and their great qualities and morals, leading to the downfall of the Muslim Ummah. He then writes: “When a nation constantly reads that our forefathers held great qualities and abilities, they will also personally endeavour to reach such heights [as practised by their forefathers].” (Ibid) In this way, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has maintained the motivation and correct direction of Ahmadi Muslims through his sermons on the Companionsra.

While the world is leaning towards materialism and Islam is being polarised between extremes – fundamentalism and absolute liberalism – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa is, today, the guiding light towards true Islamic practices and his sermons are another proof that Islam Ahmadiyyat is the revival movement of Islam, as promised by the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa.

Continued from page 1

Almighty.

It is the way of Allah that when an individual takes a step in one direction, they move further away from the opposing direction. If a person separates themselves from God Almighty and becomes a slave to carnal desires and passions, God, in turn, moves further and further away from them. As a person grows closer to their own passions and desires, their connection with God is weakened.

As the proverb goes: “Love begets love”. Therefore, if a person demonstrates that they are averse to God in practice, then they ought to know that God too is averse to them.

If, on the other hand, a person loves God Almighty and flows towards Him like water, then they ought to know that God is Gracious.

When a person loves Allah the Exalted, He in turn shows him greater love. He is a God who sends down blessings upon those who love Him. God makes them feel that He is with them, to the extent that He blesses their words and their lips.

The garments of such an individual and their every word become a source of blessing for others. In the ummah of Prophet Muhammadsa there exists categorical proof of this even now, that when a person becomes devoted to God, God too befriends him.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 140)

HF Germany and local Jamaat donate disinfectant tunnel in Kosovo Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

Three months have passed since the announcement of the first few cases of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kosovo. During the last week, the number of infections has increased significantly and according to specialist doctors and microbiologists, there is a possibility of a second wave of coronavirus returning to Kosovo. Therefore, the main advice of doctors is that we should sanitise our hands, put on masks and gloves and keep a considerable distance from others.

Among the most frequented places in our country are hospitals and surgeries. For this reason, at these places, it is necessary that facilities be disinfected as well as the persons who visit them.

The Family Medicine Center is one of the most frequented medical centers in Prishtina. Thus, Humanity First Germany and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo, seeing this need, on 15 June 2020, donated a disinfectant tunnel to the Family Medicine Center in the Municipality of Prishtina.

The inauguration was attended by officials from the municipality of Prishtina, the director of the directorate of health Dr Bujar Gashi, the representative of the Directorate for Social Welfare Mr Premtim N. Fazliu, Acting Deputy Director of this Center Dr Rrezart Halili and the representative of Humanity First and its volunteers.

Dr Bujar Gashi and Mr Premtim N Fazliu, on behalf of the directorate of health and the directorate of social welfare respectively thanked the Humanity First for this necessary donation, while Dr Spec

Rrezart Halili, on behalf of the Family Medicine Center, thanked and expressed gratitude for the donation.

Humanity First and Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Kosovo, with their motto “Love for all, hatred for none”, also expressed gratitude for this institutional cooperation of the directorate for social welfare and the directorate of health of the municipality of Prishtina, which gave them the opportunity to help this Family Medicine Center.

According to the organisation, this donation will benefit thousands of citizens who visit this centre for their needs.

The disinfectant tunnel contains sensors that are activated in its pre-entrance and stops when the person passes the tunnel.

The tunnel has an advanced disinfection system with a reservoir and a capacity of 1,000 litres, which manages to disinfect about 6,000 to 7,000 times.

Kosovo is one of the many countries that Humanity First helped during this pandemic.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the media coverage for this project was amazing.

More than 60 newspapers and official persons published articles on their websites or social media pages about this donation and more than 7 million people followed this successful project, alhamdolillah.

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Where stars descend Chapter 1 (Tawakkul) Part I Asif M Basit

The topic of Tawakkul alallah (complete trust in Allah) is broad and profound, bearing in it all spiritual truths. This is reason enough for me not to ever attempt to indulge in such a discourse. I am neither acquainted with the depths of the subject, nor do I acquire a status – spiritually or academically – to write on it.

Nonetheless, I feel obliged to share some experiences for the benefit of everyone, for in my opinion, these experiences are the property of members of the Jamaat.

With the sheer grace and blessings of God and as a result of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa graciousness, I was able to dedicate my life for the service of the Jamaat in 2004. Other than this, there is nothing from my life worth mentioning.

Whatever I intend to mention today would not have been possible had Huzoore-Anwaraa not affectionately accepted this humble servant. My weaknesses and flaws are such that I am unable to even meet eyes with Huzooraa. It is only and only due to Huzoor’s love that he accepts us in his company. When this humble servant presents himself to Huzooraa in those precious moments, there is no instant that can be considered an ordinary one; every moment is a precious memory that I shall cherish forever.

I have had the good fortune of being able to meet Huzooraa regularly since 2004 for daftari mulaqat (official meetings), but I have also had the opportunity to be in his company even before his divine appointment to Khilafat. Back then, Huzooraa was the nazir-e-talim (director of education for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Pakistan).

I remember when the time came to pursue my master’s degree after completing my bachelor’s, I expressed my desire to Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahibaa to seek private education to complete my master’s degree rather than attend university. Huzooraa refused by saying, “The exposure that you will get from attending university will not be possible by sitting at home”.

Each and every word of this guidance proved to be true in every respect.

It is a fact that the experiences one encounters when attending university cannot be experienced by sitting private exams. With extremely enlightening teachers and professors and inspiring libraries, universities offer an atmosphere

like no other. Whether intentionally or otherwise, students learn a lot from outside lecture rooms. This is the provision that benefits the students throughout their lives.

However, it needs to be said that the exposure one gains from the blessed company of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa cannot be achieved through any library, university or scholar. The feeling of that exposure can only be summarised in one word: enlightenment. And what a feeling it is!

If even one word uttered by Huzooraa is not considered extraordinary, then it is due to a lack of understanding because whatever Huzooraa utters eventually comes to fruition.

It is difficult to select what to mention and what to leave out. In this chapter, I intend to focus on the subject of tawakkul.

Often, people express the desire to have lived during the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or if only they had been alive during the time of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace. These yearnings are indeed signs of love and affection, but what more can we do other than to call them mere wishes. Nothing can be done about this, but is it not enough to satisfy us spiritually that we are ever so fortunate to be living during the time of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya?

We were born in the era in which we witness the vicegerent and successor of the awaited Messiah and ultimately, Prophet Muhammadsa. Thus, a complete reflection of the noble examples of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his servant, Hazrat

Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas can be found in the present day in the person of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

28 May 2010 was the blessed day of Friday and will forever remain a day to be remembered by all Ahmadis, in which cruel enemies brutally attacked Ahmadis in an attempt to cripple the propagation of the Jamaat.

Dozens of Ahmadis were riddled with bullets and martyred instantly. Every television channel gave coverage to this cruelty and act of terrorism. There was hardly any Ahmadi in the world whose heart was not torn by this horrific attack.

The time for the Friday prayer had come upon us in London. As is customary, every Ahmadi has the desire to listen to the words of Huzooraa during his Friday Sermons, yet that Friday, the urge was even more so.

Here, in MTA, we thought that under the circumstances, Huzooraa might not travel to Baitul Futuh, Morden and might deliver the Friday Sermon from the Fazl Mosque. Thus, preparations for broadcast were also made in the Fazl Mosque.

Huzoor’saa entourage departed from the Fazl Mosque at the usual time and arrived at Baitul Futuh. Huzooraa delivered his Friday Sermon at the customary time. The serenity, which has always been evident on Huzoor’s blessed countenance, from which our hearts feel at peace, was displayed even at that moment. So, in this manner, a heavy part of the anxiety that was being faced by members of the Jamaat vanished.

Furthermore, it was presumed that the entire sermon would be delivered giving

details about the tragedy as bullets were fired at our mosques resulting in a massive loss of lives. However, an ordinary person’s understanding cannot reach the level of wisdom that Allah has bestowed upon His chosen Khalifa.

Huzooraa guided the Jamaat towards religious and spiritual betterment during the Friday Sermon and towards the end, Huzooraa informed the Jamaat of the attacks in Lahore and asked everyone to pray.

One sentence still echoes in my mind; Huzooraa said that it was unclear whether the attackers had been dominated or were still present in our mosques.

This was a very subtle indication that to say anything else in that moment would have been premature. Thus, Huzooraa left it at that and in a manner told the Jamaat not to pay heed to any rumours, nor become a means of spreading them further, whether intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly.

Now, I shall turn to the matter I had desired to write about.

Shortly after the atrocity occurred, I had the opportunity to meet Huzooraa.

It so happened that a few days earlier, I had written to Huzoor-e-Anwaraa for guidance regarding some matters concerning MTA. Huzooraa very graciously returned the letter, at the end of which was written: “For further details, meet me either on Friday evening or Saturday morning.”

It was my intention to make myself available on Friday evening in the private secretary’s office. My plan was that if Huzooraa wished to call me, then I would present the matter, otherwise I would go again on Saturday morning.

But that very morning, the devastating incident occurred that shook all Ahmadis to the core. Like every Ahmadi, I was of the thought that if we could become emotional at this event, then the sentiments of the Imam of our Jamaat could not possibly be comprehended. What would he have been feeling at that moment?

Every Ahmadi, who was slaughtered in that event, was a child to him, nay, far beyond that! Thus, I thought to myself that it would not be appropriate for me to turn up at such an occasion. But then, I became conflicted!

How can I make a decision against that which the Khalifatul Masih has already instructed?

It was in this state of perplexity that I arrived at the private secretariat.

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Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM I sought the advice of Munir Ahmad Javed Sahib, Private Secretary to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. He told me to take a seat and that if Huzooraa called me, I could go in, otherwise I should await further instructions or come back the following day.

I sat in the waiting room. No longer than a few moments had passed when the private secretary opened the door to Huzoor’s office and told me that Huzooraa was calling me.

I entered the office with confused anticipations. The champion of Islam was seated as elegantly as always. I took a glance up and noticed that the atmosphere in the office was as serene as always. Huzooraa was comfortably occupied with daily office work. I sat down on the chairs in front of Huzoor.

“Kiya kehtey ho?” (What brings you here?)

This most affectionate and loving question always gives an individual the courage to speak. I can’t imagine how I would have been able to speak otherwise.

I mentioned the matter concerning MTA, which I had written to Huzooraa about earlier. Huzooraa very graciously gave guidance concerning the matter as if that was the only issue on Huzoor’saa mind and the focus of his attention.

Who are we and what significance do our issues have compared to Huzoor’s workload? But it is my experience that whenever we present something before Huzooraa, no matter how petty it may be, this loving and caring individual attends to our requests for help, carefully listening to our problems and thus providing sound direction.

When the average man faces two issues simultaneously, he becomes distressed and considers giving up. But the one who is chosen by God to lead His mission and to guide mankind on the right track is the only person capable of managing the thousands of problems that come his way simultaneously. Not only that, but he is also capable of providing the solutions which we had not yet thought of.

At times, it is felt that the problems we share with Huzooraa immediately become his only concern. This in itself is the first sign of satisfaction for us.

Even at that unusual hour, I felt this.

Huzoor’s attentiveness and guidance solved my problem entirely.

Those who meet Huzooraa regularly know that departing Huzoor’s office is also a challenging task. Despite being aware of the value of every minute in Huzoor’s schedule, it is of course disrespectful to get up on one’s own accord. Then again, to remain seated is also a means of consuming Huzoor’s precious time. But the loving voice of Huzooraa when he says, “Aur? Bus? Chalo phir” (Is that all? Alright then, off you go) makes this step all the more simple for a person.

It was with those very words that I almost left Huzoor’s office that day. But that was not the only confusion I faced.

The Ahmadis of Pakistan had just faced an unimaginable trial and yet, there I was, leaving the office without any apparent concern. It is common courtesy to pay respects and is customary also. Not only that, but it was a practice of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. But this was different.

It was paying respect to the one who had lost over 80 children in a single day. And it happened to be on that very same day.

God enabled me to summon the courage and say, “Huzoor, I am very sorry about what happened today”. Usually, this sort of a comment follows with a predictable gesture and response. But Huzooraa very courageously and with utmost dignity said: “Yes, it is very sad. Only God knows what they [the opponents of the Jamaat] have in store for the future. We cannot predict what they will do in the future. But they are writing their devastating fate with their own hands. I have said this before as well.”

How blessed we are! This champion of God waves the standard of truth high in the sky as he combats falsehood.

Come what may, this champion of Islam has his eyes set on the victory of God. He stores in his heart the grief of all the blood that has been shed. But he does not merely carry that grief with him. He stands before his Lord with his grief.

A tragedy may occur, but Huzoor’saa vision assesses what needs to be done further; what is about to happen and the means through which falsehood can rear

its ugly head again. He ponders over how he can elevate the truth so high that the world may see it. He is concerned about how he can give strength to his followers so that they too can move forward with him and focus on the victory of truth as their sole concern.

These are not fears, rather they are possibilities that God Almighty has appointed his chosen one with. He has set such a high standard of tawakkul [trust in Allah] that it is a noble example for every member of his Jamaat, nay every Muslim in the world, rather every human being alive.

Huzooraa mentioned the details of that event in the weeks to come with utmost courage. The world may know it as courage, but we know it as tawakkul, which holds in it the noble reflections of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.

Later, at the occasion of Jalsa Salana Germany, Huzooraa expressed his sentiments of the Lahore attacks. Upon Huzooraa expressing his sentiments, Ahmadis became extremely moved.

But just imagine if Huzooraa had openly expressed his emotions and feelings; the hearts of all Ahmadis would have been shredded to pieces. We would not have been able to bear it.

Thus, Huzooraa portrays the perfect example of tawakkul today. When Huzooraa presents himself before God and openly expresses his emotions, it is a spectacle that remains solely between Allah and His beloved servant. But the mere thought of it shakes our souls to their core.

Then there is another incident.

On 26 September 2015, the complex adjacent to Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden caught fire. Initially, it was thought that there had been some carelessness in the kitchen, as a result of which the alarms were triggered.

On that occasion, I was out filming in London with Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib. We were filming those areas where Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra resided or delivered lectures during his tour of 1924.

On our way back, I received a text message from one of my colleagues, Qaasid Muin Ahmad, that the fire alarm had been triggered. (The MTA offices and studios

are located in the Baitul Futuh complex.)

It had happened many times before, where the fire alarm was set off either as a drill or due to smoke caused by the food regularly being cooked at Baitul Futuh. But I then received a message that the entire complex, including the various administrative offices, kitchen, MTA offices and libraries had all been evacuated as the fire began to spread. Now, I began to realise the gravity of the situation.

Having dropped off Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib at the Fazl Mosque guest house, I set off for Baitul Futuh. When I got there, I was grasped by a scene that caused my heart to shudder.

Waves of black and white smoke were rising into the sky as the front part of the building was completely charcoaled from the inside and out. Wherever I could, I parked my car and proceeded towards MTA colleagues who stood there in shock.

Every individual, whether Ahmadi or one of the neighbours, stood in horror. There were offices inside, official records and most important of all, MTA’s archive library, in which countless videos and footage of our Khulafa were stored. The MTA equipment, which amounted to hundreds of thousands of pounds, was all kept there.

The images of my office began to appear before my eyes. Hundreds of letters from Huzoor-e-Anwaraa spanning the last seven to eight years, in which his guidance at every step, in his own handwriting, were all stored in that very complex.

Each and every word of Huzooraa is precious to us, but there lay a precious treasure trove of guidance on a daily basis.

The thought of those letters stuck in mind as I watched the smoke rise higher and higher. On a few occasions, when the smoke blew big puffs in the air, I saw shreds of paper floating among the ashes in the sky above, as a result of which my heart began to sink. I prayed to God, “Ya Allah! Don’t let these letters be those written by your beloved one!”

I was tormenting myself as the thought arose many a time to have those letters scanned and preserved but with that the response was always, “Insha-Allah, some day.”

(To be continued…)

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

6

100 Years Ago...

Lectures in Richmond, arrival of Brother Augusto and Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria Al Fazl, 24 June 1920 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra Third lecture in Richmond On the evening of 27 May, as announced earlier, the third lecture by Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal on the subject of the British Empire and Islam took place at Etherington Hall, Richmond.

The erudite speaker explained the coming of the Promised Messiahas, his pacifist and peace-making teachings and the significance of his personage to the British Empire, with much clarity. He expressed that world peace in the future can only be maintained by following the teachings of Islam reintroduced by the Promised Messiahas.

He explained that peace cannot be established unless there is sincere unity in the East and the West and this unity cannot be achieved unless the British pay attention to the teachings of the Messiah and accept Islam. Thereafter, he expounded that the second coming of the Messiah was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Ahmadas Nabiyullah [Prophet of God]. Then, he drew the attention of the audience by mentioning the signs of his [second coming] and [guided them] to accept this message of truth and be blessed. The speech was followed by a series of questions and a healthy discussion was held.

Arrival of Brother Augusto Beloved Brother Muhammad L Awan Cell Augusto [transliteration from the original Urdu may be inaccurate], Mir [Sadr] Majlis Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Lagos, Nigeria has come to London for education to become a barrister. Since there is no Muslim barrister in Nigeria so far, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has decided that Brother Augusto should return home after completing his law studies and become the first Ahmadi Muslim barrister in Nigeria.

Our sincere brother also wants to learn religion along with his barrister studies. He intends to visit Qadian and complete his Arabic and Urdu education, which he will start acquiring in London. He also intends to perform Hajj on his return from Qadian. He wants to do all this so that the promulgation of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria can be done with permanence and perfection.

Address by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lagos Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lagos, which is, by the grace of God, an established and organised Jamaat, presented an address to

its esteemed and lovable Mir [Sadr] Majlis on the occasion of his departure. As a treat for the readers of Al Fazl, an excerpt from this address is given below …: “When the efforts to reform the Muslims of Lagos and bring them under an organised system failed miserably, he [Brother Augusto] heard the news of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s establishment in the East. Indeed, he heard the news of that Jamaat, which had been promised for the reformation of mankind in the latter days and the world was waiting for it. Through his efforts, Nigeria received the heavenly message of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi and the momineen [faithful] of Nigeria believed in this glorious man who is the hope of all the nations of the world. As the Mir [Sadr] Majlis of the Anjuman Ahmadiyya Nigeria, his works are widely acknowledged nationally and internationally, which he performed within and outside of the Jamaat. There is no need for it to be explained in our address.

“The delight and happiness that we get when we imagine that the first Muslim barrister of our country will be an Ahmadi Muslim, is immeasurable. We believe that one of the proofs of Hazrat Ahmadas maghfur being the true messenger will also be that the [spiritually] dead Muslims will be revived by him.”

The above words of the address bear witness to the dignity and honour of Brother Augusto and the sincerity of the Jamaat.

Moreover, the signatures of the Anjuman officials bear witness to the excellent management of the Nigerian Jamaat. The following office-bearers signed the address: AS Yaqub – Vice President Qasim R Ajuse – Imam Din (Pesh Imam) I A Shibta – Naib Imam Jabr Celia Martin – General Secretary B They Fannie Mokon – Assistant Secretary M Le Oval – Financial Secretary [Again, some names may be mistransliterated] Establishment of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria How did the rays of light reach this land of the West, where Allah the Almighty gathered the blessed souls under the banner of the Promised Messiahas and where “London’s crescent” of the Divinely appointed Umare-Sani, Khalifatul Masih, dawned upon the Ahmadiyya Mission, London? (Augusto is sitting next to me at the moment.) How

did the angels of God conquer the land of hearts?

These are such questions that while writing their answers, my soul submits its courteous forehead to the threshold of God Almighty and sends durood [peace and blessings] on the chief of all prophets, Muhammadsa of Arabia and Syedna Promised Messiahas and expresses gratefulness to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] for his generosities, who was the personification of the Holy Messiah in beauty and benevolence.

Brothers! Iron became the philosopher’s stone and clay turned to gold. A wooden sword beheaded Abu Jahl. Children told the news of the unseen, the dumb began to talk and the insignificant were given high ranks.

Peace be upon Muhammad and his servant, the Promised Messiah.

Master Faqirullah was carrying the [magazine], Lahori Paigham, in the office of The Review of Religions. Master Sahib had come to Qadian to receive his salary.

The humble servant of the second Khalifa, Nayyar, went to guide Faqirullah to become the faqir [holy man] of Allah and come under the leadership of the true Khalifa. There, on the front page of Paigham [magazine], I read a letter from Brother Augusto under the Khawaja Shahi report, “Tabligh of Islam in the Western countries.”

I was passionate to personally write to him and get his address. Thus, I wrote a detailed letter conveying the message of Ahmadiyyat. After that, letters were written under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] on a regular basis. This series of correspondence and delivery of literature continued for almost three years. All issues related to impermissibility of non-Ahmadi Imamate, prohibition of offering funerals of non-Ahmadis, prophethood of the Promised Messiah and differences between mubai‘een and ghair mubai‘een [those who did and did not take Bai‘at at the hand of the second Khalifa] were discussed. After much deliberation and prayers, Brother Augusto took Bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. Owing to the blessings of Allah, the enchantment of the sorcerers had no effect on him and through him, God has granted a progressing sincere Jamaat. Praise be to Allah who made it all possible!

Ahmadi Doctor, BA Oxon Our new Ahmadi brother, Dr A Luke Faruq of Trinidad, whose conversion to

Islam has been announced in previous letters, is writing an article for The Review of Religions, which will be sent by the next post, insha-Allah. It will convey to the black-hearted enemies that the recent new Muslim [converted with the efforts] of the missionaries of Muhammadiyah, Ahmadiyya, Mahmudiyah Mission, is an Oxford graduate and an FRCS from the London Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Gold instead of God Though prejudiced Christianity is still worshiping the son of Mary’s idol of divinity in the UK and the religious clergy are presenting their idol in an ever so attractive manner to maintain their means of livelihood, but Mahmud[ra] seeks to shatter idols. The idol houses are destined to fall.

Interestingly, the decision to demolish some of London’s churches is under consideration. In response to a question about the demolition of these churches, Father Bernard Wagman said in a sermon: “A number of churches in the East End of London have been converted into theatres of motion pictures and people are now preferring players over prayers.

“Now, churches of the city are being demolished and banks are being built and why shouldn’t it happen, when the citizens are prostrating before Gold instead of God?” (Translated by Al Hakam)

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Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

Removing misconceptions about Islam in the USA Al Fazl, 28 June 1920 Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra Immense thanks be to Allah the Almighty that He blessed this humble person with His mercy, grace, forgiveness and sattari [covering of flaws] that I came to this country to spread His holy religion and for the tabligh of the message of truth.

The first situation faced by me in this path was that the officers of the United States Immigration Department of America opposed the idea of a Muslim missionary doing his job in this country.

After experiencing the hardships of the sea voyage, when this servant of Muhammadan faith reached the shores of America, the inspectors of the rahdari department [which issues passports], after hours of questioning, gave a decision, saying, “You cannot enter the country. Go back on the same ship you came on.”

I rejected this decision of theirs and asked for permission to appeal to their superior officers in the secretariat department, located at the capital, Washington. The permission was granted, but I was ordered not to go in the city till the decision on the appeal was issued, nor to meet people and instead, live separately in a house on the seashore and consider myself as if I have not yet disembarked the ship.

After a lot of suffering and a lot of disagreements and litigation, which costed a lot of money, the appeal was finally accepted and [I was] allowed [to enter] after two months.

Now, I have raised up the Islamic flag of tabligh in New York City. All praise belongs to Allah. The troubles that this humble one experienced in the love of Muhammadsa during this period were replaced with the

joy of this blessing that the first missionary of Islam, chanting the slogan of tawhid [unity of God], entered this country. ّٰ ّٰ ���‫�� ا�� ا�� ا��� ��ﻤﺪ رﺳﻮل ا‬ [There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.]

A major obstacle in the way of the missionaries of Islam has been removed. It is as if a great wall of the fortress of disbelief has been shattered and the path to great victory has opened. Praise be to Allah!

Although it was not allowed to go in the cities and meet [people] during this time of restriction and restraint, but by the grace of God, I had the opportunity to carry out tabligh to those people who had to stay [by the seashore where I was residing] due to reasons like having a defective passport, deformity of an organ or late arrival of relatives for reception etc. A party among them, with the help of Allah the Almighty, accepted Islam at the hand of this humble person. Their details will be given in the next report, insha-Allah.

In addition to this, in the appeal papers and on various occasions during the trial, I wrote and presented several hundred pages of documents on the attributes of Islam and the blessings of its teachings in my defence.

Tabligh was first carried out to the higher officials of this country and it will forever remain in the records of governmental offices, insha-Allah. A volume of the first part of the Holy Quran with English translation and some other tabligh books were also included in the record.

Extremely wrong ideas about Islam and the people of Islam are spread in this country, which have mostly come through Christian missionaries. It is for

this reason that this nation is becoming a fierce opponent of the Turkish Empire.

Every day, very controversial articles are published in newspapers, full of erroneous views. Above all else, I have started writing articles to various newspapers and magazines rebutting those [flawed] articles and supporting Islam and Muslims. Thus far, about 20 articles have been published.

(Newspapers and magazines in which my articles are published can be sent to any person if they wish, provided that some money is sent in advance for their cost and postage expenses.)

A large hall has been rented for lectures and prayers. However, a lot of money is needed for decoration, lighting, furniture, typewriter, a clerk, print machine for reports and advertisements in newspapers etc., and other tabligh necessities. I have trust in Allah Almighty [that He will provide] all these [requirements]. ُ ُّ ّ ‫َﺣ ْﺴ ِﺒﻰ َر‬ ‫ﺑﻰ ِﻣ ْﻦ � ِﻞ � َ�ﺑِّﻰ‬ ِ

[God is enough for me in comparison to every patron.]

The comparison of the cost of living in this country with India is out of the question. It is much higher as compared to even the UK. A small room which is spacious enough for a bed and a couple of chairs costs at least 40 dollars a month, i.e. roughly 150 rupees would be required for this simplest accommodation. If there is a much better room, then the monthly rent will be at least 300 rupees. However, even that room cannot be used for any other activity except for sleeping at night. You cannot meet anyone in the bedroom or have an office. First of all, there is no extra room for it and secondly, it is considered indecent

in this country. A simple one-time meal at the hotel costs no less than one dollar.

America is a vast country. Everything is made on a large and grand scale. The houses are 10, 20 and 30 storeys high and some are even much higher. People go up and down in electric swings [elevators]. People here are friendlier than in the UK, but they have a lot of misconceptions about Islam. More details will be written in the upcoming [articles], insha-Allah …

Wassalam Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, 1897, Madison Avenue, New York City, USA (Translated by Al Hakam)

Humanitarian activities by Jamaat Suriname Laiq Ahmad Mushtaq Missionary, Suriname

Suriname is a small country located at the northern coast of South America, with a population of just half a million.

From the very early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, in March 2020, the government had implemented numerous preventive measures, which helped minimising the effects and then keeping Covid-19 out of the country for many weeks.

On 25 May 2020, national elections were held in Suriname. Due to the political atmosphere, many people illegally crossed the borders, causing a community-wide spread of the coronavirus.

Unfortunately, for the last two weeks, cases are exponentially rising. With over 10 new cases on a daily basis, the country now has around 200 active cases, which is a huge pressure on the limited medical resources.

Now, the country is in total lockdown,

causing an economic crisis. Due to the sudden lockdown, many people are struggling to feed their families.

With the donations of its members, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname has distributed food supplies and meals to the needy. The Jamaat has also made free face masks available for its members and all others in need.

We request the readers of Al Hakam to remember our country and the affected

people in their prayers. May Allah the Almighty have mercy on the world. Amin.

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Responding to Allegations

Surah al-Qalam and the sanity of prophets ُ ْ َ َّ ْ َ َ ‫ون‬ ٍ ‫َما أنت ِبنِع َم ِة ر ِبك ِب َمجن‬ “Thou art not, by the grace of thy Lord, a madman.” (Surah al-Qalam, Ch.68: V.3) This verse means that the rewards and bounties showered upon the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, are a proof that he was of sound and pure mind because God Almighty would never grant His divine blessings on an insane person to guide the people of the world.

Consider the life and works of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, in light of the above argument of the Holy Quran.

The Promised Messiahas was vouchsafed answers to the objections of Islam’s opponents by God Almighty. He was blessed with reasonable and irrefutable arguments to prove the truthfulness of Islam. Hence, the great work that the Promised Messiahas did to break the cross and dismantle Christianity gave a new life to Islam, hugely acknowledged by both friends and foes.

Maulvi Nur Muhammad Sahib Naqshbandi Deobandi, a well-known Muslim scholar of the Indian subcontinent, who did not accept Islam Ahmadiyyat, writes: “In that era, Bishop Lefroy came from abroad with a large group of priests and took an oath that he would soon convert all of India to Christianity. He entered India and caused a great surge after being assisted through huge amounts of money from overseas English people and constant promises of future help … In his view, the fact that Prophet Jesusas was alive in the heavens with his physical body and all other prophets were buried in the earth, proved an effective attack on the people. Then, Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian stood up and told Lefroy and his party, ‘The person who you call Jesus has died and was buried like other human beings and I am that Jesus whose coming was foretold. So accept me if you are from the righteous.’ Through this strategy, he defeated the clergy from India to abroad.” (Debacha Mujiz Numa Aksi Quran al-Majid, translated by Maulvi Ashraf Ali Thanwi, p. 30) A religious debate was held in 1893 between the Promised Messiahas and priests of Amritsar which was called Jang-e-Muqaddas (The Holy War) by the Christian clerics. Soon after this, in 1894, an international clergy conference was held in London where the Lord Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, the Right Reverend Charles John Elliot informed the Christian world with great concern and said on 29 May 1894: “But perhaps the movement in

Mohammedanism is the most striking. I learn from those who are experienced in these things that there is now a new kind of Mohammedanism showing itself in many parts of our empire in India, and even in our own Island here at home, Mohammedanism now speaks with reverence of our blessed Lord and Master, but is not the less more intensely monotheistic than ever.

It discards many of those usages which have made Mohammedanism hateful in our eyes, but the False Prophet holds his place no less preeminently than before.

Changes are plainly to be recognised; but Mohammedanism is not the less aggressive, and alas! to some minds among us (God grant that they be not many) even additionally attractive.” (The Official Report of the Missionary Conference of the Anglican Communion, 29 May 1894, p. 64) The Christian bishop singled out only one sect in the international conference of clergies from all the sects of Islam, which clarifies that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had managed to draw their attention, not because he was insane, but by refuting their fundamental doctrines and beliefs.

The Promised Messiahas passed away in 1908. There came a revolution in the world’s mightiest Christian Empire of Russia and the new government announced in 1917 that they no longer abided by Christianity. Hence, a few years following the demise of the Promised Messiahas, the biggest Christian government declared that Christianity would not be their official religion.

The Promised Messiahas was granted divine signs and the power to show miracles. Consequently, the Promised Messiahas invited his opponents to witness miracles at his hand and even challenged them to contest in the miracles of healing.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Dear [Mian Abdul Haq]! Have some fear of God as there is no surety of life. God Almighty manifest signs at my hand, but according to the sunnah, which He keeps with respect to His divinely commissioned from ancient times. Hence, even if a person comes as an embodiment of satan, he will still be persuaded by divine signs according to this sunnah without a doubt. However, if they want to witness [signs] opposed to the earlier sunnah of God, then they have no share in that blessing. Surely, they shall perish deprived just as Abu Jahl etc. saw deprived deaths. My dear, keeping my divine appointment in mind, you are welcome to bring a party of the disabled, blind, deaf and other sick people. Then, by drawing lot, if I am defeated [and unable to

heal] the group that will be handed over to me by God, I will be entitled to all the abuse you have given in your announcement, otherwise all that abuse will return to you.”

(Tohfa Ghaznawia, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 15, pp. 559-560) Likewise, the Promised Messiahas challenged a Christian, Dr John Alexander Dowie, who claimed to have healed scores of sick people. The Promised Messiahas said: “It is important to note that the art of healing diseases from its very nature and its prevalence among different people apart from divine inspiration and irrespective

of religious sanctity, cannot serve as a criterion of truth. A sort of therapeutics which may appear supernatural to superficial observers, has been practiced among various nations from time immemorial. It is practiced by the Hindus.

Among the Jews it was a common thing to effect the cure of certain diseases by means apparently inexplicable. Even now there are men among the Mohammedans who lay claim to the healing of diseases exactly in the manner in which Dr Dowie does it. The truth is that the healing of diseases is not a proper criterion for judging the falsehood

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Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM of religious principles, for adherents of any system may be able to practice it.

The Gospels themselves relate incidents showing that there were contemporaries of Jesus who were reputed for curing the sick in the same manner as Jesus did, and yet these thaumaturgists were not among his followers. There was even a pool at the time a dip in which had the miraculous power of removing bodily infirmities. The mere capacity to heal certain diseases cannot, therefore, be a serve test for the truth of a religion. In one case only can it serve as a criterion, viz., when two parties each claiming the truth for himself, divide by lot a number of sick men between themselves, in such a case, the party who is able to heal the greater number in comparison with his antagonist, is entitled to claim it as a supernatural sign of the efficacy of prayer in his favor and hence as evidence of his truth.

“Some time ago I invited my opponents to ascertain the truth or falsity of my claims by this test but no one accepted this challenge. I am certain that if Dr Dowie or any one of his co-religionists stands forth even now to meet me on this ground, my God shall surely disgrace him, for he is a liar and his god is an embodiment of falsehood.” (The Review of Religions [English], September 1902, pp. 345-346) The Promised Messiahas was taught Arabic through revelation and his opponents were unable to write answers to any of his Arabic books.

In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty gave glad tidings to Prophet Abrahamas and said: َّ ْ ّ َ َ َ ُ ٰ َ َ ً َ َ َُْْ ّ َ ْ َّ ُ ْ ْ ‫لي ك ِ ّل ضا ِم ٍر يَاتِي َن ِم ْن ك ِ ّل ف ٍج‬ ‫اس ِبالح ِج ياتوك رِجالا و ع‬ ِ ‫و ا ِذن فِي الن‬ ‫َع ِم ْي ٍق‬ “And proclaim unto mankind the Pilgrimage. They will come to thee on foot, and on every lean camel, coming by every distant track.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.28) Similarly, addressing the Promised Messiahas, Allah the Almighty informed him: َ ّٰ َ َ َ ُْ َّ ُ َّ ُ َ ْ ‫الَا ِا ّن ن ْص َر الل ِه ق ِريْ ٌب۔ يَات ِْيك ِم ْن ك ِ ّل ف ٍج َع ِم ْي ٍق يَاتوْ َن ِم ْن ك ِ ّل ف ٍج َع ِم ْي ٍق‬ “Hearken, the help of Allah is near. His help will come to you from every distant track. People will come to help you from every distant track.” (Tadhkirah, p. 57) This was foretold that inanimate objects, for instance gifts, money, clothes etc. would come to him and intellectual people would also flock to him. The world witnessed that this glad tiding of God Almighty proved true during the life of the Promised Messiahas when scores of people came to visit him from far off lands and brought all sorts of gifts. Even after his demise, these blessed tidings are being fulfilled at the hands of his Khulafa.

The above brief description shows that the Promised Messiahas received abundant rewards and bounties of God Almighty, which clearly shows that he was the chosen one of God and not a mentally ill person.

Further, in Surah al-Qalam, God Almighty states: ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ ‫ون‬ ٍ ‫َو ِإن لك لأج ًرا غير َم ْمن‬ “And for thee, most surely, there is an unending reward.” (Surah al-Qalam, Ch.68: V.4) This verse means that rewards of the Holy Prophet’ssa efforts and works will never end, but they will always bring good

results. On the other hand, the actions of mentally impaired people who claim to be sent from the Divine are always futile and non-beneficial.

Ponder over the matter of the Promised Messiahas in view of the argument presented in the above verse. His books are still being translated and published in dozens of languages ​​ around the world. We are witnessing the results of peaching Islam, which he instilled in the hearts of members of the Jamaat more than a century ago. In every part of the world where preaching is legally allowed, his followers are working day and night to convey the message of Islam.

Translations of the Holy Quran have been published in more than 70 languages by the Jamaat. The constructions of mosques and mission houses are expanding by the day. Noble souls are accepting Islam.

Today, there is no area on this planet where the message of Islam is not reaching through MTA. There are eight institutions of Jamia Ahmadiyya across the globe where young people take admission by dedicating their lives and are carrying out the duty of promulgation of Islam in the world after getting religious education.

By showing the world the fruitful results of the efforts of the Promised Messiahas, God Almighty is practically testifying that he was not mentally ill or insane, but had been raised by God. In the next verse of Surah al-Qalam, Allah Almighty says: َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫ِيم‬ ٍ ‫وإِنك لعل ٰى خل ٍق عظ‬ “And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences.” (Surah al-Qalam, Ch.68: V.5) That is, the high moral qualities and attributes of the Holy Prophetsa rebut this accusation that he was a madman because the speech of mentally ill individuals is often incoherent and inconclusive. At times, they use bad language and misbehave with other people. Those who sit next to them and listen to their gibberish speech and wild actions become disgusted with and walk away from them.

Look at this argument in the context of the Promised Messiahas. If, God forbid, his character or actions had given a hint of insanity, those who came to him and observed his state of mind, would have abandoned him in utter disgust. On the contrary, those who read his writings were impressed, those who listened to his words were moved and those who sat in his company grew in love and devotion and offered every kind of sacrifice for him.

Had the Promised Messiahas been a madman or a delusional person, the great and eminent scholars of the subcontinent would not have been saddened by his death, but would have been happy. Even they acknowledged his noble character and paid glowing tributes to the valuable services he performed in favour of Islam.

Following the demise of the Promised Messiahas, the newspaper, Wakeel of Amritsar wrote: “That man – a colossal man – whose pen was magic and diction enchanting; the man who was a paragon of the marvels of mind; whose glance would cast a spell and whose voice was the clarion call of resurrection; whose fingers were connected

with the live wires of revolution and whose fists were two charged batteries of electricity; the man who, for 30 years, was like the earthquake and storm to the world of religion; who sounded like the trumpet of doom and continued to awaken those who were deep in the slumber of mortal existence – he departed this world all by himself. ... The death of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian is not something from which one may not draw any lesson and just consign it to the ever-receding time and be content. Such personages who bring about revolutions in the religious or intellectual world do not always visit this world. They are the pride of human history; their appearance on the world scene is very rare and they depart only after having wrought revolutions in the world …

“The literature produced by Mirza Sahib during his confrontation with the Christians and the Aryas bears the seal of popular acclaim and he needs no introduction in this specialty. We have to heartily acknowledge the value and greatness of that body of literature, now that it has accomplished its task. This is so because we can never efface from the template of our hearts, the time when Islam was surrounded by the incursions of its enemies … Then the Muslim resistance began, of which Mirza Sahib’s contribution forms part. It not only blew to pieces the initial influence secured by Christianity – which was due to the tutelage of the British Government and was, in fact, its mainstay – causing hundreds of thousands of Muslims to escape its much more dangerous and likely-to-succeed attack, but even the magic of Christianity itself started to blow up in smoke.” (Wakeel, Amritsar, 30 May 1908 [Mahzarnama – The Memorandum, pp. 142-143]) The editor of Curzon Gazette, Dehli, Mirza Hairet Dehlvi Sahib wrote: “The sterling services rendered by the deceased in favour of Islam, against the Aryas and the Christians, are indeed worthy of effusive praise. He completely transformed the style of religious debate and laid the foundation of modern literature in India. As a Muslim and also as a researcher, I acknowledge that even the greatest among the great Aryas or the greatest among the great padres did not have the courage to open their mouth in opposition to the deceased. ... Although the deceased hailed from the Punjab, yet his pen possessed such power that there is no writer in contemporary Punjab or northern India who could write with such forcefulness. ... His forceful literature is unique in its majesty, there is no doubt that by reading some of his writings, one is thrilled in raptures of ecstasy ...” (Curzon Gazette, Dehli, 1 June 1908 [Mahzarnama – The Memorandum, p. 144]) The newspaper, Pioneer of Allahabad stated: “If any one of the Israelite prophets of the past could descend from heaven to preach in the present age, then in the circumstances of the twentieth century, he would be as odd as was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian … Mirza Sahib never had any doubts about his claim and he believed with absolute faith and sincerity that the Divine word was revealed

to him and that he was endowed with a supernatural power … He once challenged Bishop Weldon [correct name: Bishop Lefroy] to compete him in showing a sign. Mirza Sahib was ready to satisfy Bishop Sahib as he wished according to the measures of that age, so that no trickery or deception would be used in showing the sign … The people who caused a revolution in the religious field of the world, their natures possess striking resemblance with Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib than the Lord Bishop of England … However, the Prophet of Qadian was one of those who are rarely born in the world.” (Pioneer, Allahabad, 30 May 1908 [Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 1, pp.

191-192]) Delivering a lecture at Strachey Hall, Aligarh MAO College, Dr Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal said: “To me the ideal of character, foreshadowed by Alamgir is essentially the Muslim type of character and it must be the object of all our education to develop that type … In the Punjab, the essentially Muslim type of character has found a powerful expression in the so called Qadiani sect.” (The Muslim Community – A Sociological Study, Allamah Dr Mohammad lqbal, p. 23) Hence, even opponents in the time of the Promised Messiahas were convinced that he was sincerely devoted to the service of Islam and never considered him delusional or insane.

Thus, it seems absurd for the opponents of today, after more than 100 years, to argue that the founder of Ahmadiyya Jamaat was mentally unstable.

After explaining the above matters in Surah al-Qalam, Allah Almighty states: ُ ‫ون ۔ بأ َ ّي ُك ُم ال ْ َم ْف ُت‬ َ ُ َُْ ُ ُْ َ َ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ‫فستب ِصر ويب ِصر‬ “And thou wilt soon see and they too will see, which of you is afflicted with madness.” (Surah al-Qalam, Ch.68: V.6-7) This means that the Prophet will see and his opponents will also witness whose endeavors prove whom to be insane and who is proved to be supported by God Almighty.

Hence, if the opponents, really consider the Promised Messiahas to be insane in their hearts, then what has happened to them that they are spending all their energies, day and night, against the founder of Ahmadiyya Jamaat and not against those enemies of Islam who are sane and wise.

Their behaviour and approach make it clear that deep down, they know the truth but envy the progress of the Promised Messiahas and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community under the leadership of Khalifatul Masih and are busy spreading false propaganda in order to deceive the general public.

Their conditions are described in the Holy Quran by Allah Almighty in the following verse: ُ ُ َ ًّ ُ ُ َ ً ْ ُ ْ ُ ُ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ‫انظ ْر َك ْي َف ك‬ ‫ان َعاقِ َبة‬ ‫وجحدوا ِبها واستيقنتها أنفسهم ظلما وعلوا ۚ ف‬ َ ‫ال ْ ُم ْف ِس ِد‬ ‫ين‬ “And they rejected them wrongfully and arrogantly, while their souls were convinced of them. See then, how evil was the end of those who acted corruptly!”

(Surah al-Naml, Ch.27: V.15)

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Detroit Jamaat attends 8th Congressional District Interfaith Roundtable with Rep Slotkin Syed Shamshad Nasir Missionary, USA

Muhammad Ahmad Sahib of Detroit reports that the Regional Missionary, Shamshad Ahmad Nasir attended the 8th Congressional District Interfaith Roundtable with Rep Slotkin on 11 June 2020 at 4:30pm.

The interfaith programme was organised by the Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th district to discuss the current situation of Covid-19 and get feedback from the interfaith communities of the area.

The programme was kicked off by the congresswoman where she provided an update about the status of Covid-19 in the state of Michigan. She provided a summary of the various actions she had taken as the representative of Michigan’s 8th district.

After the initial remarks, the forum was opened for questions from the attendees.

A representative of a local Hindu temple enquired about how we could protect our communities from the pandemic and what her recommendations were in this regard. To this, Rep Elissa Slotkins detailed the actions

she had taken, including the legislation push regarding Covid-19.

Shamshad Nasir Sahib, in his comments, thanked the representative for holding such a talk on the important issue of Covid-19 via a virtual forum and also thanked her for participating in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Detroit’s centennial celebrations held on 9 May 2020.

Shamshad Nasir Sahib then gave details of the activities of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Detroit regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have distributed food, homeopathic medicine, donated blood for the needy as part of our centennial celebration”, said Shamshad Nasir Sahib.

He further stated that the Jamaat had been busy doing their part in serving humanity in this region and across the country by reaching out to people, providing them with essential items. The youth auxiliary especially had been engaged and helping neighbours and communities.

Shamshad Nasir Sahib joined the virtual conference from Masjid Mahmood where the mosque’s mehrab showed the

background with the kalima that was seen by approximately 30 attendees.

Muneera Farooqi Sahiba, a Muslim representative of IAGD, commented that as Shamshad Nasir Sahib had mentioned earlier, they had also been helping people in the community during the pandemic.

Another participant asked a question about how to go about safely opening community buildings, community centres and schools during the election. Rep Elissa Slotkin responded that they are going to wait and follow the directions from the federal as well as state authorities.

One of the participating rabbis commented that we should protect people of our congregations during the time of the pandemic of Covid-19, which is the need of the time. He referred to what Shamshad Nasir Sahib had said about saying the call to prayer in mosques and offering prayers alone and said that he had been doing the same in his synagogue.

In response to another question regarding the brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of police, Rep Elissa Slotkins

Opinion

Compromising the new gold– our data

Jazib Mehmood Student Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana

The culture of the new world demands that we share our lives with the rest of the world in a rather revealing fashion. We contribute

to the survival of social media by constantly feeding it information about ourselves, knowingly and unknowingly.

But what we don’t realise is just how valuable our data is!

Over two years ago, it was found that we create 2.5 million terabytes of data every single day. With more people using the internet today, that figure has most certainly increased. No wonder data is called the oil of the 21st century! Data is known to now be more valuable than oil.

By having access to the heartbeat and mentality of nearly everyone on the planet, the big tech companies at Silicon Valley have given us a visual representation of what an Orwellian government would be like. This Orwellian government – unlike Big Brother – doesn’t openly dictate what people do but is rather disguised as the greatest invention of the Information Age. There is no doubt that tech companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook have made our lives easier. Google has made access to information as easy as it could possibly be imagined. Amazon delivers us products to our doorstep while all we have to do is literally lift a finger. Facebook has given us products like WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram, which have

said that they were working very diligently to reform police and a lot progress was being made via the new legislation so that police could discharge their responsibilities without any discrimination of race and colour.

Another Muslim attendee, Sr Nishat of IAGD said that we should be involved as to how we can help the Afro-American people in our communities.

At the end, Shamshad Nasir Sahib thanked the congresswomen for inviting and holding such a wonderful conference and led the silent prayer to end the meeting.

He read verses of Surah al-Fatihah and other Quranic prayers and prayers of the Holy Prophetsa for difficult times.

There were approximately 30 representatives of various interfaith communities joining and attending this conference and by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat was delivered during the conference.

made communication across continents incredibly easy. Twitter has created a global platform where everyone has a voice.

What many people might not know is that Google collects incredible amounts of data on its users and has access to incredibly private information which users themselves offer. By expanding services across devices and buying services like Android and YouTube, they have access to more data more than ever. This is not without repercussions.

Google has been fined more than $9 billion since 2017 for violating antitrust laws.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), which nearly half the internet runs on, makes enormous revenue and generated net sales of $25.7 billion in the 2018 fiscal year. Amazon is thought to be a global monopoly. Even though Europe is now using anti-trust laws to keeps these companies in check, the rest of the world is slow on the uptake.

Facebook, which bought WhatsApp for $19 billion, is completely free to use just like WhatsApp and has been convicted numerous times for playing with the privacy of users. The reason I have mentioned the price for which WhatsApp was bought is that one wonders that a product clearly incredibly valuable to Facebook is seemingly free for us to use. This begs the question – how does WhatsApp earn profit?

Remember, when something is free to use, more often than not, you are the product that is being sold.

Facebook also owns Instagram, which collects a lot of data on you which you supply willingly by using the app and Continued on next page >>

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Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

Opinion

Continuing education during a pandemic “And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Surah Ta Ha, Ch.20, V.115)

Kholood Tahir King’s College London

In the past few months, we have lived through very unprecedented times, which will make it to the history books.

Covid-19 has rattled the world in such a way that people from all walks of life – the elderly, young, rich, poor – are all left fearing for their lives.

Although viral infections are quite common, what made Covid-19 so dangerous was its nature to spread easily and the lack of any vaccine or treatment.

On 23 March, the UK entered lockdown with only essential travel being permitted and key workers going to work. This indeed took a great toll on the lives of many, including students.

For some, the news of lockdown brought a temporary pause to their daily

<< Continued from previous page

entering private information on it. Twitter is not without its privacy flaws either. And as the past few years has revealed, Twitter can pose quite a few legal risks as well. Yet there is an alarming reliance on these services.

We have sold ourselves for convenience.

The enormity of these companies makes it impossible for smaller tech companies to compete with these giants. When there is a lack of competition, there is no motivation to make products safer for consumers to use. Why should Facebook care if your privacy is respected? Where else will you and the other two billion people chat and share their lives?

The reason they get away with scandalous miscarriages of justice is simple. They are providing us with an irreplaceable service, whose benefits no one can deny and whose disadvantages are made disputable.

Germany’s top antitrust enforcer, Andreas Mundt, asked a room full of lawyers, academics and regulators last year to imagine a wall filled with their personal information collected by Facebook and Google. He told them to picture it stocked with their data broken up into categories like finances, location, relationships and hobbies.

“That is you”, Mr Mundt said. “And I promise you this wall knows you better than your wife.”

Few listened to Mr Mundt when, a few years ago, he began raising alarms about the data collected by the tech giants. While online services like Facebook and Google did not charge a dime, people paid a high

routines, with exams being postponed until September or being cancelled altogether; for others, education continued through a remote format with assignments and exams being conducted online.

For the second type of student, whilst the world was trying to learn new skills – baking the tastiest banana bread or whipping up the perfect dalgona coffee – the only thing on their mind was to prepare for the strangest exam season of their lives.

At King’s College London, most of the senior lecturers for medicine are also clinicians or doctors, so they were pulled away from their teaching duties to serve at the front lines. Therefore, we, as first year medics, were given access to the previous years’ lecture recordings, as well as seminar worksheets with answers – an email of “good luck” was also sent to us to complete the rest of the year by ourselves.

It was a challenge for us to complete units such as neuroscience, epidemiology, genomics etc. on our own. Where normally teaching would be supported with anatomy practical sessions, we tried to make do with YouTube videos and turned to resources on the internet to help us through this time. Many of us who were accustomed to studying in quiet spaces away from home, were left with no choice but to clear the clutter from our bedroom desks and transform our rooms into libraries.

Personally, the arrival of Ramadan for me was God’s gift to help me get through those increasingly stressful days preceding my exams. During the day, I endeavoured to fulfil the rights of God by fasting and spending my time in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty. During the nights I would endeavour to fulfil the rights of mankind by studying the various systems

price by giving the companies so many personal details, he argued. And the people had no choice because the companies had no real competitors. (New York Times, 7 July 2019) Let’s face it! No one bothers to read the terms and conditions. The Brexit scandal and the allegations on Facebook for interfering in the 2016 Presidential election and the Cambridge Analytica scandal are only a few examples in a vast array of allegations, which the tech giants have faced over the years. But the reason so little is being done is that many people are okay with their data being stored by these companies and used in ways more or less unknown to them.

Perhaps even you, the reader, feel that it doesn’t really affect you since you’re not doing anything wrong. Many people merely shrug and go “well, what can you do? They provide a service I rely on”. Others argue that since they provide an essential service some allowances must be made so that they can do their job well.

But I ask: like the dozens of sites that watch your every move online, would you let dozens of people watch your every move in real life? Or your children who basically live online? Or your family and friends? The answer must surely be no. And yet, there is something about peering at life through a window that can ultimately abstract us from our actions and limit any meaningful confrontation with the consequences, says Edward Snowden in his book, Permanent Record.

“Ultimately, saying that you don’t care about privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different from saying you don’t

care about freedom of speech because you have nothing to say. … Or that you don’t care about freedom of religion because you don’t believe in God”, another argument Snowden makes in his book.

Many people don’t even know what exactly Cambridge Analytica did or how exactly they interfered with elections or the scope of their interference. Carole Cadwalladr, who was a key player in revealing the crimes of that data company, said, “We have sufficient information to know that Facebook’s platform was used to subvert and undermine elections in the US, the UK and many other countries”. (The Guardian, 26 October 2019) Before the rise of social media, we didn’t feel like telling the world what we had for breakfast or what our favourite book was or what we liked to do in our free time. We were private people. Our photos remained within family and friends. We felt no need to show them to our neighbours or tell the whole neighbourhood what we did on a specific day or what interesting pursuits we were involved in.

So why do we do it now? Why do we feed this toxic culture? Why do we not care that a triumvirate of tech companies i.e. Google, Facebook and Amazon are perpetually documenting our every move?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has also drawn the attention of our Jamaat towards the vices of social media and how it can drive one to materialistic pursuits.

Perhaps the idea of having more followers of Instagram heals some insecurities we have of ourselves or maybe more retweets strengthens our notion of social acceptance.

of the human body and the biochemical pathways that take place to keep us alive.

One of my favourite modules to revise was nutrition and metabolism as it was interesting to learn, in depth, the processes that take place in the body whilst fasting and the many physical benefits attached.

More than anything, the experience of living through a global pandemic taught me the value of service to humanity and the incredible role all key workers have played for the wellbeing of the country and the world.

All worldly activities, such as retail, transport, leisure and social activities, came to a stop, however the service to humanity continued.

The Holy Prophet of Islam, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, taught us that spiritual advancement is intrinsically linked to serving humanity and so a Muslim cannot attain the love of God Almighty just through worship and prayer, rather the love of God Almighty requires Muslims to serve humanity.

Whatever the case, this cycle is addictive and it is a bottomless vessel. This is why Huzooraa has always advised us to use these technologies with caution.

Huzooraa has expressed his concerns over Facebook that it “encourages immodesty” and “shatters the boundaries among people, boundaries from one another, boundaries around secrets. It exposes secrets and invites indecency.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Social Media, p. 36) While Huzooraa has not condemned Facebook outright, he has stated that “it has more harms and very few benefits.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Social Media, p.

39) In our world today, you cannot live without having some form of these new technologies. If you do, you’re cut out from the world. And if there’s something people fear, it’s the fear of missing out. So we conform. To keep up with a world that changes with each twist of the kaleidoscope is proving to be a hard-set task and a downright dangerous trend in every way imaginable. But we do it because everyone is doing it.

A day will come when that answer just won’t be good enough. The world might be a global village, but at what cost?

My reason for writing this is not to raise alarms or to completely discourage the use of social media. I simply wish to draw our attention towards caution in a realm where there is so much trust. Although we spend a significant amount of time online, we don’t seem to realise that our actions on our screens can have real-life consequences.

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon 29 May 2020 Love Between Ahmadis and the Khalifa After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

On one occasion the Promised Messiahas stated: “I am thankful to God Almighty for granting me a sincere and loyal community.

I observe that whenever I call upon them for any task or purpose, they swiftly and passionately come forward, in an attempt to excel one another, according to their strength and ability. I can see that they possess a spirit of devotion and sincerity.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 53 (English Translation) We have observed the expressions of this sincerity, loyalty and love towards the Promised Messiahas through countless accounts of the Companions of the Promised Messiahas. Also, there are narrations in relation to this which have passed down generations in those families who accepted Ahmadiyyat in the very early days. Also, in our literature and in the sermon of the Khulafa, we also find mention of these accounts.

However, this relationship that was established with the Promised Messiahas and which still continues down in their families is also present among those who later joined the Community as well and so it should be.

This relationship is not just limited to that era, rather in accordance with the promise of Allah the Almighty with the Promised Messiahas, there exists an equally strong bond with the succession that followed him. It is this bond that is the sign and the guarantor of the unity of the Community.

When the Promised Messiahas informed the Community of his departure from this world after having been informed by Allah the Almighty, along with this, in order to reassure the Community, he also gave the glad tiding of the establishment of the institution of Khilafat in the Community after having been informed about it by Allah the Almighty. Hence, the Promised Messiahas wrote in his booklet entitled AlWassiyyat [The Will]: “So do not grieve over what I have said to you, nor should your hearts be distressed for it is essential for you to witness the second manifestation also, and its coming

is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement. And that second manifestation cannot come unless I depart.

But when I depart, God will send that second manifestation for you, which shall always stay with you just as promised by God in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. And this promise is not for my person, rather the promise is with reference to you, as God [addressing me] says: ‘I shall make this Jamaat who are your followers, prevail over others till the Day of Judgment.’” (The Will, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 7) Thus, according to this promise of Allah the Exalted, the institution of Khilafat was established after the demise of the Promised Messiahas. However, the mere establishment of this institution does not hold any significance unless there is a relationship between the Khalifa of the time and members of the Community based on sincerity, loyalty, devotion and love and such a bond can only be created

by Allah the Almighty. No individual or human endeavour can create or sustain such a bond. It is this very bond that is the guarantor of the unity and progress

of the Community. Moreover, this is also evidence for the fulfilment of the promise of Allah the Almighty and of His continuous support of the Promised Messiahas and of the truthfulness of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The relationship that members of the Community have with Khilafat is possessed by those who have been Ahmadi from birth as well as those who have recently joined, including children, youth, men and women and also by such Ahmadis who live far away and have never even seen the Khalifa of the time. All these people have excelled in sincerity and loyalty and they continuously try to excel further. Whenever they receive a directive from the Khalifa of the time, they try to act upon it. They express their love and relationship in such a manner that one is truly astounded. All these things are a practical evidence for the fulfilment of the promise of Allah the Almighty and also the progress of the Community is also dependent upon this relationship. As I said, the relationship that the Community has with Khilafat and in turn, the Khalifa of the time has with the Community, is evidence of the continuous support of

Allah the Almighty. These are not just mere claims, rather this is demonstrated through hundreds of thousands of accounts where members of the Community have expressed these sentiments. If those incidents were gathered, they would result in countless voluminous books.

Nevertheless, I will now narrate some accounts of the sentiments and emotions which members have always had and will continue to have for the Khalifa of the time.

This started right after the demise of the Promised Messiahas and 112 years later, they continue till this very day. The opponents believed that this Community would come to an end after the demise of the Promised Messiahas. However, the determination, affection and relationship of sincerity and devotion towards Khilafat and the Promised Messiahas are continuously increasing. And after all, why would this not be the case, as this is in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa?

Nevertheless, I will now present some accounts and I will start by narrating one or two accounts relating to time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. The editor of Al Badr [newspaper] wrote in relation to the days when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was unwell. He stated: “During these days, many letters are being received from Khuddam enquiring about the health of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira and praying for his health and well-being.

Regarding these letters, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira has stated, ‘I pray for each and every one of those who are writing to me in relation to my health.’” The editor further wrote, “The ardent devotees are expressing their affection in an astonishing manner. I present the text of some of the letters as an example.

“Hakim Muhammad Hussain Sahib Quraishi writes, ‘One day, I prayed to the Almighty God, “O my Master! The needs in the time of Hazrat Noahas were limited to a certain area but only You are aware of the needs of today. Accept our supplications and grant our Imam a life as long as Noah’s!”’

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Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM “Then, brother Muhammad Hassan Sahib Punjabi writes from Madras, ‘I became so overjoyed reading the news of the recovery of Hazrat Sahib [i.e.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira] that only my Benevolent Master and Merciful God is aware of it.’” (Al Badr, 16 February 1911, p.

2, Vol. 10, Edition 16) Following this, the editor writes, “Love is a strange thing. Our friend, Mian Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib, who resides in Australia and works in the trade industry, writes in one of his letters: ‘The heading at the bottom of the newspaper from Qadian in relation to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira should not only comprise of the words “Khalifatul Masih”, but the heading should also contain words in relation to his health and well-being. The reason for this is that as soon as we open the Badr [newspaper], the very first words our longing eyes search for are the words of this heading and it is our desire that such words are included in this very heading, which will immediately grant comfort to our hearts before reading the actual passages inside [the newspaper].’” The editor writes, “We honour the sincerity of our dear friend and therefore we have produced a heading in accordance with his wish.” (Al Badr, 6 April 1911, p. 1, Vol. 10, Edition, 22 & 23) Then, Hazrat Abu Abdullah Sahib of Khewa Bajwa, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas, was once sat in the company of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira and requested to be granted some advice. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira said, “Maulvi Sahib!

I do not believe that anything ought to be done that you have not already carried out.

The only thing that is now left to do is the memorisation of the Holy Quran.” Hence, after hearing the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, he started memorising the Holy Quran at the age of approximately 65 and became a hafiz-e-Quran [someone who has memorised the entire Quran]. (Quoted in The Daily Al Fazl, 8 December 2010, p. 4 with reference to Al Fazl Qadian, 19 April 1947) Such was the spirit of seeking to implement and acting in accordance with the instructions of Khalifatul Masih.

During the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, when the Shuddhi movement gained strength and momentum, observing this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra became greatly anxious. This movement began in the area of Malkana in 1923 and during his Friday Sermon the very same year, on 9 March, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra presented a scheme to members of the Jamaat to travel to those areas on their own expense, in order to preach to those who had turned away from their faith and invite them back [to Islam]. The Jamaat passionately responded to this call. Highly educated individuals, government workers, teachers and traders, in short, devotees from all walks of life called people towards God in these areas and as a result of their efforts, thousands of souls once again declared the kalima [Muslim creed] of the One God. One day, whilst sitting in the company of Huzoorra, an elderly gentleman, Qari Naeem-ud-Din Sahib Bengali, took permission from Huzoorra and said, “Even though my sons, Maulvi Zill-ur-Rahman and Muti-ur-Rahman, a BA student, have not mentioned this to me, however, I felt that yesterday when Huzoorra spoke about

dedicating one’s life and going to Rajputana in order to call people towards God and also the conditions which Huzoorra mentioned that one would have to live under, they might have reservations in their heart that if they offer their services to Huzoorra, I, their old father, will face difficulty as a result. However, I call on God Almighty as a witness in the presence of Huzoorra and say that I am not the slightest bit sorrowful or distressed at them leaving and to endure hardships. I emphatically say that even if both of them were killed whilst working for the cause of God, I would not shed a single tear, rather I would express my gratitude to God Almighty. This is not just in relation to these two sons of mine. In fact, even if my third son, Mahbub-ur-Rahman, was killed whilst rendering his service and if I had ten other sons who were killed as well, I would not express any sorrow.” Upon this, Huzoorra, as well as the members of the Jamaat, said “Jazakumullah” [may Allah reward you]. (Al Fazl, 15 March 1923, p. 11) In 1924, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra travelled for his tour of Europe, even this temporary separation made members of the Jamaat restless. This can be gauged from the following narration. Babu Siraj-ul-Din Sahib, a station master, writes: “My master! We are far away and helpless. If it were possible, we would have become the dust under Huzoor’s feet so that we would not have to endure the pain of this separation. My master! I have not visited Dar-ul-Aman [Qadian] for four years now.

However, my heart was content at the fact that whenever I desired, I could go and kiss Huzoor’s feet. Now, even one day [of separation] is proving to be difficult. May Allah the Almighty soon bring Huzoor back in good health and with success and victory.”

(Swanih Fazl-e-Umar, Vol. 5, p. 475) Who can develop such a relationship of love?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “A young man heard about my scheme, which I announced last year. This young man lived in the district of Sargodha and travelled to Afghanistan without a passport and began preaching.” He thought that as this is the instruction of the Khalifa of the time and due to the bond with him, it was absolutely necessary to act upon it. Since the directive was to preach, so as soon as he heard it, he went to Afghanistan and began preaching, even without his passport. “The government detained him and put him in jail, however even whilst in jail he would preach to the prisoners and prison guards and established contact with the Ahmadis there and began to influence many people there. Eventually, the prison officers filed a report stating that he was also influencing those in the prison. The clerics issued a fatwa of death against him, but one of the ministers said that he is a citizen of the British Empire, therefore they cannot execute him. In the end, the government sent him under their protection to India.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra further states: “After several months, he has now returned. The level of his determination was such that when I told him he made a mistake and that there were many countries he could have gone to and preached without being detained, he immediately replied by saying that he would go to any country I suggested. The young man’s mother is still

alive, yet he was ready to travel to another country without having first met her. But upon my instructions, he is now on his way to meet his mother.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “If other young men would show the same determination as this young man from Punjab who travelled to Afghanistan, then we could bring about a revolution in the whole world within a short period of time.”

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 44) There is a Syrian brother by the name of Muhammad Al-Shawa Sahib. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra visited Syria, he also had the honour to travel alongside him to Lebanon. He was a very good lawyer and had an extremely strong bond with Khilafat.

Being a lawyer, he would normally like everything to be supported with evidence, but whenever he was told that this was an instruction by the Khalifa of the time, he would say, “This is sufficient. Once an instruction has been received, the matter is finished and this is the final decision.” Such was the relationship these people had [with Khilafat]. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 7, pp.

503-504, Friday Sermon, 23 October 2009) During the era of the third Khilafa, there was an American lady by the name Naima Latif Sahiba, who had boundless love and affection for Khilafat and the Khalifa of the time and who always gave absolute priority to obedience to the Khalifa of the time.

During the tour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to America, he delivered an address at a university on the topic of the importance of the veil. After listening to this address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, she straight away began wearing the hijab [Islamic veil] and she became the only woman in her area at the time to be seen wearing the Islamic veil. (Khutbaat-e-Masroor, Vol. 12, p. 605, Friday Sermon 3 October 2014) As it was the instruction of the Khalifa of the time and due to her bond with Khilafat, she had a longing to fulfil it. Moreover, as she had taken the oath of allegiance, she wished to act upon it right away.

Nazeer Ahmad Sahib Sanwal of Khanewal district narrated an incident about a sincere Ahmadi, respected Mehr Muhktar Ahmad Sahib of Bagar Sargana.

He narrates that in the circumstances during 1974, the opponents had made Mehr Sahib’s life very difficult. Furthermore, as a result of his passionate calling to the way of Allah, his family began opposing him very severely and boycotted him completely.

Nevertheless, this strengthened his faith further than before and he increased the scope of his acquaintances and friends.

The opponents increased in their opposition and made more and more plots and schemes. For the sake of his children’s education and for them to grow up in a pure environment, he sold his plot of farmland and rented a plot near Rabwah and began cultivating it. When he met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and informed him that he sold his land in Bagar Sargana (the name of his village) and subsequently acquired a land on lease near Rabwah and began planting crops, Huzoorrh did not approve of this as the area should not have been left void [of Ahmadis]. Thereupon, he acted immediately in accordance and demanded the money back from the landlord for the lease. But after he refused, he left all the crops and returned to his land in Bagar Sargana, without the lease money. He then

tried to buy his land back that he had sold.

He purchased it at a higher price and then went to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to inform him that he had acted according to his instructions. Huzoorrh expressed his joy upon hearing this and Mehr Sahib was also very pleased as a result. (The Daily Al Fazl, 10 May 2010, p. 5) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh once mentioned in a sermon: “I went on a tour of Africa in 1970.

One of our missionaries there made a programme which posed great difficulty for me, because after travelling 100 miles to a place, we arrived at such a time that I was unable to personally meet all the members of the Community there.”

It was not difficult because the trip was approximately 100 miles long, the difficultly was experienced due to the fact that the programme was so brief that he could not personally meet the people of the Community there, as he had to deliver an address where there were also Christians from other countries in attendance. Hazrat Khalifatul Maish IIIrh continues: “I delivered the address, a series of questions and answers went on for a long time and when a significant amount of time had passed, the missionary announced that there would not be a chance to shake hands [i.e with Huzoorrh]. But I was visiting to those people, who were meeting the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the first time in their lives and they knew not when there would arise such an occasion again in their lives. Thus, despite the announcement being made, they rushed forward to shake hands.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh relates: “The private secretary and others in the entourage had no idea where they had ended up due to the force of the local Ahamdis pushing ahead and they began shaking hands with me.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh relates further: “They started shaking my hand, but it was no ordinary meeting, for every single individual would take my hand and then would not let go of it. They would continue looking at me and not let go of my hand. The person waiting next in line would become restless and he would place his one hand on the other individual’s arm and with his other hand, hold onto my hand in order to separate it and then he himself would shake my hand. Similarly, he too would not let go of my hand, and the next person would have to do the same all over again. And this happened with scores of people” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said: “So it was only with great difficulty that we returned from that place. However, I say to the non-Ahmadis: I do not say to our own members as they are already aware regarding the bond between Khilafat and the members of the Community, but to others I say that I am not foolish to be under the impression that it is due to any quality on my part that such love has been developed in the hearts of these people, who live 5-6 thousand miles away, who have never seen me, nor knew much about me, to all of a sudden come forward so uncontrollably to meet me. This love is purely created by God Almighty.” (Khutbaat-e-Nasir, Vol. 6, pp.

547-448, Friday Sermon, 22 October 1976) Then comes the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. He states:

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

14 “The extraordinary changes happening in Africa are a result of the sacrifices made by the early life-devotees. The astonishing revolution taking place in Africa nowadays is so astounding that even the Community members there cannot fathom the extent to which the tremendous changes that have taken place in their countries.

“Some of the more experienced members and those who work at a government level as well have told me themselves that even they had no idea of how much their countries have advanced in their love and cooperation with the Community and just how prepared they are at this time to receive this message.

“One person, whose name and country would not be appropriate to mention, said, ‘I cannot even begin to understand what is happening. It was beyond my imagination that our nation would be able to render such service to the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and would have the opportunity to express this love. This was something I could not even imagine. What I have witnessed here is something we only see shown towards leaders of countries, (and even then it is only from a worldly perspective), but aside from them I have not seen this happen with any other person.’ He also said, ‘This is not due to the efforts of the Community, rather what is happening is from the unseen and is happening in an astonishing manner.’” (Khutbaat-e-Tahir, Vol. 7, pp. 134-135) Hence, this is all brought about by God Almighty Himself.

With regard to Pakistan, on one occasion Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh pointed out some of the ills that were taking root there.

He stated: “In Pakistan as well various ills are developing, such as the inappropriate use of video cassettes.” He stated, “I announced in a sermon that some ill customs have become prevalent, which will result in a nation’s morals to be destroyed, the peace within a household to vanish, the loyalty between husband and his wife to break and bring about obstructions and a distance in their relationship. Therefore, do not let this trend thrive and spread. Following this, I received letters from Pakistan, which caused my heart to prostrate before God Almighty over and over. Those people who were engrossed in certain ill habits had written plainly that they had engaged in wrong actions, but it is purely the grace of Allah the Almighty that they are part of the Community of the Promised Messiahas and when my words reached them, they rid their hearts of these false idols. Thus, the quality within the Community to hearken to a call is the essence of its truthfulness, and no liar in the world can bring about this spirit of truthfulness.” (Khutbaat-e-Tahir, Vol. 11, p.

920) Then there are accounts related to my era. I travelled to Nigeria in 2004 – it was only for two days as there was no initial plan to visit the country, but it happened by chance and also, we had no choice because our flight was from there. However, upon arriving there, I realised that it was actually very important for us to have visited the country and if we had not done so, it would have been very wrong. Shortly before my visit, the Jalsa Salana of the Nigeria Jamaat had just taken place and a large number of members had attended the Jalsa. Therefore, it was not expected that upon my arrival,

people would be able to travel from long distances. However, they still travelled to see me for just two hours and approximately 30,000 men and women gathered. And to witness their sincerity and loyalty was indeed a wondrous sight.

The relationship of such loyalty and love is truly indescribable. Some of them had never even physically seen the Khalifa of the time before and yet it was so astonishing to see the manner in which they expressed their emotions. During the silent prayer upon departing, some of women and others were overcome with such fervent emotions that one was astounded. However, it is God Almighty Alone Who can instil such love and this love can only be expressed for the sake of God Almighty.

The Maulvis [clerics] claim that in such and such African country, they were able to close the mission of the Jamaat and in such and such country, the people have promised that they will shut it down. Similarly, they make all kinds of claims that they have done such and such thing. However, one should ask them that the sincerity and loyalty which those people express and now through MTA we are also able to witness this, and have witnessed it for ourselves as well by actually going there, how is this all possible? Is this as a result of the missions being closed?

In any case, they can continue making all kinds of claims they wish to make, however for us all of these things serve as a means of further strengthening and increasing our faith. (Khutbaat-e-Masroor, Vol. 2, pp. 253254) In 2008, I visited Ghana and by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Jamaat has purchased a large area of land, which is approximately 500 acres. The Jalsa was held there and many men and women had already reached there prior to my arrival. The land was initially used as a poultry farm and its sheds were converted into barracks for the purpose of providing accommodation with doors and windows added to them as well. However, despite these arrangements, there was a shortage of space, but no one complained.

Many of those who were attending the Jalsa were well-off, including businessmen, schoolteachers and other professions, but if they couldn’t find any arrangements for accommodation, they simply laid down their sheet on the floor and slept outside.

The Ghanaian people generally demonstrate a lot of patience but they exhibited patience even more so during these days [of the Jalsa]. Someone even enquired from one or two of them who had slept outside that they must have endured a lot of discomfort, but they said that they had come to attend the Jalsa which was being held in the presence of the Khalifa of the time, therefore what difference would two days of temporary hardship make; they were happy that Allah the Almighty had granted them the opportunity to participate in the Jalsa.

People had also travelled from Burkina Faso to attend the Jalsa [in Ghana] and from various other neighbouring countries as well. I found out that those who had travelled from Burkina Faso was quite a large delegation and some of them did not receive any food. They were approximately 3,000 and this was the largest delegation that had travelled to Ghana, including 300 Khuddam who had travelled by cycle,

covering a distance of 1600 kilometres. In any case, I instructed one of the missionaries there that they should apologise to them for failing to provide them with food and that they ought to take care of them from now. When they conveyed the apology, they replied that the purpose for which they had travelled had been achieved. They said that food was no issue for they eat food every day – it is possible that owing to their straitened circumstances, they may not even have food to eat daily – but nevertheless, they said that it was not every day that one is able to partake of the spiritual nourishment which they were now receiving.

The Jamaat in Burkina Faso has not been established for a very long time. In fact, at the time of my visit [to Ghana] it had only been 10-15 years since its establishment and now it must be around 30 years. However, they continue to excel in their sincerity, loyalty and love. Their financial condition can be gauged from the fact that throughout their stay of around 4 to 7 days, they remained in the same clothes they had travelled in and in their return journey as well. They had been slowly saving money, little by little, so they could travel for the Jalsa which was the Jalsa in the centenary year of Khilafat and was being held in the presence of the Khalifa of the time and therefore, they wanted to make every effort to ensure they could attend.

Thus, who else can instil such love in people other than God Almighty?

Those Khuddam who had travelled by cycle, their level of sincerity is also evident by the fact that they continuously travelled for seven days, stopping at various locations.

Among them were members who were even 50 to 60 years of age and two of them were children aged 13-14. Their Sadr Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya at the time was asked about their journey and it was mentioned that it must have been quite difficult. However, he replied that the early Muslims rendered countless sacrifices for the sake of Islam and they also desired that their Khuddam be ready to offer every kind of sacrifice.

And so, they wanted to do something in the centenary year of Khilafat which would enable them to express their sincerity and loyalty with Khilafat and that they could tell the Khalifa of the time that they were ready to offer any kind of sacrifice and accept any challenge.

When they were about to begin their journey, a representative of a television channel asked them that their cycles were in extremely poor conditions and were very basic cycles – they were not like the ones here in Europe – however the representative of the Jamaat replied that though their cycles were in poor conditions but their faith and resolve was strong and they were completing this journey as a way of expressing their gratitude for being bestowed with the reward of Khilafat. When the national television station published this news, the headline read: “Travelling for the sake of Allah from Ouaga to Accra to commemorate the centenary year of Khilafat.”

Ouaga is the capital city of Burkina Faso and Accra is the capital city of Ghana. It further mentioned that although their cycles were in poor condition, but their faith was extremely resolute. This was the headline which the newspaper published. These Ahmadis were not Ahmadis from birth or the progeny of companions, in fact they live

thousands of miles away, in areas where there are not even proper roads or no roads at all to reach there. Some of them live in areas which do not even have access to water and electricity and having accepted Ahmadiyyat only a few years prior, they demonstrated such examples of sincerity and loyalty that one is left astounded. In certain areas, their circumstances of extreme poverty have caused them great distress, however after having entered the community of the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa, they have developed such sincerity that whenever it is a question of their faith, their resolve and determination is strong like a rock and they are always ready to offer any kind of sacrifice and are filled with such deep love.

Thus, we should always pray that may Allah the Almighty continue to increase them in their faith and loyalty and increase us all in our faith and loyalty as well.

A member from Burkina Faso, Issa Sahib, did Bai‘at in 2005. At the time, it had been three years since he had become Ahmadi and he said: “After three years, it is only today that I have realised how fortunate I am and what I have truly found. It is not possible to express my happiness in words, because today I have seen and met the Khalifa of the time.”

Among them were some whose love for Khilafat was evident from the tears flowing from their eyes. Therefore, this is the level of sincerity and loyalty which is being developed in the newly established jamaats.

(Khutbaat-e-Masroor, Vol. 6, pp. 181-186) Last year, an individual tried to cause disorder by exploiting a misconception.

Some of the youths of this very sincere Jamaat became under his influence and started to act a little indifferently. Although they were still Ahmadis, they began to distance themselves from the nizam [administrative structure of the Jamaat]. In any case, I sent a local missionary to them from Mali, Muaz Sahib. He went there and explained to them that on the one hand they claim to have a bond with Khilafat, and on other hand, they were trying to distance themselves from the Nizam therefore this was not correct. Subsequently, almost all of them began to write letters of apology and they said that they became influenced owing to a misunderstanding and a lack of training, however they said that they had a relationship of utmost loyalty with Khilafat and they could not even think of distancing themselves from Khilafat.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, they once again became a part of the nizam-eJamaat. Thus, it was owing to their lack of training that they deviated, otherwise when the matter was clearly explained to them, they immediately realised their error and expressed their full loyalty with Khilafat.

Moreover, they stated that even when they had distanced themselves, they did not detach from Khilafat, but only from some of the office-bearers. Therefore, this is their level of loyalty and sincerity.

Similarly, those who had come from Gambia, Ivory Coast and various other countries, all expressed similar sentiments and emotions. Each of them were expressing their utmost sincerity, loyalty and devotion in their own unique way.

I have previously mentioned this as well that during the occasion of the Jalsa in Ghana, there was quite a distance from our residence to the Jalsa Gah. Since it was

15

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM a meandering road, therefore it was almost a distance of one kilometre. However, the women and men would line up and would have children lifted in their hands in order to convey their salaam. There would be a display of such deep emotion. There were almost 50,000 women in attendance at the Jalsa of the centenary year of Khilafat and they were all expressing their sincerity and loyalty with Khilafat. Their deep love was evident from their eyes, their conduct and their faces. They also know how to safeguard their prayers and they would actively take part in the Tahajud prayer and congregational prayers.

When I travelled to Nigeria the second time, I travelled by road from Benin – or perhaps I believe it is relating to the first visit in 2004 – in any case, we stopped at a place where initially we had not planned to stop, but it was mentioned that a new mosque had been constructed which they wanted me to see. Members had also gathered there and it was the desire of the men and the children to shake my hand and the women also wanted to come forward and see me from close. However, due to the shortage of time, it was not possible to shake everyone’s hand, but those who persisted in their efforts managed to shake my hand.

There was a particular moment where the crowd was pressing ahead and one of the members of our entourage told one of the ladies to move a little back. However, this lady became so angry and it seemed as if she was about to lift him and throw him away and say, “Who are you to come between me and my Khalifa?” Such were their emotions.

However, after a short while, I told them all to quieten down and take their seats and it was only thereafter that the Ahmadis who were in their hundreds quietly sat down.

Thus, such was their bond with Khilafat.

(Khutbaat-e-Masroor, Vol. 6, pp. 191-192) People often assume that the people living in the USA are very materialistic and have very little connection with faith.

However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh also narrated an incident of how he once received a letter with a threat and when this news became apparent to others, there were two Ahmadi members who were professional security guards and they travelled there and stood guard outside his residence all night.

Nevertheless, the members of USA [Jamaat] also have a lot of sincerity.

Whenever I have visited USA, they have always expressed their sincerity and loyalty.

Also, delegations from USA also come here to visit and express their sincerity and loyalty for Khilafat. Thus, their practical example in itself refutes this notion that they are only immersed in worldly pursuits. The youths who were on duty spent their entire time with me throughout my tour. Some of them even risked their businesses and employments. There were some members who mentioned that they had only recently started a new job, but they couldn’t get leave to attend the Jalsa and see me, therefore they left their jobs and came. (Khutbaat-eMasroor, Vol. 10, p. 424) Similarly, Khuddam from Canada display the same spirit. Hence, whether it be youth, children and women belonging to USA, Canada or any other country of Europe for that matter, everywhere one can find such examples of sincerity and loyalty.

However, this sincerity and loyalty cannot be instilled through human effort.

A few years ago, I delivered a sermon in Germany in which I spoke about displaying obedience and sincerity towards Khilafat. In fact, it was not just addressed for the people of Germany, but for everyone and should be considered this way. However due to the situation there I gave a few examples from within Germany. In any case, Ahmadis from all over the world responded to this and wrote letters expressing their complete obedience and loyalty for Khilafat. Similarly, the members in Germany also expressed similar sentiments. In fact, some of them particularly mentioned that as officebearers they would at times offer their own interpretations and inferences of the directives they received and that in future they will insha-Allah not act in this manner.

May Allah the Almighty enable them as well as the rest of the world to act according to this. (Khutbaat-e-Masroor, Vol. 12, p. 369) Qasim Sahib from Jordan writes: “The most beautiful and greatest proof of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas is that God Almighty Himself has instilled the love and obedience of Khilafat in my heart. A few years ago when I decided to take the Bai‘at, a thought crossed my mind about whether or not the Jamaat was still established on the right path and fulfils the objectives of the Promised Messiahas.

Up until that point, I had no idea about Khilafat. Upon this, God Almighty showed me in a dream that Khalifatul Masih was spreading peace and tranquillity and was issuing verdicts between those who quarrel and argue. After this, I placed my hand upon yours” – he wrote this to me – “and kissed the ring, upon which I instantly felt your love and kindness. An extraordinary sense of love was instilled in my heart for you, which is increasing day by day. I wish to renew my pledge of allegiance and distance myself from every person who removes themselves from your obedience.”

(Al Fazl International, 6 April 2018, p. 15, Jalsa Salana UK 2017, Second Day Address, Second Session) In Bulgaria, our opponents have left no stone unturned in our opposition.

After a long time, the Jamaat has now been [officially] registered, whereas the registration had been cancelled previously.

The mufti [Islamic scholar, expert in the field of Jurisprudence] of Bulgaria even tried to persuade some Ahmadis to leave the Jamaat by offering them something in return. However, by the grace of Allah, not only are the Ahmadis there resolute in their faith, they are expressing their sincerity even more than before and have demonstrated their relationship of loyalty towards Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. One woman was visited by three men and they asked her to abandon Ahmadiyyat and to join with them, and in return they even offered to provide her with assistance. In reply to them, this mujahida [one who strives in the way of God] answered firmly saying, “Ahmadiyyat is true and I have recently met my Khalifa.

Furthermore, God Almighty has shown me several dreams in which He showed me that Ahmadiyyat is true. Therefore, there is no way that I would leave Ahmadiyyat.”

(Al Fazl International, 1 November 2013, Vol. 20, edition. 44, p. 14, Concluding Address Jalsa Salana Germany 30 June 2013) The current missionary-in-charge of Benin writes: “In the recent Jalsa [gathering] for the

new converts, Razzaq Sahib who attended the event said, ‘In the world, if someone is faced with a problem, they would go to their chief. If he was unable to resolve the issue, he would go the governor of the province and after that, he would go to the mayor and subsequently the minister. Eventually he would go to the president and even then, there is no certainty that he would listen or help. However, the system of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is extraordinary. We have a Khalifa who understands the issues of every single person, irrespective of their language, race or background.’ He further stated, ‘It is owing to the blessings of the Khilafat-eAhmadiyya that we are attached to the Holy Quran and the Islam brought by the Holy Prophetsa has now reached us.’”

Laila Sahiba from France says: “I performed the Bai‘at in 2017. Every morning, I read the letter you wrote to me, which has completely transformed my life.

In every prayer of mine, I pray for you be granted protection, help and support.”

This prayer can only be offered as a result of Allah’s grace bestowed by Him alone.

“After taking the Bai‘at I have become a new person altogether.”

The missionary serving in the San region of Mali writes: “A member of our Jamaat in Wolon, Abdur Rahman Kolibali Sahib passed away recently. A short while before his demise, he gathered all of his children and said, ‘If I was younger and had the strength to walk about, I would go to the mission house and render any service the Jamaat required of me.’ He also advised his children that he had two months of outstanding Chanda and he is unsure what the future holds, thus they ought to pay the arrears so that he does not depart this world in debt. The third advice he gave his children was to remain attached to Khilafat, and never show disloyalty to it and to always pay their Chanda [monetary contributions].”

Amir Sahib of The Gambia writes: “A lady named Rehmat Jalo Sahiba performed the Bai‘at and after she was informed about offering sacrifice in the way of God, she immediately took out 100 dalasi. She owns a small shop, but she gave Chanda, which was greater than her means and said that she only desired the love of Allah and His Khalifa. She further said that it was owing to this love that she gave the Chanda and offered sacrifice in the way of God Almighty.”

Izat Amaan Sahib from Tajikistan writes: “When my mother was 72 years old, she fell severely ill. Her health had deteriorated over the years due to her heart condition and anxiety issues. Owing to the verdict of the doctors, my relatives were not hopeful.”

He further writes, “Having met the Khalifa and because of this relationship, I was convinced that if I requested for prayers, it would certainly be accepted.” He writes, “Nonetheless, when I wrote for prayers, I received a reply in which homeopathic medicines had also been prescribed. My mother recovered and at present she is 79 years old”; this was at the time he wrote this.

“She even intends to go for Hajj. This was all due to having a relationship with Khilafat and a result of prayers of the Khalifa that Allah the Almighty has granted her a long life.”

Allah the Almighty demonstrates such signs in order to strengthen one’s faith and

conviction that the Promised Messiahas was truthful and sent by Allah the Almighty.

Tahir Nadeem Sahib has written an account showing the love an Ahmadi child has with Khilafat. He states: “During a visit to Turkey, I had the chance to visit the home of an Ahmadi family. I had only just sat down when a three or fouryear-old child came and after greeting me, he whispered in my ear that he wished to send a letter to Huzoor and whether I would take it for him. I agreed to take the letter.

At this, the child scribbled two lines on a piece of paper. When I asked what he had written in the letter he said, ‘I have written that Huzoor, I love you.’” Tahir Sahib says he then gave the letter and the reply also went to them from me. He says that according to the child’s father, when he received the reply to his letter, the child as well as the rest of the family were overcome with joy and could not contain their excitement.

Similarly, the missionary-in-charge of Macedonia writes another incident about a child; he writes: “During a recent visit to Bosnia, owing to our preaching endeavours, I became acquainted with a Pakistani gentleman and met with him a few times. He told me that some time ago, he had met a family at Dubai Airport. They had a three or four-year-old daughter who was advising everyone to offer prayers and to speak the truth. When I learnt that the family belonged to the Ahmadiyya Community, I asked the girl what was her greatest desire, to this she replied, ‘I wish to meet my beloved Khalifa, who resides in London.’ He then said that this had a lasting impression on him that a girl of such a young age only desired to meet with her Khalifa.”

Likewise, recently, when I prohibited children playing a video game because of the harmful habits that can develop as a result of playing that, initially parents were worried as to how they would stop their children. However, many parents have written to me saying that after listening to my sermon, the children themselves said that since the Khalifa has prohibited that game, they would not play it. Even now, I receive many letters in which the children ask if they are permitted to play for such and such time. This shows that they have a realisation that owing to their relationship with the Khalifa they are not to deceive him, nor do they do those things which the Khalifa has prohibited for their own sake.

The missionary from Honduras writes: “A local Ahmadi, Percy Maurio was facing certain difficulties. Seeing his situation and his difficulties, I advised him to write to the Khalifa for prayers. He said that after writing the letter, most of his troubles resolved themselves. He said he was granted a hidden power and this increased him in his belief and conviction in Khilafat.”

Affari Sahib from Morocco writes, “You have enlightened my heart and my entire life with the blessings and mercy. I am grateful to God Almighty Who has granted me guidance. When I see you, I become intoxicated with an extraordinary feeling. I have never sat with you nor ever spoken to you. Undoubtedly, this is true love that has been bestowed by God. May Allah always grant you His help and succour.”

Iman Sahiba from Yemen writes: “I love Huzoor more than myself, my children and my family. He is the peace

Friday 26 June 2020 | AL HAKAM

16 and comfort of my heart. I am hopeful that God Almighty will ensure that all matters return to normal. The advent of the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa after him, was in order to bring about peace and reconciliation after the discord and so that the burden of our saddened hearts may be removed. My condition is similar to the saying of the Holy Prophetsa when he said, ‘O Allah! I care for nothing other than for You not to be displeased with me.’ I pray to God Almighty to be included among the fortunate ones whom you love and are pleased with their family.”

Taufeeq Sahib from Tunisia writes: “We love you dearly. We have boarded your ship through which we receive our guidance and moral training. We have tasted the fountain of the Promised Messiahas and quenched our thirst from it. We are resolute upon our pledge. We can never reform ourselves unless we remain attached with you. We do not desire anything from this world; all that we desire is to be counted amongst those regarding whom it is said that they have attained success due to the blessings of this blessed Jamaat. I request for prayers to remain firm on my pledge and to be granted the opportunity to act in accordance with it and also for the Muslims to become united.”

Nonetheless, I have presented a few examples from which it becomes clear that it is only Allah the Almighty Who can instil loyalty and sincerity in the hearts of people and no worldly power can take that away from them. The Promised Messiahas stated that we would see the fulfilment of God’s promises. We ought to pray so that as many people among us are given the opportunity

to witness the fulfilment of these promises.

I would now like to make an announcement regarding MTA. This was also a promise of God vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas about the spread of his message throughout the world. Thus, from 27 May, on Yaum-e-Khilafat [Khilafat Day], the MTA channels have been reorganised, the details of which I shall mention. In the beginning, there were some difficulties in certain areas, particularly in USA, but should now have been resolved. I would like to mention that under the new system, MTA has now been split into eight different channels, which has been divided according to locations.

MTA 1 will principally be for residents of the UK and some European countries.

The main languages of this channel will be English and Urdu, i.e. the programmes broadcast on this channel will be in the Urdu and English language. Programmes in other languages will also be shown with Urdu and English translations. Live programmes and other [live] recorded programmes of mine will be broadcast through MTA 1 World and to the other channels of MTA as well.

MTA 2 Europe: this channel will be for viewers residing in Europe and the Middle East. On this channel, programmes will be broadcast in English, Turkish, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Russian and Persian. At present, different languages are broadcast in 2-hour slots. Programmes will be added to the aforementioned languages accordingly.

MTA 3 Al-Arabiyya: this channel will continue to broadcast in its existing format.

Arabic is the main language of this channel.

MTA 4 Africa: this channel will be for

viewers in Western and Eastern Africa. The main languages of this channel are English, French and Swahili. Programmes in these aforementioned languages will air on this channel.

MTA 5 Africa: this channel will be for viewers in Western Africa. The main languages of this channel will be English and also programmes will be broadcast in Creole, Hausa, Twi and Yoruba.

MTA 6 Asia: this channel will be on AsiaSat. This will be for viewers in Asia, the Far East, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Russia and so on. The main languages of this channel will be Urdu, English and Indonesian. Programmes on this channel will be broadcast in English, Bangla, Sindhi, Pushto, Saraiki, Persian, Indonesian and Russian. Previously as well, channels were running in a similar way however they have been regionalised further so relevant programmes will broadcast for countries according to their time zones.

MTA 7 Asia: this is a HD Channel that can be accessed through smaller satellite dishes. This will be for viewers in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and so on. The languages on this channel will be Urdu, Bangla and Hindi. In addition, there will be programmes in Tamil and Malayalam.

MTA 8 America: this will be for viewers in America, North America and Canada and so on.

All these programmes were essentially already running in this format and will continue in the same way, only a few adjustments and variations have been implemented in schedules on these channels now. Anyhow, MTA 8 America,

as it has been named, will be for viewers in America, North America, and Canada and so on. The languages and programmes on this channel will be in English and Urdu and also programmes in French and Spanish.

The following live programmes will also air on these various channels: Rah-e-Huda, Al-Hiwar-ul-Mubashar and the Bangla programme will feature on all MTA channels with translations in various languages. Then there is MTA Journal, Islam Verstehen – this is a programme in German and will feature on MTA 2 Europe.

Horizons de Islam, a French programme, will broadcast with translations on MTA 1, MTA 2 Europe, MTA 4 Africa and MTA 5 Africa. Intikhab-e-Sukhan and some other programmes will feature on MTA 1, MTA 2 Europe, MTA 6 Asia and MTA 7 Asia.

Nonetheless these modifications have been made accordingly with these channels.

Sometimes one may have to make slight adjustments to their settings [to watch], however generally there will be no change as the channels will operate as they did, only they have been adjusted according to these channel arrangements.

May Allah the Almighty infuse blessings in this new arrangement and may MTA be able to convey the true message of Islam to the world to an even greater degree than before.

(Original Urdu script published in Al Fazl International, 19 June 2020, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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