Al Hakam - 24 July 2020

Where stars descend Chapter 3 (Spiritual strength) Part II Page 4

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Pilgrimage to Mecca conditional upon affordability and peace

Noble example of the Holy Prophetsa

Responding to Allegations Did the Promised Messiahas claim that he completed the religion of Islam?

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How Prophet Muhammadsa treated people of other faiths

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 24 July 2020 | Issue CXXIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Hajj 2020: An Islamic phenomenon in a pandemic

After a great deal of speculation and suspense, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has finally announced that Hajj will be performed this year, but only by 1,000 Saudi pilgrims – a downscale from the usual number of around 2.5 million. The news is heartbreaking for all Muslims around the world.

Millions of Ahmadis fondly watch the live scenes of Hajj every year on their

television screens to catch a glimpse of the Holy Ka‘bah live – the holiest of all shrines in Islamic theology.

Labelled as non-Muslims by most of the so-called Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Ahmadis are banned from setting foot on the holy soil where their master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, once walked.

Thanks to Western nationalities, a handful are able to fulfil this ardent desire, but for

millions, it remains an ultima Thule.

This year’s Hajj will also be watched by millions of Muslims – including Ahmadi Muslims of course – but the emaciated number of pilgrims will be a very different sight for all.

This will not be the first time that Hajj will not be performed in its normal grandiosity, but the 40th time or so in known history. Most of such unfortunate events were due to famines, epidemics or climatic conditions, but some of such shameful occasions are shrouded in warfare and bitter conflicts – stemming from the lust of power and authority.

The Aksumite emperor of Abyssinia had attempted a conquest of the Ka‘bah even before the Prophetsa of Islam was born and did not hinder the Islamic Hajj.

But the episode is a proof that the sanctity of the Ka‘bah, which dates to Abrahamic times, had turned it into the most treasured possession of Hijaz, conquest of which meant victory over the whole land.

Then came the Holy Prophetsa of Islam and with him, the edifice of Islam, which is held up by several pillars – one of them being Hajj. Islamic history has it that the Continued on page 3

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

Virtues of Companions of the Holy Prophetsa Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah will not look on the Day of Judgment at him who drags his robe [behind him] out of pride.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, “One side of my robe slacks down unless I get very cautious about it.” Allah’s Messengersa said, “But you do not do that with pride.”

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The pure example of Ikrimah You have perhaps heard of the account of Ikrimah. It was he who was the mastermind behind the misfortune at Uhud. His father was Abu Jahl, but ultimately it was the example of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa which put him to shame.

It is my belief that extraordinary happenings did not leave as lasting an impression on the people, and did not astonish them, as much as the pure model of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa and the change that they Continued on page 3

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 24 - 30 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

24 July 1885: The Promised Messiahas provided guidance to his close friend, Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira about the subtleties of istikhara, enhancing his understanding in this regard.

25 July 1883: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana, containing gems of guidance for true servants who strive and brave sufferings in the cause of Allah. Every sentence of this letter is an aphorism derived from the verses of the Holy Quran. This letter was written on 20 Ramadan 1300 AH. 25 July 1892: The Promised Messiahas shared his heartfelt and earnest bonding with Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, while replying to his letter. Huzooras stated that his cordial love and connection with him was only for the sake of Allah. Huzooras assured him that he could not forsake praying for him, which signifies the immense love Hazrat Ahmadas had for his companions.

25 July 1898: On this date, Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala dispatched his periodical Ishaat-us-Sunnah of 1895 (volume 18, numbers 5 to 12) with Muhammad, the son of Chughta – who belonged to the Awan people, a resident of Hammu, Ghakhar – in which many unjust attacks were made against the Promised Messiahas. In the afternoon, the Promised Messiahas returned the original copies of these bound periodicals to the messenger and wrote the following on the top of the front page: �‫ آمي‬،‫رب ان کان هذا الرجل ﺻادقا فى قولہ فاکرمہ وان کان کاذبا فﺨذہ‬ “O my Lord! If this person is true in what he says, then grant him honour, but if he is false, then seize him. Amin.”

Indeed, this was a most apt response to the abusive language he received.

26 July 1887: The Promised Messiah wrote a comprehensive letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra regarding a very pressing and urgent issue. Hazrat Hakim Sahibra was in Kashmir and had earlier sent Chanda worth 560 rupees. After duly thanking him, Hazrat Ahmadas diverted his attention to the recent rebuttal of Barahine-Ahmadiyya compiled by Pandit Lekhram.

Huzooras, after mentioning his already occupied schedule, directed him to prepare a rejoinder to the recent compilation of Pandit Lekhram.

Huzooras also commented on the rough style and unsatisfactory standard of the book and instructed Hazrat Hakim Sahibra, step by step, as to how to tackle this new fabrication by Pandit Lekhram to safeguard the ordinary population from deception. Huzooras reiterated that responding to the enemies of Islam was as worthwhile and essential a task as donating as

money in the cause of Allah.

26 July 1891: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira to purchase and bring with him some needed items worth 5 rupees and wrote minute details of the required items for his convenience. Hazrat Ahmadas was staying in Iqbal Ganj, Ludhiana in those days.

26 July 1897: The Promised Messiah expressed his cordial thanks to Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra in a letter after receiving 100 rupees sent by him. Huzooras also briefed him about the printing process of his books, which was on halt, owing to the month of Ramadan and hoped that printing would be back on track after Ramadan. At the end, Hazrat Ahmadas shared his feeble health, which intensified especially as the sun approaches to set in the evenings. as

26 July 1898: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra and assured him that Huzooras had been praying for him in his daily prayers and otherwise. While praying for his earliest and complete recovery from illness, Hazrat Ahmadas shared his medical knowledge regarding the connection between measles and smallpox with the plague.

26 July 1898: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra. In it, Hazrat Ahmadas shared his unyielding trust in God and acceptance of prayers and stated that he had witnessed His manifestation countless times. After bringing the attention of this grief-stricken follower toward the revelation, “Mighty is the King Who puts together a broken affair”, Huzooras said that the unmeasurable amount of trust he had in prayers was a secret that remained between him and his Lord; it was completely unknown to people.

26 July 1904: The Promised Messiahas was in Gurdaspur and on this day, he received the following guests from Lahore: Mian Hidayatullah Sahib (a poet) and two clerks from the general office in Lahore, one of whom was Christian.

27 July 1886: The Promised Messiahas directed Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira regarding purchasing certain commodities from Amritsar through a letter as this devout companion was in the city for some other tasks. One thing that Huzooras asked for was specific building material for a mosque, which was most likely Masjid Mubarak, Qadian. This letter also mentions a Munshi Imamuddin Sahib, who happened to be Huzoor’s copyist to rewrite the manuscripts of his book prior to their printing. In those times, Huzooras used to pay him 20 rupees as a monthly wage, beside free food and accommodation in Qadian.

27 July 1896: The Promised Messiah’sas prophecy about Abdullah Atham was fulfilled on this day, when this Muslim-born Christian missionary departed the world in Firozpur. He was a representative of the Christian camp against the Promised Messiahas at Amritsar during the famous debate, Jang-e-Muqaddas of 1893.

28 July 1901: The Promised Messiahas expressed his endless gratitude for Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira and his wife through a letter on this date as this ardent devotee donated a gold ornament of his wife, upon the call of his beloved Imamas. Hazrat Ahmadas lauded his and his wife’s contribution as they made the enormous effort of sending jewelry, owing to a lack of funds.

Huzooras also instructed him to visit Qadian and stay for one month in the coming winter months as the plague was battering people in unexpected manners.

29 July 1897: The Promised Messiahas appealed to his followers to contribute towards the extension of Masjid Mubarak, Qadian, which had become too small for the increasing number of worshippers. Accordingly, a room was built towards the north. The following are a few names of the persons who contributed towards the fund: Ibrahim Sulaiman Sahib of Madras, Seith Ishaq Ismail Sahib of Bangalore, Zainuddin Muhammad Ibrahim Sahib of Bombay, Qurban Ali Sahib of Calcutta, Pir Faiz Ali Sahib of Manipur, Karam Ilahi Sahib of Shimla, Sheikh Karam Ilahi Sahib of Patiala, Maulvi Muhammad Yusuf Sahib of Sanaur, Khan Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib of Malerkotla, M Qadir Bakhsh Sahib of Ludhiana, Ali Gauhar Sahib of Jalandhar, Muhammad Khan Sahib of Kapurthala, Muhammad Ismail Sahib of Amritsar, Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib of Lahore, Nabi Bakhsh Sahib of Batala, Sheikh Muhammad Jan Sahib of Wazirabad; Nawab Khan Sahib of Jhelum, Jalaluddin Sahib of Gujrat, Shadi Khan Sahib of Sialkot, Khawaja Nuruddin Sahib of Jammu; Mirza Niaz Baig Sahib of Multan, Azizullah Sahib of Nadaun, Chaudhry Rustam Ali Sahib of Gurdaspur, Fateh Muhammad Khan Sahib of Dera Ismail Khan, Afzal Baig Sahib of Kasur and Mullah Abdur Rahim Sahib of Ghazni.

29 July 1903: The Promised Messiahas was told in an Arabic revelation, “The mention of your forefathers will be cut off and, after you, the chain of descendants will be counted from you.”

29 July 1906: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Syed Nasir Shahra and shared that owing to severe health issues, he could not be prompt in replying to his letters. Hazrat Ahmadas told him that he prayed for him and so he should remain in constant contact.

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

Hazrat Ibn Abbas, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the [first] ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out by himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Continued from page 1

first Hajj was performed in the sixth year of Hijra.

It continued without any break until the second century after Hijra, when in 865 CE, the Ka‘bah was invaded by Ismail bin Yousuf – known as as-Saffak for his atrocities – as a revolt against the Abbasid caliphate.

Owing to the ongoing war, Hajj could not be performed that year.

This invasion of the Ka‘bah was followed by many others, albeit decades or centuries apart – the worst of which is known to be the one by a sect called the Qaramta in 930 CE. The sect, led by Abu Tahir al-Janabi, was again a rebel group against the so-called caliphate of the time. They considered Hajj to be a legacy of the pagan ways of worship and hence attacked the Holy Ka‘bah so brutally that it had to be rebuilt after the surge came to an end. Around 30,000 pilgrims were inhumanely killed as they performed worship around the Ka‘bah and, as they left the town of Mecca in tatters, they took away the Hajr-e-Aswad to their capital in the then Arabian province of al-Bahrain.

It stayed in Abu Tahir’s palace for nine years, before it was brought back after paying a heavy ransom.

983 CE saw a bloody conflict between the Abbasid and the Fatmid claimants of caliphate that kept Hajj from being

performed until 991 CE – a break of eight long years.

The details of the other such conflicts need not be mentioned as characters in a story of lustful conquests may change, but the plot always seems to remain the same.

The fact (shameful as it is) is that all such warfare that resulted in damage to the Holy Ka‘bah, and subsequently to Hajj, resulted from conflicts between Muslims. No foreign, non-Muslim power was ever involved.

After the Rashidun, all other sultanates established in the name of caliphate were political rulers. Their geopolitical pursuits kept them indulged in wars and battles.

So-called caliphs were overthrown and toppled by other claimants of the office, but the motives never changed. Right up to 1924 – when the Ottoman caliphate packed up – caliphate was seen as a symbol of bloodthirsty rulers and conquerors.

The Ahmadiyya Caliphate – established in 1908 in Qadian – has always stood for peace and harmony. It is the leadership of the fastest growing Muslim sect in the world.

It is the one and only Islamic leadership that calls for the true teachings of Islam to be reestablished in the world. It is the only Islamic leadership that is seen taking the peaceable message of Islam to the corners of the earth.

Yet, the Ahmadiyya Caliph and his followers are denied access to the holy lands of Mecca and Medina – the cities where live

their hearts and souls. All this for the mere reason that they believe in the Messiah and Mahdi of the latter days – Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian.

It is reported that the Promised Messiahas was once seen in a very pensive mood. Upon being asked, he replied that he was imagining the holy sites of Mecca and Medina when a thought crossed his mind: “Will I be even able to cast a glance on those holy places?”

For all the decrees against him by Muslim states, he never could actually visit Mecca and Medina. He was the one person who loved the Holy Prophetsa more than any human that ever lived or will ever live. He revived Islam after it fell into a state where it was close to withering away.

While every Ahmadi desires to visit Mecca and Medina and prays for that to happen one fine day, let us all pray that Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the successor of the Promised Messiahas and the only champion of Islam, can one day lead the Salat in the Ka‘bah. May this day of victory soon dawn upon the Muslim Ummah.

We would like to conclude this piece with the prayer that may there never be any hindrance in Hajj; may this great symbol of unity happen every year and may this symbol of unity turn into true unity under the flag of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Amin.

Continued from page 1

witnessed in them. The people were amazed to see the heights that their relatives had attained. Ultimately, they were forced to accept that they were in the wrong.

There was a time when Ikrimah waged an attack against the very person of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, but then came a time when he annihilated the army of the disbelievers. Therefore, today we can present with pride – in the form of arguments and signs – the model which the Companions exhibited during the era of the Holy Prophetsa.

As such, take the example of Ikrimah. In his days of disbelief, he was prey to disbelief, and other ignoble traits such as conceit etc., and it was his utmost desire to expunge Islam from the face of the earth. But when the grace of God Almighty embraced him and he was blessed with Islam, he developed such lofty morals that not even the slightest traces of arrogance and conceit were left in him and he became so humble and meek that his humility became a conclusive proof in favour of Islam and an argument in favour of the truth of Islam.

On one occasion, there was a battle with the disbelievers and Ikrimah was the general of the Muslim army.

The disbelievers waged a powerful onslaught to the extent that the Muslim army had almost drowned in defeat.

When Ikrimah saw this condition, he dismounted from his horse and the people asked, “Why have you dismounted? Your horse will help you when the time comes to move swiftly.” Ikrimah responded, “At this hour, I am reminded of the time when I would fight against the Prophet of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is my desire to lay down my life as an atonement for my sins.”

Now just observe the heights to which this person reached, where, time and again, he is remembered with praise. Remember that the pleasure of God Almighty is with those who endeavour to gather it within themselves.

In countless places, Allah the Exalted has referred to these people as, “Those with whom Allah was pleased”. I advise each and every one of you to adopt these morals.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 144145)

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Where stars descend Chapter 3 (Spiritual strength) Part II

Asif M Basit

Jolyn Martyn Clark’s mulaqat with Huzooraa Jolyn Martyn Clark was stunned having heard the entire story. Over a century had passed and for someone to come looking for him in relation to this debate was something beyond his imagination. (It was as unimaginable for him as it was for me.)

He met us warmheartedly and lovingly.

Once he found out that the great-grandson of the individual with whom the debate took place was now his successor and Khalifa, he desired to meet him in London.

that occurred which Allah the Almighty had informed Huzooras of and that was utter humiliation destined for Martyn Clark.

The details of this incident are as follows: Henry Martyn Clark prepared a half-mad individual to accuse the Promised Messiahas of sending him to Amritsar where Henry Martyn Clark resided, with the intent of murdering him. He was made to memorise what to say and when to say it during the trial. The trial was handed to Captain Montague William Douglas, who would act as the judge.

Having heard the baseless allegations they had to put forward, he came to a

Jolyn Martyn Clark, great grandson of Henry Martyn Clark, meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

I personally witnessed the awe he was in and the humility and love expressed by Jolyn when meeting Huzooraa and I can honestly say that it was the very same humility I have seen in servants of Khilafat during mulaqats.

Even after the mulaqat had finished, he would express his sentiments and would say that his great grandfather’s name was not remembered anymore, however it was as if the individual with whom the debate took place was alive today with great glory and prestige. This honour was destined to be given to the Promised Messiahas. He said that although he did not have sufficient knowledge to study the happenings of the debate, what he witnessed was enough for him to make a decision.

Searching for Colonel Douglas’ grandson The same happened when we set off in search for Col Douglas’ progeny. In a false case, accusing the Promised Messiahas of murder, Henry Martyn Clark attempted to tarnish the character of Hazrat Ahmadas. But only

decision. Furthermore, according to the recorded statements of Douglas, he said that having seen the face of the Promised Messiahas, he was certain that his was the face of an innocent and pious man.

Many years later, when he had retired from the Indian Civil Service, he returned to London and kept a pleasant relationship with the Jamaat there. He attended various functions of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, in which he would describe the events when he got to see the Promised Messiahas and how he experienced the divine light from his noble countenance.

The wisdom behind attempting to find Colonel Douglas’ progeny was that if he was able to acknowledge the unique and spiritual qualities of the Promised Messiahas, then his progeny should also become re-acquainted with the spirituality and divine radiance in the person of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. I presented the matter to Huzooraa for permission and guidance. Without any hesitation Huzoor granted permission and

gave guidance. Huzoor said, “He must be here in London somewhere.

It’s just a matter of finding him.”

This sentence became my guiding light.

Among the millions of people residing in London, was a resident who would be introduced to us as the progeny of Captain Douglas. And indeed, they must be, because Huzooraa had said so. Thus, the search commenced.

A tedious journey I adopted the same route of looking for his death certificate, will and inheritance papers. Thus, I found many avenues to explore and began thinking to myself that it may, after all, be an easy route. But Allah wanted to remind me that nothing was in my power and that it was only through the grace of God and Huzoor’s prayer by which it could happen.

I explored every avenue, but they all brought me to dead ends. At times, there were paths which seemed so obvious that they would bring me closer to where I needed to look, but somewhere along the line it would fade away. I faced utter failure and disappointment. I even acquired the address to his residence, but there was nothing there. There seemed to be no further paths to take. Whatever was possible, I had already done.

Now, the problem for me was how to explain this to Huzooraa. How disappointing it would be to hear about this let-down.

With Huzoor’s graciousness, so many manhours were spent in search of Douglas’ progeny, but I was unable to bring anything back other than shame. Nevertheless, I decided to present it to Huzoor one day and said that I had tried everything possible, yet I was incapable of finding Douglas’ progeny.

Huzooraa replied: “If you can’t find them, then so what?

You will find them eventually. You should have searched properly. Where else will they go?”

After that, the matter somewhat came to a close there. I left Huzoor’s office, but was anxious. I should have tried harder. Maybe it was something I did at the beginning that caused the entire search to drift away from the right direction. I resolved in my heart to put everything I had already done aside and start the search afresh.

Later on, I came across a village where his daughter had resided for some time. The evidence showed that she used to teach in that area. I decided to go there and find out more about her. Even if she was not there, the locals would at least be able to tell me something about her. But, as mentioned above, the locals were not able to tell me

anything.

Then I remembered that Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib once mentioned that when he was here in 1952 and 1953, Col Douglas had passed away in London. His son-in-law informed the Jamaat at the time and invited representatives to the funeral, among whom were Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh and Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib. Mir Sahib could not recall where the funeral took place, but remembered that his son-in-law was about to move to South Africa.

How right was Huzoor! I wasn’t looking in the right places! The clues were elsewhere, while I focused on their personal documents and papers.

I began looking at the South African records and the lists of travellers there. Now that I had some sense of direction, more promising avenues began unfolding.

I found the details for Col Douglas’ son-in-law and daughter and also their children’s details. And once again, I got the opportunity to see the prophetic words of Huzooraa come to fruition. Huzoor said, “They must be here in London somewhere”, and indeed they were. Among the millions of residents of London was a man who I came to know as the grandson of Col Montague William Douglas.

Initially, I was apprehensive about meeting him. But when he opened up with me after the first three or four sittings, I truly got to know him. Everything I told him was something new for him. He would sit there smiling and laughing as I narrated the incidents of over a hundred years ago.

Douglas’ grandson However, something puzzled me; the progeny of the opponents of the Promised Messiahas lived in seemingly good conditions despite their disproving their forefathers’ actions, but here was a man belonging to the progeny of a deep admirer of the Promised Messiahas, whose life was on the verge of being turned upside down. His young wife had just divorced him and due to the divorce, his household was brought to shatters. He decided to put his house up for sale. He suffered anxiety on the part of his children and the illnesses he suffered from rendered him incapable of work. Thus, Col Douglas’ grandson’s life was in tatters.

On the other hand, however, he became curious about Huzooraa and desired to meet him. He was so enthusiastic to meet Huzooraa that he would often say to take him anytime and to take him quickly. I humbly requested Huzoor and Huzoor graciously accepted to meet him.

Just like his grandfather, he too was able

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

Online Academic Rally of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK Qamar Zafar Muawin Sadr, Press and Media, MKA UK

Christopher Douglas-Pulleyne (grandson of Col MW Douglas) meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa

to acknowledge the nur, love and tranquillity that resonated from the personality of Huzooraa. In just one private audience, he became an admirer of Huzooraa, so much so that today, he constantly enquires about the health and wellbeing of Huzooraa and requests him for prayers. I always make it a point to convey those requests for prayers as they are the property of Huzooraa. Huzoor graciously responds in prayers for him, which I always convey to Christopher Douglas as they are his property.

One day, he expressed his gratefulness by saying that due to his frail health, his frustration would increase, but once he heard Huzoor’s words of prayers, it would bring him great comfort and warmth.

I have the good fortune of passing the requests for prayers and the prayers back and forth. It has been approximately eight years since it all began.

One day, I asked him, “You say that you are not a man of religious inclination, but how do you reconcile these requests for prayers and the comfort you receive from them?” I began to see his emotions in his expression.

He replied, “All my life, I have neither remembered God, nor have I ever felt His need. I lived a very irreligious and carefree lifestyle. I never felt the urge to ponder over the existence of God, but now I’m beginning to feel certain about His existence. I came across His Holiness at a time when I had nobody to ask about me. Due to my carefree lifestyle, all my friends turned out to be superficial and temporary and my wife also left me. The children are either with their mother or they are self-sufficient and have no time for me. Also, my failing health and illness has taken over everything. In this backdrop, you came and found me.

I then met His Holiness. I can’t call this a coincidence. Consider me a part of your community.”

I conveyed this message to Huzooraa.

Huzooraa very lovingly enquired about his health. Not only did his grandfather, Captain Douglas, acquit the Promised Messiahas of the accusations against him, but he also became a deep admirer of Huzooras.

If the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is appreciative and grateful for Captain Douglas’ integrity, justice and decent nature, then the leader of this Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, naturally must be even more so.

Huzooraa has treated the grandson of that grand individual with great love and continues to do so. In the name of the great favour of his grandfather, Huzooraa has returned the favour in ways that cannot be described at present as it may not be timely.

I can only say that Douglas’ grandson’s life has changed drastically since the day he met Huzooraa. Allah has granted him a beacon of guidance and a ray of hope and has placed such love in Huzoor’s heart for him that his every passing day and night is now the recipient of Huzoor’s loving affection. To cure a person of an illness is only in the hand of Allah, but if certain personal problems are alleviated, then it becomes easier to treat the illness. Although he is extremely poorly, he is living in great comfort.

I am in contact with him on a regular basis and he too contacts me regularly.

Whilst writing this article, I thought I should contact him and so I asked how he was.

After informing me of his health he asked, “Enough about me, how is His Holiness?”

After I replied, he told me to convey his greetings to Huzooraa and to request for prayers. I promised that I would. He became very emotional over the phone. After we said goodbye, he texted me on my phone and said, “I have no friends. Extend my greetings to His Holiness and request for prayers.”

It is best to leave this incident without comments.

As I approach the end of this article, it is best to say that no endeavour can bear fruits until and unless it includes the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Whether it is the field of research, education, spiritual pursuits or domestic matters, until the Khalifa’s prayers and attention are not in favour of that matter, it is impossible for one to be successful.

Another thing we should remember is that no matter how ordinary something said

by Huzooraa seems, such a remark should never be considered “ordinary”. Every word Huzooraa utters bears in it the wisdom and farsightedness that causes angles to descend upon us and convert that statement into a reality.

May Allah give us the capacity and potential to truly understand the status of Khilafat and to understand every word of Huzoor’s to be our lifeline.

We have had an unprecedented year with the current crisis and lockdown. Never in my life have I witnessed such a crisis impact our society. But with this, there is a potential for the very best of the majlis to shine if only we follow the advice of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

One thing that Huzooraa has advised us to focus our attention on is the status of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.

With this in mind, Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK will be hosting their very first online Academic Rally, insha-Allah.

With the approval of Huzooraa, we will hold this on 25 and 26 July 2020.

The Academic Rally will be a twoday event in which we will hold academic competitions and tarbiyat programmes.

The focus, as I mentioned before, will be on the status of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas. And with present restrictions in place, we will be holding this

event online on YouTube. Please do take the time to look through the programme, with some highlights below: Academic events – The rally will showcase the best of the Majlis competing in the competitions we have grown up with.

Keynote speaker – On Saturday evening, we plan to invite a special guest speaker to share personal experiences with Khilafat.

Tarbiyat programmes – Continuing the trend of enjoyable programmes organised by the tarbiyat department, there will be two focal discussion programmes on “Sports and religion” and “Inspiring stories from converts”.

International Exhibition Competition – We have the unique opportunity to invite international teams from different majalis to compete in an exhibition competition.

Brotherhood – With our usual flagship events being disrupted this summer, there is a hole in our lives. This is one small way that we can still connect with each other.

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Pilgrimage to Mecca conditional upon affordability and peace Anees Nadeem Missionary-in-Charge Japan

The current state of the world, with its widespread pandemic, has caused the pilgrimage to be cancelled 40 times.

(Middle East Eye) Allah the Almighty declares Mecca as a “sacred town” and it is the same place for which Prophet Abrahamas beseeched Allah: ً َ ْ َ ْ ‫َر ّب‬ ‫اج َع ْل ٰهذا ال َبل َد ٰا ِمنا‬ ِ “My Lord make this city [a city] of peace.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.36) In Mecca are situated the Holy Ka‘bah and the Sacred Mosque, which embodies God’s promise: ً َ ََٗ​َ​َ ۡ َ َ ‫ان ٰا ِمنا‬ ‫و من دخلہ ک‬ “And whoso enters it, enters peace.”

(Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.98) God further says: َ َ​َ َ ‫آمن ُهم ِّم ْن خوْ ٍف‬ ‫و‬

“… and has given them security against fear.” (Surah Quraish, Ch.106: V.5) Similarly, God says of the Sacred Mosque: َ ْ َّ َ َ ‫ا َول َ ْم يَرَ ْوا انا َج َعلنا َح َر ًما ٰا ِمنا‬ “Have they not seen that We have made the sanctuary secure [for them]…”

(Surah al-Ankabut, Ch.29: V.68) This is an assurance that this holy city guarantees peace to its visitors. It is this blessed land whose pilgrimage is made incumbent on all Muslims as the fifth pillar of Islam.

Allah has made the obligation of Hajj conditional to affordability and the situation of peace and security. Unlike the five daily prayers and fasting, it is not compulsory to perform the Hajj pilgrimage every year. Instead, performing Hajj once in a lifetime is deemed sufficient, provided that a person finds it to their ease and

affordability.

Along with the command of maintaining the sanctity and purity of this blessed house, the Holy Quran also mentions the impediments to the execution of Hajj rituals.

At one occasion, the Quran states: “And complete the Hajj and the Umrah for the sake of Allah; but if you are kept back, then [make] whatever offering is easily available.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.197) Similarly, the Quran declares; ً َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ ُّ َّ َ َ َّ َ ‫ت م ِن استطاع ِإلي ِه س ِبيلا‬ ِ ‫اس ِحج البي‬ ِ ‫ولِل ِه على الن‬ “And pilgrimage to the House is a duty which men – those who can find a way thither – owe to Allah.” (Surah Al-eImran, Ch.3: V.98) Referring to the stipulations on the duty and affordability of the Hajj Pilgrimage, Allama Kasani states:

ُ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ّ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ّٰ َّ َ ‫اعة‬ ‫ والمراد ِمنها اس ِتط‬،‫وب الح ِج‬ ِ ‫لِأن الله تعالى شرط الِاس ِتطاعة ل ِوج‬ ْ َّ َْ َْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َْ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫اب‬ ِ ‫ والآل‬،‫اب‬ ِ ‫التك ِل‬ ِ ‫ و ِمن جمل ِة الأسب‬،‫ات‬ ِ ‫ وهِي سلامة الأسب‬،‫يف‬ ْ َ َ ْ ْ َ ْ ْ َ َ َْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ات ال َمان َِع ِة َع ْن ال ِق َيا ِم ِب َما لَا بُ ّد ِمن ُه فِي َسف ِر‬ ِ ‫سلامة البد ِن عن الآف‬ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َّ ُ َ َ ٌ َّ َ َ ٌ َ َ َّ َ ْ َّ َ ّ َ ْ ‫امة‬ ‫ ولا سل‬،‫ فلا بد ِمن سلام ِة البد ِن‬،‫الح ِج؛ لِأن الحج ِعبادة بدنِية‬ ّٰ َ َ َّ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫اس َت َط‬ ْ ‫الل ُه َع ْن ُه في َقوْل ِ ِه عَ َّز َو َج َّل َمن‬ ‫اس ر ِضي‬ ‫اع‬ ٍ ‫ وعن اب ِن عب‬،‫مع المانِ ِع‬ ِ ِ ْ ُ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َّ َّ َ َ ْ ‫إِل َ ْي ِه َس ِبيلا} (آل عمران) أن الس ِبيل أن ي ِصح بدن العب ِد‬ “Allah has placed the precondition of affordability on the performance of Hajj, which encompasses all those provisions that a person might need at that time, whether they pertain to money or transportation. It is also important that one can protect oneself against calamities which may befall during Hajj. Since Hajj is a form of bodily worship, it is imperative that the body be kept safe from harm.

There is no real virtue in carrying out Hajj rituals despite the obstacles. Moreover, in َ ‫اس َت َط‬ ْ ‫ َمن‬Hazrat the Quranic verse ‫اع ِإل َ ْي ِه َس ِبيلًا‬ ِ َّ ra Ibn Abbas has also taken the word ‫الس ِبيل‬ in the sense of physical fitness.” (Alauddin Abu Bakr bin Massoud bin Ahmed alKasani, Badai al-Sanai fi Tarteeb alSharai, Book of Hajj, Vol. 2, p. 21) Prophecy about cessation of Hajj in the end times Hazrat Abu Said Al Khudrira narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The people will continue performing the Hajj and Umrah even after the appearance of Gog and Magog.” But he further added, “The Hour of Judgment will not be established till the Hajj is abandoned.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Hajj, Vol. 2, Book 26) Hence, like other signs of the advent of the Promised Messiah, the foreboding of abandoning Hajj is now also realised. It came to pass as Hajj got cancelled due to epidemics, world wars, internal conflicts in Saudi Arabia and the debarment of various nations from attempting Hajj.

Alluding to the eschatological prophecies by the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas says: “And it is also a tradition that Hajj will be ceased.” (Ruhani Khazain, Vol.14, p.

313)

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM “And it was in the hadith that plague shall befall and Hajj will be stopped at the time of the Messiah. So, all of these signs have appeared.” (Ruhani Khazain, Vol.17, p. 49) Opponents have often raised objections to Hazrat Mirza Sahibas not performing Hajj. To this allegation, the Promised Messiahas replied: “These people only mean mischief when they raise such an objection. The Holy Prophetsa lived in Medina for 10 years. A journey of just two days separated Mecca from Medina and even though he could have arranged for transportation, he did not perform Hajj for the entirety of those 10 years. Having enough money is not the only condition for Hajj, but it is also important that there be no fear of unrest and the means to arrive there and perform Hajj in peace are available.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 248) Hence, if seen through a historical perspective, it becomes clear that the prophecy of cancellation of Hajj has been fulfilled in numerous ways. However, in this present pandemic situation, when social interaction and public gathering can result in the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the debate about performance or cancellation of Hajj has once again arisen.

In such circumstances, where the pilgrims are under constant threat of disease while carrying out the Hajj rituals or where such a gathering may lead to a viral outbreak, the question arises whether the conditions necessary for the execution of Hajj are satisfied or not?

Middle East Eye, a popular Gulf journal, in its 1 April 2020 edition, elucidated the fact that in case Hajj gets cancelled this year, it would not be the first time. In fact, there have been 40 dramatic occasions when the annual event of pilgrimage was suspended.

Middle East Eye has categorised these few events as examples of Hajj cancellation: 1. Due to an attack on Mecca on the day of Arafat in 865 CE, Hajj was stopped 2. In the year 930, the leader of the Qarmatian sect initiated an assault on Mecca, killing over 30,000 pilgrims as well as looting the Holy Ka‘bah and taking the Holy Black Stone to Bahrain. This led to Hajj being suspended for 10 years until the stone was returned to Mecca 3. In 983 political disputes between the rulers of two caliphates – the Abbasids of Iraq and Syria and the Fatimids of Egypt – got in the way of Muslims travelling to Mecca for pilgrimage. It would be eight years until Hajj was held again, in 991 4. A plague from India hit Mecca in 1831 and killed three-quarters of the pilgrims there, who had endured weeks of travel through dangerous and barren lands to perform Hajj 5. In 1837, another plague hit the holy city, putting things on hold until 1840 6. In 1846, a bout of cholera hit Mecca, killing more than 15,000 people and plagued its inhabitants until 1850.

Outbreaks returned in 1865 and 1883 7. In 1858, another global cholera pandemic arrived in the city, prompting Egyptian pilgrims to run away en masse

Jamaat Kosovo assists Center for Social Work in Prishtina

Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

It has been over four months since the registration of the first few cases of Covid-19 in Kosovo. The number of infected people is increasing daily and this number has exceeded 5,000; the number of new cases per 100 thousand inhabitants is the highest in Europe.

Those infected belong to all walks of life: from ordinary people to politicians, from doctors and police officers to members of the Assembly of Kosovo.

In the capital of Kosovo, Prishtina, one of the institutions that has worked almost throughout the pandemic has been the Center for Social Work with its three units that develop its services within the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare of the municipality of Prishtina.

Based on the recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo and in order to preserve the health of employees and parties, on 15 July 2020, throughout the day, all units of the Center for Social Work were disinfected.

The financial costs of the disinfection were covered by Humanity First and Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Kosovo. Also, during the last week, Humanity First Germany and Jamaat

to Egypt’s Red Sea shores, where they were held in quarantine.

Similarly, a cholera outbreak in 1892, the spread of typhoid fever in the pilgrims during 1895 and the death of several pilgrims by dysentery led to the discontinuation of Hajj proceedings in the year 1987.

Almost a century ago, there were talks of cancelling Hajj, when political strife between the Sharif of Mecca and the House of Saud led to civil war in the country. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra remarked on that occasion: “In accordance with the Sharia, it is

Kosovo, in institutional cooperation with the municipality of Prishtina in the same areas, established stations for hand disinfection and hygienic masks.

The representative of Humanity First Germany in Kosovo and the officials of the municipality of Prishtina have agreed to stay close to each other as well as to other institutions, offering support where possible to overcome this challenge together.

During this project there were also words of thanks from the officials of the Center for Social Work. Its director, Mr Blerim Shabani, explaining the services that were offered by this Center, said: “First of all, thank you for the opportunity you have provided us as Humanity First organisation to disinfect the premises of the Center for Social Work, which as an institution is a local professional institution that provides direct services to children and categories of citizens in need … We consider this action of yours extremely positive and useful considering that not only during the year 2019, but also during this year, we

have provided services for 2,000 clients, children and adults and over 9,000 services and currently we have over 1,536 social assistance beneficiaries in all three units.”

The official chief of unit III of this Center, Mr Naim Gashi said: “Due to the infection of some employees of the Social Center we are obliged and compelled to do the disinfection and we thank the Humanity First organisation for the disinfection of the premises of the Center for Social Work of the Bregu i Diellit (Sun Coast neighbourhood).”

In the end, Mrs Hysnije Pajaziti, who is the official chief of social assistance services, unit II, said: “After the results of some persons (with Covid-19) in unit II in Prishtina, we were compelled to disinfect the facility.

We thank Humanity First which helped us to do the disinfection. We also thank Humanity First who supported us at other times…”

This project also had media coverage.

10 websites and official persons have posted the article and over 400,000 people have followed this activity, alhamdulillah.

better to postpone Hajj this year. It must be remembered that Hajj is not compulsory under any and all circumstances; instead, it is only obligatory at a time and on a person when certain conditions are in place and among these requirements is the presence of peace. God Almighty says in the Holy Quran that Hajj is a duty for whoever can afford to arrive there, meaning that one has to have the money to bear their travel and household expenses; there is peace on the way; one is in good health and can bear the troubles that may befall them during the journey etc. And since the way to Holy Mecca is unsafe this year, in my view, Hajj is not

compulsory on the people of India and on the people of those countries who must travel to Mecca via seafaring. It is better to postpone it.” (Hajj-e-Baitullah aur fitna-eHijaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 9, pp. 59-60) ً ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ ُ َّ ً ‫يفا َوت َ ْع ِظيمًا َوت َ ْكر‬ ‫اللهم ِزد هذا البيت تش ِر‬ ‫يما َوبِ ًّرا‬ ِ َ َ ً َ ُ َّ َ ْ َّ ً َْ َُ​َ َ ْ ‫ َو ِز ْد ِم ْن ش َر ِف ِه َوك َر ِم ِه ِممن حجه أ ِو اعتمره تش ِريفا‬،‫َو َم َهابَة‬ ً ‫َوت َ ْع ِظيمًا َوت َ ْكر‬ ‫يما َوبِ ًّرا‬ ِ “O my Lord! Increase this House in greatness, glory, honour and piety. And whoso performs Hajj or Umrah, increase him also in eminence, respect, devotion and piety.” (Sirat al-Halbiya)

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

8

Responding to Allegations

Did the Promised as Messiah claim that he completed the religion of Islam?

The enemies and rivals of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas are so keen on proving the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to be false that they do not hesitate to concoct untrue and fabricated allegations against him. One such accusation is that he claimed to be the person who completed and perfected the religion of Islam.

In this objection, a great slander has been made against the Promised Messiahas that he claimed to have “completed Islam”, as though it was flawed and incomplete.

The Promised Messiahas never held such a claim. On the contrary, the Promised Messiahas claimed that he was Divinely appointed to revive faith by proving the truth of Islam, the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and to defend Islam by responding to allegations. Hence, he was not sent to change or distort an iota of the Holy Quran or Islam, nor did he add

anything. It was only to revive the pristine teachings of Islam.

The Promised Messiahas says: ‫ﻧعتﻘﺪ ان �ﻞ اية الﻘران ��ر مﻮاج مم�� من دﻗاﺋﻖ ا��ﺪى۔‬ ‫و باﻃﻞ ما يعارﺿه و ��الﻒ بياﻧه من ﻗﺼﺺ و ع��م‬ ‫الﺪﻧيا و العﻘبى۔‬

“We believe that all verses of the Holy Quran are like a giant sea filled with countless pearls of wisdom and guidance.

Any narrative and knowledge of this world or the next that opposes and contradicts its [the Holy Quran’s] statements is null and void.” (Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, p. 387) At another place, the Promised Messiahas said: “An essential teaching for you is that you should not abandon the Holy Quran like a thing forsaken, for therein lies your life. Those who honour the Quran will be honoured in heaven. Those who give precedence to the Quran over every

Hadith and every other saying will be given precedence in heaven.

“Today, there is no book on the face of the earth for mankind except for the Quran.

The sons of Adam have no Messenger and Intercessor but Muhammad, the Chosen One, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Endeavour, therefore, to cultivate true love for this Prophet of glory and majesty, and do not give precedence to anyone over him, so that in heaven you may be counted as those who have attained salvation.

“Remember, salvation is not something that will be manifested after death. On the contrary, true salvation exhibits its light in this very world. Who is the one who attains salvation? Such a person is he who believes that God is true and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Intercessor between God and all His creation, and that under the heavens, there is no Messenger equal

in rank to him, nor is there any book equal in status to the Quran. God did not desire that anyone should remain alive eternally, but this Chosen Prophet lives forever.” (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, pp. 22-23) He further writes: “So beware and do not take a single step contrary to the teaching of God and the guidance of the Quran. I tell you truly that anyone who disregards even a small injunction of the 700 commandments of the Quran, shuts upon himself the door of salvation. The ways of true and perfect salvation have been opened by the Quran and all else is its reflection. Therefore, study the Quran with deep contemplation and hold it very dear. Love it more than anything else. God has said to me: ُّ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ٰ ُْ ‫ا��� ُ� �� ٗ� ِفى الﻘ ْرا ِن‬ “Meaning, ‘All good is contained in the Quran.’ This is the truth. Pity those who favour anything besides it. The fountainhead of all your prosperity and salvation lies in the Quran. There is no religious need of yours which is not fulfilled by it.

“On the Day of Judgement, the Quran will confirm or deny your faith. There is no other book beneath heaven besides the Quran, which can directly guide you. God has been most beneficent towards you in that He has bestowed upon you a book like the Quran.

“I tell you truly that if the book which has been recited to you was recited to the Christians, they would not have perished.

If this favour and guidance which has been bestowed upon you had been granted to the Jews in place of the Torah, some of their sects would not have denied the Day of Judgement. Therefore, appreciate this favour that has been bestowed upon you.

It is a most precious favour; it is a great wealth.

“If the Quran had not been revealed, the whole world would have been nothing more than a filthy half-formed lump of flesh. The Quran is a book, in contrast with which, all other guidance amounts to nothing.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 42-43) In another book, the Promised Messiahas states: “[The Holy Quran] possesses the distinction that whatever verities a person might discover by diligence, effort and devotion relating to religion through the exercise of his own intelligence and perception, or whatever new subtle verities he might discover and whatever points of truth and wisdom or proofs and arguments he might set forth by the exercise of his own reason; or should he offer, for comparison, the subtlest verity that the ancient philosophers may have discovered through great toil and labour; or should he desire to discover the Quranic remedy for the inner disorders and spiritual maladies from which most people suffer; he can test [the Quran] in whichever aspect and by whatever method he might desire, and he will find that, in setting forth its truth and wisdom,

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM the Holy Quran encompasses everything like a circle and that no religious verity is left out of it. Rather, it completes and corrects the verities that past philosophers misstated due to their deficient knowledge and wisdom.

“What is more, it describes and brings to light with perfect meticulousness and accuracy the subtleties that never occurred to any sage or philosopher. It articulates clearly all the subtle points of knowledge of the Divine that were written in hundreds of lengthy books and yet remained defective and far from complete.

The Holy Quran does not leave room for any wise person in the future to come up with a subtle point that it does not already contain. This is despite the fact that it is a book of such a small size that it requires no more than 40 sheets of paper if written in normal handwriting. Now, it is clear that this is an aspect of matchlessness that even a person of meagre intellect cannot doubt.

It is clear to every reasonable person that it is not within the power of man, nor within the capacity of any other creature to set out every type of religious truth, all the facts and insights relating to the subject of divinity, and all the arguments in support of true principles and the means of attaining them, which have resulted from the intellectual exercises of all thinkers, ancient and modern, with such completeness in a book of moderate size, from which no verity has been left out.

“For every person, literate or illiterate,

there is a clear and straightforward way for testing this aspect of the Holy Quran.

If anyone should doubt as to how the Holy Quran can be comprehensive of all religious verities, I undertake the responsibility myself that if anyone – as a seeker after truth, that is, after making a written promise that if he is satisfied he would accept Islam – should set forth a certain number of religious verities from any book in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, English, Sanskrit etc., or should set forth a subtle point relating to any subjects of divinity out of his own intellect, I shall produce for him the same from the Holy Quran – provided he sends it to me while this book is being compiled, so that it can be incorporated and published at an appropriate place as a footnote in this book.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part III, pp.

32-33) He then says: ّٰ ‫�ﻞ برﻛة من ��مﺪ ﺻلى الله عليه وسلم۔ فتبارك من علم‬ ‫و تعلم‬ “Every blessing is from Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; so, highly blessed is he who taught and he who has been taught.” (Barahin-eAhmadiyya Part III, pp. 207-209) On another occasion, the Promised Messiahas states: “The sublime light which was bestowed on man, i.e., the most perfect among them, was not shared by angels, nor by stars; nor was it in the moon, nor in the sun, nor in the oceans and the rivers. It

was not to be found in rubies or emeralds, nor in sapphires, nor in pearls; It was not in any earthly or heavenly object. It was only bestowed upon the perfect man, whose highest and loftiest and most perfect example was our lord and master, the chief of all creation, Muhammad, the chosen one, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” (Aina-e-Kamalat-eIslam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. 160161) Regarding the perfect religion of Islam and its holy founder, the Promised Messiahas says: “The faith of Islam is the only right path, and now, under the heavens, there is only one Prophet and only one Book,; meaning that Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa [the Chosen One], peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who is higher and more exalted than all Prophets, is the most perfect and complete of Messengers, is Khatamul-Anbiya [the Seal of the Prophets] and Khairul-Wara [the Best of Men], by following whom God Almighty is found, the veils of darkness are lifted and the signs of true salvation are witnessed in this very life; and [the Book is] the Holy Quran, which comprises true and perfect guidance and effectiveness, through which divine knowledge and understanding are obtained and the heart is cleansed of human impurities; and, being delivered from ignorance, heedlessness and doubts, a person arrives at the stage of haqqulyaqin [true certainty].” (Barahin-eAhmadiyya Part IV, pp. 355-356)

Beyond any shadow of doubt, the Holy Prophetsa came to the world with a complete religion. In his time, the message of Islam reached the land of Arabia. In the era of the Rightly Guided Khulafa, the message of Islam spread from Arabia to Iran, Egypt, Syria and the Russian states.

After that, Islam gradually spread to other parts of the world.

Over the course of time, Allah the Almighty created the means of advance transportation and communication in this world. The press was invented. Modern ways of publication and promulgation were introduced.

Currently, Islam is being spread in every country of the world through radio, television and dish antenna etc.

Hence, Allah the Almighty appointed the Promised Messiahas in the last age to revive Islam and spread it to the corners of the earth.

Explaining the reason and purpose of his appearance, the Promised Messiahas said: “In every respect, the perfection of guidance took place during the first advent of the Holy Prophetsa and the perfection of the propagation of faith (i.e. the spread of this message) was to take place through the second advent of the Holy Prophetsa.

This is because the verse in Surah alJumuah that reads, ‘And there are others from among them’ demands that another group of people should also be prepared through his grace and guidance. From this, it becomes clear that there is another advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and this advent in the form of a buruzi manifestation [spiritual reflection of the Holy Prophetsa] is taking place in this era.

“Hence, this age is one in which there was to be a complete spread of this faith. This is also why all means of communication and conveyance are also reaching their pinnacle. There is a multitude of publishing houses, countless printing presses and with each day, there are further improvements and developments in publishing and printing.

There is also the use of courier and mail services and the emergence of post offices, wired mail, the railroad, aeroplanes and the publication of newspapers – all of these things have combined to transform the world into a global village.

“In actual fact, these advancements are in service to the Holy Prophetsa because through them, the perfect renaissance of Islam, i.e. the complete spread and delivery of his message, is taking place.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 10) We have presented only a few excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiahas to show his dedication, loyalty and passion for the Holy Prophet of Islam, the Holy Quran and the teachings of Islam. However the readers should decide for themselves if the said allegation is true or false in light of the above sayings.

Readers are urged to study the books of the Promised Messiahas to evaluate the false statements of the opponents of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and become properly acquainted with the reality.

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Noble example of the Holy sa Prophet How Prophet Muhammadsa treated people of other faiths Jalees Ahmad London

During the treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Quraish of Mecca interjected and said to erase the words, “Messenger of Allah”.

Today, the very same mullahs who oppose the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, who demand that the Kalima be erased from our mosques and graves, are no different to the disbelievers of Mecca.

Unfortunately, another sad incident recently occurred in the “land of the pure” – Pakistan.

On 13-14 July, in Gujranwala, Pakistan, after being encouraged and provoked by extreme clerics, a violent mob demolished the graves of 67 Ahmadi Muslims. All this happened whilst the local police sat and watched. It appears the maulvis who harbour hatred towards Ahmadi Muslims won’t even let the deceased rest in peace.

Such repulsive behaviour is, supposedly, in the name of Islam and in “love” for the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. However, it confounds me how someone can claim that they follow the perfect example of the Holy Prophetsa who was Rahmatunlil-Alamin (mercy for all mankind) and simultaneously cause and incite harm towards fellow human beings. They claim to believe in a God who is Rabb-ul-Alamin (Lord of all the worlds) and in a prophet who was Rahmatun-lil-Alamin, yet their conduct towards Ahmadi Muslims is indistinguishable in comparison to the manner the disbelievers of Mecca treated the early Muslims.

Is this the Islam they present to the world? Is this the behaviour they encourage? Did the Holy Prophetsa ever do such awful and detestable things? If this is the Islam they call to, would it not be better to remain, as they assert, a “kafir”?

Are their actions anywhere close or even remotely resemble the practice of the Holy Prophetsa?

During the early days of Islam, when Muslims were persecuted and pain and suffering reached their limits, the Holy Prophetsa instructed those who could, to migrate to Abyssinia. The Holy Prophetsa added, “The king of Abyssinia is just and equitable. None are subjected to oppression under his rule.” (Abu Muhammad Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hisham) As the degree of persecution grew hot, the heinous methods which were employed by the Meccans to further cause harm to the Muslims and to stop them in

their tracks is a long and grievous story, which resulted with the Muslims, and later the Holy Prophetsa, migrating to Medina.

Thus, when we read about how Muslims suffered and endured such hardships in the early days of Islam, a Muslim should naturally feel empathy for all minorities, regardless of faith or race, who are being persecuted the same way.

It seems that the clerics of Pakistan have forgotten the premise it was founded on, which was, according to its founder, the “land of the pure”; this should give its citizens the freedom to “belong to any religion, caste or creed”; Muhammad Ali Jinnah went on to say that faith and religion “has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

The clerics of Pakistan encourage its subjects to take such drastic measures whilst “preaching” that this is their “jihad” and that such horrendous acts are a means of gaining God’s pleasure. However, such a “justification” is not supported by the peaceful teachings of the Holy Prophetsa, nor has Islam ever granted Muslims permission to cause anyone harm in any way or form. (The mere fact that so many inverted commas had to be used in the past couple of lines indicates that something is very clearly wrong.)

The truth is that Jihad and permission to fight was only granted to those who were being fought with as they were wronged, and more importantly, it was to protect all religions. Hence, it is clearly established that nowhere in Islam has the Holy Prophetsa given anyone permission to fight others, destroy their mosques and places of worship or demolish their graves.

We know that the Holy Prophetsa was like a father to all Muslims – their pain was his pain; their happiness was his happiness – however, as the maulvis, clerics and extremists in Pakistan do not wish to accept Ahmadis as Muslims, let us see how

the Holy Prophetsa treated people of other faiths.

It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari that once, a funeral procession passed by some companions who, upon seeing it, stood up.

They were told that the funeral procession was of one of the inhabitants of the land i.e. of a non-believer, under the protection of Muslims. Upon this, the companions replied that they had once observed a funeral procession pass by the Prophetsa who, upon seeing the procession, stood up out of respect. When he was told that it was the coffin of a Jew, he responded, “Was he not a living being?” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jana‘iz, Hadith 1312) This is the perfect example displayed by the Holy Prophetsa; an illustration of true love and respect for all humanity and clearly shows his treatment and respect for the deceased.

On another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Do not abuse the dead because they have reached the result of what they forwarded.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jana‘iz, Hadith 1393) If only the confused, lost souls and maulvis knew that their conduct is completely contradictory to the noble example of the Holy Prophetsa. In fact, it is as different as night and day. History testifies that whenever anyone of any faith or race was wronged, the Holy Prophetsa was the first to take a stand and express his displeasure.

After being commissioned by God, the Holy Prophetsa visited Taif with the hope that they would embrace Islam. He invited the chief of the city to Islam. Not only was the Holy Prophet’s invitation rejected, but the chief said, “It is best that you leave this place, for there is nobody here who is willing to listen to you.” (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin) As the Holy Prophetsa left, he was

chased by the children of the city who began throwing stones at him. This left the Holy Prophetsa drenched in blood.

The episode that followed is one that all Muslims hold dear to their hearts and is the perfect example of forgiveness all Muslims should strive for.

Narrating this journey to Hazrat Aishara, the Holy Prophetsa, in his own words, said: “So, I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded and could not relax until I found myself at Qarn al-Thalib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Gabriel who called upon me saying, ‘Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.’ The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me and then said, ‘O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I will cause Al-AkhShabain [two mountains] to fall on them.’”

To this, the Prophetsa replied, “No, but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship None besides Him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Bad‘-ul-Khalq, Hadith 3231) Thus was the practice of the Holy Prophetsa. Even on a day that he later said was harder than the Battle of Uhud, his practice was to forgive.

The Holy Prophet’ssa compassion for mankind was such that even in the face of persecution and suffering hardships, he would continue to pray for his enemies.

It was a result of his prayers that Hazrat Umarra accepted Islam. This was the example of our noble and beloved prophet.

The disbelievers of Mecca left no room for Islam to spread and even denied the Holy Prophetsa and the Muslims their rights, yet he continued to pray for them.

Now, compare this to the attitude of the maulvis, clerics and the extremists in Pakistan. It is clear that the Islam they preach and call others to is not the true Islam, nor is it the practice of the Holy Prophetsa. It is crystal clear that the maulvis who, day and night, preach and exhaust all efforts to instil hatred for Ahmadis within the hearts of people are no different to those about whom God says: ٰۡ َ ۡ َ ّٰ ُ ۡ ُ ُ ّٰ ‫یُرِیۡ ُد ۡو َن ل ُِیط ِفـُٔوۡا نوۡ َر الل ِہ ِبافوَا ِہ ِہ ۡم َو الل ُہ ُم ِت ّم نوۡرِ ٖہ َو لَوۡ ک ِر َہ الک ِف ُر ۡو َن‬ “They desire to extinguish the light of Allah with [the breath of] their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, even if the disbelievers hate [it].” (Surah al-Saff, Ch.61: V.9)

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

A Sikh accepts Ahmadiyyat and update on an injured missionary Al Fazl, 26 July 1920 A Sikh [sends request of] Bai‘at to Hazrat Khalifa II Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II; Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

I have previously sent two requests for acceptance of Bai‘at but so far, this humble one has not received a reply. Thus, as a reminder, I humbly request His Holiness to inform and benefit me by return mail.

I am a resident of Chamyari town, Amritsar. I embraced Islam on my own in 1916 when I was studying in Delhi. Before that, I was a Sikh by religion and my name is listed on page 858 of the book, The Punjab Chiefs. Our family belongs to Maharaja Nar Singh who ruled over Chamyari, Sialkot and Amritsar districts during the Sikh rule.

Last winter while I was in Delhi, I had the honour of meeting Maulvi Umaruddin Sahib and getting acquainted with the Promised Messiahas. Soon after, the true charisma of Huzooras attracted this humble one. I strongly hope that Huzoor[ra], the enlightened one, will inform me by return post and I will be grateful for it. I present Salam [peace be upon them] to all Ahmadi brothers.

Humbly yours, Sardar Nizamuddin The Ahmadi missionary who was injured in Madras Respected Editor Sahib of Al Fazl newspaper;

Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

My Ahmadi friends are very worried and anxious about me. Many telegrams and letters were received from different places.

Since my sympathisers are not aware of my whereabouts, their telegrams and letters reach me after long delays and when they do not get a response in time, they write to me again. Please inform my well-wishers and sympathisers through Al Fazl newspaper that this khadim is very well by the grace of God Almighty.

My head wound is healing. Though it has not healed fully, it does not prevent me from performing the service of tabligh.

These days I am staying at respected Seith Abdullah Aladdin Sahib’s residence in Secunderabad. In Madras, my esteemed elder, Hakim Muhammad Saeed Sahib Chaudhry and the family members of the late Maulvi Sultan Mahmud Sahib and other Ahmadi brothers treated me with great love and compassion and served me well. May Allah grant them the best of rewards.

In Secunderabad, the epitome of sincerity, respected Seith Abdullah Aladdin Sahib, supervisor of the royal treasury, Sheikh Fazal Karim Sahib, Syed Basharat Ahmed Sahib, Hazrat Maulana Maulvi Muhammad Saeed Sahib, Seith Muhammad

Ghous Sahib and the rest of all the brothers showed so much hospitality and expressed such love that the blood that was drunk in large quantities by the land of Madras was quickly reproduced in exchange of absorbing it.

I thank all the friends and elders as well as all the sympathisers and well-wishers who have showed compassion through telegram, letters and prayers. My friends who are restless to come and see me should not bother and express much grief. Ahmadiyyat seeks fresh blood from us. Let us see who is the lucky one to offer the glowing gift on its holy altar. My blood was probably not bright and colourful enough to be accepted by this altar. Thus, it spared my blood after finding it pale. ‫ت‬ ‫رہ زامےن ق��یل اتزہ وخباتس‬ ‫اغزہ روےئ او دم دہشاتس‬ “Every age demands a fresh sacrifice and the blood of martyrs is the radiant powder for its face.”

Humbly yours, Khalil Ahmad, Aladdin Building, Secunderabad Deccan Ahmadi sisters and sacrifice On the night of 17 June [1920], I dreamed that the London mosque was being built and about one fourth of it has been completed.

At that time, there was a large crowd of men

and women in the mosque. The women were saying, “Be quiet, the king’s ride is coming.”

When all the women were silent, the king’s ride was seen approaching. At first, it was dark in the mosque, but as soon as the king’s ride arrived, there was light and that light was such that the entire place lit up. When I looked ahead, I saw only two men. I went a little further and saw that there was the Promised Messiahas and the other one was Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra. Hazrat Sahibas was riding on a very beautiful horse and Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra was standing by the horse’s saddle and talking. I went forward and presented Salam. I was standing right next to their horse. The horse was so beautiful that the pen cannot describe it. I was blessed with this [spiritual] meeting of Hazrat Sahibas and Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra on the night of 17 June, alhamdolillah!

Now I want to express before the Ahmadi sisters the reason of writing these few lines. The heart of the matter is that the men donated generously for the London mosque, but the women did not pay much attention to it because they think that if their men have contributed chanda, then their share has been presented as well. However, if the women have learned from the ladies of Qadian, we would never have to write for a second time to request for chanda. The way in which the ladies of Qadian took off their jewellery and did not care [is exemplary].

The most precious thing to women is their jewellery and so they sacrificed it in the way of God. Thus, O Ahmadi sisters!

There is still time. Extend your hands to participate in this blessed endeavour and present whatever is possible in the way of Allah. May God Almighty help me and my Ahmadi sisters to take part in this.

Humbly yours, Ruqayya Begum Ahmadi

British Empire Union magazine, sermons in Hyde Park and tabligh in Nigeria Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

Mention of Ahmadiyyat in English Press A popular magazine in the UK, British Empire Union, has published an article of Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal Sahib entitled, The Union of East and West in its June Number.

In this article, Maulvi Sahib has expressed that the British Empire is no longer just an English government as it also includes Hindus, Muslims, Egyptians, Abyssinians and the people from the East and the West. Thus, the policy of this empire should now be such as to unite the East and the West, and it should make the people of this empire understand that the interests of the British Empire are not just that of the East or the West, but the British interests and stakes are the same that humanity demands. This conciliatory attitude of the rulers of the empire will strengthen peacebuilding movements such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and establish a permanent

relationship and union between the UK and India.

Another article of Maulvi Sahib, which is the second part of the above mentioned article, will be published in the same magazine next month, insha-Allah.

Sermon in Hyde Park “The Ahmadia Movement Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Universe, who raised the Prophet Ahmad in the East as foretold at the crying need of humanity.

Blessed are those who accept the truth.

Enquiries invited. 4 Star St. Edgware Road.

London. W” The above text has been copied from a board which Maulvi Qazi Abdullah BA BT had prepared for tabligh of Ahmadiyyat at the entrance to London’s famous Hyde Park.

It is now being used by the missionaries of Ahmadiyyat to convey the message of truth to the British men and women. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, they are announcing that good news with great excellence

Hyde Park

which the world has received through the Promised Messiahas.

The recitation of the Holy Quran immediately draws people to gather around the Ahmadi preacher and the number of audience around the Ahmadi stand continues to increase at the expense of the speakers who preach to worship a man as God. Last Sunday, the sermon lasted for five consecutive hours and the Ahmadi missionary conveyed the message of Islam as presented by the Promised Messiahas to a large group of English ladies and gentlemen.

After the speeches, a series of questions and answers continued and people themselves requested for Ahmadiyya literature and

enthusiastically accepted it, alhamdolillah.

Brother Augusto’s speech On the evening of 13 June [1920], the speech of Brother Muhammad Abdul L’Awel Augusto, Mir [Sadr] Majlis Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Lagos was held on the subject of Islam in Nigeria at the Ahmadiyya Lecture Room. The erudite speaker eloquently explained that Islam first reached northern Nigeria from Egypt via Sudan and from there, the true religion spread in the South of Nigeria. The former religion of Nigeria was idolatry. He [said], “It is right if I say that the spread of Islam in Nigeria occurred exactly in the same way as it happened in India.”

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Brother Augusto then referred to the evil rituals of idolaters and the persecution of new Muslims. He elucidated in relation to India, saying that just as the cow is considered sacred in India, the ram is considered holy to Nigerian idolaters.

Moreover, the water of Nigeria is to them as pure as the water of Ganges is to the Hindus.

In the last part of his speech, after narrating the interesting events of the promulgation of Islam, our dear brother mentioned the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. He narrated all the accounts which I have already mentioned in one of my previous letters. He heartily said that Muslims were becoming Christians and educated people were showing displeasure towards Islam after being upset with the degenerate condition of Muslims. Then the mercy arrived in the form of Ahmadiyyat and the thirsty souls eagerly applied the goblet of water to their mouths, which had descended from the heavens on time. By God’s grace, despite the opposition of prejudiced, narrow minded and ritualistic people, Ahmadiyyat is progressing in Nigeria and will continue to prosper, insha-Allah.

Speech of Brother Zubair Another respected and sincere young man from the Nigeria Jamaat, Mr Zubair is staying in London with his Christian uncle whilst going to America on a business trip.

He was also present in the Jalsa. After the speech, the young Ahmadi praised God and said: “We are grateful to Brother Augusto and praise Allah the Almighty that the message of Ahmadiyyat reached us through him and we accepted the Promised Messiah.

If Ahmadiyyat had not reached Nigeria, a group of young Muslims, including me, was ready to become Christians.”

Another new Muslim Mr William Arthur, a Nigerian and longtime Christian, came to Ahmadiyya Dar-ul-Dawat [mission house] through Mr Aziz Brown, Secretary United African Brotherhood and listened to the speeches of missionaries. In addition to the missionaries, Mr Muhammad Suleiman Faith and Fatima Kathleen also called him to Islam. After the doubts were dispelled and a week of further deliberations had elapsed, Mr William accepted Islam with full conviction of heart.

He has been named Waliullah from William Arthur. May Allah grant him perseverance.

Refusal to take a holy child A children’s home, located in Masham, was presented a gift of the holy child’s idol by the mothers and sisters of Lloyd Square Convent, i.e. the Roman Catholic children. However, the Holborn Board of Guardian Council, through the majority’s opinion, refused to take the sacred child on the grounds of religious objections. Do you know this holy child whose idol has been crafted? This holy child is Jesus, son of Mary, a messenger to the Israelites, who is worshipped as an idol by the Roman Catholics, both apparently and inwardly. On the other hand, Protestants deny the apparent idolatry but they worship him inwardly. We pray to God that this idol worship ends completely and this holy child be accepted with his original status, who is the actual Jesus of the Holy Quran [as described by the word] mahd [cradle].

Were the Miraj and Isra physical or spiritual journeys?

Part II In an attempt to prove the physical ascension of Prophet Jesusas, some Muslims today present the journey of the Miraj and Isra in a nonsensical manner to add weight to their baseless notion.

In the first part of this article, we analysed the spiritual journey of the Miraj through the lens of the Holy Quran, hadith and logical proofs and proved how it was indeed a spiritual journey and not, as other Muslims assert, physical. In this part, we will focus on the journey of Isra.

Again, our non-Ahmadi brothers and sisters assert that this too was a physical journey. However, like the Miraj, with a close analysis of the Quran, hadith and other sources, ample evidence indicates that this was in fact, beyond a shadow of a doubt, a spiritual journey.

The journey of Isra has been mentioned in Surah Bani Israel: َ َّ َ َ ْ ُ َْ ْ ْ ْ ‫ان ال ِذي أ ْس َر ٰى بِ َع ْب ِد ِه ل َ ْيلًا ِّم َن ال َم ْس ِج ِد ال َح َرا ِم إِلَى ال َم ْس ِج ِد الْأق َصى‬ ‫سبح‬ َ ُ َّ َ ُ ُ ّ َ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ ُ ‫يع ال ْ َبص‬ ‫ير‬ ‫م‬ ‫الس‬ ‫و‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ن‬ ‫إ‬ ۚ ‫ا‬ ‫ِن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ا‬ ‫آي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ِن‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ل‬ ‫و‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ك‬ ‫ار‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ذ‬ ‫ال‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ “Glory be to Him Who carried His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Distant Mosque, the environs of which We have blessed, that We might show him [some] of Our Signs. Surely, He alone is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.2) This verse alone is more than enough to prove that the journey of Isra was spiritual.

The words “asraa” and “laylan” clearly indicate that the entire journey took part in one night. The verse further reads that the main reason it occurred was so “that We might show him some of Our Signs.”

A further study of this Surah shows us that this was in fact a spiritual journey as the word “ru‘ya” has been used. َّ ً َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫وما جعلنا الرؤيا التِي أريناك ِإلا فِتنة ل ِلن‬ “And We made not the vision which We showed thee but as a trial for men.” (Surah Bani Israel, Ch.17: V.61) The word “ru‘ya” undoubtedly lays the matter to rest. The word not only means a dream, but according to the context it

is used in, can mean a spiritual sight too, meaning that the journey the Holy Prophetsa undertook was a spiritual journey and was a sign shown to him. Thus, the Holy Quran itself has testified that this journey was a “ru‘ya” and a spiritual journey.

To briefly explain the journey, Isra is the name of the spiritual journey where the Holy Prophetsa was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem on, what is described as, a beautiful white animal, larger than a donkey, but smaller than a mule, named Burraq. When the Holy Prophetsa reached Jerusalem, he tied the animal and entered the mosque, where he met with the past prophets, in which Abrahamas, Mosesas and Jesusas in particular have been mentioned, and led them in prayer.

Following this, Gabrielas, who was with the Holy Prophetsa, presented two cups (some narrations cite three cups). One cup filled with milk and the other with alcohol.

The Holy Prophetsa chose the cup of milk, upon which Gabriel said, “Thanks be to Allah Who guided you to the fitrah [i.e.

Islam]; if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, 4709) In another narration of Ibn Jarir on the account of Hazrat Anasra bin Malik, it is mentioned that during the journey, after moving only a short distance, the Holy Prophetsa saw an old woman. Upon seeing her, he asked Gabrielas who she was, but Gabrielas gave no answer to his question and told him to carry on moving. Proceeding forward, a man called the Holy Prophetsa by name in order to invite his attention to himself. Upon this, Gabrielas again said to keep moving forward and not to heed the call. Later, the Holy Prophetsa was greeted by a group of people and upon this, Gabrielas told the Holy Prophetsa to respond to the greetings of peace.

Examining the ahadith, we find clear indications that this incident was a spiritual journey. In Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Hazrat Imam Bukharirh narrates an incident that took place after the Isra.

When the disbelievers of Mecca were told about the journey of Isra, naturally, as was their practice, they rejected and did not believe that the Holy Prophetsa travelled to Baitul Maqdas. Those who had previously gone and visited Jerusalem asked the Holy Prophetsa to describe what he had seen.

The Holy Prophetsa, knowing that it is not absolutely vital for a dream and vision to resemble the apparent structure and outlook of Jerusalem, became worried. The Holy Prophetsa, in reality, was not aware of the famous landmarks in Jerusalem, except for what he was shown in the dream.

Upon this, God Almighty then brought the actual scene of Jerusalem before the Holy Prophet’ssa eyes and started narrating what he was seeing, which silenced the infidels of Mecca. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Hadith 4710) From this narration, it is apparent that the Isra was a spiritual vision, for if the Holy Prophetsa had actually seen Jerusalem with his physical eyes, then what was the need to be worried and why would God need to show him a vision to help him describe what he had already seen with his physical eyes?

Going over these points of the Holy Quran and hadith, it is clear that the Isra, like the Miraj, was a spiritual journey. However, any person who is not convinced will then have to answer the following questions and instances that occurred during the journey.

After the Holy Prophetsa had finished leading the prophets in congregational prayer, Gabrielas explained and said that the old woman he saw was the world, the voice he heard was in fact Satan and the group that greeted him included Prophet Abrahamas, Prophet Mosesas and Prophet Jesusas. (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra MA, Seal of the Prophets, Vol. I, p. 274) Now, any individual who claims that this was a physical journey should clarify how the world could physically transform into an old woman. Is this to say that at one particular moment in time, the Earth somehow transformed into an old woman?

Is this really a logical statement? If that is the case, where were they travelling to if not Masjid Aqsa?

Another unfathomable point which needs explanation is that if the Isra was a physical journey, are we to believe that the prophets who all prayed behind the Holy Prophetsa were revived in their physical form? If this is what people believe, as Jesusas was particularly mentioned in this journey, does this mean that he (Jesus), as non-Ahmadi Muslims believe, came back down in his physical body then ascended once again?

Thus, understanding the principles of God’s law, along with the evidence provided from the Holy Quran, ahadith and logical proofs, it becomes evident and emphatically clear that both the Miraj and Isra were two different spiritual signs shown to the Holy Prophetsa.

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Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 26 June 2020 Men of Excellence After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

In the previous sermon, I spoke about Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf and since some accounts still remained to be narrated, I shall narrate them today. Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf was known for his generosity and he also offered many financial sacrifices.

Most of today’s references are regarding this attribute of his.

It is mentioned in a narration that as part of his will, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf left 400 dinars to those Companions who participated in the Battle of Badr and subsequently, this was fulfilled according to his will. At the time, the Badri companions [that were alive] numbered one hundred.

(Al-Isabah fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, p.

293, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) When the Holy Prophetsa ordered the Companions to prepare for the Battle of Tabuk, he also urged the more affluent among them to offer wealth and mounts in the way of Allah. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra came forward first and brought all of his belongings, which amounted to 4,000 dirhams. The Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Abu Bakrra, “Have you left anything for your family?” He replied, “I left Allah and His Messenger for them.” Hazrat Umarra brought half of his belongings. The Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Umarra, “Have you left anything for your family?” He replied, “I have left half for them.”

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf gave 100 auqiyah. One auqiyah is equivalent to 40 dirhams, i.e. he gave approximately 4,000 dirhams. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Uthmanra bin Affan and Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf are from among the treasures of Allah the Almighty on earth, who spend for the sake of acquiring Allah’s pleasure.” (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, p. 184, Ghazwah Tabuk, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Lughaat-ul-Hadith, Vol. 4, p. 527, Lafz ‘Auqiyah’) Hazrat Umm-e-Bakrra bint Miswar relates that Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf purchased a piece of land from Hazrat Uthmanra for 40,000 dinars and divided it amongst the poor and needy of Banu Zuhrah tribe and amongst the Ummahat-

ul-Momineen [mothers of the believers, i.e. the wives of the Holy Prophetsa].

Miswar bin Makhrama relates: “When I gave Hazrat Aishara her portion of this land, she asked who had sent it? I informed her that Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf gave it. Upon this, Hazrat Aishara said, ‘The Holy Prophetsa said that after his demise, the one to treat her with kindness would be among the most patient of all.’

Following this, Hazrat Aishara, ‘O Allah!

Enable Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf to drink from the fountain of Salsabil in paradise.’”

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p.

98, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 119) In one narration, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa said that after his demise, the person who would care for his family would indeed be an honest and pious individual.

Hence, whenever Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf would set out to perform the Hajj with the Ummahat-ul-Momineen, he would assist them by preparing their carriages and covering the saddles with a cloth as a veil and he would select such valleys for them to camp that were not commonly used by travelers so that they could rest with ease and maintain their Purdah [veil]. (Al-Isabah

fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, p. 292, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) Once, there was a food shortage in Medina. During this time, a caravan came from Syria to Medina, which consisted of 700 camel loads of wheat, flour and other provisions. This generated a lot of excitement amongst the people, upon which Hazrat Aishara enquired about the reason.

She was informed that a caravan of Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf consisting of 700 camels had come, which was loaded with wheat flour and other provisions. Hazrat Aishara, the Mother of the Believers, stated, “I heard the Holy Prophetsa state that Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf would enter paradise upon his knees.” When Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf heard this narration of Hazrat Aishara, the Mother of the Believers, he went to her and said, “O Mother, I hold you witness that I have given all this grain, provisions and even the saddles on the camels away in the way of Allah, so that I may enter paradise whilst walking.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 478, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, pp. 110-111) The majority of the accounts of Hazrat

Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf spending in the way of Allah have been collected by those who have compiled the various accounts in the lives of the Companionsra. It is mentioned in Usdul Ghabah that Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf was one who spent in the cause of Allah. On one occasion, he freed 30 slaves in one day. (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 110) On another occasion, Hazrat Umarra was in need of some money so he requested Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf for a loan.

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf replied, “O Leader of the Faithful! Why do you ask this of me when you can take a loan from the Baitul-Mal [treasury] or from Hazrat Uthmanra or from any other person who has the provisions?” Hazrat Umarra replied, “I do so lest I forget to return the amount to the treasury, or if I were to take the loan from another person, I may forget to return it and they may not request the amount back out of respect or due to other reasons.

However, you would easily be able to ask for it back.” (Asharah Mubasharah, Bashir Sajid, p. 882, Al Badr Publications, Lahore) Due to their close relationship, they were very frank with one another and when he would require his money, he would be able to easily take it back.

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf ’s son, Ibrahim relates on the authority of his father that the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Ibn Auf! You shall enter paradise whilst crawling because you are wealthy. Therefore, you ought to spend in the way of Allah so that you may walk on your feet into heaven.” This is similar to the narration of Hazrat Aishara that was previously mentioned.

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! What should I spend in the way of Allah?”, to which he answered, “Whatever you have at present.” Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf asked, “O Messengersa of Allah, all of it?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Yes.” So Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf left with the intention of giving all his wealth in the cause of Allah. A short while later, the Holy Prophetsa sent for him to be called back and said, “After you left, Gabriel came saying I

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

14 should tell Abdur Rahman to spend [his wealth] on hospitality, feeding the poor, giving to those in need, and when spending on others he should first spend on his relatives. When he does all this, his wealth shall be purified.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 97, Min Bani Zuhrah bin Kilab, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 112) In this way, the wealth spent in the way of Allah would become pure and ensure that he did not enter paradise on his knees, but instead, standing on his two feet. This would be the direct impact of his sacrifice.

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf once gave half his entire wealth of 4,000 dirhams in the way of Allah. On another occasion, he gave 40,000 dirhams in alms for the sake of God, then on another occasion, he gave 40,000 dinars. Once, he gave 500 horses in the way of Allah and on another occasion, he gave 500 camels in the way of Allah. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 478, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 111) Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf ’s son, Abu Salama, narrates: “Our father left an orchard in his will for the wives of the Holy Prophetsa. The value of this orchard was 400,000 dirhams.” (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p.

119) Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf instructed that out of his will, 50,000 dinars ought to be given in the way of Allah. He left behind 1,000 camels, 3,000 goats and 100 horses, which would graze in Baqi. He also had 20 camels that would irrigate farmland at Jurf, which was an area of land situated approximately three miles north of Medina, where Hazrat Umarra also owned some land. From this farmland, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf would ensure there was enough grain for the entire year for his household.

According to one narration, he left behind so much gold that it had to be cut up with axes and those cutting it up suffered blisters on their hands. (Al-Tabaqaat-ulKubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 100-101, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 118) (Farhang Sirat, p. 87, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf passed away in 31 AH, whereas according to other narrations, he passed away in 32 AH. He lived to the age of 72, whereas some other narrations state that he lived until the age of 78 and was buried in Jannat al-Baqi.

Hazrat Uthmanra led his funeral prayer, however according to other sources, Hazrat Zubairra bin al-Awam led his funeral prayer.

(Al-Isabah fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, p.

293, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 117, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) At the demise of Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf, Hazrat Saad bin Malikra stated, َ َ َ ‫اﺟ َبلاه‬ ‫ و‬that is, “Alas! A colossal personality has departed.”

Hazrat Alira stated, “Ibn Aufra has departed from among us. He only drank the pure water from the fountains of this world and did not partake of its unclean water.”

In other words, Ibn Aufra lived during an excellent era and departed before the times turned for the worse. (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 117) Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf was survived by three wives; each wife received her share of one-eighth, which amounted to 80,000 dirhams. According to another narration, he had four wives, each of whom received 80,000 dirhams. (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 101, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) The next companion whose accounts will be mentioned is Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz belonged to the Banu Abd al-Ashhal clan of the Aus tribe of the Ansar and was the leader of the Aus tribe. His father’s name was Muaz bin Numan and his mother’s name was Kabshara bint Rafey, who was a companion of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz’s title was Abu Amr. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz’s wife’s name was Hindra bint Simaak, who was also a companion. From Hazrat Hindra, they had two sons; Amr and Abdullah.

Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Usaidra bin Huzair accepted Islam at the hands of Hazrat Musabra bin Umair. Hazrat Musabra bin Umair was sent to Medina prior to the Second Pledge at Aqabah when 70 companions [came to Mecca and took Bai‘at]. On the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Musabra bin Umair would invite others towards Islam and recite the Quran for them. When Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz accepted Islam, he told the Banu Abd al-Ashhal tribe that it was forbidden upon him to speak to any man or woman until they accept Islam. Hence, every person from this tribe accepted Islam and thus, this was the first tribe from among the Ansar in which all the men and women accepted Islam.

Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz brought Hazrat Musabra bin Umair and Hazrat Asadra bin Zurarah to his home. Subsequently, they would preach to others about Islam in the home of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Asadra bin Zurarah were cousins from their mother’s side. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Usaid bin Huzair broke the idols of the Banu Abd al-Ashhal tribe. They were from the same family and when their tribe accepted Islam, they broke the idols of their tribe.

The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqasra, whereas according to another narration, the bond of brotherhood was established between Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra bin al-Jarrah. (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 320-321, Saad bin Muaz, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 461, Saad bin Muaz, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Isabah fi Tamyeez al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, p. 70, Saad bin Muaz, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) Narrating the account of how Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz accepted Islam, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes in Sirat Khataman Nabiyyin: “Whilst departing from Mecca after the first pledge at Aqabah, these 12 new Muslim converts requested, ‘Please send an Islamic tutor with us, who can teach us Islam and can preach Islam to our idolatrous brothers as well.’ The Holy Prophetsa sent Musabra

bin Umair, a very devout young man from the Abdud-Dar tribe along with them. An Islamic preacher was referred to as a qari or muqri in those days, because the majority of their work was to recite the Holy Quran, as this was the best method of preaching. As such, Musabra was also renowned by the name Muqri in Yathrab.

“When he arrived in Medina, Musabra bin Umair stayed at the home of Asadra bin Zurarah...”

Perhaps some of these accounts have been mentioned in relation to Hazrat Musab bin Umair. Nevertheless, I shall mention them again here. Upon arrival, he stayed in the home of Asad bin Zurarah.

“Asadra bin Zurarah was the first Muslim of Medina and was a very devout and influential leader. His home was transformed into a preaching centre and Musabra began to perform his duties with full attention. Since the Muslims of Medina lived a collective life, and Medina was comparatively more peaceful, upon the proposal of Asadra bin Zurarah, the Holy Prophetsa instructed Musab bin Umair to begin offering the Jumuah prayer [Friday prayer] and in this way, the Muslims began their life as a unified community. The blessings of Allah were such as it was not long before the religion of Islam began to find popularity in every home of Medina.

(The Friday prayers were formerly offered and Islam began to gain popularity.)

The Aus and Khazraj began to accept Islam very rapidly. In some cases, the entirety of a tribe would accept Islam in one day. Thus, the Banu Abd al-Ashhal tribe also accepted Islam in this manner and became Muslim at once. This was a very distinct branch of the Ansar tribe known as the Aus, and the chieftain of this tribe was named Saad bin Muaz. Not only was he the chieftain of the Abd al-Ashhal tribe, but he was the leader of the entire Aus tribe as well. When Islam began to find popularity in Medina, Saad bin Muaz disliked it and endeavoured to stop it”; when Islam first began to spread in Medina, he was not a Muslim and disliked its spread, “but he was closely related to Asadra bin Zurarah. Both of them were cousins and Asad had become Muslim.

For this reason, Saad bin Muaz would not approach him personally so as to prevent a dispute (owing to his family ties). As such, he said to another one of his relatives, Usaid bin al-Huzair, ‘I am somewhat embarrassed to say anything due to Asad bin Zurarah, but you go and stop Musab (i.e. the missionary who was sent by the Holy Prophetsa from Mecca) from spreading this irreligiousness.’

“Usaid was from the revered chieftains of the Abd al-Ashhal tribe, and his father had remained the leader of the entire Aus tribe during the Battle of Bu‘ath.”

“As mentioned before, the Battle of Bu‘ath took place between the Aus and Khazraj tribes before the advent of Islam.

Nonetheless, after Saad bin Muaz, Usaid bin al-Huzair had significant influence over his tribe. One the instruction of Saad, Usaid went to to Musab bin Umairra and Asadra bin Zurarah.

“He addressed Musabra in a tone of anger, saying, ‘Why do you make our people irreligious? Abstain from this or the outcome shall not be pleasant!’ Before Musabra could answer, Asadra softly told Musabra, ‘He is a very powerful chieftain of his tribe, speak to him very calmly and lovingly.’

“Therefore, Musabra addressed him in a very respectful and loving tone and said, ‘Do not be angry, rather be so kind as to sit and listen to what we have to say with a cool heart, then you may formulate your opinion.’ Usaid found this to be a logical proposition and sat down. Musabra recited the Holy Quran to him and enlightened him of the Islamic teachings very benevolently.

Usaid was so moved that he accepted Islam right away and said, ‘There is such a man behind me that if he converts, our entire tribe will accept Islam’”; he is the one who has sent me, “‘wait here, I shall send him.’

After this Usaid left, and by some excuse, he sent Saad bin Muaz to Musab bin Umair and Asadra bin Zurarah. Saad bin Muaz came and furiously said to Asadra bin Zurarah, ‘Look here, Asad, indeed, you are misusing your family relations and this is not right.’

Upon this, in the same manner as before, Musabra” i.e. the missionary who had come from Mecca, “tenderly and lovingly cooled him down and said, ‘Take a seat here and listen to what I have to say. If then, there is something objectionable, you may reject it.’

Saad responded, ‘Alright, this appeal seems to be rational.’ Resting his spear, he took a seat”; he was holding a spear in his hand and in those days, they would carry weapons in this manner, “and in the same manner, Musabra recited the Holy Quran to him and expounded Islamic principles in his very attractive manner.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra further writes: “It was not long before this idol also submitted” i.e. his heart inclined towards the teachings of Islam. “Therefore, as per the custom, Saad bathed and recited the Kalima Shahadah [Islamic creed].

“After this, Saadra bin Muaz and Usaid bin al-Huzair went to their tribesmen and Saadra enquired of them in a particular Arabian manner, ‘O Bani Abd al-Ashhal, how do you find me?’ They all answered in unison, ‘You are our leader and the son of our leader. We have full trust in you.’ Saadra responded, ‘Then I have nothing to do with you until you believe in Allah and His Messengersa.’” He began preaching to them immediately. “After this, Saadra explained the principles of Islam to them” i.e. to the people of his tribe, “and evening had not yet come, before the entire tribe had converted to Islam. Saadra and Usaidra broke the idols that belonged to their people with their own hands.

“Saadra bin Muaz and Usaid bin al-Huzair who accepted Islam that day, are counted amongst the most eminent of companions and among the Ansar undoubtedly, they possess a magnificent status. In particular, Saadra bin Muaz received a position amongst the Ansar as did Hazrat Abu Bakrra amongst the Muhajirin of Mecca. This young man turned out to be extremely sincere, remarkably loyal and an exceptionally devoted lover of Islam and the founder of Islam. Since he was also the chieftain of his tribe, he was extraordinarily intelligent as well. He acquired such a position in Islam that was not only distinctive, nay, the most distinctive companions of the Holy Prophetsa acquired. No doubt, upon his early demise, the words of the Holy Prophetsa that, ‘Upon the demise of Saad, even the throne of the Gracious God has come into motion,’ was based on a very deep reality.” He passed away at a young age. “Therefore, in this

15

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM manner, Islam began to spread throughout the Aus and the Khazraj very rapidly. The Jews would look to this sight in terror. In their hearts they would say, God knows what is about to happen.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 224-227) (Farhang Sirat, p. 60, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) In another place in Sirat Khataman Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has further elaborated: “Much time had not passed since the arrival of the Holy Prophetsa in Medina, when a threatening letter was sent by the Quraish addressing Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulul, chieftain of the Khazraj tribe, and his idolatrous companions. The letter stated, ‘Relinquish your protection of Muhammad[sa], or else.’

“As such, the letter read as follows: “‘You have given protection to an individual of ours (i.e., Muhammadsa), and we swear in the name of Allah that you shall either leave him and declare war against him, or in the least, exile him from your city.

If not, we shall gather our entire army and attack you and we shall kill your men and take your women into our own possession, making them lawful unto ourselves.’

“When this letter reached Medina, Abdullah and his companions, who already harboured deep enmity in their hearts against Islam, prepared to wage war against the Holy Prophetsa. When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this, he immediately met these people and explained to them” i.e.

Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool and his companions: “‘If you wage war against me, in fact it is you who shall suffer. For your own brethren and kindred would be your opponents (i.e. those who had accepted Islam are from your own tribe and the people of your own city.)

In other words, the Muslims from among the Aus and Khazraj will side with me in all circumstances. Hence, waging war against me only means that you would be taking up the sword against your very own sons, brothers and fathers. Now you decide for yourself if this is correct.’

“Abdullah and his companions, who still vividly remembered the bloodshed of the Battle of Buath”, when the two tribes fought, it led to a lot of bloodshed, “understood and refrained from carrying out this intention.

When the Quraish failed in this plan, after some time, they sent a similar letter to the Jews of Medina … In actuality, the purpose of the Quraish was to wipe out all traces of Islam from the face of the earth. Distressed by the persecution of the Quraish, when the Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, they pursued them there as well.” This was the ploy of the disbelievers from the very beginning. “They exerted their utmost effort to convince the pure-hearted Negus to hand over these oppressed and exiled Muslims to the Meccans. Then, when the Holy Prophetsa migrated to Medina, the Quraish pursued him and left no stone unturned in trying to arrest him.” They tried their utmost at every occasion to destroy Islam or the Holy Prophetsa.

“Now they discovered that the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra had reached Medina and Islam was quickly spreading there. Therefore, they instigated the people of Medina to annihilate Islam by waging war against the Holy Prophetsa, or to exile him from Medina by relinquishing their

protection of him.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “By this letter of the Quraish, a custom of Arabia is also brought to light, whereby in war, they would kill the men, but the women would be taken as possession and considered lawful for them. Moreover, their intentions regarding to the Muslims were far more treacherous. The reason being that if this was the punishment they had prescribed for those” i.e. that they would kill the men and declare the women lawful, “who had only given protection to the Muslims, then undoubtedly, their plans for the Muslims themselves must have been far more severe.

“This letter from the Quraish of Mecca was not due to temporary vehemence.

Rather, they had firmly decided never to allow the Muslims a life of peace and were bent upon eliminating Islam from the world.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra further writes: “As such, the following historical account demonstrates the bloody intentions of the Quraish of Mecca.

“There is a narration in Bukhari that sometime after the migration, Saadra bin Muaz, who was head chieftain of the Aus tribe and had become Muslim, travelled to Mecca with the intention of performing Umrah. He stayed with an old friend from the era of the jahiliyyah named Umayyah bin Khalaf, a chieftain of Mecca. Since he knew that the Meccans would provoke him, in order to avoid altercation, he said to Umayyah, ‘I wish to perform tawaf of the Ka‘batullah. Take me along at such a time when I can perform this duty alone in peace and return to my homeland.’

Hence, Umayyah took Saadra to the Ka‘bah at midday, when people were generally in their homes. However, it so happened that exactly at this time, Abu Jahl also turned up and as soon as he saw Saadra, his eyes gorged with blood in rage. Suppressing his anger however, he addressed Umayyah saying, ‘O Abu Safwan, who accompanies you?’

Umayyah responded, ‘This is Saadra bin Muaz, chieftain of the Aus.’ Upon this Abu Jahl furiously addressed Saadra saying: “‘Do you think that after granting protection to that apostate,’” i.e., Muhammad[sa] [heaven forbid], “‘you shall be able to perform tawaf of the Ka‘bah in peace? And do you believe that you have the strength to protect him and support him?

By God, if you had not been accompanied

by Abu Safwan, you would not have been able to return home safely.’

“Saadra bin Muaz would usually avoid altercation, but his veins also flowed of chieftain blood and his heart was replete of religious indignation. He retorted in a thunderous voice: “‘By Allah! If you obstruct us from the Ka‘bah, then remember that you shall also not receive peace upon your Syrian trade route.’” He said that since they were situated on the route, therefore they could also retaliate.

“Seeing Saad in anger, Umayyah said, ‘Look Saad! Do not raise your voice before Abul-Hakam, chieftain of the People of the Valley.’

“Saadra, who was also enraged, responded by saying, ‘Keep out of this Umayyah! Do not interject. By Allah, I

cannot forget the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, that one day you would be killed at the hands of a Muslim.’ Upon hearing this news, Umayyah bin Khalaf became severely distraught and came home to inform his wife of this statement of Saadra. He said, ‘By God! Now I shall not leave Mecca to oppose the Muslims.’”

He was convinced that since the Holy Prophetsa had uttered these words and whatever he said was always fulfilled, therefore this statement regarding him would also be fulfilled.

“However, the writings of Divine Decree were to be fulfilled. At the occasion of Badr, Umayyah was forced to leave Mecca and was killed there at the hands of the Muslims, receiving the recompense of his evil deeds.

This was the same Umayyah who would ruthlessly persecute Hazrat Bilalra, due to his acceptance of Islam.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp.

280-2282) In Sahih al-Bukhari it is narrated by Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud that Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz travelled to Mecca with the intention of performing the Umrah.

Hazrat Abdullahra further relates that upon reaching there, he went to Umayyah bin Khalaf Abu Safwan’s house. Since they had an old acquaintance, therefore whenever Umayyah would travel to Medina, he would stay with Hazrat Saadra. Therefore, when Hazrat Saadra decided to perform the Umrah, he planned to stay at Umayyah’s house so that he would be able to perform the Umrah in peace. Whenever Umayyah would travel to Syria, he would pass through Medina and stay with Hazrat Saadra. Hazrat Abdullahra had narrated at the beginning that they both were old acquaintances, therefore he would stay with him in Medina and so, Hazrat Saadra also decided to stay with him in Mecca. When Hazrat Saadra informed Umayyah that he intended to perform the Umrah, Umayyah told him to wait and when it was midday, he should go and perform the tawaf as people would be preoccupied in other things at the time.

The narration continues that while Hazrat Saadra was performing the tawaf, Abu Jahl came and said, “Who is this performing the circuits of the Ka’bah?” “It is me, Saad” replied Hazrat Saadra. In other words, he replied himself and informed him. Abu Jahl replied, “Since you have given refuge to Muhammad[sa] and his companions, do you think you will now be able to perform the tawaf in peace?” Hazrat Saadra replied, “Yes”.

According to the narrator, both then began to exchange heated words with one another. Umayyah stated, “Do not raise your voice before Abul-Hakam for he is the chief of the people of this valley [of Mecca].”

Hazrat Saadra replied, “By God, if you stop me from performing the tawaf of the Ka‘bah, then I shall stop your trade-route to Syria” i.e. he said this Abu Jahl. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud narrates that upon hearing this, Umayyah continued to warn Hazrat Saadra to lower his voice and tried to hold him back. However, Hazrat Saadra had become greatly angered and said to Umayyah to let him continue talking to Abu Jahl and said to Umayyah, “I have heard Muhammadsa say that Abu Jahl would be the one who gets you killed.” In other words, he would become the means of his death.

“Me?” asked Umayyah. Hazrat Saadra replied, “Yes”

Upon hearing this, Umayyah said, “By God, Muhammad[sa] never utters a lie.”

Thereafter, he went to his wife and said, “Are you aware of what my Yathribi brother has said to me?” His wife enquired what he had said and Umayyah told her, “He has heard from Muhammad[sa] that Abu Jahl would be the one who kills me.” His wife replied, “By God, Muhammad[sa] never utters a lie.”

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud further narrates that when the call for battle reached him and he was leaving for Badr, his wife reminded him what his Yathribi brother had once said to him. Upon being reminded, Umayyah decided not to go, but Abu Jahl convinced him that since he was amongst the leaders of Mecca, therefore he should come, even if it be for just one or two days.

Hence, Umayyah left to go only for only two days, but Allah the Almighty caused him to be killed. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ulManaqib, Bab Alaamaat an-Nubuwwah fi al-Islam, Hadith 3632) In another narration, Umayyah bin Khalaf leaving for Badr and being killed has been mentioned in the following manner: Hazrat Saadra said to Umayyah, “O Umayyah, by God, I have heard the Messengersa of Allah say that his companions will kill you.” Umayyah enquired whether this would occur in Mecca. Hazrat Saadra replied that he was not aware of that. Upon hearing this, Umayyah became frightened and when he returned to his house, he told his wife, Safiyyah Karima bint Mu‘mar, “O Umm-e-Safwan! Have you heard what Saad has said regarding me?”

“What has Saad said?” enquired his wife.

Umayyah said, “He says that Muhammad[sa] told him that they would kill me. I asked him if they intended to do this in Mecca, however he did not know.”

Umayyah then further said, “By God, I shall never leave Mecca.” As he was overcome with such fear. On the occasion of the Battle of Badr, Abu Jahl called the people for battle and also told Umayyah to come as well in order to protect their caravan, however Umayyah did not want to leave. When he had refused the person who came to convey the message, Abu Jahl then came himself and said, “O Abu Safwan! When people see that you are staying behind even though you are the chief of the people of the valley [of Mecca], then they will also stay behind.”

Abu Jahl continued to convince him until eventually Umayyah said, “Since you are leaving me with no choice, I will therefore purchase the best camel in Mecca.” He then said to his wife, “O Umm-e-Safwan! Prepare my provisions for the journey.”

His wife then reminded him, “Have you forgotten what your Yathribi brother once said to you?” Umayyah replied, “I have not forgotten; I will travel with them for a short distance and will then return. I will not go for the entire journey.” And so, when Umayyah left, wherever he would stop to camp, he would tie the foot of his camel. He continued with this precaution until Allah the Almighty caused him to be killed in Badr. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Bab Dhikr an-Nabi man Yuqtalu bi Badr, Hadith 3950) The incident of his killing was mentioned in the previous sermon as well with reference to Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf ’s accounts. It was mentioned that Hazrat Bilalra called the Ansar and they then killed him for the cruelty and torture he had

Friday 24 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

16 perpetrated against Hazat Bilalra.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “An occasion was provided by Saad bin Muaz, chief of the Aus tribe of Medina, who arrived at Mecca for the circuit of the Ka‘bah. Abu Jahl saw him do this and said, ‘After giving protection to this apostate Muhammad[sa], do you expect you can come to Mecca and circuit the Ka‘bah in peace?

Do you think you can protect and save him?

I swear by God that had it not been for Abu Safwan, you could not have returned safe to your family.’ Saadra bin Muaz replied, ‘Take it from me, if you Meccans stop us from visiting and circuiting the Ka‘bah, you will have no peace on your road to Syria.’”

(Deebacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwarul Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 235-236) Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz participated with the Holy Prophetsa in the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. On the day of Badr, Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz was holding the flag of the Aus tribe. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 321-322, Saad bin Muaz , Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz’s passion, love and devotion to the Holy Prophetsa is evident when, on the occasion of the Battle of Badr, he expressed his suggestion to the Holy Prophetsa. In regard to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes in Seerat Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen: “Passing through one side of the Valley of Safra”; Safra is the name of valley situated between Badr and Medina. It was here that the Holy Prophetsa distributed the spoils of war of Badr amongst the Muslims. In this valley, there are many date trees and the land is used for cultivation. It is one marhala [unit of distance equal to a day’s journey] away from Badr; “when the Companionsra reached Zafran, which is only one manzil short of Badr, news was received that a powerful army of the Quraish was advancing from Mecca.” A powerful army was approaching in order to protect the trade caravan. The Meccans thought that perhaps the people of Medina would attack the trade caravan.

“Since the time for maintaining secrecy had now passed, the Holy Prophetsa gathered all of the Companionsra and informed them of this news. Then he sought their council as to what should be done. Some Companionsra submitted: “‘O Messengersa of Allah! Taking into consideration our apparent means, it seems more appropriate to confront the caravan because we have not yet fully prepared ourselves to fight the army.’

“However, the Holy Prophetsa did not approve of this suggestion. On the other hand, when the most eminent from among the Companionsra heard this suggestion, they would stand up and deliver passionate addresses and submitted: “‘Our lives and our wealth belong to God. We offer ourselves to serve on any front.’ As such, Miqdadra bin Aswad, who was also known as Miqdadra bin Amr, said: “‘O Messengersa of Allah! We are not like the disciples of Mosesas in that we should tell you, “Go thou and thy Lord and fight and here we sit”, rather we affirm that you may go wherever you wish, we are with you and shall fight to your right and to your left, in front of you and behind you.’

“When the Holy Prophetsa heard this address, his blessed countenance began to

The philosophy of Hajj and sacrifice in Islam

The concept of pilgrimage, in one form or another, can be found in almost every religion across the globe.

However, the pilgrimage in Islam is a unique and universal representation of Muslim unity and the believers’ love for Allah the Almighty.

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glow with joy. Yet, despite this, the Holy Prophetsa waited for a comment from the Ansar and desired that they should also say something. This was because the Holy Prophetsa thought that the Ansar perhaps believed that according to the Bai‘at at Aqabah, their obligation was to stand up in defence only, in the case that Medina was attacked. Hence, despite such passionate addresses, the Holy Prophetsa would continue to seek counsel as to what should be done. Saadra bin Muaz, chieftain of the Aus, understood this desire of the Holy Prophetsa and submitted on behalf of the Ansar: “‘O Messengersa of Allah! Perhaps it is

our counsel that you seek. By God! When we have believed in you as being truthful and have placed our hands in your hand, then go forth wherever you desire, we are with you. We swear by that Being, Who has sent you with the truth that if you order us to dive into the sea, we shall dive into it and not a single one of us shall hold back. Godwilling, you shall find us steadfast in battle and shall witness from us that which shall be the delight of your eyes.’

“When the Holy Prophetsa heard this address, he was overjoyed and said: “‘Go forth then in the name of Allah, because Allah has promised me that He shall definitely grant us victory over one of these

two parties’” i.e. the army or the caravan. “‘I swear by God that at this very time, I am witnessing the places where the enemy men shall fall after being slain.’” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp.

354-355) (Farhang Sirat, p. 173, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) Subsequently, this is exactly what transpired. There are a few remaining accounts of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, which I shall narrate in the coming sermon, inshaAllah.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 17 July 2020, pp. 5-9.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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