Al Hakam - 31 July 2020

Where stars descend Chapter 4 (Subduing the ego) Part I

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The ancient Torch of Eid-ulAdha

Responding to Allegations

100 Years Ago..

How did Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas revive Islam?

Eid in London, sermons in Hyde Park and tabligh

Part I

(Al Fazl, 29 July 1920)

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 31 July 2020 | Issue CXXIV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Sacrifice: The lifeblood of a Muslim As Hajj draws to a close, Muslims the world over will be pondering over one of the most fundamental teachings of Islam: sacrifice.

Eid-ul-Adha – which literally means “the festival of sacrifice” – is a day when Muslim families gather together to celebrate the ultimate sacrifice that was displayed

by Prophet Abrahamas, his wife Hajiraas (Hagar) and their son Prophet Ishmaelas.

During this celebration, animals are also sacrificed to remind Muslims of and enable them to follow this noble example in their day to day lives.

Sacrifice is a theme that transcends many other characteristics that should be adopted by a true Muslim. Upon close study of the essence of sacrifice, one begins to realise that a lot more is demanded from a Muslim than to merely remember a sacrifice that was made almost 4,000 years ago, for in this sacrifice was a huge reminder for mankind.

One of the biggest hurdles that has been observed in the moral and spiritual evolution of man are the assaults of one’s ego. The sacrifice of slaughtering one’s own desires in the interest of his or her fellow beings and for the sake of Allah is what Islam demands of us.

A true Muslim is expected to make such sacrifices all throughout the year. In the Holy Quran, Allah states: Continued on page 3

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

Tradition of the Muslims Hazrat Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.”

Allah’s Messengersa said, “But you do not do that with pride.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adha)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Sound doctrine and good deeds In addition to what I have mentioned already, there are two aspects which a genuine and sincere individual ought to bear in mind. One aspect is sound doctrine.

It is an immense grace of Allah the Almighty that He showed us the path of perfect and complete doctrine that is sound, through His Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, without any toil and effort on our part. There are many scholars who are deprived of the path, which you have been shown in this day and age. So be thankful for this grace and bounty of God Almighty upon you. In this context, true gratitude is to pure-heartedly perform those good deeds, which follows on from holding sound doctrine. Seek assistance through practical action and supplicate to God Almighty that He may keep you steadfast in adhering to sound doctrine and so that He may enable you to do good works. In the matter of worship, prayer, fasting and Zakat, etc., other matters are also included.

Consider the example of prayer. This is a practice that has come to earth but does not spring from the earth. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, says: ‫قرۃ عی�ي في الصلاۃ‬ (The delight of my eyes is in the prayer).

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 145-146)

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This Week in History 31 July - 6 August 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

31 July 1885: On this date, the Promised Messiahas wrote yet another letter to the bitter foe of Islam, Pandit Lekhram. The compiler of the Promised Messiah’sas letters, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira could not trace the copy of this letter; therefore, he produced its text from a book of Lekhram that cited it. The wording shows that the Promised Messiahas did his utmost to make a decisive debate possible in order to shed light on basic, core issues that needed to be cleared between the two rival parties.

31 July 1891: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra.

In it, Huzooras thanked him for sending a gift of musk. Hazrat Ahmadas shared the details of a recent debate that took place with Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala and stated that the force and intensity of his arguments enraged Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Sahib so much that if Huzooras was not prompt in departing the place on the final day, the Maulvi could have attacked his companions and began rioting.

31 July 1897: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra expressing his thanks on receiving 100 rupees, which was much needed at that moment. Huzooras also informed him about the planned expansion project of Masjid Mubarak, expounding on the significant importance of this place of worship as it had been mentioned in many revelations.

1 August 1883: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana guiding him on multiple topics. Hazrat Ahmadas described his acquaintance with Hindu literature and updated him regarding new arrivals. Besides other issues, Huzoor’s sorrow for the seekers of worldly wealth is also obvious from this correspondence as Hazrat Ahmadas cited Islamic teachings about those who belittle religious matters with their deeds and thoughts.

1 August 1890: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira and expressed his thoughts on the receipt of letters after relatively long gaps.

1 August 1899: On this date, after the Maghrib prayer, a Hindu ascetic (sadhu) from a wellknown class of people came to visit the Promised Messiahas and had a discussion on various topics like cognisance of the Divine, meditation and its benefits, the God of Islam, the wisdom in God being hidden, the rank of those who enjoy nearness in the court of God and that asceticism does not lead to perfect knowledge of the Divine. The editor of Al Hakam prepared a summary of this discussion. After the detailed

and healthy discussion, the Hindu ascetic left and food was served to him. The Promised Messiahas concluded, “This is why Islam has not prescribed asceticism, for asceticism does not lead to perfect knowledge of the Divine.

2 August 1885: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira advising him to recite Durood after Maghrib and Isha prayers as much as possible (between 700 and 1,100 times daily being optimal) in the following traditional wording: ّٰ َ َ ُ ٰ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ٰ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ٰ �َ �ْ ‫اھ‬ ‫ا�� ُ� َّم َﺻ ِل َعلی �حَ ّم ٍد َو َعلی‬ ِ ‫آل اِبْ َر‬ ِ ‫آل � َحم ٍد کما ﺻ َلیت علی اِبر‬ ِ ‫اھ�� و علی‬ ِ َ ّ ٌ ٌ ‫اِنک َح ِم ْید � ِج ْید‬ ْ ّٰ َ َ ُ ٰ ْ ٰ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ٰ �َ �ْ ‫اھ‬ ‫ا�� ُ� َّم بَا ِرك َعلی �حَ ّم ٍد َو َعلی‬ ِ ‫آل اِبْ َر‬ ِ ‫آل َ�حم ٍد کما ب َار�ت علی اِبر‬ ِ ‫اھ�� و علی‬ ِ َ ّ ٌ ٌ ‫اِنک َح ِم ْید � ِج ْید‬ “Bless, O Allah, Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, as You blessed Abraham and the people of Abraham. You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Glorious. Prosper, O Allah, Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, as You prospered Abraham and the people of Abraham.

You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.”

Huzooras further said that if one remains punctual and steadfast in invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsa through Durood, they would find their heart illuminated and enhanced and feel an unwavering attachment to the religion of Islam. Furthermore, this would ignite an ardent passion for the Prophetsa of Islam that would increase the chances of seeing his holy person in dreams.

2 August 1888: The Promised Messiahas informed Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira about the fragile health condition of his son, Bashir Awwal (the first Bashir). Huzooras said that he was extremely occupied in attending to this poorly child and so, he could not take time out to complete Munshi Sahib’sra request.

2 August 1894: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira asking him to buy 40 kilograms of cooking oil and dispatch it to Qadian through railway cargo as the shortage of standardised cooking oil in Qadian was causing concerns for Huzooras. In the postscript of this letter, Huzooras added that the price of the cooking oil would be reimbursed. Such supplies were regularly required to maintain the hospitality of guests in Qadian.

to Hazrat Seith Ismail Adamra of Bombay and stated that he had earlier sent a reply to his letter, which might have missed its destination.

Therefore, he said that he would pray for him as he had prayed for him earlier. Hazrat Ahmadas informed this devout follower that the money order had not reached him yet, but it may Hazrat Seith Ismail Adamra be delivered in the coming days.

4 August 1893: An Arab religious scholar, Muhammad bin Ahmad from Mecca, on this date, wrote a letter to the Promised Messiahas. This learned man visited India and made a stop-over in Qadian. After accepting the claims and beliefs of the Promised Messiahas, he enjoyed his blessed company for some time. Finally, he returned to his native country and wrote the abovementioned letter from Mecca after performing Hajj.

While replying to his letter, the Promised Messiahas penned a detailed letter, which was later printed in the shape of a book, HamamatulBushra. Chronologically, Muhammad bin Ahmad wrote to Hazrat Ahmadas on 20 Muharram 1311 AH from Mecca, asking him to send to Mecca some of his books, which Ali Ta‘I – a friend of the writer of the letter – desired to distribute throughout the country. Huzooras, therefore, wrote this book and explained his mission in its entirety to the people of Mecca. It was completed at the end of Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1311 AH and printed in Rajab 1311 AH (a total of 112 pages according to the first edition) at the press of Ghulam Qadir Fasih.

3 August 1899: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Mian Shadi Khanra that he deemed it pertinent for him to come to Qadian for some days as this companion’s mother and sons were eager to see him.

5 August 1887: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra.

In it, Huzooras emphasised that the rebuttal of Pandit Lekhram’s compilation must be concise and compelling and the whole project needed his prompt attention so that these allegations may not cause innocent people go astray. Hazrat Ahmadas shared that there had been no cessation in rain in Qadian and its outskirts for some days, which caused delays in purchasing and shifting printing paper to Qadian. Huzooras also advised him on personal marital issues.

3 August 1907: The Promised Messiahas replied

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Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

“Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness [taqwa] that reaches Him.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.38) It is not our act that reaches Him; rather, it is our spiritual states that are assessed by God and a judgment is made on that.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, in The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, made it perfectly clear that our physical deeds in this life affect the soul. So, for example, when a person humbly and helplessly beseeches God in prayer, their soul is stimulated to follow suit.

When a person prostrates before their Lord, it can only be deemed a true prostration if their soul is in perfect harmony with their physical action, that is, their soul must also have fallen in a humble prostration.

Here lies the difference between those that practice monasticism or asceticism and those that follow the religion of Islam, which expects Muslims to pursue normal lives whilst practicing Islamic teachings.

Thus, a Muslim’s sacrifice in this life, which is required on a daily basis, can only be worthy in the sight of Allah if our souls are in perfect harmony with the action.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the

Promised Messiah and Mahdias once said: “Those who act only physically and do not include their soul succumb to a grave error … God Almighty has given the soul and physical body a mutual role and the body affects the soul. For example, if a person starts to cry by force, eventually they will begin to cry. Similarly, if a person wishes to force themselves to laugh, they will eventually start laughing.

“Thus, the various states of Namaz that the body encounters – for example standing and bowing – have an effect on the soul too and the humility shown physically will be reflected in the soul. Although God does not accept a mere sajdah [prostration], the sajdah has a connection with the soul.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 420) Alluding to the ultimate sacrifice of this world, the Promised Messiahas says: “Fear Him”, i.e. God, “to such a degree as though you have died in His way. Just as you slaughter sacrificial animals with your hands, you should ‘slaughter’ yourselves in the way of God. When [one’s level of] taqwa is less than this, then their taqwa is insufficient.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 99) On this day, let us pledge to put others before us more than we have done in the past. Let us make a promise to ourselves to

carry out good deeds – bearing in mind that our souls must be in perfect harmony with our actions – so that we may please our Lord and gain acceptance at His threshold.

As mentioned above, subduing one’s ego plays a heavy role in the essence of sacrifice.

However, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is not unfamiliar with the other forms of sacrifice either.

Last year, towards the end of his Eid-ulAdha sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa urged the Jamaat to remember certain people in its prayers during this celebration of sacrifice; such people who made, and continue to make, immense sacrifices for the sake of their faith. Huzooraa said: “On this Eid of sacrifice, remember those who laid down their lives for the sake of the Jamaat. May Allah exalt their statuses and keep their progeny attached with the community of the Promised Messiahas. May their prayers be fulfilled in their favour and in favour of their children, their future generations, the generations of shuhada [martyrs] and the shuhada themselves.

“Also, pray for the high ranks of those missionaries who travelled great distances, made huge sacrifices and conveyed the message of Islam to those nations that were shrouded in spiritual darkness. May

Knowledge for life and Ahmadi Muslims at the forefront of education in Kosovo Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

Humanity First has started its first Knowledge of Life project in Kosovo.

It is worth mentioning that Rexhep Hasani Sahib, in addition to his engagement as a professor and teacher of the Albanian language and literature, recently voluntarily developed an additional course for the national test, to be taught through Zoom. This course in

Albanian language and literature started on 13 July 2020 and was initially held for one hour per week, but due to the great interest of pupils, from 20 July 2020, it will be held twice a week.

The course has been developed because of the difficulties that pupils have encountered with distant learning during the pandemic.

More than a year and a half ago, an article was published in Al Hakam, on 4 January 2019, entitled “Ahmadi Muslim

<< Continued from previous page

This thorough letter also mentions one youngster who converted to Islam from Hinduism and that Hazrat Ahmadas prayed for him also. This boy was Sheikh Abdullah Sahib, who braved many conspiracies in the Kashmir State owing to the prayers of the Promised Messiahas and patronage of Hazrat Hakim Sahibra and who later became a prominent lawyer, educationalist and women’s social reformer in the Indian subcontinent. He was a co-founder of the Women’s College at Aligarh and Aligarh Muslim University. He was a recipient of the civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan in 1964.

5 August 1898: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra. In it, Huzooras described the exceptionally exalted standards of his prayers before God and shared five verses from a

Declared Exemplary Principal in Kosovo”.

The article was about Rexhep Hasani Sahib who had been announced by the Ministry of Education of Kosovo as an exemplary director for 2017/2018 in the Municipality of Shtime. In addition to the gratitude, he also won an award with the inscription: “This award is for the best municipal director of the municipality of Shtime, for respecting engagement and work for education [in general] and education of the new generations, providing to all

Persian poem of his.

5 August 1905: The Promised Messiahas directed his devout disciple, Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra, while replying to his letter, that although it was the monsoon season, he may commence his journey towards Qadian as there was hardly any rainfall in Qadian and its surrounding area at the the point of writing the letter.

6 August 1898: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, in which Hazrat Nawab Sahibra shared good news of his recovery from smallpox.

Hazrat Ahmadas wrote that illnesses and other sufferings of his followers made him extremely worried and consumed a lot of his time and attention, hence he would pray fervently for their prompt relief.

In this letter, Hazrat Ahmadas introduced a

Allah instil sincerity, devotion, pure faith and certainty in the progeny of those missionaries and keep it alive in them.

“In your prayers, you should also remember those that are currently offering sacrifices for the sake of their faith and spreading the message of Islam. May Allah enable them to spread the message of Islam whilst treading the path of taqwa; may they serve their religion unaffected by any egoistic tendencies. May Allah also accept their sacrifices.

“Pray for the asiran-e-rah-e-Maula [those imprisoned due to their belief in Ahmadiyyat]; may Allah quickly bring about their freedom. May Allah have mercy on anybody – whether in Pakistan or another country – who is suffering as a result of inhumane laws and free them from the shackles of cruelty.

“May Allah cover our flaws also; show mercy upon us; increase our levels of faith and certainty. May we witness the triumph of Ahmadiyyat – the true Islam – more than ever before so that we may partake of the true pleasures of Eid. “Pray for all this profusely; increase in your faith and endeavour to care for the rights of your brothers. This is the lesson that the Eid of sacrifice teaches us.” (Eid-ulAdha Sermon, 12 August 2019)

others an example”.

Rexhep Sahib is a veteran of the Kosovo War, during the years 1998-1999, when Serbia had finished the wars with Croatia and Bosnia and the war in Kosovo had started. Rexhep Sahib responded to the call for war and came to the aid of his homeland where he was wounded after a grenade exploded near him. Then, during his studies, he became acquainted with the true Islam, Ahmadiyyat, through the Kosovo missionary, Javaid Iqbal Sahib and the late Musa Rrustemi Sahib. In 2002, he accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat and did Bai‘at.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo is proud to have such diligent members like Rexhep Hasani Sahib, who strive for the good of the community.

subtle and much needed trait, which is not cared for usually, while visiting or attending the sick. Huzooras wrote that there had been some patients of smallpox in the locality of Qadian, who had succumbed to the disease, but Huzooras concealed this news from Hazrat Nawab Sahibra as he was battling the disease himself.

Moreover, Huzooras unveiled an idea for a separate graveyard for his followers. Huzooras added that the idea of a special cemetery derived from the history of Islam and that the Sharia wholly backed and valued this. Since it could be a means of the forgiveness of others – because the company of the righteous never lets vulnerable ones to remain deprived – he provided the example of the special burial ground in the holy city of Medina. Interestingly, this is years before the establishment of Bahishti Maqbarah.

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Where stars descend Chapter 4 (Subduing the ego) Part I

Asif M Basit

In the previous chapters, I have spoken about having had the good fortune of being able to narrate personal experiences and observations of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The main reference point of these encounters has been the daftari mulaqats (official audience with Huzooraa).

Before commencing with this article, I deem it appropriate to make one clarification: Usually when using the term daftari mulaqats, people may imagine a strictly work-related meeting with the head of an international organisation. However, this is not the case. The fact is that daftari mulaqats are distinct in nature from general mulaqats in that guidance is sought from Huzooraa concerning Jamaat-related matters and discussing personal matters is avoided unless Huzooraa himself enquires about something personal. But even in the daftari mulaqats, Huzoor’s spiritual light and wisdom is at its apex.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would give his Companionsra wisdom and insight into state related affairs and even then, he enlightened his Companions with his spiritual strength and divine wisdom.

In the same manner, when the Imam of this final community of God gives us guidance in our administrative matters, he does so through the exalted teachings of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Now, I wish to share some instances below that can exemplify what I have mentioned above.

When talking about work, there are bound to be interdepartmental conflicts or differences. In fact, it is quite natural for there to be differences of opinion between people from the same department. However, if the conflicts begin to escalate and become a means of the waste of working hours, then it is inexcusable.

On one occasion, someone sent a letter to Huzooraa as a complaint against my department. Huzooraa sent this letter to me with a question mark on it. It was the first time I had encountered someone sending Huzooraa a letter of complaint about me and the letter being sent back to me with a question mark. It made me restless beyond words. I was agitated about the letter of complaint already, but I was even more distressed due to the question mark that had been sent to me. What does this mean? What am I to do in response?

When I entered Huzoor’s office for my next mulaqat, I assumed that the first thing Huzooraa would do was ask me about that letter. I did not know if I could bear to see Huzooraa angry with me, God forbid.

But when I entered, there was no trace of displeasure. I sought guidance from Huzooraa on the matters I had brought, in order of the list I had made in my notebook.

Very lovingly, Huzooraa gave guidance on each matter.

Towards the end of the mulaqat, I submitted to Huzooraa, “What should I do in response to the letter sent by Huzoor with the question mark? Should I write back to Huzoor or the individual?”

Huzooraa instructed me to write to the individual. Thus, in accordance with Huzoor’s directive, as soon as I left the office, I wrote a reply to the letter of complaint.

The matter had already been presented to Huzooraa, so I sent a copy of the letter to Huzooraa as well.

For several days thereafter, a painful sequence of events took place wherein the person who sent the original letter of complaint would send a letter to me and a copy to Huzooraa, to which I would reply with a copy being sent to Huzooraa, and this continued. After a few days, I received a message from the private secretariat saying that Huzooraa had instructed that we both meet Huzooraa together.

Now, the situation was even more serious than before. I began thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have sent copies of my letters to Huzooraa. But as humans, we find thousands of excuses to justify our wrongdoings and to supress the sounds of our inner conscience. So, I began to justify myself in my mind. He was the one who started it. I was compelled to respond. Does the matter lie in Huzoor’s hands now? Will only one of us be proven innocent?

There is no room for self-justifications and explanations before Huzooraa. It is a place where utter submission and obedience must be shown. After a lot of deliberation, I decided that no matter what happened, I would apologise and would never partake in such an exchange of letters again.

The day of the mulaqat arrived. We entered Huzoor’s office and Huzooraa smiled and very lovingly asked, “What is this series of letters you two have started?”

Thereafter, Huzooraa told us about the matter and explained to us how the solution was so simple.

“The issue is being unnecessarily prolonged.”

Huzooraa gave us many solutions and told us how to resolve the matter.

We both thanked Huzooraa and apologised for wasting Huzoor’s precious time.

As we were about to leave, Huzooraa instructed, “Pick up that bag behind you.”

I picked it up, to which Huzooraa asked, “What’s in it? Show me.”

As I peered into the bag to show Huzooraa, I saw two cushions in the shape of a heart with the Tahir Heart Foundation logo on them. Huzooraa smiled and said, “Both of you take one, place it on your heart and carry on with your work peacefully.”

I was left dumbfounded!

What I thought would happen was the exact opposite of what actually occurred! We were shocked, ashamed and thankful, all at the same time. It was a minor issue, which resulted in a waste of time.

But the biggest concern for us both was that Huzoor’s precious time was wasted.

When I went for my next mulaqat, Huzooraa enquired, “Phir? Masla hal hogya tha?” (So, was the matter resolved?)

I replied in the affirmative.

The problem had been resolved and I apologised once again that Huzoor’s valuable time had been wasted.

Huzooraa replied, “In this sort of exchange of letters, the problem becomes secondary and a competition to put the other person down becomes the objective. If you meet in person, then the matter can be resolved within a matter of minutes.”

There was a profound lesson in what Huzooraa had said. When I reflected, I realised that it was exactly how Huzooraa had portrayed. Somewhere along the line, we seem to become too focused on trying to avoid appearing false so that we may prevail as the truthful ones and the actual matter, which is of real importance, gets blurred.

Come what may, the decision made by Khalifatul Masih will be in the best interest of the Jamaat. There should be no question of winning or losing. The only thing that becomes a hindrance in sitting down together and discussing issues is our egos.

Had we sat down and discussed the matter, instead of competing in an “expressive writing competition”, we would not have been in this situation.

Similarly, on one occasion, Huzooraa informed me that a certain someone had a personal grudge with me. I replied that I was aware of this.

“Huzoor, I try my utmost, but his heart is never cleansed.”

Here, an ordinary person would have had one of two responses; either to be sympathetic towards me or sympathetic with the other individual. Obviously, I thought that I was more worthy of sympathy, but Huzoor’s response was perfectly balanced with wisdom and depth, beyond what I had

expected.

Huzooraa replied, “Maybe your attempt is not satisfactory for him. Tum jhuk jao [Humble yourself in front of him].”

I replied to Huzooraa that I had shown humility myself, but Huzooraa again replied: � ‫اور ��ُ�� �ؤ۔ ا� ا� �رے ا� � �را� � ی‬ ‫� � اور ز ی�ادہ‬ ‫� �ؤ۔ ا� ��ُ�� �ؤ � ا� � وخد �م آ�ےئ اور اُس � دل‬ ‫�م � �ےئ۔‬

(Humble yourself even more. If the other is not satisfied with your effort, then you should humble yourself a step further.

Humble yourself to the extent that the other feels embarrassed and thus, softens his sentiments for you.)

Huzooraa explained a principle of life, without showing any sympathy with anyone.

Ultimately, we are both like Huzoor’s own children. Why should Huzooraa be sympathetic towards me and condemn the other’s actions? Now, my responsibility was to humble myself and continue to submit myself in humility. Obviously, Huzooraa knew that it was not an easy task. Thus, Huzoor made it easier by saying: “The Promised Messiahas has said: � ‫�ال ی‬ � ‫� � � رہ ی‬ ‫ا� � ا� ی‬ “(Consider yourself lower than everyone else.)

“When you bear this in mind, submitting with humility will become easier.”

What a wonderful principle that the Promised Messiahas has conveyed to us and reiterated by his Khalifa!

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Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM Similarly, on another occasion, Huzooraa said: “You should read the following line from the poem of the Promised Messiahas with mein hoon [I am] instead of mein tha [I was]: ‫ی‬ � ‫�� ی‬ � � ‫�� و � � و �م و‬ “[I was poor, helpless and without any skill].”

At another instance, Huzooraa said: “God Almighty revealed to the Promised Messiahas: � � ‫را� اُس � � ی‬ ‫ی��ى ��ا� � ی‬ �‫آ‬ “[He is pleased with your humble ways].

“So remember, Allah is only pleased with those who tread the path of humility.”

All these incidents took place during daftari mulaqats. But they are a guiding light in our day to day lives taken from the teachings of the Holy Quran, ahadith and sayings of the Promised Messiahas. If we benefit from this, then we are certainly victorious. Otherwise, it is extremely unfortunate.

In relation to an administrative matter, a certain individual wrote a lengthy letter and sent it to me, a large part of which contained grievances. A copy of the letter had been sent to Huzooraa also. I was aware that Huzooraa did not appreciate matters like this being extended unnecessarily and therefore, I replied to the letter by answering each and every concern individually so that the matter could be settled once and for all.

I am not aware of the reply he received from Huzooraa, but the reply I received was: “Your response should have been no longer than three lines.”

What I understood from this was that not only did Huzooraa mean that the number of letters should not be unnecessarily lengthy, but also that the contents of the letter should not be lengthy either.

I realised what I had done wrong and understood the lesson. Thereafter, whenever I have received a letter from that individual, I have never written more than: “Dear Sir, I have received your letter.

In my opinion the matter is not how you have said but it is like this … If I am wrong, however, I humbly apologise.”

Huzooraa practically explained how I should act upon Huzoor’s guidance and instruction of humbling myself. In essence, Huzooraa explained that the ego could not fulfil its desire in a mere three-line letter.

In fact, three lines could only express one’s humility.

On one occasion, there was an issue with a foreign MTA studio. The matter was presented to Huzooraa for guidance, to which Huzooraa gave ample guidance.

Huzooraa then instructed that I write a letter to the MTA studio in light of the guidance Huzoor had given during the mulaqat.

I wrote the letter but thought that because it was an instruction of Huzooraa, therefore I should present the letter to Huzooraa for final approval. Thus, I presented it to Huzooraa during a mulaqat.

Whilst examining the letter, Huzooraa noticed a loophole in how I had written the letter. Huzooraa said that such and such point that he had mentioned could be invalidated by such and such response and that I would have to write another letter.

Huzooraa then said, “Whenever you write a letter, always bear in mind the queries that can arise as a result of what

you have written. Your sentences should be so comprehensive that they should not beg any further questions. Otherwise you will end up writing letters and the responses to their replies and so on and so forth. This will waste time.”

Huzoor’s farsightedness in our administrative matters is incredible. By the grace of God, I have witnessed incidents like this countless times, some of which I shall now share with you.

From time to time, I make it a point to mention the names of my colleagues and their efforts before Huzooraa with a request for prayers. There is not much else that we can do for them other than to present their names to Huzooraa so that they too can partake of the blessings in Huzoor’s prayers.

MTA International broadcasts Jalsa Salana UK throughout the course of three days. In-between the various Jalsa sessions, discussion programmes and live continuities are shown on MTA. All the presenters’ names are sent beforehand to Huzooraa for approval and prayers. By the grace of Allah, each year, the Jalsa broadcast has been successful.

On one occasion, when the Jalsa had come to a close, I hastened to write a letter to Huzooraa the following Monday morning informing him of the broadcast. I wrote that alhamdolillah, the Jalsa broadcast had been a success and all programmes were wellreceived by the viewers. I also sent a list of the presenters and requested prayers for all of them.

Thereafter, I received a reply from Huzooraa saying: “Alhamdolillah. Dua [Prayers]. There wouldn’t have been any harm had you written [his] name too.”

My palms became sweaty holding the letter. How could I have forgotten his name?

The individual in question was a keymember of our presenters’ team and worked diligently throughout the Jalsa period.

I had written the letter so hastily that I

didn’t bother checking the original list of presenters and thus, their name had been left out. I became very upset that it had happened, but among all other emotions, shame was what I felt the most. I was astonished that I had left that name out, but above all I was astounded that the one name I had missed out, Huzooraa remembered it without consulting any list. I wrote another letter to Huzooraa, seeking apologies and wrote about the individual I had left out as well as their efforts during Jalsa Salana.

Although it was an honest mistake to miss out that name, it was another lesson for me. First of all, I learnt that when writing to Huzooraa, one should have all details of information available and should not rely on one’s memory. Secondly, one should never be too hasty in writing letters to Huzooraa. The letter that I wrote consisted of a report and a request for prayers; there was no urgency in the matter, nor was I seeking guidance on an issue. It truly would not have harmed me if I had checked the original list and copied all the names from there.

The divinely guided person I wrote this letter to is a person who is either already aware of any shortcomings or God Almighty causes his vision to settle on that very place where there is a shortcoming.

This has been experienced not once, but numerous times during Gulshan-e-Waqfe-Nau classes. Quite literally, hundreds of Waqifeen sit before Huzooraa during those classes. Huzooraa once noticed a child sitting in a distant corner of the hall and asked him, “Your name is Zafir, but the organisers have spelt it with a ‘Dh’ instead of a ‘Z’.”

We have always been left astounded at such occasions. Among all those Waqifeen, Huzooraa noticed the one Waqif-e-Nau whose card bore a spelling mistake. From such a distance, Huzooraa was able to read his name card and notice the spelling mistake.

The material that is read out during these classes is placed on a table in front

of Huzooraa, so that if Huzooraa wishes to check or clarify something, he may do so. I also possess a copy of the material and as a child delivers his speech, I too follow him by reading it to myself.

It has so happened that a child had just begun his speech, when I noticed a typo ahead or some other mistake. The child had not yet reached that mistake when Huzooraa had picked up his copy, flicked through the pages – one, two, three, four – stopped at the place where the mistake was, looked up at me, smiled and then placed the copy back down. At times, Huzooraa has even corrected the mistake there and then or waited until after the speech.

Everyone is aware how busy Huzoor’s schedule is. Huzooraa has himself at times told us that he has very little time for television and at most, Huzooraa watches the news. But I say this without any exaggeration that many a time, it has happened that either in a mulaqat or through the private secretary or directly on the telephone that Huzooraa has said that he was just watching MTA or that he was watching MTA the night before when he noticed something wrong with a programme or something that was said or the way it was said and instructed me to correct it immediately.

Everyone is aware of Huzoor’s routine.

For those who do not reside in London, or, for whatever reason, are not aware of Huzoor’s routine, Abid Waheed Khan Sahib’s diaries and the private secretary’s interview (broadcast on MTA in August 2016) shed ample light on Huzoor’s busy schedule.

It is my faith that those programmes were decreed by God to be broadcast at that time so that Huzooraa would notice those errors. The perfect depiction of God blessing his chosen ones with knowledge of the unseen can be witnessed today in the person of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. (To be continued…)

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

6

Preaching Islam in Spain

Charles Barton Stedman Spain Correspondent

Recently, several portable leaflet stands have been purchased and members of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Spain have been out on the

streets of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Cordoba preaching the message of Islam.

There were some doubts about the legality of distributing leaflets in this way and local police are not always consistent in their attitude.

In Catalunya, recently, the police fined some people for distributing leaflets; however, the decision was overturned in the courts. A lawyer was consulted on this question and it was established that Article 16 of the Spanish constitution guarantees the ideological and religious freedoms of individuals and communities to demonstrate their beliefs as long as nothing is done to affect public order as established by the law.

Members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Spain were informed of the following guidelines: Nothing may be sold, care must be taken not to be over solicitous, leaflets should only be given to people who are unlikely to throw them away and care must be taken to place

the stand where it will cause no obstruction.

In Valencia, in just a few hours, about 50 leaflets were distributed, and five contacts were made. Those who were willing to leave an email address were sent an invitation to join an online presentation and discussion held on the 23 July 2020. The subject on this occasion was the teachings of Islam with respect to pandemics. This is the second

such online presentation and another is planned for August. The number of people participating has increased and feedback has been very positive, alhamdolillah.

It is hoped that this initiative will be expanded and efforts of this kind will be made regularly with an increasing number of Jamaat members participating, inshaAllah.

National Talim and Tarbiyat Day 2020 for Lajna Imaillah UK Shermeen Butt Lajna UK

In the post-Covid-19 new normal, Lajna Imaillah UK held their first ever live virtual National Talim and Tarbiyat Day on 19 July 2020.

Alhamdolillah, although an online event, it featured a very traditional Lajna programme. The proceedings began with recitation of the Holy Quran with bilingual translation in English and Urdu.

This was followed by Sadr Lajna UK, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba taking the Lajna pledge. The National Tarbiyat Secretary Michelle Rahman Sahiba, who compered the event, gave a brief introduction to the day’s schedule.

The first presentation was a lecture given by the National Talim Secretary Rubina Nasser Sahiba on the book of the Promised Messiahas, Our Teaching. The message of the book was explained through presentation slides based entirely on key quotes from the book. Some of the main points of the lecture were how to achieve righteousness, what our God requires of us, the greatness of God, the three means of guidance in the form of the Holy Quran, sunnah and hadith and finally, the Promised Messiah’sas message to Muslims to pay heed to his call.

The salient points of the lecture were then briefly explained in Urdu by Rubina Nasser Sahiba, again through presentation slides.

The second feature of the day was a slide presentation given by Sadr Lajna UK, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba, who spoke simultaneously in English and Urdu to explain the topic of akhlaq – morals. Sadr Sahiba cited the noble example of the Holy

Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the two titles given to him of Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Amin (the Trustworthy).

Quoting from the Holy Quran, hadith, guidance of the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, Sadr Sahiba explained the merits and indeed the need to practice truthfulness and the importance of instilling it in our daily lives. Likewise, the significance of trustworthiness was explained through hadith and quotes of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa highlighting the need to practice it in everyday life in minor matters as well as major ones and to avoid deceit on every level. Conversely, through its narration the presentation compelled the participants to juxtapose the virtues of truthfulness and trustworthiness against their own persons which proved very impactful. The presentation had interactive elements where the participants were asked to respond in real time and this made the whole learning process that much more engaging and meaningful.

Next, Sister Faosat Sanni, Head of PAAMA Ladies UK (Pan African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association) gave a slide presentation entitled “Equality and Diversity”. She started off by giving some background information including laws on equality as well as hate crime and inequality statistics in the UK. Sister Faosat Sanni then explained the Islamic solution to these issues by giving examples from verses of the Holy Quran and the farewell sermon of the Holy Prophetsa.

She mentioned the creation of PAAMA within the Jamaat and how it celebrates diversity among Ahmadi Muslims. Her

presentation encouraged learning and understanding each other’s idiosyncrasies and righteousness was highlighted as the solution to the issue of racial prejudice.

Living our lives by the motto of “Love for all, hatred for none” is the best way to spread racial harmony.

Following this, Sadr Sahiba gave a brief summary of Sister Faosat’s presentation in Urdu.

This concluded the first session of the day and Sadr Sahiba led the silent prayer before breaking for an hour and a half for Zuhr prayer and lunch.

The second session of the day started at 3pm with the recitation of the Holy Quran with translation in both English and Urdu.

Next, Wajeeha Ahmedi Sahiba and Attiya Uddin Sahiba presented a virtual workshop on emotional health and well-being. The theme was centred around family life and in particular, on children. It gave general advice but also highlighted the effect of the current lockdown situation on emotional health. Relevant advice from hadith and quotes of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was highlighted.

Various other helpful points and advice of professionals in the field were given.

Parenting styles were explained and creative and practical solutions were given. The interactive elements of the workshop kept the participants engaged and enthused. The presentation concluded on the point that ultimately it is prayer that helps us through.

The last feature of the event was an address by Sadr Lajna Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba, who spoke about the lockdown situation and how it has impacted the way

we function as a community, specifically how it has increased our appreciation of the blessed institution of Khilafat because of social distancing measures and not being able to see beloved Huzooraa face to face.

She also urged prayers for Huzooraa.

Sadr Sahiba touched upon some aspects resulting from the lockdown and counselled that we should all practice righteousness.

Sadr Sahiba spoke in some detail about problems faced in finding suitable matches for our young women. She advised both daughters and mothers to follow the guiding principles of Islam in finding the right match. She highlighted the need to shun certain prejudices in this regard and instead, be open-minded, reminding that our Holy Prophetsa came to free us of all prejudice and here we are shackling ourselves to trivial matters.

The number of participants who logged on to the event reached 1,000 within minutes of the programme starting. Lajna UK had to quickly provide another link for more ladies to join. Alhamdolillah, the total number of Lajna attendance at the virtual event was 5,673.

With the sheer grace of Allah, Lajna UK has received extensive and overwhelmingly positive feedback following the event.

Especially poignant and heartening are messages from those sisters who, due to ill health, had not been able to physically attend Lajna events for some time and were delighted to join the virtual event.

We are humbled in our gratitude to Allah the Exalted and hope and pray to continue to strive to try and do what is expected of us.

7

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

The ancient torch of Eidul-Adha Sabahat Ali Missionary Mexico

There is a fire that burns in every soul, which roars with hunger. It longs to be kindled with the coal of compassion and the oxygen of honesty. Its embers thirst for the seething cinders of sacrifice so that it may burst into a thousand jubilant flames and consume the believer entirely in its ecstasy. It is an inferno forged between two warring forces – admirable discipline and unbridled passion.

It is the fire of the love of Allah.

The fact that both main festivals in Islam fall after the completion of two of the grandest expressions of Divine love and self-discipline is no coincident. Eid-ul-Fitr follows a month-long rigorous journey of both body and soul, as we venture to empty our spiritual chalices of the toxic tars built up over the year, culminating in the Lailatul-Qadr – a night greater than a thousand months.

Strangely enough, Eid-ul-Adha, the “greater Eid” (or “barri Eid” as it is informally known) also follows the immensely meritorious month of Dhul Hijjah. While its first ten days are extremely beloved to Allah the Almighty, fasting in them is equated in blessings to having fasted the whole year. Standing for Tahajud during their nights is even equated to Lailatul-Qadr itself. (Sahih alBukhari, Jamey al-Tirmidhi) Then, as the first ten days come to a close, a spiritual excitement stirs in the

heavens as enormous preparations are made on Earth for the annual Hajj – and what a sensational spectacle it is. Millions of Muslims uniformly give physical expression to their undivided love for the One God by becoming like moths lost in the intoxicating beauty and grace of a fire.

They pace from Saffah to Marwah in blessed memory of the unshakable force that was Hazrat Hajira’sas motherhood guided by the mountainous trust she had in her Creator as the infant Ishmaelas cried with innocent thirst. And what a force of spiritual and human energy she was, Hazrat Hajiraas, who demonstrated to men and women for all time that the power of

Jamaat Kosovo’s Salat education Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

The Holy Quran states: َّ َ ْ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ‫الصلَا ِة‬ ‫يا أيها ال ِذين آمنوا استعِينوا ِبالصبرِ و‬ “O ye who believe! seek help with patience and Prayer.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.154) The Holy Prophetsa taught us that Salat [prayer] is a pillar of Islam and emphasised its importance throughout his life.

The Promised Messiahas emphasised Salat a great deal too. In fact, one of the conditions of Bai‘at is: “That he/she shall regularly offer the five daily Prayers in accordance with the commandments of God and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and shall try his/her best to be regular in offering the Tahajud...”

(Ishtihar Takmil-e-Tabligh, 12 January 1889) The Government of Kosovo, by state law, has banned all types of cultural activity due to the pandemic. Due to this suspension,

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo has decided to conduct its activity in another way.

So, due to the inability to meet members physically and organise activities in groups during this pandemic, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo has started a programme to keep members engaged. This programme includes four audio recordings and a fourpart manual describing certain parts and prayers within Salat. The first part begins with the intention of Prayer – niyyah – and ends with a Surah of the Holy Quran before going into ruku. The second part begins with the ruku and ends with the sitting position – jilsah – between the two prostrations (sajdah). The third part begins with tashahud and ends with salam, while the fourth and final part includes the witr prayer and the Dua-e-Qunut.

This programme has started working well alhamdolillah since 20 July 2020 and will continue until mid-August 2020.

obedience to Allah and His messengers sends ripples through mankind and literally shapes the future of human civilisation.

We have all heard the moving accounts of Prophet Abrahamas and his son Ishmaelas – how the shining love of a father was placed upon the alter of God’s will and the love of life itself was relinquished by a dutiful son in the same way.

To an atheistic onlooker, Hazrat Hajiraas stood abandoned and alone when Prophet Abrahamas left her. To one bereft of spiritual insight, a blameless baby was left for dead. To the bystander at that time, a husband left his own wife and child in a desert. To them, this is a story of cold abandonment, bloodless betrayal and certain death.

But the quills of history had another ending in mind – and so they wrote.

They wrote that Prophet Abrahamas would not have to sacrifice his son, but that his intention and unwavering willingness had reached and shaken the heavens so thunderously that he would become the progenitor of entire legions of prophets.

They wrote that the immovable conviction, volcanic courage and the magic of motherhood that exploded from Hazrat Hajiraas would crown her as the mother of the spiritual kingdoms till the end of times.

They wrote that from this infant Ishmael who was apparently cast into certain death in a desert, then told to offer his own neck years later to fulfil Divine command, would emerge the single greatest human being to ever live – Prophet Muhammadsa.

They wrote that even thousands of years later, the spiritual progeny of the Seal of Prophetssa would continue through Khilafat-e-Rashida and that in the latter days, this Khilafat would again emerge

upon the precepts of prophethood.

The quills of time wrote their story and it flowed through generations of spiritual teachers, guides, mentors, saints, kings and victors.

Today, if anyone has the right and responsibility to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, it is Ahmadi Muslims, who have amongst them their noble king and beloved Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa. This man who embodies the hearts of millions of Ahmadis beating as one all over the globe, represents millennia of sacrifices.

He is both the Divinely appointed tiller of this garden of Ahmadiyyat and the sweetest fruit alive of the grand examples of Abrahamas, Ishmaelas and Hajiraas.

The truth is that the word sacrifice does no justice to a believer who offers the neck of his/her baser self at the precious alter of Allah. Sacrifice connotes that something is lost and does not guarantee that anything is gained in return.

But the word qurbani in Arabic connotes that God Almighty, the greatest treasure of the heavens and the earth is gained, for it derives from the word qurb, which means closeness, proximity and intimate love between two persons. As Prophet Muhammadsa explained, “Everything one keeps to himself stays in this world, while everything that one spends in God’s way, he will find waiting for him in the next world.” And so, the genius of the sacrifice that Eid-ul-Adha embodies is in the fact that while everything is offered in the way of Allah, nothing is ever truly lost.

So today, as we commemorate those legendary flames of Divine love which illuminated mankind’s path for aeons, we must take a moment talk to the Ishmael within each one of us. Let us infuse the candle of God’s love with the essence of Hajira. Let us breathe the oxygen of Abraham into the matches of divine love we ourselves possess, because therein will we find an everlasting eid waiting to be discovered.

The Promised Messiahas writes: “When a person carries his love to perfection and the fire of love consumes his carnal passions, then, all at once, a flame of God’s love – which He has for his servant – falls upon his heart and cleanses him of the dirt of his mundane existence. He then acquires the complexion of holiness of God, Who is Hayyi and Qayyum, and partakes of all Divine attributes by way of reflection (zill). He then becomes a manifestation of Divine glory and all that is hidden in God’s eternal treasure is disclosed to the world through him.” (Fountain of Christianity, p.

58 [Translation of Chashma-e-Masihi])

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

8

Responding to Allegations

How did Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas revive Islam?

Part I After all the extraordinary and remarkable works and services of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas for the revival of Islam, which were acknowledged by friend and foe alike, opponents are of the view that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat did not revive Islam.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had prophesied about the dissensions and discords in the ummah of Islam. He said: َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ‫الن ْع ِل‬ ‫لیا تِین علی ام ِت َی کما اتی ُعلی ب ِ ٰنی اِسرائِیل حذو‬ َّ َُ َ َ ‫ َح ّٰتی ا ِْن ک‬،‫الن ْعل‬ َ ‫ َعلَان َی ًۃ ل َ َک‬،‫ہ‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ان ِم ْنھ ْم َم ْن اتی ا ّم‬ ‫ان ِفی‬ ِ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ ٰ ُ َ ْ َّ ْ ِ َ َّ ِ ُ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ی‬ ‫صنع ذَل ِک واِن ب ِنی اِسرائِیل تفرقت عل َی ثِ ُن ُت ُی ِن‬ ّ ّ ْ َ َ َ ٰ َ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ً َّ َ ْ ِ ْ َ َ ‫م‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ت‬ ‫و‬ ‫ۃ‬ ‫ل‬ ‫م‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ب‬ ‫س‬ ‫اث ّو َس ْب ِعی ٰ َن ِمل ِۃ کلھ ْم ِفی‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ث‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ت‬ ِ ِ ُ َ ً ِ َ ً َّ ِ َّ ِ َ ‫و‬ َ​َ َ َ ّ َ َ ّ ّ ‫احدۃ۔ قال ْوا َم ْن ِھ َی یَا َر ُس ْول اللہ ؟ قال َما انا‬ ‫النا ِر اِلا ِملۃ و‬ َْ َ َْ َ ِ َ ‫علی ِہ واصحابِی۔‬ “‘My ummah will go through the same stages as did the Bani [children of] Israel.

The similarities will be very striking, like one shoe of a pair has to the other, so much so that if a person from among the Bani Israel committed an offence against his mother, a similar unfortunate one would also be found in my Ummah. Bani Israel split into 72 sects; my people will split into 73 sects; with the exception of one sect, all others will be bound for Hell.’ It was asked, ‘O prophet of Allah, who will be these righteous people?’ [The Holy Prophetsa] replied, ‘They will be the people who truly follow me and my Companions.’” (Jamey al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Iman) On another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said: َّ َ ْ ْ َ ٰ َ َ ٌ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ‫الن‬ ‫یـو ِشک ان یٔاتِی علی‬ ‫ام اِلا‬ ِ ٌ ‫اس ز َّ َمان لا ی ْبقی ِمن ُال ِاسل‬ ِ ُ ْ ‫ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ ٰ م َن‬ ُ َ َ َُْ ْ ‫اجدھ ْم َعا ِم َرۃ َو ِھ َی‬ ‫س‬ ‫م‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫م‬ ‫س‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ِلا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫آن‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ال‬ ِ ‫اسمہ ولا یبقی‬ ِ َّ ْ ِ َ َ ْ َ ‫َ َ ٌ م َن ْ ُ ٰ ُ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ّ َم ْن‬ ‫الس َما ِء ِم ْن‬ ‫خراب ِ الھدی ع َلماؤھم شر ُ تحت ادِی ِم‬ ْ ْ َ ‫ِع ْن ِدھِ ْم تخ ُر ُج ال ِف ْت َنۃ َو ِف ْیھِ ْم ت ُع ْو ُد‬ “A time will come when nothing will remain of Islam except its name and nothing will remain of the Quran except its script. Mosques will be full of worshippers, but as far as righteousness is concerned, they will be empty and deserted. Their religious leaders will be the worst people under Heaven and strife will issue from them and return to them [i.e. they will be the source of all the ills].” (Mishkat-ulMasabih) In another hadith, the Holy Prophetsa said: َ ْ َ​َ ُ َ َ َّ ‫ائهم ف ِإذا هم قردة‬ ‫الناس ِإلى علم‬ ‫تكون فِي أم ِتي فزعة فيصير‬ َ َ َ ‫وخنا ِزير‬ “There will be a great fear that will come upon my Ummah. The people will go to their religious scholars but will find them as apes and swine.” (Nawadir-ulUsul-fi-Ahadith-ir-Rasul) The above ahadith foretell serious religious disputes and strife between the followers of Islam that would cause them to split into different sects and their

respective ulema (scholars) would lead them further away from the true teachings of Islam.

On the other hand, the Holy Prophetsa also gave the following glad tiding: َ ّ ُ ْ َ ٰ َ ّ ُ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّ ُ ‫س كل ِمائ ِة َس َن ٍة ّم ْن يجَد ُد‬ ِ ‫اِن اللہ يبعث ِله ِذ ِه الام َ ِة َعلي رأ‬ ‫لها دِيْ َن َها‬ “Verily, Allah will appoint for this ummah, at the head of every century, one who will revive its religion for it.” (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-ul-Malahim) The revival of religion does not imply that the mujaddids [reformers] would abrogate or add any verse to the Holy Quran, or annul any commandment of God and introduce a new instruction in the shariah [Divine law]. It simply means that the misinterpretations of the Islamic teachings and the errors brought about in the ummah of Islam shall be removed through the efforts of mujaddids and the people will be reformed. These meanings could be understood with help of an Arabic saying: ‫وجدد الثوب ای اعادہ الی اول امرہ‬ “The clothes were mended, i.e. restored to their original condition.” (Al-Mausu‘ah alBahus; See under the word: tajdid) The Promised Messiahas said: “Allah the Almighty promised that He would send mujaddids to revive the religion [of Islam]. Tajdid means that a cloth, which has become contaminated with dirt, is washed and cleaned, and the dirt is completely separated from it, rendering it good as new. In the same way, after a certain period of time in religion, different kinds of errors enter into beliefs and religious practices and gradually, even the basis of faith is founded on old stories and nothing stays in hand except for tales. Then, in such a situation, Allah the Almighty has promised [to the followers of] Islam through the Holy Prophetsa

that at the turn of every century, He will continue to send people who will revive the religion.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 665) On another occasion, the Promsied Messiahas states: “It is a matter of principle that with the passage of each century, the existing generation also leaves this world. The scholars, the huffaz of the Quran and the holy and pious people of that generation all pass away. Hence, the need arises for a person to be raised in order to revive the religion of Islam; otherwise this religion would perish if a new arrangement was not made to keep it pure in subsequent centuries. For this reason, at the turn of every century, God appoints a person who saves Islam from dying, and grants it new life, and safeguards the world from the errors, religious innovations, negligence and indolence that have crept into the people.” (The Advent of the Promised Messiah, pp. 11-12) Today, Islam in general is no longer that Islam as it was in the time of the Holy Prophetsa. Every person’s heart feels that there has been a decline in Islam. There was a time in Islam regarding which Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: َ ‫ين َك َف ُروا لَوْ كَانُوا ُم ْس ِلم‬ َ ‫ُربَ َما يَوَ ُّد الَّ ِذ‬ ‫ين‬ ِ “Often will the disbelievers wish that they were Muslims.” (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.3) However, today is the time when Islam is becoming the reason of everyone’s objection. Keeping non-Muslims aside, educated people among Muslims are skeptical about Islam on many issues. Some object its fundamentals, some question its moral teaching and some are reluctant to its practical application. No rational person can deny that a great change has occurred in Islam. Moreover, the current state of Islam, which cannot even provide satisfaction to the Muslims is testimony to

the fact that Islam has deteriorated at this time.

Hence, the only question left is whether Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas has really presented to the world the true Islam, which not only attracts the hearts of Muslims but also the followers of other religions, and whether or not he has removed the flaws and errors that have been mixed in its pure teachings by narrow-minded and selfish mullahs.

In answer to this question, we will discuss some basic articles of Islam to show the damage it has suffered owing to the actions of the so-called Muslims and its restoration at the hands of the Promised Messiahas.

Faith in Allah the Almighty holds the central and primary position in Islam and all other articles of faith and doctrines of Islam are like branches and leaves of this tree. The highest and prominent part of faith in Allah is tawhid [unity of God]: ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َ ‫لا اِل َہ اِلا الل ُہ‬ “There is none worthy of worship except Allah.”

The greatest prophet of Allah, the Holy Prophetsa spread and promulgated this uncompromising belief in the Oneness of God from the time of his Divine appointment as a messenger till he breathed his last. He was so cautious regarding the doctrine of tawhid that during his final illness, the Holy Prophetsa warned his ummah not to indulge in shirk and cursed those who had taken graves as places of worship. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Janaiz) Allah the Almighty honoured the words of His Prophet Muhammadsa and saved his blessed tomb from being worshiped.

However, nobody could have imagined that the followers of Islam and admirers of the Holy Prophetsa would go against this blessed teaching of God’s unity and lay prostrate before the shrines and graves of human beings.

A great number of Muslims are directly or indirectly involved in practices which constitute to shirk. Some of them offer prayers facing the so-called sacred places of their elders. Others declare ordinary people to be the knowers of the unseen.

Several among them consider saints as partners in the attributes of God. They beseech the dead to fulfill their wishes.

They sacrifice and offer it on the graves for the acceptance of prayers. Certain people believe that their saints who have passed away are somehow alive and present. The most worrisome thing is that all the said acts of shirk are done in the name of the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa.

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Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM Someone might argue that these practices are only found in ignorant people and the ulema are against them. The fact of the matter is that many Muslims are explicitly or implicitly, knowingly or unknowingly, believing in such ideas or perform such deeds that are totally against the unity of God. Certain sects of Islam claim that they strictly keep away from shirk and show disgust towards those who perform such acts. However, they believe that Prophet Jesusas is bodily alive in the heavens and he used to bring the physically dead to life. In this way, they attribute such qualities to a human being that are only present in God. Allah the Almighty clearly states in the Holy Quran that the dead cannot be resurrected and sent back to the earth, as God says: َّ َ ۤ ٰ ۡ َ َ َ ‫َو َ� ٰر ٌم َع ٰلی � ۡريَ ٍﺔ ا ۡﻫلکن َها ان ُه ۡم لَا يَ ۡﺮ ِﺟ ُعوۡ َن‬ “And it is an inviolable law for a township which We have destroyed that they shall not return.” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.96) Mentioning the dead at another place in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states: ُ ٌَ َ ‫َو ِم ۡن ّو َرآﰱِ ِه ۡم بَ ۡﺮزخ ِالٰی يَوۡ ِم يُ ۡب َعﺜوۡ َن‬ “And behind them is a barrier until the day when they shall be raised again.”

(Surah al-Muminun, Ch.23: V.101) A hadith of the Holy Prophetsa regarding Hazrat Jabirra also emphasises that dead people cannot physically return to the earth. The Holy Prophetsa stated, “God Almighty asked him [Hazrat Jabirra] what his wish was, so He may fulfil it?” He replied, “O Allah! My wish is to be granted life again and to be returned to the world, so that I may attain martyrdom again for Your cause.” As it was against the practice of God Almighty, He said, “I cannot do this, for the dead cannot be returned to the world.” (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Abwab Tafseer-ul-Quran) ُ َ ْ Many Muslims take the words ‫أ ْح�ِ� ال َموْت ٰی‬ (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.50) literally, which are used in the Holy Quran regarding Prophet Jesusas. However, these words refer to the revival of the spiritually dead. These meanings are supported by the following verse of the Holy Quran: ُ ُ َ َ ّٰ ۡ ‫ٰۤياَ ّيُ َها الَّ ِذيۡ َن ٰا َم ُنوا‬ ‫اس َت ِج ۡي ُبوۡا لِل ِہ َو ل ِّ�ر ُسوۡ ِل ِاذا َد َعا� ۡم ل َِما يُ ۡح ِي ۡيک ۡم‬ “O ye who believe! respond to Allah, and the Messenger when he calls you that he may give you [spiritual] life.” (Surah alAnfal, Ch.8: V.25) A large number of Muslims also believe that Prophet Jesusas used to create birds like the creation of God Almighty. However, no one has the power except Allah to create life, as God says: َّ َُۡ َ ً َ ُ​ُۡ ّٰ ‫َو ال ِذيۡ َن يَ ۡد ُعوۡ َن ِم ۡن ُد ۡو ِن الل ِہ لَا يَﺨلقوۡ َن ش ۡيﺌا ّو ُﻫ ۡم يُﺨلقوۡ َن‬ “And those on whom they call beside Allah create not anything, but they are themselves created.” (Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.21) On another occasion, Allah Almighty states: َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ّٰ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َ َ ّٰ ُ ‫ام ﺟعلوا لِل ِہ شرك‬ ‫ﺂء خلقوۡا كﺨل ِق ٖہ ف َتشابَ َہ الﺨل ُﻖ َعل ۡي ِه ۡم ؕ ق ِل الل ُہ خال ُِﻖ‬ َ​َۡ ۡ َ َ ُ ‫ك ِ ّل ش ۡی ٍء ّو ُﻫوَ الوَا ِح ُد الق ّه ُار‬ “Or, do they assign to Allah partners who have created the like of His creation so that the two creations appear similar to them?’ Say, ‘Allah alone is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Most

Supreme.’” (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.17) The Promised Messiahas appeared in this world and restored the glory of God Almighty. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas announced in light of the Holy Quran that Prophet Jesusas had passed away and he used to bring the spiritually dead to life. The Promised Messiahas shattered the religious innovations and openly rejected all forms of shirk that had crept into the practices of Muslims.

The Promised Messiahas states: “The Holy Quran says that God is free from all defects and is not subject to failure or shortcoming and it is His desire that man, too, should free himself of his weaknesses by following His commandments. He says: َ َ َ َ َ ‫َو َم ْن ك‬ ‫ان �ِ� َﻫ ِذ ِہ أ ْع َمی ف ُهوَ �ِ� الْ�� َِر ِة أ ْع َمی‬ i.e., he who has no ‘sight’ in this world and is unable to behold the Peerless One, shall also be blind in the Hereafter, and darkness shall not leave him. [Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.73] “This will happen because the faculties that enable man to behold God are given to him in this world and he who does not possess them and does not take them with him [to the Hereafter], will not be able to behold Him in that world either. In this verse, God Almighty has clearly defined the progress He expects from man and the heights he can attain by following His commandments.

“In the Holy Quran, God has given us the perfect teaching, which, if truly followed, enables us to behold Him in this very life. He says: َ َ َ ُْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫اء َر ّب ِہ َف ْل َي ْع َم ْل َع َملًا َﺻال ًِحا َولَا يُ ْ�ر ْك � ِع َب‬ ‫اد ِة َر ِّب ِہ أ َح ًدا‬ ِ ‫من كان ي ْﺮﺟوا ل ِق‬ ِ ِ i.e., whoever desires to see God – the True Creator – in this life, should act righteously [Surah al-Kahf, Ch.18: V.111].

His actions should be free from mischief, ostentation, conceit and arrogance, and should neither be defective, nor deficient, nor contrary to one’s personal love [for God]; and should instead be imbued with sincerity and faithfulness. He should also abstain from shirk [associating partners with God] and should worship neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, nor air, nor fire, nor water, nor anything else.

He should also not put his faith in the physical means as though they were God’s partners. Nor should he depend upon his own prowess, for this also amounts to idolatry – shirk. Having done everything in his power, he should consider it of no consequence and should not pride himself on his knowledge or his efforts and should think himself ignorant and worthless.

His soul should always lie prostrate at the threshold of the Almighty, seeking His grace through prayer and supplication.

Therefore, you should become like a thirsty and invalid person who finds a fountain of clear fresh water and tries to reach it stumbling and falling and, when he finally puts his lips to it, does not let go until he is fully satiated.

“In the Holy Quran, God describes His attributes as follows: َ ُ ُ َّ ُ َّ ُ ّٰ ٌ َ َ ُ ّٰ َ ُ ْ ُ ‫الص َم ُد ۔ ل َ ْم يَ ِل ْد َول َ ْم يُوْل َ ْد ۔ َول َ ْم يَک ْن ل ُہ كف ًوا أ َح ٌد‬ ‫قل ﻫو اللہ أحد ۔ اللہ‬ i.e., your God is One in His Being and in His attributes. No one is eternal and everlasting like Him, nor does anything possess attributes similar to His [Surah al-Ikhlas, Ch.112: V.2-5]. Man depends

upon a teacher for his knowledge, yet his knowledge remains incomplete, but God needs no teacher, for His knowledge knows no bounds. Man depends upon the air for his hearing which is limited, but God’s hearing is inherent and unlimited.

Man depends upon the light of the sun or other sources of light to see, and his sight is restricted, but God sees by His own light and His sight encompasses everything. In order to create, man is dependent upon matter and requires time, and his power of creation is confined, but God’s power of creation is not dependent upon matter or time, nor is it in any way limited. This is because all His attributes are unique like Himself, and if even one of them was flawed, they would all be considered flawed.

His unity – tawhid – cannot be established unless He is seen to be peerless both in His

Person and in His attributes.

“In the final part of these verses, the Holy Quran says that God is not the son of anyone, nor does He have a son. He is Self-Sufficient and has no need of a father or a son. This is the unity of God – tawhid – which the Holy Quran teaches us and this is the basis of our faith.” (Lecture Lahore, pp. 9-12) Countless works and writings of the Promised Messiahas stress on believing in the oneness of the Almighty Allah and provide special guidance to achieve nearness to God. Throughout his life, the Promised Messiahas advised his followers in particular and other Muslims in general to stay away from even minute acts of shirk, as they would ultimately lead us away from Allah and drop us in the hands of Satan.

Launch of APPG report into persecution of Ahmadi Muslims Fareed Ahmad Secretary External Affairs, Jamaat UK

On 20 July 2020, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launched (online) its report, entitled “Suffocation of the Faithful: The Persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and the Rise of International Extremism.”

More than 5,000 people from 15 countries have seen the broadcast so far (including NGOs, government officials, embassy staff, parliamentarians and Jamaat members) on both Zoom and YouTube.

Sir Iftikhar Ayaz

The launch was promoted by MPs and the main APPG twitter (@APPG_Muslim) that had 295,000 views. Three special videos were prepared for the APPG Twitter account that proved very successful. We also had a special message of support from the Bishop of Truro who led the government’s report on the persecution of Christians.

The report followed the APPG’s enquiry held in 2018 in parliament where there were five evidence sessions where a range of experts and victims of persecution gave Continued on page 11

Rafiq Hayat

Lord Ahmad

Siobhain McDonagh MP

Ed Davey MP

Shahbaz Taseer

Lord Alton

John Pontifex

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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100 Years Ago...

Eid in London, sermons in Hyde Park and tabligh Al Fazl, 29 July 1920 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

Eid in London The Ahmadiyya Jamaat, London, offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Ahmadiyya Darul Tabligh [mission house] on 17 June at 11am.

The notification published by Darul Dawat [tabligh house] was sent to all members of the Jamaat. Consequently, despite the fact that it was not a holiday, our friends left work and came for [Eid] prayers.

On this occasion, Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal Sahib delivered a befitting and apt sermon. Explaining the philosophy of fasting and the reality of Eid, he said that fasting is one of the ibadaat [acts of worship] in Islam and Islam is not merely the name of beliefs but performing acts of worship and righteous deeds are also compulsory. Christianity has ruined the nature of people. People here have come to understand that just as Christianity is the name of a few beliefs, so is Islam the name of a few doctrines of faith.

As a result, those who convert to Islam from Christianity are weak in [performing] deeds.

Thus, those who embrace Islam have a duty to bring about [a positive] transformation in their deeds, because as long as you will not observe fasting and prayers after becoming a Muslim and do not transform your life, you do not deserve to be called a Muslim.

In reality, Eid is for those and only those are worthy of celebrating Eid who produce a real change in themselves.

Sermon in Hyde Park By the grace of Allah, our tabligh campaign,

which has started at the gates of Hyde Park by taking advantage of the wonderful and pleasant summer season of London, is becoming very successful. Almost everyday within the last week, missionaries have been conveying the message of Allah’s Messenger, Muhammadsa of Arabia and Hazrat [Ahmadas] Nabiyullah [Prophet of God] to the English men and women. Moreover, by the blessings and grace of God, the intellectual English people are amazed to hear the words of scholars who have come from the East. They listen, standing like statues. Speakers get off the platform and speeches end. Rain comes pouring down but those who can listen by opening up umbrellas do not move from their place.

Praise be to Allah! Peace and blessings be upon Muhammadsa of Arabia and peace be upon the Promised Messiahas that the words of God are being fulfilled! The Promised Messiahas, through his servants, addresses hundreds of men and women in the open air of London. These people take off their hats and greet the walking missionaries of Ahmadiyyat and thank them for conveying the message of the Messiah. The effect of these speeches is that many rational men and women have started to visit the Darul Dawat to seek more information.

Ahmadas was, no doubt, a prophet of God Mr Maynard, an American tourist, who is very interested in Islam, came to the Ahmadiyya Darul Tabligh after visiting the Woking Mission and met missionaries there. He showed satisfaction in the prophethood of Ahmadas and listened to the prophecies of Hazrat Sahibas regarding his progeny, promulgation of Islam and the Tsar. Thereafter, when the Arabic poetry of Huzooras was recited in front of him, as he himself knew Arabic, he said instantaneously: “Ahmad was, no doubt, a prophet of God.” Moreover, after meeting the servants of

the Promised Messiahas, he said impulsively: “I have, for the first time in my life, met people like you.”

A letter from a new Muslim lady Our friends may remember that while referring to the Islam of a new Muslim woman, I wrote that she had said in Arabic when she converted to Islam: ‫لیس من ھنا۔ بل من ھنا‬ “Not from here [pointing to the mouth] but [I have accepted Islam] from here [putting her hand on the heart].”

This poor Maryam experience some hardships and suffered at the hands of the so-called Muslims, but in spite of this affliction, she did not waver from her Islam.

She writes: “It’s been nine months since I left London. From then on, I have had difficult days. And my faith as a new Muslim has passed a severe test. But this rigorous test did not find me weak in my time of trial.

And you will be delighted to hear that I remain an honest and sincere servant of Muhammad Rasulullah [Prophet of Allah].

A message to the Paighamis The newspaper, Paigham, wrote regarding Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib that he called the people of Woking useless and did not look at their work with respect.

In response to this objection, respected Chaudhry Sahib says: “The newspaper, Paigham, had raised objections on Mufti Sahib’s work in bad words. After reading it, I said to a friend that the people of Woking are probably out of work and sitting idle. That is why they concoct such objections.

“This is the actual context of my words.

Otherwise, what do we know if they work or not? A person who does not possess anything interesting while writing articles wishes to create interest by attacking others.

“As far as our work is concerned, who

is with us? How many are there? How are they? We do not need to engage in any debate to answer these questions. There is a veil that will be lifted on its own and the real truth will be manifested upon the world. We know this and can say it with confidence that there is not a single new English Ahmadi Muslim on the side of those who attacked us. Just as the Muslims of India are with them, so are the [general] English. On the other hand, those who are with us, whether few or many, very poor or rich, they are Ahmadis and they believe in the messengership of the Promised Messiah. As for going to the mosque for offering prayers, Syed Amir Ali and Sir Aga Khan also go there [to pray]. Do they also belong to the Jamaat of ghair mubai‘een [those who denied to perform Bai‘at]?

“As much as the new English Muslims are associated with Woking, so are they with us. His excellency Lord Headley, while sitting in the Ahmadiyya Darul Tabligh, discussed with Dr Leon and said, ‘If Muhammadsa Rasulullah is a messenger of Allah after Prophet Jesusas, then why is Ahmadas not Prophet of God after Muhammadsa Rasulullah.’

“Certainly, we see our friends succeeding in one thing so far and that is their efforts have somewhat been effective to keep the new Muslim Englishmen from joining us and from listening to the message of the Promised Messiahas owing to their mosque, political designs, lavish meals and the influence of Indian non-Ahmadis.

However, [their success] is short-lived: ‫ولاےئ امہنپ رہ ی‬ ‫عسد وخادہ وبد‬ ‫دناےئ حتف امن ی�اں انبم ام ابدش‬ “‘The refuge of my [the Promised Messiah’s] flag will be acquired by every blessed person and the announcement of the glorious victory of my name shall be made.’”

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Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

Verbal testimony of a pious man about the Promised Messiahas Akhbar Faruq, 29 July to 5-12 August, 1920 Respected editor sahib of Faruq [newspaper], may God bless you abundantly. First and foremost, I extend the gift of “Assalamo alaikum” [peace be upon you]. Then, I wish to express that there is a place [by the name of] Bath located on the bank of river Ravi at a distance of seven kos [one kos is equal to approximately two miles], south of our village.

A majzub faqir [a dervish immersed in God’s love] has been living there for a long time. Around 20 days ago, one of our Ahmadi brothers, along with a non-Ahmadi friend, happened to cross the path where that faqir sits. Our Ahmadi brother said “Assalamo alaikum” to him. In reply, he said, “Wa alaikumussalam.” Hearing this answer, our Ahmadi brother discerned that as the faqir was willing to have discourse that day, he should enquire about something else as well.

He then requested the faqir to pray for him.

Thus, the faqir prayed for his perseverance.

Thereafter, he asked the faqir, “People say that Prophet Jesusas is about to descend from heaven. Will it really happen? And if so, when will it happen?” The faqir replied, “Bhai! That Jesus has passed away. He cannot come now.” Then our brother said, “O Hazrat, a man [named] Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib has claimed to be the Messiah, Mahdi and Mujaddid in Qadian, district Gurdaspur. Is he right in his claim?” Faqir Sahib replied that he was absolutely truthful in his claim and every single person should take his Bai‘at. After that, both of them bade farewell and left. They had just come a short distance when our brother asked his non-Ahmadi friend, “What do you say brother? The matter has been confirmed now and you people have perfect faith in such faqirs.” In reply to

that, he said, “Since you are an Ahmadi, Faqir Sahib has conversed with you but he did not talk to me.” Thereupon, our brother said, “We still have time. Let’s go back to Faqir Sahib and find out for yourself.” So they both went back. That time, the conversation took place between the non-Ahmadi and Faqir Sahib about the claim of Messiah. The exact same answer was received again. After all that, if someone still refrains from accepting, it is due to their stubbornness. If someone is in doubt about the mentioned encounter, he can confirm from Nano Dogar, Tehsil Sharaqpur, as both of the said gentlemen are residents of that place.

Moreover, many other prophecies have come to the notice of the faqir, which are also confirmed by those who live there.

Muhammad Hussain Ahmadi, Alin [town], Tehsil Sharaqpur

Continued from page 9

countries to flourish and to achieve this, the human rights of all people must be upheld and protected. Every nation and every individual must play their role in the cause of peace so that the world we bequeath to our children and future generations is a world of peace and prosperity.”

Siobhain McDonagh, MP, chaired the meeting and there were 13 speakers. Some of the key points made were as following: Siobhain McDonagh, MP said: “Firm action needed by the government here and in Pakistan. These issues cannot just be pushed back to another time.”

Jim Shannon, MP, Co-Chair of the APPG for Freedom of Religion or Belief said that in his 2018 visit to Pakistan, he was advised not to talk about Ahmadis if he wanted productive meetings.

Discrimination and persecution holds Pakistan back, as was the case of Atif Mian.

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, APPG member and Former Foreign Secretary said: “The world must know about the three Ahmadi ‘Asia Bibis’ on death row.”

He praised the Jamaat and expressed his honour of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa residing in his constituency. He acknowledged Huzoor’saa message that freedom of religion matters for all as that promotes tolerance.

Ambassador Sam Brownback, US Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom said: “Denial of rights for Ahmadis affects all.

Religious nationalism harms all. Western democracies must be bold and aggressive in standing up for persecuted communities.”

Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP, APPG Vice-Chair and Acting Leader of the LibDems said: “This is a thorough, independent and authoritative report. The UK Government must review aid spending to ensure textbooks do not promote hate. The APPG will lobby the Home Secretary on refugee issue. The Foreign Office must be asked for a full and comprehensive response and how

this report will shape their policy towards Pakistan.”

Shahbaz Taseer, APPG Inquiry Witness and son of the late Salman Taseer said: “Minorities suffer in silence as there is a climate of impunity. The barbaric mindset of extremists is passed on systematically through schools to radicalise the youth.

The passport declaration is feeding hate.

Extremism is on the rise and is as populist rhetoric. The international community must speak up on this issue.”

John Pontifex, APPG Inquiry Witness, and Head of Advocacy at the Catholic NGO Aid to the Church in Need said: “Ahmadis suffer particularly, and other religious communities now also live fear and are forced into hiding.”

He welcomed that this report also covers other communities including Christians, Shias and Hindus and gave examples. This report is a very important wake up call.

Sir Iftikhar Ayaz Sb, APPG Inquiry Witness and Chairman of the International Human Rights Committee said: “Persecution is unchecked in Pakistan – even graves are targeted. Mullahs are given control of the education system e.g. recent issue of Tahir Ashrafi on Punjab syllabus board. Persecution has spread to other countries e.g. the recent exhumation of the Ahmadi baby in Bangladesh. 8,000 refugees surviving in appalling conditions for many years without hope. UK Government must help in resettlement of Ahmadis.”

Fiyaz Mughal OBE, APPG Inquiry Witness and founder of Faith Matters said: “UK Local authorities, influenced by Muslim councillors, pursue anti-Ahmadi agendas in the UK e.g. on religious education councils in the UK. UK Imams, who enjoy British pluralism instigate anti-Ahmadi hate e.g. Imams in the UK supported Atif Mian being removed from Pakistan Economic Advisory Council – yet same Imams complain about Islamophobia in the UK – these double standards is unacceptable. Anti-Ahmadi prejudice is clearly linked to extremism more widely.”

evidence to the parliamentarians. This was followed by submissions made by various NGOs that provided further evidence and information.

The 150-page report is the first report of any such parliamentary group that details the issue of persecution of Ahmadi Muslims and its international impact.

The report has 5 chapters: 1. The Origins of State-Sponsored Persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan 2. The Persecution of Ahmadi Muslims from the Cradle to the Grave 3. The Persecution of other Religious Communities in Pakistan 4. The International Persecution of Ahmadi Muslims 5. The Impact of Persecution on Extremism in the UK A special message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, for the report launch was read by Fareed Ahmad Sahib, National Secretary External Affairs UK. This is also now published in full online on the APPG website.

Huzooraa said: “Where such vile acts targeting Ahmadi Muslims and the perpetual denial of our religious freedom are a means of grief to us, we also believe it has a wider impact on society at large. Paramount to the success and progress of any nation is the principle of non-discrimination and only those societies can truly progress in which all citizens are treated equally. Certainly, this was the noble vision laid out by the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and remains the true pathway to peace in any nation or society.”

Huzooraa went on to say: “I am extremely appreciative of the fact that the report you are launching today calls for religious freedom for all people, irrespective of their caste, creed or colour ... We earnestly desire for Pakistan to prosper and to succeed. Indeed, we want all

Sara Khan, Commissioner for Countering Extremism said: “The Commission’s 2019 Report on hateful extremism includes issues facing UK Ahmadis including denial of membership on key bodies (SACRE) and calling for the death of Ahmadis and boycotts. Where extremism thrives, values are eroded and undermined. We have to stand up for all communities. Where public bodies cave into anti-Ahmadi hate – this is hypocrisy and is unacceptable.”

Lord Alton, APPG Member and CoChair of the APPG for Pakistan Minorities summed the key recommendations of the report noting the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan being “akin to impending genocide” and that the crime reporting process in Pakistan being undermined by threats of violence. FIR process must be overhauled murderers and agitators face no prosecution. Even Pakistan ministers are calling for death of Ahmadis.

He stressed that Pakistan must return to Jinnah’s values. Action needed on refugees and on for aid funding to be scrutinized to ensure it does not promote hate. Stop hate preachers from coming to the UK. Voting rights of Ahmadis must be restored.

Lord Alton sent an advance comment on the report saying: “I have read the report, in its entirety, this morning... It is an outstanding piece of work … I hope that a copy is sent to every member of both Houses. It deserves to be widely read. Congratulations to everyone involved on a fine achievement.”

Lord Ahmad, Minister for South Asia and for Human Rights “provided the response to the report by Her Majesty’s government.” He mentioned that even the right to help others during the pandemic has been denied to Ahmadis and that the situation of Ahmadis in Pakistan is grave.

He regularly raises with the government of Pakistan the issues of persecution of Ahmadis.

He welcomed the report and looks forward to working with the APPG to see how best the UK can take the recommendations forward.

The government will look further into hate and UK funding for education. He noted the denial of the right of Ahmadis to vote.

Rafiq Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat-eAhmadiyya UK, stressed that we are not anti-Pakistan and all we are seeking is equal rights for Ahmadis and other religious communities so that there is freedom of religion for all. The ongoing persecution in Pakistan and across the world – including the issue of refugees – as was the Interfaith Scotland issue where we are being denied membership due to anti-Ahmadi hate.

Amir Sahib said that the report made the issues very clear and now it is the duty of governments to respond and not just offer words of hope.

The meeting was scheduled to run from 5.30pm to 6.45pm but it overran by 30 mins and finished at 7.15pm.

The full report went live after the event on the new website for the APPG at www.

APPG-AhmadiyyaMuslim.org.uk The full video of the launch is available on the APPG’s YouTube Channel www. youtube.com/channel/UC2wP7srdjoaLgy_ yNr3tQcA

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Tackling obesity for 1,400 years Jalees Ahmad London

The World Health Organization, under its key facts about obesity, said that in 2016, more than 1.9 billion people were overweight with 650 million being obese.

Each year, it is said, 2.8 million people die due to health risks of being overweight.

Earlier this week, the UK government drew out a plan to tackle obesity and take a “global lead” in the obesity strategy. “Buy one, get one free” deals on junk food will be banned, calories are to be displayed on menus and a plan to ban junk food adverts on television before 9pm is now confirmed.

It is safe to say that the coronavirus has exposed the UK’s heavy and underlying risk of bad health.

With the UK focusing more on the population’s health, now more than ever, many will find adjusting to a new sort of lifestyle hard to digest. Those individuals who are accustomed to eating excessively will be faced with new life choices.

Nonetheless, it can be said with confidence that the population’s dietary patterns will see a drastic shift.

As Muslims, we have the complete code of conduct, Islam, which teaches us even the basics with such detail making it digestible.

We have the perfect example of our honourable Prophet Muhammadsa before us who taught us a variety of life lessons; from how to attain a spiritual connection with the Divine to the minutest subtleties of everyday life.

It goes without saying that whenever the world (or the UK in this reference) faces a dilemma, the light and beauties of Islam continue to shimmer down upon us.

Muslims, for 1,400 years now, have already had the perfect and complete way of life, which aids and assists in tackling several obstacles such as obesity and stoutness.

1,400 years ago, the Holy Quran, on multiple occasions, as well as the noble example of the Holy Prophetsa, emphasised on eating well, eating a moderate amount and most importantly, eating that which is healthy and pure: َّ َّ َ َ ُ​ُ َ َ َ ُ ُ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ‫ض َح ٰللًا ط ِّی ًبا ۖ۫ ّو لَا تت ِب ُعوۡا خط ٰو ِت الش ۡی ٰط ِن‬ ‫اس کلوۡا ِم ّما فِی الۡا ۡر‬ ‫یایہا الن‬ ِ َ ُ ّ ۡ ُ ٌ ‫ؕ ِان ٗہ لَک ۡم َع ُد ّو ّم ِبی ٌن‬ “O ye men! Eat of what is lawful and good in the earth; and follow not the footsteps of

Satan; surely, he is to you an open enemy.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.169) ُ ۡ َ َ ً ّٰ ُ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ ّٰ ُ َ‫الل ِہ ا ۡن ُک ۡن ُت ۡم ا ّی‬ ‫اہ‬ ِ ِ ‫فکلوۡا ِم ّما َرزقک ُم الل ُہ َح ٰللا ط ِّی َ ًبا ۪ ّو اشک ُر ۡوا ن ِۡع َم َت‬ ‫ت ۡع ُب ُد ۡو َن‬ “So eat of the lawful and good things which Allah has provided for you; and be grateful for the bounty of Allah, if it is Him you worship.” (Surah an-Nahl, Ch.16: V.115) As Muslims, not only are we instructed

by Allah the Almighty to eat that which is halal, but it must also be tayyab i.e. good, pure, wholesome and agreeable. At times, something that may be halal can also be considered unlawful. This is a teaching unique to Islam alone. ُ َ‫ٰۤیاَ ّیُ َہا الَّذیۡ َن ٰا َم ُنوۡا ک ُ ُلوۡا م ۡن َط ّی ٰبت َما َر َز ۡق ٰن ُک ۡم َو ۡاش ُک ُر ۡوا ل ِّٰل ِہ ا ۡن ُک ۡن ُت ۡم ا ّی‬ ‫اہ‬ َِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫ت ۡع ُب ُد ۡو َن‬ “O ye who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided for you, and render thanks to Allah, if it is He Whom you worship.” (Surah al-Baqarah Ch.2: V.173) The subject matter of tayyab has also been alluded to in another verse of the Holy Quran: َّ ُ ُ ُ َُۤ َ َ ُ ‫یَ ۡسـَٔلوۡنک َماذا ا ِح َّل ل َ ُہ ۡم ؕ ق ۡل ا ِح َّل لَک ُم الط ِّی ٰب ُت‬ “They ask thee what is made lawful for them. Say, ‘All good things have been made lawful for you.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.5) These verses indicate, under the َ word ‫ ط ِّی ٰب ِت‬, that Muslims must refrain from such foods as may cause any sort of hindrance to the physical, moral and spiritual health. The Holy Quran has explained that though something may be halal, it is not absolutely necessary that it fall under the category of tayyab. For example, the consuming of chicken or goat may be halal; however, if the particular meat is rotten, then it goes against the requirement of tayyab.

Thus, here, where the Holy Quran mentions halal, it also mentions tayyab, highlighting a very significant point that where the Holy Quran has spoken about food, it also firmly indicates and emphasises the eating of good, pure and wholesome things.

Not only has the Quran strongly stressed the importance on halal and tayyab, but also encourages Muslims to refrain from excessive eating: َّ ُ ُ ۡ ُ​ُ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ُ ُ ‫ٰی َبن ِۡۤی ٰا َد َم خذ ۡوا زِیۡن َتک ۡم ِعن َد ک ِ ّل َم ۡس ِج ٍد ّو کلوۡا َو اش َربُوۡا َو لَا ت ۡس ِرفوۡا ۚ ِان ٗہ‬ ۡ ُ ۡ ‫لَا یُ ِح ّب ال ُم ۡس ِرفِی َن‬ “O children of Adam! Look to your adornment at every time and place of worship and eat and drink but exceed not the bounds; surely, He does not love those who exceed the bounds.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.32) Here, to “exceed not the bounds” implies that one should eat a moderate amount and

that one should not continue to eat the same types of food all the time. Researchers from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, after conducting a research, said that people who were eating a moderate amount of carbohydrates had lower mortality rates. (www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-thenews/eat-moderate-amount-of-carbs-forhealth) Thus, the Holy Quran has repeatedly reminded Muslims of the significance and importance of maintaining and upholding a healthy dietary routine and this is exactly in accordance with the practice of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Quran has stated: “Verily you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much.” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.22) The Holy Prophetsa was very cautious with regard to excessive eating. On one occasion, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said, “The food for two persons is sufficient for three, and the food of three persons is sufficient for four persons.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-At‘imah, Hadith 5392) Similarly, in a narration recorded in Jamey al-Tirmidhi, Hazrat Miqdam said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah saying, ‘The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink and third for his breath.’” (Jamey al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Zuhd, Hadith 2380) In another narration of Sahih al-Bukhari, it is narrated that Hazrat Anasra, with regard to the Holy Prophetsa, said: “To the best of my knowledge, the Prophetsa did not take his meals in a big tray at all, nor did he ever eat well-baked thin bread, nor did he ever eat at a dining table.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-At‘imah, Hadith 5386) Thus, it is unequivocally clear that as well as providing and accommodating for our spiritual needs, Islam has additionally

drawn out a healthy dietary plan for us to follow, hence being a complete and perfect code of life.

Alluding to the Promised Messiah’sas book, Ayyamus-Sulh, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in the Friday Sermon of 17 May 2019, said: “The Promised Messiahas states that the type of food one eats also has an effect on one’s spirituality. Thus, one needs to adopt moderation in relation to their diet as well.

One should not be given to a diet consisting of only meat, nor should one only have a diet of greens and vegetables. One should adopt moderation in all the various foods God Almighty has provided for mankind and which He has declared as halal [lawful] and tayyab [pure and wholesome] and one should not exceed beyond the limits.

Subsequently, such a practise will also affect one’s spirituality.

“When one adopts a balanced diet, they also develop a balance in their moral state and will remain inclined to the worship of God. The Promised Messiahas states that it is indeed the beautiful teachings of Islam that have provided us guidance in all matters.

Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas states that it is an immense favour of God Almighty, which He has bestowed on man that He has laid down certain principles to maintain good health. In fact, God Almighty has stated: ۡ ُ​ُ ُ ُ ‫کلوۡا َواش َربُوۡا َولَا ت ۡس ِرفوۡا‬ “That is to say, indeed one should eat and drink but in moderation and not eat excessively.

“The reason for this is because this will also adversely affect one’s physical condition, which then ultimately has an impact on one’s spirituality as well.

“Thus, a true servant of God, who wholly devotes himself in the worship of God, not only seeks to improve his spiritual condition and develop a bond with God Almighty, but also seeks to improve his physical condition and utilise all the bounties endowed to him

by God Almighty in order to attain His pleasure. The comforts and luxuries of the world and consuming food and drink are not a believer’s ultimate objective; rather, one only seeks to derive benefit from these worldly bounties in order to attain the pleasure of God Almighty. Endeavouring to attain the pleasure of God Almighty is in fact the ultimate objective.”

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Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 3 July 2020 Men of Excellence After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: I shall continue the accounts from the previous sermon about Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz. An account during the Battle of Badr was narrated in the previous sermon wherein Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz’s expression of loyalty and devotion was mentioned. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also narrated this account in his own words as well. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Naturally, when one possesses love for another, they do not desire for any harm to reach their beloved, nor would anyone wish for them to go to battle, rather they would make every possible attempt to save their beloved from battle. Likewise, the Companions did not desire for the Holy Prophetsa to go to battle.”

The Companions were not concerned as to why they themselves had to go to battle, rather they were concerned for the Holy Prophetsa going for battle and this is a natural desire that all devotees would have for their beloved. Furthermore, it is evident from history that when the Holy Prophetsa reached near Badr, he said to his Companions, “I have been informed by Allah the Almighty that we shall not be faced with the caravan, but with an army instead.”

The Holy Prophetsa then sought their counsel and asked, “What is your suggestion?” Upon hearing this, one after another, the esteemed Companions stood up and delivered extremely passionate speeches filled with zeal and devotion, saying they were ready to serve in any way possible. One after the other, they would stand and present their suggestions and then sit back down. Thus, all who stood up said that since God Almighty had instructed them to fight, then they would most certainly do so. Nevertheless, each time one of them had sat down after presenting their opinions, the Holy Prophetsa would ask for more counsel and the reason for this was that all the

Companions who had stood up until then were all Muhajireen and after repeatedly asking for counsel, Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, Chief of the Aus tribe understood the intention of the Holy Prophetsa behind this.

Representing the Ansar, he stood up and said, “O Messengersa of Allah, people are presenting their opinions on this matter, yet you continue to ask for further counsel.

Perhaps you wish to seek the counsel of the Ansar. Up till now, the reason why we have remained silent is that if we support going to battle, our Muhajireen brothers may assume that we only wish to fight and kill their people and their brothers.” He then said, “O Messengersa of Allah, perhaps you are mindful of the pledge we made with you at Aqabah, in which we presented the condition that if the opponents attack us in Medina, we shall grant protection, but we would not be responsible if we were to fight outside of Medina.” The Holy Prophetsa said, “Yes”. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz then submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah, before you arrived in Medina, we were not fully aware of the lofty rank and station you hold, but now we have witnessed your true

status with our own eyes. Therefore, the conditions no longer have any significance in our minds” i.e. the pledge that took place at Aqabah, which in worldly terms was an ordinary agreement. “But after what we have now witnessed and after our spiritual eyes have been opened, this [pledge] no longer has any significance. Therefore, we are with you wherever you go and by God, if you instruct us to dive in the sea, not a single one of us will remain behind. O Messengersa of Allah, we will fight in front of you and behind you, to your right and to your left and the enemy shall not reach you without trampling over our corpses.”

(Eik Ayat Ki Pur Ma‘arif Tasfir, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 18, pp. 620-621) Whilst commenting on verse 12 of Surah al-Ra‘d which is as follows: َْ ّ ْ ‫ل َ ٗہ ُم َع ِق ٰب ٌت ِّم ْۢن بَی ِن یَ َدیْ ِہ َو ِم ْن خل ِف ٖہ‬ “For him (the Messenger) is a succession [of angels] before him and behind him” (Surah al-Ra’d, Ch.13: V.12) Whilst elaborating upon this verse, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “The entire period of Holy Prophet’ssa

prophethood is evidence of this protection that God Almighty has promised” i.e. “We have appointed guardians before him and behind him”. It was the angels who were protecting him in Mecca, for how else could he have remained safe when he was surrounded by so many enemies? Then, of course he was granted both kinds of protection once he migrated to Medina – from heavenly angels and from angels of the earth, i.e. the Companionsra. The Battle of Badr is a wonderful example of this physical and spiritual protection. When the Holy Prophetsa reached Medina, he made a pact with the people of Medina that if he went and fought outside of Medina, it would not be incumbent upon them to support him. The Holy Prophetsa sought counsel from the Ansar and the Muhajireen with regard to fighting in the Battle of Badr. The Muhajireen would insist again and again to fight, but after hearing their suggestions, the Holy Prophetsa would still ask, ‘O people, give me counsel,’ Upon hearing this, an Ansari, (Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz) said, ‘Are you referring to us?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Yes’.

Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz then said, ‘It is true that we took an oath with you that if we were to fight outside [of Medina] we would not be compelled to aid you, but that was a different time. But now that we have witnessed that you are the rightful Prophet of Allah, what need is there for this counsel? If you instruct us to do so, we shall dive into the sea with our horses, for we are not like the companions of Mosesas who said “Go, you and your Lord to fight, we are sat here”, rather we shall fight to the right of you, to the left of you, in front of you and behind you, and the enemy shall not reach you without trampling over our corpses.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “In my opinion, these devout people were among the mu‘aqqibat i.e. the guardians whom God Almighty appointed to protect the Holy Prophetsa.

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“One of the companions states, ‘I accompanied the Holy Prophetsa in 13 battles, but instead of fighting in these battles, now my heart’s desire was if only I had been the one who uttered the words which were said by Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz i.e., the words of loyalty and devotion.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 3, p. 392) Whilst mentioning the devotion and sincerity of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz during the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes in Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin: “The place where the Muslim army encamped was not ideal (strategically). At this, Hubbabra bin Mundhir enquired of the Holy Prophetsa as to whether he had selected this place according to divine revelation or merely as a strategy of war.

Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘No divine commandment has been received in this regard; if you wish to make a proposal, then please do so.’ Hubbabra submitted, ‘Then in my opinion, this place is not ideal. It would be better to advance and take possession of the spring located closest to the Quraish. I am aware of this spring and its water is quite pleasant and generally plentiful as well.’

“The Holy Prophetsa approved of this proposal and until then, since the Quraish were still encamped on the opposite side of the hillock and the spring was unoccupied, the Muslims advanced and took possession of this spring. However, as mentioned in the Holy Quran, even at that time, the water of the spring was not as plentiful as usual and the Muslims were faced with a shortage of water. In addition to this, the side of the valley where the Muslims were positioned was not ideal either, because it was very sandy, which made it difficult to maintain a firm footing.

“After a place to setup camp had been selected, upon the proposal of Saadra bin Muaz, chieftain of the Aus, a sort of tent was prepared for the Holy Prophetsa to one side of the field. Saadra tied the mount of the Holy Prophetsa close to the tent and

said: “‘O Messengersa of Allah! Take a seat in this tent and we shall fight the enemy in the name of Allah. If Allah grants us victory, then this is our very desire. But if, God forbid, the matter takes a turn for the worse, then take your mount and reach Medina in any way possible.’” He tied a good mount to the tent. “‘There you shall find our brethren and kindred, who are no less than us in love and sincerity. However, since they were unaware that they would be confronted by war in this campaign, they have not come along. Otherwise, they would never have remained behind. When they become aware of the state of affairs, they shall not desist in laying down their lives to protect you.’

“This was the passionate sincerity of Saadra, which is worthy of praise in any case; but can it be fathomed that the Messengersa of Allah would ever flee from the field of battle?” The Holy Prophetsa was always at the forefront in battles. “As such, in the field of Hunain, an army of 12,000 turned their backs, but this centre of divine unity did not shake an inch. In any case, the tent was prepared, and Saadra, along with a few other Ansar, surrounded it and stood guard. The Holy Prophetsa retired to this tent along with Hazrat Abu Bakrra. All night long, weeping with utmost fervency, the Holy Prophetsa supplicated before Allah. It is written that in the entire army, it was only the Holy Prophetsa who remained awake all night. The rest were able to take some rest in turns.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, pp. 356-357) On the night of Friday during the time of the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, Hazrat Usaidra bin Hudair and Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah took up arms and stood guard on the door of the Holy Prophetsa in Masjid-e-Nabawi. During the Battle of Uhud, when the Holy Prophetsa ascended his mount with his bow on his shoulders and spear in his hand, the two Saads, i.e. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah were racing

ahead of him, clad in armour. (Al-Tabaqatul-Kubra, Vol. 2, pp. 28-30, Ghazwah Rasulillah, Dar-ul-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Whilst mentioning the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “Observing Asr Salat, the Holy Prophetsa set out from Medina with a large group of the Companions. The chieftains of the Aus and Khazraj tribe, Saadra bin Muaz and Saadra bin Ubadah proceeded along, running slowly, just ahead of the mount of the Holy Prophetsa. The rest of the Companions were on either side of the Holy Prophetsa and behind him.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, p. 486) When the Holy Prophetsa returned from the Battle of Uhud, he dismounted and entered his home with the assistance of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz and Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah. (Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, p. 229, Kitab Ghazwah Uhud, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1993) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned an incident that shows the deep love Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz’s mother had for the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra writes: “On the return from the Battle of Uhud, the reins of the Holy Prophet’s mount were held by Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, who was walking with great pride. His brother had been martyred in the battle. Upon reaching Medina, Hazrat Saadra saw his mother approaching and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! My mother is approaching.’ Hazrat Saadra’s mother was almost 80 or 82 years old and her eye sight was so weak that she could just about distinguish between light and dark. Rumours had spread that the Holy Prophetsa had been martyred.

Thus, upon hearing this news, with great difficulty, this aged woman also came outside of Medina. Hazrat Saadra informed the Holy Prophetsa that his mother was approaching. Upon this the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Stop my mount close to where your mother is [standing].’ When the Holy Prophetsa approached the elderly woman, she did not enquire about her sons. She only enquired about the whereabouts of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Saadra informed her that the Holy Prophetsa was standing in front of her. The elderly woman looked up with her weakened sight until her gaze became fixated upon the countenance of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘Dear lady, I grieve over the loss of your young son, who was martyred during the battle.’ If one hears this sort of news in their advanced years, it can be overbearing on their health. However, this elderly woman replied in a most loving manner by saying, ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

What is it that you say? I was only worried for your well-being.’”

After narrating this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra addressed Ahmadi women and advising them on their responsibility of performing tabligh [propagating the message of Islam], said: “These were the women who worked alongside men in propagating the message of Islam and it is the sacrifices of these very women which are a source of pride for the Islamic world. All of you claim to

have accepted the Promised Messiahas, who was the spiritual manifestation [buruz] of the Holy Prophetsa. This in essence means that you are the spiritual manifestation of the female companions of the Holy Prophetsa. Tell me openly, is the same level of passion for faith within you as was within the female companions?

Is the same spiritual light within you that was found in the female companions?

Are your children as pious as those of the female companions? If you ponder deeply, you will learn that you are all far behind the female companions. The sacrifices offered by them is not witnessed on the face of the earth even today. They offered sacrifices without showing any concern for their own lives. Allah the Almighty was so pleased with their sacrifices that He swiftly granted them success to the extent that the feats which other nations failed to achieve in centuries were made possible for them in only a few years.” (Fariza-e-Tabligh Aur Ahmadi Khawatin, Vol. 18, pp. 400-401) In this sermon, since Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra was speaking before Ahmadi women, for this reason they were primarily addressed. Otherwise, the Khulafa have mentioned on countless occasions, as have I, that the men also have to follow the same noble examples. Only then can we fulfil our claim that we will propagate Islam throughout the world and bring people under the banner of Islam. This can only be achieved when our actions and our sacrifices emulate the examples set for us by the companions.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “The Christians pride themselves on the fact that Mary Magdalene and the women with her reached the tomb of Jesusas whilst evading the enemy. I implore them to ponder over the conduct shown by the devoted and sincere followers of my beloved [the Holy Prophetsa] and see for themselves in which precarious circumstances they stood by him and under which conditions they waved the flag of the Unity of God aloft. An example of this devotion can be found when the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina having buried the martyrs of Uhud.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then presented the same incident of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz’s mother on this occasion also.

“After the dead had been buried and the Holy Prophetsa was returning to Medina, he saw that the women and children had come out of Medina to receive him. The reins of his mount was held by Saadra bin Muaz, a chief of Medina. Saadra was leading the mount with great pride. He seemed to proclaim to the world that they had after all succeeded in leading the Prophetsa back to Medina safely. As Saadra was advancing he saw his aged mother advancing to meet the returning party of Muslims. This elderly woman’s sight had become very weak. One of her sons, Amrra bin Muaz was also martyred in Uhud.

“Noticing her, he turned to the Holy Prophetsa and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! My mother’” i.e. “My mother is approaching.” “‘Let her come forward with blessings of God Almighty,’ replied the Holy Prophetsa.

15

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM “The woman came forward and with a vacant look, tried to spot the blessed countenance of the Holy Prophetsa. At last she was able to spot it and became overjoyed. Seeing her, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Dear lady! I grieve over the loss of your son.’ “‘O Messengersa of Allah’, replied the devoted woman, ‘After I have seen you alive, I have swallowed all my misfortunes,’ as it were. The expression used was ‘I have roasted my misfortune and swallowed it.’ What depth of emotion does this extraordinary expression indicate?

Normally, grief consumes a person, and here was an aged woman who had lost her son, a support for her old age. But seeing the Holy Prophetsa alive, she said that instead of letting her grief consume her, she had consumed her grief. ‘The thought that my son has been killed is not a means to bring me down, instead to learn that he has laid down his life for the sake of the Holy Prophetsa has given me strength once again.’”

Whilst praising the Ansar and praying for them, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “O Ansar! May my life be sacrificed for you! Indeed, you reaped countless blessings.” (Dibacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 256-257) The Holy Prophetsa issued the death penalty for Kaab bin Ashraf for reasons including his ploys and schemes, malice and enmity, as well as the conspiracy to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa. Since Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz was the leader of the Ansar, the Holy Prophetsa instructed that his advice should also be sought on how the verdict was to be enacted. I have narrated the details of the killing of Kaab bin Ashraf previously in relation to two companions (Friday Sermon, 7 December 2018; Friday Sermon, 7 February 2020). I will narrate some of the narrations again which are in relation to Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz. I have taken the incident from different sources and partly from Sirat Khataman Nabiyyin.

When the Holy Prophetsa migrated to Medina, along with the other Jews, Kaab bin Ashraf also participated in the treaty which the Holy Prophetsa drafted between the Jews with regard to mutual friendship, peace, security and collective defence.

However, deep within, the fire of malice and enmity began to burn in the heart of Kaab and he began to oppose Islam and the Founder of Islam through secret schemes and conspiracies.

As such, it is recorded that every year Kaab would give a large sum of charity to Jewish scholars and religious leaders. On one occasion, he began to mention the Holy Prophetsa and enquired of them as to their opinion of the Holy Prophetsa in light of religious scriptures, whether he was a truthful prophet or not. They responded that apparently it seemed as if he was the very same Prophet who had been promised to them. Kaab was a severe enemy of the Holy Prophetsa and Islam. He was greatly displeased at this response and sent them away referring to them as immensely dull and did not give them their usual charity.

When the Jewish scholars lost their

bread and butter, after some time, they came back to Kaab and said that they had reassessed the signs and arrived at the conclusion that in actuality, Muhammad[sa] was not the Prophet who had been promised to them.” Even the Muslim clerics of today are attracted by the lure of wealth and this was the same case with them. “This response pleased Kaab and he reinstated their yearly stipend. To have the support of the Jewish religious scholars was not a significant matter, however the more dangerous scheme was that after the Battle of Badr, he began to employ such conduct as was extremely mischievous, seditious and created very dangerous circumstances for the Muslims. However, on the occasion of Badr, when the Muslims were granted an extraordinary victory, and most of the chieftains of the Quraish were slain, he understood that this new religion would not die out by itself. Initially he thought that Islam would finish itself and not spread. Hence, after Badr, he resolved to exert his best efforts to abolish and utterly destroy Islam. As mentioned earlier, after the Battle of Badr, he became even more enraged and owing to this anger, he resolved to destroy Islam. He immediately prepared for journey and took to Mecca and upon reaching there, by the power of his persuasive speech and poetic tongue, inflamed the fire that was kindling in the hearts of the Quraish.

He created an unquenchable thirst in their hearts for Muslim blood and filled their hearts with sentiments of revenge and enmity. He incited them by saying to them that they had succumbed to defeat and their leaders had been slain whilst they remained sat here; therefore, they ought to go and seek revenge. Following his passionate speech and poetic language, their hearts filled with rage and vengeance. Then, when their emotions had become immensely sparked as a result of his incitement, Kaab took them to the courtyard of the Ka‘bah, and handing them the drapes of the Ka‘bah, had them swear that they would not rest until Islam and the Founder of Islam had been wiped out from the face of the earth.

After creating this fiery atmosphere in Mecca, this evil person turned to the other tribes of Arabia and travelling from tribe to tribe, he incited people against the Muslims. Then, he returned to Medina and intensified his efforts against Islam.

He alluded to the Muslim women in a very filthy and obscene manner in his provocative couplets which he recited before the non-Muslims and the Jews in particular. He not only kindled this fire of enmity, eventually he hatched a conspiracy to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa. Under the ploy of a feast, he invited the Holy Prophetsa to his residence, and with a few Jewish young men he schemed to have the Holy Prophetsa assassinated. However, by the grace of God, information was received in advance and this plan of his was unsuccessful.

In light of the treaty that had been settled between the inhabitants of Medina upon his arrival, the Holy Prophetsa was the chief executive and commander in chief of the democratic State of Medina. Thus,

when the state of affairs escalated to such an extent and charges of infraction of treaty, rebellion, inciting war, sedition, use of foul language and conspiracy to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa had been established, he issued the verdict that Kaab bin Ashraf was liable to be put to death due to his actions.

The Holy Prophetsa, therefore, instructed some of his Companions to execute him.

Owing to circumstances of the time, the Holy Prophetsa instructed that Kaab should not be executed publicly; rather, a few people should quietly find an opportunity and put an end to him. The Holy Prophetsa assigned this duty to a faithful Companion named Muhammadra bin Maslamah, and emphasised that whatever strategy was devised, should be executed with the counsel of Saadra bin Muaz, who was the chief of the Aus tribe.

And so, with the counsel of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, Muhammadra bin Maslamah took Abu Nailah, and a few other companions in order to kill Kaab. I have mentioned previously with reference to other companions about the details of how he was killed and the wisdom they employed in order to execute him (Friday Sermon, 7 December 2018; Friday Sermon, 7 February 2020). In any case, according to the plan they had devised, they managed to get him out of him home at night and then killed him.

The next morning, when news of the execution of Kaab became known, a tremor rippled through the city and the Jewish people were deeply enraged. The following day, in the morning, a delegation of the Jews presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and complained that

their leader, Kaab bin Ashraf had been murdered in such and such way.

The Holy Prophetsa listened to their comments and said, “Are you also aware of the crimes which Kaab is guilty of for which he was punished for?” Then, the Holy Prophetsa briefly reminded them of all the evil schemes which Kaab was guilty of, i.e. infraction of treaty, inciting war, sedition, use of foul language and conspiracy of assassination etc. Upon this, the people became fearful and did not say a word. They all knew that he indeed was guilty of those crimes.

After this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “At least from here onwards, you would do well to live in peace and harmony, and do not sow the seed of enmity, violence and disorder.” As such, with the agreement of the Jews, a new treaty was drafted, and the Jews promised once again to live with the Muslims in peace and harmony, and to abstain from a course of violence and disorder. Furthermore, nowhere in history is it recorded that after this, the Jews ever mentioned the execution of Kaab bin Ashraf and accused the Muslims, for in their hearts they knew that Kaab received the rightful punishment due to him. (Sirat Khataman Nabiyyin, pp. 467-471) Thus, this was the punishment that was handed out to him and the Holy Prophetsa did not deny the fact that he was aware of this, in fact he reminded them of the crimes Kaab was guilty of and this was his decision as the head of the state. Moreover, the counsel of two other Muslim chieftains of Medina was also included in this decision, one of them being Hazrat Saadra

Friday 31 July 2020 | AL HAKAM

16 bin Muaz.

The Banu Nadir planned a scheme to deceive the Holy Prophetsa and then kill him by throwing a large stone upon him.

However, Allah the Almighty informed the Holy Prophetsa of this news through divine revelation. At the time, the Holy Prophetsa, along with some of his companions, went to meet the Banu Nadir and therefore immediately returned upon learning of this plan. Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa instructed for the Banu Nadir to be besieged. Left with no other choice and out of self-defence, the Holy Prophetsa had to step in the field of battle in 4 AH, Rabi al-Awwal. As a result, the Banu Nadir were expelled from Medina.

When the Holy Prophetsa received the spoils belonging to the Banu Nadir, the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Thabitra bin Qais to gather all of his people. Hazrat Thabitra bin Qais enquired, “O Messengersa of Allah! Shall I bring all the people belonging to the Khazraj tribe?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Call all of the Ansar, whichever tribe they belonged to.” And so, the people of Aus and Khazraj were called to gather before the Holy Prophetsa. In his address, the Holy Prophetsa first praised Allah the Almighty, which He is most worthy of and then recounted the favours of the Ansar which they had conferred upon their Muhajireen brothers whereby they allowed them to stay in their houses and gave the Muhajireen precedence over themselves. The Holy Prophetsa then stated, “If you wish, I will distribute the wealth received from the Banu Nadir amongst the Muhajireen and the Ansar. However, the Muhajireen will continue to live in your homes and partake of your wealth.”

In other words, they could equally split the wealth between the Ansar and the Muhajireen, but in that case, the Muhajireen will continue to live in the homes of the Ansar and the Ansar will continue to treat them in the same manner as before.

“However, the other option is that if you wish, I will distribute all the wealth amongst the Muhajireen and give nothing to the Ansar. But then the Muhajireen will leave your houses and make their own arrangements as they would have acquired enough wealth.”

Upon this Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah and Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz consulted with one another and then submitted to the Holy Prophetsa, “O Messengersa of Allah, you may distribute the entire wealth among the Muhajireen, but even then the Muhajireen can still continue to live in our houses as they were living before. We do not wish that after acquiring their wealth, they leave our homes. The rights that were established for them as a result of the bond of brotherhood between us shall continue to remain and they shall continue to live in our houses.” The rest of the Ansar also submitted to the Holy Prophetsa that they were completely in agreement with this and that they would not express any complain whatsoever if the entire wealth was distributed amongst the Muhajireen.

Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “O Allah! Grant Your mercy to the Ansar and their sons.”

Hence, the Holy Prophetsa distributed the wealth amongst the Muhajireen. Apart from two companions from among the Ansar, nothing was given to the Ansar. The two companions were Hazrat Sahlra bin Hunaif and Hazrat Abu Dujanara who were in need of it. Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, however, was granted the sword of Ibn Abi Huqaiq, who was a Jew and this sword was quite reputable amongst the Jewish people. Hazrat Muaz was given a sword.

(Atlas Seerat Nabwi, pp. 264-265) (Subulul-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, p. 325, Zikr Khurooj Bani Nadir Min Ardhihim, Darul-Kutub-Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1993) When the incident of the great calumny took place wherein an allegation was levelled against Hazrat Aishara, consequently the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Aishara and their family members had to endure a period of great pain and difficulty.

And after some time, the Holy Prophetsa mentioned to his companions about the wrongful actions of the hypocrites. At the time, again Hazrat Saadra bin Mauz expressed his deep devotion [for the Holy Prophetsa]. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned this incident in great detail, which I have already narrated whilst mentioning the accounts of the companion, Hazrat Mistahra. However, I shall narrate only that part of the account which is in relation to Hazrat Saadra bin Mauz. As I have mentioned that one day during this period, the Holy Prophetsa came out of his residence and gathered his companions and stated, “Who can grant me respite from the individual who has given me great pain and grief?” By this the Holy Prophetsa meant Abdullah bin Ubbay bin Salool. Hazrat Saadra bin Mauz, who was the chief of the Aus tribe, stood up and said, “O Messengersa of Allah! If this person is from our tribe, we are ready to kill him and if he is from amongst the Khazraj tribe, even still, we are prepared to kill him.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pp. 268270) During the occasion of the Battle of the Ditch, Abu Sufyan sent Huyayy, the chief of the Banu Nadir, to Kaab bin Aswad, who was the chief of the Banu Quraiyzah in order to convince him to end the treaty they had made with the Muslims. However, when he refused to do so, Huyayy painted a picture of lush green gardens to him and gave him such confidence in the imminent destruction of Islam; that ultimately, he agreed to no longer commit to the treaty he had made with the Muslims and not just that but convinced him to also help the disbelievers of Mecca.

Whilst relating this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra states in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin: “When the Holy Prophetsa received news of this dangerous treachery of the Banu Quraizah, initially, the Holy Prophetsa dispatched Zubairra bin Al-Awwam to obtain intelligence in secret two or three times. Then, after this, the Holy Prophetsa

ّٰ َ َ َّ ۡ َ ۡ‫الل َہ ل ُ ُحوۡ ُم َها َو لَا ِد َم ُﺂؤ َﻫا َو لٰ ِکن‬ ‫لن ينال‬ َّ ُ ُ َ َّ َ‫الت ۡق ٰوى م ۡن ُک ۡم ؕ َك ٰذل َِک َس َّ� َرﻫا‬ ‫ينالہ‬ ِ ّ َ َ ۡ ُ ٰ َ َ ٰ َ َ ّٰ ُ ّ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ‫لکم ل ِتکبِروا اللہ علی ما ﻫد�م ؕ و ب ِ� ِر‬ ۡ ۡ ‫ال ُم ۡح ِس ِني َن‬ Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus has He subjected them to you, that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.

The Holy Quran - 22:38

formally sent Saadra bin Mauz and Saadra bin Ubadah, who were chieftains of the Aus and Khazraj tribes along with a few other influential Companions in the form of a delegation towards the Banu Quraizah; and strictly instructed that if there was troubling news, it should not be publicly disclosed when they returned, rather, secrecy should be maintained so that people were not made apprehensive.

When these people reached the dwellings of Banu Quraiyzah and approached Kaab bin Aswad, this evil man confronted them in a very arrogant manner. When the two Saads, i.e. Saadra bin Muaz and Saadra bin Ubadah, spoke of the treaty, Kaab and the people of his tribe turned wicked and said, ‘Be gone! There is no treaty between Muhammad[sa] and us.’ Upon hearing these words, this delegation of Companions set off. Saadra bin Muaz and Saadra bin Ubadah then presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and informed him of the state of affairs in an appropriate manner.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, pp. 584-585) Initially, at the time, this act of theirs came as a shock to the Muslims because the

disbelievers of Mecca had surrounded the entire city of Medina from all sides. Also, owing to the circumstances of the battle, they could not take any action against this tribe. However, when the battle concluded and the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina, he was informed through a vision about the treachery of the Banu Quraiyzah and the punishment they deserved for their act of rebellion. The commandment was that they ought to be punished and so the Holy Prophetsa announced that they all ought to proceed to the fortresses of the Banu Quraiyzah and that they should offer their Asr prayer upon reaching there. The Holy Prophetsa sent a delegation in advance under the command of Hazrat Alira. There is quite an extensive detail in relation to this battle and Hazrat Saadra bin Mauz also played a role in issuing a decision at the end; however, there is not much time now and I will therefore insha-Allah mention this in the future sermon.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 24 July 2020, pp. 5-8.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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