Al Hakam - 8 January 2021

A revolutionary catastrophe calls for a revolution in faith Reflecting on Huzoor’s New Year’s message Page 14

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Lajna UK amila reflect on virtual mulaqat with Huzoor

“Khaybar has fallen” Anniversary of The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam

Newly converted members of Lajna Germany invigorated following virtual audience with Huzoor

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Lajna Germany new converts’ audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 8 January 2021 | Issue CXLVII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

“Modesty is part of faith”: UK Lajna amila seeks direction from Huzoor in virtual mulaqat On 2 January 2021, the national amila of Lajna Imaillah UK were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual mulaqat.

Upon seeing the amila members seated in the Tahir Hall of Baitul Futuh Mosque complex, Huzooraa smiled and said he was seeing the Tahir Hall of Baitul Futuh once again, after a year.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then led everyone in silent prayer, after which various departments’ secretaries began introducing themselves and presenting their annual reports.

The first report was presented by Naib Sadr and Secretary San‘at wa Dastakari (cottage industry and handicraft), Safiya Salam Sahiba. During the report, Huzooraa asked various questions while also giving valuable advice and direction to improve the department.

Safiya Salam Sahiba reported that during lockdown, Lajna UK had made and distributed 86,890 masks, 1,045 sets of scrubs and 3,841 scrub bags to keyworkers with the help of the khidmate-khalq department.

Naib General Secretary, Zuna Khan Sahiba was next to present her report.

She reported that there were a total of

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

Spending in the way of Allah

ّٰ َّ َ َّ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ‫َع ْن‬ ‫الن ِب ّي َصلى الل ُه‬ ‫أبِي هريرة ر ِضى الله عنه أن‬ َ َ َ َّ ‫َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم قال‬ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ ْ ْ ُ َْ ْ َ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ان ين ِزل‬ ِ ‫‏ ما ِمن َيو ٍم يص ِب ُح ٰال ِعب َاد ِفي ِه ِإلا ملك‬ ّ ُ ُ ُ ُ َ ًَ َ ً ْ ُ ُ ‫ َويَق ْول‬،‫ف َيق ْول أ َحده َما الل ُه َّم أع ِط ُم ْن ِفقا خلفا‬ ًَ َ ً ْ ُ ْ َ َّ ُ ّٰ ُ َ ْ ‫الآخر اللهم أع ِط مم ِسكا تلفا‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Each morning, two angles descend, one of whom says, ‘O Allah, bestow a [good] return upon the spender’ and the other saying, ‘O Allah, destroy the property of the miser.’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Zakat, Hadith 1442)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Belief in the Atonement emboldens a person to commit sin

140 majalis in Lajna UK. Huzooraa asked various questions including how many majalis, out of the 140, sent regular reports and whether each secretary received feedback and comments on their report. Zuna Sahiba explained that 100% of the majalis sent reports and feedback was given to each secretary.

Huzooraa emphasised that all majalis should be kept in contact and said to sadr

Lajna that she should contact each sadr at least 2-3 times a month. After this, Sadr Lajna UK, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba said she contacted sadraat once to twice a week. Huzooraa smiled and said, “Very efficient, masha-Allah”.

Farzana Yousaf Sahiba, Secretary Tabligh, presented her annual report next in which she said a total of 29 ladies had Continued on next page >>

If someone were to assert that belief in the Atonement enables a person to attain salvation from a life of sin, and the propensity to commit sin no longer remains within them, then this is a statement with no proof at all.

For there is sin at the very root of this concept. The strength to abstain from sin comes from a fear of accountability to God. But how can there be any fear of accountability when it is accepted that Christ has taken upon himself the burden of our sins? From this, I conclude that a person who subscribes to such a concept can never be God- fearing because they would deem unnecessary all such actions that have their basis in principles of fear of God. One ought to remember Continued on page 5

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

converted to Ahmadiyyat and done Bai‘at in the last Lajna year. Huzooraa asked her what the annual target for tabligh was; she responded by saying that they aimed to see 140 women enter the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Why not one Bai‘at for each national amila member? ... Give this target to amila members; activate them also in this field.” Farzana Sahiba said she would act on this, insha-Allah.

Regarding the coffee morning initiative – in which Lajna members preach to other women wanting to know more about Islam over a cup of coffee – Huzooraa asked how these coffee mornings were still being held in the current climate. Farzana Sahiba explained the coffee mornings were now held virtually.

Huzooraa asked how coffee was being provided to the women during a virtual meeting. Farzana Sahiba replied that the coffee was arranged individually and not from the tabligh department. Huzooraa, with a smile, said, “Then you should at least pay for the coffee of those who are in contact with you.”

Next, Farzana Sahiba reported that special attention was paid in the last year to distribute leaflets about Islam, especially regarding the rights and role of women in Islam – 35,683 Jamaat leaflets and books were shared with contacts.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked what the expected target was for this year in distributing leaflets and books, to which Farzana Sahiba said they aimed to double the figure.

The report further detailed the aim of Lajna Imaillah UK to increase relations with schools and to ensure the teachings

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said to encourage Ahmadi women to go for walks: “Now, even during Covid, parks are open and individuals can go for exercise or for walk. So, why don’t you encourage your Lajna members to go outside and walk? ... Instead of walking on the streets, they should go to the parks.”

Secretary Tarbiyat for New Converts, Nusrat Safir Sahiba was next to introduce her department. Huzooraa asked the number of new Lajna converts; Nusrat Sahiba replied by saying in the last three years, there were 58 new converts.

She further reported that new converts were being provided support in learning Surah al-Fatihah with translation, according to Huzoor’s instructions. 65% of them had learned the chapter of the Quran thus far. Nusrat Sahiba reported that conference calls and book clubs for new converts were held throughout lockdown too. Giving further advice, Huzooraa said, “Try to attach them with MTA as well.”

Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-eJadid, Amatul Wadood Sahiba reported on her department next. After hearing the report on the chanda for Waqf-eJadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid, Huzooraa asked “So your share is one third of the total income collected by the UK Jamaat?”

Wadood Sahiba confirmed and said that she thought it was a little higher than one third, to which Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Allah!”

Secretary Umur-e-Talibat, Dr Qurratul-Ain Rahman Sahiba introduced her department. Huzooraa asked how many students went to university and how many were pursuing PhDs or postgraduate degrees. Dr Sahiba reported that 825 students currently went to university, seven of whom were PhD students and 76 students were pursuing their master’s.

Qurratul-Ain Sahiba reported that 25% of Lajna university students went to the top Russell Group Universities.

The three most studied courses by Lajna students are psychology, medicine and law, according to the report. Interestingly, 14% of the whole Lajna UK population were students.

The umur-e-talibat report highlighted the activities held by the department in the previous Lajna year, including the mulaqat with Huzooraa in which 255 Lajna university students attended. A meeting was also held with national sadr Lajna UK with 32 medical students, informing them of the Ayesha Maternity Hospital in Sierra Leone (being built by funds raised

by Lajna UK).

Regarding the maternity hospital, Huzooraa asked, “Will they dedicate their time or [do] waqf for a few years for the hospital?” Sadr Sahiba replied by saying the meeting was for this purpose; to encourage Lajna medical students to go into specialisations (such as obstetrics and gynecology) so that they could dedicate their lives and serve in the maternity hospital – the students welcomed the idea. Huzooraa approved and said, “But

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of Islam were conveyed to students from a young age. Commenting on this, Huzooraa said, “I know that the majority – 90% of the schoolteachers – are ignorant about the true teaching of Islam; this is why sometimes the way they speak about Islam disturbs the minds of our children.

So you should try to start a campaign on this issue.”

Thereafter, Secretary Finance, Shafqat Khokar Sahiba presented her report.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about targets, their fulfilment and other matters concerning budgets and savings.

Regarding savings, Huzooraa asked whether a plan was in place regarding where to spend the saved amount from the Ijtema chanda, as the Ijtema was not to take place. In response, Sadr Sahiba asked Huzooraa if they could spend the chanda towards the new maternity hospital in Sierra Leone being built through the funding of Lajna UK. In response, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “I have learned that some of your members are raising this question, that since you are not going to hold the Ijtema, why are you collecting Ijtema chanda? Tell them that you are going to use it for a hospital.”

Nasirat Secretary, Mateen Bhatti Sahiba was next to present her report.

She reported the total Nasirat tajnid was 2,211. Huzooraa asked what special plan was given to Nasirat members during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mateen Sahiba detailed the virtual events and discussions that had taken place.

Huzooraa then asked, “What slogan have you given to the Nasirat for this year? There should be some motto.”

Mateen Sahiba said there was nothing given yet. Huzooraa then gave the slogan for the year, saying:

ُ ‫الح َی‬ َ ‫اء ِم َن الْاِیْ َمان‬ “[Modesty is part of faith] … This will cover quite a number of things which will help you to do tarbiyat of your Nasirat.”

Nasirat Secretary thanked Huzooraa for the motto and Sadr Sahiba also added that indeed, this motto covered a wide range of topics, which they had previously planned to cover with Nasirat.

Secretary Tajnid, Fakhira Safeer Sahiba was next to report. Huzooraa asked what the total tajnid of Lajna Imaillah UK was. Fakhira Sahiba said Lajna members totalled 11,906, an increase of 5% from last year. Huzooraa emphasised that Lajna Imaillah should not only rely on the tajnid data given by the Jamaat centre, but ought to carry out their own work too.

Secretary Ishaat, Lubna Sohail Sahiba was next to present her report. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked, “During this Covid period, what have you published?”

Lubna Sahiba reported that seven books had been approved for printing, while another seven books had been submitted for approval. Huzooraa also enquired about the topics of the books and gave advice on how to overcome delays during the publishing process. Many other projects were detailed by Lubna Sahiba, including projects on the history of Lajna Imaillah and various programmes produced by Lajna MTA UK. Secretary Sehat-e-Jismani, Nina Qudsia Ahmad Sahiba reported on the achievements of the last Lajna year, with the European volleyball tournament that took place in February 2020 and a virtual sports week that saw 500 participants. Mental health initiatives, raising awareness for healthy eating and exercise and providing updates on the pandemic were amongst other activities of the department.

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM after having completed your hospital, lajna also has to run that hospital and you have to provide the doctors to the hospital.”

Secretary Ziafat, Rashida Naeem Ahmad Sahiba introduced her department next and reported the year’s focus was on teaching food etiquettes, various tutorials and serving food at Lajna events (prior to the pandemic). Huzooraa remarked food or refreshments should also have been arranged for the amila members after the meeting.

Huzooraa further advised that food banks should be aided, such as those of Humanity First. Sadr Sahiba reported to Huzooraa that Lajna UK, through khidmat-e-khalq department, had donated to the food banks of Humanity First.

Following this, naib general secretary, various muavina sadrs and the national auditor also introduced themselves and their assigned roles.

Muavina Sadr Press and Media, Shermeen Butt Sahiba then introduced herself. Huzooraa noted that she also served in the Voice of Islam radio station and asked what the feedback from both Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis was regarding her programmes. Shermeen Sahiba said the feedback was positive and people enjoyed the in-depth radio shows.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa also enquired if the Lajna press and media team coordinated with the central Jamaat press and media team. Shermeen Sahiba said that they did so and explained that they worked independently too. Huzooraa continued to ask more questions, for example how many articles were written in renowned newspapers in the last three months and how many writers were active. Shermeen Sahiba Sahiba said that four or five Lajna members were active in writing letters and articles for newspapers etc. Huzooraa responded by saying, “You should increase your team; there should be no less than 500.”

Shermeen Sahiba also gave details about an online Lajna blogpost and expressed the positive feedback they received from non-Ahmadis who read the articles, especially those concerning spirituality.

Muavina Sadr and in-charge Wasiyyat, Manahil Tahir Sahiba introduced herself next. Huzooraa asked Manahil Sahiba how many Lajna members were musis, to which she said that there were 3,622.

Huzooraa then enquired about the total number of earning members and said that the number of musis amongst earning members of Lajna still needed to increase.

Muavina Sadr for Waqifaat-e-Nau, Dr Shahnaz Ahmad Sahiba introduced herself. Amongst other questions, Huzooraa asked if the waqifaat-e-nau were following their prescribed syllabus, what strategies were in place to check they were and whether respective waqifaate-nau secretaries were in regular contact with the waqifaat-e-nau of their majalis.

Shahnaz Sahiba detailed how they taught and tracked syllabus learning and

confirmed secretaries were in regular contact.

Huzooraa asked whether secretary tarbiyat had a good plan for the year and what the plan was. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, regarding the tarbiyat department, said: “Your target should be that 100% of Lajna members should observe Salat regularly five times. Since they are sitting in their houses, there are no excuses that now time is short etc. … They should offer prayers five times daily so that their children are also trained in this way.

“Secondly, 100% of your Lajna

members should do tilawat regularly [of the Holy Quran] and during this Covid period, at least 75% of the households should have arrangement of giving dars in their houses of any of the Promised Messiah’sas books or a short commentary of hadith. And 100% of your Lajna members should listen to my sermons.

“Yesterday, I have entrusted some tasks to you at the end of my khutba – to each and every member of the Jamaat and you are also among them. Don’t think that a separate message will be sent to you.”

Huzooraa asked Sadr Sahiba when they would hold the next meeting with

him. Sadr Sahiba, jubilantly, expressed that they were ready to meet Huzooraa the very next day! Huzooraa responded by saying he was going to hold a virtual meeting with new Lajna converts from Germany the next day and asked Nusrat Sahiba, Secretary for new converts to plan for a similar meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and new lajna UK Ahmadi converts.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa concluded the meeting by conveying salaam to all the amila members.

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 8-14 January In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas with some more details 8 January 1904: On this day, Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan’sra brother reached Qadian.

This esteemed guest (senior advisor to the state of Malerkotla) was provided with the opportunity to enjoy the nearness of the Promised Messiahas.

He had the opportunity of having a detailed conversation on this day – a Friday – which sometimes would take the form of questions and answers.

During the sitting, the Promised Messiahas, whilst talking about the etiquette of prayer, explained that some people who are not fully aware of the etiquette of prayer, simply pray and wait impatiently for their prayers to be accepted and eventually, get tired of praying. This method, the Promised Messiahas explained, was incorrect and further said that it is demanded of a person that, upon praying, one must have firm faith in God and faith that they are praying to a Being Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing, All-Knowing, and Almighty.

(Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 520) 9 January 1892: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, in which he shared his views about a dream described

by Hazrat Munshi Sahibra.

Furthermore, Hazrat Ahmadas wrote an address and instructed him to send Hazrat Mir Nasir Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira Nawab’sra belongings to that address in Patiala as he had requested for them to be sent. (Maktubate-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 582) 9 January 1892: On this day, Hazrat Ahmadas replied to a letter from Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, acknowledging receipt of 281 rupees he sent and expressed gratitude and further stated that he was in great need of this.

Huzooras prayed that Allah the Almighty reward him abundantly for his services in the way of Allah and stated that he had prayed for him fervently during Fajr prayer [on 9 January 1892]. Huzooras said he believed that Allah would accept his prayer and manifest its blessings in any way He desired.

The Promised Messiahas further stated that there was no limit to God’s abilities. He added that it would not be strange if God made the impossible, possible.

Hazrat Ahmadas informed him that he would visit

Lahore on 20 January 1892 and intended to stay there for 3-4 weeks. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 167) 9 January 1902: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Seith Ismail Adamra in which he stated that God is most Generous and Merciful. When man faces difficulties in this world, He opens His doors of mercy. Huzooras added that man must have complete faith in Allah and further added that he had also prayed for him. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 265) 9 January 1895: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, in which he said that there were ample guests who had arrived in Qadian and further stated that there was an extreme scarcity of cooking oil and in its stead, mustard oil was being used for cooking.

Huzooras advised him that as he would regularly be sending 20 rupees per month, it would be better for him to purchase and send cooking oil of good quality worth 20 rupees. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol. 2, p. 608) 10 January 1903: On this day, Maulvi Sanaullah of Amritsar reached Qadian. He was a Muslim cleric and a leading figure within the Ahl-e-Hadith movement. He was also a major antagonist of the Promised Messiahas. He served as the general secretary of Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-

Hadith Hind from 1906 to 1947 and was the editor of Ahle Hadees.

Contrary to allegations levelled against the Promised Messiahas, this maulvi not only rejected the challenge of the Promised Messiahas to a mubahala (prayer duel), but also suggested a principle that liars, deceivers and disobedient people were granted long lives. Thereupon, God Almighty granted a long life to Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib (1868-1948) according to the principle which he had himself put forward and brought about the death of the Promised Messiahas, thus confirming that according to his own declaration, he was in fact a disorderly and disobedient person, a liar and a deceiver. (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p.

683) 11 January 1892: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar titled Invitation to the Heavenly Signs, extended to Dr Jagan Nath, Civil Servant in the State of Jammu. Huzooras mentioned that he had received a letter from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he stated: “In Izala-e-Auham, Your Holiness wrote with regard to Dr Jagan Nath that he had evaded the challenge. Now Doctor Sahib has said to many people who were in the know of the matter, ‘Wipe out with red ink what was written in black.

I never shied away from a challenge, nor did I ask for a specific sign. I never wanted to see the dead brought back to life, nor for a dried up tree to

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

become green. All I wanted was to see any sign which was beyond human power.’”

After being informed of this matter, the Promised Messiahas wrote in his announcement, “I wish to make it clear to my readers that in an earlier letter, Doctor Sahib had asked for specific signs – such as bringing the dead to life etc. In reply, I wrote that it was wrong to ask for specific signs.

God Himself manifests signs to suit His intent and purpose. Since a sign is by definition beyond human power, what is the need for specifying it?

It is a sufficient test for a sign that human power should fail to produce its like. To this, Doctor Sahib made no reply. Now, he has again expressed a desire to witness a sign and has kindly waved his earlier condition. He now wishes for a sign – any sign – but one which is beyond human power.”

The Promised Messiahas further said that on this date, he had sent him a registered letter inviting him to embrace Islam upon witnessing a sign.

Huzooras further stated that he should publish an affidavit in newspapers and state on oath that if he witnessed any sign in support of Islam, he would become Muslim. (Majmua Ishtiharat, Vol. 31 p. 321) 12 January 1878: The Promised Messiahas had subscribed to the following local papers and read them regularly: Safir of Amritsar; Agni Hotri magazine; Hindu Bandu and Manshur-eMuhammadi. Hazrat Ahmadas would sometimes send articles to Manshur-e-Muhammadi to be published. On this day, this newspaper published an Urdu poem written by Huzooras.

12 January 1889: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra was born to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begumra on this day in Qadian and in the same year in which the Promised Messiahas established the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Islam by accepting the allegiance of his disciples. This blessed child was destined to be the promised son, mentioned in prophecies.

12 January 1905: On this day, the Promised

Continued from page 1

well that inner-purity always begins with concepts, if not:

‫ثبخ سفن ہن رگد و اسب اھل ولعمم‬

“The impurity of one’s heart is not noticeable until many years have passed.”

Then we should also observe what practical examples of inner-purity have been demonstrated by those who subscribe to the concept of atonement.

The sinful actions of people in Europe are known to all. Alcohol, which is the mother of crimes and the mother of evils, is so heavily consumed that its likeness is difficult to find in any other country. I read in a newspaper that if all the liquorstores in London were arranged in a line, they would extend to a distance of 75 miles.

Christians ought to reflect and tell us that when they have been given a certificate for the pardoning of sin, and

Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra in which he stated that the problems one faces in this world come as a trial. Huzooras further explained that God’s promise was true and quoted the verse of the َ Holy Quran ‫ۡاد ُعوۡنِ ۡۤی ا ۡس َت ِج ۡب‬ َُ ۡ as Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali ‫لکم‬. Huzoor further Khanra said that change which cannot come about through human efforts can come about through prayer. In order to see the fruits of one’s prayers, it is mandatory that one must remain patient, just as Hazrat Jacobas exhibited an extreme level of patience and eventually witnessed the fulfilment of his prayers.

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 285) 13 January 1886: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, in which he prayed that Allah granted him happiness. Huzooras informed him that Allah the Almighty disclosed to him the name of the town, Hoshiarpur, where he should stay for a period in seclusion.

Huzooras instructed him to not share this with anyone else, as he had not told anyone except a few of his companions. In the end, Huzooras requested him for prayers. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 468) 13 January 1892: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he informed him that Khanbahadur John White, who was an educated, wise and knowledgeable young Englishman and was employed in Madras [now Chennai] as a judge, had done Bai‘at.

Hazrat Ahmadas added that the gentleman seemed to be of a jolly nature and upon hearing all َ ٰ َ ٰ beliefs, he replied by saying ‫“ ا َم ّنا ا َم ّنا‬We have believed; we have believed” and further said

any sin they commit is deemed forgiven, what shall be the result of such a concept?

If, God forbid, we subscribed to such a doctrine, this would have an immensely detrimental effect upon us. The lower self which incites the soul to evil is always in search of something to lean back on.

Similarly, the Shias have fallen back on Imam Husain, may Allah be pleased with him, and they say whatever they please, hiding behind the concept of taqiyyah. Due to this concept of taqiyyah and the belief regarding the sacrifice of Imam Husainra, I can confidently say that very few Godfearing people exist among the Shias.

Khalifah Muhammad Hasan writes that ٰ َ the verse ‫( ف َدیۡن ُہ ِب ِذ ۡب ٍح َعظ ِۡی ٍم‬We ransomed him with a great sacrifice) in the Quran speaks of the martyrdom of Imam Husainra and he is overjoyed by this point, as if he has discovered the essence of the Holy Quran.

His “ingenuity” reminds me of the story about the foolish man. As the story goes, a

that the Muslims and maulvis who opposed the Promised Messiahas were not only the opponents of the Messiah, but were in fact the enemies of Islam.

Huzooras further instructed Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra to remain in contact with the gentleman.

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 131-132) 14 January 1897: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar titled al-Ishtiharu Mustaiqinan bi-Wahyillahil-Qahhar, in which he wrote, “I am anxious every moment for the Christians and us to somehow come to a settlement. My heart is rent asunder because of the mischief caused by the worship of a dead man ... I would have expired long ago under the burden of this grief had not my Lord, the Strong and Powerful, comforted me with the assurance that in the end, God’s Unity would be victorious.

Other gods will be destroyed and false gods will be cut off from their godheads.”

The Promised Messiahas further wrote, “The time is near when all religions will perish except Islam.

All weapons will be broken except the heavenly weapon of Islam, for it will neither be broken, nor will it be blunted till it has broken all Antichrist tendencies to bits. The time is near that the true Unity of God, which is perceived within their nature even by those who dwell in the desert or are completely unaware of any teaching, will spread through all regions. On that day there will remain no artificial atonement nor an artificial god. A single stroke of God will frustrate all the plans of disbelief, not by any sword, nor by any gun, but by bestowing light on eager souls and by illumining the pure hearts. Then will there be an understanding of all that which I say.”

At the end of this announcement, the Promised Messiahas stated that his book, Anjam-e-Atham, was printed and available for those who desired to read it. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 182)

foolish man had a water pot with a hole in it. Whenever he would go to answer the call of nature, before he could manage to relieve himself and then subsequently clean himself, all the water would drain out of his pot. Finally, after many days of thought and reflection, the bright solution that he came up with was that he began to clean himself with the water first, before relieving himself; and he was very pleased with his solution.

Khalifah Muhammad Hasan has come up with an insight and solution that is as clever as this foolish man when he derives ٰ َ that the verse ‫( ف َدیۡن ُہ ِب ِذ ۡب ٍح َعظ ِۡی ٍم‬We ransomed him with a great sacrifice) speaks of the martyrdom of Imam Husainra ... The Shias claim that Imam Husainra and the household of the Holy Prophetsa were martyred for their sake and to weep in grief for them and to mourn for them is sufficient. No other deeds are required except these to enter Paradise. In the same

way, the Christians say that the blood of the Messiah has guaranteed their salvation.

Now my question is that if such people are going to be questioned and punished for committing sin, then what sort of salvation is guaranteed to them?

In actuality, a concept of this nature brings with it an immensely evil effect. If this belief did not exist, sin and impiety would not be so rampant in various countries within Europe, and such a flood of illicit behaviour would not surge forth as is the case at present.

One may go and observe the indecency at hotels and parks in London and Paris and ask those who return from these places. Every other day, the newspapers publish the names of illegitimate children in lists.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 182-184)

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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From the Markaz

“Never argue or quarrel with them, give them their due respect and do not compromise the teachings of Islam” Lajna Germany new converts’ audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

On 3 January 2021, a group of 25 newly converted Lajna members of the Germany Jamaat gathered in the Baitul Subuh complex in Frankfurt and were fortunate to have an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its translation. Following this, a nazm, composed by the Promised Messiahas, was read out, after which its translation was presented.

During the mulaqat, all converts had the opportunity to introduce themselves and ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions about Islam and other matters relating to everyday life. Some also had the opportunity to narrate their journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat.

One of the converts, whilst narrating her story and journey to Ahmadiyyat,

expressed her gratitude to Huzooraa for the mulaqat and further stated that she was from a Russian Christian family. Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, she said that she felt as though something was missing in her life and didn’t feel complete. Then, when she came to learn about the Jamaat, she fell in love with the Jamaat and its teachings. She added that it was a long and arduous journey as her family was against her decision and expressed that she had to face many trials and obstacles.

She added that she had formally become part of the Jamaat only a week ago.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked, “When did you come to know about Ahmadiyyat and Islam?”

The new Ahmadi sister responded by saying that she had learnt about Islam Ahmadiyyat three years ago. Huzooraa

then asked her to continue narrating her story.

She went on to say that she was torn between her religion and family, but she decided to eventually choose the Jamaat and said that “it was the best decision of my life.”

Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked a member of the mulaqat, who had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat six months ago, what drew her towards Ahmadiyyat.

The young lady said that she was from a Christian family but never felt a sense of belonging. Then, one year ago, she said that when she came to know about the Jamaat, she started watching videos of MTA on YouTube and began visiting the local Jamaat mosque. There, she found her true self.

Hearing this, Huzooraa asked her if she

had studied or read any of the Jamaat’s literature, upon which she replied that she had read some books online on the Jamaat website.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa further said to all those in the mulaqat, “All of you, who are new converts, should try to memorise Surah al-Fatihah.”

Whilst conversing with a Turkish convert who accepted Ahmadiyyat two months ago, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated that as her family was Muslim, she may have to bear hardships and religious opposition. Upon this, she replied that though her parents were not in favour of her decision, she still decided to accept Ahmadiyyat because she felt that she belonged with the Jamaat.

Upon hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Then, you will have to face a hard time; are you ready for this?” She replied that

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM for this beautiful path, she was ready to do anything.

Following this, a convert of Sikh background expressed that her family did not agree with her decision of accepting Ahmadiyyat and disliked her wearing a headscarf or even practice Islam. She further asked Huzooraa for guidance and what she should do in such a situation.

Whilst offering direction, Huzooraa said: “Tell them, ‘As far as my religion is concerned, I will practice my religion, since I accepted my religion as a true religion.’ But never try to argue or quarrel with them or fight with them in any way.

Respect them, give them their due respect – especially to your parents – and be polite to your siblings as well. But, never compromise the teachings of Islam.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added, “Pray to Allah the Almighty that He changes their minds and hearts.”

Addressing a convert from Pakistan who accepted Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa asked why she had accepted Ahmadiyyat and whether she was prepared to never return to Pakistan, having appeared on MTA. This, Huzooraa said, could put her life in jeopardy as the killing of innocent Ahmadi Muslims was considered a “sacred work” in the view of maulvis in Pakistan.

Upon this, the Ahmadi sister stated that she had been struggling for the past six years and faced many hardships.

She further added that she had seen the Promised Messiahas in a dream and felt that it was the right time for Bai‘at but could not do so in Pakistan. She had left her family and further asked Huzooraa to pray for them as she was the only person in her family who had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Additionally, she expressed her desire to see her daughter in the Waqf-e-Nau scheme.

She then added that she felt maybe there was some deficiency within her as she was not a born Ahmadi and was not like other born Ahmadi women. Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained, “Every Ahmadi has shortcomings and deficiencies. Don’t feel that you are lacking something; you might even be better than some of the born Ahmadis.”

Huzooraa was then asked how one can increase their concentration during Namaz.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained: “When you are reciting Surah alFatihah, repeatedly recite: ۡ ّ ‫ا ۡہد نَا‬ ‫الص َر َاط ال ُم ۡس َت ِق ۡی َم‬ ِ ِ ِ “[Guide us in the right path] and: َ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ِا ّیاک ن ۡع ُب ُد َو ِا ّیاک ن ۡس َت ِعی ُن‬ “[Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help]. Then you will see its results, insha-Allah.”

A lady asked Huzooraa a question relating to dreams and enquired how one may know if a dream was a product of one’s fantasy or whether there were deeper meanings to it.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “I have explained this on many

Virtual Jalsa Seeratun Nabi for Newcastle and beyond Newcastle Jamaat, UK held its Seeratun Nabisa Jalsa for a global audience.

Initially when we decided to hold this jalsa, it was for the local jamaat only. The local president contacted Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge UK, and asked him if he could attend the jalsa.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib accepted the request and advised that we should not limit this jalsa to the local jamaat, but spread the word to other jamaats in the UK or even internationally.

We started working and decided the jalsa should be broadcast live on YouTube.

A local team was created to work on this.

As this was the first time we were holding such an event on YouTube live stream and didn’t have any experience, training and practice sessions were held. The message was sent across to as many members as possible in and outside the UK.

The jalsa was streamed live on 27 December at 5pm GMT. The Jalsa started with a recitation of the Holy Quran with Urdu and English translations, followed by a poem written by the Promised Messiahas in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Dr Muzaffar Sahib, Regional Amir North East, then gave a welcome address to all the viewers and Naveed Iqbal Sahib, President Jamaat Newcastle gave an introductory speech on the importance of Jalsa Seeratun Nabisa, especially nowadays, when we see people using indecent language against Islam and its founder, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib delivered a speech in English and in Urdu, in which he highlighted the noble character of our beloved master.

He narrated various incidents which highlighted how the Holy Prophetsa carried out his duty as a prophet and leader for the

whole of mankind and how all mankind can benefit from him.

He further stated that every action of the Holy Prophetsa was in obedience to the Holy Quran. If we look upon the lives of the Companionsra, we see a reflection of the life of the Holy Prophetsa, because of their love and affection towards him. The Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa were completely obedient to him because they had learned obedience from him. Similar obedience can be seen in today’s age where the institution of Khilafat is established and the true followers are completely obedient to him like the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa.

The jalsa ended with silent prayer led

by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.

The total views on that day were 904. The Jalsa can still be viewed at the following link: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BdsYnthNr2o

occasions that every person sees at least 4-5 dreams during the night and most of them are just the views or things seen during the day. But there are some dreams which have very deep meanings and require some interpretation. So, the dream itself tells you that it has some meaning.

For that, either you should ask somebody who can better interpret dreams, or read the book of interpretation of dreams, or you can write to me.

“Whenever you see a dream and you feel it is quite serious, then write to me and I will give you the interpretation of it.”

Following this, a convert, who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat during the Germany Jalsa Salana in 2019, asked for Huzoor’saa opinion on the Covid-19 vaccine.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained: “If it is available, then you should take it. But I think they have made an order of preference to whom they are going to give the vaccine first ... First, they are going to give it to the elderly, people who are very sick, ill and fragile, and then the paramedic staff and medical staff.

“If it is available in your country and the government asks you to take the vaccine, then yes, you can take it. There shouldn’t be any problem. That is what the government says.”

A new convert, whilst narrating her dream to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, stated that about a month ago, her grandmother passed away in Turkey. Two days later, she saw her grandfather, who passed away 10 years ago, in a dream sitting with Huzooraa, dressed in white. Then, two

days after that, she saw the same dream in which her grandfather said to Huzooraa that he had now completed his task and that she (referring to herself) needed Huzoor’saa prayers.

Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if her grandparents were Ahmadis, to which she replied that they were not. Thereafter, whilst explaining the dream, Huzooraa said: “When they have reached Heaven, they know that Ahmadiyyat is the true Islam. So this is why they have sent you the message. Now that you have accepted and you are in the right place, you should practice the true Islam and keep in touch with Khilafat. This is the meaning of this dream. Allah bless you!”

Following this, a convert who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat requested Huzooraa to pray that her family may also accept Ahmadiyyat. Upon this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “You accepted Ahmadiyyat because you know that it is the best way to live a pious life and please Allah … Apart from preaching [to your family], you should pray for them regularly.”

Another newly converted Ahmadi sister explained that due to the current pandemic, some mosques were closed, making it a challenge to maintain an Islamic environment at home, especially when one’s parents oppose the teachings of Islam. She asked how one could continue to grow spiritually during such a time.

Huzooraa replied, “Do you have an iPad, iPhone, Internet connection, computer or

TV? If so, then you can attach yourself to MTA and to the Jamaat’s websites. Keep in touch with your Ahmadi friends who are very good in their religious knowledge.”

Following this, an Ahmadi sister, who performed Bai‘at in 2017, requested Huzooraa to pray that her husband accepted her religious choice and that Allah enabled him to find the truth and also join Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Upon this, Huzooraa said, “You should also pray for him. May Allah the Almighty accept your prayers and bless your husband to accept the true teachings of Islam.”

As the mulaqat drew to a close, Huzooraa was asked how one could raise their child in the best manner and ensure that they grew up to be faithful Ahmadi Muslims.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa replied by saying: “If you become a good Ahmadi and show a good example, your daughter will naturally be good … When your child reaches the age of 7, make them offer Namaz with you and tell her to recite the Holy Quran. Educate your child about Islam, explain to her that the Holy Prophetsa was the last law-bearing prophet and in accordance with his prophecy, the Promised Messiahas was sent.”

Huzooraa further said, “Explain to her those teachings of Islam which are easily comprehensible. Teach her prayers, the Kalima and show her your own example.

Treat her with tenderness and kindness.”

Naveed Iqbal President Newcastle Jamaat

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Answers to everyday issues Part VI

Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given at various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit. may pray at the grave.”

Zaheer Ahmad Khan Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London

Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and political rule Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA prepared a set of questions related to tarbiyat matters. One of the questions was as to how the political structure of the world would look like in case of the victory of Ahmadiyyat.

Huzooraa provided guidance regarding this and in his letter dated 26 May 2018, he gave the following reply: “In Surah al-Hujurat, Allah the Exalted speaks of two governments of the believers who fight against each other, while the rest have been commanded to make peace between them. There is also a prophecy therein that even when Islam will rule the world, there will not be a single global government, but rather various governments.

“Thus, when Ahmadiyyat will prevail in the world by the grace of Allah the Exalted, in terms of political structure, there will be independent governments whose national laws will not clash with Islamic laws, but at that time, matters of politics and faith will be dealt with separately.

“Although there will only be one true Islamic Caliphate on earth and all nations will seek intellectual and spiritual guidance from the Khalifa of that time, but he will not interfere in their political affairs, nor will the Khalifa attack any nation with an army.”

Tashahud and shirk Someone wrote to Huzooraa asking whether reciting tashahud during Salat and saying: ُ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ‫الن ِب ّي‬ ‫السلام عليك أيها‬ “Peace be on you, O Prophet!”, was committing shirk because the words are addressed to a living being.

Huzooraa, in his letter dated 6 June 2018, gave the following reply: “It is proven by authentic ahadith that this prayer, which is recited in tashahud, was taught to the Companionsra by the Holy Prophetsa himself and he said that when one offers this prayer, this supplication will reach every righteous servant of Allah in the Heavens and the Earth. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Azan) “In other words, the Holy Prophetsa has himself clarified that this prayer of ours reaches the living, and those who have passed away also receive the blessings of this prayer.

“Therefore, one should not develop any kind of superstition, assuming that the second person pronoun or the vocative particle etc. used in such prayers may be

Authenticity of Hadith al-Thaqalain Huzooraa was requested to shed some light on the authenticity of Hadith al-Thaqalain – a narration from the ahadith in which the Holy Prophetsa advised his Ummah to adhere to two “weighty”, or important, means of guidance. Huzooraa, in his letter dated 29 June 2018, gave the following reply: “There are two variations [of this hadith] in the books of ahadith. In one, the words: ّٰ َ َ َ​َ َ ‫اب الل ِه َو ُس ّنة ن ِب ِّي ِه‬ ‫كِت‬

considered shirk because the recipient of those prayers has passed away.

“There is no shirk in this because just as Allah the Exalted has made the air a means of conveying the voice of one person to another in this world, similarly He has made angels the means of conveying our prayers to the deceased in the spiritual world. Therefore, when we go to cemeteries, the supplication that we recite there also begins with: ُ َ ُ َ َّ َ ُْ َ َْ ‫ام َعل ْيك ْم يَا أهل الق ُبو ِر‬ ‫السل‬ “‘Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the graves!’, which does not mean at all that we are seeing these people or that they are physically present before us.

“Regarding this matter, the Promised Messiahas was asked whether the deceased hear the call of: َ ُ َ ُ َ َّ ُْ َ ْ ‫ام َعل ْيك ْم يَا أهل الق ُبو ِر‬ ‫السل‬ Upon this, the Promised Messiahas said: ‘Look! It is not as if they respond to the salutation with “Wa alaikumus-salam” [And peace be on you too]; rather, Allah the Exalted conveys the salutation (which is a supplication) to them. Air is a means by which we hear a voice, but it is not the means by which you communicate with the deceased; rather, Allah the Exalted makes the angels the means of conveying “Assalamo alaikum”. The case with Durood Sharif is the same. Angels convey those salutations to the Holy Prophetsa.’ (Al Badr, 16 March 1904) “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira explains this matter as follows: ‘In times when feelings of immense love or immense grief occur, one calls those who are not physically present. This does not mean that they are physically present, rather it is an expression of love.’

(Al Hakam, 10 February 1904)”

_suhaib_a | Instagram

Women at funeral processions Huzooraa was asked about women visiting graveyards for funerals and standing behind men or sitting in their cars during the burial.

Huzooraa explained this in his letter dated 9 June 2018 as follows: “From various ahadith, we learn that the Holy Prophetsa had generally advised women against visiting graveyards along with funeral processions, but this was not strictly forbidden. If, for some specific reason, a woman was seen at a funeral, the Holy Prophetsa would ignore it.

“In the pre-Islamic era, excessive mourning over the deceased was a common practice and it was mostly done by women.

Islam forbade excessive lamentation and at the same time, women were generally forbidden to go to the graveyard with the deceased so that they may not engage in the [aforementioned] excessive lamentation upon being overwhelmed by emotions at the time of burial.

“Salafi scholars and Islamic jurists have also declared it undesirable for women to visit graveyards along with a funeral procession.

“During the blessed time of the Promised Messiahas and the time of his Khulafa after him, it has generally been the practice that women are allowed to join the funeral prayers with a separate arrangement from the men, but at the time of burial, women are not allowed to come along.

“Therefore, except for special circumstances, women should not go to cemeteries for funerals. If for any reason women have to go to the cemetery during the funeral – as you have written in your letter – they should remain seated in their cars. After the completion of the burial and the funeral, when the men have left, they

[the book of Allah and the sunnah of His Prophetsa] are used, while in the other, the following words are used: َ َْ ْ ّٰ َ َ ‫اب الل ِه َو ِعت َرتِي أهل ب َ ْي ِتي‬ ‫كِت‬ [the book of Allah and my descendants from among my household].

“The narrations which use the words, ّٰ َ َ َ َ َ ‫اب الل ِه َو ُس ّنة ن ِب ِّي ِه‬ ‫ كِت‬are trustworthy and authentic.

“The Holy Quran is in fact the Word of God Almighty, while the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa is the practical interpretation of that Word. Both are inseparable, complementary and free of any kind of speculation. Those who hold onto both of these i.e. live by their commandments, will never go astray.

“Although the narrations regarding, َ َْ ْ ‫ َو ِعت َرتِي أهل ب َ ْي ِتي‬have been included in some of the six authentic hadith books [Al-Sihah al-Sittah], Imam Bukharirh did not record them in his Sahih.

“Scholars of hadith have debated much about these narrations, in view of their riwayah as well as dirayah. Moreover, books of Asma al-Rijal – the biographies of hadith narrators – have also taken much exception to the narrators of these narrations and have proven that there must have been someone in the chain of their narrators who was sympathetic towards the Shia point of view.

“The statement of one of the narrators – namely Hazrat Zaidra ibn Arqam – is worthy of consideration. He states, ‘I am old and I have forgotten a lot of what I heard from the Holy Prophetsa.’

“Another narrator is Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah. Although the short narration from him, which is recorded in Sahih Muslim and Sunan Tirmidhi, contains the َ َْ ْ ّٰ َ َ words, ‫اب الل ِه َو ِعت َرتِي أهل ب َ ْي ِتي‬ ‫كِت‬, but, when the same narration by Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah was narrated in detail in Sahih Muslim and Sunan Ibn Majah, nowhere َ َْ ْ َ did it mention the words, ‫و ِعت َرت ِ ٰي أهل ب َ ْي ِتي‬. ّ َ َ Instead, it only mentions the words ‫اب الل ِه‬ ‫كِت‬

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM i.e. ‘the book of Allah’.

“Therefore, only those narrations of Muwatta Imam Malik, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Daud and Sunan Ibn Majah etc. are reliable and acceptable in terms of riwayah and dirayah, which instruct to hold fast to the Book of Allah or to follow the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa.

“All other narrations – in which the َ َْ َ َْ ْ words ‫ أهل ب َ ْي ِتي‬or ‫ َو ِعت َرتِي أهل ب َ ْي ِتي‬are included with the word ‘Book of Allah’, as stated by the scholars of hadith and experts on the biographies of the narrators of ahadith – are not worthy of acceptance.”

Funeral prayers for non-Ahmadis Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was presented the following hadith: َ ْ َ َ َ ً َ ْ ُ ّ ُ َ ْ َ ٌ َ َ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َ َّ ‫اج ًرا‬ ِ ‫الصلاة المكتوبة و‬ ِ ‫اجبة خ َلف ك َ ِل مسلِ ٍم ب ّرا كان أو ف‬ َ ‫َو ِإ ْن ع ِمل الْك َبائِ َر‬ [The obligatory prayer is essential behind every Muslim, pious or impious, even if he has committed grievous sins.]

(Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab as-Salat) Huzooraa was then asked as to why it was not permissible for an Ahmadi to pray behind a non-Ahmadi.

Huzooraa, in his letter dated 5 October 2018, gave the following reply: “The complete narration, as mentioned in Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Jihad is as follows: َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ّٰ ُ :‫ قال َر ُسول الل ِه َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم‬،‫ع ْن أبِي ه َريْ َرة قال‬ َ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ ًَ ُّ َ َ ُ َ ْ ‫اج ٌب َعل ْيك ْم َمع ك ِل أ ِم‬ ‫اج ًرا‬ ِ ‫ال ِجهاد و‬ ِ َ ‫ير ب ّرا كان أو ف‬ ٍ َ ْ َ َ ً َ ْ ُ ّ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ ٌ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ‫اج ًرا‬ ِ ‫والصلاة و‬ ِ ‫اجبة عليك ْم خلف ك ِل مسلِ ٍم ب ّرا كان أو ف‬ ُ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ‫اة َواج َب ٌة َعلَى ك ُ ّل ُم ْسلم ب َ ًّرا كَان‬ ‫و ِإن ع ِمل الكبائِر والصل‬ ٍِ ِ ِ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ً َ َْ َ‫ك َبائر‬ ‫اجرا و ِإن ع ِمل ال‬ ِ ‫أو ف‬ ِ “In other words, the Holy Prophetsa did not only give instructions in regard to offering prayers in this narration, but he also instructed to participate in jihad under the leadership of every amir [leader] and to offer the funeral prayers of every Muslim.

However, the Holy Prophetsa himself did not offer the funeral prayers of the debtor, the traitor and the one who committed suicide.

“Due to this, the scholars of hadith have debated much about the soundness of this hadith and have raised many objections regarding the authenticity of the narration. sa “Moreover, theَ Holy Prophet said: ُ ْ ُ َّ ُ َ َ ُ ْ ‫لا يؤمنكم ذو جرأة فِي دِينه‬ meaning that a person who has become shameless concerning his religion or does not care about the religious injunctions should never lead you in prayers as an imam.

“With regard to being an imam (who leads the prayers) the hadith which is above sa all is one where the Holy Prophet ُ ُ ُ says about the Promised Messiah, ‫امك ْم ِم ْنك ْم‬ ‫َو ِإ َم‬ i.e. ‘At that time, your imam will be from amongst you’. This hadith is recorded in the most authentic hadith books, namely Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

“The Holy Prophetsa said in the hadith under discussion that whilst you may offer prayers behind a sinner or an immoral person, it does not mean that you can also pray behind someone who brands the Promised Messiahas as a disbeliever or a liar. So, even if this hadith is considered as authentic, it would only mean that the

Holy Prophetsa was actually drawing our attention to an administrative matter that when one of your people is chosen as an imam, do not be curious about his actions in order to find his shortcomings, but rather pray behind him with complete obedience and leave the matter of the acceptance of your prayers to God Almighty.”

The three rings of the Promised Messiahas Switzerland’s National Majlis-e-Amila had a virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa on 7 November 2020. One of the members asked Huzooraa the following question: “The Promised Messiahas had three rings made. It has been observed that Huzoor-e-Anwaraa wears two of the rings on his blessed hand. Who possesses the third ring Huzoor?”

Huzooraa replied: “Hazrat Amma Janra [the noble wife of the Promised Messiahas] gave ring with َ ُ ّٰ the ْ َ​َ َُ َ the inscription of ‫اف ع ْبده‬ ٍ ‫[ ألي َس الله بِك‬Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?] to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. She gave the ring with َ َ َ ُ the inscription of the revelation of ‫غ َر ْست لک‬ ُ ْ ‫[ بِ َی ِد ْی َر ْح َم ِت ْی َوقد َرتِ ْی‬I have planted for you My Mercy and My Power with My own hand] to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and she ٰ gave the ring with the inscription of ‫مولی‬ َ ‫[ بس‬The Lord (is) enough] to Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra. ٰ ّ ۡ َ​َ “As far as the ‫ الی َس الل ُہ‬ring, which was given to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, is concerned, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra made a will that this ring should be given to whoever is elected as the next Khalifa and it should be passed down in the chain of successorship of Khilafat instead of remaining as his personal ring. Both brothers (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra) kept the other two rings given to them.

“The ring given to Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra was later handed down to my father [Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad, son of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra] after his demise. After the demise of my father, my mother handed down that ring to me. Then when Allah the Exalted entrusted me with the mantle of Khilafat, I started wearing that ring.

“The third ring which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra had, was handed down to Hazrat Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad upon his demise. Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib did not have any children, so he adopted a child – the son of Amatul Jameel Sahiba (daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra) and Nasir Ahmad Sial Sahib (son of Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sial Sahibra).

He grew up in his home and so, that ring was handed down to him. He currently resides in America.”

Ahmadis during World War III In the same mulaqat held on 7 November 2020, another national amila member asked Huzooraa: “Dear Huzoor! You spoke about a potential Third World War in your Friday Sermon yesterday. If World War III does occur, will the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat also be affected by it?”

Huzooraa gave the following answer: “There is a saying [in Punjabi], ‘The weevil is also inevitably ground when wheat is ground’. We are not weevil as such, but when such circumstances befall the world, they will affect the world at large.

“In the time of the Holy Prophetsa, wars were fought. Allah the Exalted promised that the Muslims would be victorious in battles and they did win battles, but were the Companionsra not martyred in the process?

“When we witness various signs, such as outbreaks, earthquakes and storms etc., during such times, some Ahmadis may also be affected by them. However, the number of Ahmadis affected would be comparatively very little. If we continue to maintain a true relationship with Allah the Exalted, then as the Promised Messiahas has said: ‫ئ‬

‫آگ ےہ رپ آگ ےس وہ بس اچبےئ ی‬ ‫اج� ےگ‬ ‫وج ہک رےتھک ہ ی� دخاےئ ذوااجعلبئ ےس پ ی�ار‬

‘There is a fire, but all those shall be saved from this fire who possess love for the God of Great Wonders.’

“If our relationship with Allah the Exalted is true, if we fulfil our due obligations to Him and His creation, then Allah the Exalted will reduce the level of

any harm or damage that may come our way to a great degree and He will protect us with His grace. Then the world will learn their lesson.

“However, before that, if we are fulfilling our due obligations, then it is incumbent upon us to inform the world that the reason for these calamities and wars is their becoming distant from God Almighty and not fulfilling the due obligations to the creation of Allah the Exalted. Therefore, they ought to mend their ways.

“When such a world war ends, people will know that there indeed was a group of people, a nation, a Muslim sect and a Jamaat that used to draw our attention towards this. That is when they will turn to God Almighty and will come towards you.

“Thus, if we are fulfilling our obligations, then we will witness the signs of the progress of the Jamaat after the World War. And if we are not fulfilling our obligations; if our state resembles the state of worldly people; if we are immersed in worldly pursuits; if we shun the five daily prayers; if we forget to fulfil our due rights to Allah the Exalted and to mankind, then we too will experience the effects of such a war.

“Allah the Almighty has not guaranteed our protection for merely having performed the Bai‘at. There are conditions to our Bai‘at. If you meet those conditions, then you will be protected. That is why the Promised Messiahas has said that a person will be protected from the fire when the relevant conditions are met and when your expression of love for Allah the Exalted will not only be verbal, but when it will be demonstrated through your deeds. That is when you will be protected.”

Migration from rural to urban areas During the virtual mulaqat of the missionaries of Bangladesh with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, on 8 November 2020, a missionary sought guidance from Huzooraa regarding the fact that young Ahmadi Muslims living in villages or rural areas of Bangladesh tended to migrate to bigger cities in search of better economic or educational opportunities. He said this Continued on next page >>

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

10 << Continued from previous page

meant that the number of Ahmadi Muslim youth serving the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the rural areas or villages was reduced.

In response, Huzooraa said: “This is the general practice of the world. This is something that happens all over the world that people migrate from rural areas or from villages to urban areas or cities. This is something natural in countries that wish to progress. Small areas, towns and villages have populations that increase exponentially.

“If the whole population remains there and does not go to the cities to attain education, then they cannot progress.

This clearly shows that there are more opportunities of progressing in cities, through which the nation can excel further, or there are more opportunities to attain an education and to excel.

“Indeed, there was an economist in Bangladesh who initiated a cottage industry system whereby a cottage industry can be provided to people in small villages and towns so that they may work there and find opportunities to make investments there instead of having to go

out into the city for this purpose. If these sorts of opportunities are available, then this is wonderful. Members of the Jamaat should also benefit from this and people should stay there and work there. However, those who are very well educated and who have greater opportunities to attain higher education and progress further in the city, will of course go into the city.

“So, the only solution for those who remain behind is that they should try their utmost to fulfill their duties and try to get as many Bai‘ats as possible; they should try to do as much tabligh and preaching as possible; they should try to introduce

the Jamaat to more and more people; they should try to instil a sense of fulfilling one’s obligations in the younger generation which is growing up – those who are joining Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya from Atfal so that they may serve the Jamaat as much as possible.

“They have to go out in order to attain their livelihood. So, you should try to get as many new converts as possible in those areas. Secondly, educate the young generation in a manner that they are capable of looking after the Jamaat.”

(Translated by Aqeel Ahmad Kang, London)

Ahmadis open two mosques in Sierra Leone’s Kenema and Makeni Regions Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone inaugurated two mosques on 19 December 2020, alhamdolillah.

Mosque in Kenema Region Mondema village, in Grama Mende Chiefdom, is situated 400 kilometres to the east of the country’s capital, Freetown.

Three years ago, 12 families entered the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat. They started offering daily prayers in congregation and a new convert presented the courtyard of his house for this purpose. With more people joining the Jamaat, this place turned insufficient for the needs of the Jamaat and it became necessary to build a proper mosque in the area.

The Jamaat members contacted the headquarters of the mosque and promised to arrange for the land. Regional missionary, Munir Hussain Sahib visited the place, but found it was not suitable to build a mosque, so he was interested in a couple of other places in the village for this purpose, but the landowners not only refused to sell the land, they also became severe opponents of the Jamaat.

A Jamaat member, who was unable to attend the meetings with the missionary, came to know about this situation and despite a foot injury, went to the missionary and took him to one of his compounds where he had three to four small houses and said that he could demolish these houses and build the mosque there.

The missionary thanked him for this generous offer and asked to look for another place. By the grace of Allah, the Almighty, another plot of land was made available for the mosque near the houses of some Jamaat members.

The foundation of the mosque was laid by Munir Hussain Sahib, regional missionary Kenema on 22 May 2020, and he also supervised the construction of this mosque. Approximately 300 people can offer prayers in this mosque. The local Jamaat did a lot of waqar-e-amal and saved a lot of construction expenses. May Allah bless them all.

The inauguration ceremony started with a recitation of the Holy Quran at 11am and was chaired by Saeed ur Rahman Sahib,

Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Sierra Leone.

Regional missionary of Makeni, Tahir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib also joined the occasion. Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone, in his speech, told the audience about the high status and the importance of the Holy Quran. Furthermore, he told the audience about the signs of the advent of the Promised Messiahas and clearly told about his true status as described by Allah the Almighty and Holy Prophetsa.

Amir Sahib formally opened the mosque and led the people in silent prayer and led Zuhr prayer in the mosque. After the prayer, attendees were served with lunch.

The mosque opening included two chiefdom speakers, 11 Imams, 12 teachers, two school principals, three pastors – a total of 112 non-Ahmadis attended this blessed programme. 217 Ahmadis from nine different jamaats also attended the programme.

Mosque in Makeni Region The people of Masigbi village started accepting Ahmadiyyat in 2018 and keeping in mind the need of the Jamaat, a mosque was built here.

The foundation of the mosque was laid

by Tahir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib and he

supervised the construction of the mosque as well. Approximately 300 people can offer prayer here.

The inauguration ceremony started after Zuhr prayer with the recitation of the Holy Quran and was chaired by Saeed ur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Sierra Leone.

Regional missionary of Makeni, Tahir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib also joined the occasion. After the introduction of the guests, Amir Sahib addressed the audience and mentioned some aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. He also advised the people to shun all innovations. At the

end of his speech he briefed the audience on the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

Amir Sahib cut the ribbon and formally opened the mosque and led people in silent prayer and led the Asr prayer in the mosque.

After the prayer, guests were served with supper.

The occasion was attended by 14 nonAhmadi imams, two chiefs, and 50 nonAhmadi, a total of 209 guests were present on this occasion.

We pray to Allah that these mosques always remain inhabited with true worshippers.

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

“The words of the Khalifa outweigh those of a hundred Greek philosophers” Newly converted members of Lajna Germany invigorated following virtual audience with Huzoor Atia Nuur Ahmad-Hübsch Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany

25 newly converted Ahmadi sisters from Germany were granted the blessed opportunity of a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen Khalifatul Masih Vaa. On 3 January 2021, the sisters gathered in Bait-us-Sabuh, Frankfurt, the headquarters of Jamaat Germany. National Secretary Tarbiyat for Nau Mubai‘at and I were also present at this blessed occasion.

The participants were from different towns (Munich, Hannover, Delmenhorst, Bochum, Cologne etc.), between the ages of 20 and 60+ and all of them embraced Islam during the last three years.

Almost all of the participants have never had the opportunity of an audience with Huzooraa before as many of them performed Bai‘at in the years 2019 and 2020.

Among the participants, 16 were German, two had Afghan backgrounds, two were from India, two were Turkish, one was from Morocco, one was Pakistani and one was from Ghana. The German translation was simultaneously provided through headsets during the entire mulaqat.

Huzooraa most graciously granted about one hour of his precious time and all the new converts had the chance to talk to Huzooraa and narrate their journey to Islam, ask questions or request for prayers for themselves and their families.

The mulaqat started with a recitation from the Holy Quran (Surah Bani Israil, verses 79-82) followed by its Urdu translation, both presented by a newly converted Pakistani sister. Then a German sister read out its German translation.

After this, a newly converted German sister melodiously presented some Urdu couplets of a poem written by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked if she had understood the meaning of the verses. The sister answered that alhamdolillah, she knew the meaning.

Huzooraa then instructed for the German translation of the couplets to be read out.

After this, Huzooraa gave the new convert sisters the opportunity to introduce themselves one after the other and ask questions if they wished to.

Several sisters narrated their stories about how they had found their way to Ahmadiyyat. Huzooraa asked some of them why they had decided to take up all the hardships and opposition from their families, especially at such a young age, as many of the sisters were only 20-21 years of age; Huzooraa also asked if they were ready to face more potential challenges in this regard. All of the sisters responded that they had found in Ahmadiyyat what they had been missing in their lives and that

they were, insha-Allah, willing to face any hardships. They said that they would not let themselves be pulled away from this true path. The participants also requested for prayers for their families that Allah the Almighty enabled them to embrace true Islam as well.

After the mulaqat, the newly converted Ahmadi sisters were overwhelmed and most grateful to Allah the Almighty for being granted this wonderful, blessed and inspiring opportunity and were empowered by the loving words and gracious advice

by Huzooraa. They now feel an even stronger bond with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, alhamdolillah.

Below are some impressions from the new converts: Lydia, who is of German origin, said: “I am speechless, I can hardly describe in words how it feels to have a mulaqat with Huzooraa. To be able to speak with Huzooraa is a blessing and it was also wonderful to get to know other new sisters; it strengthened my faith!”

Edeltraut, who is of German origin, observed: “Due to Allah’s infinite mercy, I had the great honour of taking part in the mulaqat with Huzooraa yesterday. The love of Allah and Huzoor’s advice to me have charged me with pure energy, warmed me up and electrified me up to the fingertips. They have gifted me with confidence and have given my faith an exceptional depth.

“It was as if I was floating on a cloud; the mulaqat with Huzooraa and his words seemed like protection against all worries and everything bad; I felt blessed that I was able to return home with Huzoor’s words.

I will always carry his words close to me, I will always remember them and will never forget this moment.

“Huzoor’s advice for the new converts has also given me important insights and will – insha-Allah – help me develop.

“The truthfulness of Allah that I observed yesterday was an exceptional experience that was also felt physically. This has made me humble and has secured my faith!

“It is wonderful to see the Jamaat grow.

Each new sister is special, with her own story and motivation. Altogether, we are united by the unconditional love for Allah and the desire to fulfill His commands. May all people recognise Allah and in His love, establish good in this world.

“I pray to Allah that all brothers and sisters are rewarded for their work in making this mulaqat possible for us. I am full of gratitude, alhamdolillah, and full of faith.

“All Praise belongs to Allah! َ َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ّ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ ُّ ُ ‫ک َو ُح َّب َم ْن‬ ْ‫ک َو ال ْ َع َم َل ال ّ ِذ ْی ی ُ َب ِل ّ ُغ ِنی‬ ‫اللہم اِنِی اسئلک حب‬ ‫ی ِحب‬ َ َ ‫ُح ّبک‬ “[O Allah, I ask of You Your Love and the love of those who love You and the deed which will increase my love for You.]” Amina, who is of German origin, said: “I can’t put it into words how it felt to be able to talk with Huzooraa and listen to him.”

Sophie, who is of German origin, said: “Prior to the meeting, I felt very nervous and excited, but during the meeting and afterwards, it was a wonderful feeling to have met Huzooraa and to have been able to talk with him, alhamdolillah!”

Romana, who is of Pakistani origin, said: “When Huzoor said, ‘Allah bless you and your family’ to me, I felt that I had no more worries and I knew that through Huzoor’s prayers, all would be well with me and my family, insha-Allah.”

Safia, who is of German origin, said: “It was a great experience, gave me a great deal of hope and significantly inspired me.”

Anja, who is of German origin, said: “The words of a hundred Greek philosophers are nothing compared to the words of the Khalifa.”

(Sister Anja, who recited the Urdu nazm, narrated that she was nervous before reciting the nazm, but when Huzooraa called out her name and asked how it should be pronounced and most lovingly made a little joke, she wasn’t nervous anymore.)

National Secretary Tarbiyat for Nau Mubai‘at (new converts), Maria Zubair Sahiba – a sister of German origin who converted many years ago – expressed her feelings about this blessed occasion by saying: “Alhamdolillah, we had the great opportunity to meet Huzooraa who is like a father and teacher for all of us. Words cannot describe the spiritual atmosphere during this wonderful mulaqat. All new converts can take so much away from these most special moments.

“Leaving some worldly matters could have been otherwise hard for some of the participants, but after realising the meaning of the great gift of Khilafat, there is no space for worries anymore, insha-Allah. May Allah bless our beloved Khalifa with health and may Allah help us to follow the precious advice he gave to us. Amin.”

At the end, I would like to say that for the past few years, at the conclusion of Jalsa Salanas, newly converted sisters have always been granted the blessed opportunity of a mulaqat with beloved Huzooraa.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jalsa Salana Germany could not be held in 2020, so when we saw that by the grace of Allah, virtual mulaqats had started, we then humbly requested Huzooraa to grant an online mulaqat to our newly converted sisters.

Alhamdolillah, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously approved our request and the preparations for this blessed event started. Upon receiving the good news, the newly converted sisters were very excited and happy and some had travelled even from afar to benefit from this unique opportunity.

When the blessed moment arrived and we saw Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa on the screen in front of us, emotions cannot be put in words. We instantly felt the spiritual atmosphere filling the hall and were embraced by the loving and gracious presence of Khalifatul Masih, alhamdolillah.

After the mulaqat, the joy of the participants was worth seeing. They were overwhelmed; tears of joy and gratitude were flowing from their eyes. They felt empowered by the gracious advice and guidance offered by Huzooraa and said that these blessed moments had a great impact on them, alhamdolillah.

May Allah the Almighty always strengthen the faith and bond with Khilafate-Ahmadiyya of all newly converted sisters and brothers. Amin.

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

12

100 Years Ago...

A poem for Ahmadi youth and progress report of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat at Jalsa Salana 1920 Al Fazl, 6 January 1921 On 27 December 1920, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, came to the stage in the second session of Jalsa Salana Qadian and said: “Before I start my speech, I want to say that a gentleman will recite one of my poems to you. In this poem, those youth of the Jamaat are addressed and given some advice who have not yet reached the stage where they can bear the burden of work of the Jamaat.

However, they are expected to carry out the works of the Jamaat in the future.

“Moreover, this [poem] is also addressed to those whose have left the age of youth, but as they have recently joined the Jamaat, they are also our youngsters. Hence, my poem is addressed to the youth who have not yet taken on the burden of the Jamaat’s work and will be entrusted with responsibilities in the future and also those who are new converts.

“All the advice I have given in this poem is essential and it was in my mind at the time of writing. I wanted this poem to be widely published and circulated. This work was undertaken by Mir Qasim Ali Sahib and he has got it printed in a very high quality which can be distributed among others and can be hung in houses. I have also written notes on this poem which are present on its margins. In order to never lose its sight, members of the Jamaat should put it in frames and hang it on the walls.”

After this short speech, Master Muhammad Shafi Sahib Aslam recited the said poem of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra].

[The name of the poem is ‫ادھلی‬ ‫( ولح‬Lauhٰ ul-Huda: Tablet of Guidance) and its first couplet is:

‫وناہنالن امجتع ےھجم ھچک انہک ےہ‬ ِ ‫غ‬ ‫رپ ےہ �ی رشط ہک اضعئ یمرا پ ی�ام ہن وہ‬

[To the youth of the Jamaat, I wish to say a few things. But there is one condition: my message must not go unheeded.]

The couplets of the poem created such an emotional effect that tears flowed from the eyes of most of the companions and some of them even started weeping.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] stood up after the poem for his speech. After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, Surah al-Fatihah and [verses 191 to 196] of Surah Al-e-Imran, he said [the following about the progress of the Jamaat in the year 1920] … : Ahmadiyya Mosque, London “First of all, Allah the Almighty, by His grace, helped our Jamaat make arrangements to build a mosque in London. The centre of Christianity is London as compared to Rome. Roman Catholics live in Rome

and Protestants reside in London. Roman Catholics are not as passionate about preaching as Protestants and Christianity is but dead. However, the people of England are still trying to help this corpse move.

“The work of the mosque in London was a huge task. People were surprised but God instilled in our Jamaat the strength to do it. The idea of a mosque came to my mind only a week after last year’s Jalsa. At first, we thought of taking a loan, but in the end, the requirements were fulfilled and a large sum of money was collected in chanda [donations] and an overwhelming enthusiasm was witnessed in our Jamaat.

“Non-Ahmadis consider Khilafat to be everything, but 600 students of one of their colleges could not present even 2,000 rupees. On the other hand, our 70 students of the same college gave 2,000 rupees [in chanda].

“The land has now been purchased in London. It is in the neighbourhood of merchants and there is also a house in it.

By the grace of God, it has been bought at a low-cost and it covers a vast area.

Missionary in America “The second work that was done this year is the American mission. The American government stopped Mufti Sahib because he was a follower of a religion in which

polygamy is allowed. The Muslims of out region were very happy to hear this.

However, when I went to Sialkot in those days, I stated in my speech that we would definitely enter America because the American government had come face to face with the divine government and the divine government would surely succeed.

“Hence, Mufti Sahib entered that place by the grace of God. Thus far, 34 people have joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

Moreover, Mufti Sahib recently wrote asking permission for a second nikah as he states that the law has somewhat relaxed [regarding polygamy].

“In a previous year, I mentioned that I saw the Promised Messiahas in a vision with respect to this country that he came quickly and said, ‘I have lived in America for five years and now I am going to Bukhara.’

“Our mission has been established in America and, insha-Allah, it will be established in Bukhara as well. The divine visions of the Promised Messiahas also testify that Ahmadiyyat will soon spread there. The sceptre of Russia has been taken. Now, what remains is to kill the lion with the bow and arrow of the Amir of Bukhara.

Tabligh of Ahmadiyyat “Along with the [above mentioned] good news comes the sad news that though

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya donated sincerely, offered great sacrifices and great work was done in order to build a mosque in London, on the other hand, there was less progress in tabligh this year and fewer people entered the Jamaat as compared to previous years.

“This is a debt on you and you should pay it. For the future, it is suggested that just as the budget of chanda is distributed district-wise to be fulfilled and then an announcement is made in the Jalsa about the amounts of donations that come from various Anjumans, something similar should be done with respect to tabligh.

“Every Jamaat should be told a figure that they should endeavour to convert at least this many people to Ahmadiyyat in a year and nazir talif-o-ishaat [central publications and propagation directorate] should announce at Jalsa Salana as to how many people have converted to Ahmadiyyat through the efforts of such and such Jamaat.

“However, the shortfall of the last year is a debt on your heads and even more than the debt, I would call it a penalty. Thus, try to pay it next year.

“During the formation of nazarats as departments of the Jamaat, I had suggested we should do the same as was done in the time of the rightly guided Khulafa that each Continued on next page >>

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

“Huzoor wants us to always move forward as is the Islamic injunction” Lajna UK amila reflects on virtual mulaqat with Huzoor << Continued from previous page

jamaat used to have their own amir [head].

“As an experiment, an amir was appointed in two jamaats, i.e. Khan Sahib Munshi Farzand Ali Sahib of Ferozepur Jamaat and Chaudhry Zafarullah Khan Sahib of Lahore Jamaat were appointed as their amirs. The condition of these jamaats is much better now, so I do not order but recommend all jamaats to do the same and inform us by suggesting a person whom they like to be their amir.

Newspapers of Ahmadiyya Jamaat “Now, I would like to say something about the Jamaat’s newspapers and magazines. I had drawn attention towards them last year, which proved beneficial for The Review of Religions, Al Fazl and Tashheez, but apart from them, less attention has been paid to Akhbar Faruq, Al Hakam and [Akhbar] Nur. Their subscribers are very few.

“One of the qualities of Al Hakam is that it preserves the history of the Jamaat and breathes life into [members of] the Jamaat and even Al Fazl does not possess this attribute. However, Al Hakam does not seem as good as it was before and there are mistakes also, but the reason is that its current editor is a novice and inexperienced.

Anyhow, good work is still in progress.

“The articles of [Akhbar] Nur are also useful and through them, the door to tabligh has opened in the Sikhs. This [work] is the continuation of the mission of the Promised Messiahas which was established through [his book], Satt Bachan, to convince the Sikhs that Baba Nanak was a Muslim.

[Akhbar] Nur has had considerable success in this endeavor as many Sikhs are drawing near to joining Islam.

“Then, I also call the attention of our friends to [Akhbar] Faruq, but where I draw the attention of our friends towards these newspapers, I would also like to ask the teams of newspapers to pay special attention and put in their efforts in every aspect and divide their work.

Books “I have noticed that a spirit of trade has taken hold of the book sellers. Therefore, I need not make any special recommendations regarding them. However, I would surely say to those people who are scholars and have the ability to write and publish that they should pay attention to writing and publishing beneficial works …

Compiled by Shermeen Butt Lajna Imaillah UK

The amila of Lajna Imaillah UK had the immense privilege and honour of a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa on Saturday, 2 January 2021 and were particularly blessed that the first virtual mulaqat of the year was granted to us.

Amila members gathered in a Covidsafe environment set up in Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh (London) while MTA International provided the video link to Huzoor’s office in Islamabad.

It was a spiritually uplifting and blessed mulaqat. Although it was a virtual mulaqat, it felt that we were in Huzoor’s blessed presence.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously listened to each amila member’s report on their work during the past year and most kindly counselled and gave guidance on how to improve our work.

The departmental secretaries reported on their respective department’s work and each received detailed guidance on how they can expand their work and further improve what they are already doing.

Huzooraa asked meticulous questions, which indicated the aspects of each department’s work that are of greater importance and what we need to focus on. It was inspirational to experience Huzoor’s indepth knowledge of every area and ability of Lajna’s endeavours and how he pointed out the key issues and gave direction.

Various muavinas of Sadr Lajna UK also submitted their reports and were blessed to receive pertinent guidance from Huzooraa.

As Lajna Imaillah’s varied work ranges from academic, moral training, outreach to physical fitness and much more, Huzoor’s counsel was also all-encompassing.

Secretary Tabligh Farzana Yousuf Sahiba commented: “It was an immense blessing to receive Huzoor’s precious guidance for the tabligh department, especially during the current times when the message of Islam is so desperately needed. Huzooraa reminded us that we must convey this message to all members of society, including school children, so that they are the recipients of the true teachings of Islam from a young age.

“Huzoor’s beautiful wisdom reminded us that even though we may hold our tabligh events virtually and may not physically be present with our guests, we should never forget our hospitality and duty to look after

them. It was a most inspiring and motivating mulaqat, alhamdolillah.”

Secretary Nau Mubai‘at Nusrat Safir Sahiba said: “The most beneficial aspect of attending the mulaqat is to have the blessed

“Huzooraa kindly instructed all Lajna about regularity in Namaz, regular recitation of the Holy Quran, listening to the Friday Sermons on MTA, study of hadith and writings of the Promised Messiahas. I will endeavour to work with these guidelines in my department as waqifaat-e-nau need to be at the forefront of the standards set by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.”

Sadr Lajna UK Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba remarked: “Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about our programme for the coming year and gave us extra guidance regarding that. It is a unique blessing to be given guidance in this way. The mulaqat once again highlighted how our beloved Khalifa takes such great interest and care in the development and training of Ahmadi Muslim women and girls.

“Lajna Imaillah UK is building a maternity hospital in Sierra Leone to mark the 100 years of foundation of Lajna Imaillah worldwide. Huzooraa directed that not only should we build the hospital, but we should

The Lajna UK amila gathered in the Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh, Morden, for their mulaqat with Huzooraa

opportunity to discuss one’s department directly with Huzooraa and to receive specific guidance. It inspires me that Huzooraa spares time from his incredibly busy schedule to discuss and guide the department that has been entrusted to me, then I should also do my utmost to fulfil all the responsibilities that have been put on me.”

Muavina Sadr Nimrah Butt Sahiba observed: “During this virtual mulaqat, beloved Huzooraa enquired about the work Lajna had done during the pandemic and provided invaluable guidance for the year ahead.

After months of lockdown restrictions that had prevented us from seeing our beloved Khalifa with our own eyes (a blessing which this pandemic has highlighted in a new light) this live interaction was simply priceless.

“The entire experience was uplifting and motivational and undoubtedly left all amila members with a renewed desire to work harder to fulfil our responsibilities and the expectations of our beloved Imam.”

Muavina Sadr for Waqf-e-Nau Shahnaz Ahmad Sahiba said: “We were very fortunate and blessed to have a mulaqat with Huzooraa despite the lockdown. When Huzooraa spoke to me directly about my department, I was nervous, but they were very special moments for me. Huzoor’s detailed and keen awareness of the needs of all waqifaat was touching and inspiring at the same time, asking about their reconfirmation, their contact with local secretaries and their coverage of the syllabus.

also provide it with doctors, nurses and staff.

“Huzooraa guided us about inspiring our future doctors to pledge themselves towards dedicating their lives to serve there.

Similarly, when enquiring about Lajna work regarding cottage industries, Huzooraa advised Lajna UK to initiate this service in Africa, yet again reconfirming that there was indeed no one like our beloved Huzooraa who champions service of humanity.

“Huzooraa graciously gave a motto to our Nasirat based on a hadith of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him: ‘Modesty is part of faith.’ Huzooraa went on to beautifully guide that this motto would encompass many current day topics.

The way the world is forgetting moral and ethical values, which many religions uphold, this motto will serve as a guiding light for our young generation, insha-Allah.

“Huzooraa gave us many targets to work towards, including spiritual and charitable.

This framework was an embodiment of covering both huququllah (the rights of Allah) and huququl-ibad (the rights of mankind). An overall impression was that Huzooraa wants us to set targets for ourselves every year, in every department and work towards them in the true spirit of the Islamic injunction that a true believer always moves forward.”

While Lajna UK’s virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was an extremely uplifting and inspirational experience, it also firmly reminded us of the solemn responsibilities we are privileged to be entrusted with.

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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A revolutionary catastrophe calls for a revolution in faith Reflecting on Huzoor’s New Year’s message Asif M Basit Friday, 1 January 2021: Having only just finished listening to the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, I sat trying to delve into the depth of Huzoor’s message for the new year: Are we to celebrate? Or are we to wait?

The coronavirus is still very much around and wreaking havoc across the globe. The world is still not paying heed to its Creator.

The world stands at a high and steep cliff of absolute catastrophe, clutching to the edge with its toes, as though that helps avoid freefalling into the deep sea of oblivion that lies beneath. What is there to celebrate?

I delve deeper into Huzoor’s message and find that it would be wrong to see the message as one of disappointment. The message is all about diagnosis, remedy and treatment – a full package to move forward in life and in the right direction.

The message has it that the deadly pandemic is a reminder of the Almighty, Whose knowledge, power and grasp on our lives can never be surpassed; Who, from time to time, makes us realise that mankind can progress, but not to the level where the Almighty God can be seen as left behind – He alone stays on top of everything that happens in the Universe.

The breadth and depth of the message are so universal that it spans over all circles of humankind. Common men like myself saw it addressed to us, but it would rise like a mighty tide to the height of world leaders who run the affairs of the modern-day world. As soon as it appeared to be flowing calmly through the spiritual fields of human conscience, it suddenly fell with great force, like an expansive waterfall on to the lands where injustice lurks in every nook of society.

So, from someone sitting peacefully on their sofa at home, to those sitting in prisons for professing their faith and to those who have locked them up; from those who consider worldly knowledge to be sufficient in overcoming the deadly pandemic, to those who see their connection with God only restricted to belief and not practice; from those who turn a blind eye to the political aftermath of the pandemic to those who allow the world economy to turn into a ferocious beast, the message is for every single individual of the world population.

As soon as the Friday Sermon came to an end with this message, I paused the

Photo courtesy of MTA International

YouTube stream and ran downstairs to catch the Friday prayer. My mind was restless to see what other Muslim leaders had to say at the turn of the year and the decade.

So after the Namaz, I sat at my desk and combed through the Internet. I found nothing. I tried using an even finer comb to go through social media accounts of Muslim leaders (and non-Muslim ones also). Again, I found nothing of the scale of Huzoor’s message. Since that would be an understatement, I must say that I found nothing even remotely close to the scale and magnitude of the message given to the whole world by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at the dawn of the new year and the new decade.

I turned to secular world leaders who boringly kept referring to the “light at the end of the tunnel” and were tirelessly attributing this light (which is still more of an illusion) to their own worldly efforts.

Vaccines and inoculations, mass testing, test-and-trace, self-isolations, quarantines and what not! I was astonished to see that the world of science had not moved an inch forward from their century-old means and resorts – nothing much different from the influenza pandemic of 1918.

Naturally so, I felt the urge to go through what Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra had called

his Jamaat and the world at large to at the outbreak of the influenza pandemic.

The 6 September 1919 issue of Al Fazl Qadian carried a news on its front page that read: “After the Asr Salat on 30 August, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] delivered a speech about the influenza pandemic whereby he gave guidance on physical and spiritual precautions in the wake of the outbreak …”

It further read that the full text of the speech would follow in the next issue. I scrolled to the next issue, which had come out on 13 September 1919.

As I read through the full text, I felt my belief in Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya strengthen with every word. I was felt more and more convinced that with the advent of the Promised Messiahas, his Khulafa were now to be the reformers prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam – meant to appear at the head of every century.

At the start of the 20th century, Allah the Almighty had sent a mighty reminder of his existence in the form of a pandemic that left humankind helpless before it. At the same time, there was a reformer calling the world to realise that they were going through a test of their faith and that they ought to turn to their Creator for help.

Now, at the turn of the second decade of the 21st century, we have another sign of a

similar scale and we also have, in the form of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the reformer of this time calling the world to turn to God Almighty before it is too late and the damage becomes irreparable.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, in this historic speech, explained the vastness of the scale of the pandemic and said: “First and foremost, our belief in Allah being the only protector from any adversity and hardship, should make us bring about in ourselves such change and show such endeavour, through absolute obedience, that He becomes pleased with us. “… If we were to obey Him with complete submission, why would He not show extraordinary grace in the wake of this deadly pandemic?

“Secondly, more time should be spent in invoking Allah’s tasbih and tahmid … “…

Thirdly, remember that prescribed chanda is not sufficient as alms-giving and charity. Although the prescribed chanda is beneficial in this regard, but more should be spent to fulfil the needs of the underprivileged, as it is this form of charitable spending that repels hardships and troubles …

“Fourthly, we should fall before Allah and pray fervently to Him … Praying for the betterment of others is a great means of

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prevention from difficulties and hardship …

“All the above are means of spiritual nature, but these should be topped-up with physical precautions. The Promised Messiahas said that one who does not observe physical precautions tests Allah the Almighty – as if to say, ‘Let’s see whether Allah saves me or not!’ …

“I would also like to tell you about something which is both of spiritual and physical nature: Never despair and never be disappointed. Disappointment is a spiritual and a physical disease; spiritual because it leads to disbelief and physical as it leads to a weakened body which attracts infection …”

As 1919 took the turn in to the new year, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, undeterred by the devastating spread of the pandemic and the crumbling global economy, launched a scheme for building a mosque in London. Pair the launch of this scheme with his message at the end of the previous year and one can observe what Khilafat-eAhmadiyya is all about.

Fast-forward to 2020 and 2021, we see the same ethos of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya: In Allah we believe and to Him alone shall we turn to beseech His help and blessings in any hardship; a revolutionary catastrophe calls for a revolution in faith and whatever hardship or calamity may come our way, we will not stop propagating the message of the

Oneness of God and the teachings of His messenger, Hazrat Muhammadsa.

Let us recap the magnificent message given by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at the turn of the new year and the new decade: “Today is the first day of the new year and also the first Friday. Pray that this year brings blessings for the Jamaat and the rest of Humanity. Owing to our responsibility, may we all be able to bow before Allah and improve our standards of worship more than before; may the rest of the world be able to realise the purpose of their creation and start to fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty, as well as obeying Allah the Almighty in fulfilling the rights of others instead of usurping them. Otherwise, Allah the Almighty has His own ways of reminding the world of their responsibilities. I wish that we and all the rest of the world understand this to secure our life in this world and in the Hereafter.

“With our belief in the Imam of the Age – the Promised Messiah and Mahdias – have we transformed into those who fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty and, for His sake, fulfil the rights of mankind? Or do we still need to improve ourselves, show more fraternal affection towards one another at an extraordinary level?

“So, every Ahmadi should ponder that they have been assigned a great duty and to

deliver it, they must create an atmosphere of love and fraternity among themselves in the Ahmadiyya Community. Then turn towards calling others under the banner of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa, which is actually the flag of the One God. Only then can we succeed in the purpose of our Bai‘at and do justice to it; only then can we be the recipients of Allah’s blessings. Only then can we rightfully wish one another a happy New Year.”

“It is our duty to beautify our worship with even more prayers. If we are able to do so, then we shall surely succeed”.

“For the last one year, we have been struck by a deadly pandemic and no part of the world is beyond its reach, albeit with a variation of degree. But it seems as if the majority of the world population does not want to see the point that this pandemic could be a reminder from Allah the Almighty of our duties and responsibilities …”

Huzooraa mentioned how Ahmadis in Pakistan and Algeria are being persecuted for their faith. Huzooraa also reminded the opponents of Ahmadis that it is only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat that gives the world the true message of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam and holds high the flag of his honour.

Huzooraa then went on to mention how he had written to world leaders very recently and invited them to ponder over the pandemic as a reminder from God; also that they seemed to have paid no heed.

Through this New Year’s message, Huzooraa made it clear once again to world powers that the true source of all power and sovereignty lies will Allah the Almighty alone; it is Him Who we will have to turn to as He alone can bring about salvation from all hardships and disasters.

I wanted not to be biased so I sat in my office and browsed through the Internet to fish for any message from any Muslim leader. Through the window of my office, I saw the first day of 2021 turn from noon, to afternoon to evening and then night. I could not find any message.

All I found was the Pope’s message that was read in his absence in the liturgy that usually marks the New Years’ service. Then there was a message from the archbishop of Canterbury.

I will be completely honest and unbiased when I say that both were heart-touching messages but lacked the expanse and universality.

I was still after any messages from Muslim leaders.

I now narrowed down my search and focused on Muslim organisations that had been very fond of establishing Khilafat – the offshoots of Maududism and

their likes. I found none.

All of a sudden, an entry on Google caught my eye. It read: “ISIS fanatics call for attacks on New Year’s Eve”. I clicked on it and felt chills running down my spine.

“Kill the infidels” was the crux of the New Year’s message from the terrorist group that had once boasted their temporal power over an “Islamic state” and had styled their leader as the “Khalifatul Muslimin”.

I felt ashamed that such messages had gone out in the name of Islam. Then there were posters that the terrorist organisation had posted as their New Year’s message: Muslim-looking men wearing suicidal vests as they looked at the iconic New Year’s fireworks of the Eiffel Tower; other similar-looking men ready to blast off other celebrations with iconic buildings of the West in the backdrop.

I also felt immensely grateful to Allah for being an Ahmadi and for being in the Jamaat of the Khalifa who peacefully calls the world to God; who reminds the world leaders and the world population of their responsibilities and duties toward humanity; who reminds his own community not to sit content that they have verbally accepted the saviour of the age, but to get up and practically remind the world what it actually means to be a good human being, and a good Muslim for that matter.

It has only been 11 days that a challenge was sent out from Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya to the entire Muslim Ummah – the challenge asking them to establish Khilafat if they can.

Since the chilly evening of 20 December 2020, when the message went live on MTA, I have waited every single day to see what the opponents of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya have to say in response, but in vain.

But this message from the claimants of “temporal power of an Islamic state” and the self-styled “Khilafat” came up as the only response from the rest of the Muslim world.

I wish to take leave here without any further comments. Your comments are most certainly welcome via email at info@ alhakam.org

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Why is Jesus’ death so important for Muslims?

Talat Syam Student Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

It would be no surprise to say that Jesusas has become the most contentious religious figure in history. During religious dialogue or discourse with Christians, Jews or Muslims, Jesusas is often discussed.

For Ahmadi Muslims, the death of Jesusas is a well established fact, proven from the Quran and hadith, something Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas proved with great depth. But as this is not the mainstream belief amongst Muslims, it often becomes a primary point of discussion.

Some people ask why believing in Jesus’ death is so important? What significance does the simple question of “his death” have for Muslims?

The Holy Prophetsa prophesised that a messiah would come in the Latter Days who would reform the Muslims and rescue faith. This messiah would be the lifeline for Muslims and the world. The advent of a messiah is well established within Islamic theology and tradition. Hazrat Imam Bukharirh, in his collection, dedicated a whole chapter of ahadith regarding the prophecies of the advent of the messiah.

Therefore the advent of the Messiah is no small matter than can be overlooked.

The Promised Messiahas was to guide Muslims and bring faith back on earth and looking at the current state of Muslims,

there is a dire need for this Messiah, or for this Messiah to be accepted if he has come already.

The bone of contention between Ahmadi Muslims and other Muslims is Jesus’ death.

If Jesusas has died, then the prophecies regarding his advent have to be looked at again.

For Ahmadi Muslims, there are over 30 verses in the Holy Quran proving Jesusas died a natural death; these have been constantly presented and explained by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for over a century.

One such verse proving the death of Jesusas is from chapter 3 of the Quran, verse 145:

َ َ َ۠​َ ّ ‫َو َما ُم َح َّم ٌد ِالَّا َر ُسوۡ ٌل ۚ َق ۡد َخ َل ۡت ِم ۡن َق ۡب ِل ِہ‬ ‫الرُ ُس ُل ؕ افائِ ۡن ّمات‬ ُ َ َ َ​َۡ ُ َ َ َۡ ‫ا ۡو ق ِت َل انقل ۡب ُت ۡم َع ٰۤلی ا ۡعق ِابک ۡم ؕ َو َم ۡن ّینق ِل ۡب َع ٰلی َع ِق َب ۡی ِہ‬ ّٰ ّٰ ً َ ّٰ َ ُ َّ َ َ ‫فل ۡن یض ّر الل َہ ش ۡیئا ؕ َو َس َی ۡج ِزی الل ُہ الش ِک ِریۡ َن‬

“And Muhammad is only a Messenger.

Verily, [all] Messengers have passed away before him. If then he die or be slain, will you turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels shall not harm Allah at all. And Allah will certainly reward the grateful.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.145) This verse categorically puts to death all prophets who came before prophet Muhammadsa – the words “all Messengers have passed before him” are as clear as it gets. Allah then leaves no room for “interpretation” when he describes what “passing away” means. According to the

verse, there are two ways of passing away: dying a natural death or being killed.

ُ َ َ َ​َ ‫أف ِإ ْن َمات أ ْو ق ِت َل‬

“If then he die or be slain...”

If there was any other way or possibility of “passing away”, then it would have been mentioned. Allah the Almighty has made it very clear here that a person dies either by dying naturally or being killed.

Jesusas was not killed according to the Quran as it says ‫“ و ما قتلوہ‬and they killed him not” (Surah Al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.158). The only other way of passing away is to die a natural death.

Non-Ahmadi Muslim scholars – through mental gymnastics – somehow take Jesusas out of this passing away that is described in the Quran and put him on a pedestal that supports Christian ideologies. How they interpret Jesusas to be alive within the parameters of this verse is truly a mystery – the Quran only gives two possibilities for prophets to “pass away”, but these scholars invent more.

We can get into the discussion of the meanings of the verse through lexicon; however, the best argument that proves our claim is that the first ijma (consensus) of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa, occurring at the time of his death. This is most paramount and supports our claim to the meaning of this verse.

Hazrat Aishara narrated: “Allah’s Messengersa died while Abu Bakr

was at a place called As-Sunah [Al-Aliya].

Umar stood up and said, ‘By Allah! Allah’s Messengersa is not dead!’ Umar [later] said, ‘By Allah! Nothing occurred to my mind except that.’ He said, ‘Verily! Allah will resurrect him, and he will cut the hands and legs of some men.’

“Then Abu Bakr came and uncovered the face of Allah’s Messengersa, kissed him and said, ‘Let my mother and father be sacrificed for you [O Allah’s Messengersa], you are good in life and in death. By Allah in Whose Hands my life is, Allah will never make you taste death twice.’

“Then he went out and said, ‘O oathtaker! Do not be hasty.’ When Abu Bakr spoke, Umar sat down. Abu Bakr praised and glorified Allah and said, ‘No doubt!

Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead; but whoever worshipped Allah, then Allah is Alive and shall never die.’ Then he recited Allah’s Statement: ‘[O Muhammad] Verily you will die, and they also will die.’ [Ch.39, V. 30] He also recited, ‘And Muhammad is only a Messenger. Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him. If then he die or be slain, will you turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels shall not harm Allah at all. And Allah will certainly reward the grateful.’ [Ch.3: V.144] The people wept loudly …” (Sahih al-Bukhari) If Jesusas was alive in the Heavens, then surely the Companionsra would have raised this point as to why Jesusas was alive while their beloved Prophetsa had just passed away, who was far greater that Jesusas. Not one person raised this point – not even Hazrat Umarra who refused to believe the Prophetsa had died. This proves this verse gave the Companionsra comfort and reassured them that it was normal for a prophet to pass away and all prophets before the Holy Prophetsa – including Jesusas – had died.

After reading the Holy Quran, we cannot help but logically accept Jesusas has indeed died.

If Jesusas has died, then who is this person the Holy Prophetsa is talking about, referred to as Isa ibn Maryam, the saviour for Muslims? There are countless prophecies about the advent of this Messiah and they cannot be rejected.

This is where most Muslims have erred and have misunderstood these prophecies about the advent of the messiah. The messiah of Mosesas has indeed died, so the messiah of Muhammadsa must be from within the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa with the qualities and disposition of Jesusas. Just as the messiah of the mosaic dispensation was rejected by the Jews, so too was the messiah Continued on next page >>

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

UK missionaries educate 30,000 in nationwide talks on Prophet Muhammad Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-Charge, UK

َّ َ ُّ َّ ُ َ َ ُ ّٰ َ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َو َم ٰٓل ِئک َت ٗہ یُ َصلوۡ َن َعلی الن ِب ِ ّی ؕ ٰۤیا ّی َہا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا‬ َ ُّ َ ّ ‫َصلوۡا َعل ۡی ِہ َو َس ِل ُموۡا ت ۡس ِل ۡی ًما‬

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! you [also] should invoke blessings on him and salute [him] with the salutation of peace.” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.57) In 1927, a Hindu belonging to the Arya Samaj sect published a book insulting the Holy Prophetsa which caused an uproar amongst the Muslims. Multiple attempts on his life were made and in the end, he was killed by a Muslim carpenter by the name of Ilm-uddin.

The viewpoint of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has always been to adopt the ways of the Holy Quran and the practice of the Holy Prophetsa. No matter how much the opposition, Islam does not teach to take the law into our own hands.

During those troublesome times and with ensuing conflict around the country, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed that jalsas celebrating the life and teachings of the Holy Prophetsa should be held everywhere.

In this way – Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya – under the guidance of Khilafat, was able to uphold the honour of the Holy Prophetsa.

Although we live in 2020 now, the prejudice against the Holy Prophetsa has not << Continued from previous page

of Islam rejected by Muslims – the Messiah who was to breathe the true spirit of Islam into Muslims and the world.

Therefore, the death of Jesusas is crucial as once it is proven that Jesusas has passed away and will not descend bodily from the Heavens, the identity and prophecy of the Messiah needs to be revaluated.

Who was the Holy Prophetsa talking about with such emphasis?

Ahmadi Muslims believe the promised reformer of the time has come in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian. He is indeed the Messiah who was foretold by the Holy Prophetsa and he came to unite Muslims under one banner.

Once Muslims understand this concept, further steps into the truthfulness of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas become much easier and a new world of hope and belief in Islam begins.

lessened, in fact it has increased with the aid of the media. Recently, after the beheading of a French teacher by a Muslim fanatic, the world media once again pointed fingers at Islam and the French President even went as far as calling Islam as a religion in crisis.

Our khulafa have always been the guiding light for the Jamaat as well as for others and through the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the jamaats around the world held Jalsa Seeratun Nabisa to celebrate the life and the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa.

These gatherings go a long way in educating our own members as well as others about the remarkable attributes of the Holy Prophetsa.

2020 has been a year different to what we have ever seen before, but despite being isolated and unable to hold our meetings and programmes in our mosques, new changes enabled us to continue to hold such events.

Our meetings and programmes are held across a variety of online platforms such as YouTube, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Muhammad Ahmad Khurshid Sahib, a missionary of the UK, reports that in terms of holding Jalsa Seeratun Nabisa for the Jamaats in the United Kingdom is as follows.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Slough, Scotland, Ireland, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Kingston (London), Islamabad region, Bradford, West Birmingham, Morden South, Leeds, Liverpool, Clapham, Croydon South, Lower Morden, Keighley, Richmond and Newcastle.

Abdul Ghaffar Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Birmingham Central, Birmingham North and Birmingham South.

Mubarak Basra Sahib delivered speeches to the areas of Leeds, Bradford South, Bradford North and Keighley.

Hassan Selby Sahib delivered a speech to Scunthorpe.

Sabahat Kareem Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Huddersfield South and Huddersfield North.

Tahir Selby Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Hartlepool and Newcastle.

Rawahuddin Arif Sahib delivered a speech addressing Scotland region.

Daud Qureshi Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Dundee and Edinburgh.

Aneeq-ul-Rehman Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Sheffield and Doncaster.

Salahuddin Sahib delivered a speech to the Spen Valley area.

Fakhar Aftaab Sahib delivered speeches addressing Burton, Nottingham and East Midlands.

Humayun Jahangheer Sahib delivered speeches to West Midlands, Walsall and Birmingham West regions.

Ammar Ahmad Sahib delivered speeches in Swansea, South West region and Cardiff.

Humayun Uppal Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of Reading, Islamabad region, Crawley and Bashir region.

Imran Khalid Sahib delivered speeches to the jamaats of Mosque East, Roehampton Vale, Wandsworth, Wandsworth Town, Richmond Park, Roehampton, Inner Park, Mosque South and Fazl Mosque.

Naseem Bajwa Sahib delivered speeches to the areas of Baitul Futuh region, Epsom and Baitul Futuh South.

Faiz Zahid Sahib delivered speeches to the areas of Thornton Heath West, Bexley, Bromley, Thornton Heath South, Greenwich, Norbury, South Region and Lewisham Sahil Munir Sahib delivered speeches to the areas of Bolton, Liverpool and Blackburn.

Rabeeb Mirza Sahib delivered a speech addressing Slough, Hounslow South and Hounslow North.

Mujeeb Mirza Sahib delivered speeches to Southall.

Shahzeb Athar Sahib delivered speeches

to Watford, Milton Keynes and Luton areas.

Sheikh Sharjeel Ahmad Sahib delivered speeches in Tooting, Tooting Broadway, Burntwood, Clapham Junction, Peckham, Clapham, Tooting Bec and Balham.

Usman Butt Sahib delivered speeches to the Luton and Cambridge areas.

Zawar Butt Sahib delivered speeches to Newham and Barking.

Muhammad Ahmad Khurshid Sahib delivered speeches addressing the areas of North West region, Manchester East, Manchester West, Manchester South, Darul Aman and Stockport.

Safeer Zartasht Sahib delivered speeches to the East region, Newham and Gillingham.

Ghulam Khadim Sahib delivered a speech addressing the area of North Wales.

Tahir Khalid Sahib delivered speeches addressing Morden, Mitcham, Mitcham Park, Morden South, Morden Park, Baitul Ehsan and Cheam.

Raza Ahmad Sahib delivered speeches to South region and Shirley.

Mansur Chattha Sahib delivered speeches to Hayes, Greenford and High Wycombe.

Zartasht Lateef Sahib delivered speeches to Leicester and Coventry.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, over 30,000 people were able to benefit from the various programmes, which took place to learn about the life of the Holy Prophetsa.

May Allah enable us to continue to propagate the beautiful teachings of the Holy Prophetsa.

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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“Khaybar has fallen”: Anniversary of The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam Dr Bilal Rana USA Reflecting on the marvellous life of the Promised Messiahas, there are landmark events which shine bright and this year sees the anniversary of one of those moments – the penning of the greatest essay of our time, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam.

Nearly 125 years ago, in December 1896 in Lahore, India, The Conference of Great Religions was held asking the great philosophical questions which loom large in the modern age.

The organiser, Swami Shivgan Chandra, was himself a broad-minded seeker of truth who, some years or so prior to the conference, heard of the Promised Messiahas and travelled to Qadian in search of wisdom. It was during a morning stroll together with the Promised Messiahas that the idea of holding the interfaith conference first entered the Hindu Swami’s mind.

The Indian subcontinent was, and remains, a confluence of world religions and cultures where Jains, Hindus, Buddhists, Theosophists, Free Thinkers, atheists, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians all flourish in one location. You might say the global village we experience today through the Internet already existed there in an early form during that time.

Leading clerics of all these faiths were called upon in what was later described as a “tournament of religions”.

In the days preceding the conference, the Promised Messiahas fell ill.

Nevertheless, he continued without hesitation and while in a state of writing, received the following revelations: 1. “Mazmoon bala raha”, meaning, “This essay will be victorious” 2. “Allahu Akbar, kharibat Khaybar” – meaning, “God is great, Khaybar has fallen” (“Allahu Akbar, Kharibat Khaybar!” was the devotional slogan raised by the Holy Prophetsa himself after the Fort of Khaybar was captured by Muslims having defeated Jewish forces. This victory was foretold through prophecy too.)

3. “God is with you and God stands where you stand. This is a metaphor conveying the assurances of Divine support.”

[Arabic] The Promised Messiahas boldly printed these prophecies on posters made to advertise for the lecture, under the heading A Wonderful Glad Tiding, For

Seekers After Truth. In it, he stated that “Khaybar has fallen” represents his victory over religion adulterated by paganism and falsehood.

Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib was tendered responsibility to post these advertisements throughout the city.

However, given the publicity and high stakes, Khawaja Sahib grew apprehensive and afraid. He waited until the day before the conference to post them and only in poorly lit, low traffic areas. This displeased the Promised Messiahas who later admonished him that had he only followed instructions, many more would have witnessed the magnificent sign of his truth.

Though he was unable to travel to Lahore due to illness, the Promised Messiahas deputised Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira to read out the lecture on his behalf. This was a splendid choice because Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra had a gifted and melodious voice which was compared to the likeness of Prophet Davidas.

(Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahmanra gives this Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim description in his Sialkoti autobiography.)

The resplendent wisdom flowing from the Promised Messiah’sas pen harmonised with the cadence of Maulvi Abdul Karim’sra oratory to spellbind listeners who feel into a trance. Listeners were gliding from epiphany to epiphany and shouted encores and ovations.

Time expired before the reading could be finished, but the next speaker, Maulvi Mubarak Ali of Sialkot, stood and announced that his time should be given to the Promised Messiahas too.

The audience lauded in agreement and the organisers obliged. Yet even this time soon expired and so in response to overwhelming appeals, the conference organisers made yet another exception and extended the conference an entire day to hear the second half of the speech.

The next morning, people arrived early, braving the bitter cold morning to secure seats, but many were still left standing.

The hall was described in newspapers as being “filled from top to bottom” with people coming “from far and near”.

The Civil and Military Gazette of Lahore, a British Government founded ra

English-language newspaper, published the official reports of the conference.

One journalist wrote “The audience was captivated ... every sentence met with applause ... At times the audience requested that sentences be repeated over and over again ... We have never before heard such a pleasing lecture.” (Testimony of Chaudhwin Sadi, Rawalpindi, published 1 February 1897, page xxvi, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam) An eyewitness said he heard utterances of “Subhanallah!” (Holy is Allah!) left and right, not just from Muslims, but from the mouths of Hindus, Sikhs, orthodox Arya Samajists and even Christians.

Whenever God raises a prophet, He gives him power according to the might of their age. The might of the age of Mosesas was magic and so he confounded

the magicians. The might of the Jews was medicine and Jesusas astonished them with healing. The might of the Arabs was the art of poetry, but they were silenced by the grace and majesty of the Holy Quran.

And the might of this philosophical age is the pen, whose mastery the Promised Messiahas displayed in this miraculous essay.

His pen was named Dhulfiqar of Ali (The sword of Ali) by God Himself. “God the Exalted has named this humble one Champion of the Pen and has named my pen the Dhulfiqar of Ali” (Revelation published in Al Hakam, Vol. 5, no. 22, 17 June 1901, p. 2). This is an indication that his pen would do the work of the sword of Alira. Western academics in awe of the Dhulfiqar of Ali wielded at Khaybar have described it as “the Muslim Excalibur”,

19

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM only this tale is no folklore.

This, too, recalls the events of the Battle of Khaybar which was won by the sword of Hazrat Alira. God told the Promised Messiahas in a state of revelation that Khaybar was a metaphor, so one should analyse history for wisdom to understand its symbolism.

After a night of prayer during the Battle of Khaybar, the Holy Prophetsa woke and handed the flag of the Muslim army to Hazrat Alira, announcing that God had decreed Alira would win this battle for them. During Khaybar, Hazrat Alira performed great feats of valour, including an epic sword-to-sword combat with the Jewish general, Mehrab, an armourclad giant and undefeated warrior who had killed many. But Hazrat Alira was undaunted and heroically killed him with his sword, and his forces gallantly stormed Fort Khaybar capturing it for the Muslims.

Similarly, with this essay, the Promised Messiahas slew false religion and the mighty “Fort of Khaybar” fell, by the inkstand and the pen (Surah al-Qalam, Ch.68: V.2). Furthermore, historians remark the victory at Khaybar was significant because it propelled the Muslims from a community of want and poverty to one of wealth and prosperity.

According to rules, speakers of the conference were to answer these five questions: 1. What are the physical, moral, and spiritual states of man?

2. What is the state of man after death?

3. What is the true purpose of man’s existence on earth and how can it be achieved?

4. What are the affects of one’s deeds in this life and the afterlife?

5. What are the sources of divine knowledge?

Among those invited to speak was also an atheist. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 561) There is a global movement away from religion altogether; to be “good without God”. This idea is popularised by today’s New Atheists, such as Richard Dawkins – who, by the way, was given a copy of The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa but refused to read it – and others promoting a so-called “spiritual atheism”.

We may be able to be good without God to a limited degree, but ultimately, accountability before God is needed, otherwise standards of morality will slowly begin to recede.

Secondly, morality is relative without an outside reference point. Much the way a magnetic field gives a compass its direction for north, so must morality have an absolute reference point defined by God and not be left to the whims of man.

The atheist philosopher is only left deluded by his repeated hypotheses, false starts, errors and revisions. Ultimately, he cannot guide himself, much less the nation. If man created this world it would make sense for man to explain it. But a prophet who is sent by God is the only one

capable of articulating the true nature of God, His creation, its purpose, and how to achieve it.

This is how and why the Promised Messiahas was the only one able to successfully answer these questions above at this conference.

It is interesting that famous thinkers have tried and failed at describing the inner states of man. European philosophers and psychologists in feeble and conjectured attempts popularised terms such as “Mensch” and “Übermensch”, or “Id”, “Ego” and “Superman”, but the Promised Messiahas in this essay settles the matter of the soul and conscience in a lucid and complete manner, taken directly from the Holy Quran; viz., Nafs-e-Ammarah (the animal self), Nafs-e-Lawamma (the reproving self) and Nasf-e-Mutma‘innah (the soul at rest).

The Promised Messiahas relied on the revelation given in the Holy Quran and their explanations taught to him by Allah along with logic, which is the common denominator of all faiths and all mankind.

While it is not a comprehensive book and nor does it claim to be, it is, nevertheless, endless in its philosophy and can be drunk from repeatedly without exhausting its wisdom.

British Ahmadi missionary, author and pioneer, the late Bashir Ahmad Orchard, read The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam more than 50 times.

The fame of the lecture reached far and wide, not just in India, but also abroad.

Even the famous Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy comment that “The ideas are very profound and very true”, and its favourable reviews even reached across oceans to

newspapers in America – The Milwaukee Journal remarked its faithfulness to the Holy Quran, and The Spiritual Journal of Boston described it as “Pure Gospel”.

The book has since been translated into many languages. As the Promised Messiahas wished to see the tract shared widely, it was rendered into English during his own lifetime. It was published in instalments in The Review of Religions, from years 1903 to 1904 and first published in book form under the auspices of Khalifatul Masih I, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in 1910, by his English-speaking companions and with editorial assistance from an American diplomat and journalist, Muhammad Alexander Russell Webb of New Jersey, USA who is credited in the preface of the first edition, published by Luzac & Co., London, 1910.

Muhammad Alexander This book Russell Webb stands out in the corpus of Jamaat literature as one that is particularly effective at winning the hearts of converts to Islam.

An audience of over 7,000 people in attendance came to listen to the Promised Messiahas (A Brief History of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community). This was described as a record attendance (The Teachings of Islam, Ahmadiyya Foreign Missions, West Pakistan) for a conference of this kind, and the venue had to be shifted from Lahore Town Hall, to the newly built Islamia College to accommodate more seating.

Six people were chosen as the moderators of the essay contest, including the judge of the Chief Court of Punjab and the former governor of Jammu. At the conclusion, it was decided that of all the lectures presented, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian’sas was the best.

The Promised Messiahas later wrote, “Reflect upon how God Almighty caused Islam to triumph and made you witness His sign. God Almighty had revealed from before to His servant that his essay would be declared supreme and indeed this promise was fulfilled. Furthermore, the blessed impact of this essay had left everyone in awe of it. Was this the work of God or then someone else?” (Ayam-usSulh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, pp. 325327) In nearly 125 years, this masterpiece, however, remains to be fully recognised and appreciated in its own time. The Promised Messiahas came to distribute spiritual wealth, but the world would not accept it according to the Holy Prophetsa, who said: “The son of Mary will soon appear among you. He will administer justice. He will break the cross, kill the swine, abolish war and distribute wealth, but no one will accept it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ulAnbiya, Bab Nuzul Isa bin Maryam.)

As his helpers in this time, we possess this wealth and to carry on his mission of distribution, we must pick up this book ourselves.

Like many great prophets, their achievements are not celebrated by all in their own time. But like after the fall of Khaybar, the world will soon follow.

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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The exemplary young Companions: Meekness and resistance against quarrels

The Islamic teachings had generated such a great bond of love and affection between the Companionsra that they would try their best to resist quarrels. They would not pursue trivial matters, which, among the masses, could cause serious dissension and would thus not allow national unity to be undermined.

If something unpleasant occurred from some brother, the Companionsra would exhibit extreme forbearance and tolerance.

In fact, the secret of their enormous strength and power lay in the fact that they would not at all allow mutual dissent and differences to arise.

Mutual differences are detrimental to national power and strength. Evidently, a nation whose individuals are engaged in fighting with each other and are at daggers drawn, forfeit the ability to encounter an enemy. A few accounts of the Companionsra in this regard are as follows.

People arrested the killer and brought him to their chief. Everyone can gauge the feelings of a father who finds the dead body of his young son lying before him; indeed, he would be ready to annihilate the culprit.

History is replete with such accounts that on such occasions, even the weakest and most helpless of humans have also behaved very dangerously. Despite having the full authority and power, Hazrat Qaisra avenged him not. He only advised him like an elder of the family.

Admonishing him about the wickedness of his evil deed he only said, “How evil an act it is. You defied divine command and earned Allah’s displeasure. Aside from this, you severed the ties of kinship and also caused the strength of the family to weaken.”

That’s it! Then he directed another son of his to untie the arms of the criminal and arrange for his brother’s burial.

There is an important lesson in this account for those who, on trivial issues, sever ties of kinship with their brothers for many years.

(Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 4, p. 133, Zikr Qais bin Asim Al-Munqari)

Forgiving the murderer of a son

Astonishing display of forgiveness

Hazrat Qaisra bin Asim Al-Munqari was the chief of his tribe. His son was killed by the son of his brother, i.e. his nephew. This was not a small thing. There is no greater grief than for a man to see his son slain. On such an occasion, even the greatest of those who show forbearance and tolerance lose their senses.

Hazrat Huzayfara bin Al-Yaman was a young companion. He joined in the Battle of Badr accompanied by his father. During the battle, his father happened to come in between the Muslim and idolater forces. The Muslim troops attacked the idolaters.

Hazrat Huzayfara called out to the Muslim troops to be watchful lest his father

Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000), Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

was killed, but the Muslims could not catch his voice. Naturally, when one army is encountering the other and fighting has commenced, they cannot catch a distant voice. Thus, this voice too proved to be a cry in the wilderness and his father was killed inadvertently by a Muslim troop.

Instead of creating an issue of it, Hazrat Huzayfara simply said to the Muslim troop, “May Allah forgive you.”

Reflect on this account in the perspective of the mentality of the Arabs before Islam that they had been at daggers drawn with each other for years at the death of as small a thing as a puppy.

To see the revolution brought by the Holy Prophetsa in their state of mind our tongues are naturally articulated to invoke durood on the Holy Prophetsa. ٰ ّ َ ّ ْ َ ُ ٰ ّ ‫الل ُھ َّم َص ِل َعلی محَ ّم ٍد َو بَا ِرک َو َس ِل ْم‬ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Bab “Idh hammat ta‘ifatan minkum an tafshala…”)

To give up one’s rights for a fellow Muslim Once, two companions, Hazrat Amra‘ul Qaisra and Hazrat Rabi‘ahra bin ‘Abdan Hazrami had a dispute over proprietary rights of a piece of land. Hazrat Rabi‘ahra, the plaintiff, brought the matter to the notice of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa demanded its proof from Amra‘ul Qaisra and also said that if he could not provide proof, the matter would be decided in favour of Rabi‘ah after the latter’s oath.

Amra‘ul Qaisra submitted, “O Prophetsa of Allah! If a person, deeming it a right of his, gives it up in favour of the other, what reward would he get (from Allah)?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Heaven.”

At this Hazrat Amra‘ul Qaisra said, “O Prophetsa of Allah! I withdraw from the proprietary right of this piece of land in favour of Rabi‘ah.” (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 1, p. 137) Preference for peace and harmony Hazrat Urwahra bin Mas‘ud was fatally wounded by some people in a clash. Some men from his clan began preparing to avenge his blood.

Sensing that it would start a civil war among the Muslims, he addressed his clan and said, “I forgive my blood. Do not wage war because of me. I would rather that peace is maintained between you.” (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Dhikr Urwah bin Mas‘ud, Vol. 3, p.

529) Justice in disputes In most cases, the Companionsra would put off dissensions through exhibiting meekness and forbearance. As a result, there were very few disputes between them.

Hazrat Salmanra bin Rabi‘ah Bahli was a judge in Kufa. About him, Hazrat Abu Wa‘ilra says, “I regularly visited him for 40 consecutive days, but I never saw any party of a lawsuit with him.’ (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 263) Silence in response to foul language Marwan would openly malign Hazrat Alira from the pulpit. Hazrat Imam Hasanra heard his maligns with his own ears, but kept quiet.

Once, he sent a very abusive and foul message to Imam Hasanra through somebody. Hazrat Imam Hasanra calmly heard the message and replied: “Tell him that by God, I will not wipe off this blemish of abuse from him by resorting to foul language in reply to his invectives.

Ultimately, both of us, one day, will be presented before God, the best of Judges and the Avenger will avenge the lie uttered by the liar.” (Tarikh-ul-Khulafa li-Suyuti, Vol. 1, p. 146) This aspect of the lives of the Companionsra should be focused on especially in this age of ours. Tolerance and forbearance is lacking among the Muslim masses. A major cause of this is the lack of any supervisory system.

Since the Muslims are like a leaderless, dispersed crowd, they are bereft of the sense of national unity and resulting national dignity and engage themselves in prolonged dissensions and lawsuits on insignificant issues.

Despite their flagging economy, they waste not only a large amount, but also their time and resolution to do something productive. One of the major reasons of this is that their ulema and religious leaders never present to them the traits of their elders and never narrate to them the practices of their forefathers – how they would manifest extraordinary forbearance on such occasions.

(Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

Are there any lexical or structural errors in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiah?

The Promised Messiahas states: ّ ّٰ ٰ ‫ إنک لست ٔاھل ھذا المقام۔ وما علمک اللہ‬،‫فحاصل الکلام‬ َ ‫العلم والٔادب من لدنہ موھبۃ۔ وما اقتنیت المعارف‬ َ َ ّ ‫مکتسبۃ۔ ومع ذالک‬ ‫لما حللت لاھور۔ ِإ ّدعیت کٔانک‬ َ ‫تکتب التفسیر فی الفور۔ تعامیت ٔاوما رٔایت عند‬ َ ‫غلوائک۔ وفعلت ما فعلت وسدرت فی خیلائک۔ و خدعت‬ ّ ‫الناس بٔاغلوطاتک۔‬ ‫ولونتہم بٔالوان خزعبیلاتک۔ و‬ َ ‫خدعت کل الخدع حتی ٔاجاح القوم جہلاتک۔‬ “To put it briefly, you [Pir Meher Ali Shah] are not worthy of this status and position. Allah has neither granted you knowledge and literariness as an endowment from Himself, nor have you acquired any wisdom by effort. In spite of all that, when you came to Lahore, you deceivingly claimed that you would instantaneously write a commentary [of the Holy Quran]. As you crossed your boundaries, either you blinded yourself by design or could not see at all due to your insolence. You did what you could, and you were extremely vain. You kept deceiving people with your false statements and influenced them with all kinds of falsehoods. As a matter of fact, you were deceptive to such an extent that your unwise words ruined the people.”

(Ijaz-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 32-33) Referring to the above mentioned

excerpt, opponents of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, object that the structure of the َ phrase ‫ سدرت فی خیلائک‬is flawed because the word ‫ سدر‬has been used inappropriately and the correct phrase should have been ‫السادل ثوب خیلائہ‬. They further suggest that Hazrat Ahmadas has used the word ‫جھلات‬ whereas this word is not found in Arabic and the correct word is ‫جھالات‬.

As is their customary practice, the opponents have raised a baseless allegation against an Arabic writing of the Promised Messiahas without doing much research and studying Arabic literature.

According to the Arabic dictionary, Lisan Al-Arab, the word ‫ السادر‬under the root ‫ سدر‬means ‫الذی لا یھتم لشیء ولا یبالی ما صنع‬, i.e. a person who neither gives importance to anything nor cares about his actions.

Likewise, it is written in another Arabic ّ ‫انہ سادر فی‬ dictionary, Taj-ul-‘Arus, :‫الغی‬ ّ ‫ سادر فی‬is used to ‫تائہ‬, i.e. the structure ‫الغی‬ refer to a person who is extremely astray.

We have only presented a couple from many examples, but they are enough to َ substantiate that the phrase ‫سدرت فی خیلائک‬ [you (Pir Meher Ali Shah) are extremely vain] is structurally accurate and correct.

As far as the objection regarding the word ‫ جھلات‬is concerned, the Arabic literature proves the allegation null and void. Below are some examples which

clearly show many Arabic scholars have used the word ‫ جھلات‬in their writings: ۡ 1. Regarding the words of Iblis ‫ان ِظ ۡرنِ ۡ ۤی‬ َ‫[ اِلٰی ی َ ۡوم ی ُ ۡب َع ُث ۡون‬grant me respite till the day ِ when they will be raised up], Hazrat Imam Abu Jafar Muhammad bin Jarir Al-Tabri (310 AH) states: ً ‫وھذہ ایضا جھلۃ اخری من جھلاتہ الخبیثۃ‬ “Among the very many malignant acts of ignorance, this [statement of Satan] is another act of ignorance.” (Jami‘ al-Bayan al-Mar‘uf bi Tafsor al-Tabari, Juz‘ 8, p. 157) 2. In one of his Arabic couplets, Imam Ibn Asakir states: ً ‫انی اذا لاخوالجھالۃ والذی‬ ‫طمت علی احسانہ جھلاتہ‬ “Surely, then I will be considered a stubborn man whose acts of ignorance prevail over his graces.” (Tarikh Dimashq li Ibn Asakir, Juz‘ 13, p. 107) 3. Allama Ibn Mu‘tazz said: ّٰ ‫تجاھل عبداللہ و العلم ظنہ‬ ‫علی عالم بالمرء ذی الجھلات‬ “Abdullah was being disingenuous, but his supposed knowledge is ignorance in the eyes of the scholars.” (Tabaqat alShu‘ara li Ibn Mu‘tazz, p. 221) 4. Shihabuddin Abu Abdullah Yaqut al-Hamwi says: ّ ٰ ‫للرحمن جل جلالہ‬ ‫العلم‬ ‫و سواہ فی جھلاتہ یتغمغم‬ “Knowledge is for the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful God, and all the rest are just the ambiguous mumblings of an ignorant person.” (Mu‘jam al-Udaba li Yaqut al-Hamwi, Juz‘ 6, p. 2689) 5. In his commentary of the Holy Quran, Allama Muhammad Jamaluddin Qasimi (1332 AH) states: ً َ َّ ً َّ ُ ۤ َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫ متفقین‬،‫احدۃ) أی حنفاء‬ ِ ‫(و ما کان الناس اِلا امۃ و‬ ‫ و ھی فطرۃ الاسلام و التوحید التی فطر‬،‫علی ملۃ واحدۃ‬ َُ ۡ َ ‫علیھا کل احد۔ (فاخ َتلف ۡوا) باتباع الھوی وعبادۃ‬

‫ فالشرک و فروعہ جھلات ابتدعھا الغواۃ‬،‫الاصنام‬ ّٰ ‫صرفا للناس عن وجھۃ التوحید و لذلک بعث اللہ الرسل‬ ‫بآیاتہ و حججہ البالغۃ‬

“(And mankind were but one community), i.e. they are inclined towards tawhid [Unity of God] and all are going to agree on one Ummah. And this is the nature of Islam and tawhid, based on

which everyone is created. (Then they differed among themselves) by following their inner desires and worshiping idols.

Hence, shirk [associating partners with Allah] and its off-shoots are those acts of ignorance which were introduced by transgressors to avert mankind from the right path of tawhid. It is for this reason that Allah sent messengers with His signs and irrefutable arguments.” (Tafsir alQasimi al-Musamma Mahasin at-Ta‘wil li Muhammad Jamaluddin al-Qasimi, Juz‘ 6, p. 15) 6. A tabi‘ [a person who has witnessed the Holy Prophet’ssa Companionsra], Imran bin Hattan, who is also part of the narrators of Sahih al-Bukhari, recited some couplets when people asked him to rejoin the fight against Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf after he was released from his captivity. Two of those Arabic couplets are as follows: ‫أ أقاتل الحجاج عن سلطانہ‬ ّ ‫بید‬ ‫تقر بأنھا مولاتہ؟‬ ٍ ً ّ ‫ والذی‬،‫انی اذا لاخو الدناءۃ‬ ّ ‫عفت علی عرفانہ جھلاتہ‬ “Shall I fight Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf for his empire with a hand that acknowledges that I am among his followers? Hence, if I still do that, I would certainly be an ignoble person whose ignorant acts abstain him from performing wise deeds.” (Jami‘ alBayan al-Maruf bi Tafsor al-Tabari, Juz‘ 8, p. 157) The above examples are sufficient proof that the word ‫ جھلات‬is used in the Arabic language and the Promised Messiahas flawlessly used this word in his Arabic works by utilising his God-given divine wisdom.

The opponents raise another illfounded objection regarding the following Arabic phrase of the Promised Messiahas from the same book, Ijaz-ul-Masih: ٰ ّ ّ ‫َو‬ ‫کدست غاب‬ ‫رسول جاء فی زمن کان‬ ‫والصلوۃ علی‬ ‫السلام‬ ٍ ٍ ‫صدرہ۔ ٔاو کلیل ٔافل بدرہ۔‬ “Peace and blessings be upon the Messengersa who came at a time which was like a throne devoid of a king or like a night whose full moon had plummeted.”

(Ijaz-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 4) Continued on next page >>

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

22 << Continued from previous page

According to the opponents, the Promised Messiahas has needlessly used adaat al-tashbih [particle of simile] ‫ک‬ before ‫ لیل‬in the phrase ‫ٔاو کلیل ٔافل بدرہ‬ because in their view, it is wrong to use harf al-ataf [particle of conjunction] ‫ٔاو‬ and particle of simile together and the correct phrase should have been ‫ٔاو لیل ٔافل‬ ‫بدرہ‬.

The opponents should bear in mind that according to the rules of Arabic language, it is fully justified to use adaat al-tashbih [particle of simile] after harf al-ataf [particle of conjunction] or simply use connective particles independently.

For example, Allah the Almighty says:

ّٰۤ ً َ ُ ٰ ۡ َّ ُ ُ َ ۡ َّ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ َ ۡ َ ۤۡ َ َ ۡ َ ّ ‫ٓاء ؕ َحتی‬ ‫اب ِب ِقیع ٍۃ یحسبہ الظمان م‬ ٍۭ ‫َو ال ِذی َن کف ُروا اعمالہم کس َر‬ ّٰ َ ۡ ّٰ َ ً َ ّٰ َ َ ‫ا َذا َج‬ ‫ٓاء ٗہ ل ۡم یَ ِج ۡد ُہ ش ۡیئا ّو َو َج َد الل َہ ِعن َد ٗہ فوَف ُہ ِح َسابَ ٗہ ؕ َو الل ُہ‬ ِ ٌ‫َسریۡ ُع الۡح َساب۔ اَ ۡو َک ُظ ُل ٰم ٍت فِ ۡی بَ ۡحر لُّ ّج ّی ّیَ ۡغ ٰش ُہ َموۡ ٌج ّم ۡن َفوۡقِہ َموۡج‬ ٖ ِ ِ ِ ٍِ ٍ ٌۢ ٰ ُ ُ ٌ ِ َ ۡ ّ ۡ‫ت بَ ۡع ُض َہا َفوۡ َق بَ ۡعض ؕ ِا َذا ۤاَ ۡخ َر َج یَ َد ٗہ ل َ ۡم یَ َکد‬ َ َ ۡ ‫ِمن فوقِ ٖہ سحاب ؕ ظلم‬ ٍ ُّ ۡ ٗ َ َ َ ً ۡ ُ ٗ َ ُ ّٰ َ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ۡ َ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ ‫یرہا ؕ و من لم یجع ِل اللہ لہ نورا فما لہ ِمن نو ٍر۔‬

“And as to those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water until, when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing. And he finds Allah near him, Who then fully pays him his account; and Allah is swift at reckoning. Or their deeds are like thick darkness in a vast and deep sea, which a wave covers, over which there is another wave, above which are clouds: layers of darkness, one upon another.

When he holds out his hand, he can hardly see it: and he whom Allah gives no light — for him there is no light at all” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V. 40-41).

In these verses, the particle of simile ‫ک‬ has been used afterُ the connective particle ُ َ َۡ ‫ ٔاو‬in the phrase ‫ت‬ ٍ ‫او کظل ٰم‬.

At another place in the Holy Quran, God Almighty states:

َّ َ َ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۤ َّ َ َ ً َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ‫ٓاء ۢت َما َحوۡل َ ٗہ ذ َہ َب‬ ‫َمثل ُہ ۡم ک َمث ِل ال ِذی استوقد نارا ۚ فلما اض‬ َّ ُ ُ ۡ ٌ َ َ َ ُ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ ِبنوۡرِ ِھ ۡم َو ترَک ُہ ۡم فِ ۡی ظل ٰم ٍت لا یُ ۡب ِص ُر ۡو َن۔ ُص ّم بُک ٌم ُع ۡم ٌی ف ُہ ۡم لَا‬ ٌ َ َ ُ​ُ ُ َّ َ ّ ّ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ‫الس َمٓا ِء فِ ۡی ِہ ظل ٰم ٌت ّو َر ۡع ٌد ّو بَ ۡرق ۚ یَ ۡج َع ۢلوۡ َن‬ ‫یر ِجعون۔ او کص ِی ٍب ِمن‬ ٌ ۡ ُ ُ ّ ٰ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ ّ َ ّ ۡ َ ٰ ۤۡ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ‫اص ِابعہم فِی اذانِ ِہم ِمن الصوا ِع ِق حذر المو ِت ؕ و اللہ م ِحیط‬ ٰۡ ‫ِبالک ِف ِریۡ َن۔‬

“Their case is like the case of a person who kindled a fire, and when it lighted up all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in thick darkness; they see not. They are deaf, dumb and blind; so they will not return. Or it is like a heavy rain from the clouds, wherein is thick darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunderclaps for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the disbelievers” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V. 18-20).

In these verses, the particle of simile ‫ک‬ has been used after the َ َ connective particle ‫ ٔاو‬in the phrase ‫ا ۡو ک َص ِّی ٍب‬.

It is written in the first book of Sahih Muslim that the Holy Prophetsa said: َ ْ َْ َ ُ​ُ ُ ُ َ َ ُ َْ ّ ْ َ َّ ‫َوال ِذي نف ِسي بِ َي ِد ِه ِإنِي لأط َمع أ ْن تكونوا ثلث أه ِل الجَ ّن ِة۔‏‬ ُ َْ ّ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ‫ َوال ِذي نف ِسي بِ َي ِد ِه ِإنِي لأط َمع‬:‫فحَ ِمدنا الل َه َوكب ْرنا۔ ث َّم قال‬ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ َْ ْ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ ‫ ِإ ّن َمثلك ْم فِي الأ َم ِم ك َمث ِل‬،‫أ ْن تكونوا شط َر أه ِل الجَ ّن ِة‬ ْ َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َّ ْ َ ْ ْ َّ ‫اع‬ ‫الشع َر ِة ال َب ْيضا ِء فِي ِجل ِد الثو ِر الأسو ِد أو ك‬ ِ ‫الرقم َ ِة فِي ذ َِر‬ ْ ‫ال ِح َما ِر‬ “I swear by Him [Allah] in Whose hands is my life, I wish that you [Muslims] constitute one third of the inhabitants of

Ahmadi Muslim researchers hold international virtual conference Muddassar Rashid AMRA UK

On the second day of the new year, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) held its first virtual, albeit its 11th annual, conference. The conference saw delegates attend from over 11 countries joining via Zoom and YouTube livestream.

At its height, over 350 attendees partook in this virtual conference. Consequently this was a truly international conference enabling Ahmadi researchers from around the globe to come together, discuss and network in a highly multidisciplinary conference.

The conference began with a recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a welcome address by Luqman Bajwa, serving as Mohtamim Umur-e-Tulaba within MKA UK. He reminded the attendees of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa message in the last AMRA Conference specifically highlighting that our pursuit of knowledge should not be a worldly pursuit, but a form of worship in itself. Huzooraa stressed it is our responsibility to approach our research and studies in a way that finds new proofs for the existence of Allah.

Following this, Dr Muddassar Rashid, serving as AMRA chairman, presented a report of last year’s activities of AMRA. This included the numerous research cafés, and online workshops organised by AMRA for researchers, as well as STEM outreach activities organised for youngsters by Ahmadi researchers in the form of lectures on Islam and science and workshops on mechanical engineering of F1 cars.

Following this, a detailed exposition of the strategic aims of AMRA were presented with the annual plan.

The first session of the conference followed immediately, with 10-minute student talks by Bushra Malahath, Rizwan Mohammad and Zoea Ahmad. These were received with additional Q&As after their talks from both the Zoom and YouTube

Jannah. Then, we [companions] exalted Allah and Glorified [Him]. The Holy Prophetsa further said: ‘I swear by Him in Whose hands is my life, I hope that you constitute half of the inhabitants of Jannah. Your comparison with respect to the people of other nations is like that of a white hair on the skin of a black ox or like a mark on the foreleg of a donkey.’” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman).

In this hadith, the particle of simile ‫ک‬ has been used after ْ the connective ْ َّ َ ْ َ particle ‫أو ك‬. ‫ ٔاو‬in the phrase ‫اع ال ِح َما ِر‬ ِ ‫الرقم َ ِة فِي ذ َِر‬ Abu Muhammad al-Qasim ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Uthman al-Hariri states: ٰ ّ ‫فواللّہ ما کان بٔاسرع من تصافح الاجفان۔ حتی‬ ‫خر القوم‬ ّ ‫للاذقان۔‬ ‫فلما رٔایتھم کاعجاز نخل خاویۃ ٔاو کصرعی بنت‬

viewers.

The second session was a unique exercise with the introduction of parallel sessions consisting of two streams. Stream 1 focused on talks relating to biological sciences, whilst stream 2 focused on the both the physical and social sciences. In total, seven talks took place in parallel, presented by early career and seasoned researchers. The talks also invited much debate and discussion amongst the attendees pushing the Q&A at the end of the session well into the break.

The third session of the conference, in stream 1, hosted a panel discussion specifically for students and parents; exploring the question of what it takes to make the next world leaders and how can one achieve educational excellence. This was very well attended with over 250 viewers at any given time, with many families watching together.

Stream 2 hosted an equally important workshop and asked the question of how

ّ ‫ علمت انھا لاحدی الکبر‬،‫خابیۃ‬ “I swear by Allah that people fell prone upon their faces in the twinkling of an eye.

Thereafter, when I saw them like the trunks of fallen palm-trees, or like those passed out by the daughter of the wine barrel [excessive drinking], I knew for certain that it was an unparalleled mischief.”

(Maqamat al-Hariri, Al-Maqamah alWasittiyyah, p. 234) In this excerpt, the particle of simile ‫ک‬ has been used after the connective particle ‫ ٔاو‬in the phrase ‫ٔاو کصرعی بنت خابیۃ‬.

The opponents should at least study the Holy Quran before pointing fingers at the Promised Messiah’sas knowledge of the Arabic language. After that, if the enemies of Prophet Ahmadas do not find similar

Ahmadi researchers can become worldrenowned researchers. The workshop had over 40 researchers in both academia and industry, discussing the different aspects that makes a groundbreaking researcher, analysing the lives of such individuals, as well as discussing what difficulties Ahmadi researchers feel they are facing whilst working in research environments.

The conference then swiftly moved into the keynote address by Dr Athar Malik from Harvard University looking into “The neuroscience of the Quran”. The talk was very well received, and Dr Athar Malik talked about the parallels that one can see between both the physical and spiritual laws pertaining to neuroscience, specifically talking about the visual system and the system of reward and punishment.

The conference concluded with a conference report by the AMRA Chairman, and a concluding address by Abdul Quddus Arif, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK. Sadr Sahib talked about “The Existence of Allah the Exalted”. He detailed various proofs of the existence of God, citing many insightful and inspirational examples of the acceptance of prayer, showing that if you call for God, He surely answers.

Sadr Sahib also reiterated the call from Huzooraa for Ahmadi researchers to bring about the new Islamic golden age, a fitting reminder of the responsibility given to the conference delegates present at the first Virtual Conference organised by AMRA. The conference ended with silent prayer.

examples, which are objectionable in their view, in the words of Allah the Almighty, they should look into the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa. Then, if they are unable to find similar phrases as used by the Mahdias of Muhammadsa, the vast Arabic literature is full of such examples.

Hence, the above explanation makes it very clear that the foes of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, should focus more on their own Arabic knowledge because the Promised Messiahas was granted the miracle of Arabic by Allah the Almighty and they have been proven wrong in every single objection.

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Friday Sermon 11 December 2020 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Alira After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

I have been narrating accounts from the life of Hazrat Alira and I shall continue to do so today as well as in the coming Friday sermons, insha-Allah.

When Ibn Qami‘ah martyred Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair during the Battle of Uhud, he thought that he had martyred the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, he returned to the Quraish and said that he had killed Muhammad[sa]. When Hazrat Mus‘abra was martyred, the Holy Prophetsa handed the flag to Hazrat Alira. Thus, Hazrat Alira and the Muslims continued in the battle. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ghazwat Uhud, Maqtal Mus‘ab bin Umair [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 529) In one of the narrations, it is mentioned that during the Battle of Uhud, the flagbearer of the idolaters, Talha bin Abi Talha, called out Hazrat Alira and challenged him.

Subsequently, Hazrat Alira stepped forward and struck him with such force that he fell to the ground and began to quiver.

Hazrat Alira continuously killed the flagbearers of the disbelievers one after another.

Spotting a group of the disbelievers, the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Alira to attack them. Hazrat Alira killed Amr bin Abdillah Jumahi and caused that group to disperse. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa instructed him to attack another contingent of the enemy.

Hazrat Alira killed Shai‘bah bin Malik, upon which the angel Gabriel said, “O Messengersa of Allah! Certainly, he deserves your sympathy;” i.e. referring to Hazrat Alira. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Indeed, Ali is from me and I am from him.” The angel Gabriel replied, “I am from both of you.” (Sharh Zurqani ala al-Mawahib alLaduniyyah, Vol. 2, p. 409, Bab Ghazwat Uhud, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Ghazwat Uhud [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], 68) Hazrat Alira relates: “During the Battle of Uhud, when the people around the Holy Prophetsa became scattered, I started searching through the bodies of the martyrs, but did not find the Holy Prophetsa. I then said, ‘By God! The

Holy Prophetsa would never flee, nor have I found him among the martyrs. Instead Allah is displeased with us and has raised up His Prophetsa. Hence, now it is best for me to continue fighting until I am killed.’ I then broke the sheath of my sword and launched an attack on the disbelievers, which caused

them to disperse. Once they had dispersed, I saw that the Holy Prophetsa had been surrounded by them.” (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], 45) This is the tale of love and devotion,

which began from childhood and manifested itself on each and every occasion.

There is a narration with regard to the injuries sustained by the Holy Prophetsa during the battle of Uhud. Hazrat Sahlra bin Saad was asked about the injuries of the Holy Prophetsa, upon which he said, “If you ask me, then by God, I am fully aware of the person who cleaned the wounds of the Holy Prophetsa.” That is, he vividly remembered that scene and also the one who was washing his wounds and what ointment was applied.

Hazrat Sahlra said, “Hazrat Fatimahra, the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, was cleaning the wound and Hazrat Alira was using his shield to pour water over it. When Hazrat Fatimahra saw that the water caused more blood to flow from the wound, she took a piece of a sack, burnt it and patched the wound, which stopped the bleeding.

On that day, the Holy Prophetsa lost one of his front teeth, his face was wounded and his helmet broke, which injured his head.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab ma Asaba al-Nabisa min al-Jarah Yaum Uhud, Hadith 4075) Hazrat Saeedra bin Musayyib relates that Hazrat Alira sustained 16 wounds during the Battle of Uhud. (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], 93) Whilst discussing the phenomenon that there is a treasure of blessings hidden behind each trial and tribulation, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “When Hazrat Alira returned from the Battle of Uhud, he handed Hazrat Fatimahra his sword and said, ‘Clean this, for today this sword served me well.’ The Holy Prophetsa heard this and said, ‘Ali, it was not only your sword which excelled, rather many of your brethren used their swords exceptionally.’ He then mentioned the names of six or seven companions saying, ‘Their swords were by no means inferior to yours.’” (Masa‘ib ke Neeche Barkaton ke Khazane Makhfi hote hein, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 19. p. 59) In other words, they passed through

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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similar trials and eventually succeeded.

The Battle of Khandaq took place in Shawwal, 5 AH. On this occasion, when the army of the disbelievers had surrounded Medina, the chieftains agreed that they would launch an attack in unison. They began searching for a narrow path in the ditch through which their cavalry could pass and reach the Holy Prophetsa and his Companions, but they were unable to locate such a place. They said that this is a strategy which till today has never been used in Arab lands. They were told that the Holy Prophetsa had a Persian companion who suggested this idea. The disbelievers then said that this must be his suggestion.

Thereafter, they reached a narrow passage of the ditch, which the Muslims were unaware of and Ikramah bin Abi Jahl, Naufal bin Abdillah, Durar bin Khattab, Hubairah bin Abi Wahab and Amr bin Abd Wudd passed through this passage. In order to call out and challenge the Muslims, Amr bin Abd Wudd recited the following couplets: ُ ْ َ ْ َ​َ َ َ ّ ‫ت م َن‬ ‫الندا ِء‬ ِ ِ ‫ولقد ب ِحح‬ ْ َ َ ْ ‫ِلج ْم ِعہِ ْم ہل ِم ْن ُم َبا ِرز‬ “I have lost my voice, constantly crying out to the other party, saying, ‘Will anyone come and challenge me?’”

In response to this, Hazrat Alira recited the following couplets: َ َ​َ ْ َ​َ َ َ َ َ ‫لا ت ْع َجل ّن فقد اتاک‬ َُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ‫اج ْز‬ ِ ‫م ِجیب صوتِک غیر ع‬ ْ َ ‫ِف ْی نِ ّی ٍۃ َو ب َ ِصی َر ٍۃ‬ َ ُّ ْ ُ ْ ّ َ ‫الصدق َمن ٰجی ک ِل فائِ ْز‬ ِ ‫و‬ َ‫ِانِّ ْی لَاَ ْر ُج ْو اَ ْن اُ ِق ْیم‬ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫َعل ْیک نائِ َحۃ الجَ َنائِ ْز‬ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫م ْن‬ ‫اء ی َ ْبقی‬ ‫ِ ضرب ٍۃ نجل‬ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫اھ ْز‬ ِ ‫ذِک ُرھا ِعند الھ َز‬ “Do not show haste, for the one to answer your call has come, who shall never show weakness nor any frailty.

“Firm resolve, complete sagacity and remaining resolute in the battleground with unwavering resolve is key to each successful victory.

“Indeed, I expect to gather those who wail over a deceased one, to lament over you; “Whilst causing such a deep wound, which shall be etched in the history of wars.”

When Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talibra said, “O Messengersa of Allah, I shall go and challenge him”, the Holy Prophetsa handed his sword to him, tied his turban for him

and supplicated, “O Allah, grant Your support against him” (i.e. against Amr bin Abd Wudd). Hazrat Alira then went forth to confront him. They both approached one another and the dust between them flew up as they battled. Hazrat Alira struck him and killed him. He then exclaimed “Allahu Akbar” [Allah is the Greatest], from which they understood that Hazrat Alira had slain him. Those with Amr bin Abd Wudd fled and were only able to save themselves because of their horses. (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p.

573) (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Rasulsa Allah al-Khandaq wa hiya Ghazwat al-Ahzab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], 283) (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ghazwat al-Khandaq wa hiya Ghazwat alAhzab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2001] 115) Whilst giving further details of this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “Amr was an extremely renowned swordsman and due to his bravery, was considered to be the like of 1,000 warriors by himself. Since he had returned from Badr frustrated and unsuccessful, his heart was charged with feelings of malice and revenge. As soon as he took to the field, he called for a duel in a very arrogant manner, asking if there was anyone who would confront him. Certain Companions were reluctant in confronting him, but Hazrat Alira stepped forward to square up to him with the permission of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Holy Prophetsa bestowed his own sword to him and prayed for him.

“Hazrat Alira advanced and said to Amr, ‘I have heard that you have vowed that if a person from the Quraish requests two things of you, you shall accept one of the two.’ ‘Indeed’, said Amr. Hazrat Alira responded, ‘Then I ask you first to embrace Islam and become the recipient of divine favours by accepting the Holy Prophetsa.’

‘This is not possible’, said Amr. Hazrat Alira said, ‘If not this, then come forward and prepare to battle me.’

“At this, Amr began to laugh and said, ‘I did not believe that anyone would ever muster the courage to say such words to me.’ Then he asked Hazrat Alira to provide his name and line of descent and upon hearing his lineage, he said, ‘Nephew! You are still a child. I do not wish to spill your blood; send forth your elders.’ ‘You do not wish to spill my blood’, said Hazrat Alira, ‘but I feel no hesitation in spilling yours.’

“Upon hearing this, Amr became blind in rage and after jumping from his horse, hamstrung it (so that there was no way to return). Then he madly marched forward towards Hazrat Alira like a fierce flame of fire and wielded his sword against him with such force, that it cut through the shield of Hazrat Alira and struck his forehead, who was wounded to some extent. However, Hazrat Alira retaliated with such lightning speed, calling out a slogan of God’s greatness, that Amr was left fending for his life. The sword of Hazrat Alira penetrated his shoulder and cut him to the ground.

Amr fell to the ground and gave up his life tossing and turning in agony.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 588-589) After the death of Amr bin Abd Wudd, the disbelievers sent word to the Holy

Prophetsa that they would give 10,000 dirhams in exchange for his corpse. In response to this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Take it, for we do not wish to make money of the deceased.” (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ghazwat al-Khandaq wa hiya Ghazwat al-Ahzab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] 116) Hazrat Barara bin Azib narrates that when the Holy Prophetsa made the treaty at Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib was the scribe who wrote down the document between them. He had written down the name “Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah”. The idolaters said, “Do not write Muhammad, Messenger of Allah, for if you were a messenger, we would not have any dispute with you.”

The Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat ra Ali to erase it. Hazrat Alira said that he would not be the one to erase it. The Holy Prophetsa then erased it by his own hand and agreed to the pact on the condition that he and his Companions could remain in Mecca for three days and they would enter having kept their weapons in the Julubban.

The people asked, “What is a Julubban?”

The Holy Prophetsa replied, “The outer covering in which the sword and its sheath are placed in.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alSulh, Bab kaifa Yuktabu hadha: Ma Salaha Fulan ibn Fulan…, Hadith 2698, Urdu Tarjamah Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, pp. 1213, Nazarat Ishaat) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has narrated this incident in a more detailed manner. He states: “When the Holy Prophetsa arrived at the meeting of Hudaibiyah and the disbelievers were presenting their conditions for the treaty, the companions were seated and were boiling with fury from within, owing to atrocities which were continuously committed by the disbelievers against them for 20 years. Their swords were unsheathed and they waited for any opportunity to exact revenge for the atrocities they committed against Islam. But the Holy Prophetsa listened to what the disbelievers had to say and when they proposed the idea to enter into a treaty, he said, ‘Very well, let us form a treaty.’

“The disbelievers then said, ‘[We will enter the treaty] on the condition that this year you cannot perform the Umrah [pilgrimage]’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Very well, this year we shall not perform the Umrah. Then the disbelievers said, ‘When you come the following year to perform the Umrah, you may not remain in Mecca for longer than three days.’ The Holy Prophetsa answered, ‘Very well, I accept this condition.’ They then said, ‘You shall not be permitted to enter Mecca with your weapons.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Very well. We shall not enter Mecca armed.’

“As the conditions of the treaty were being agreed upon, the companions were boiling with anger. Deep down they were restless owing to their anger, but could not do anything. Hazrat Alira was appointed to write up the treaty. When he began writing it by stating that this treaty was being formed between the party of Muhammadsa, the Messenger of Allah, and his Companions and the party of such and such chieftains of Mecca and the people of Mecca, this enraged the disbelievers who said, ‘We cannot tolerate these words for we do not accept Muhammad[sa] as the Messenger of

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Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Allah. If we did, then there would be no matter of contention between us. We are forming a treaty with him in his capacity as Muhammad[sa], son of Abdullah, not with Muhammad[sa], the Messenger of Allah.

Thus, these words cannot be included in the treaty.’

“At that moment, the emotions of the Companions could hardly be contained and they began to tremble with fury. They thought that God had created another opportunity whereby the Holy Prophetsa would not accept what the disbelievers said and they would be allowed to fight and thus be able to let out the deep emotions they felt within themselves. However, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘They are right; the words “Messenger of Allah” should be erased from the treaty.’ He then said to Hazrat Alira, ‘Ali, erase these words.’

“Although Hazrat Alira was an exemplary model when it came to obedience, in that moment his heart began to tremble and tears began to flow from his eyes as he said, ‘O Messenger of Allahsa! I am unable to erase these words.’ The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘Give the parchment to me.’ He took it, and with his own hands, erased the words, ‘Messenger of Allah.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 20, pp. 379-381, delivered 8 September 1939) There is a long narration in Sahih Muslim regarding the Battle of Khaibar, which took place in Muharram and Safar 7 AH. Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa narrates, “When we reached Khaibar, their chief Marhab came out wielding his sword as he said, ‘Khaibar knows very well that I am Marhab and when battles come blazing forth, I am an armed, brave and an experienced warrior,’” meaning that he would display his bravery in such circumstances.

The narrator continues, “My uncle Amir went forth to combat him whilst saying, ‘Khaibar knows that I am Amir, the armed, brave, and one who puts himself in the face of danger.’”

The narrator further says, “Both traded blows; Marhab’s sword struck Amir’s shield.

Amir tried to attack him from below the shield but he struck himself with his own sword which severed an artery as a result of

which he was martyred.”

Salamara continues, “When I left from there, I heard some companions of the Holy Prophetsa saying that Amir’s deeds went in vain as he had killed himself.”

He then further narrates: “I went to the Holy Prophetsa and was crying. I asked him, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, have Amir’s deeds been wasted?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Who has said this?’

I replied, ‘Some of your companions have said this.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Whoever said this is incorrect. In fact, he [Amir] has earned a double reward.’ Then the Holy Prophetsa sent me to Hazrat Alira, who, at the time, was experiencing an ailment of the eyes. The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘I will give this flag to he who loves Allah and His Messengersa, or he whom Allah and His Messengersa love.’”

The narrator continues to say, “I went to Hazrat Alira and brought him with me as he had some discomfort in his eyes (due to some ailment as a result of which they were swollen). Therefore, I took him along with me until we reached the Holy Prophetsa.

He placed some of his saliva on Hazrat Ali’sra eyes as a result of which his pain was alleviated and then the Holy Prophetsa gave him the flag. Thereafter, Marhab came forward and said, ‘Khaibar knows that I am Marhab, and when battle rages forth, I am armed, brave and experienced.’

Hazrat Alira responded by saying, ُ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ‫أنا ال ِذی س ّم ْت ِنی أ ِّمی َح ْید َرہ‬ َ َ َ َْ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ات ک ِریْ ِہ ال َم ْنظ َرہ‬ ِ ‫کلی‬ ٍ ‫ث غاب‬ ْ َ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ َّ ُ ْ ُ ‫اع کیل السندرہ‬ ِ ‫او ِفیھِم بِالص‬ ‘My mother named me “Haidar”; the one who resembles a ferocious lion that roams the jungle. I shall give a Sandarah in exchange for a sa‘.’”

This is an Arabic idiom, which has the Urdu equivalents as: ‫یسر ےک اقمےلب ی‬ ‫م یر‬ ‫وساس‬ This means to return someone’s attack with one that is fiercer. The literal meaning of sandarah is something in large scale, whilst one sa‘ only comprises of three seir [unit of measurement], thus a sandarah is greater.

The narrator continues, “After saying

this, Hazrat Alira struck Marhab on his head and killed him. Thus, Khaibar was conquered at the hands of Hazrat Alira.”

This narration is from Sahih Muslim.

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 837) (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar, Bab Ghazwah dhi Qirad wa Ghairiha, Hadith 4678, Urdu Tarjamah Sahih Muslim, Vol. 9, p. 240 with endnote, Noor Foundation) Whilst mentioning the same incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says: “Hazrat Alira was granted an opportunity on the day of Khaibar, when the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Today I shall grant an opportunity to he who loves God and whom God Almighty loves and will give my sword to him who God Almighty has granted excellence.’ Hazrat Umarra says that he was present in that gathering and he raised his head hoping that the Holy Prophetsa would see him and grant him the sword. However when the Holy Prophetsa looked towards him he remained silent.

“Hazrat Umarra raised his head again, yet upon seeing him, the Holy Prophetsa still remained silent. Then Hazrat Alira came and he was experiencing pain in his eyes.

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Ali, come forward.’

When Hazrat Alira stepped forward, the Holy Prophetsa placed his saliva on Hazrat Ali’sra eyes and said, ‘May Allah Almighty heal your eyes. Take this sword which Allah Almighty has entrusted to you.’” (Khutbate-Mahmud, Vol. 19, p. 614, delivered 2 September 1938) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned the same incident in another instance when he says: “Around five months after the Holy Prophetsa had returned from Hudaibiyyah, it was decided that the Jewish people who resided in Khaibar should be expelled for they resided only a short distance away from Medina and could easily plot against them. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa took 1,600 Companions with him and set out towards Khaibar in August 628 CE. Khaibar was a fortified city as there were forts on hills at all four corners of the city. To conquer such a well-protected city with such a small amount of people was no easy task. Various

small watch-posts were overtaken after some small skirmishes; however, when all the Jewish people gathered at the central fortress of the city, all plans to conquer it began to falter.

“One day, God Almighty informed the Holy Prophetsa that this city was destined to be conquered at the hand of Hazrat Alira.

Thus, in the morning, the Holy Prophetsa announced that he would bestow the black coloured flag of Islam to he who was loved by God, His Messengersa and by the Muslims, for God had decreed this fortress to be conquered at his hand. Then, the next morning, the Holy Prophetsa summoned Hazrat Alira and granted him the flag, who then led the Muslim army and attacked the fortress. Though the Jewish people were well protected, Allah the Almighty granted Hazrat Alira and other Companions such strength on this day, that before nightfall, the fortress had been conquered.” (Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 325-326) Then, at another instance, with reference to Hazrat Alira and the same incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states, “When the matter of conquering the fortress of Khaibar arose, the Holy Prophetsa called Hazrat Alira and desired to bestow upon him the flag of the Muslim army; however, Hazrat Alira was experiencing pain in his eyes (here, it is mentioned that his eyes were hurting) and due to the extreme pain, his eyes had become swollen. The Holy Prophetsa saw the state Hazrat Alira was in and said to him, ‘Come here.’ When Hazrat Alira went towards him, the Holy Prophetsa placed his saliva on the eyes of Hazrat Alira and his eyes were immediately relieved of the pain.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, pp. 398-399) In another instance, whilst mentioning how the Holy Prophetsa granted cure through his blessed hands, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra states: “We witness such examples in this world wherein certain people stricken with illness are miraculously cured without even undergoing any medical treatment, or at times, they are granted cure when the medical treatment proves unsuccessful.

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

26 A similar kind of incident in regard to granting cure is found in the life of the Holy Prophetsa during the Battle of Khaybar.

During the Battle of Khaybar, the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘The victory of Khaybar has been destined with the one whom I grant my flag to.’ Hazrat Umarra relates that when the time [of battle] approached, he raised his neck and began to look around in the hope that perhaps the Holy Prophetsa would grant him the flag. However, the Holy Prophetsa did not assign him with this duty. In the meanwhile, Hazrat Alira came and at the time, he was experiencing a lot of pain in the eyes. The Holy Prophetsa placed his blessed saliva upon his eyes and he was immediately cured from the ailment of his eyes. The Holy Prophetsa then placed the flag in Hazrat Alira’s hand and entrusted him with the conquest of Khaibar.” (Hastie-Bari Ta‘ala, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 6, p.

327) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “There is a very faith-inspiring incident of Hazrat Alira. During the Battle of Khaybar, Hazrat Alira went against a very prominent general of the Jews. Since he was also a very skilled fighter, therefore they both continued to fight each other for a long time. Eventually, Hazrat Alira felled him to the ground and knelt upon his chest with the intention to cut his head off with the final stroke of his sword. However, he spat on Hazrat Alira’s face and Hazrat Alira immediately stood away from him.

“The Jew was surprised at the fact that Hazrat Alira had overcome him and yet had now let him go. Why would he let him go even though he easily had the opportunity to kill him, he thought. And so, he enquired from Hazrat Alira as to why he let him go.

Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Till this point, I was fighting against you purely for the sake of attaining Allah’s pleasure; however, when you spat at me, I became angry and felt that now if I were to kill you, then it would not be for the sake of Allah, but owing to my personal anger. Thus, I let you go so my anger subsides, lest I kill you for a personal reason.’

“How great of an example was this which was demonstrated by Hazrat Alira.

Right in the midst of battle, he let a bitter enemy go free simply because he did not wish to kill him owing to any personal grievance. Rather if he did so then it would only be for the sake of Allah alone.”

(Sair-e-Ruhani, Number 2, Anwar alUlum, Vol. 16, p. 74) According to the narrations, it is stated that Hazrat Alira read out the opening verses of Surah al-Taubah on the occasion of Hajj. The narration is as follows; Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Ali relates: “When Surah Bara‘ah (Surah al-Taubah) was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa, he had already sent Hazrat Abu Bakrra as the Amir of the Hajj. A suggestion was put before the Holy Prophetsa to send this chapter [Surah] to Hazrat Abu Bakrra so that he could recite it there. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘No one can fulfil this responsibility apart from someone among the members of my household.’ Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa called for Hazrat Alira and stated, ‘On the day when the people gather in Mina to offer their sacrifice, announce before them what has been mentioned in the opening part of Surah al-Taubah which is that a kafir [disbeliever] shall not enter Paradise. Also,

after this year, no idolater will be permitted to perform the Hajj, nor will they be permitted to perform the Tawaf [circuits] around the House of Allah, whilst naked and whoever has entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophetsa, the complete duration of that treaty will be honoured.’

“Subsequently, Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talibra mounted upon the camel of the Holy Prophetsa called Adhba and left [for Mecca].

Whilst on route, he caught up with Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Upon seeing him, Hazrat Abu Bakrra asked, ‘Have you been appointed as the amir, or will you be under me?’ Hazrat Alira replied, ‘I will serve under you.’ Thus, they both continued their journey and Hazrat Abu Bakrra oversaw all the matters in relation to the Hajj.

“That year, the Arabs had camped in the same place where they previously used to camp during the Jahiliyyah [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam].

When it was the day to offer their sacrifices, Hazrat Alira stood up and just as he had been instructed by the Holy Prophetsa, he announced before the people, ‘O people, no disbeliever shall enter paradise. And after this year, no idolater shall be permitted to perform the Hajj, nor will they be permitted to perform the Tawaf [circuits] around the House of Allah naked, and whoever has entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophetsa, the complete duration of that treaty will be honoured.’

“Everyone was granted a duration of four months from the moment of that announcement, so that all the tribes could reach their respective areas and places of safety. And after the passing of that duration, no idolater would have any kind of treaty or pact, nor would they be responsible for them in regards to this, except if they had entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophetsa.” In other words, if the duration of a treaty still remained, then that would continue to be honoured but there would be no new treaty or pact [for the idolaters to perform Hajj].

“After that year, no idolater performed the Hajj, nor did anyone perform the Hajj whilst naked. Thereafter, Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned to the Holy Prophetsa.” (Ibn Hisham, Al-

Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Hajj Abi Bakr bi alNas… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2001], 832) The following narration has already been mentioned with reference to another companion; however, I shall mention it again in regard to Hazrat Alira.

This event took place on the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, in Ramadhan 8 AH, January of 630 CE. Hazrat Alira narrates that the Holy Prophetsa sent him, Hazrat Zubairra and Miqdadra bin Aswad to Raudh Khaakh – this event in fact took place before the conquest of Mecca – and the Holy Prophetsa stated to them, “Go forth and when you reach Raudh Khaakh, there you will find a woman who will be mounted upon a camel and she has a letter. Take the letter from her.”

Hazrat Alira further relates, “Subsequently, we raced off on our horses and reached Raudh Khaakh. Upon reaching there, we indeed found a woman mounted on a camel. We instructed her to hand over the letter; however, she denied having any letter. We then warned her that either she should produce the letter or we would be compelled to remove her clothes in order to search for it. Upon this, she took out the letter which was concealed in the bun of her hair and handed it over to us. We took the letter and returned to the Holy Prophetsa. Upon opening the letter, we discovered that Hatibra bin Abi Balta had addressed some of the idolaters of Mecca and was revealing information about a certain plan of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa called for Hatibra bin Abi Balta and asked him to explain the matter.

Hatibra submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

Please do not make a decision in haste with regard to me. [The reason I have done this is because] I am not from the Quraish, but in fact I came and joined them. However, the other Muhajireen who are with you have relations in Mecca through which they are able to safeguard their wealth and properties. Therefore, since I have no relations there, I wished to do a favour for the people of Mecca, with the intention that perhaps through this favour of mine, they will have some regard for me. I did not commit this act owing to disbelief or

apostasy, or owing to any hypocrisy” – he stated that neither was he a disbeliever, nor an apostate and he did not commit this act for any of those reasons – “nor can I ever give preference to disbelief after having accepted Islam. I assure you of this.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Indeed, you have spoken the truth.’ In other words, he accepted what he had said.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 840) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab al-Jasus, Hadith 3007, Urdu Tarjamah Sahih al-Bukhari az Hazrat Sayed Zain al-Abidin Wali Allah Shah Sahib, Vol. 5, pp. 350-352, Nazarat Ishaat) Whilst narrating this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “A weak companion disclosed to the Meccans that the Holy Prophetsa was departing for Mecca with an army of 10,000 companions. [In the letter] he wrote, ‘I am not aware exactly where the Holy Prophetsa is heading towards but I assume he is travelling to Mecca. Some of my close relations and family relatives live in Mecca, I hope that during this difficult hour you will extend them your help and support and not allow them to be harmed in any way.’

“This letter had not reached Mecca yet, when the Holy Prophetsa called for Hazrat Alira in the morning and stated, ‘Go to such and such place, for Allah the Almighty has informed me that you will find a woman there who will be mounted upon a camel and will have a letter which she will be taking to the Meccans. Take the letter from her and immediately return to me.’

When Hazrat Alira was about to leave, the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Remember, she is a woman, therefore do not treat her harshly.

Try to pressure and persuade her to admit that she has a letter; however, if she still does not comply despite your efforts to convince her, then you may take strict action, even if you have to kill her, but you must not allow that letter to reach [Mecca].

“And so, Hazrat Alira reached that particular location and also found that woman. When she was asked to be searched, she began to cry and swore that she was not a traitor or a cheat. In any case, they searched her and looked into her pockets and possessions but could not find the letter.

27

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

The Companionsra suggested that it seemed she did not have the letter. However, Hazrat Alira became impassioned and told them to remain silent. He then very passionately stated, ‘I swear by Allah, the Messengersa of Allah can never utter a lie.’ And so he told the woman, ‘The Messengersa of Allah has told us that you have a letter and I swear by God, I am not lying.’

“After this, Hazrat Alira drew his sword and said, ‘Produce the letter, otherwise if I have to take off all of your clothes and search, then I will do that because the Messengersa of Allah has indeed spoken the truth and you are the one who is lying.’ Thus, she became frightened and upon being threatened to have her clothes removed, she quickly took the letter out from the bun of her hair and gave it over.”

(Sair-e-Ruhani, Number 7, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 24, pp. 262-263) In another instance, whilst narrating the details of this incident, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra stated: “During the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, one of the companions tried to secretly reveal information to his relatives in Mecca about the plans of the Muslims to attack Mecca so that owing to this act of compassion, they would in turn afford kind treatment to his relatives. However, the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this by divine revelation. The Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira along with a few other companions to a particular place and told them to retrieve a letter from a woman.

Upon reaching there, they demanded the letter from that woman; however, she denied having it. Some of the companions thought that perhaps the Holy Prophetsa had made a mistake. However, Hazrat Alira insisted that this was not the case and that the Holy Prophetsa could never be wrong.

He stated that until she did not produce the letter, he would not leave. Hazrat Alira then

admonished the woman and as a result, she produced the letter and gave it to them.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 4, p. 182, 183, delivered 25 September 1914) On the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, whilst the Holy Prophetsa was sat in Masjid al-Haram, Hazrat Alira presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and gave him the keys to the Ka‘bah. He submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah, assign us the duties of providing water during the days of Hajj as well as overseeing the opening and closing of the door of the Ka‘bah.” The Holy Prophetsa stated, “Where is Uthman bin Talha?” Subsequently he was called for and the Holy Prophetsa stated, “O Uthman! This is your key. Today is the day of virtue and loyalty.” The Holy Prophetsa then stated to Hazrat Alira, “I shall not give you something as a result of which you will be burdened with hardship and difficulty; rather, I will give you that which is better for you and a source of blessing. And nor will I give you something which you yourselves have a desire for”, i.e. he would not bestow it because he had asked for it. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Dukhul al-Rasul al-Haram [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 744) Hazrat Umm Hanira bint Abi Talib narrates: “When the Holy Prophetsa stayed in the elevated part of Mecca, two of my inlaws from the Bani Makhzum tribe ran away and came to me.” Hazrat Umm Hanira further states, “My brother, Ali [bin Abi Talib] came to me and said, ‘By God! I will kill them both.’” Hazrat Umm Hanira states: “I shut them both inside the house. I then went to the Holy Prophetsa in the upper part of Mecca. I found that he was bathing at the time using a container which had remnants of dough inside. His daughter, Hazrat Fatimahra was holding a cloth for a covering around him. After bathing, the

Holy Prophetsa changed his clothes and then offered eight rak‘aat [units of prayer] of voluntary prayer at mid-morning. After this, he turned to me and said, ‘Welcome O Umm Hani! What brings you here?’”

She then informed him about the incident with the two men and what Hazrat Alira had said about killing them and also that she had hid them inside her house. The Holy Prophetsa stated, “We also give refuge to whoever you granted refuge and I assure the safety of those whom you granted protection” i.e. the Holy Prophetsa ordered Hazrat Alira not to kill them. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Min Amr Rasul Allahsan bi Qatlihim [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 743-744) The Holy Prophetsa passed the verdict of death for Huwairith bin Nuqaid as he had greatly persecuted the Holy Prophetsa in Mecca and devised a number of schemes to cause him harm and would also revile him.

When Hazrat Abbasra, the uncle of the Holy Prophetsa, prepared the camel for Hazrat Fatimahra and Hazrat Umm Maktum to leave from Mecca to Medina and they sat down, Huwairith caused the camel to fall down. Hazrat Alira killed Huwairith on the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca when he had already fled from there. (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], 131) The Battle of Hunain took place in Shawwal of 8 AH. In a narration, it is stated that during the Battle of Hunain, the flag of the Muhajireen was carried by Hazrat Alira. During the Battle of Hunain, owing to a ferocious attack by the disbelievers, only a handful of companions remained around the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Alira was among them. (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p.

840) (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol.

2, Dhikr Adad Maghazi Rasul Allahsa …

[Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath alArabi, 1996], 325) In the Battle of Hunain, a man on a red camel was carrying a black flag ahead of the ranks of the idolaters. This flag was tied to a long spear. The people of the Banu Hawazin were stood behind him. If anyone came within his reach, he would strike them and kill them, but if that person evaded his attack, he would raise his spear to indicate to the people behind and they would launch a sudden attack and they continuously remained behind the man on the red camel.

This man continued to attack in this manner. All of a sudden, Hazrat Alira and a person from the Ansar turned to him and went forward to kill him. Hazrat Alira came from behind him and struck his camel on the hip [joint] as a result of which the camel fell down backwards. Instantly the man from the Ansar attacked him with such force that his leg was severed from the middle of his calf. At this moment the Muslims launched a fierce attack against the idolaters. (Ali bin Burhan al-Din alHalabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], 158) With regard to Hazrat Ali’sra expedition to the Banu Tayy, it is stated that the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira along with 150 men to destroy the idol of the Banu Tayy called Fuls. The Banu Tayy lived to the north east of Medina. During this expedition, the Holy Prophetsa gave Hazrat Alira a large black flag as well as a smaller white flag. In the morning, Hazrat Alira launched an attack on the people of Hatim and destroyed the idol of Fuls. Hazrat Alira returned to Medina having acquired a large amount of spoils of the Banu Tayy including captives. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Sariyah Ali bin Abi Talib

Friday 8 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

28 ila al-Falas [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya alTurath al-Arabi, 1996], 331) With regards to the Battle of Tabuk which took place in Rajab 9 AH, Mus‘abra bin Saad narrates an incident on the authority of his father that when the Holy Prophetsa departed for Tabuk, he appointed Hazrat Alira in charge of Medina in his absence. Hazrat Alira said, “Are you leaving me behind with the women and children?”

The Holy Prophetsa stated, “Are you not pleased that you have the same relation to me that Aaronas had with Mosesas, with the exception that there is no prophet after me.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 842) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwat Tabuk wa hiya Ghazwat al-Usrah, Hadith 4416) Narrating this incident, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra states, “On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa left for a battle and left Hazrat Alira in charge in his absence. Only the hypocrites remained behind and owing to this, he became worried. He went to the Holy Prophetsa and requested to take him along with him. The Holy Prophetsa reassured him by saying: ٗ َّ َ َّ َ ْ ُ ‫اَلَا ت َ ْر ٰضی اَ ْن ت َ ُک ْو َن م ّن ْی ب َمنْزلَۃ َھ‬ ُ ِ ِ ِ َِ ِ ‫ارون ِم ْن ّم ْو ٰسی اِلا انہ‬ َ ْ ‫لی َس ن ِب ٌّی ب َ ْع ِد ْی‬ “Meaning, ‘O Ali! You are to me as Aaronas was to Mosesas. Just like Aaronas, after me you shall be a Caliph, the difference being that you will not be a prophet.’”

(Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 15, p. 579) With regard to Hazrat Alira being sent to Yemen, it is mentioned in a narration that in 10 AH, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira to Yemen. Prior to this, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid towards the people of Yemen to invite them towards Islam, but they refused. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira. Hazrat Alira read the letter of the Holy Prophetsa before the people of Yemen as a result of which the entire residents of Hamadan accepted Islam in a single day. Hazrat Alira wrote a letter to the Holy Prophetsa informing him of their acceptance of Islam. Owing to this, the Holy Prophetsa recited three times: “May peace be upon the people of Hamadan.”

Hamadan is situated in Yemen and is approximately 1,150 kilometres south east of Medina. After this, the people of Yemen accepted Islam. Hazrat Alira wrote to the Holy Prophetsa informing him about this, upon which he prostrated out of gratitude.

(Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 168, Dhikr Irsal Ali ila al-Yaman wa Islam Hamadan, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Ghazwat wa Saraya az Allamah Muhammad Azhar Fareed Shah, p. 550, Fareed Publications Sahiwal, 2018) Hazrat Alira states, “The Holy Prophetsa appointed me as a qazi [judge] and sent me to Yemen. I said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘You are sending me [to Yemen] but I am young and do not know anything about matters of arbitration.’ To this the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Allah will certainly guide your heart and bless your words. Whenever two people are sat before you who are involved in a dispute, do not issue your verdict until you listen to both of their accounts. This will make it easy for you to make your decision.’” Hazrat Alira states that after this, he never faced any difficulty in making a decision. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab alAqdiyah, Bab Kaif al-Qada, Hadith 3582) Hazrat Amrra bin Shas Aslami, who was part of the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, states: “On one occasion, I travelled to Yemen with Hazrat Alira. During the journey he dealt with me in a strict manner and I began to harbour grievances against him.

Thus, when we returned from Yemen, I complained about him in the mosque and the Holy Prophetsa came to know about my complaint. One day, when I entered the mosque, the Holy Prophetsa was sitting with a few of his companions. When the Holy Prophetsa saw me, he observed me closely.”

He further narrates, “The Holy Prophetsa looked towards me intently. When I sat down, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Amr! By God, you have caused me pain!’ I replied, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! I seek refuge in Allah from that which causes you pain.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Certainly whoever causes Ali pain, causes me pain.’” This is a narration of Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal.

(Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, Hadith Amr bin Shas,

Hadith 16056 [Beirut, Lebanon: Alam alKutub, 1998], 478-479) The next narration is from Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira who states:“On one occasion, some people complained against Hazrat Alira. The Holy Prophetsa stood up to deliver an address. I heard him say, ‘O people! Do not complain against Ali. I swear

by God, he is fearful of Allah the Almighty’ or he said, ‘He is very fearful of Allah, lest a complaint is made against him.’” (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ghazwat Uhud, mawafat Ali Qafulah min al-Yaman Rasul Allahsa fi al-Hajj [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 867-868) Insha-Allah, I will continue to narrate the accounts [of Hazrat Alira] in the future.

Today, I will again make a request for prayers. In the last sermon, I did not mention Algeria. The Ahmadis residing in Algeria are also facing great difficulties and some have been imprisoned. Remember them in your prayers also; may Allah create ease for them and provide the means for their freedom. There are difficult circumstances there as well, may Allah enable the government to see reason and adhere to justice and grant Ahmadis their due rights.

Similarly, the situation in Pakistan is worsening. I spoke about certain officebearers; pray for them as well. If Allah does not wish to grant these maulvis [clerics] and [Pakistani government] officials wisdom or they do not want to see reason or if it is decreed that they will continue to act in this way and suffer the wrath of Allah, then may Allah ensure the means for them to be seized swiftly and provide ease for Ahmadis.

After the Friday prayers I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of Rasheed Ahmad Sahib, son of Muhammad Abdullah Sahib of Rabwah. He was the father of Tahir Nadeem Sahib, who is a missionary here [in the UK] serving in the Arabic desk. He passed away on 28 October at the age of 76,

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return] Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the

A lecture delivered by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, the Second Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas, the primary purpose was to provide a correct and accurate historical account of the conflicts th arose most prominently during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra.

In this lecture, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has shed light on the life of Hazrat Uthmanra, his piety and righteousness, and his status in the eyes of the Holy Prophetsa. Moreover, he has expounded upon the virtues of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa and has

deceased through his paternal grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Ghafoor Sahibra, who along with his cousin, Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahibra, went to Qadian in 1891-1892 and performed Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] at the hands of the Promised Messiahas.

Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahibra was an educated scholar and was acquainted with the Promised Messiahas prior to his claim.

In a dream, Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahibra saw the flag of the Holy Prophetsa was held by the Promised Messiahas. Thus, Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahibra went to Qadian with his cousin, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Ghafoor Sahibra – the paternal grandfather of the deceased – and pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas. After this, through the preaching endeavours of Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahibra many people from Alipur and Hasanpur in Multan accepted Ahmadiyyat.

The deceased had the opportunity to serve as the finance secretary of the Jamaat in the Bhawalpur district for a long time.

He was very pious and righteous, had a virtuous disposition, was hospitable and was a compassionate person. He had a good relationship with his relatives, his neighbours, as well as the poor and would help them discretely.

He is survived by his wife, Siddiqa Begum Sahiba, who was the maternal granddaughter of a companion of the Promised Messiahas, Qadir Baksh Sahibra.

By the grace of Allah, the deceased was a musi [part of the institution of AlWasiyyat]. Among those he leaves behind are also his children. Aside from his wife, he is survived by three daughters and two sons. As I mentioned, one son is a life devotee and a missionary serving here in the Arabic desk.

May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and elevate His status.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 1 January 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions)

explained how conflicts actually arose in the early period of Islam. Moreover, he has refuted various allegations levelled against the person of Hazrat Uthmanra and his companions.

The lecture is an academic masterpiece and explains the events of the era of the third Khilafat in a manner that no other historian has been able to match, be it Muslim or non-Muslim; all this is done in an eloquent, academic, yet simple manner, in the form of an interesting narrative.

www.alislam.org/library/books/Outset-of-Dissension-in-Islam.pdf

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