Al Hakam - 12 March 2021

“Life is like a singing bird”: In memory of Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib

100 years of Ahmadiyyat in Sierra Leone: Three days of centenary celebrations

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Coming from every distant track

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II

American missionary, Samuel Marinus Zwemer, visits Qadian

Huzoor explains the gradual progress of Ahmadiyyat in Lahore

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021 | Issue CLVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Europe’s issue with Muslims Far-right sentiments win in Switzerland

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

Every one of you is a guardian َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ُ َّ َ َ ّ ٰ ْ َ ْ َ ‫الن ِب ّي َصلی الل ُہ َعل ْی ِہ َو َسل َم‬ ‫ قال‬،‫عن عﺒ ِد الل ِہ‬ َ ُ ُ ُّ ُ ْ ٌ ُ ‫ فال� َم‬،‫� ْم َر ٍاع َوكُلُّ� ْم َم ْس ُئ ْول‬ ‫ام َر ٍاع‬ ‫كل‬ ِ ٌ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َّ َ ٌ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ُ َ ‫وهو مسئول والرجﻞ ر ٍاع علی أه ِ� ِه وهو مسئول‬ ٌَ ُ َ َْ َ َ ٌ َ َ َُ َْْ َ ،‫ت ز ْو ِج َها َو ِه َی َم ْسئ ْولة‬ ِ ‫اعیة علی بی‬ ِ ‫وال�رأۃ ر‬ َ​َ ٌ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ُ َ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ‫ ألا‬،‫ال س ِی ِد ِه وهو مسئول‬ ِ ‫والعﺒد ر ٍاع علی م‬ ٌ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ ُّ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ُّ ُ َ ‫فكل�م ر ٍاع وكل�م مسئول‬ Hazrat Abdullah, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘‘Every one of you is a guardian and every one of you is responsible [for his wards]. A ruler is a guardian and is responsible [for his subjects]; a man is a guardian of his family and responsible [for them]; a wife is a guardian of her husband’s house and she is responsible [for it], a slave is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible [for that].

Beware! All of you are guardians and are responsible [for your wards].’’

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Nikah, Hadith 5188)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The right path

Europe’s obsession with what Muslim women should or should not wear continues to expose fierce anti-Muslim sentiments, prejudice and double standards across the continent.

During a global pandemic – when face coverings are mandatory – a referendum in Switzerland to ban women from wearing the burqa or niqab publicly saw over 50% of those who voted supporting the ban.

Switzerland will follow France, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Bulgaria and the Netherlands in forcefully controlling what Muslim women choose to wear.

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The fact of the matter is that in a state of salah [i.e. being sound or pious], it is incumbent upon man to be pure from every kind of corruption, whether it be in relation to doctrines or deeds. For example, a person’s body is healthy when all its primary constituents are in their normal state, and there is no excess or deficiency. If Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

2 << Continued from previous page

For any objective observer, the ban merely serves to promote anti-Muslim sentiments.

A recent study by the University of Lucerne concluded that the number of women in Switzerland who wore a niqab was around 30 and found no evidence at all of women wearing the burqa. Of 8.6 million Muslims in Switzerland, no one even wears the burqa! Like other far-right propaganda, it is clear this referendum was a mere fearmongering tactic.

Thankfully, unlike other countries, Switzerland’s parliament and the federal government opposed the referendum proposal, arguing that it was a “fringe” occurrence. But even if most Muslim women chose to wear the burqa or niqab, why do people suddenly have the right to forcefully control their right to wear what they want?

Where are all the slogans of “freedom” gone now? The referendum shows that over 50% of the Swiss who voted have confirmed that freedom is for all, except Muslims – least of all Muslim women.

The campaign posters and ads to ban the niqab and burqa, chanting “Stop radical Islam!” and “Stop extremism!” – and their subsequent support, promoted by the Egerkingen Committee which has links to the right-wing Swiss People’s Party – speak volumes on the direction Europe has taken.

The burqa and niqab ban aims to send alarm bells ringing about a non-existent “enemy” – Muslims. This scaremongering and scapegoating aimed at Muslims was seen in Brexit, it is chanted by populist parties across Europe and has been the central theme of divisive leaders like Trump.

There are those, however, who understand the absurdity and true intentions of these bans. In Switzerland, posters of those who opposed the ban read, “‘No’ to an absurd, useless and Islamophobic ‘anti-burqa’ law”.

Many voices in Europe, especially those of the far-right, label Islam as an oppressive religion, especially towards women. But the irony is that the same people then vote for bans that infringe the very rights of Muslim women who choose to wear veils or other face coverings. These people aim to forcefully “liberate” Muslim women while

remaining blind to their double standards.

Cyrielle Huguenot, Head of Women’s Rights, Amnesty Switzerland, rightfully said: “The proposed face veil ban cannot in any way be viewed as a measure for the liberation of women. Rather, it is a dangerous policy that violates women’s rights, including to freedom of expression and religion. This ban would have a particularly negative impact on Muslim women who choose to wear the niqab or burqa. If we really want to respect women’s rights, we should let women decide what they want to wear.”

“If the intention of this is in any way to protect women’s rights it fails abjectly.

Instead, this proposes to sanction women for their choice of clothing and in so doing undermines the freedoms Switzerland purports to uphold.” (www.amnesty.org/en/ latest/news/2021/03/switzerland-face-veilban-is-discriminatory-and-violates-womensrights) The recent intolerance and prejudice against Muslims will only further divide society and murder peace.

Before France became the first European country to ban full-face veils in public spaces and the discussion of veils was at its peak, addressing the importance of peace and the absurdity of banning the veil or other face coverings, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa said the following at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Peace Symposium on 20 March 2010: “Governments should not interfere where rights are not being violated. No laws should be prescribed regarding those matters that do not endanger the peace of the nation […]

“Over the past few years the hijab, or veil, has been made an issue in Europe.

In France, in particular, an uproar has been created and now they are seriously considering legislation that would partially ban the hijab. Following on from France, politicians in other European countries and for their own political motives are issuing statements supporting a ban and this is becoming a means of injuring the sentiments of Muslims.

“Whenever I have reflected on this matter, I have never been able to understand what the problem with the veil is that it has become such a threat to governments. Is

it such a heinous crime to wear a coat and cover one’s head and chin with a piece of cloth that an entire parliament should sit to pass a law against it? […]

“Should legislation be passed against Christian and Jewish ladies who also adopt religious attire? If bans are imposed against the Muslims, then Muslim countries may impose restrictions on some forms of Western dress in response. This issue has the potential to snowball and it will affect the peace of the world.

“By all means, if there is any covering that hides the identity of a person and it is necessary to remove it to identify a person, then the governments or the authorities have the right to do so. But what a travesty, that a woman may be deprived from travelling simply because she is wearing the hijab; or a human life may be deprived of care in a hospital and left in the jaws of death because she was wearing a veil […]

“If this is a crime, then during the winter, all European ladies will have to be deprived of their rights when they wrap their heads with scarves. Certainly, it is food for thought that whether it is such a crime to wear this one metre cloth and whether wearing it renders a woman worthy of being deprived of her basic human rights.

“Is this a definition of modern democratic governments that claim to safeguard the rights of its people? Is this the way to bring together people of different nations? Is this the way to foster love and affection amongst people? Most certainly, every just-minded person will oppose this because these things will make the walls of hatred ever higher and destroy the peace of the world.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said these words back in 2010, when the world was passing through a financial crisis. During the same speech, he pointed out how tackling pertinent issues, like job security, should be at the forefront of governments and not addressing non-issues like banning face veils.

He said: “These days the world is passing through a financial crisis. It is said that the recession has ended, that we have passed through the worst and that now we are emerging from it to recovery.

“But the public is still affected; jobs are

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even a single constituent abnormally increases, the body becomes ill.

Similarly, the health of a person’s soul depends upon an equilibrium. It is this very equilibrium which is alluded to in the Holy Quran by the term alsirat-ul-mustaqim [i.e. the right path].

In a state of salah, a person becomes wholly devoted to God, as was the case with Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra.

Gradually, a salih [or a virtuous person] progresses until they attain to a station of rest and it is here that they experience “the expansion of their breast”, just as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him was addressed:

َۡ َ َ َ ‫ال َ ۡم ن� َر ۡح لَﻚ َﺻ ۡد َرك‬

‘‘Have We not opened for thee thy bosom.”

It is beyond me to express in words this state of “the expansion of the breast.”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 193-194)

still being lost; the purchasing power is still as affected as it was before. These are matters for governments and major steps must be taken, rather than making choices based on personal preferences.

“Will a woman wearing or not wearing a veil affect the economy of the country or the world? Will the wearing or not wearing of a veil or having or not having a minaret affect the moral value of a country or will it lead to recognition of the Creator? Will the wearing or not wearing of a veil or having or not having a minaret improve or harm the peace of the world?”

11 years on and this statement still holds true. A global pandemic continues to cause widespread devastation, break up families, end social life and cripple the economy.

Yet for many, issues with Islam and what Muslim women wear continue to be the most pressing issues.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

From the Markaz

Our duty is to spread Islam, it is for God to guide souls Australia Ansarullah’s amila reports to Huzoor

On 6 March 2021, Australia Ansarullah’s national amila, along with nazimeen-eala, were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat.

Members gathered in the Khilafat Hall at the Baitul Huda Mosque complex, which also serves as the national headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Australia.

After conveying salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about the Covid-19 restrictions in Australia. The Sadr, Abdul Jamil Mubbashar Sahib, replied that Covid-19 had died down and was under control to a certain extent. He

added that government restrictions were slowly being eased and it was no longer a requirement to wear facemasks.

Huzooraa then led everyone in dua, after which the amila members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and the work assigned to them.

The first to present his report was Qaid Umumi, Sagheer Mohammad Sahib.

Whilst addressing him, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many majalis there were and how many sent their reports regularly. Qaid Umumi stated that there were a total of 28 majalis, of which 100% sent reports regularly.

Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Very good!” and asked if any comments were

made on the reports. Sagheer Sahib explained that they made sure they reviewed each and every report and also made comments on them, which was then shared with all qaids.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked where he was from, to which he responded that he was originally from Fiji, but grew up in Australia. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “This is why your Urdu is flawless.”

Speaking with Romeo Istafa Hassan Khan Sahib, Naib Sadr Saf-e-daum, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked what the tajnid was for Saf-e-daum Ansar and if any special programme was made for the year. Romeo Sahib said that there were 521 Saf-e-dom Ansar and added that they

had planned to hold an annual meeting on a national level to reinforce the roles and responsibilities of Saf-e-daum Ansar.

Huzooraa asked about the responsibilities and roles of Saf-e-daum Ansar members. Khan Sahib said that the responsibilities of Saf-e-daum Ansar members were to ensure they offered Salat, were regular in tabligh and were good fathers, husbands and role models.

Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and said, “That should be the role and duty of every true Ahmadi.”

Huzooraa further asked if any Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

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programme was made in relation to physical health, to which the Naib Sadr Saf-e-daum answered in the affirmative and that 97 ansar members used bicycles.

Huzooraa asked him if he had a bicycle and if he was able to cycle 20 miles in a week. Answering Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, he replied that he, his wife and son all had a bicycle and he cycled twice a week and covered five kilometres; to which, Huzooraa said, “So, even I do more than you.” Huzooraa added, “Encourage other Ansar as well to buy and use bicycles. At least for short distances, they should use bicycles instead of their cars or motorbikes or something else. So, you should also play your role to keep the environment clean by using bicycles.”

Subsequently, upon addressing Abdul Majeed Zahid Sahib, Naib Sadr Awal & Qaid Tarbiyat, Huzooraa asked about the tarbiyat plan. Naib Sadr Awal said that their Ansar’s tajnid was 843 and 83% of them were regular in offering prayers, therefore the aim was to focus more on this.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Tell the Ansar that it is essential to at least offer the five daily prayers and for those who can, to offer Namaz in congregation. If there is no Namaz centre or mosque nearby, they should arrange to pray in congregation at home. In this way, the wives and children will also offer Namaz with them and the new generation will then adopt the habit of praying.”

Huzooraa added, “Ansar should develop the habit of regularly reciting the Holy Quran. They should also ensure that their children are also offering Namaz and reading the Holy Quran. Similarly, they should arrange for an extract from the books of the Promised Messiahas to be read at home … Ansar should pay special attention towards their children’s tarbiyat so that they may be able to look after the new generations. If Ansarullah do not fulfil this duty, then after a few years, difficulties will arise.”

Next to present his report and duties was Chaudhry Rafique Ahmad Ghumman Sahib, Naib Sadr. He said that his role consisted of various tasks assigned by the

sadr and that he tried to fulfil his duties to the best of his ability.

Speaking with Rashid Khan Sahib, Qaid Tabligh, Huzooraa asked about the target they had set for this year. Rashid Sahib replied that after reviewing, they had set their target at 28 bai‘ats, one bai‘at per majlis. Upon this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that they should have a more ambitious target. Huzooraa said, “Your target should at least be 100.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that if the target was ambitious, it would then help motivate others to work more diligently.

Rashid Sahib was then asked how they were carrying out their tabligh duties – whether it was through one-toone sittings, distributing leaflets, door to door or through events and gatherings – to which he said that this year, due to Covid-19, tabligh was conducted online.

Following this, whilst addressing Mujeeb ur Rahman Sanori Sahib, Qaid Talim-ul-Quran & Waqf-e-Arzi, Huzooraa said, “With age, people tend to get older; however, you seem to be getting younger.”

Huzooraa then asked about his duties, to which Mujeeb Sahib said they were holding Quran classes but due to Covid-19, they were unable to do Waqfe-Arzi. He added that amila members had submitted their requests to perform Waqf-e-Arzi.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that Waqf-e-Arzi could be done virtually: “At times, through online means, you can teach people the Holy Quran and Qaida Yassarnal-Quran. You should make efforts in this.”

Huzooraa asked Mujeeb Sahib if all Ansar knew how to recite the Holy Quran and then said: “Just yesterday, I mentioned [Al Hajj Dr Nana Mustafa] Boateng Sahib of Ghana who passed away. At the age of 48, he studied the Qaida Yassarnal-Quran again to help correct his pronunciation [of the Holy Quran]. Thus, there is no shame in this as it is God’s word. What is wrong with learning it?”

Huzooraa then asked Chaudhry Nemat Ali Sahib, Qaid Talim about the plans for this year. Chaudhry Sahib said that they had prescribed the first four volumes of

Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya for Ansar to read.

Last year, he said, they had prescribed the books Ijaz-e-Ahmadi and Naseem-eDawat. They also held exams for this and around 34% sat the exams.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired as to what plan they had made to encourage others to sit the exam.

Whilst offering guidance and to help encourage others to study the books and sit the exam, Huzooraa said: “They may sit the exam with the book in hand. The main thing is that they read the book.”

Whilst speaking with qaid isar, Huzooraa noticed that he had no beard and said, “If you do not have any skin disorder that makes it difficult to keep a beard, then you should grow a beard.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then asked about his tasks and duties as qaid isar, to which he replied that their activities consisted of helping out in various charity programmes and food drives.

Qaiser Ahmed Sahib, Qaid Ishaat, was asked by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa if any magazine or organ was printed regularly. He responded that they printed a quarterly Ansar magazine and also a bulletin, which was printed fortnightly.

Turning to Mahmud Shah Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat for New Converts, Huzooraa asked how many new converts there were and what was done to keep a bond with them.

Huzooraa emphasised the importance of keeping good ties with new converts.

Addressing Mahmud ur Rehman Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about the tajnid and enquired as to how it was collected. Mahmud Sahib said the total tajnid was 843 and that every year, in November, they would collect a list from Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya of those members entering Ansarullah and would update the tajnid by 15 December.

Shajar Ahmad Sahib, Qaid Sehat-eJismani, was asked if he did any sports to remain healthy, to which he replied that he played football and badminton.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then addressed a muawin sadr and asked if he had any special assignments given by Sadr Sahib. The muawin said his assignment was to work with other charity organisations.

Huzooraa then lovingly said to him, “Being

a nasir, you should also keep a beard; that will be better and I think it will suit you.”

Huzooraa then advised all nazimeen-eala that they “should set a good example in their regions.”

Speaking with Waseem Ahmad Sahib, Naib Qaid Isar, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about Waqar-e-amal and enquired if they had planted any trees. Huzooraa paid emphasis on starting a nationwide drive to plant trees as there were many bushfires in the forests of Australia. Huzooraa said, “At least 10,000 – 15,000 trees should be planted.”

Feisal Ahmedi, Naib Qaid Isar informed Huzooraa that he followed the directives of qaid isar and helped out with waqar-e-amal for national events.

Naib Qaid Sehat-e-Jismani, Muhammad Salman Yousaf Sahib, whilst speaking with Huzooraa, said that their plan was to ensure that all Ansar were active in service to Jamaat.

Sadr Sahib then said that there were a few questions and matters they wished to seek Huzoor’saa guidance on. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa very graciously accepted his request.

Sadr Sahib observed that though the Jamaat had offices such as rishta nata and various tarbiyat related departments, the rate of divorce and similar tarbiyat issues remained. He asked what role Majlis Ansarullah could play to help reduce these issues.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “The fact is that this issue is not just related to you [Majlis Ansarullah] alone.

This is a universal matter. If you listen to my sermons and other speeches, especially those addressed to Lajna, you will see that I have talked on this issue. I have also explained this to Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya and Ansar too […]

“More people are starting to incline towards materialism; patience is being discarded. Mistakes are being made by both men and women. They pledge to give precedence to religion over the world, yet don’t bear in mind the saying of the Holy Prophetsa: to look for a suitable match, one must give precedence to faith and not materialism, beauty or wealth. If they Continued on next page >>

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

From the Markaz

Heads of departments should know what their roles are according to the constitution Amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria meet Huzoor On 7 March 2021, the national amila and regional qaideen of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Nigeria had the opportunity to seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

Prior to leading everyone in dua, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa noted the Internet connection being used by MKA Nigeria was not very strong and smaller countries in the past seemed to have had better connections. Huzooraa said they would continue the meeting and see how far they could manage.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then began speaking with members of Nigeria’s Khuddam amila.

Addressing Ajimoti Abdulmujeeb Sahib, Naib Sadr Northern Region, Huzooraa asked where he lived in Nigeria and what languages he spoke. Huzooraa enquired of Idris Fashina Sahib, Motamid the total number of majalis in MKA Nigeria and the number of Khuddam – Idris Sahib reported there were 259 majalis and 5,833 Khuddam. Huzooraa gave detailed guidance on the tajnid database being up to date and numbers accurate.

Huzooraa asked Mohtamim Atfal, Azeez Alaran Sahib to update his tajnid too and said that 100% of Atfal should participate in the Atfal programmes.

Oriolowo Abdur Rahman Sahib reported he was the “National Saiq Atfal”.

To this, Huzooraa asked what this role was as it did not exist in the auxiliary’s structure. Huzooraa said the saiq is at the local majlis level, not at the national level and advised that his role should be of “Naib Mohtamim Atfal”.

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were to take this into consideration, there would be less problems.”

Another nasir asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa as to why, even though the Promised Messiahas had appeared, the world was not turning towards his message.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that those who failed to listen to the previous messengers were ultimately punished by God. “The world is engulfed in materialism.

The Promised Messiahas has written that if people do not take heed, punishments will continue to afflict mankind. He also stated that it was not absolutely vital to accept Islam and Ahmadiyyat for divine punishment to be averted. If mankind

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Abdus Samad Lawal Sahib, Mohtamim Tarbiyat about Salat attendance and how many Khuddam offered their prayers in congregation. Huzooraa said to Mohtamim Tarbiyat that he should ensure qaideen sent accurate reports in this regard.

Huzooraa asked Oladiti Taofeek Sahib, Mohtamim Talim whether Khuddam had been given a book to study. Oladiti Sahib

refrains from indulging in obscenity and sin, even then shall God’s mercy descend and man will be saved.”

Huzooraa added, “Recently, I wrote letters to world leaders in which I told them, alluding to the writings of the Promised Messiahas, that if they did not pay heed, God’s punishment would become manifest.”

Huzooraa said, “Our duty is to spread and propagate the message of Islam. It is up to God to guide people. We should proceed with our work with perseverance and in this way, we should fulfil our obligations.”

With this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa conveyed salaam to all amila members and the meeting drew to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

reported that Khuddam were advised to study The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, Invitation to Ahmadiyyat and Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues. In the past, Khuddam had been asked to study The Will and were tested on the book too.

Huzooraa asked Abdurrofeeq Alaka Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Tabligh and Secretary Majlis Sultan-ul-Qalam whether the majlis did tabligh and how many bai‘ats had been achieved in the last year.

Abdurrofeeq Sahib reported that they were able to achieve 63 bai‘ats in the last year.

Huzooraa asked Talabi Ahmad, Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani whether Khuddam played football prior to the pandemic, to which Talabi Sahib replied in the affirmative.

Abdul-Kabir Sahib, Mohtamim Nau Mubai‘een was instructed by Huzooraa to take count of all the converts and to contact every new convert.

Abdussalam Shakur Sahib, Qaid Kwara spoke with Huzooraa and used some Urdu words while conversing. Huzooraa smiled and asked if he was a missionary to which Abdussalam Sahib said he was not.

Huzooraa asked where he had learnt Urdu, to which he said, in Urdu, that he spoke a little Urdu and had learnt it from “Maulvi Sahib” – the local missionary. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, while smiling, said:

“That’s good! At least you have learned a little from Maulvi Sahib, masha-Allah.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa continued to ask every khadim in the meeting about their roles, in spite of the poor streaming connection.

At the end, Huzooraa noted the connection was poor and closed the meeting by advising Sadr Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Nigeria the following: “Your voice is not reaching me properly so we should end here. All I will tell you is, all your mohtamims should read the constitution of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and see in it what are their duties […]

You all should see what your duties are and make your plans according to that constitution. And also try to update your tajnid list.

“In your next amila meeting, you must see what shortcomings you have and where to improve. So, make a plan, a countrywide plan, and then work hard to achieve your targets. The Internet connection is not good, so sometime later, when you have a good Internet connection, we shall meet again.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

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100 years of Ahmadiyyat in Sierra Leone: Three days of centenary celebrations Abdul Hadi Quraishi Sierra Leone Correspondent

19 February 1921 was the blessed day when a companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyarra set foot on the shores of Sierra Leone. The message of Islam Ahmadiyyat reached Sierra Leone in 1915 through Ahmadiyya literature and a local, Pa Musa K Garber, joined the Jamaat in 1916 through a letter.

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra set sail from London on 9 February 1921 and though his original destination was Ghana, but when he came to know that the ship would anchor at Freetown, he made full use of this opportunity and sent a wire to a prominent Muslim, Mr Y Khairuddin Sahib informing him about his arrival.

He stayed in Freetown for three days and met many prominent Muslim scholars and delivered lectures about Islam Ahmadiyyat.

These three days were full of joy for the Muslims of Sierra Leone. He left Sierra Leone on 21 February 1921. A large number of Muslims came to see him off. Mr Y Saddruddin Joined the Jamaat during his visit.

To celebrate the centenary of Ahmadiyyat in Sierra Leone on 19 February 2021, Saeedur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Missionary-inCharge Sierra Leone Jamaat, held several meetings with the national executives and central missionaries and a three-day (18-20 February) programme was decided for the jamaats all over the country.

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

To celebrate the occasion, all the jamaats decorated their regional mosques and mission houses with paint, small flags, centenary banners, stickers and lighted them with decoration lights.

Special shirts and caps with the centenary logo were prepared for men and children and were worn by them on various programmes organised on these days.

The three-day programme was followed by the jamaats across the whole country.

According to the programme, on 18 February 2021, Jamaat members kept a voluntary fast and according to the received reports, 5,202 members observed the voluntary fast.

According to reports, 1,966 people wrote letters to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, conveying him their gratitude and reaffirming their allegiance to Khilafat-eAhmadiyya.

On 19 February 2021, goats were offered as sadaqah in all regional headquarters and the meat was distributed among the poor and needy. A devoted Ahmadi, Musa Mewa donated four cows on this occasion to be slaughtered as sadaqah.

Our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously sent a congratulatory message for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone.

On 19 February 2021, at the time of Jumuah prayer, the mosques were filled with Jamaat members who first listened to the live Friday Sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. A special Friday sermon containing the history of the Jamaat in Sierra Leone and its services for Islam Ahmadiyyat and the nation, and mentioning the efforts and sacrifices of the early missionaries for this blessed cause, was prepared and was delivered in all the mosques.

The message of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on the centennial celebrations was read to the members at the end of the Friday sermon.

Message from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa “Saeedur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Mubaligh In-Charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at Sierra Leone, ‫عل ک‬ ‫االسلم � یم ورۃمح اہلل ورباکہت‬ “I am very pleased that by the grace of Allah, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at in Sierra Leone is celebrating its 100th ّٰ anniversary this year.‫ماشاءاللہ‬ “During this era, the Jama‘at in Sierra Leone has made tremendous progress in all fields. Nevertheless, you have a long journey ahead of you which still remains to be completed.

“By conveying the true teachings of Islam to all the people of Sierra Leone, you should create awareness among them that it is essential for mankind to establish a close relationship with Allah the Almighty.

Humanity must recognise their Creator and fulfill the rights we owe to Him. This was the purpose of the coming of the Promised ٰ Messiah and Imam Mahdi ‫الصلوۃ والسلام‬ ‫علیہ‬ whose advent had been clearly foretold by ّٰ our Holy Prophet, Muhammad ‫صلی اللہ علیہ‬ ‫وسلم‬. One of his main objectives was to make human beings realise that our Creator is the One Allah, Who is the Lord of all the worlds and the Possessor of all powers.

As such, the Promised Messiah ‫علیہ الصلاۃ‬ ‫ والسلام‬devoted his entire life teaching us that we must submit and bow down before the One and All-Powerful Allah.

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

“Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyar ‫رضی‬ ّٰ ‫ اللہ عنہ‬has the honour of being the first Ahmadiyya Muslim Missionary to set foot on the shores of Sierra Leone on 19 February 1921. He was followed by many pioneering missionaries including Maulana Hakeem Fadl-ul-Rahman and Maulana Nazir Ahmad Ali who made immense sacrifices in the cause of Islam.

“May Allah Grant you the opportunity to recognise the real spirit of their noble sacrifices and cause you to make a pure transformation within your own selves, so that you can follow in their illustrious footsteps and deliver the true message of Islam to everyone in the land and bring them under the shelter of the banner of ّٰ the Holy Prophet Muhammad ‫صلی اللہ علیہ‬ ‫وسلم‬, thereby enabling them to become worshippers of the One God. May Allah enable you to achieve this great task.

“As I mentioned earlier, you have a long journey ahead of you. Now that the first hundred years have been reached, you should devote yourselves to striving in the service of Jama‘at with renewed fervour, energy, and dedication. You should not just be jubilant and content with this landmark of a hundred years of the Jama‘at having been established in Sierra Leone, but you should make an honest assessment as to what have you done in these past hundred years?

“You should ask yourselves what have we achieved and how can we continue to advance with greater momentum and increase in our achievements – and how can we remove our weaknesses?

“Only those nations are triumphant who are constantly improving their performances and making fresh plans so that they can advance even further.

Therefore, you should develop new strategies for tabligh, and also for taribyat of members of the National Jama‘at so that you may continue to advance, so much so that in the coming years, the development of the Jama‘at is multiplied many times over. Most importantly, it will not only be responsibility of the office-bearers, but it will be essential that all members of the Jama‘at become

fully involved and work hard together to implement these programmes and fulfil these great objectives. May Allah enable you to do this. May Allah bless you.

“Yours Sincerely, “[Signed] “MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD KHALIFATUL MASIH V”.

This message was also translated in local languages and was repeatedly broadcast through Ahmadiyya radio channels during these three days so that all people could benefit.

Special programmes were recorded for this occasion and were broadcast on various local television channels. Three live programmes were also broadcast and a panel of Ahmadi scholars talked on various aspects, for example, the Jamaat’s introduction, its teachings and its services to the country. People listening to the programmes called in and sent messages congratulating the Jamaat and appreciating its services for Islam and the country.

In the evening, Ahmadiyya Muslim Radio Freetown, Bo and Makeni did a live programme chaired by Amir Jamaat Sierra Leone. In his brief address, Amir Sahib mentioned the history and services of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Sierra Leone and led the audience in dua (silent prayer).

Congratulatory messages from people were also read on the radio channels.

On 20 February 2021, congregational Tahajud prayers were offered in all the jamaats in Sierra Leone.

Programmes were also held celebrating Musleh-e-Maud Day, during which Lajna, Ansar, Khuddam, Atfal and Nasirat delivered speeches.

In many regions, the jamaats arranged march pasts. They raised slogans of Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) and glorifying Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the Founder of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, and of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Participants also held banners and

placards with the messages of Islam, peace and introduction of the Jamaat.

In the centenary programmes, many Jamaat members participated, and Lajna, Ansar, Khuddam, Atfal and Nasirat read their pledges in loud voices. A special feast was also arranged for the participants.

In Mile 91, the Regent Chief expressed his feelings in these words: “I had no proper knowledge of the teachings of the Jamaat and today, I decided to join this occasion to find out about the Jamaat’s teachings. And I have observed today that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is following the teachings of Quran and sunnah. I am very impressed today and I firmly believe that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya truly follows the teachings of Islam.”

We pray that may Allah the Almighty enable us to follow the true teachings of Islam. Amin.

[On behalf of Al Hakam, we pray that Allah may shower His choicest blessings on Jamaat Sierra Leone, now and in the future.]

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Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

MKA Nigeria amila thrilled to meet Huzoor as some meet for first time

MKA Nigeria amila gathered for their virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa Photo credit: MTA International

Taofeek Adedayo Sanni Sadr MKA Nigeria

On 14 September 2020, the then sadr of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa requesting a virtual mulaqat. Huzooraa wrote back asking to plan the mulaqat with the incoming amila members because the then sadr’s term was soon coming to an end.

However, with the arrival of a new sadr of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria in December 2020, I wrote back to Huzooraa requesting a virtual mulaqat.

Alhamdulillah, beloved Huzooraa approved 7 March 2021 for the mulaqat.

The good news was extended to members of the amila, who were all excited and looking forward to the historic day.

After receiving approval, we were asked to liaise with MTA International Production Director, Munir Odeh Sahib.

He was very helpful in the planning phase

and gave us enough guidance to ensure the success of the mulaqat.

We were also assisted by Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Nigeria’s audio-visual department and the MTA Nigeria crew.

They were helpful in setting up the hall that was used for the mulaqat and assisted in purchasing high-speed Internet and arranged for all necessary technicalities.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria has a fairly large amila of 142 members. This was a big challenge because the hall to be used can only contain 7090 people. 94 names were eventually registered.

Below are some of the impressions of participants: Dr Taofeek Sanni, Sadr MKA Nigeria said: “I am very happy, relieved and also more motivated to encourage all the officers to fulfil their duties. Huzooraa advised all officers to study the Majlis constitution well, update our tajnid list

and also work to get the list and contacts of new converts.”

Fashina Idris, Motamid Majlis said: “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Aalamin.

I feel blessed and very happy having communicated with Huzooraa.”

Idowu Sadiq, Naib Motamid said: “I felt satisfied, alhamdulillah. I feel fulfilled because all that I was looking forward to was to see Huzooraa and his smile.”

Abdussamad Lawal, Mohtamim Tarbiyat said: “Alhamdulillah, I am feeling very grateful to have met Huzooraa virtually, twice this year.”

Nurudeen Adeomi, Naib Mohtamim Umumi North said: “I feel good that I had direct access to beloved Huzooraa.”

Jubreel Shittu, District Qaid Lagos Mainland said: “Relieved we eventually were able to have a mulaqat and happy to see my beloved I Huzooraa. wish we had spent more time together and that we were able to ask him more questions for guidance.

I was pleased to be reminded to revisit our constitution to discharge our duties better.”

Abdussalam Shakur, Qaid Kwara said: “Talking to Huzooraa for the first time in my life brought joy and immense happiness to me. I feel like my worries are gone.”

Mubarak Adeleke, District Qaid Apata said: “The time spent was short and so I wish for this opportunity not to be a one off; as a matter of fact, I wish it should be monthly.”

Oduntan Munawwar, Naib Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat said: “Feeling blessed to have conversed with Huzooraa.”

Alabi Abdulkabir, Naib Motamid said: “I feel elated and relieved to at least have had this mulaqat.”

Hassan Salaudeen, District Qaid Osogbo said: “I am so thrilled to have spoken to my beloved Huzooraa for the first time in my life. It was an excellent experience.”

Musleh-e-Maud Day Jalsas held throughout Benin Mirza Farhan Ahmad Baig Benin Correspondent

In the month of February 2021, Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Benin organised various programmes in relation to Musleh-eMaud Day. In these programmes, central missionaries, local missionaries, muallims and other people from local jamaats participated and put their best efforts to make these programmes successful.

According to reports, 243 events were held in 15 regions, including Cotonou, Portonovo, Pobé, Allada, Bohicon, Lokossa, Azové, Dassa, Savé, Parakou, Nikki, Kandi and Mallanville, Natitingou, Tanguieta and Bassila.

Collectively, 9,179 Ahmadis and

non-Ahmadis participated in those programmes.

In these Jalsas, the importance of the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud, different aspects of the life of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra and different topics outlining the efforts of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat were spoken on.

May Allah the Almighty enable us and all members of the Jamaat to follow the footsteps of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and to deeply understand the importance of the Musleh-e-Maud prophecy and to fulfil the pledge which we all made at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Amin.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

Australia Ansarullah set to work with higher ambitions following inspiring mulaqat Abdul Jamil Mubbashar Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Australia

In January 2021, on behalf of Majlis Ansarullah Australia, I requested Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for a virtual mulaqat.

Alhamdulillah, Huzooraa graciously approved this request. The mulaqat was to be held on 6 March 2021.

Right after receiving this approval, the national amila was informed and an urgent meeting was called on 31 January 2021.

The national amila formed a committee with Romeo Khan Sahib in-charge, to make appropriate arrangements under the supervision of Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Australia.

Since the meeting was to be held in Sydney, all interstate national amila members and nazimeen-e-ala were invited to attend this blessed event. All naib qaideen were also included in this meeting for the purpose of blessings and learning.

The committee’s in-charge was asked to prepare his team for various departments. Interstate guests arrived on 3 March for the daily training rehearsals that were to be held in the days leading up to the mulaqat.

Initially, the national amila meetings were held on a weekly basis to review the progress of all arrangements. All these meetings were chaired by Sadr Sahib. In the final week of the mulaqat, training

rehearsals were done for three days continuously before the mulaqat day.

The MTA department started their full preparations and testing from 3 March and provided immense guidance and support.

The blessed day that everyone was eagerly awaiting had finally arrived.

Members congregated in the Khilafat Centenary Hall at Bait-ul-Huda Mosque at 5pm. Dinner was served at 6:45pm and was followed by further rehearsals.

I personally supervised and provided detailed instructions about the format, sequence, seating and mode of the meeting. Qaideen reports were also reviewed to ensure that they clearly reflected the efforts of Ansar, yet still, were brief for presenting to Huzooraa.

The central MTA team made first contact with the Australian MTA team at approximately 8:50pm to test and ensure that all the technical aspects of the mulaqat were covered. They thoroughly tested the system setup, which included the sound clarity, hall setup, picture quality, the sequence of introductions with Huzooraa and camera work. After the testing was complete, the central MTA team advised that Huzooraa would be arriving in the next hour or so.

During the wait for our beloved Huzooraa, all members were reciting durood and istighfar continuously. There was pin-drop silence.

When Huzooraa appeared on the screen, it seemed that all our anxiousness, nervousness and worries were turned into pure moments of joy and thankfulness.

I greeted Huzooraa and introduced myself and then Huzooraa asked about the coronavirus conditions in Australia.

Huzooraa then gave every member the opportunity to introduce themselves, asking questions about each department and graciously responding to each member and providing guidance and advice for each department on how to improve and the areas to focus on.

Following the introductions and departmental reviews, Huzooraa graciously granted members permission to ask any questions they had.

All members felt feelings of happiness and joy for the blessings received and the time spent with our beloved Huzooraa.

Members offered congratulations for a successful and blessed meeting. All members felt rejuvenated, full of zeal and vigour, to work harder to follow Huzoor’saa instructions, advice and expectations.

Sweets were distributed to everyone paying gratitude to Allah the Almighty for this very special and blessed event.

Some of the impressions of participants are listed below: “[I am] feeling honoured and fortunate to be part of this blessed historic event of a virtual meeting with Huzooraa.

However, [I was] also feeling stressed how

to answer as I had not done justice to my responsibilities.”

“I was very excited but a bit nervous, fearing if Huzooraa asked a question and I did not know the answer.”

“When we were invited by Sadr Sahib for the virtual meeting, it was a moment of great excitement. While such was the happiness, it entailed worries as to whether we had done justice to the responsibilities we were given.”

One member viewed such a blessed opportunity as a mix of fear and happiness.

“As the meeting progressed, the stress and nervousness transformed into a pleasing environment. Worries turned into affection.”

“Before the meeting, I feared if I would be able to even talk to Huzooraa. However, Huzooraa spoke with us with such affection that the fear completely disappeared and love for Khalifa emanated.”

“The environment was so joyful and affectionate that the hour passed by within a few minutes.”

Another member said, “Alhamdulillah, Allah covered our errors by bestowing honour on us and our beloved Huzoor was happy with us”.

“Watching our beloved Khalifa happy and smiling, mostly while advising and guiding members in their responsibilities, were the best moments compared to anything in this world.”

“Very pleasing to hear from Huzooraa that I was remembered as previous sadr; this provided extra motivation and encouragement.”

“Elation! Beloved Huzooraa helped everyone to feel relaxed and be at ease with his humbleness and humour. Very humbling and emotional experience for everyone.”

The overall feelings were that everyone was so very thankful to Allah the Almighty that He blessed us with this great opportunity for a mulaqat and that all the nerves and anxiety turned into pure joy and serenity once our beloved Huzooraa arrived. His Holiness put everyone at ease immediately with his humility, humour and great demeanour.

After the conclusion of the virtual meeting, I held a brief meeting with the national amila and advised them to prepare their action points and future plans forthwith in accordance with the guidance of Huzooraa.

10

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 12-18 March In this, the third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas with some more details 12 March 1897: On this date, the Promised Messiahas published an announcement about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, which can be found in Majmuae-Ishtiharat (Vol. 2, p. 225).

With regard to this announcement, the Promised Messiahas wrote in his book, Nuzul-ul-Masih: “Having been informed by God, the AllKnowing and All- Aware, I had disclosed in my announcement of 12 March 1897 that the death of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan KCSI was approaching. I had expressed my regret that I had not had the opportunity of meeting him even once and invited his attention to the announcement saying that this was the substitute for a meeting. One year after the announcement, Syed [Ahmad Khan] died.”

(Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 569570) 12 March 1908: On this date, the Promised Messiahas saw a dream. He said: “I saw Imam Hussain twice. On one occasion, I saw a person coming along in the distance and I said, ‘Abu Abdullah Hussain and then I saw him another time.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 1027) 13 March 1903: The foundation stone of Bait-ul-Dua was laid on this day. Hazrat Ahmadas expressed the desire to build a small, private room for praying in. Thus began the construction of a small room, right beside the entrance on the western side of Bait-ul-Fikr.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 301) Also, on 13 March, the Promised Messiahas laid the foundation stone for Minarat-ul-Masih.

On one occasion, the Promised Messiahas drew a sketch of the minaret on a piece of paper with his own blessed hand, proclaiming that Allah the Almighty had commanded him to build this type of minaret.

On this date, before laying of the foundation of the minaret, the Promised Messiahas held a brick in his hand and prayed for a significantly long period.

He then instructed to place the brick on the western side of the foundation. Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra was the supervisor of the construction work.

14 March 1906: On this date, the Promised Messiahas saw a dream in which the Holy Prophetsa said to him: َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫نت َس‬ ّ ‫ات‬ ‫ا‬ ِ ‫لمان َو ِم ِنی يَا ذاالب َرك‬ “You are Salman and from me, O blessed one.”

The Promised Messiahas said: “This was said by the Holy Prophet, on whom be the peace and blessings of Allah, on one occasion when he put his hand on the shoulder of one of his companions, whose name was Salman and who was a Persian.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 833) 15 March 1889: The Promised Messiahas was

in Hoshiarpur on this day. Huzooras blessed the marriage ceremony of Sheikh Mehar Ali Sahib’s son with his presence.

Sheikh Mehar Ali Sahib requested the Promised Messiahas to attend his son’s wedding ceremony.

For this, Huzooras visited Hoshiarpur as well. This was prior to the first bai‘at.

On this journey, Huzooras was accompanied by Hazrat Munshi Abdullah Sanaurira, Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana and Hazrat Hafiz Hamid Alira.

In those days, a lecture of Maulvi Mahmud Shah Sahib was to be held. Huzooras sent him the bai‘at announcement through Hazrat Munshi Abdullah Sanaurira and ask him [Maulvi Mahmud Shah] to read the announcement to all those present, at an appropriate time, during his lecture. Huzooras also told him that he would also be in attendance.

Upon this, Maulvi Mahmud Shah Sahib promised that he would read out his announcement.

Hazrat Ahmadas attended his lecture; however, Maulvi Mahmud Shah Sahib did no fulfil his promise and did not read the announcement. When he saw that people were dispersing, he began to read the announcement. However, by then, many had already gone. Huzooras felt grief on this and said that he had come to his lecture considering his promise. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, pp. 338339) 15 March 1891: The Promised Messiahas sent a personal letter to Hazrat Mian Muhammad Sanaurira while he was in Ludhiana, saying:

about Arabic as the mother of all languages – was published in 1922. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p.

212)

“Correspondence work is piling up due to my chronic health condition. If you could come here and assist me for the next two months, it would be very helpful. I am staying at the same residence in Iqbal Ganj of Ludhiana.”

17 March 1897: The Promised Messiah’sas Arabic book, Hujjatullah (God’s Final Argument) was printed on this day at Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian.

In this book, Hazrat Ahmadas highlighted various signs God had shown in his favour. He also pointed out the error of his Shia opponents. In an eloquent manner, Huzooras explained that the Shia beliefs were not right because the Khulafa – Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra – were also the rightful Khulafa and Hazrat Alira had acknowledged this also.

In those days, Huzooras was engaged in a written debate with Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi about his claims and mission. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 211) 15 March 1907: The Promised Messiahas issued an announcement for Muslim clerics and invited them to read his book, Haqiqatul Wahi with deep consideration. (Haqiqatul-Wahi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 22, p. 611) 16 March 1903: Pandit Nand Kishor visited Qadian on this day and had the opportunity to seek blessings from the company of the Promised Messiahas before Isha prayer. He was a renowned scholar of Sanatan Dharma and a great orator of his age. (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 168) 17 March 1896: Hazrat Ahmadas wrote a letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra in which he mentioned the publishing of his book on linguistics, Minan-ur-Rahman (The Blessings of the Gracious God). Huzooras informed him that the press had stopped printing after initial copies.

This book – a monument of methodical research

17 March 1901: The Promised Messiahas wrote a two-page announcement for the general public warning them about the pandemic of the plague that was claiming lives. This message was to caution the local populace to take precautionary measures to protect themselves. (Majmua-eIshtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 182) 18 March 1891: On this date, the Promised Messiah wrote a letter addressed to Sheikh Fateh Muhammad Sahib. In the letter, Huzooras stated: “Perhaps a week ago, I saw you in my dream as if you had enquired of me what you should do and I said to you: ‫دخا ےس ڈر ۔ � � �ےہ رک‬ “‘Fear God and then do whatever you wish.’”

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 280)

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

Coming from every distant track: American missionary, Samuel Marinus Zwemer, visits Qadian A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

Samuel Marinus Zwemer was born on 12 April 1867 at Vriesland, Michigan, a state in the Great Lakes region of the United States. He was a well-known American Missionary who was famously known for his knowledge of Islam, as “the Apostle to Islam”. He was a professor of world religions, traveller, scholar and writer.

In 1887, he graduated from Hope College, which is located in Holland, a city in Michigan. He then continued his studies in New Brunswick Theological Seminary where he studied till 1890.

Between 1891 to 1905, before he was ordained by the Reformed Church, he served as a missionary in Basra and various other Arab regions. Within this period, Zwemer travelled widely throughout Asia. For this reason, it is possible he was elected as a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

In 1929, Zwemer was appointed as professor of world religions and professor in the history of Christian missions at the Princeton Theological Seminary, where he taught until 1951. Zwemer made great efforts in the spread of Christianity in Muslim countries. He was married to Amy Zwemer who would help him prepare various scholarly projects and books.

For a long period, he served as the editor for the publication, The Moslem World. As an editor, he published 47 issues spanning from 1911 to 1947. He was famously known for organising many Christians to go into missionary work in Islamic countries.

According to Ruth A Tucker, a well-known author, Zwemer’s greatest contribution was moving, steering and motivating the Christian world to further the need for preaching among Muslims.

This view is also supported by a famous author, Rev Emanuel Khokhar, who said that the preaching efforts in the Muslim world were largely done by Christian missionaries. He once stated that Zwemer, who had studied Islam his entire life, was not ready to limit the Messiah’s message.

For this, he adopted several ways to spread Christianity; for example, through writing and recruiting missionaries to preach to

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and American missionary, Samuel Marinus Zwemer. Hazrat Mufti Muahammad Sadiqra is seated on Huzoor’s right

the Muslim world. Apart from serving as the editor for the quarterly periodical, The Moslem World, and the Quarterly Review, he was also the author of many books. A full list of his various books can easily be found online.

This famous traveller, missionary and author also visited Qadian. The history of his arrival in Qadian is preserved in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat: “Zwemer, the American orientalist missionary, visits Qadian: “On 28 May 1924, Zwemer, the orientalist missionary, visited the centre of Ahmadiyyat, Qadian. After seeing the central institution, Zwemer had the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] and left after taking some literature of the Jamaat. Upon reaching America, Zwemer published a circular in which he appealed to the Christian world to make special preparations for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat because the ‘new Islam’ is getting stronger in Europe and

America through Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

“In The Church Missionary Review, Zwemer published an article, titled “Islam in India”, in which he mentioned his arrival in Qadian in the following words: “‘We received a very cordial reception.

In actuality, they had sent some men to meet us at another railway station [Batala is the station being referred to here as in 1924, the train had not yet arrived in Qadian] and invited us to spend days in Qadian instead of hours […] Not only is The Review of Religions published here, but three other magazines are also published from here. [From here] Correspondence is carried out with London, Paris, Berlin, Chicago, Singapore and the Middle East.

Small offices with all kinds of equipment are available. Shelves are filled with encyclopaedias, dictionaries and books of anti-Christian literature and philosophies – an arsenal designed to make possible the impossible and a strong belief that shakes mountains from their place.’” (Tarikh-e-

Ahmadiyyat, Volume 4, p. 470) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has himself written about the arrival of this missionary in Qadian and his meeting with him.

This excerpt informs us about the great position of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and also the extraordinary heavenly support and help he was bestowed. Huzoorra writes: “Reverend Zwemer, a renowned reverend who lived in America, once visited Qadian. He was also the editor of a large, well-known periodical and held a prominent status among Christian preaching societies all over the world.

“When he came to India, after travelling to various places, he then visited Qadian. He was accompanied by another reverend, whose name was Gordon. At that time, the late Dr Khalifa Rashiduddin Sahib was alive. He was the one who showed them around Qadian. However, Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

12

Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddinra

<< Continued from previous page

Christian missionaries nowadays are known here to not miss an opportunity of mischief and slander.

“In those days, there was no town committee in Qadian and a lot of waste filled the streets. Rev Zwemer [upon seeing this] laughed and said, ‘Now we have seen Qadian and the cleanliness state of the village of the new Messiah.’

“Dr Khalifa Rashiduddin Sahib smiled and said to him, “Reverend, currently the first Messiah’s kingdom is established in India and this is a reflection of its cleanliness. The new Messiah’s kingdom has not yet been established.

“Upon hearing this, he felt very ashamed and humiliated.

“He sent me a message in which he stated, ‘I wish to meet with you.’ [At that time] I was not feeling well. I replied that the reverend should tell me why he wanted to meet me; to which he replied that he had a few things he wished to discuss that he could not simply state like this.

“When I called him in, Rev Gordon also came along with one or two other people. Rev Zwemer then said, ‘I wish to ask a question or two’, to which I said, ‘Please, go ahead.’

“He asked, ‘What is the Islamic view of reincarnation? Does Islam accept or reject this issue.’

“As soon as he asked this question, Allah the Almighty put it in my heart that the question was as if to say, ‘You believe the Promised Messiahas is a reflection and he has likened himself to the Messiah of Nazareth; so does this mean that the spirit of the Messiah of Nazareth has entered him? If so, then this is reincarnation, which is against the Holy Quran.’

“Upon this, I smiled and said, ‘Reverend, you are mistaken. We do not believe that the soul of the Messiah of Nazareth entered Mirza Sahib. We liken him to the Messiah of Nazareth in the sense that he was bestowed with the same qualities of morality and spirituality.’

“When I provided this answer, he was overwhelmed and said, ‘Who told you that I was going to ask this question?’ To this, I responded, ‘Tell me, was this the intention of your question, or not?’ To

which he said, ‘Yes, this was my intention.

I wondered how Ahmadi Muslims believed Mirza Sahib to be the Messiah when the Quran is against the concept of reincarnation.’

“I then told him that he may present his next question. So he asked, ‘My next question is regarding a prophet’s status, that is, in what kind of area does he need to carry out his work?’

“As soon as he asked this second question, again Allah placed in my heart that the implication of this question was that as Qadian was a small village, how could this then become the centre of the world and how could the message spread throughout the world from this small village. If Hazrat Mirza Sahib’sas purpose is to spread Islam all over the world, then he should have been sent to a place where the message could reach the whole world and not Qadian, which is a hamlet.

“After he asked his question, Allah put this in my heart. I smiled and then said, ‘Reverend, a prophet may come to Nazareth or to a city larger than Nazareth.

The village in which the Messiah [Jesusas] appeared was called Nazareth and its population barely amounted to 10 or 12 tribes.’

“Upon hearing this answer, his complexion changed with astonishment and he was surprised that I answered the question which he had actually intended.

“He then asked his third question, which I do not remember at this time.

In any case, he asked three questions and Allah the Almighty revealed to me the true intentions behind his queries.

“Despite the fact that his method of asking questions was done in a misleading manner, Allah revealed his true intentions to me and he was rendered completely and utterly speechless.

“Allah the Almighty inspires hearts in a strange way and helps His servants under this inspiration which is [attained and granted] only through the hands of God Almighty, and none else.” (Tafsir-eKabir, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Vol. 7, pp. 89-90) Zwemer had considered this as one of his most significant visits and mentioned it as one of his accomplishments.

In his book, Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas ke karnamey and during his speech of Jalsa Salana on 28 December 1928, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “The importance of the work of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is also acknowledged by those who have not entered the Jamaat and confessed even by those who are enemies of Islam. Dr Zwemer has just given a lecture in Calcutta.

“This doctor claims to be the most knowledgeable about Islam among Christians. In Egypt, he publishes a periodical, The Moslem World. The last time he came [to India], he also visited Qadian. And after leaving Qadian, he had advertised in some other cities that as he had just visited Qadian, he would be delivering a lecture.

“He went to Calcutta for some time and gave a lecture there. Prof Maulvi Abdul Qadir Sahib MA, who is the brother of one of my wives, wanted to ask

him a few questions. He was asked if he was an Ahmadi, to which he replied in the affirmative. To this, he [Zwemer] said that he did not debate with Ahmadis.

“In Egypt, many people were converted to Christianity through his [Zwemer] efforts. Coincidentally, a man named Abdul Rehman Sahib of Egypt, who was in Egypt at that time, met him and explained some arguments from the Ahmadiyya point of view and said that the Messiah [of Nazareth] was not alive; in fact, according to the Holy Quran, he had passed away. [Hearing this] he asked if he had met with any Ahmadi, to which he replied in the affirmative. Hearing this answer, he panicked and flatly refused to speak further.

“Thus, by the grace of Allah, our Jamaat is gaining importance in the religious realm leaving the world amazed.” (Hazrat Masih-e-Maud Ke Karnamey, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 10, pp. 124-125) Rev Zwemer, in his book, Translation

of the Koran, mentions the history of translations of the Holy Quran and has noted his objections. He has also mentioned the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in this book.

He writes: “The latest and most elaborate attempt at an English translation is that by the ‘Anjuman-i-Taraqqi Islam’ at Qadian, of which specimen pages have just appeared from the Addison Press, Madras. The Arabic text in beautiful script appears at the top of the quarto page, followed by careful transliteration and a translation. The work apparently is being done by the collaboration of educated Moslems of the Qadian sect in the Punjab. The commentary in English takes up more than three-fourths of the page, and is thoroughly modern in its attitude; but it is marred by its hopelessly sectarian character. (Zwemer, Samuel M., Translations of the Koran, The Moslem World, July 1915, pp. 244-261.)

The Jamaat’s Library in Qadian Photo credit: ahmadiyyagallery.org

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

The blessings of Ahmadiyyat on my parents, Dr Hameed A Khan and Mrs Sajida Mubashira Khan Part II

Dr Hameed Sahib speaking at Religious Founders’ Day, 1995 Tayyaba Ahmed Hartlepool, UK

“And [say], ‘This is My path [leading] straight. So follow it; and follow not [other] ways, lest they lead you away from His way.

That is what He enjoins upon you, that you may [become able to] guard [against evils].

“Again, we gave Moses the Book which completely fulfils the requirements of one who is excellent in conduct and explains everything to the last detail and is a guidance and blessing so that they come to believe in the meeting with their Lord.” (Surah alAn‘am, Ch.6: V.154-155) Angels descend Although it took a few years for my mother’s best friend, Pam to accept Ahmadiyyat, the enthusiasm for tabligh now flourished in my dear mother and it was not long before she began preaching to many other ladies.

In fact, it became so commonplace for my parents to invite people each evening for tabligh, that I would ask, “Who is coming today?” and I would feel a certain disappointment if the answer was, albeit rarely, “No one!”

There is a hadith that explains how much Allah loves a gathering that is collected to remember Him, so much so that angels descend on the gathering and ask for the forgiveness of all those in attendance. These regular gatherings, large or small, had a wonderful, magnetic and extraordinary atmosphere that engaged and enticed the whole family and those that attended, alhamdulillah.

Many times, from the early 80s onwards, guest speakers were invited to attend tabligh meetings held in our home on Coniscliffe

Road. I recall some of those speakers; for instance, the late Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, our current UK Missionary-inCharge Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, the late missionary Saqi Sahib and the late Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra.

Among the ladies, I particularly remember the visit of Hazrat Choti Apa Syeda Maryam Siddiqa Sahiba, wife of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, and at the time, Sadr Lajna Pakistan (which was then the Lajna headquarters for the whole world).

The visit of Hazrat Choti Apa particularly remains in my mind as my memory of her is as someone very loving and gentle. She was particularly pleased to meet the newly converted ladies in our Jamaat such as Aunty Pam, Aunty Beryl and Aunty Ronnie.

I can remember her saying hopefully to Mrs Christine Atkinson, “It will be you next!”, to which Aunty Christine (who is currently Sadr Lajna Hartlepool) replied vehemently, “No, it won’t!”

The example of Mrs Christine Atkinson is ample demonstration of my mother’s exemplary patience in tabligh efforts.

Her husband, Bilal Atkinson Sahib, was a policeman and began to take an interest in Islam after meeting my father. He had a pious nature and had instinctively been looking for the truth. Therefore, it did not take too long for him to be convinced of the truth of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

However, Mrs Christine Atkinson, whom we all call Aunty Christine, was another matter. She was a regular churchgoer and was happily involved in church life. Therefore, when her husband was researching and later had accepted Ahmadiyyat, she began accompanying him

on his (minimum weekly) meetings with my father.

She would sit with my mother and I can remember she did not look too happy. The average person would not be able to have weekly sittings with someone so unhappy for very long – perhaps for a month or a few months at most. By the grace of Allah, my mother spent approximately seven years meeting Aunty Christine until her heart was sure that Islam Ahmadiyyat was the truth.

Aunty Christine has spent many years since then as a role model, masha-Allah. She has served Lajna Imaillah in many capacities and continues to currently serve as the sadr of Hartlepool Lajna.

Many ladies will testify, including myself, that she is a most patient, caring, helpful Ahmadi lady, who can be found regularly (pre-Covid) at the Nasir Mosque in Hartlepool, by the grace of Allah.

Hospitality My parents’ ability to serve others was definitely a great strength; khidmat-e-khalq

She would often cook meals for the many visitors that came and for the meetings that we had at our house.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh once gave her two outstanding compliments; one being, “Sajida, khana bahut acha banati hai”, that is, “Sajida cooks lovely meals”. I can remember also that he advised me to learn cooking from her.

A jamaat is formed From the early 80s, Hartlepool had become a formal jamaat (majlis) and our home was used for Jumuah prayer every Friday.

My father was not used to leading Jumuah prayer, but soon, he became accustomed to preparing the weekly Friday sermon. In fact, Friday prayer was an occasion he taught us to value and respect; he would expect us to make every effort necessary to attend.

Another aspect of religious dues that my father highly valued was the attendance at Jalsa Salana.

Whilst Rabwah was the markaz, I remember attending when I was about

Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib and other guests with Dr Hameed Sahib

and tabligh were two aspects of my mother’s practice fitting together like a hand in a glove.

Sajida would help ladies, of any religion or background, in any way she could. One lady – perhaps called Margaret and a patient of my father – had agoraphobia and she would not leave her home. Selflessly, my mother started visiting her weekly and after a while, Margaret regained enough confidence to come outside into her own garden.

Another lady, who was going through some domestic abuse, related that Sajida would invite her to stay with her for days or weeks. Sajida would give the lady the pretext that she needed some help, all the while saving the lady from a difficult situation.

six years old and later, between the years 1979 and 1982. Thereafter, in the UK, the Jalsa continued to be a huge occasion for which we would get many guests and were encouraged to join in for “duties”. During Jalsa days and nights, rather than socialising, my father encouraged us to focus on nawafil (voluntary prayers) and supplications.

On a more local level, my mother began serving as sadr Lajna Hartlepool. She would organise monthly meetings with great effort.

I can remember her ringing each and every lady that she hoped would attend, some Ahmadi converts and some ladies that she was preaching to.

She and my father would offer lifts to Continued on next page >>

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Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM in the nearby town of Middlesbrough.

Neighbours, our schoolteachers, my father’s GP practice’s secretaries and other caretaker staff were all invited to meetings and events.

One friend invited another lady to our home, who, in turn, invited her partner, Paul to see my father. Later, Paul’s whole family – his mother, father, mother’s cousin, sister and wife – became Ahmadis, alhamdulillah!

<< Continued from previous page

as many people as they could. My mother cooked and prepared the food each time and as the Jamaat of converts increased, the newAhmadi ladies joined in by also preparing cakes or other items for the meetings.

For many years, my mother would cook a meal of rice and curry for the guests of often 20 or more that came to Jumuah, saying that some people came from work and thus, did not have time to eat properly otherwise. It was only after some years, particularly after she had been ill and the number of people increased even more, that some members asked her to reduce it to sandwiches and cakes, but less than this, she would not permit.

This attribute of hospitality was found no less in my father; indeed, my own impression is that good hospitality in a family needs both husband and wife to work as a team. This, they did.

My father, ever loving towards his own relatives, was just as welcoming to my mother’s relatives. (A particular favourite outing he would take his guests to was the beautiful Lake District.) Even more so, he would value the visits of members of the Promised Messiah’sas family and many grandchildren of the Promised Messiahas did actually visit his home, by the grace of Allah. He had the honour of hosting both Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh (and Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa before his Khilafat) in his home and he would prepare for these visits most earnestly, both practically and

with prayers.

Far-flung friendships The ability to find and make friends in unexpected circumstances was a great gift of my mother.

On one occasion, she told me she had met a lady in the shopping centre who wanted to know more about Islam as she had married a Muslim! This lady attended meetings and became a friend.

At other times, it would be patients of my father who would become friends of the family.

One of my father’s patients was a joiner, therefore my father asked him to do a table repair job for him and thus, their friendship developed. His wife, Beryl, accepted Ahmadiyyat after a time.

My father also worked as the local police surgeon (on call police doctor) and this is how my parents became friends with two couples who both accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat later on – Mr and Mrs Duxfield and Mr and Mrs Atkinson, the latter couple serving in various capacities in the Jamaat to this day.

My mother met some other ladies by starting an Urdu class at the local People’s Centre – a kind of community centre where rooms could be hired by residents of the town for such things. Two ladies, Ronnie and Jo, became Ahmadis through this contact.

At other times, she taught Asian cooking to ladies, forming a group of friends in this manner. She also worked for a short time as a teacher of Islam and would go into schools

Guests gathered in Dr Hameed Sahib’s garden after a Jamaat event

Literature My parents used a whole range of literature for tabligh. Of course, they could not have even imagined the ease and blessings bestowed on the Jamaat through the expansion of every kind of media – MTA, Voice of Islam Radio, the International Press and Media teams and social media of today.

MTA had just started in 1994, the year my mother passed away and thus, it was after her passing that my father tapped into this wonderful tabligh resource.

My mother, as mentioned earlier, had studied the Holy Bible and compared its verses with relevant verses of the Holy Quran in detail. Thus, the Holy Quran, the Bible, Gardens of the Righteous (book of ahadith), books of the Promised Messiahas such as Jesus in India and The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam were common tools for propagation. Books of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, such as Invitation to Ahmadiyyat, Life of Muhammad and Introduction to the

at meetings. Suffice to say, they used, tried and tested literature, but most of all, they followed the guidance of the Khalifa of the time in minute detail.

The miracles of the Holy Prophet’ssa ardent devotee It is without doubt a miracle and an immense blessing, grace and mercy of our Lord and Creator, Allah the Almighty, that the prophecies about the Messiah and Mahdi who was to come in the Latter Days foretold by the Holy Prophetsa and by previous prophets were fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian. He clarified Islamic beliefs on subjects such as the true meaning of Jihad in the Latter Days and the death of Prophet Jesusas and he taught us the true original interpretation and knowledge that had been lost. He proved with evidence, from various sources including the Bible, that Prophet Jesusas not only survived the crucifixion, but he then travelled as far as India in search of the lost tribes of Israel.

My parents studied the teachings of the Promised Messiahas in depth, each becoming a scholar in their own style, using these truths to convince the people around them of the truth of Ahmadiyyat.

Over time, the arguments relating to the Existence and Unity of God, the survival of

Mary seated on the left amongst non Muslim guests at a meeting

Study of the Holy Quran, and A Message of Peace and a Word of Warning by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh are all books that they had recourse to, from what I can remember.

Similarly, they used Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh books, such as Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues, Christianity: A Journey from Facts to Fiction and, once published, (1998) my father added Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth to the list of literary and rich spiritual treasures on hand. My parents also used a variety of pamphlets provided by the Jamaat.

At some time in the late 80s or early 90s, Friday Sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh became available weekly on cassette tapes and I can remember my parents would sometimes go to London and leave us with an elderly lady called Mary as our baby sitter and my mother would put on a cassette for her to listen to as she left! A captive audience, if ever there was one!

In later years, after the demise of my mother, my father also used the video tapes of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh question and answer sittings to show friends or even

Jesusas on the cross and prophecies relating to the coming of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas became commonplace knowledge to us.

Their first recourse was of course, to the Holy Quran. However, they knew that their friends and contacts did not believe in their own holy book so they also used the Holy Bible too to convince them. I include a sample of references (all from my mother’s copy of the Holy Bible, the Collins King James Version) that they used, as it may be of interest to readers.

The unity (Oneness) of God “And they say, ‘The Gracious [God] has taken unto Himself a son.’ Assuredly you have done a most monstrous thing! The heavens might well-nigh burst thereat, and the earth cleave asunder, and the mountains fall down in pieces, Because the ascribe a son to the Gracious [God].” (Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.89-92) Biblical references: “For thou shalt not worship no other

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021 god for the LORD whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God!” (Exodus 34:14) “Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:4) “And Jesus said unto him, ‘Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is God’” (St Luke 18:19) The following references show that there are numerous examples proving that calling Prophet Jesusas the “son of God” was not a unique occurrence or a title bestowed only to him, but others had been called sons/ children of God in the Bible or even called god. “… Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn.” (Exodus 4:22) “And the Lord said unto Moses, See I have made thee a god to Pharaoh, and Aaron they brother shall be thy prophet.”

(Exodus 7:1) Prophecies relating to the advent of the Holy Prophetsa Prophet Jesusas himself prophesied the

coming of a future Prophet: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you.

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgement.” (John 16:7-8) “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.” (John 16:12-13) This verse clearly mentions that when the “Spirit of truth” came, he would not speak of himself; in other words, his teaching would be a revealed teaching i.e. the Holy Quran.

(Even now, I can recite almost verbatim these verses:) “I shall raise them up a prophet, from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words into his mouth: and he shall speak unto them all that I shall

Handwritten reference notes from Sajida Mubashira Khan Sahiba’s personal copy of the Bible

command him.

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I shall require it of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19) The verses clearly explain how a prophet would now be raised from the brethren of Isaacas; that is, from the progeny of Ishmaelas and that he would speak revealed words i.e. the Holy Quran would be given to him. The Holy Quran is the only Holy Book which begins “in the name of Allah” and then continues to begin chapters in His Name.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon the kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

(Isaiah 9: 6-7) These verses describe a prophet who would have the responsibility of government, something that never happened to Jesusas and also of establishing a judgement that would last forever, signifying a law-bearing prophet whose laws would be permanent, just as Islamic laws have been sent for all time.

In the Songs of Solomon, chapter 5, there are some clear mentions of the coming of a prophet, even mentioning the Holy Prophet’ssa name: Muhammadim. It begins at verse 10, “My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand”, an obvious reference to the Conquest of Mecca when the Holy Prophetsa was the chief of an army of 10,000; there is no such incident in the life of Jesusas.

“His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, o daughters of Jerusalem.”

The words ‘altogether lovely’ have been translated from the Hebrew word,

Religious Founders’ Day held by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Midlands, UK Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Regional Amir Midlands

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Midlands in the UK held a virtual “Religious Founders’ Day” event on 28 February 2021.

Naib Amir Jamaat UK, Mansoor Ahmad Shah Sahib, chaired the function and Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary-inCharge UK delivered the keynote address.

Guest speakers representing six major religions were invited to speak on their respective faiths and beliefs within the theme of unity and peace through religion.

The religions included were

Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Bhuddism, Sikhism and Islam.

The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by its translation.

A welcome address and introduction to all the guest speakers was given by Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Sahib, Regional Amir Midlands.

This was followed by a short video introducing Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and some of its achievements.

Each of the speakers was then called to give an address on their respective religions outlining their beliefs and

particularly reconciling the theme of the event.

The guest speakers included: 1. Mrs Parveen Brigue, Vice president of Wolverhampton Interfaith, representing Hinduism 2. Rev James Treasure, the vicar of St Thomas and St Luke’s Church, representing Christianity 3. Ms Eve Sacker, Interfaith representative at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, representing the Jewish faith 4. Mr Kuldip Singh Ubhi, President of

Sajida Mubashira Khan Sahiba’s personal copy of the Bible with important references underlined

Muhammadim.

The proofs were many and although I shall not go into the proofs of Jesus’ survival from the crucifixion here (more can be read at www.alislam.org/book/deliverancefrom-cross), I shall finalise this section with quotes mentioning that a future law-bearing prophet would originate in Arabia. (Mount Paran is known to be the place that Hazrat Hajiraas was settled i.e. Mecca.)

Thus, in Deuteronomy 33, again reference is made to the Holy Prophetsa with his “fiery law” and that he would lead 10,000 men. Verse 2 says: “And he said; The LORD came from Sinai and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran and he came with ten thousands of saints from his right hand went a fiery law for them.”

There is also another reference: “God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and his praise filled the earth.”

(Habakkuk 3:3) (To be continued…)

Namdhari Sikh Community UK 5. Ms Pet Finden, a Buddist Chaplain who teaches Buddhism at Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation centre Thornby Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib then follwed the speakers and delivered the keynote address.

The vote of thanks was given by Mr Stewart Lynch, an American Christian Pastor, now living in Birmingham, UK. The event was then concluded with closing remarks given by Mansoor Ahmad Shah Sahib, followed by silent prayer.

Alhamdulillah, the programme was well received by the many guests who attended and left positive remarks.

It was streamed live on YouTube and other social media platforms. Over 700 views were recorded on YouTube.

Prayers are requested for all those who took part and all who helped to organise the event. We thank the Almighty Allah for enabling us to hold this programme and for enabling us to convey the true message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

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100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Huzoor explains the gradual progress of Ahmadiyyat while in Lahore Al Fazl, 10 March 1921 5 March 1921 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] came to meet the students of the college in the morning and shed light on the subject, The Need for Religion. Its details will be published in a coming issue.

At around 12 o’clock, after having lunch at the house of Mistari Muhammad Musa Sahib, Huzoor[ra] went to the court and stayed in a tent that was set up in front of the court. The testimonies of members of the Jamaat continued until 1:30pm.

Why are Muslims being reprimanded?

In the meantime, a question was posed to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] as to what was the reason that every effort of Muslims proved futile and other nations continued to progress.

Huzoor[ra] said: “The Muslims have forsaken their relationship with God and that is why they are being reprimanded; similar to when a person’s own son speaks against him, he deserves more punishment than someone else’s son. Likewise Muslims were closer to God [than anyone else], so when they became heedless, they deserved more punishment.

“Moreover, Muslims were accustomed to work with support and at the turn of every century, a mujaddid [reformer] would come to them and they would work with his help.

However, now they do not accept the man who came from God, so why would they not be reprimanded!”

The case and its testimony The case in which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was to testify was that Malik Barkat Ali Sahib, who was a candidate for the Punjab Council, had filed a case against Maulvi Mehram Ali Sahib Chishti, Member of Council, that he had secured votes through his religious influence. Since members of the Lahore Jamaat had voted for Maulvi Mehram Ali Sahib, Malik Sahib requested Huzoor[ra] to be his witness. At 3pm, Huzoor[ra] was summoned to the court room and the testimony ended at 3:20pm […]

Remembrance of the late Mian Chiragh Din On his return from the court to the Ahmadiyya Hostel, Huzoor[ra] said, “Since Mian Chiragh Din passed away, I am not attracted to Lahore anymore. In his life, Lahore seemed like a homeland.”

Bai‘at After Maghrib and Isha prayers, two persons took bai‘at. One of them is from Lucknow and the other is from Agra and works for the Lahore Railway Press. Their names are as follows: Qamqam Ali Sahib and Hamid Ali Sahib.

6 March 1921 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] offered Fajr prayer in the Ahmadiyya Mosque and stayed there for some time after the prayer.

With respect to the mosque, Huzoor[ra] said: “Its clay should be removed [and changed] because it has a bad smell and praying at such a place causes defects in prayer.”

Questions and answers about the killing of Dajjal A question was raised by a non-Ahmadi that the Messiah was to kill the Dajjal but Mirza Sahibas who claimed to be the Promised Messiah died and the Dajjal was not killed.

Huzoor[ra] said: “The Dajjal is not a person but a group and the Promised Messiahas did not pass away, because a person is considered dead if his mission’s progression ends [after him].

“However, the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas is increasing by the day. The remaining strife of Dajjal will be eradicated through the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas. It is incorrect to insist that the Dajjal should be killed within the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas because the Holy Prophetsa was sent at such a time when: ۡ ۡ ۡ ُ َ َۡ َ​َ​َ ‫اد فِی الب َ ّرِ َو ال َبح ِر‬ ‫ظہر الفس‬ “[‘Corruption has appeared on land and sea’ (Surah al-Rum, Ch.30: V.42)] and the purpose of his appearance was to remove this disorder, but it did not end in his life.

Then, it is stated in the Holy Quran that the Holy Prophetsa was sent because: ُّ ّ َ َ ٗ َ ۡ ُ ‫الدیۡ ِن کل ِٖہ‬ ِ ‫ل ِیظ ِہرہ علی‬ “[‘He may make it [Islam] prevail over every other religion’ (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.33)], but today, 1,300 years later, Islam is not dominant [over every other religion]. [In one way], this prophecy of the Holy Prophet’ssa time was fulfilled in the era of Hazrat Umarra. In the same way, it will happen for us.”

The unity of all religions It was enquired that at the time of the Promised Messiahas, it was said that all nations except for one would be annihilated,

but that did not happen.

Huzoor[ra] said: “The results of some matters become manifest [immediately], whereas certain matters are observed depending on whether they have the ability to produce such results or not. For example, unripe fruits [on trees] can be seen as fruits that will soon ripen.

“On the other hand, if a person looks at a seed and recongises, through his skills, that it is of high quality and has the power to produce a plant, then when it is sown in the ground and it blossoms soon after, there is surety that it will bear fruit. For example, one can ascertain the quality of certain wheat seeds by looking at them in

September or October and when the time comes, they grow exactly as was predicted.

In the same way, the Promised Messiahas has determined a 300-year period for the peak of his progress.”

Take advantage of present signs [Hazrat Khalifatul Masihra explained]: “If someone says that it is a very lengthy time period and asks, ‘Who can wait for such a long time?’, the answer is that it is certainly difficult if there is only one way to know the truth of something. However, when there are other means, then there is no difficulty.

“If a person insists on one thing and

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021 does not want to take advantage of other things, then it can be assumed that even if it happens as he insists, he will not accept it.

“Islamic jurists have discussed the issue as to what would become of those people who a prophet did not appear for.

“Some are convinced on the basis of hadith that a prophet will be sent to them, while some say that it is not the case and it will be seen whether they were convinced of tawhid [oneness of Allah] as much as they should have been according to the fitrah [nature]. If they were [firm in the belief of God’s unity], they will be treated as those who believed in unity of God and if they were not, it will be assumed that even if they were presented with an opportunity, they would not have taken advantage of it.

Hence, they do not take advantage of what is in front of them and insist for signs in the future. This clearly means that they will not benefit from them as well.

“It is also worth noting that those who are first to believe in [a prophet] benefit most from signs. On the other hand, those who have denied at first, benefit very rarely from later signs.

“Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra did not see any sign before believing [in the Holy Prophetsa]. However, he and others like him benefited from the signs that appeared [later on]. On the contrary, in the presence of these signs, the disbelievers could not identify the Holy Prophetsa.

“If you think about it, there were promises of success to the Holy Prophetsa, but history cannot safely assume that when success did come in the time of Hazrat Umarra, people of even one of the cities or towns believed by saying that they were waiting for the fulfillment of the prophecy of success. Hence, only those who believe at the outset take full advantage of the signs.

“Then, there is a given time for each happening. For example, if a person says that he will be blessed with a son and his wife is not pregnant at the time and signs of pregnancy appear after a while, then a reason to believe arises. Then, he will have to wait for nine months. However, if someone says that he should be born today, it will be his fault. Hence, first it must be seen whether Mirza Sahib’sas Jamaat has the ability to grow or not. If it has that ability, then we will have to wait until the appointed time. Moreover, we will have to wait as long as Hazrat Mirza Sahibas has said.

“In order to find the growing ability [of our Jamaat], we will look at the teachings and books of Hazrat Mirza Sahibas.

“Hazrat Mirza Sahibas has provided such arguments that Christians cannot stand against them. In fact, no other religion can compete with them.

“Presently, people are in denial because of their stubborn attachment with their ancestral [religion]. However, they will not be able to compete with reason for long.

Eventually, they will have to believe [in the Promised Messiahas].”

The reason for gradual progress [Hazrat Khalifatul Masihra further said]: “Also keep in mind that if all Christians become Muslims at once, they may corrupt all the Muslims because we are only a few million Muslims, who are not enough to teach all the Christians. The natural rule is that work is done by gradual increase in strength.

“If all medicines are put in the mortar at once, they will be ruined. If you add them one by one, they will be prepared in the best way. In the same way, teachings [of Islam] will be taught to the whole world by producing teachers through a gradual process.

“It is said that he who invented chess presented the boardgame to the king. The king was pleased and wanted to reward him.

The person requested the king to put cowries [a currency – 1 damri (i.e. 1 ⁄ 256 rupee) roughly equates to 10 cowries] in all the squares of the chess board, but to double it each time. In the first square, he placed one cowrie; in the second, two; in the third, four and in each of the next squares, he placed double of that in the previous square.

“The king considered him mad, saying, ‘He asks for nothing. If he would have asked for half of my kingdom, I would have given it to him.’ However, the man insisted on this technique.

“Finally, the king ordered to reward him as he wished. The treasurer came and said that the treasury was empty while the chess board squares were still remaining.

“There are 64 squares on a chess board.

If we calculate [the amount], it surpasses several billion rupees. Hence, gradual progress is much stable and significant. The same will happen in our respect.”

Lecture The Ahmadiyya Intercollegiate Association was to commence a 15-day rally at 7pm in the evening. Since Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] was there, the students desired for Huzoor[ra] to address the gathering.

Huzoor[ra] accepted their request and gave a speech.

The sadr of this meeting was Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahib. He stated in his speech that it was not a public festival but a jalsa similar to the 15-day gathering of the Ahmadi Students’ Anjuman of the college.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s speech lasted for two hours. Its topic was, Our Real Purpose and Ways to Achieve it. Below is the summary of this speech: After reciting the first section of Surah

al-Mominun, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said that Islam says that the real purpose is falah [true success] and other religions consider mukti [salvation] to be the only objective. There is a difference between falah and salvation. Falah means to achieve true success and salvation means to be saved from bad consequences.

Islam has also considered salvation and so have other [religions], but their true objective is not falah. This remarkable objective has been taught to us in Surah alFatihah and then, in the first ruku of Surah al-Baqarah also.

Thereafter, Huzoor[ra] counted the various requirements of human beings as seven. He said that these seven natural desires of human beings cannot be considered the main objective of our lives.

In fact, a Supreme and Eternal Being can only be considered man’s true objective and that is God. The one who finds God, has everything.

Then, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] explained as to how one could achieve this objective. Firstly, he drew the attention of everyone towards prayers. Secondly, he expressed to produce divine attributes in oneself.

Huzoor[ra] then said that no one could destroy a person who achieved the said [objective].

After the lecture, Prof Abdul Qadir Sahib MA and Prof Muzaffaruddin Sahib MSc, met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra]. The latter raised some objections on spiritualism and Huzoor[ra] answered [his queries].

7 March 1921 After the Fajr prayer, a person asked a question in reference to: ۡ َ ‫ف ِب ُہ ٰد ُہ ُم اق َت ِد ۡہ‬ [“So follow thou their guidance” (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.91)]. He said that this suggested that the Holy Prophetsa was commanded to follow the previous Shariah (divine law). Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: “No, it is clear from the context that hujjat [guidance] and burhan [conclusive

arguments] are meant by it. [The verse means that] as the earlier prophets were supported with the help of conclusive arguments and guidance, the Holy Prophetsa would also [be supported in the like manner]. It does not refer to Shariah but to factual realities and matters.

“Moreover, the Holy Prophetsa is not addressed in this, but the Companionsra or every reader is addressed that they should follow this guidance.”

Those who do not give chanda It was asked that the Promised Messiahas said that a person who did not give chanda for three months was not an Ahmadi.

However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] says that we should keep reminding them for 10 years [to give chanda].

Huzoor[ra] responded by saying: “The statement of the Promised Messiahas does not mean that they [who do not give chanda] become kafir [disbelievers], because kufr [disbelief] is considered in case of abandoning beliefs or denying Zakat. The denial of any other chanda does not render a person a kafir. However, if someone says that it is not necessary to abide by the teachings of the Promised Messiahas, then they will be guilty of committing kufr [by way of denial].”

How to get one’s rights from an oppressor?

A question was asked as to how one could get their rights from an oppressor.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: “The [rights] should be demanded from an oppressor and if they do not comply, pray to God and He will Himself ensure [the rights are delivered].”

Departure from Lahore Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] boarded the express train at 2:05pm for Malerkotla.

Members of the Jamaat were present at Lahore Station to bid him farewell.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 10 March 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

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A glimpse of history In 1924, during his journey to London for Wembley’s Conference of Living Religions, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Musleh-e-Maudra visited various Middle Eastern and European countries. On 25 July 1924, as the ship passed the coast near Mecca on 25 July, Huzoorra ascertained that they were cruising directly towards Baitullah in Mecca and so, he led two rak‘aat of nafl in congregation.

Ahmadis in Greece serve 33,000 meals to refugees with aid of Humanity First Germany Atta Ul Naseer Missionary, Greece

Since June 2020, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece has been collaborating with Humanity First Germany in the Warm Meal Project. Thousands of refugees became homeless due to the eviction of accepted refugees from government accommodation facilities and camps.

Many of these refugees started arriving and sleeping in a well-known place in Athens called Victoria Square. These refugees included newborn infants, pregnant women, children, elderly and men who did not have any food or drinking water.

Humanity First Germany was sent a proposal, which was approved. In the beginning, we started buying some Souvlakis (Chicken Rolls) and bottles of water on a daily basis, but the number of people became so high that we could not continue with these. We tried cooking food at home, but after a few days we realised that this would require a lot of time and manpower, which was difficult for our small jamaat in Greece. It would also create legal issues as we did not have a licensed kitchen or staff.

So, we started asking nearby restaurants for a good deal for meals. Soon we found a restaurant that would give us one meal for €1.

We started purchasing the meals from them, bottles of water from Lidl and bottles of milk from another market. Atfal, Khuddam, Ansar and Lajna all started volunteering in different shifts. Some Greek friends, friends

from the Ivorian Community and some Afghan refugees who were sleeping there also came forward to offer their help and volunteer in this task.

After a month or so, the number of meals per day reached between 300 to 600 and it became difficult for this small restaurant to continue supporting this project. Then, with the help of Allah the Almighty, we found another restaurant located at the Victoria Square called Afghan Watan Restaurant.

They offered the same meals at €1.13.

Previously, we had to visit Lidl nearly every day to purchase water for the day but now we could buy cold water from the restaurant at the same price.

Now the food and water were being served twice a day. The volunteers were sacrificing many hours during the day to cover both shifts. After some time, due to some budget difficulties, we had to limit the meals to 300 per day then 110 and now we are serving 70 meals daily.

By the grace of Allah, through this project, Humanity First Germany was able to serve over 33,000 meals and over 10,000 liters of drinking water until February 2021 and the project continues to support refugees. According to careful estimates, over 10,000 refugees and homeless/ vulnerable Greek people have benefited from this project. Over 2,500 man-hours have been volunteered by over 30 volunteers so far which has saved € 9750, keeping the minimum hourly wage of Greece in mind.

Although the mainstream media of Greece was not interested in covering this story of service by Muslims of Greece, one

journalist showed courage to mention this in her report for insidestory.gr who wrote: “An Imam in the heart of Victoria “Imam Atta Ul Naseer has been in Greece since 2013. After completing his studies in London, the caliph of the Ahmadiyya Community appointed him to Athens.

“The presence of the young imam is easily felt in Victoria Square, as refugees living there flock to ask for his help. Through the Ahmadiyya community charity [Humanity First Germany], 300 meals are distributed daily in Victoria Square to people who have no money to buy food.

“Many of the volunteers who help are the refugees themselves, waiting for their asylum application to be judged. ‘It’s beautiful,’ notes the imam, ‘because the refugees themselves reciprocate the help to the community that received them.’

“By the end of July, according to the inside story, he met at least 10 pregnant women who lived in the square because they had no roof. It is ‘a humanitarian crisis that no one is dealing with,’ he tells us.

“‘Every day more refugees come, 1015 people, most from Moria and Karatepe of Lesvos,’ said the imam, adding: ‘The majority of people are recognised refugees, but there are others waiting for the decision of whether they are entitled to asylum, while there is a percentage that concerns people whose application has been rejected and are waiting to file an appeal.’ Most are from Afghanistan, but there are also people from Somalia, Pakistan and Iran.

“What the imam told us was confirmed in the inside story by the UNHCR, while ringing the bell for the future.” (https:// insidestory.gr/article/koimoyntai-plateiaviktorias?token=9Q2ZRY9YU2) I am very grateful to all the volunteers and donors of Humanity First Germany for their time and donations which helped to assist thousands of vulnerable people in Greece. Above all, I am extremely grateful to Allah the Almighty for enabling all of us to serve mankind as it is a fundamental teaching of Islam. May Allah enable us to fulfill our obligations to Him and His creation. Amin

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s services to the Muslim cause Nurturing the newly formed Pakistan Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II and Musleh-eMaudra, gave valuable guidance to the newly formed Pakistan and advised the public and the government to understand their responsibilities.

This article will present some glimpses of such services.

Advice to establish relations with Muslim countries In one of his articles, Huzoorra raised concern that the government of Pakistan had not yet established relations with significant countries like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Abyssinia and then mentioned the importance of these countries. Regarding Saudi Arabia, Huzoorra stated: “Saudi Arabia is that country, where our sacred and holy place of Mecca, our Baitullah towards which we turn our bodies for prayer and our master’s place of migration and burial, the sanctified city of Medina is situated [...] It is our important obligation to make a relation with the government in whose charge these places are because the unity of Muslims is only possible through Mecca and Medina.” (Al Fazl, 14 October 1947, pp. 1-2) Advice to strengthen the country’s defence In his articles published in Al Fazl of 15, 16 and 17 October 1947, Huzoorra advised the government to strengthen the defence of Pakistan.

Advice to strengthen the economy of Pakistan While advising Pakistan’s government to strengthen the economic condition of Pakistan, in one of his articles, Huzoorra stated: “It is a most important obligation of the government to fix the economic situation of Pakistan […] So, we call the government’s attention that it should not delay this matter and should immediately establish factories, otherwise the landowners will certainly be destroyed; there will be a huge setback for the government’s financial situation as well.”

(Al Fazl, 9 November 1947, p. 2) While urging the masses and especially Ahmadis to assume a spirit of sacrifice for the country, Huzoorra stated that wearing good clothing and fine dining was not the goal. The Muslims of Pakistan should strive to strengthen Pakistan, even if they have to bear hunger and sacrifice their expensive clothing. (Al Fazl, 12 November 1947, p. 2)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra leading the second Namaz after the migration to Rabwah, 1948

Lectures on Pakistan’s future In December 1947, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started a series of lectures on Pakistan and its future, which were delivered in Lahore.

This series of lectures concluded on 17 January 1948, which comprised of valuable guidance for the bright future of Pakistan.

These lectures were highly applauded by the intellectual circles.

Malik Abdul Qayyum, Principal Law College Lahore, wrote to Huzoorra on 4 December 1947 and said: “I listened with great interest to your lecture on Pakistan yesterday and profited a lot. It was full of new knowledge and breathed a spirit of courage and hope.”

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 10, p. 408) Sir Feroz Khan Noon expressed: “There is an ocean of knowledge billowing in Hazrat Sahib’s mind. He has told us a lot in such a short time and shed light upon the matter in a scholarly way.” (Al

Fazl, 9 December 1947) Many newspapers published news articles about Huzoor’sra lectures, including Nawa-e-Waqt, Nizam, Zamindar, Safina, Eastern Times and Taqat.

Islamic government or general republic government?

During the early days, a question was raised regarding the sort of government to be established – Islamic or general republic style. In regard to this, Huzoorra very eloquently stated: “In my view, this question itself shows that the people who are debating on this have not read Islam in its true essence, otherwise they would never have made this question a topic of debate. For example, it is asked, how will the non-Muslims of Pakistan accept the Islamic law? Now, a person who is aware of the Islamic teaching knows that this is not a complex question. Islam has given two parts to this. One part relates to a person’s

religion. In regard to this, there are clear Islamic commandments that every nation is allowed to follow its religion […] Islam does not interfere in any religion. It has a clear commandment: ُ​ُ ُ ‫لَک ۡم ِدیۡنک ۡم َول َِی ِدیۡ ِن‬ “[‘For you your religion, and for me my religion.’ (Surah al-Kafirun, Ch.109: V.7)] “[In other words] everyone is allowed to follow their respective way. Islam does not compel anyone to eat a specific thing and to not eat a specific thing, or for instance, to necessarily act upon the Islamic teachings in regard to inheritance. In these matters, it is permitted to act in accordance with the laws of one’s own religion.

“The second part of actions relates to the collec or country’s politics. So, Islam has presented such a great teaching in regard to this, which is completely in accordance with nature, and about which the follower of any

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religion can never say that this is equivalent to interfering in his religious teachings.

For instance, Islam has fixed a punishment for theft. Now, no one can say that theft is permitted in his religion and therefore is an interference in their religion to punish this [theft]. […]

“It is our claim that the current developed laws [in the world] have actually been originated by Islam, with the exception of [some] details, about which obviously some disagreement occurs. [...] So, the principle teaching which Islam has presented, cannot be objectionable for anyone.”

After presenting examples of the Islamic teachings in regard to purdah and testimonies of witnesses, Huzoorra continued: “In fact, there is not even a single Islamic commandment that contradicts the nature and natural demands, and about which a non-Muslim could say that it is an interference in religion. So, in these circumstances, it is unnecessary to debate whether there will be an Islamic government in Pakistan or not.

“Regarding this [second] part, Islamic commandments should be implemented in Pakistan, and as they are according to nature, their implementation will neither have any problem, nor can anyone have any objection.” (Al Fazl, 19 December 1947, p. 4) Desire for the unity of Islam and its victory During his Jalsa speech of 28 December 1947, while expressing his desire for the unity of the Muslim ummah and Islam’s victory over the whole world, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated that although Pakistan, Arabia, Hijaz, Egypt, Iran and other Islamic countries have their own specific importance, their progress is just the first step. The real aim is to unite the Muslims on one hand and spreading the name of the Holy Prophetsa in all corners of the world. (Al Fazl, 23 March 1956, pp. 7-8) Another series of lectures In March 1948, Huzoorra initiated another series of lectures, which were delivered in Sialkot, Jhelum, Karachi, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Quetta. These lectures covered many insightful topics, including national interests, guidance for countrymen and their national obligations. This series of lectures concluded in June 1948.

On 14 March 1948, Huzoorra delivered a public lecture in Khaliq Dina Hall, Karachi, titled Pakistanion se chand saaf saaf baatein.

The audience included college students, professors, doctors and lawyers.

During this lecture, Huzoorra stated that Pakistan was not only a new government, but also a new country, so Pakistanis needed to instil such emotion of national pride, which they had not before. The emotion of national pride helps to unite, uplift and urge a nation to make every possible sacrifice for the country’s defence. He also suggested a strategy for making Pakistan’s defence stronger. (Al Fazl, 19 March 1948, pp. 3-4) During his Friday Sermon of 19 March 1948, while mentioning his lecture of Jhelum, Huzoorra stated: “In recent days, I delivered a speech in Jhelum, advising Muslims that they demanded Pakistan with the purpose of establishing Islamic culture and a way of life

with full freedom. Now that Pakistan has been established, Muslims should at least offer their five daily prayers in the mosques.

If they do not offer the five daily prayers, then what have they achieved by demanding Pakistan?” (Al Fazl, 14 April 1948, p. 6) During his tour of Peshawar in 1948, Huzoorra met with many prominent leaders and spoke about the need to save the country from any kind of internal conflict.

On 12 April 1948, Huzoorra delivered a lecture, which was widely published.

Regarding this, the newspaper, Inqilab of Lahore stated: “While shedding light upon the current situation in detail, he told Muslims that they are in a war like situation [….] He also advised the government’s responsible members that they should mend their ways along with the changing circumstances and show such behaviour that could be an example for the public and from this, the public should start thinking that they [government officials] are not their officers, but well-wishers and brothers [...] Mirza Bashiruddin Sahib – coming back to his subject – said, ‘Whatever the conditions are, it is an obligation of Pakistan’s Muslims to face all kinds of situations with bravery, just like the people of living nations do.” (Inqilab, 17 April 1948, p. 6) Advice to instil Islamic teachings in hearts rather than demanding Islamic constitution On 14 June 1948, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra addressed the Muslims of Balochistan at York House Quetta. Huzoorra stated: “As a follower of a living religion, we should follow a [spiritual] life among ourselves […] People should try to implement the Islamic constitution [teachings] in their hearts, instead of demanding for the implementation of an Islamic constitution in Pakistan.

“During the fragile situation which Muslims are facing today, it is their foremost obligation to unite by forgetting their internal disputes […] If millions of people of a nation become ready to sacrifice their lives, then no one can kill [defeat] them.

If the Muslims as a whole decide that they would die [for the nation], then certainly, no one has the power to kill [defeat] them.” (Al Fazl, 26 June 1948, pp. 3-4) This speech was widely published in the press and very much appreciated. Inqilab published an article titled “Do not emphasise the establishment of the Shariah; Be a good Muslim – Mirza Mahmud’s Speech”. (Inqilab, 19 June 1948, p. 4) Pakistan’s future is in adopting the teachings of Islam in our practical lives On 4 July 1948, Huzoorra delivered a public lecture in Quetta’s Town Hall, on Pakistan’s Future. Huzoorra stated that the Muslims needed to make Islam their way of life in their individual and national lives.

Huzoorra stated that to achieve something and then to retain it were two different matters. He added that one could not be applauded if he kept a building in the same condition as he got it; he could only be applaude it if he leaves it in a better condition. He added that Pakistan’s bright future was in adopting Islam in our practical lives. (Al Fazl, 23 March 1956, pp. 4-6) In September 1948, upon the death of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote an article, advising the public that instead of worrying about their leader’s death, they should try to fulfil Jinnah’s pious wishes. (Al Fazl, 21 September 1948, pp. 2-3) Loyalty to the country A Sikh newspaper, Sher-e-Punjab wrote an article and objected that the Ahmadis of Pakistan and India would remain loyal to their respective governments until a commandment came from Khalifatul Masih and in the absence of such a commandment, their loyalty [to their respective countries] would finish.

In response to this objection, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote an article, titled Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya aur Hukoomat-eMajaaz ki Wafadari, in which he stated: “It is our Jamaat’s belief that according to Islam, one should remain loyal to the government under whom he resides.” (Al Fazl, 5 April 1949, p. 3) Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination On 16 October 1951, the first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated. In this critical situation, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a telegram to the governor general of Pakistan and expressed his grief over this assassination and stated that in this critical situation, Huzoorra and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya would cooperate with the government and the public and ensured him of every possible service to the country.

(Al Fazl, 19 October 1951, p. 1) A guidance for Pakistani laws Pakistan Law Review of Karachi, in its August 1952 issue, published an article of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, titled “Future of Law in Pakistan”. Huzoorra stated that while outlining Pakistan’s laws, the following points should be considered: “1. The spirit of Islamic teaching should always be in our mind “2. Our laws need to be purely compatible with the human nature “3. We need to fulfil all promises from every aspect, which have been made to the minorities”. (Al Fazl [Lahore], 20 September 1952, p. 5) Humanitarian services In August 1954, East Pakistan [now Bangladesh] faced a severe flood. During his Friday Sermon of 3 September 1954, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed Ahmadis to help their fellow countrymen and women and encouraged them to express their love for the country by raising funds as well.

Daily Sangbad of Dhaka, on 12 September 1954, stated: “Imam Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad Sahib appealed to every Ahmadi to donate food, clothes and cash, for helping the flood-affected brothers of East Pakistan [now Bangladesh]. He also donated 2,000 rupees from himself, through the Anjuman Ahmadiyya East Pakistan and promised to donate more money. Moreover, he established a flood committee for East Pakistan.” (Al Fazl [Lahore], 14 September 1954, pp. 3-6) While the horrors of the flood in East Pakistan had only just begun, Punjab was also struck by a huge flood in September 1954. According to the guidance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya

served the people of affected areas. These humanitarian activities were highly commended by the press.

While instructing Ahmadis to serve the people in need at this critical juncture, in his Friday Sermon of 1 October 1954, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “Members should not waste this opportunity of doing good deeds; instead, they should serve the people at this time. If, by witnessing your act, goodness is instilled in other people as well, it will certainly have a positive effect on the collective morale of the country.” (Al Fazl, 8 October 1954, p. 5) Special prayers amid political crisis Towards the end of October 1954, Pakistan was going through a severe political crisis and the legislative assembly became merely a drama. The assembly made such decisions which were against the sovereignty and interests of Pakistan. The country was facing many differences and many types of enmities emerged on the surface.

Upon this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed the Jamaat to pray for the betterment of the country in his Friday Sermon of 22 October 1954.

“In these conditions, I advise the whole Jamaat to pray. The coming 8-10 days are very delicate for our country [Pakistan]. It is the obligation of members of the Jamaat to especially pray that the people who are in power should not opt for a way that can cause hurdles in the way of Islam’s progress, power and prosperity […]

“O Allah, if they are not reformable, then put differences among them so that the country may be saved from destruction and Muslims may be saved from future perils. If you pray wholeheartedly, then Allah the Almighty will create means for the protection of Muslims.” (Al Fazl, 26 October 1954, p.4) Advice to be united On 21 September 1955, during a speech in Karachi, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra advised Muslims to be united for the spread of Islam. This speech was widely published in the press.

A message to the president On 8 June 1962, when Pakistan had a new constitution, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a message to the President Ayub Khan on 9 June: “My prayers and best wishes are with you in the strive for making Pakistan happy and prosperous more than ever before.” (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 21, p. 447) This series of articles comes to an end here, in which we presented some glimpses of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s services to the Muslim cause. It testifies his dedication for the progress and prosperity of Muslims all around the world.

Opponents of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya may claim anything they wish, but the fact is that history never lies! ‫اِک وتق آےئ اگ ہک ہ ی‬ ‫ک ےگ امتم ولگ‬ ‫تّلم ےک اس دفایئ ہپ رتمح دخا رکے‬ “The time will come when all shall proclaim, ‘May God have mercy on this devotee of the nation!’”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

Obituary

“Life is like a singing bird”: In memory of Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib Asif M Basit London

Browsing through some photographs in the Jamaat’s records, I came across an album with photos of an office in Aiwane-Mahmood, Rabwah. The office seemed newly renovated and the furniture and its decorum too were immaculate. Intrigued, I enquired as to who was behind it and was told that Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib had made donations for the renovation and the paraphernalia.

Whenever this name was mentioned, the question that would usually follow in Jamaat’s official circles was, “Which Mubarak Tahir?” The witty answer that usually followed would either be “the legal one” or “the illegal one”.

The story behind this is that there were two persons in the Rabwah offices with the name Mubarak Ahmad Tahir. One was the legal advisor of the Jamaat, while his namesake, as jolly as he is, had allowed to be referred to as the “illegal” one.

With the demise of the “legal one” on 17 February 2021, this confusion has, with him, been laid to rest. Sad as it is, Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib will now be mentioned in the past tense, bringing to its end the joke that always entailed the mention of his name.

Now coming back to the album that led to my intrigue and the discussion it had ensued, it was the first time I had heard him mentioned ever since I had left Pakistan and settled in London. I had often seen him travelling to and from his office in his Suzuki Margalla (a saloon car, popular in Pakistan) with a great level of dignity. This was the most I knew of him in my Rabwah

days.

I would occasionally see him with some colleague walking in the corridors of the Jamaat’s offices and both would be amused and laughing. What always perplexed me was that someone very gracefully dressed, always wearing a Jinnah cap and in charge of legal matters, could carry, alongside all this, such a jolly disposition. So all I got to know about him in my Rabwah days was he had a cheerful but dignified personality.

I lived in a mohalla (neighbourhood) called Dar-ur-Rehmat Wasti, but would spend most part of my day in Dar-us-Sadr Gharbi – the Tahrik-e-Jadid staff colony.

This was because the very first friends I had made in college would play table-tennis in Ansarullah offices every afternoon, leaving me with little choice but to be with them.

As part of my tarbiyat, my father insisted on my not staying out after maghrib, so straight after those games, I would head to Masjid Mubarak or Masjid Mahmood (Tahrik-e-Jadid colony) before making my way back home. Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib was a regular worshipper at both these mosques. This worked as his second introduction.

For the youth that had unfortunately deprived themselves of education, there were very limited opportunities of employment in Rabwah. One of such young men, who was born in the Tahrik-e-Jadid colony, grew up there, stepped into his adulthood and fell so much in love with every nook and corner of the colony that was left incapable of doing anything else but to roam the streets all day. His mercurial nature and the subsequent indolent life had gained proverbial status that parents would allude to when persuading their children to

take studies seriously.

No one in Rabwah was ready to take him on for any kind of employment, when one day, news spread that he had got a job. So unbelievable it was that it was the hottest topic in the playground of Tahrik-e-Jadid that day. It turned out that the one who no one dared bet on had been taken on by Mubarak Tahir Sahib as an office-boy. This was the third introduction of Mubarak Sahib for me.

The fourth introduction came with the photo album I have mentioned above.

With this came the knowledge that his philanthropy did not start and end with the office I had seen in the photos, but extended to several projects of the Jamaat. He donated wholeheartedly wherever he possibly could.

When his son, Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir Sahib, was appointed in England and when a bond of friendship developed between us, is when I got to know Mubarak Tahir Sahib much more. Mubarak Sahib would stay at his son’s home for Jalsa Salana UK and his stay would provide a chance for an encounter or two.

Jalsa duties require such complete attention and absolute devotion that one has to seek leave from even his own family for the entire period of Jalsa and at least for a week before and after. So these encounters with Mubarak Tahir Sahib remained very brief and my acquaintance with him never delved deeper than the brim – more of a view than experience.

Writing these lines, I regret that I couldn’t have known him more, yet happy to even just known a noble person like him.

The handful of memories I have of him are precious and I am hesitant in letting loose my grip, lest they slip through my fingers like sand. Yet his memories are worth sharing as we can all learn from them.

The first time I was set to meet him in Islamabad, UK, I was a bit nervous. This was down to the awe of his personality but also to the little introduction we both had of one another. But as he walked in, he broke the ice and broke it well: “Oh, masha-Allah!

How are you? Where have you been? We never got to meet for so many days!”

These warm words that came with open arms made me feel like we had known each other all our lives; so much so that I even felt ashamed for not having come to meet him earlier. It was only later when I realised that this warmth and welcoming gesture was part of his pleasant character. He met everyone, even strangers, with the same welcoming remarks and gestures, leaving everyone who met him feel that he knew them very well; even leaving some ashamed why they had stayed away in reluctance.

However, this warmth was a very

natural outcome of his loving personality that worked as a repellent for the fog of alienation and as a magnet to draw people closer to him. Had it not been for this, how would the younger generation muster up the courage to open up to someone so senior?

He would sometimes visit England out of the Jalsa season. Encounters during such visits were more often and slightly more detailed. The first of such meetings that I remember was one where a friend of mine who happens to be a lawyer accompanied me. With every room filled with family guests, Hafiz Ijaz Sahib had put up a gazebo in his front garden. It was there that we sat with Mubarak Tahir Sahib. He ordered children for food to be laid out for us to have dinner with him.

With dinner commenced a long series of questions posed by my lawyer friend to Mubarak Sahib. A question needs only a few seconds to be uttered, but its answer takes its time. We continued to eat and Mubarak Sahib, indifferent to his meal that lay before him and indulged in his talk, continuously answered all questions, hence enlightening the young man who shared the same career with him.

I remember Mubarak Tahir Sahib furnishing this young lawyer with the history of the Jamaat’s legal affairs. It was like witnessing a transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next. Relevant as it was, Mubarak Sahib mentioned the names of many lawyers who were instrumental in the Jamaat’s legal affairs. Some of them were his seniors, some contemporaries and others were much younger. But what struck me the most was that he mentioned each one of them with utmost respect and the mention of each was far from even a hint of professional jealousy. I also had the chance to witness him meeting these lawyers and the respect he showed them was aligned with the one he had shown in absentia.

On another occasion, I had the chance to travel with him from London to Islamabad, Tilford. To make the best of this opportunity, upon my request, he shared with me a great deal of information to do with his services for the Jamaat. At the end of the journey, I had got to know him more.

Of what I gathered in this conversation, the most significant observation must be mentioned here. He had devoted his life Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

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in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrhand had had the chance to be trained as a waqif-e-zindagi directly through the same great mentor. But he had not let himself get swamped in that era. His love for Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh, as a person aside, his love for Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya was the actual foundation of his personal philosophy and practice. He moved on making smooth transitions with the changing times and eras.

His love for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh too was vividly conspicuous. And talking of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, it was not hard for anyone to observe that he was living in this age with heart and soul and with absolute devotion.

Another aspect of Mubarak Sahib’s personality that one would notice without any effort was his love for the members of the family, and even the greater family, of the Promised Messiah. Even with members who were younger than him, he would show affection with an unmissable tint of esteem.

Of the members of the Promised Messiah’s family, the person he mentioned most and with most admiration and reverence was Sahibzada Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahib. He would fondly relate how Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahib had played a great role in his rearing as a waqif-ezindagi in general and as the Jamaat’s legal advisor in particular. He would never miss mentioning the insight, foresight and valour that he had witnessed in this great stalwart of the Jamaat.

Whenever I met him, and whatever he talked about, the pivot of the discussion remained loyalty to and obedience of Khilafat. He took this to be the soul of an Ahmadi’s existence.

He would mention how he came from a family with an agricultural background, where even making it to college was a huge deal. However, he somehow carried on to obtain a degree in law and later, in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, devoted his life for the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

He was first posted to Uganda, but later got called back to work in the markaz at Rabwah. He would mention the time when he served in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, especially during the tumultuous times surrounding 1974. The situation for Ahmadis had become very uncertain and it was paramount that the morale of Ahmadi youth was kept high, lest they fell prey to despair and dismay. Mubarak Tahir Sahib accompanied Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib and Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib in getting playgrounds into better shape in every mohalla of Rabwah where sport could be reignited as a means of injecting and upholding the positivity in the youth’s outlook. It was thenceforth that the playground culture returned with all grounds in Rabwah thriving from Asr to Maghrib every day.

When he told me that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh had given the Jamaat the motto “Always keep smiling” in similar days of hardship and trial, I would see how Mubarak Sahib had never failed to practically follow those words.

On occasions, one would easily notice that he was visiting Huzooraa regarding some serious and complex issue of the Jamaat, but what would equally remain

noticeable was that he never forgot to wear his smile. I must take this opportunity to mention that although he would use the case-study method – typical as it is in the profession of law – he would never give away names or any unnecessary information. The case-study would only serve as a means for him to impart knowledge to the younger generation.

This quality is something we all need to instil in ourselves, more so in a time when everyone carries a phone and every phone, a camera. This level of secrecy can only be maintained when each one of us develops a sense of belonging with our work and never takes it as something forced upon us; to safeguard our official matters as one safeguards one’s own secrets and the secrets of one’s home and family.

As Mubarak Tahir Sahib and I drove back from a journey in Hafiz Ijaz Sahib’s car, we stopped at a riverside restaurant, near Islamabad, for a fish-and-chips lunch. Mubarak Tahir Sahib’s insightful conversation – and the buzz and bloom that naturally came with it – turned that beautiful, sunny, summer afternoon even more vibrant. It was as if three friends were enjoying lunch together. There was no undue hesitance. Although Mubarak Sahib never demarcated walls around himself, yet the awe of his persona would help maintain the distance required to uphold his dignity.

I say three “friends” only to describe the level of liberty we all enjoyed that afternoon.

Otherwise, it is worth mentioning that not a single moment of that time or single sentence of that conversation was pointless or without purpose.

A major part of that day’s conversation revolved around his memories of working with the Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat. How his face glowed with love for them is before my eyes as I write these lines.

He mentioned how he had had the blessed opportunity as mohtamim umumi to play a role in the security team of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. He would ride his bicycle parallel to Huzoor’srh car as he travelled to Masjid Aqsa for the Friday prayers. Once, Huzoor’srh car had to come to a halt in heavy traffic or on a level crossing and Huzoorrh had rolled down the window and congratulated him on his new-born and had given a name to the baby.

He also told how he was appointed the legal advisor of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Tahrik-e-Jadid both by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. How he remained the recipient of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh grace and blessings was one of the long chapters in his life.

As the afternoon drifted towards evening, Mubarak Sahib told us about the trying times when Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa (then nazir-e-ala and amir-emuqami of Pakistan) was made victim of anti-Ahmadiyya laws in Pakistan and had been tried in court for a false accusation. This had led to Hazrat Sahibzada Sahib’s arrest, resulting in the privilege to be imprisoned in the way of Allah. The pain that the whole Jamaat had to go through flooded his eyes as he recalled those days of agony.

His memories from those days have been broadcast on MTA as part of a documentary and I feel fortunate to have listened to them first-hand. I was, thus, able to witness the waves of emotion that one would otherwise conceal in the presence of a rolling camera.

As it carries a lesson for us all, I deem it essential to highlight one incident that he narrated. As soon as the Jamaat’s administrative body in Pakistan realised that a lawsuit had been set in motion against Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, it became certain that his arrest would definitely follow.

A committee of some senior members, with Mubarak Tahir Sahib on board, wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh suggesting that Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahibaa be asked to flee the country. But as soon as Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahibaa found out, he expressed his disapproval for such a suggestion and that too without his consent.

He immediately got in contact with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in London and clarified that he had no fear of anything that came his way and that he had nothing to do with the proposal of escape.

Mubarak Sahib was part of the committee that had shared the mistake, but he never held back the details and narrated the whole incident. He saw, in this story, a moral that could benefit others: to openly accept one’s mistake and to let it be known to others so they can learn a lesson out of it.

It was this openness with the younger generation that enabled him to build bridges over the generation gap. And it was through this quality of his that I saw his youngest grandchildren hugging him without hesitation; the older grandchildren could be seen walking and talking and joking with him as he strolled up and down the greens of Islamabad with them.

This gesture of kindness towards his grandchildren was as if to say, “Be friends with your younger generation so they don’t hold back, or else they might head into the burrows of the Internet to seek answers; where they might end up, no one knows!”

May Allah enable us to have a friendly and loving relationship with our younger generation.

Mubarak Sahib lived a very simple life as a waqif-e-zindagi, despite the fact that Allah had granted him affluence. With this affluence, he was fortunate to have been blessed with generosity and openhandedness. The cherry on the cake was how he put all these qualities into practice by gelling them together with faith and piety.

A great deal of his wealth went for the cause of the Islam Ahmadiyyat, but even when giving to his children, he would hand it out in a wrapping of virtue. For instance, when Hafiz Ijaz Sahib’s wife devoted herself to driving Mr and Mrs Mubarak Tahir Sahib to and from the Jalsa Gah, the mosque and wherever they desired to visit, he showed his gratitude by saying to Hafiz Sahib, “Our daughter-in-law’s car does not seem to be as reliable as it should be. Look up on the Internet for a decent car and let me know

how much it costs.”

With the passing years, I also went through the painful experience of witnessing his falling health. When I first got to see him at Jalsas, he would walk upright and with great speed. With passing years, his steps and speed both began to seem slightly weathered. Then appeared a walking stick in his hand and then medical-grade shoes on his feet. Another year or two and his steps no longer remained as crisp as I had once seen.

What I must mention here is that none of the above waivered his confidence and never did it seem that he had given in. He would walk with an upright posture and would ignore every stumble as if he hadn’t felt it.

Autumn had set in on his body but had failed to break in and touch his soul. He had no room for it in his outlook of life and it is this that kept him going and serving the Jamaat till his very last breath. In all these stages of declining health, the one thing that always remained the hallmark of his personality was his walk to and from the mosque.

Everything said and done, time is ruthless. It hurt me to see someone I had seen standing upright in the rows of Masjid Mubarak, Rabwah seated on the back benches of Masjid Mubarak in Islamabad, Tilford. But at the same time, it was faithinspiring to see that whether Mubarak Sahib walked up the ladder of life or down its descending staircase, his destination always remained the mosque; a threshold that he never let go.

The last time I remember seeing him was during his stay in Islamabad, Tilford, in 2019. It was in the month of Ramadan and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s dars was about to commence. Mubarak Sahib walked through the crowd with one of his grandsons. I saw him go into the mosque and being ushered towards the chairs that were placed outside the mosque. As he settled down there, another person on duty approached him and asked him to go to the seating area in the adjacent hall. He was making his way when he was told to go back into the mosque. With this series of instructions, Mubarak Sahib very obediently complied as they came. There was no sign of anguish or displeasure on his face or even

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021 his body language. This is my final memory of Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib.

I feel a dual connection with Mubarak Tahir Sahib; one for what I learnt from him and the second, for my friendship with his son, Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir Sahib. This dual connection doubles the grief I have felt on his demise. However, if grief and sorrow have not blatantly been felt in this write-up, I would like to clarify my position to my readers and Mubarak Sahib’s family.

For someone who led a long and successful life, and whose every moment was momentous in the service of the Jamaat, and who always loved to smile and laugh, I find no urge in myself to bid him farewell with an air of melancholy. Why not say this final good-bye with a smile on our face and leave him in the caring hands of God? By doing so, we will forever remember him with his signature smile.

I have been told that when his friends were called for a final viewing before his burial, one of them refused and said, “I want to remember a smiling, laughing Mubarak Sahib; not one wrapped up in a coffin”.

The lines above are my humble words and not worthy of being called a tribute to Mubarak Tahir Sahib. So I conclude it with the mighty and faith-inspiring words of my master, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah always be his Helper.

I had the honour of an audience with Huzooraa on the morning of 20 February 2021. The demise of Mubarak Sahib had happened a couple of days earlier and that too of Khalid Mahmood-ul-Hassan Bhatti Sahib. After expressing my condolences, I said to Huzooraa: “One feels shattered with the news of a dear one passing away, but Huzoor has had to receive a number of such sad news, one after the other. Where does the courage to bear such grief come from?”

Huzooraa replied: “Nothing works before the will of God Almighty. Sooner or later, everyone has to pass. No one is going to live forever. So the only truth is that:

‫ ایس ہپ اے دل وت اجں دفا رک‬،‫البےن واال ےہ بس ےس پ ی�ارا‬

“[The most beloved is the One Who recalls; so, O my heart, let us lay our lives before Him.] “This not only inculcates forbearance in one’s heart but also makes one progress in trust in Allah. Don’t you remember, when I mentioned Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib in my sermon, I concluded by saying, ‘May Allah grant more helpers for Khilafat-eAhmadiyya’.”

After a brief pause, Huzooraa said:

‫رمغ وخونشا‬ ِ ِ‫زدنیگ ااسنں یک ےہ امدنن‬ ‫ٹ‬ ‫ اڑ یا‬،‫ وکیئ دم اہچہچ ی�ا‬،‫اشخ رپ �ب� ی�ھ�ا‬ ‫گ‬

“[Life is but like a singing bird; that settles on a branch, sings for a while, then flies away.]

“So, such is life! And have you also heard where they say:

‫زدنیگ یک دورسی رکوٹ ےہ ومت‬ ‫زدنیگ رکوٹ دبل رک رہ یئگ‬

“[Death is another side of life; ’Tis as if life just turns its side.]”

So let us bid farewell to Mubarak Sahib with the prayer, in Huzoor’s own words, that may Allah continue to provide such faithful aides to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Amin.

UK missionaries address 50,000 on Musleh-e-Maud prophecy

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-Charge UK

It was a historic address in 1944 when Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra announced that he was the embodiment of the great prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas regarding a special promised son. Since that time, Ahmadi Muslims all around the world commemorate the day of the fulfilment of this prophecy on 20 February, known as Yaum-e-Musleh Maud (Promised Reformer Day).

The prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud contains 52 qualities which are attributed to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra.

In his Friday Sermon on 19 February 2021, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa spoke on the aspect of the prophecy that says, “he shall be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge.” He gave faith-inspiring examples from the life of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra when he was still in his youth. Though he did not have any formal education, according to the divine promise, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was filled with both secular and spiritual knowledge.

Rawah-ud-din Arif Khan Sahib, a UK missionary reports that this year, due to the unprecedented times, a physical

gathering at mosques was not possible.

However, missionaries of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya UK took this opportunity and invited Ahmadis to commemorate this day online while in the comfort of their homes. More than 40 online Musleh-eMaud Day Jalsas were held across the UK on local, regional and national levels.

On another occasion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa expressed his desire for the youth to be introduced to all the various aspects of this prophecy. Thus, missionaries enlightened the young and old through speeches, presentations, quizzes, and question and answer sessions on this topic on various online platforms.

Missionary-in-Charge UK Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, General Secretary Rana Mashood Ahmad Sahib, and Rafiq Ahmed Hayat Sahib Amir Jamaat UK delivered speeches at the National UK Jalsa of Musleh-e-Maud Day. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib also addressed a Richmond Park Jamaat meeting.

Rawah-ud-din Arif Khan Sahib delivered a presentation addressing Glasgow Jamaat.

Qureshi Daud Ahmad Sahib addressed Dundee and Edinburgh Jamaat as well as Majlis Ansarullah of Glasgow.

Slahudin Mir Sahib gave a speech to the members of Spen Valley Jamaat.

Rabeeb Ahmed Mirza Sahib

enlightened Majlis Ansarullah of Slough, Hounslow East and Hounslow North with his lecture.

Naseem Ahmad Bajwa Sahib delivered a speech to Baitul Futuh East, Worcester Park and Merton Park jamaats.

Tahir Selby Sahib addressed Hartlepool and Newcastle jamaats as well as Midlands region.

Rana Mashood Ahmed Sahib delivered a speech at the National UK Jalsa Yaum-eMusleh-e-Maud.

Imran Ahmad Khalid Sahib gave an address to Mosque East Jamaat.

Raza Ahmed Sahib addressed South region.

Sheikh Sharjeel Ahmad Sahib gave a lecture to Balham Jamaat.

Saad Mahmood Bajwa Sahib delivered a speech to Guildford Jamaat.

Syed Mashood Ahmad Sahib addressed Aldershot Jamaat.

Hafiz Aneeq ur Rehman Sahib gave speeches to Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster Jamaats.

Mubarak Ahmed Basra Sahib addressed Bradford North Jamaat.

Tahir Khalid Sahib gave a lecture to the National Al Hafizun and Madrasatul Hifz UK. Burhan Ahmad Raja Sahib addressed Islamabad Jamaat.

Ammar Ahmad Sahib delivered a speech to Devon and Cornwall Jamaat.

Dawood Ahmed Abid Sahib addressed Farnham Jamaat.

Humayun Uppal Sahib delivered lectures to Reading and Woking jamaats as well as Khuddam and Atfal of Bashir Region and Atfal of Muqami region.

He also addressed Majlis Ansarullah of Oxford, Reading and Woking jamaats.

Faiz Ahmad Zahid Sahib addressed Thornton Heath South, Bexley and Greenwich, Thornton Heath and Norbury Jamaats. He also addressed South region.

Humayon Jahangeer Khan Sahib gave a speech to Walsall and Birmingham West jamaats.

Shahil Munir Ahmed Sahib and Laiq Ahmad Tahir Sahib delivered an address to Liverpool Jamaat.

Sabahat Karim Sahib and Mansoor Zia Sahib gave a lecture to Huddersfield South and North jamaats.

Muhammad Ahmad Khurshid Sahib and Akhlaq Anjum Sahib addressed North West region.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, over 50,000 members of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya UK and abroad got the blessed opportunity to revive their faith by listening to inspirational lectures online given by 30 missionaries of the UK Jamaat.

May Allah the Almighty elevate the rank and status of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra. Amin

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

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command until he reached the mosque.

(Al-Isabah, Vol. 4, p. 73) Preparedness to kill one’s father at one command Hazrat Talhara bin Bara accepted Islam at a young age. He visited the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, “O Prophetsa of God! Command me what you will; I will obey it by all means.”

The Prophetsa said, “Go and execute your father.”

The warmth of faith had so permeated all his body and soul, which had cooled love for all things mundane, and the love for the Holy Prophetsa had so enthralled him that all other relations looked inferior to it. He readily held his sword and set off to comply with the command.

When the Holy Prophetsa saw this level of devotion, he called him back and said, “I have not come to sever ties.” (UsdulGhabah, Vol. 2, p. 465, Talha bin Bara)

The exemplary young Companions

Complying with the commands of the Holy Prophet Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

Obedience to suggestion of rishta (suitor) A companion, Hazrat Saad Al-Aswadra, was of a dark complexion. This became a hindrance in the way of getting married as nobody was prepared to give the hand of their daughter to him. He complained of this to the Holy Prophetsa and said that nobody was prepared to marry him due to his looks.

Amr bin Wahab of the Banu Thaqif tribe had newly converted to Islam and was a bit ill-tempered by nature. The Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Saadra to go to his house and after greetings, tell him that the Holy Prophetsa had proposed his marriage with his daughter. Amr bin Wahab’s daughter possessed extraordinary looks and intellectual qualities.

Hazrat Saad went to Amr’s house and conveyed to him the message of the Holy Prophetsa. Amrra bin Wahab behaved rashly to Saadra and refused to accept the proposal. That was not it. What happened next is so faith-enhancing that the history of all religions and nations fails to provide such an example.

Inside, the daughter heard all the discussion between the two. After her

father’s reply, Hazrat Saadra turned to return. What else could he have done?

But then the daughter herself emerged and called Hazrat Saadra back. She said to Saadra that there was no question for any reservations once the Holy Prophetsa had suggested her marriage with him.

She said, “I wholeheartedly accept this marriage proposal, which is agreeable to the Holy Prophetsa and his God.” With this courage of faith, she said to her father that he had made a grave mistake and committed a serious sin to go against the suggestion of the Holy Prophetsa. And prior to divine revelation abasing him, he should worry for his forgiveness.

This faith-enhancing discourse had a positive impact on the father too and he fully realised his mistake. Immediately, he came to the Holy Prophetsa and confessed his mistake. He said he did not trust Saad to be true and thought that he had said it of his own accord, hence why he rejected the proposal. He said, “But now I have realiaed my mistake and I earnestly apologise for it. I shall have my daughter married with Saad.” (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 184) Hazrat Jaleebra was not particularly attractive [to the people of his time]. The Holy Prophetsa suggested his marriage with a noble family of Ansar, but the girl’s

parents had reservations about it. When the girl learnt of it, she read the following verse of the Holy Quran: “And it behoves not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that there should be a choice for them in the matter concerning them”. (Surah alAhzab: 37) She said that in light of this clear divine command, she was surprised as to why her parents opposed this proposal.

She accepted the proposal and said that the will of the Prophetsa was her will. The Holy Prophetsa was much pleased to learn this. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 1, p. 348) Immediate obedience Once, while delivering an address in the mosque, the Holy Prophetsa asked the audience to take their seats. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawahah was still outside the mosque when he heard this instruction of the Holy Prophetsa. These words had a magical effect and the words from the mouth of his beloved were so majestic that his feet refused to advance further, as though somebody had put breaks on his feet.

Involuntarily, he sat down on the ground then and there and shuffled his way to the mosque. He did not deem it appropriate to delay obeying the

Pursuing a marriage upon an indication of piety The Companionsra were ever ready to comply with the commands of the Holy Prophetsa by all means. They deemed it a means of their deliverance and disregarded all other personal inclinations and likings while fulfilling such commands.

The Holy Prophetsa had a maid, Umm Aimanra, and was very pleased with her and called her “Amma”, i.e. mother.

Once, the Holy Prophetsa said, “If anybody wishes to marry a heavenly lady, he should marry Umm Aiman.”

Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah readily married her. The renowned Companion, Usamara, whom the Holy Prophetsa loved greatly, was her son. (Tabqat ibn Saad, Zikr Umm Aiman) Respecting the nature declared sacred by the Prophet The Holy Prophetsa had declared Medina to be a sacred place like Mecca and ordered not to cut the grass, nor hunt animals, nor catch birds in the surrounding areas of Medina.

The Companionsra were very cautious of this command. Hazrat Abu Hurairahra says that he never dared even to hush away the grazing deer in Medina. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Hajj, Bab Tahrimi Makkah wa Saiduha wa Khalaha wa Shajariha wa Luqtatiha) Once, a child caught a bird, but when Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit saw it, he snatched the bird from him and freed it.

(Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p.

317, Hadith Ubadah bin Samit, Hadith 22,708) Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas once found a slave hunting in Medina and snatched away his clothes. He remarked, “This should be the penalty for the one who, defying the command of the Holy Prophetsa, hunts within Medina. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Manasik, Bab fi Tahrimil-Medina) (Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

Proving the claim of the Promised Messiah’s knowledge of miraculous and profound Arabic Part III Shedding light on the claim of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas with regard to his knowledge of the Arabic language, this series of articles seeks to answer major allegations raised against the Promised Messiah’sas use of Arabic phrases, his God-given eloquence and his command over the language and the usage of sentences taken from past literature.

Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Central Arabic Desk

The Holy Quran was revealed in sab‘a lughaat, i.e. lughaat of seven tribes of Arabs. This fact gives rise to the following question: Did the Holy Prophetsa also use various lughaat of Arabs?

We present a narration from Lisan al-Arab to address the above question. It states:

ْ َ ْ ْ َ ْ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ َ َ ‫اس َتأذنت‬ :‫ديث عائِشة ر ِضي الله عنها‬ ِ ‫َو َرد فِي َح‬ َ َ َ​َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َّ َّ ‫ اِئِذنِي‬:‫ فقال‬،‫س َعل ْي َها‬ ِ ‫النبي فِي دخو ِل أبِي القعي‬ َ َ ّ ‫َ ُ َ ّ َ ُ َ ّ ُ َ ّ َ ُ ُ ُ َ ّ ُ من‬ .‫الرضاع ِة‬ ِ ِ‫ عمك‬:‫ ف ِإنه ي ِريد‬.‫له ف ِإنه عم ِج‬ َ َ َ ‫ َوهِ َي ل ُ َغ ُة ق ْو ٍم ِم ْن‬،‫فَأبْ َد َل كَاف ال ِخطاب جيمًا‬ .‫الي َم ِن‬ ِ ِ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ُّ ّ َ َ َ ‫ ف ِإ ّن‬،‫النقل ِة‬ ‫ض‬ ِ ‫ ِإنما جاء هذا ِمن بع‬:‫قال الخطابي‬ َّ َّ َ َ َ َ ّ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُّ ‫ قال‬.‫العالي ِة‬ ‫ان لا ي َ َتكل ُم ِإلا بِاللغ ِة‬ ‫رسول الل ِه ك‬ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َ ‫ فإنّ ُه ق ْد تَكل‬،‫ َوليْ َس كذل َِك‬:‫ابْ ُن الأثِير‬ ‫ير ِم ْن‬ ‫ث‬ ‫ك‬ ‫ب‬ ‫م‬ ِ ِ ِ ٍ ِ َ ُ​ُ َْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ْ َ ّ ‫ ليس ِمن ام ِب ِر ام ِصيام‬:‫ ِمنها قوله‬،‫غات الع َر ِب‬ ِ ‫ل‬ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ .‫ َوغير ذل ِك‬،ِ‫ام َسفر‬ ‫فِي‬

“Hazrat Aishara narrated, ‘I asked the Holy Prophet’ssa permission for AbulQu‘ais to enter.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Allow him to enter, for he is your uncle.’ By this, the Holy Prophetsa meant, ‘Your [Hazrat Aisha’sra] uncle through foster suckling relations.’

“In this case, the Holy Prophetsa replaced ammuki with ammuji, changing the letter kaf to jim, according to the lughah of a Yemeni tribe.

“Al-Khattabi states, ‘Although this statement has been cited by some narrators, it is not authentic because the Holy Prophetsa would only speak the most eloquent language.’

“Ibn Athir states: ‘This is incorrect [i.e. the assertion of Al-Khattabi] because the Holy Prophetsa is known to have spoken in many Arabic lughaat. One such instance is when he said: َ َ ْ َ َْ َ ْ ّ ْ ِ‫ليس ِمن ام ِب ِر ام ِصيام فِي امسفر‬ “‘[It is not a good deed to fast during a journey] and there are many other

examples. [This phrase is generally pronounced as: َ َّ ْ ُ َ ّ ّ َ َ ْ َ ِ ‫ليس ِمن ال ِب ِر‬ ِ‫الصيام فِي السفر‬ (Lisan Al-Arab, see letter mim, under the word amam) In the above mentioned sentence, lam has been replaced by mim in three words and this is one lughat from the various lughaat of Arabs.

Types and causes of differences in lughaat of Arabs The above explanation proves that there are very many lughaat of Arabs, but the question is, what are the ultimate causes of this discrepancy in lughaat?

Although at first glance, this subject does not seem directly related to this article, but after obtaining knowledge of these reasons, it will become apparent that these causes shed light on many hidden aspects of our article. Thus, it seems appropriate to explain this matter as well.

There are various statements in Lisan al-Arab and other lexicons of Arabic about the causes of differences in lughaat.

The primary reason for differences in lughaat is the use of different words

and phrases by different tribes to express the same thing. Researchers have written extensively on the causes of these discrepancies and have presented a number of reasons for it. Ibn Faris in his book, Fiqh al-Laghah, has mentioned the causes and reasons for the apparent inconsistencies in the lughaat of Arabs and Allama Al-Suyutirh has presented them in his book, Al-Muzhir. Below is its summary: 1. One of the reasons behind differences in lughaat is harakaat, i.e. diacritics. For َ ْ example, the Quraish used to recite ‫ن ْس َت ِعين‬ with a fathah (a stroke written above the consonant) on nun, while the tribe of ْ Asad etc. recited it as ‫ ن ِ ْس َت ِعين‬with a kasrah (a stroke below the consonant) on nun.

In the same way, in some tribes, ‫َم َعكم‬ was pronounced as ‫ َم ْعكم‬with a sukun (a small circle above a letter which represents the end of a closed syllable) on ain. َ ً َ ّ Similarly, in some tribes, ‫ أ َن زيْدا‬is ً ّ . Seemingly, written or read as ‫عن زيدا‬ َّ َ َّ َ substituting ‫ أن‬with ‫ عن‬is a huge difference, but it exists and when the person who has been given the knowledge of Arabic lughaat makes use of this, those who do

not have knowledge of it will certainly call it a mistake. However, this usage is from the lughaat of Arabs and is correct.

Likewise, some tribes used to exchange some letters with others. Forُ example, they َ used to recite ‫ أولئك‬as ‫ أولال ِك‬by changing hamzah with lam. A person who lacks the knowledge of Arabic lughaat will criticise the use of this as well and it would only be proof of their own ignorance.

2. Another reason for differences in lughaat is to recite or write hamzah zahirah with reduction. For example, ُ ‫م ْس‬. ُ A lot some write ‫ ُم ْستهزئون‬as ‫تهز ْون‬ of examples of this kind are found in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas.

3. A reason for differences is taqdim and ta‘khir (exchange of sequence of letters in a word) of certain letters within a word. For example, someٌ people recite or write the word ‫صاعقة‬ as ‫صا ِقعة‬. ِ 4. Hadhaf (omission) and ithbat (retention) are also one of the reasons of differences in lughaat. For َ example, ُ ْ while some Arabs keep two ya in ‫است ْح َي ْيت‬, certain others omit one ya and consider it Continued on next page >>

26

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

ُ َ ْ enough to read or write it as ‫استحَ ْیت‬.

5. The differences of feminine and masculine also cause variation in lughaat. ْ َّ َ ْ َ َ Some Arabs say ‫ ه ِذ ِه ال َﺒقر‬and ‫ه ِذ ِه ال��ﻞ‬, َ َْ whereasَّ certain others call it as ‫هذا الﺒقر‬ ْ and ‫هذا ال��ﻞ‬. Now, a person who knows the general grammatical rules of Arabic but lacks the knowledge of Arabic lughaat َ will object to the use of ‫ ه ِذ ِه‬for masculine and ‫ هذا‬for feminine and will call it incorrect.

On the other hand, these lughaat can be manifested in the works of that person who claims to have received God-given knowledge and the one who objects to such usage will effectively be attesting to his ignorance.

6. Likewise, another reason is idgham (to merge one letter into another). For

َ ‫ ُم‬as ‫ ُم َه ُّدون‬and example, some write ‫هتدون‬ merge ta in dal. This is also a lughat from the lughaat of Arabs.

7. One reason for differences in the lughaat of Arabs is the variations in e‘rab (Arabic case system).

For example, ً ٌ َ ٌ ٌ َ some people write ‫زيد قائما‬ ‫ا‬ ‫م‬ َ َّ as ‫م ّا زيد قائم‬.

Certain people write ‫ إن هذين‬as ‫إن هذان‬.

This is the lughat of Banu Harith bin Kaab.

8. Another reason is that when a word ends with a round ta (ta marbuta), while doing waqf (pausing) on it, some read it as ha and some read it asُ ta. For example, ْ َ َُ َ َ some read ‫ ه ِذ ُ ِه أ ّمة‬as ‫ه ِذ ِه أ ّمہ‬, while some ْ َّ َ read it as ‫ه ِذ ِه أمت‬. Each of them are separate lughaat.

9. All these Arabic lughaat are known by the names of the people or tribes who used to practice them. This means that these lughaat belonged to particular

nations and tribes and other tribes did not use each other’s lughaat. However, when these lughaat became widespread among people, they were exchanged and used interchangeably.

10. Another great reason for differences in lughaat is the use of contranyms, i.e. two opposite meanings for one lexical item. For example, in the language of the َ Himyar tribe, ‫ ث ْﺐ‬means to sit. According to a narration, when Amir ibn Tufail came to the Holy Prophetsa, it is mentioned that ُ َ َّ َ َ َ ‫ فوثﺒہ ِوسادۃ‬i.e. the Prophetsa provided him with a pillow and a place to sit, and seated him on it. Consequently, in the lughat of the Himyar tribe, ‫الوثاب‬ ِ refers to mats etc. which are spread out for people to sit on.

On the contrary, in some other tribes, َ the same word ‫ ث ْﺐ‬is used to mean jump.

It is narrated that Zaid bin Abdullah

Achieving inner peace during the pandemic Jamaat Leicester’s Peace Conference 2021

Ibrahim Bonsu President Leicester Jamaat, UK

On 27 February 2021, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Leicester held their annual peace conference virtually. The theme for this year’s conference was “Achieving Inner Peace in the Face of a Global Pandemic” – a theme which resonates the hope of light in a period of insurmountable odds. 600 plus views were achieved on YouTube and the number continues to rise.

Guests in attendance included the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Annette Byrne, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicester, Michael Kapur Esq OBE and Vice Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester, Professor Katie

Normington. Other dignitaries included ward councillors and representatives of faith and civic groups. The keynote speaker was Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib, Director of Outreach, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, UK. The host of the event was Saleem Ahmed Sahib, member of Qaza board UK and a former president of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Leicester. The event commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran followed by English translation.

The welcome address was delivered by Ibrahim Bonsu Sahib, president Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Leicester. He highlighted some of the charitable activities of the Leicester Jamaat since the first lockdown in 2020. He also informed the guests not only to participate in the virtual

programme but to take time out to visit the local mosque, Bait-ul-Ikram when the pandemic is over.

An introductory video of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and the institution of Khilafat was relayed to the audience after the welcome address and this ushered us to the address of the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Annette Byrne.

In her address, the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor echoed how faith can help strengthen us during difficult times. She also made mention of the many lives that had been lost and the businesses which had collapsed over this difficult period in human history. However, she said that faith communities had not been idle but made significant contributions in society,

bin Daram went to meet a king of the Himyar tribe when he was staying on َ a mountain. The king told him ‫“ ث ْﺐ‬Sit down”, but Zaid thought that the king was ordering him to jump from the mountain.

He thus said, “O king, you will find me among the obedient.” Saying this, he jumped from the mountain and gave his life. (Talkhis az Al-Muzhir lil-Suyuti, AlNau‘ al-Sadis Ashar Ma‘rifah Mukhtalif al-Lughah) (Research conducted by Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Sahib, Arabic Desk UK. Translated by Al Hakam, with special thanks to Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib, Arabic Desk UK)

especially towards the vulnerable with their physical and spiritual needs. As a result, many had found some level of comfort contributing to their inner peace.

The next guest to address the conference was Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur Esq OBE. Lord Lieutenant took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to all the keyworkers including faith volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep the community going despite the difficult circumstances.

Next, a virtual video tour of the local Bait-ul-Ikram mosque was shown to the guests. This video highlighted the various parts of the mosque and their functions.

It also showcased the social distancing and risk assessment measures which are in place to make the mosque secured for prayers during the current pandemic.

The audience then had the opportunity to listen to addresses of the representatives of the Sikh and Christian communities in the persons of Harinder Singh and Rev Debra Mina Chidakwa-Akue (Christian Methodist Minister) respectively.

Harinder touched on the responsibility of all faith communities to care for the needy in society and to have mutual love and respect for each other if we want to achieve inner peace.

Rev Debra who was born in Zimbabwe but migrated to the UK as a young girl also reminded the audience that the way to achieve inner satisfaction is not about our qualifications or material things but what we give back to society.

In his keynote address, Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib spoke on the theme of the conference drawing references from the Islamic concept of achieving peace.

He highlighted that despite the current predicament, Islam has the unique antidote to relieve the burden which has come about as a result of the pandemic.

To do so he called the attention of the audience towards their responsibility to achieve peace with their Creator and their neighbours. As a matter of fact, he went on to say that materialism not only offers phantom solution but contributes to the suffering of humanity. However, he said Continued on page 29

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

100 Years Ago...

Prayers for successful tabligh and letter of a new convert of the UK Al Fazl, 10 March 1921 Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra (1887-1960)

Request for prayers In the previous letter, reports up to 16 January [1921] have been gifted to members of the Jamaat. Before presenting accounts from 16 January to 4 February, I request members of the Jamaat to pray because I have frequently witnessed such dreams, which show that true success will come only through prayers. Moreover, the success that comes through prayers has no defects in it. On the other hand, there are always hidden flaws in the success that comes as result of lone human efforts.

Divine dream I saw [in a dream] that I was seated on a chair in a room and was surrounded by problems. These [problems] had besieged me in the form of idols that were made of some kind of artificial stone. They were so numerous that I became terrified to see them and I said aloud, “How can I get out of these troubles?”

Thereafter, I saw that the Promised Messiahas standing and saying that there was no refuge from these difficulties save the lap of Allah.

[In another dream] that same night at the crack of dawn, I saw Satan in the form of a strong woman standing on a high place and many of her agents and workers were standing in front of her. She was very angry with them and told them loudly, “What is all this repute that I hear about Ahmadis? I hear from all sides that Ahmadis are succeeding against us. Can’t you manage them?”

The satans then expressed their helplessness with respect to Ahmadis and admitted, “As the Ahmadis do everything with the help of prayers, we cannot interfere in their efforts.”

My dreams and I do not matter at all.

I have only presented them to stimulate noble members of the Jamaat for prayers.

We, who are here, spend day and night reflecting, making efforts and praying.

Although we have full faith in the grace and mercy of Allah the Almighty, but we

feel nervous at times.

The spread of Islam in these countries is only possible through prayers. Special prayers are required in times of great difficulties. Hence, those friends who wish to share our pain and sorrow that we experienced during our hard work and efforts, can join us through their prayers.

Sacrificing one’s wealth is much easier than praying. Consequently, those people who will help us in our work through prayers, Allah the Almighty will reward them even more than those who helped us with their wealth. May God Almighty be with all of you.

purer over here as compared to the dust and smoke of London. My stay in France is only for a few days and I will return to London within a month.

“Whether I am in France or England or any corner of the world, I will never forget my Muslim brothers whom I met in London. I will not forget you in particular.

You know I have always had great admiration for you, but the bond of Islam has made that affection even stronger.

“I pray that we may spend the rest of our lives together because we are like two true brothers. The time we spend in each other’s company is passed in happiness.

Continued on next page >>

Lectures by Ahmadi missionaries From 16 January to 14 February, missionaries of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat [in the UK] gave 13 lectures at various places.

Three of these lectures were held outside of London at the invitation of various societies. The rest of the lectures were held under our own management. Three lectures were delivered by me and three

by Maulvi Abdul Rahim Sahib. Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib gave seven lectures.

May Allah the Almighty grant them the best of rewards.

Letter of a British new convert to Islam Apart from lectures, letters were exchanged and meetings were held with the people. As an illustration, I will present a letter and the account of a meeting. This is for those who say that the London mission is futile. I will give the translation of an English gentleman’s letter. He is now 30 years old and has a strong affectionate bond with me. Moreover, he is immersed in the love of Islam. Perhaps one day he will visit Qadian with me. He wrote this letter from France. Its translation is as follows: “In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

“My dear brother, assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

“After saying goodbye to you, I have reached the south of France. Leaving London is like a breath of fresh air because the atmosphere is far cleaner and

An old scene of London

28

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

As you know, I intend to spend my future life in the service of Islam, so there is only one objective in my life and that is to see the glory of Islam. My sole aim is to sacrifice my life for Islam and my only goal is to achieve the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.

“Please pray that Allah the Almighty may fulfill my intentions. Kindly write back to me when you get the opportunity.”

This letter is for those who say that there can be no real zeal for Islam in the British.

A visitor On the afternoon of 28 February [1921], an English lady came to visit us. She was accompanied by four children, two boys and two girls. Her husband was a Punjabi Muslim of Dharamshala, who had passed away 12 years ago.

This lady is not well acquainted with Islam. However, she has carried out the tarbiyat [moral training] of her children in an Islamic way through the knowledge she has about Islam. She brought the children to us to educate them about all the teachings of Islam.

There are many such families in London. When there was no Islamic mission here, it was often the case that after the husband would pass away, the wife and children would convert to Christianity. As a result, scores of Muslim children have become Christians, but now, by the grace of God Almighty, an Islamic markaz [centre] and an Islamic society is present here. Consequently, if mothers and children so desire, they can be protected and helped in every way.

A regular lesson plan has been set for the said children. In this way, the duty of caring for the orphans is also being fulfilled, alhamdulillah.

Two new convert Muslims By the grace of Allah the Almighty, an English friend recently converted to Islam after nearly six months of research. He was named Faruq. A British lady, who had been studying Islam for about six years, also accepted Islam. She was named Mahmuda. Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray for their perseverance.

Supporter of faith Chaudhry Maula Bakhsh Sahib particularly stands out among the Ahmadi friends that have come [to the UK] from India in these days. He has proven himself helpful for our mission in all respects. He is supporting us in every way through his wealth, time and influence. The task of collecting chanda [monetary donations] from the Ahmadis living here has been entrusted to him. َّ َ ُ َّ َ َّ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ ‫اللہ َعل ْی ِہ َو َسل َم‬ ‫اللھم انصر من نصر ِدین محم ٍد صلی‬ [O Allah, Help him who helps the religion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.]

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 10 March 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Obituary

My father, the late Maulana Talib Yacoob Sahib Adila Yacoob Medical Student Trinidad and Tobago

I have considered myself blessed to have all my childhood, teenage years and early adulthood bounded by my parents, especially my father, Maulana Talib Yacoob Sahib. I had the opportunity to be adored by him, to enquire about his wellbeing, be informed of his knowledge and be an element of him as much as he was of me.

However, on 8 September 2020, all of this came to an end. My dear father passed away in his sleep in his homeland Trinidad and Tobago, from a combination of renal failure, diabetes and hypertension.

“To Allah do we belong and to Allah, we surely return.”

On 8 September 2020, a typical Tuesday at 5am, as I woke up early to organise for my online classes which were starting at 8am, I was taking my time revising my school work when I heard my mother scream “Adila”. At first, it didn’t sound so serious; the second time she screamed, even louder than before, was when I told myself it must be something detrimental.

As I woke up my brother in haste, we both fled down the stairs only to discover my mother at his bedside trying to wake him up but inopportunely my father had passed away in his sleep. My heart sunk. It felt as though I had lost all the sensations in my limbs, I was numb and heartbroken.

My brother ordered me to call 911.

My body was trembling, which led to me not being able to converse over the phone.

Thereafter I ran outside and shouted across my neighborhood to inform my father’s sister. Her whole family ran across. We all gathered, saddened to view a life that was so vibrant and jubilant lying lifeless in front of us all. We had moments of tears, checking for a pulse, performing compressions, but it all went in vain as the body had already turned cold and stiff.

That’s when reality hit us as we realised nothing could be done. In the midst of all this, I somehow felt I was at my strongest when my family around was grieving.

Hence, I went about to call some family members to inform them of what had stricken. Firstly, my brother-in-law. I told him to leave his house immediately with

The late Maulana Talib Yacoob Sahib, standing second from right

my sister! I couldn’t tell him right away because he had to drive a few kilometers to reach our house. Then I continued the phone calls informing cousins, aunties, classmates and family from Canada.

As the message was sent out, people filled our house; phone calls, WhatsApp calls were never-ending. Amir Sahib, Maulana Ibrahim bin Yaqub came to offer dua along with other amila members. Not long after, the ambulance and funeral home came to interrogate and confirm if the death was in anyway related to Covid-19. From there, funeral

arrangements were scheduled for the next day and people flooded at our house, following social distancing measures.

On the day of the funeral, although 10 people were allowed to physically attend, our Jamaat held a live session on the official page of the Trinidad Jamaat.

My father did not just have a Trinidad janazah, but he had numerous janazahs in absentia, including the one led by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “[...] Maulana Talib Yaqub Sahib, son of respected Tayyab Yaqub Sahib, who

29

AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

was a missionary in Trinidad and Tobago.

He passed away on 8 September at the age of 63: َ ِ َ ‫إنَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِه َوإنَّآ إل‬ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫يه ر‬ “[Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

“He was inclined towards religion right from his childhood years. He was a native of Trinidad and from an early age, he would offer the five daily prayers, recite the Holy Quran and had an interest in reading Islamic literature. After completing his early education, he got a job in British insurance. However, after completing his O-levels, he dedicated his life on 13 January 1979 and enrolled in Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah.

“He graduated from Jamia Ahmadiyya with a Shahid degree in 1989. His marriage took place in 1987 with respected Sajidah Shaheen Sahiba, daughter of Mirza Munawar Ahmad Sahib Darwaish and former nazir-e-ala Qadian. His wife is the granddaughter of Hazrat Bhai Mirza Barkat Ali Sahibra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

“The deceased’s first appointment after completing Jamia was in Zaire [now the Democratic Republic of the Congo], Africa and he had the opportunity to serve for approximately three years, from 1989 to 1992. He then had the opportunity to serve as a missionary in Guyana from 1993 to 1997 and thereafter, he was posted to Ghana where he served from 1997 to 2004 in the Koforidua and Kumasi Region. Whilst serving in Ghana, he became extremely ill and after he recovered, he was transferred to Trinidad and was appointed in the Freeport Jamaat where he continued to serve till his last breath.

“He served with utmost sincerity in various countries of the world and through his knowledge and experience, he would convey the teachings of Islam to others. Wherever he went, he had established a personal connection with every member of the Jamaat. He had a bond of great love for the members of the Jamaat, and the members of the Jamaat also loved him dearly.

“For the last few years, he had been suffering from kidney problems and had to go to hospital three times

a week for dialysis treatment, but he never let this be a hindrance in any Jamaat programme. He was extremely righteous, humble, softly spoken, patient, obedient, caring and would always greet everyone with a smile. Apart from his obligatory prayers, he would regularly offer the Tahajud prayer and recite the Holy Quran. It was also his habit to offer eight rak‘aat of nawafil before going to sleep every night.

“He would always ensure that the traditions of the Jamaat were strictly adhered to. He would also encourage his family members to adopt these virtues as well and his family members looked up him and held him in high regard.

“He is survived by his wife, a son, Nasir Yaqub and two daughters, Amina Yaqub and Adeela Yaqub. He also had two brothers and three sisters. Some of them are in Trinidad and others reside in Australia.

“One of his sisters-in-law, Helen Yaqub writes: “‘I did the Bai‘at 30 years ago and when Maulana Sahib came to Trinidad, he would always teach me new things about my faith in a very loving manner. As a result, my passion to learn about my faith further increased and he would be extremely pleased at this. Due to the conduct of Talib Yaqub Sahib, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, my son, Tayyab Yaqub has decided to become a missionary and is currently studying in the second year of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada.’”

“Whilst mentioning the period of his illness, an Ahmadi doctor who serves in Trinidad says: “‘The deceased possessed great morals; every single doctor or nurse who took care of him was greatly impressed by his morals. Although he was a patient himself, but if there was shortage of space in the hospital, he would stand up himself if anyone came and offer them space. He was an example for all the other patients and doctors and for everyone.’”

“The missionary-in-charge of Trinidad and Tobago writes: “‘He had truly adopted the distinctive features and qualities of being a missionary. He was always at the forefront when it came to obedience to Khilafat. He obeyed all the instructions of those in-

charge and he would make every effort to fulfil whatever task was assigned to him.

He had boundless love for Allah, the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas. He was regular in reciting the Holy Quran and offering the Tahajud [pre-dawn] prayers.’”

“Qasid Warraich, the missionary in Trinidad, writes: “‘When I was posted in Trinidad, Maulana Sahib’s health was quite poorly and he was also elderly.’” [Qasid Sahib] is a young missionary and after recently graduating from Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, was posted there two or three years ago. “‘After a few days, Maulana Sahib travelled for 50 minutes with his wife and son to meet me and treated me with great kindness. Then, every two or three days, he would message or call to ask about me and my needs because I had newly arrived.’” He would have given advice and information as well, no doubt. “‘He would meet the young and old alike with love and affection. He always encouraged others to form a bond with Khilafat and to pray for the Khalifa of the time.’”

“Maulana Sahib’s daughter writes: “‘He would constantly tell me that I should always write to the Khalifa for prayers before any exam or before any other task.’”

“Munir Ibrahim Sahib, an Ahmadi, there writes: “‘Whenever we would go somewhere for tabligh [propagate the message of Islam], Mualana Sahib would always turn up and distribute the work saying that I should go to the north and he would go to the south so that the message of Ahmadiyyat could be conveyed to as many people as possible and he would always have a smile on his face.’”

“The young missionaries and other people who worked with him have also written that even when someone carried out a small task towards the progress of the Community or in conveying the message, he would become so jubilant and praise them greatly.

“Everyone who has written [to me] has mentioned that Maulana Sahib was always

smiling. During his years as a student, if there had been any altercation between friends, he would always reconcile and make peace between them saying that we are Ahmadis and we should not harbour any resentment in our hearts for our brothers.

“I also witnessed that he always had a smile on his face. He had boundless devotion to Khilafat and just as I have said, his children have mentioned that Maulana Sahib would always encourage them to establish a connection with Khilafat and to write letters [to the Khalifa].

“Nareesh Sahib, a new Ahmadi, writes: “‘I would go to different non-Ahmadi mosques in search of the true Islam.

When I met Maulana Talib Sahib, I began to have a really good impression, even before listening to any argument.’” This is the reason why he then pledged his allegiance.

“Talib Yaqub Sahib fulfilled his oath with perfect conviction and never presented any excuse. He always said that he should work wherever the Khalifa appointed him. He was always prepared even if he was told to remain in Pakistan and be posted there and not to return to his country. Furthermore, whilst he was in Pakistan he made practical efforts to prepare himself by learning Punjabi, in case he was posted in Pakistan and therefore he would have to deal with people who spoke Punjabi. So this is why he continued to learn Punjabi.

“May Allah have mercy on him and elevate him in status. May Allah keep his wife and children under His protection and enable them to continue his good works.” (Friday Sermon, 25 September 2020, taken from the English transcript published in Al Hakam on 23 October 2020, pp. 22-23) All deaths are difficult irrespective of if it happens in a pandemic or not.

I would like to humbly request prayers for my father that may Allah grant him Jannat-ul-Firdaus, grant his family strength and the jamaats he served the courage to overcome this great loss and bring ease to everyone encountering grief, especially during this pandemic. Amin.

Continued from page 26

on the programme, Joseph Nagle, PhD student at Durham University, said: “I really enjoyed this evening, and I personally took a lot from the discussions, at a time when lots of us are struggling in a number of ways. It was actually very meaningful, and almost soothing to think about the idea of inner peace and what that means for different people, different groups and for myself. I enjoyed hearing the community leaders speak and I also took a lot from the videos, in terms of learning about your community, your values, and the work that you do.”

A vote of thanks was delivered by Zartasht Latif Sahib, Regional Missionary, and dua was led by Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib.

Alhamdulillah, the event was a massive success.

The event can be viewed on the following link: https://youtu.be/ nElSdwpF3IA

that true happiness lies in the recognition of God according to the Promised Messiahas.

Also, the Holy Quran teaches that human suffering comes as a trial but at the same time provides an opportunity for man to evolve. Moreover, he concluded by making references to Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa advice to world leaders on the need to observe absolute justice in order for lasting peace to prevail.

Furthermore, governments should make efforts to put collective interest above selfish national interest, as anything which falls short of that can foster hate and trade wars which can eventually lead to a catastrophic end.

There were so many positive comments received.

Watching on Youtube and commenting

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Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Surviving the pandemic: Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Detroit stay connected throughout Covid-19 Muhammad Ahmad Secretary Tabligh, Detroit Jamaat, USA

The Covid-19 pandemic has invariably impacted every country and community across the globe. Some countries have fared better than others and are able to manage the spread of the pandemic.

The United States appears to have suffered the most both in terms of human life as well as economic toll. More 500,000 lives have been lost, with more than 28 million reported infections.

People have lost their jobs and livelihoods with the closing of countless businesses. Although with the availability of vaccines, there are signs of a light at the end of the tunnel, the toll of the pandemic cannot be understated.

One often-less-talked-about aspect of the pandemic is the emotional toll and suffering from the effects of this pandemic.

With most people, especially seniors and the older population stuck inside homes with restrictive policies, the pandemic has been particularly harsh on this vulnerable population. Many have had no physical contact or interaction with loved ones or any other person for months.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty,

members of Jamaat Detroit, being part of the worldwide Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, has fared well. During the pandemic, members received prayers and guidance on spiritual, emotional and health-related matters directly from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa not only emphasised the importance of prayers, but also highlighted the significance of precautions to avoid getting the virus. Along with this, he advised homeopathic medicines for prevention and treatment.

Locally, the Detroit Jamaat has the blessings of holding the daily dars (religious educational class) via Zoom on a regular basis. Missionary Shamshad Nasir Sahib has been conducting these daily sessions with attendance going up since the start. The virtual arrangements have made it possible for many other chapters from the Midwest region and beyond to benefit from the daily dars. This has provided an opportunity and forum for the Jamaat members, young and old alike, to not only connect daily but also ask questions from Shamshad Sahib on varied topics, inadvertently enhancing their sense of community.

The children have taken a great interest

well-received initiative.

So far, many members from Dayton, Columbus as well as Los Angeles have joined to share their journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib joined at three different occasions including Khilafat Day and the end of the year tarbiyati programme. In each case, jamaats in listening to the dars and participating held questions and answers and members by asking questions during the question got the opportunity to talk to Amir Sahib.

Many national office-bearers joined and answer session at the end of each dars.

Seeing the interest from children, virtually to conduct question and answer Shamshad Sahib divided the daily dars sessions with members of the Jamaat into two parts. In the first part, he delivers on various occasions throughout the his daily dars, while in the second half, he year. This included secretaries from the focuses on the moral training of children. tarbiyat, wasaya, tabligh, san‘at-o-tajarat, To that end, he started a new initiative umur-e-ama, rishta nata and public affairs of listening to various prayers of the departments. They all guided Jamaat Holy Quran, the Holy Prophetsa and the members in their respective areas.

During the pandemic, the president Promised Messiahas.

Each day, Shamshad Sahib would of the local jamaat has also led various select two or three children and listen initiatives including an increased emphasis to prayers from them. This not only on outreach and regular connection with encouraged the children to memorise the members of the community via phone the prayers, ahadith and poems, but calls and whatever other means could be also created an environment of healthy utilised.

Many mosque projects have been competition among the children.

In addition, converts from all over completed during the pandemic. Jamaat the US join the dars sessions to share members came together and spent long faith-inspiring stories with the rest of hours over many weekends helping in the jamaat. This initiative has been going the completion of these tasks. Projects successful and has led to an increase in like the outside mosque beautification, inside painting and mass clean ups inside attendance.

The faith-inspiring journey of the mosque have been the key hallmark American converts – their acceptance of of teamwork. This has created a sense Islam Ahmadiyyat, changes it has brought of brotherhood among the members to into their lives and their message for connect and work together.

By the grace of Allah, the jamaat has members of the Jamaat – has been a very seen the mosque’s minaret go up and get near its completion during the pandemic as well.

Jamaat Detroit also made sure every member had access to homeopathic medicine recommended by Huzooraa.

Under the guidance of sadr jamaat, secretary umur-e-ama and qaid Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, many volunteers helped deliver food and medicine to needy families that were unable to go out due to the pandemic or other health related reasons.

Last year, due to the pandemic, only a small number of members were able to offer Eid prayers at the mosque. Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Detroit, however, made arrangements to distribute Eid gifts to each family’s home sharing the happiness of the Eid. Most of the members offered their Eid prayers at home with their families. The summary of the Eid Sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa along with messages of Amir Sahib were read in each home at the Eid prayers.

By the grace of Allah, with all these local programmes, members of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Detroit felt very much connected during these trying times of the pandemic.

May Allah bless tremendously all the volunteers who have been working tirelessly year around to accomplish so much despite all the restrictions and risks of the pandemic. Amin

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021

Friday Sermon 12 February 2021 Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib: A true servant of Islam Ahmadiyyat After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: Today, I would like to talk about a longserving member of the Jamaat, respected Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib, who recently passed away. He was serving as the wakil-eala of Tahrik-e-Jadid in Pakistan as well as the sadr of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid Anjuman Ahmadiyya. He had also been serving as the officer of Jalsa Salana for many years. He passed away in the Tahir Heart Institute on 7 February, at the age of 87:

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Respected Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib’s father was Babu Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib and his mother was Aisha Bibi Sahiba.

They lived in an area on the outskirts of Bhera. Chaudhry Sahib was born in Qadian in 1934. His father accepted Ahmadiyyat approximately five years prior to his birth.

In relation to his acceptance of Ahmadiyyat, he narrated: “I call upon God Almighty as my witness and relate the following dream …”

Regarding the details of the dream, he stated: “I was in Bangla Bakhuwala in Sargodha.”

He was working in the irrigation department and was staying in Bangla Bakhuwala. He travelled a lot, therefore he may have been on a journey and spent the night there. He further narrates: “In October 1929, at approximately 2am, I saw the Holy Prophetsa in my dream and he was sitting on a prayer mat. The Holy Prophetsa placed both his hands on his thighs, as if he was occupied in the remembrance of Allah whilst recounting his attributes and praise on his fingers. His blessed countenance was turned towards the East. The Holy Prophetsa then said to me, ‘The joints of the chair you are sitting on have become loose.’ Upon this, I stood up immediately and saw that one of the joints had become loose. I expressed my gratitude and said, ‘You have saved the life of a servant.

If I had fallen forwards or backwards, my head would have split open.’ A short while later, I saw that the Holy Prophetsa was holding a new office chair with his blessed hands and the arms of the chair were greatly extended. The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘Take a seat on this chair. This is the chair

of Ahmadiyyat. That is, it is supported by arguments and is the true Islam!’ Following this, I woke up.” (Basharat-e-Rahmaniyyah, p. 157) This was the account in relation to his father’s acceptance of Ahmadiyyat.

Chaudhry Sahib acquired his elementary

education in Qadian. He was studying in the eighth class, when in 1946, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra called upon people to dedicate their lives for the service of Islam. Responding to this call, his mother took him to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and submitted, “This is my son and I dedicate his life for the service

of Islam.”

Following this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave some instructions and that he should continue his education in school. In 1949, he passed the matriculation exam. Thereafter, in accordance with the guidance of Wakalate-Diwan Rabwah, he came to Rabwah for an interview. Following the written exam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra personally took his interview.

At the time, a meeting was taking place of the naziran of Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was also present.

Right there and then, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra called forward the three or four youths who were there at the time; Chuadhry Hameedullah Sahib, Muslehuddin Sahib and Samiullah Sahib. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra then interviewed them and upon his instructions, they furthered their education, graduating from school and university.

On the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, he completed his BSc in mathematics, achieving second position overall in the entire province and then attained an MA in mathematics from Punjab University, Lahore in first division.

In 1955, he was appointed as a teacher at the Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah and then head of its mathematics department.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 10, p. 104, 120) He married in 1960 to Razia Khanam Sahiba, daughter of Abdul Jabar Khan Sahib of Sargodha. He continued to serve at the Talim-ul-Islam College until 1974. After the college was nationalised, Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib took leave upon the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. As the college had been taken over by the government there was no mandate for him to continue working in a government institution, being a life devotee. However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh instructed some of the life devotees, who were working at the college to continue serving there as there was a need, whereas he instructed other life devotees to leave and enter the service of the Jamaat. After resigning from the college, he was appointed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh as nazir ziafat [hospitality].

In 1982, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appointed him as wakil-e-ala of Tahrike-Jadid and for a while, he also served

32 alongside this role as additional sadr of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid.

In the Jubilee year of 1989, he was appointed as sadr of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid and served in this capacity until his demise.

From 1986 until his passing, he also served as the additional nazir-e-ala and supervised emergency situations in Sindh etc. During the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, he also had the honour of being appointed as amir-e-muqami Rabwah. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 28, p. 112, 335) He served in various capacities in Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Rabwah and Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Markazia.

From 1969 to 1973, he was appointed as the sadr [president] of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Markazia. At that time there was a central Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for all the worldwide Khuddam. Each country did not have its independent sadr of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya.

When Hazrat Khalifaul Masih IIIrh appointed Chaudhry Sahib in 1969 as sadr of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, he gave some very important words of advice.

Although this extract from the address delivered by Hazrat Khalifaul Masih IIIrh is quite long; however, it very essential for the physical progeny of the Promised Messiahas as well as his spiritual progeny and also for those who serve the Jamaat, all of whom should hold this advice close at all times and make it binding upon themselves. They should strive to act upon this guidance and always be concerned about whether they are truly fulfilling its due rights.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh stated: “You should pray for the youth who is becoming the sadr. Also pray for the devoted youth who is completing his tenure in this position that may Allah the Almighty accept his efforts. And may Allah the Almighty grant the newcomer the ability, through Allah’s help, to be able to exceed his predecessors.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said: “We can never remain static in one position. Every person entrusted with a new responsibility must strive to surpass those who came before him. This is because the Jamaat is continuously growing and expanding even further. The works of the Jamaat are increasing and so are the responsibilities. In short, I am explaining that the one who is newly becoming the sadr of the Majlis is not a blood relative of the Promised Messiahas.”

Perhaps the sadr preceding Chaudhry Sahib was Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, who was a member of the Promised Messiah’sas family. In any case, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh stated: “He [the new Sadr] is not a member of the family of the Promised Messiahas. However, in terms of a spiritual relationship, every person is capable of being included in the spiritual progeny of the Promised Messiahas on account of their effort, struggle, prayers and humility. One ought to truly become a part of the Promised Messiah’sas spiritual progeny.

“There are many who exceed even the physical progeny despite being amongst the spiritual progeny alone. The physical relationship is a worldly relationship which has no link with faith or spirituality. The real relationship of the Promised Messiahas with his progeny is a spiritual connection” – this

Friday 12 March 2021 | AL HAKAM is something that should be remembered by those who are related to the Promised Messiahas, who have a physical connection by blood. The real connection of the Promised Messiahas with his progeny is a spiritual one.

devoid of spirituality and intellect. The real connection and relationship is through spirituality. If physical offspring establish a connection by inculcating within them a spirit of sacrifice and selflessness, then Allah the Almighty will reward them and

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh states: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya has made significant progress in the past three years. However, just like there are various mountain peaks, there is no designated

Whenever a life devotee, Jamaat worker or member of the Promised Messiah’sas family reflects over these words, they ought to pray for Chaudhry Sahib to be granted a lofty station [in Paradise] as it was due to him that we heard these golden words of advice.

“This is why it is said that the prophets never receive inheritance, nor do they leave any inheritance behind. This is because inheritance is based on close physical relationships and this concept is negated [with regard to prophets].

“As far as the spiritual blessings and grace is concerned, that indeed is the reality, truth and true wisdom and the true essence of becoming one’s spiritual progeny, whereby one fulfils the directives of Allah the Almighty according to His Will and Command. Every person gains reward based on their devotion, sincerity and sacrifice. This in reality is the spiritual progeny of a spiritual person.

“Physical progeny bears no significance in this regard. In reality, those who become the spiritual progeny of the Promised Messiahas are the true offspring of the Promised Messiahas. For this reason, the Promised Messiahas stated that he offered supplications and Allah the Almighty accepted his prayers for them and included them in his spiritual offspring. If being the physical progeny was a distinct characteristic, then there was no need for the Promised Messiahas to offer this supplication for them, nor was he in need for Allah to accept this prayer.

“Thus, it is vital for one’s spiritual relationship [with the Promised Messiahas] to be strengthened, irrespective if one is related by blood or not.

“Similarly, those people who assert that simply being the physical progeny of the Promised Messiahas is a distinct quality, are mistaken. There have been people in the past who have harboured enmity against the progeny of the Holy Prophetsa only because they were his descendants. At the same time, it is also wrong to assume that they were honoured only because they were his physical progeny. If one grants them honour and reverence simply because of this blood relation, then such a person is utterly foolish.”

This covers both aspects; whoever harbours enmity simply because they are the physical progeny is wrong, just like the one who gives them honour and reveres them simply because they are the physical offspring.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh states: “Such a person”, who thinks this, “is

bless them by bestowing His nearness and pleasure.” If the physical offspring become established upon this and adopt the spiritual blessings of the prophet, then Allah the Almighty will reward them by bestowing His nearness and pleasure. “And despite not being physically related, if a person adopts these spiritual blessings and proves themselves worthy enough to be deemed his [i.e. the prophet’s] true offspring, then it is wrong to say that they cannot achieve a status and rank in the eyes of God because they are not his physical progeny.”

Thus, even if a person is not physically related, if they prove themselves to be the spiritual progeny, they will be bestowed with their due rank. Anyone who says that they will not be bestowed with this rank and honour is mistaken.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh says: “Both viewpoints are incorrect. What truly matters is to follow the right path.

Only the one who is deemed honourable and worthy in the sight of Allah the Almighty attains success. They are granted the opportunity to serve the religion of God Almighty according to their capacities. Allah the Almighty accepts their efforts, irrespective of whether they are physically related to the one who is divinely commissioned or not.

“Therefore, it is irrational on part of those who say that since they are related by blood, they ought to be honoured. Similarly, it is also wrong to say that certain people are good because they are physically related and that they have inherited their honour and respect. No one inherits respect and honour in this manner.

“The one who thinks that a person will not receive honour and eminence because they are not physically related is also in error. Hence, the one who thinks that since they are physically related, therefore they deserve honour, is mistaken. In essence, another name for spiritual connection is righteousness, instilling love for Allah the Almighty, sacrificing for Allah the Almighty, to bring about a death upon oneself, to consider oneself worthless and to be bestowed with a new and pure life after completely annihilating oneself in the way of Allah. This is the true relationship, without which no other relation exists.”

peak for Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, after ascending which, they can think they have reached their goal and that their work is complete. We have to ascend that mountain which has no peak because above this peak is the kingdom of the Benevolent Lord.

The distance between man and God is immeasurable. We should try our utmost – as if it was a case of life and death – that we do not become stationary on one point, nor do we stop at a place and think that we have achieved all that which we wished to achieve. Nay! It has been decreed that our progress and [spiritual] ranks are limitless.

If we strive to our utmost and the sincerity and love we have for Allah the Almighty in our hearts is also ascertained and accepted

by Him, then Allah will continue to bestow His grace upon us, just as He has been doing so. As a result of this, man develops an ever deeper love for God Almighty and becomes even more estranged from one’s baser self.”

(Mash‘al-e-Rah, Vol. 2, pp. 212-214) Thus, this was the guidance Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh imparted to Chaudhry Sahib and it was owing to Chaudhry Sahib that we also heard these words. Whenever a life devotee, Jamaat worker or member of the Promised Messiah’sas family reflects over these words, they ought to pray for Chaudhry Sahib to be granted a lofty station [in Paradise] as it was due to him that we heard these golden words of advice.

Delivering an address at the Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Markaziyya Ijtema in 1970, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said the following about Chaudhry Sahib: “I have assigned the leadership of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya to a sincere young man, who, despite not being from the physical progeny of the Promised Messiahas, has a strong spiritual relationship with him.

Allah the Almighty has granted him the opportunity to work and has blessed his endeavours and also accepted our prayers.”

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 26, p. 214) When he finished his term as the sadr of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, during the farewell ceremony, the following was mentioned in the address delivered on that occasion – and what has been said about him is not an exaggeration: “Today’s special ceremony is in honour of Chaudhry Sahib. The four-year term

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021 of Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib was the addition of a golden chapter in the history of Ahmadiyyat. During this time, under the special guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa” – this is referring to the era of Khalifatul Masih IIIrh – “each department of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya International has worked very diligently with respect to its capacity and numbers.

“Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib worked with the utmost humility and with a selfless spirit, constantly striving to inculcate the wonderful attributes of obedience, loyalty and a connection with Khilafat amongst the youth, which will guide them in the future, insha-Allah.

“Under his tenure as sadr, each department of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya worked in accordance with the wishes of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih IIIaba. During his tenure as sadr, the fundamental directives of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra were compiled in book form called Mash‘al-e-Rah; for Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya, the booklet Yaad Rakne ki Batein [Key Points to Remember] was published; the overall central Majlis was strengthened, in particular the financial system.

“With love and a spirit of devotion, he remained firm on the principles that every instruction, directive or indication of Khalifatul Masih should be obeyed wholeheartedly and with full conviction.

Furthermore, in order to act on all the words and commandments of His Holiness to the letter, every possible means should be utilised. Before being bestowed the esteemed responsibility of sadarat [presidency], he had the opportunity work in various capacities of the Markazi Majlis Amila.”

(Khalid Magazine [Rabwah], December 1973, pp. 3-4) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was also present during this farewell ceremony. I will present a part of the brief address he delivered. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh stated: “For the outgoing sadr, I pray that may Allah reward him generously and for the new sadr, I pray that may Allah the Almighty enable him to render exceptional services and may his efforts be accepted.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya has passed through various phases to reach the stage which the entire world can witness today.

“Initially, it was like a small seed, but now this seed has transformed into a beautiful young and healthy tree that is flourishing. Under each sadarat, the sadr has performed two tasks; some of them have worked exceptionally well in this regard, whilst some to a reasonable standard and some simply saw out their tenure, in regard to certain aspects of their work.

Nevertheless, each sadarat worked in regard to two aspects: one aspect was to uphold the traditions that were already established and secondly, to meet the needs that had arisen.”

New challenges are faced and there can be new developments and requirements as a result of which there is a need to overcome them. A living entity has to carry out these two tasks.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then said: “Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya will continue until the Day of Judgement because this organisation is part of the Jamaat established by the Mahdi [the guided one] of the Holy Prophetsa and regarding this community,

there are tidings that all the responsibilities until the Day of Judgement will be assigned to it. These responsibilities are principally and wholly related to the followers of the Holy Prophetsa and Islam because the Ahmadiyya Community will continue to flourish until the Day of Judgement.

Therefore, all auxiliary organisations of the Ahmadiyya Community will also continue until the Day of Judgement.

“Thus, it becomes incumbent upon whoever is handed the reins of leadership [of this organisation] to safeguard the previous beauty, magnificence and glory of the primary organisation” i.e. the Jamaat “and its auxiliary organisations and then to go on increasing it further.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then said: “We cannot remain stationary at one point, because this is akin to death. This is a fundamental principle of life.”

At every level and in every department and organisation of the Jamaat, every office-bearer should bear in mind that they can never remain stationary because to remain stationary is akin to death and is a fundamental principle of life.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh further said: “Each new sadr has a greater responsibility than the previous sadr, because the previous sadr worked according to the situation that prevailed two years earlier and then built upon that.”

Therefore, the new sadr has to build upon the work carried out by his predecessor.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh further said: “The work increases and there are new instructions and guidance issued by the Markaz, i.e from the Khalifa of the time. New responsibilities are placed upon the sadr

role working as part of the emergency committee established under the directives of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh owing to the difficult circumstances of 1974. (Silslae-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 3, p. 281) After Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh migrated to London, he instructed Chaudhry Sahib to come here, where he stayed for more than a year to establish the Markazi departments; he played a key role in organising and establishing the system here.

From 1982 to 1999, he had the opportunity to serve as the national president for Majlis Ansarullah. In those days, there was no condition of any fixed terms. He served for approximately 17 years as the national president of Ansarullah.

During his tenure as the president of Ansarullah, the first volume of Sabeel-urRishad was prepared and published, which was a compilation of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra various sayings. Also, a very commendable work was done in regard to the expansion and construction of the guest house. (Ansarullah Rabwah, January 2000, p. 15, 17) He also had the opportunity to serve as the president of the planning committee for the centenary jubilee of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya in 1989 and prior to this, he served as the secretary of the planning committee for the centenary jubilee of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

In 2005, he served as the president of the central committee for the centenary jubilee of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya in 2008.

He was appointed as the president for the central committee for the centenary jubilee of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and since the projects under this committee are ongoing, therefore he continued to serve as its

accommodate a maximum number of attendees if Allah the Almighty provided them with the opportunity to hold the Jalsa and improved the circumstances there.

He possessed great administrative skills and always utilised them in his work. Prior to becoming the officer of Jalsa Salana, he served in the administration of Jalsa Salana in various capacities. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh travelled to Qadian for Jalsa Salana in 1991, he appointed him as the officer of Jalsa Salana [there]. Commending his efforts in one of his sermons, Huzoorrh stated: “Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib and Mian Ghulam Ahmad Sahib from Pakistan worked very diligently for a long period of time. They travelled to Qadian and understood the issues there and adhering to my instructions, they rendered an exemplary service in organising all the arrangements. The Ahmadi population of the Jamaat in Qadian is very small and it was not possible for them to undertake the arrangements on such a vast scale.” (Daurae-Qadian 1991, p. 171) In addition to being appointed as the officer of Jalsa Salana in 1977, he was also appointed as nazir Ziafat. From 1977 to 1987, he served as the nazir Ziafat.

He is survived by his wife, Razia Khanam, one son and two daughters. His son, Rashidullah Sahib resides in Canada and one of his daughters is here in London, wife of Zaheer Hayat Sahib and the other daughter, Rizwana Hameed, is the daughterin-law of Kamal Yusuf Sahib and wife of Nisar Ahmad Sahib in Sweden.

His wife says: “Our marriage took place in 1960. After our marriage, I saw that whatever allowance he received, he would first take his chanda

“There are many who exceed even the physical progeny despite being amongst the spiritual progeny alone. The physical relationship is a worldly relationship which has no link with faith or spirituality. The real relationship of the Promised Messiahas with his progeny is a spiritual connection” according to the changing circumstances.

Hence, to uphold previous traditions and to fulfil the new requirements and then to understand the changing circumstances requires an invigorated approach and effort.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then said: “May Allah graciously reward the respected brother and youth, Hameedullah Sahib, for the manner in which he rendered all his services for the Jamaat. Furthermore, whatever responsibility of faith is placed upon his shoulders and for whichever department or capacity he serves in, may he continue to work in an excellent manner until the very end.” (Mash‘al-e-Rah, Vol. 2, pp. 414-415, address delivered 1 December 1973) Chaudhry Sahib played an important

president till now. Even now, some literature is being published [under this scheme].

Upon the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in 2003, he had the honour of presiding over the electoral committee for Khilafat. As wakil-e-ala, he officially visited many countries in Africa and Europe.

After the demise of respected Syed Mir Daud Ahmad Sahib in 1973, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh appointed him as the officer [afsar] Jalsa Salana. From 1973 till his demise, he continued to serve as the officer Jalsa Salana.

Even though after 1983, the Jalsa Salana has not been held in Pakistan, the administrative system remains and he continued to oversee it. He would regularly provide updates as to how they could

out from it. He would also advise me to do the same and would say to first contribute towards chanda and then fulfil other expenses. He also encouraged me to become a member of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat.

At the time of our marriage, Chaudhry Sahib’s allowance was 80 rupees.”

Nowadays, one cannot even imagine this. Although things did not cost much in those days, but despite this, 80 rupees was a very small amount. [She further states:] “Upon this, I became extremely concerned as to how we would get by with such a small amount that was left over after having contributed towards our chanda from it. However, owing to the blessings of the chanda, Allah the Almighty would continue to bestow His blessings and we

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would get by very comfortably.”

I believe that since he was teaching at the college at the time, the college staff had a higher allowance; however, the other Jamaat workers, such as missionaries and lifedevotees, had even less allowance than this.

She further writes: “He was very regular in his Tahajud prayers and would offer his five daily prayers in congregation at the mosque or in his office. If he was unwell, then he would offer his prayers at home. He would always take special care for the offering of prayers and right till his demise, he continued to offer all his prayers and on time. Upon observing him, the habit of offering the Tahajud prayer was also instilled in me as well. I learnt everything from him.”

She further states: “He treated me with great kindness.

Whenever we received something in the house, he would always give it to me first and then distribute it amongst the children.

He would often come home very late as he would continue working till the late hours of the night in the offices.

“I observed that he would never disturb me and would open the outside door himself with the key and enter inside. No matter how late he came, he never woke me up by ringing the doorbell of the house. I would place the food in the pot according to how much he would require to eat and place some rotis next to it and would go to sleep.

He would come from outside and would warm the food himself and eat it.

“He never made any demands in regard to food or clothes. He would happily eat whatever food I presented to him and he would also happily wear the clothes I would buy for him. He never complained about it.”

This is a very fundamental principle in order to establish peace and harmony in the homes. If this is adhered to, then 80 percent of domestic issues would not even arise.

“He would always attend the funerals of the martyrs, office-bearers, renowned personalities [of the Jamaat] and Jamaat workers and their families. He would remain there right till the burial. He never harboured any anger against anyone in his heart and would conceal the shortcomings of others.

He was a very kind and compassionate husband and father. He would never become angry with any relative and would always be the first to seek reconciliation and would always say:

ّٰ ُ َ ْ ‫ال ِع ّزۃ لِل ِہ َج ِم ْی ًعا‬

“‘To Allah belongs all honour.’

“He would take great of care of his siblings and other relatives. Every Thursday, he would visit the house of his sister who resides in Rabwah. Chaudhry Sahib also greatly looked after his parents as well.”

She further states: “I had an operation once and for 10 days, was admitted in hospital. There was no place for him to sleep there and so he would sleep on the floor in my room. He never complained that he could not sleep on the floor. He was an extremely kind and caring husband. Whenever I would fall ill and be admitted to the Tahir Heart Institute, he would remain with me there and would look after me in every way.”

His daughter states: “He never spoke to my mother in a loud voice. Our father was not only a father, but also our friend and we could share

everything with him.” She further states: “He would often offer his Tahajud prayer in my room when I was a child and I still recall the prayer he would recite repeatedly:

‫اے اقدر و وتاان! آافت ےس اچبان‬

[O Powerful and Mighty God, save me from all kinds of affliction.]

When we were children, he would relate stories to us before going to sleep. When he would come to Sweden, he would also relate stories to my children when they were young. Our father was a great source of prayers for us.”

His daughter further states: “It was always his routine that he would leave for the office after having breakfast and would return home late in the afternoon.

He would go back to the office after the Asr prayer and would come home late in the night after the Isha prayer. During our childhood, if we needed any help in maths, he would only have an hour after Fajr to teach us.

“On one occasion, after the inspection of Jalsa Salana, the workers of Jalsa Salana were sat in the company of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to eat food and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said to him, ‘Come and eat with me from my bowl.’” In those days, they would present the food in bowls made from clay. When the bowl was presented before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, he called Chaudhry Sahib to come and eat from the same bowl.

“He truly did just justice in his waqf [devotion of life]. Apart from eating, drinking and sleeping, his entire time was spent for the service of the Jamaat and he did not waste his time.”

His daughter further states: “When I was young, he once taught me that the upper hand was better than the lower hand. Before this, I would open my hand” i.e. with the palm facing up “and take something. However, he advised against this and through the gesture of his own hand, he would explain that you should take something with the hand placed at the top, whether it is money or anything else that is being given.” This is also a good method of tarbiyat [moral upbringing]. “He had no desire for any worldly material.”

She states: “I have never seen this quality in any other person in that no matter how big a gift he was given, he would never show any expression of amazement over it. To serve the Jamaat was what really pleased him and was his desire. He always kept his phone by his bedside and was available to everyone 24 hours a day.”

Then, his elder daughter states: “He was always very observant of his children and would take great care of their emotions and sentiments. He never placed any burden on us for his own personal needs. He never asked us to carry out his own work; rather, he would always do his work himself. He would always try and help us. He would sit my children down next to him and relate to them accounts from the Jamaat and the blessings of waqf and his faith-inspiring accounts with Khulafa.

Everything he said was with a particular purpose in mind and it would have a very positive impact on us.”

His son has also written the same and states: “He would always give emphasis

on two points that no matter what the circumstances, never miss the prayers, nor the sermon of the Khalifa of the time. And whatever instruction the Khalifa of the time gives, make utmost effort to fulfil it.”

He further states: “He would often say to me that if I wanted to open a way for tabligh, then I should try to leave an impression on the Canadians whereby they felt that I respected them and had love for them.”

Jameel-ul-Rehman Rafiq Sahib, who is the wakil-ul-tasnif in Tahrik-e-Jadid, writes: “I had a very long-standing relationship with Chaudhry Sahib. Chaudhry Sahib’s father, Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib was a very pious man with a virtuous disposition. These same qualities were passed onto Chaudhry Sahib, which were further refined. His father, Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib would preach to Chaudhry Fazl Ahmad Sahib – this is around 60 to 70 years back – and owing to the preaching efforts of his father, Chaudhry Fazl Ahmad Sahib accepted Ahmadiyyat.”

Jameel-ul-Rehman Sahib further states: “Later, Chaudhry Fazl Ahmad Sahib became my father-in-law and in this way, we had a link and he made every effort to fulfil this bond.” He further writes: “Apart from this, he was also my teacher.

Whilst I was studying BSc, he had just completed his MA in mathematics and taught us for a period of time.

“He would always teach with great dedication and we would be greatly impressed by it. He strictly adhered to his principles, but was also very compassionate and caring and would also confidentially and discreetly assist those workers who were in need of help.

“By the grace of God, he was extremely hardworking. He had a high intellectual disposition and great knowledge of history and geography and would teach others about it as well. By the grace of God, he would spend the wealth of the Jamaat with great caution and would often say that if one had to write a note comprising of just a few words, then they should use half the paper instead of the entire page. He would always thoroughly investigate matters. If ever he was assigned with a task, he would carefully assess every aspect of it and then make his decision. By the grace of God, this was an outstanding quality of his.”

Laiq Nasir, who is the Wakil-ul-Diwan, writes: “Chaudhry Sahib once told me that when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Chaudhry Sahib was serving his duty as muavin [assistant] Ijtema. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh told him to go and assess the situation in the langar khana [kitchen].” The langar would also operate during the Ijtema as well.

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh told him to see how the food was being prepared.

Chaudhry Sahib stated that he was about to leave when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh called him back and said that the in-charge of the langar was very strict and would not let him enter as he was going without any authority and also he was much older than him. Therefore, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh took off his sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya badge and placed it on Chaudhry Sahib as he was serving as his muavin [assistant] and said, ‘This is your authority now in that the sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya has sent you and given you his badge. Now go and take

an assessment and report back.’”

I once directed all the naziraan and wukala (and later as well on a few occasions) to go out and visit the Jamaats and meet the members and convey my salaam. Chaudhry Sahib also went as well. The person narrating this account states that he went along with Chaudhry Sahib on two occasions.

Chaudhry Sahib was assigned the district of Sargodha and he did not leave out a single house in these visits. He went to every house and if anyone was not home and he was informed that he had gone to his land or to work, then he would go there and meet them. There were certain areas where the car could not go and on numerous occasions, he would walk for many kilometres in order to meet the members and covey them my salaam.

Another special quality of his was that he would show complete obedience and meticulously carry out the implementation of the directive I had given. He would read the message which I had given for the members over and over again and would also say to those with him that if he misplaced the order of words when reading out the message, then they should point it out and correct him. This is how particular he was.

He always instructed regarding official matters that irrespective of how big or small the issue may be or even if one had made a mistake, they should always ensure to inform Khalifatul Masih and update him. In this way, one is able to receive the prayers of Khalifatul Masih and the opportunity to reform themselves.

He had an exceptional level of simplicity.

During his official visits [to relay the greetings of the Khalifa of the time], he would instruct the Jamaat to not give him any formal protocol. Whenever it was time to eat, he would eat wherever he found the opportunity. At times, he would eat whilst in the car or would sit on the edge of a field whilst visiting the villages. Sometimes, during those visits, the Jamaat would request him to deliver a talk and he would refuse saying that for now he would only perform the duty which he was instructed to carry out.

One instruction of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra to the residents of Qadian and Rabwah was that they should offer their prayers in the mosques of their local areas.

Chaudhary Sahib strived to abide by this up until the end. Therefore, even if he went to Masjid Mubarak, which was the central mosque, he would at least offer one of his prayers in the local mosque.

He would go to his office even at night.

Many a time, he would go to the office in the evening when no one was there to open the doors. He would go and open them himself and occupy himself in his work.

He developed this habit from his time in college.

There is an interesting incident from his time in college. He writes that he was once sat working in the evening in the staff room of Talim-ul-Islam College. An assistant came with a box in which there was some food. He opened it and there was biriyani or pilau inside. The person said that this was sent by the principal. The principal at the time was the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh. He did not know if he was sat there. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh later told him that he knew he

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AL HAKAM | Friday 12 March 2021 would be sat there and therefore told the assistant to give it to whoever was sat there.

Whenever someone would visit Chaudhary Sahib at his home, he would personally extend them hospitality. He would present whatever he had very frankly to his co-workers and subordinates. Laiq Abid Sahib has written that he was very diligent even in the smallest of matters. He would never sign a draft bill or letter without first reading it completely.

This is a very important point for all department heads that they should not sign things without first reading it carefully.

Chaudhary Sahib was very punctual and his habit of completing his tasks on time was instilled so strongly within him that it was as if he was in control of time and could adjust it as he pleased. In spite of his great adherence to punctuality, he paid much attention to etiquettes. Whenever he would go to the mosque, he would busy himself in the remembrance of Allah and not look at the time as is often observed, that when it is time for prayer, people begin looking at the time thinking as to why the prayer hasn’t commenced yet. He would begin the prayer only when the imam came forward.

He would give advice to missionaries who would visit from abroad. Usually, he would advise them to read the books of the Promised Messiahas and to act upon the teachings in those books. In this way, they would be able to bring about a unified image of Ahmadiyyat around the world.

Samiullah Siyal Sahib writes: “We completed our matriculation exams together. After completing our studies, we presented ourselves to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and requested to be accepted for waqf; which Huzoorra graciously accepted.

I worked with him in different capacities right until the end, that is for approximately 71 years. In terms of his qualities, he was an exceptional man. He was compassionate, determined, always ready to serve his faith and one who had boundless love for Khilafat. Another quality he possessed was that he trained the new life-devotees in a wonderful manner.”

This was indeed a great quality of his which is why I assigned him some lifedevotees to train them and he trained them in an excellent manner.

Haleem Quraishi Sahib says that he had a firm grasp over administrative and financial matters and he would never tolerate any mismanagement. He closely monitored the financial affairs. He would always remain updated with regard to the prices of items.

If any bill was received in which there was an excess expenditure of even 10 rupees, he would enquire as to why 110 rupees were spent on a certain item in a shop when the cost was only 100 rupees.

Ameer Muhammad Qaisarani Sahib is an engineer in the roti plant for the Jalsa Salana. He says that Chaudhary Sahib would give utmost importance to seeking counsel. Before making any decision, he would always take counsel from the relevant office-bearer or expert in that field. Before taking any new step, he would make a full assessment and only after taking counsel extensively would he reach a conclusion.

On Fridays, when the offices are generally closed, he would come to test the roti plant.

Likewise, in the extra day off in the last week of the month, he would often go to the office.

With regard to this, he would explain

to his colleagues that he once learnt from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh that whenever one faces any worries or difficulties in their personal lives, they should give more time to the works of the Jamaat. In this way, God Almighty would alleviate their worries Himself.

He would show great respect and love to everyone he would meet. He would speak to everyone about the topics they had interest in.

The engineer [Ameer Muhammad Qaisarani Sahib] says: “Prior to Chaudhary Sahib’s demise, there was a meeting in which there were some delays with regard to some construction work. Upon this, he expressed his displeasure with me and with the other engineers as well. But on the same day, after leaving work, he phoned me and speaking in a cheerful manner as he always did, said that he perhaps used some strong words and was phoning to apologise and then continued to ask how I was.”

Hafiz Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib writes: “Upon my request, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh granted permission to build the Rabwah Research Cell. He also instructed that I meet Chaudhary Sahib. And in fulfilment of this instruction, out of the two proposed sites, he built the offices within Jamia. During the meeting, he said, ‘You will be rendering your services to the Jamaat in the future as well so firstly, we have to always keep the future needs of the Jamaat in mind, but secondly, we must also bear in mind the principles of moderation and sufficiency.’ Hence, he also advised that instead of desiring for large office tables or comfortable chairs, we should plan to have furniture which is appropriate and sufficient.”

Abdul Majid Tahir Sahib, Wakil-ulTabshir in London writes: “His every moment was spent in service to his faith. With regard to the various matters that carried instructions from the Khalifa of the time for Chaudhary Sahib, he would act upon them immediately and without delay upon receiving them. It often happened that an instruction would arrive in the night, so to fulfil it, he would go to the office, implement it and then return home.

Indeed, his every movement and every word was in accordance with the instructions of the Khalifa of the time.”

There are those who deem the written rules and regulations of the Jamaat to supersede the instructions of the Khalifa and that these should be acted upon instead.

To them, Chaudhary Sahib would always say that they should act upon whatever guidance or instruction came from the Khalifa as these were the rules for them.

In any case, there is an overruling clause present (in the rules and regulations).

Mubashar Ayaz Sahib, Principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah writes: “[Chaudhry Sahib] was an encyclopaedia of Jamaat traditions and history” and this is absolutely true. “From whatever opportunity I had with him, I noticed one thing that was clear was his grasp and command over the work he did.”

Mubashar Ayaz Sahib writes: “I often tell some of my colleagues that if one was to ever have a meeting with Chaudhry Sahib regarding Jamia, then Chaudhry Sahib would be able to tell us how many stairs there were in Jamia, how

many plants there were and where they were placed or where there were some shortcomings. He looked at everything in great detail. Whatever a meeting was about, he would acquire all the information and the minutest details and he would expect his colleagues to do the same.”

Then he further writes: “It was as if the entire history of Rabwah was before his very eyes and imprinted upon his heart and mind. A few months ago, I met with Chaudhry Sahib and said that when it came to some historical landmarks, there were some differences in accounts narrated by various elders, hence I sought guidance from him in this matter. Upon this, he explained many things to me and told me in detail that I could find out about a certain thing from such and such person; however, that person’s memory had grown a little weak and so I should make a list and send it to him and then he would go along with me [to those historical landmarks] and tell me whatever he remembered.”

He continues, “His humility and meekness was such that he would always make tea himself and present it to me.”

Mubashar Ayaz Sahib narrates another incident of his humility and meekness; he says: “A few years ago, we went to Qadian for Jalsa. I, along with the deputy in-charge of the langar khana Mahfoozur Rahman Sahib, was standing and talking, during which time Chaudhry Sahib passed by. We exchanged greetings, after which Mahfoozur Rahman Sahib began telling me in a heartfelt manner that Chaudhry Sahib was of a very simple temperament.

“He said that only a little while ago, Chaudhry Sahib went to him and asked if he could be quickly given something to eat as he had just come from a meeting and in about 15 to 20 minutes, he had to go to another meeting. He said that since the time for food had finished, therefore he told Chaudhry Sahib that there was some food in the fridge which he would warm up for him and in the meantime, Chaudhry Sahib could go and freshen up. He said that he then went and began heating up the food and when he brought it out, he realised that quite some time had passed and since Chaudhry Sahib was very punctual, he wanted to reach his next meeting on time and thought that if he waited for the food to come, he might get late. And so, he saw that Chaudhry Sahib had already gathered the leftover pieces of roti [bread] on the dining table and had almost finished eating it with the lentils or whatever food had been leftover. Thus, he went to his meeting on time and he showed no signs of displeasure on his face to express why the food had been brought out so late.

He simply ate the leftover pieces of roti with the leftover lentils – whatever it was that remained in the plates and dish, he ate it and left.”

Chaudhry Sahib extensively studied the books of the Promised Messiahas. It seemed as if he was always studying one of his books and it would not merely be to the extent of reading them, in fact it would not be wrong to say that he studied these books very meticulously. He had pondered over every single word and he would find solutions for any questions he had or would at least attempt to do so. He would also advise others that whenever they read books, they should ponder over each word and wherever

a question arose, they should try to solve it.

Mubarak Siddiqi Sahib says that once, [Chaudhry Sahib] came to London and Khalifatul Masih had given him permission to hold a sitting with the [members of] TI College.

[Mubarak Sahib] says: “I went to Chaudhry Sahib and informed him that this is what Khalifatul Masih had said and so, he attended and during the event, I asked him that Allah the Almighty had blessed him with the opportunity to serve for a very long time and had bestowed him with great honours, therefore if he could also advise us as to the secret to his success.

Upon this, he said, ‘There is only one secret, which is that one should not deem their own knowledge and understanding to be of any value; rather, one should close their eyes and completely obey the Khalifa of the time. This obedience should be such that your heart bears testimony that you have made every attempt to fulfil the due rights of obedience.’”

Mirza Jawad Sahib writes: “He used to narrate an incident of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. Once, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh told Chaudhry Sahib that before the partition, on the occasion of Jalsa, members would be assigned weeklong duties and during this time, they would only be given one cup of tea in the entire week as a refreshment.

“Once, a Khadim on duty brought his tea joyfully back to his residence – food would be available from the langar as usual, but a duty-holder only got tea once in the week.

So this Khadim took his tea back to the guest house where he was staying and the guest staying in the bed next to him thought that he had brought the tea for him. When the worker entered the room, the other guest was lying down and thought that the tea had been brought for him. The guest asked the worker whether he had brought the tea for him, and without giving any indication, the worker gave his tea to the guest.

“Chaudhry Sahib would say that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh related this incident to highlight examples of workers and how they would offer sacrifices under any circumstance and tend to guests.

“Chaudhry Sahib would say, ‘There was a time when a cup of tea was the single refreshment during the week and even that was sacrificed in the midst of performing duties. And today, times are such that God Almighty has blessed this community financially a great deal, to the extent that it is ordinary for tea to be presented at even the smallest of meetings. Thus, we should be aware of the blessings bestowed by God and should always use the Community’s funds responsibly, avoiding all unnecessary spending.’”

In any case, there are many more things that can be mentioned; these were just a few which I have selected. [These accounts] could go on much longer but I will stop here.

Whatever has been stated regarding Chaudhry Sahib, there is no exaggeration in them whatsoever. There are many things which people have written; some were so extensive that I was unable to take any part from them and some, I was not able to read at all.

He possessed extraordinary capabilities; he was very humble and worked extremely hard. I have also worked with him and he would always guide on how to do the work

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in a very gentle and kind manner. Then, when I was appointed as nazir-e-ala as well as amir-e-muqami, his conduct changed entirely and he remained completely obedient throughout that time.

Then when I became the Khalifa, he fulfilled all of his duties in accordance with his pledge of allegiance with complete loyalty – as an Ahmadi and as a Jamaat worker. He took every word and every instruction of the Khalifa very seriously and would act upon the instruction to the letter. He would never present his own interpretations to the instructions, in that this was the meaning of such and such instruction.

Once, I recommended that the junior section of Jamia Ahmadiyya, which had its own building, should be merged into the senior section of Jamia Ahmadiyya as it was an extra cost and there was no longer any need for a separate building. I sought his opinion on the matter and at the time, he and some other elders of the Jamaat had some reservations and suggested against it. However, later, when I made the decision to still go ahead with it, without voicing any kind of complaint or objection, he immediately began to implement the decision.

I thought that perhaps it would take a few days to implement, but within 24 hours, he implemented it and submitted the report to me, informing me of its progress.

May Allah the Almighty elevate his status and may Khilafat continue to be granted such sultan-e-naseer [excellent helpers].

Continue to pray for the current conditions in Pakistan. May Allah the Almighty quickly improve the circumstances for the Ahmadis there and enable them to live their lives in freedom.

Another important matter that I wish to mention is regarding the Coronavirus pandemic which has spread throughout the world. Ahmadis are not doing their utmost in taking precautions; neither in the UK, nor in the USA, Pakistan or in any other country. Full precautions must be taken; masks must be worn.

Some wear masks and leave their noses exposed despite the fact that the nose should also be covered. Or there are some who leave their masks hanging around their necks, but in that case, what is the use of wearing a mask?

Then people are not abstaining from closely meeting others and are not observing social distancing or other guidelines mentioned by the governments.

We must act upon all of these things, otherwise this pandemic will continue to spread. These days, people should try to limit their travel to a minimum and avoid any unnecessary travel. Those travelling from Europe to Pakistan should be careful and these days, it is better if they do not go at all.

In any case, may Allah the Almighty eliminate this pandemic swiftly and cure all those Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike who have been affected by this pandemic.

After offering the prayers, insha-Allah, I will lead Chaudhry Sahib’s funeral prayer in absentia.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 5 March 2021, pp. 5 -10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas

“All of my prophecies have been fulfilled, or in the case of those prophecies which consist of two parts, at least one part has come true so far.

Even if a person were to strive all his life in the hope of finding a prophecy that was uttered from my mouth, about which one could assert that it has remained unfulfilled, he will not be able to find a single one.”

(Noah’s Ark, p. 10) www.alhakam.org/responding-to-allegations-prophecies-of-the-promised-messiah-a-s-part-i/

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad and Aqeel Ahmad Kang | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021