Al Hakam - 26 March 2021 by Alhakam

Answers to everyday issues Part XI

A university with a difference

Professor Clement Wragge’s meeting with the Promised Messiah

Nigeria Jamaat lays foundation of Minaret International University

Part II

Page 8

Page 14

Page 12

The cheerful nature and refined sense of humour of the Promised Messiah

Page 23

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 | Issue CLVIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

MTA Ghana should be the best studio and channel in Africa Hazrat Khalifatul Masih gives detailed guidance to MTA Ghana Studios

On 20 March 2021, the newly formed MTA Wahab Adam (Ghana) Studio’s team had the opportunity to seek guidance from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa through a virtual mulaqat.

After the live stream started and Huzooraa conveyed his salaam, Huzooraa noted that the team was dressed in a Continued on next page >>

Australia Nasirat get answers to contemporary issues in virtual mulaqat On 21 March 2021, a group of Nasirat of Australia was fortunate to have a virtual class with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. After conveying salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if there were any Covid-19 protocols or restrictions in Australia. In response, Sadr Sahiba said that there were very few restrictions and other than wearing masks on public transport and social distancing, there were no major restrictions. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked about the situation and condition of the rainfall and consequent floods in Sydney, and if precautionary food and accommodation arrangements were made for Nasirat if roads were to get blocked and they needed to stay. To this, Sadr Sahiba responded in the affirmative. The class then commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by its Urdu and English translations. After this, a hadith was presented, which highlighted that truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. This was then followed by its Urdu and English translations. After this, an extract from the Promised

Messiah’sas book, Noah’s Ark, was read out, which was followed by the recitation of a nazm (poem) composed by the Promised Messiahas. During the class, Nasirat had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions relating to Islam, the coronavirus vaccine, school studies etc. among an array of other matters. Upon being asked about taking the coronavirus vaccine, Huzooraa said, “What is the harm in being vaccinated? You should get vaccinated if your government asks you to do so.” The next question asked was with regard to the Friday Sermon. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked why the imam kneels down before the second khutba. In response, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “This is the sunnah and tradition of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, that after completing the khutba – the first khutba – he would sit down, pray for some time and then stand up again; and we just follow the tradition of the Holy Prophetsa. It gives you some rest and then, at the same time, you can say some Continued on page 5

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previoius page Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

Supplication is the essence of worship

َّ ََ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ َّ َّ َ ‫ ع ِن‬، ٍ‫ﺲ بْ ِن َمال ِک‬ ‫الن ِ� ِّي َصلی الل ُہ َعل ْي ِہ َو َﺳل َم‬ ِ ‫عن أن‬ ُ َ َ ّ َ‫اء ُم ُّ� الْع َبادۃ‬ َ ُ ‫قال الدع‬ ِ ِ Hazrat Anas bin Malikra narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: ‘‘Supplication is the essence of worship.’’ (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Da‘wat an Rasulillahsa, Hadith 3371)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Obey me and follow me In short, to cleanse and purify this House of God from idols, a jihad is required. I am to show you the way of this jihad and I assure you that if you act upon this, you will crush these idols. The way I show you is not of my own improvisation; in fact, God has commissioned me to inform you of it. What

is the way? Obey me and follow me. This voice is not a new voice. To purge Mecca of its idols, even the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: َّ َ ّ ٰ ُ ّٰ ُ ُ ُ ُ ُ ُۡ ‫قل ا ِۡن ک ۡن� ۡم � ِح ّب ۡو َن الل َہ فات ِب ُع ۡونِ ۡی ي ۡح ِب ۡبك ُم الل ُہ‬

‘‘Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you.’’’ In the same manner, if you follow me, you shall grow able to break your inner idols and purify your breast of the multitude of idols that fill it. There is no need for 40-day retreats in order to purify your soul. The Companionsra of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not engage in such retreats, or perform the Sufi “invocation of the saw” [dhikr-earra], or engage in meditative practices of “negation and affirmation” [nafi-o-asbat], and so on. Quite the contrary, they had something entirely different at their disposal. They were engrossed in obedience to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The divine light that the Holy Prophetsa possessed was carried to the hearts of the Companionsra through the arteries of obedience, and would crush all thoughts that were besides Allah. Instead of darkness, their breasts would be filled with divine light. Bear well in mind

that even today, the same state of affairs is applicable. Until your heart receives the divine light which is conveyed through the channel of the Divine, your soul cannot be purified. The breast of man is the place where divine light descends and this is why it is referred to as the House of Allah, as it were. The important task is none other than to shatter the idols that sit within it, until nothing but Allah, and Allah alone remains. It is narrated in a hadith that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of ّٰ ّٰ Allah be upon him, said:‫اللہ اللہ فی ا�حابی‬, i.e. “Nothing but Allah, and Allah alone resides in the hearts of my companions.” Allah being the sole entity that resides in one’s heart does not imply that a person ought to subscribe to the concept of Oneness of Being (wahdat-ul-wujud), suggesting, that every dog and donkey in the world is Allah, God-forbid. The actual intent is to allude to the fact that in every action of man, the pleasure of Allah Almighty ought to be the sole objective that is sought, and nothing else. This rank can never be attained without the grace of Allah Almighty. � � ‫� ی‬ �‫��ں اکر � د�ار ی‬ “No task is difficult for the valiant.” (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 195-196)

uniform. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then led everyone in dua. As always, everyone introduced themselves in the mulaqat and Huzooraa enquired about their roles and responsibilities. A short video introduction to the various MTA Africa studios was shown to Huzooraa by the team. Some of the facts and figures of the introductory video included: • The establishment of 10 MTA studios and offices across Africa, including Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Mauritius • A total of 52 full-time staff members and 300 volunteers across 10 studios and offices • 200 studio programmes produced so far • 300 promos and fillers produced • 58 documentaries produced • The current languages of MTA Africa studios include English, Swahili, French, Creole, Yoruba, Hausa, Lugandan and Twi Coordinator MTA Ghana, Hafiz Maulvi Ismaeel Ahmed Adusei Sahib presented an introduction to MTA Ghana’s Wahab Adam Studio to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. He said Huzooraa instructed in 2014 that a purpose-built MTA Ghana studio be constructed. For this, land was donated by two Ahmadis – Al-Haj Abu Muhammad Sahib and AlHaj Hakim Andani Sahib. The foundation stone was laid by the late Amir, Abdul Wahab Sahib and the IAAAE team built the studios and locals helped with volunteering. Hafiz Ismaeel Sahib reported that the Wahab Ahmad Studio is the first purpose-built studio of MTA Africa and the largest MTA studio outside the markaz. The construction started in 2014 and was completed in 2017. Over the years, the Wahab Adam studio has had a close relation with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and has provided training to hundreds of their staff. In return, the GBC agreed to give MTA Ghana time slots on national television to air their own programmes. The Wahab Adam Studio continues to train the wider public, including students from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Since 2019, the Wahab Adam Studio has been translating the live sermons of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Currently, there are 19 full-time staff members and over 60 volunteers. The Wahab Adam Studio had provided approximately 60% of the content played on MTA Africa. Hafiz Ismaeel Sahib reported that Jamia International Ghana has played a pivotal role in helping to produce programmes and to respond to the questions received from the public. Hafiz Ismaeel Sahib then sought permission to give a video virtual tour of the Wahab Adam Studio to Huzooraa. Seeing the reception, Huzooraa commented, “Your reception area is better than our UK studio’s reception area.” Seeing the main studio, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa advised, “Your main studio

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

needs to be improved further.” Ismaeel Sahib confirmed this was in the pipeline, to which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “May Allah the Almighty bless you.” The attendees then gave their introductions. Speaking with the Head of Programming, Maulvi Yussuf Abdul Khalique Sahib, Huzooraa asked if he had qualified from Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana and whether he had a Shahid Degree. Yussuf Sahib replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then said to the attendees that the sound quality of the meeting was poor and said: “All the programmes which were organised in this studio by the MTA studio staff for other amila members and murabiyyan and even Jamia Ahmadiyya were all of good quality, but here, when the turn of your MTA staff comes, then the sound quality is poor.” Huzooraa then asked how many programmes were produced every week and how many of them were interactive and live? Yussuf Sahib said, at times, up to 20 programmes were produced every week while at other times, there were less. He reported only one weekly live programme was aired at the moment. Huzooraa said, “You should have some live programmes as well; question and answer programmes.” Yussuf Sahib said they would, inshaAllah, act on this guidance. Speaking with Sadik Abbas Sahib, Head of Training, Huzooraa asked about his qualifications and about the training that took place.

Bashirudeen Adam Sahib, head of post-production reported next and detailed his responsibilities. Huzooraa asked him whether the department had qualified graphic experts or if they did it on their own. Bashirudeen Sahib reported his team were good at creating graphics and did the work on their own without external assistance. Mirza Saleh Ahmad Sahib, a postproduction team member, was next to speak. Huzooraa asked about his qualifications and when he came to Ghana. Saleh Sahib reported that he did a BA in mass communication from Islamabad University, Pakistan and on the approval of Huzooraa, he came to Ghana in 2017. Huzooraa asked him how many hours he worked a day, to which Saleh Sahib reported that he tried to work 10 hours every day. In response, Huzooraa remarked, “That is good.” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about the department and said the fillers that were made should be made in every single language and that fillers should not just be standard ones; rather, quotations of the Promised Messiahas and video snippets of Huzoor’s sermons should be shown as fillers. Huzooraa said the fillers should take up all the allocated time they have. Abdul Rahman Baah Sahib, Transport Manager was next to report. Huzooraa asked him how many vehicles they had and whether they were equipped for all the necessary broadcasting needs, including a dish for transmission within their vehicles. To this, Abdul Rahman

Sahib said they didn’t have such vehicles and the two vehicles they had were just for transporting staff. Speaking with the receptionist and in-charge of hospitality, Osofu Appiah Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how many people visited the studios every day and what the purpose of their visits was. Osofu Sahib said that on average, five people visited the studio every day and they visited because “most of them have heard about the Wahab Adam Studio having a studio – a magnificent edifice. And most of them would like to come and have a view of the studio. Some of them are Ahmadis and others, Christians and the likes.” Yakubu Buabeng, Master Control Room (MCR) Operator (in-charge of transmissions) spoke to Huzooraa next. Regarding his responsibility, Huzooraa said: “This is a very sensitive post. Everything is in your hand; you have to be very very careful, right? Nothing should be aired without filtering from your side.” Huzooraa then asked how they did checks and controls. Yakubu Sahib said they checked all the content and the quality of the programmes. At this, in a light-hearted manner, Huzooraa said: “And the quality of sound as well. But you did not check the quality of the sound today. This is why I cannot hear you properly.” An elderly gentleman, Mohammed Affum Sahib, who is a volunteer for MTA Ghana Studios introduced himself. Huzooraa asked him which department

he volunteered for, to which he explained that as a retired broadcaster, he helped and gave his expertise where needed. Huzooraa asked his age by saying, “How old are you? 70?” to which Affum Sahib said he was 72. To this, Huzooraa said, “You look quite young masha-Allah.” Ibrahim Asante Sahib, a volunteer, introduced himself next. Seeing him, Huzooraa said, “You have been coming here, so your face is quite familiar to me.” Huzooraa asked about his work in MTA, where he worked professionally and what his qualifications were. Ibrahim Sahib said he worked at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and had a doctorate in technology development and transfer. Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Allah” and then asked if he was living in the UK and what he was doing in the UK. Ibarahim Sahib said he had been in the UK for 17 years studying and also working for a company, but had now moved back to Ghana and returned to the UK every so often. Guiding the producer of the Real Talk programme, Abdul Samad Issah Sahib, about producing the programme in the Covid-19 environment, Huzooraa said, “The Real Talk programme can be organised online. Why can’t you produce it?” To this, Issah Sahib said he would follow this advice. Discussing the production of programmes amid Covid-19, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said the following to Raqib Abdul Majeed Sahib, who is a Continued on next page >>

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

4 Continued from previous page

volunteer producer: “Covid should not be any excuse; you can do it without any problem.” Abdul Moomen Muslim Sahib, a volunteer presenter who also presents programmes for children reported next. Advising him, Huzooraa said: “Germany studios is making good kids’ programmes, so you should also try to make programmes on that pattern or any other pattern which you deem appropriate for your circumstances and the condition and the psyche of the people of Africa. “You need so many programmes; some programmes which can give some knowledge to the children about their religion and contemporary issues as well [are needed] because nowadays, because of the media, children, at a very young age, are very much well aware of so many things. So, you should also feed them according to our teachings and traditions.” Rashid Baidoo Sahib, a volunteer, was next to speak. Looking at his physique, Huzooraa smiled and said, “Do you also go to the gym?” – Rashid Baidoo Sahib enjoyed the comment and responded by saying he didn’t go to the gym. To this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah […] your physique shows you are a very regular gym-going person.” Talking to Basharat Khalid Sahib, a volunteer who produces and presents the programme Misconceptions Removed, Huzooraa remarked, “How many misconceptions have you removed till today?”. Huzooraa further said, “I think, by now, half of the Ghanaian people should be well aware of the Islamic teachings.” Next, the Lajna Coordinator of MTA

Ghana, Munirat Aidoo Sahiba, introduced herself. Commenting on efforts of the Lajna in MTA Ghana, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “You have been producing quite a lot of programmes. Sometimes I do watch your programmes and they are quite informative. Lajna is doing well, and although men are also [doing well], the men should not be jealous [because] Lajna is also doing well.” Huzooraa asked the Lajna scheduling in-charge about her work and how programmes were scheduled. Discussing programmes and what to do if there are no programmes to air from the programming department, Huzooraa said: “When there is any space left and there is no programme [available to air], then you should have some programmes for the transmission department to be immediately televised. There should be some [contingency] plan as well at the same time.” Speaking to another Lajna member, Huzooraa said: “You should make some emergency plan as well, just to cover in case you don’t receive any plan from the programming department.” Another Lajna member introduced herself and said she produced the programme Inspirational Africans. Huzooraa asked how the programme was proving inspirational for women, to which she explained that they interviewed successful African women and asked them how they achieved their success and the positive influence of God and religion in their journey. Huzooraa asked whether the programme’s focus was religion in general or took an Islamic perspective.

The Lajna member said they always took the programme back to Islamic teachings and what Allah had done for the person. To this, Huzooraa said, “Yes, that’s right.” Amtu Subur Osman Sahiba, a producer of a new programme about food, introduced herself. Huzooraa asked her what the programme entailed, to which she said it was to guide people towards healthy eating habits. In response, Huzooraa asked how less privileged people could follow the instructions they gave in the programme and said: “Your instructions are only for the well-off people, but the less privileged cannot benefit [from your instructions]. Are you asking them not to take fufu and okra soup and jollof? Or do you guide them as to the quantity of the food they should take every day so they do not become obese?” Huzooraa then said feedback of the programme should be sought, even if the programme was new, “So that you will know if people like your programme or not. If you are asking them to take less food or nutritional food that is not even available to most of the [less privileged] people, then they will ask, ‘What kind of programming are you doing?’” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then said, “Anyway, you should continue with this programme; I am not discouraging you!” Saeeda Yawson Sahiba, a volunteer with the Lajna production department, introduced herself. Huzooraa asked about her father and went on to say, “You were a very small child when I was there [in Ghana].” At the end, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Ghana studio is doing very well, but

I want that this should be the best studio and channel in Ghana in particular and in Africa in general. So, you should make your programmes according to that.” While talking about viewership and responding to a statement made by one of the members that a lot of Ghanaians were watching MTA, Huzooraa said: “Do you have the data? Only to say a lot of Ghanaians are watching is not enough. You should do some research and find out how many Ghanaians are watching our television and which of the programmes they like, so that you can give more emphasis on that programme. And what type of programmes do they need? We have to do all this research.” Ahmad Mensah Sahib asked Huzooraa for the solution to the youth watching other channels more than MTA due to entertainment. He asked what type of programmes should be produced to draw their attention to MTA. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa responded by saying: “Now, people are becoming materialists. So, obviously they will go to other entertainment channels where they see music and dancing etc. which we cannot do. We should present some good programmes, so they are attracted by these programmes. And you should even do some research, make a questionnaire and distribute it to the different areas, in different pockets, in different cities and [to] different people from different backgrounds, so that you know what people want from you with regard to your religious programmes or the contemporary issues programmes. So, you can make them according to that. “Although we cannot produce or show music or dancing programmes, we can show some other programmes which are of their interest. But for that, you will have to do some research. Make a team in different areas, different cities, different types of people; if you get information from those people, then you will know what to do.” At this, Huzooraa said the time was over and said, “Next time, you should try to better your sound quality”. Huzooraa then remarked that Umer Safir Sahib (Director MTA Africa) was also present and asked him if he would like to say anything. Umer Sahib said that that was all and thanked Huzooraa for the meeting and that there were some members in the control room who, if Huzooraa permitted, would like to say their salaam to Huzooraa. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa accepted and asked if the camera would turn to them or they would come out. Umer Sahib said they would be called out. Thereafter the head of production, the head of IT, the stores’ manager, a member who worked in the post-production department and a camera operator had the opportunity to meet with Huzooraa and introduce themselves. Huzooraa asked each member their names and about their roles. At this, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the meeting ended. (Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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Continued from page 1

prayers before you start the second khutba.” A Nasirat member asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa if it was permissible for a woman to slaughter an animal. Huzooraa said: “Yes, you can. If you have the courage to slaughter an animal, you can do it. No problem […] You should use a very sharp knife and then use your full force so that the animal does not suffer pain. Immediately, just slaughter it in one go.” A Nasirat member then asked Huzooraa how one can balance school studies and Islamic studies such as tasks assigned to Nasirat. She added that sometimes, it proved to be difficult to do both tasks together whilst also maintaining the quality of work. Answering this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “You should give most of your time to your studies at school and just spend one hour; or even half an hour is enough for you to study the Nasirat course or any of the Islamic religious book […] “When you come home [from school] then do your homework, spend two hours, or two and a half hours, or even three hours, whichever time is necessary for your homework to be completed. Then, spend at least half an hour to one hour to do your religious studies and that is enough, and you can easily do it; that can do justice to both – Islamic studies and your studies at school.” Following this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was asked what dish he usually eats for sahoor and iftar during Ramadan. Answering this, Huzooraa said:

“Whatever I usually have for breakfast, I eat that in sehri and what I usually have for dinner, I eat in iftar. As it is sunnah to eat dates, I [open my fast] with a date. In contrast to what many people do, I do not eat pakora, samosa, chaat etc. as these are counterproductive and cause people to feel lazy after iftari and to struggle waking up in the morning. Keep your routine the same. In this way, you will enjoy sehri […] “Some people increase their spendings unnecessarily and also compromise the health of their stomach […] The money you save from avoiding these lavish types of iftari can be given to a charity.” A member of Nasirat asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for the meaning of the hadith in which it states that the world is a prison for a believer and Paradise for the disbeliever. She further asked whether it meant a person was not righteous if they fulfilled all the religious duties and still found pleasure in worldly affairs. Answering this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained: “[…] it means that [a religious person] does not like the worldly things more than the religious teachings and religious practices and [fulfilling] religious dues. If you are discharging your duties towards your religion; you are offering five daily prayers with full concentration; you are doing justice to your prayers; you are praying istighfar; remembering Allah Almighty during the day and you are not doing bad deeds; and then if, at the same time, you are doing your own job and working somewhere, and getting enough money and you are doing a lucrative job where you get enough money, then although you are earning money and you are enjoying the worldly things as well – you are using your

car; you are wearing good clothes and living in a good house – these are things which are necessary for today’s life and they give you comfort and ease and you can enjoy them.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added: “You should not go after only these worldly things and forget Allah the Almighty. If you remember Allah and achieve all these things and use them for the betterment of your life, for your children, for your family, then you can do it. It only means that those people who think, ‘This world is the only place we have to live in and we should forget about our duties we owe to Allah Almighty’, then it becomes a hell for them. Although, in their eyes, it becomes a Paradise for them, but in the eyes of Allah Almighty, it is not good […] “So you can enjoy all these worldly things, but at the same time, discharge your duties towards the Almighty Allah and follow all the commandments which Allah has given.” Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked if such a person could still be considered an Ahmadi who says they believe in Ahmadiyyat but have not yet done bai‘at. Answering this, Huzooraa said: “If one says that they believe in Ahmadiyyat but do not do bai‘at, it means they are trying to avoid the actual condition of joining the Jamaat. The Promised Messiahas has asked that a person who believes in him should do bai‘at so that they become a part and parcel of the Jamaat and come into the fold of the Jamaat.” Huzooraa added: “Bai‘at is necessary because it is written in the Quran that the Holy Prophetsa used to take bai‘at. And then, after that, the Promised Messiahas also started taking

bai‘at […] I have given a series of sermons, discourses and addresses with regard to the conditions of bai‘at. You should read my book on the conditions of bai‘at.” Upon being asked what the best argument is to prove the existence of God, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “You can tell them about the acceptance of your prayers. Have any of your prayers been accepted by Allah the Almighty?” The girl who asked the question replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa then said: “Tell them, ‘I prayed to Allah Almighty and He accepted my prayer. That shows that Allah does exist.’ You should also read the book, Our God […] you can find so many proofs in it about the existence of God. And then, you should also read Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra book, Ten Proofs for the Existence of God; that will also help you. “So, there are so many points. But the main thing is that you show your own example, that ‘I am a believer, I believe in God and when I prayed to Allah, Allah accepted my prayers and that strengthened my faith in Him.’” Following this, a Nasirat member asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa if wearing a scarf was compulsory in an all-girls school. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa replied by saying: “When you are in school, it is not necessary to wear a scarf. But when you are outside the school, when you are going to and coming from school, then, on the way, you should wear a scarf. If all of your teachers are ladies, then there is no need to wear a scarf […] if they ask you why you wear a scarf, you can tell them that the basis of our teaching is modesty.” Following this, Huzooraa was asked how one should deal with high school stress and

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

what effective ways of studying should be adopted by students. Providing an answer, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “If you have the habit of doing your homework and studying in advance for your coming lecture, then it should not give you much stress. And then, also pray to Allah the Almighty. During your prayers, you should also pray to Allah Almighty that Allah makes this easy you: ۡ for ۡ ‫َر ِ ّب ِزدنِ ۡی عِ ل ًما‬ “[O my Lord, increase me in knowledge] and: ۡ َۡ ۡ ‫ َو ی َ ّ ِس ۡر ل ۡ ِۤی ام ِر ۡی‬- ‫َر ِ ّب اش َر ۡح ل ِۡی َصد ِر ۡی‬ “[My Lord, open out for me my bosom, And ease for me my task]; so you can say these prayers. Even if you don’t remember these, then in your five daily prayers you can pray to Allah the Almighty. Then Allah will make it easy for you and alleviate any stress and you will be able to learn and do your studies.” A young girl asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa why Allah did not forbid the consumption of alcohol before the advent of Islam as it is known to be harmful.

Responding to the questioner, Huzooraa said that even at that time, when drinking was common, there were some people who refrained from consuming alcohol. Huzooraa said: “Islam is the perfect religion and even before Islam – even in Mecca where people used to drink alcohol without any restriction and whenever they liked; even when they would get drunk to the extent that they would always fight with each other – even then, there were people who did not like alcohol. So that means people used to think, at the time, even before Islam that alcohol is not good. This is why they never used it. “It was not only the Holy Prophetsa who never tasted alcohol. There were quite a number of people, even in Mecca, where there were no restrictions on drinking alcohol or doing all these bad things, and they didn’t comsume it. So it means there was a concept, before Islam even, of alcohol as not a good thing and [as something that] could harm you.” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked

how one could explain to a non-Muslim that burying a dead body was more respectful than cremation. Huzooraa said: “There are traditions in each and every religion; Hindus cremate their dead bodies and even Christians now do the same thing. But the best way of giving respect to the dead body is that you cover it in a cloth and put it in a coffin and then bury it under the ground and then put a gravestone on it so that you remember it. This is the best way, instead of destroying the body or burning it.” Explaining this further, Huzooraa said: “This is why we have adopted this tradition, and this is the best way which, from the very early ages, people used to follow […] There are some other religions, like Hindus, who, for centuries, have been cremating their bodies. Every religion has their own way of giving respect to their dead bodies and this is the way Islam says that we should adopt.” Upon being asked about Allah’s attributes of Al-Rahim (the Merciful) and

Al-Adl (the Just) Huzooraa said: “Allah the Almighty is Ever Merciful and His mercy encompasses everything […] You must remember that the attribute of Rahmaniyat encompasses every other attribute.” Huzooraa further expounded: “Adl, for Allah Almighty, does not mean that He will do justice. He will see what best thing He can do for the people and when He feels that He should have mercy on people, then He will cover them with His mercy. And then if He feels a person should be punished as he has done so many wrong things, then He will decide to send him to Hell.” As the class drew to a close, Sadr Sahiba gave an update with regard to the flood and rainfall in Australia. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam and the class came to a close. (Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Women as nation builders: An interfaith symposium in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent To celebrate International Women’s Day, Lajna Imaillah Prairie region, Canada organised an all-women virtual interfaith symposium on 6 March 2021. The topic of the symposium was “Women as Nation Builders”. Prairie region comprises of three adjacent provinces of Canada; Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta with more than eight Ahmadiyya chapters. Ladies of diverse faiths and backgrounds including dignitaries, politicians, councilors and university professors attended. Advertisement campaigns on various radio and TV stations conveyed introductions of the Jamaat and invitations to the symposium to a potential 100,000 plus audience. The symposium sought to showcase a united front in support of women as nation builders. The goal was to reflect the vital contributions of women at every stage of life and every background in establishing peace, love and tolerance in society and presenting women’s role as nation builders across various faiths. The symposium website introduced the objective as: “We believe that mutual exploration and a deeper understanding of what beliefs motivate us, will help dispel misconceptions and allow us to learn and draw strength and support from each other, uniting us in our common goal of not just surviving but achieving lasting success.” Symposium moderators were Shazia Rehman Sahiba and Maham Anna Malik Sahiba, regional outreach coordinator Lajna Prairie region and media correspondent Lajna Prairie region, respectively. The event commenced with a recitation

and translation of the Holy Quran. A documentary highlighting community projects of Lajna Imaillah and work done over the last few months was shown. Activities featured included donations to food banks, sewing and distributing face masks, offering pick and drops for grocery and medication, supporting the bereaved with regular calls, delivering handmade letters and baked treats, wellness checks, toy drives and winter clothing donations. Various social media campaigns undertaken by Lajna were also featured including #UnitedInIsolation #HealthyUpTheIsolation #GreenUpTheIsolation and #SewUpTheIsolation. A presentation on “Virgin Mary in the Holy Quran” highlighted the status of Hazrat Maryamas in the Holy Quran. It was also narrated that the Holy Quran does not comment about the physical appearance of any woman mentioned therein; rather, it focuses on their spiritual characteristics and nearness to Allah. Four speakers delivered presentations on the symposium’s topic from their faith perspective. Gurmit Kaur Sarpal, a nurse and founder of Royal Women Cultural Association, said: “Sikhism teaches about interrelation and interdependence. Men and women have equal responsibilities in building the country. When a woman falls, a generation falls”. Dr Brenda Anderson, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Regina, elucidated the Christian perspective by promoting “interreligious dialogue and interfaith harmony”. She highlighted the importance of breaking ignorance around present-day inter-generational issues,

emphasised recognising the worth of everyone within the community regardless of age or circumstances, and recognising all are precious in God’s sight. Dr Lillian Gadwa-Crier, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, presented the Cree Way’s perspective and said: “As an indigenous Knowledge Keeper, teaching traditional language helps strengthen cultural identity. I strive to promote Cree language in our school system, and it is imperative we protect, retain and strengthen our pimatisowin – the good life – whether it be in education and/or upholding our traditional beliefs and wear.” Dr Fozia Zakaria, a family physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, presented the Islamic perspective. Citing Quranic and historical references, she explained the role and responsibilities of Muslim women in raising, shaping and delivering future generations of moral and successful nation builders. She highlighted the sanctity of the family institution in Islam which is the pivotal unit of any society. Attendees generally thanked and praised contributions of Ahmadi women towards their communities. A selection given below: Honorable Whitney Issik, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Alberta, said: “At the end of the day we all share genuine desire as common goal to make the world a better place. We all have strength that we can bring to the role of being a leader. By having diverse perspectives on an issue, we can make better decisions and help improve the life of all of our citizens.” Honorable Erika Ritchie, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Saskatchewan, expressed: “What a wonderful afternoon of learning

and hearing wisdom of women from various faith backgrounds. I can’t say enough about how important our faith communities can be in providing us with the support, strength and wisdom to be representatives in our communities. I have benefited greatly from this event.” Heather McPherson, Member Parliament for Alberta, stated: “Very professional and wonderfully put together presentations […] Thank you for the work that you are doing; today is so important to bring equality for women and to also make a path for those who come after us.” Councilor Lorelee Marin, City of Lloydminster, Alberta, said: “As we celebrate Women as Nation Builders, together we create connections that will help us reach greater understanding to strengthen our families and our communities. As we spend time together today, we start to build trust in this diverse and inclusive society.” The audience was also engaged in an interactive quiz on the presentations given in the event. More than 60 attendees participated and the result reflected excellent contents retention. Exhibitions included images of the Holy Quran with its translation in more than 200 languages. In addition, books of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa were also included in the exhibition. The concluding remarks were given by Sadr Lajna Imaillah Canada, Amatus Salam Malik Sahiba. She thanked all speakers, dignitaries and attendees for making the event successful. The symposium ended with silent prayer, with an estimated attendance of 500.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

First Ahmadi Muslim mosque in Niger’s Doutchi region

Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger had the opportunity to build and inaugurate a mosque in Gobornchi village of the Dongondoutchi region, alhamdulillah. The urban community of Dongondoutchi, also known as Doutchi, is in Niger, about 300 km east of the capital Niamey and 40 km from the Nigerian border. It lies on the national route.

The construction of this mosque was started in December 2020. Regional missionary, Zohaib Athar Sahib supervised the construction of the mosque. The Jamaat members regularly participated in the construction of the mosque and helped to save more than 500 dollars through various activities, and the construction of a beautiful mosque was completed at a very low cost, in a very short period. The inauguration of this mosque took place on 29 January 2021 on the blessed

day of Friday. On this occasion of the inauguration ceremony, Asad Majeeb Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger, Jebo Tchemago Sahib, Naib Amir Jamaat Niger and Mamun Bello Sahib, Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid left early in the morning as the central delegation and reached Gobornchi. Prior to the inauguration ceremony, the amin ceremony of more than 30 children of jamaat Gobornchi was organised by Zohaib Athar Sahib, the regional missionary.

At the end, Amir Sahib also distributed prizes among all the children so that the spirit of competition could be created and other children of the Jamaat could also be attracted to learn and read the Holy Quran. The inauguration programme was presided by Amir Jamaat Niger. Many Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis participated in this blessed programme, which included nearby village chiefs, mayor of Doutchi, representative of Chief Canton Doutchi and five presidents of nearby Ahmadi Muslim jamaats. After dua (silent prayer), people entered the mosque and the first voice of “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” was raised from this beautiful mosque, after which Amir Sahib delivered the Friday sermon. Considering the presence of nonAhmadi guests, he spoke on the advent of the Promised Messiahas and his signs, and clearly mentioned his true status as described by Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophetsa. Furthermore, he described the basic beliefs of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. After the Friday prayer, various authorities appreciated the efforts of the Jamaat, thanked the Jamaat and some senior imams and chiefs of other villages also expressed their views. Later, the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was broadcast live on TV in the mosque through MTA. The mosque can accommodate approximately 100 worshippers and is equipped with a solar power system, sound system, complete MTA setup and a large number of new mats. The MTA setup, the solar panel, the sound system and new mats were donated by the family of regional missionary, Zohaib Athar Sahib. May Allah bless them for participating generously in this blessed cause. May Allah the Almighty, reward those who have spent their time and money in the construction of this mosque and make this mosque a means of conveying the message of the Promised Messiahas and a centre of preaching for this region in the future. Amin.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Answers to everyday issues Part XI Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given at various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

‘Talaq that is pronounced in one sitting cannot be considered final and absolute. It is necessary to issue the talaq over a period of three menstrual cycles. ‘Although jurists have considered the talaq that is issued three times in one sitting as valid, but with the following provision; should the husband want to go back after the completion of the iddah period, then his wife may perform another nikah with him or she is also allowed to marry a different man.’ (Malfuzat [published

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

Reading a portion of the Holy Quran in addition to Surah al-Fatihah in the third and fourth rak‘ah of the sunnah prayers Someone asked for guidance on reading a portion of the Holy Quran in addition to Surah al-Fatihah in the third and fourth rak‘ah of the sunnah prayers. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in a letter dated 14 March 2019, gave the following reply: “We find clear statements in the ahadith in favour of reading a portion of the Holy Quran in addition to Surah al-Fatihah in the first two rak‘ahs of the fardh prayers. However, we find no such statement at all in ahadith, especially in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which would make it compulsory to read a portion of the Holy Quran in addition to Surah al-Fatihah in all four rak‘ahs of the sunnah prayers. “Jurists differ on this issue. Hence, followers of the Maliki and Hanbali schools read a portion of the Holy Quran in addition to Surah al-Fatihah in all of the rak‘ahs of the sunnah prayers, while those who follow the Hanafi and Shafi‘i orders do not read any portion of the Holy Quran in addition to Surah al-Fatihah in the third and fourth rak‘ah. “According to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, as far as this issue is concerned, there is no difference between fardh and sunnah prayers: Just as a portion of the Holy Quran is recited in addition to Surah al-Fatihah only in the first two rak‘ahs of the fardh prayers, so too will a portion of the Holy Quran be recited in addition to Surah al-Fatihah only in the first two rak‘ahs of the sunnah prayers. Surah alFatihah alone should suffice in the third and fourth rak‘ah. And that is my position too.”

Application of Islamic punishments in modern times Someone mentioned a recent enforcement of the punishment by stoning [rajm] in a country and asked Huzooraa whether such a punishment could be meted out even in

2016], Vol. V, p. 17)

the current age. In his letter dated 14 March 2019, Huzooraa gave the following answer to this question: “The teachings of Islam, including those on punishments, are not specific to any age or country but are universal and permanent. Nevertheless, in regard to Islamic punishments, one should always remember that there are generally two degrees to them; a severe punishment and a relatively moderate punishment. “The main purpose of these punishments is to prevent evil and to serve as an admonition for others. Therefore, if adultery or fornication is committed by mutual consent and it is proven by the Islamic method of witnessing, then the concerning parties are sentenced to a hundred lashes. “However, in the case of rape which is of an extremely barbaric nature, or if a rapist has committed this heinous act by abusing young children, then the punishment for such a rapist cannot be merely a hundred floggings. Such a culprit can also be given the extreme punishment such as killing and stoning according to the teachings mentioned in Surah alMaidah, verse 34 and Surah al-Ahzab, verses 61-63 of the Holy Quran. However, the right to mete out these punishments is given to the ruling government of the time. The teaching has merely given them

an option in general.”

The procedure of talaq (divorce) Huzoor-e-Anwaraa was asked about the “triple talaq” (i.e. the declaration of talaq repeated three times in one sitting), about the validity of a talaq issued while being angry and about the issue of witnesses of a talaq. In his letter dated 1 June 2019, Huzooraa gave the following answer to these questions: “If a man divorces his wife whilst being fully conscious, whether verbally or as a written statement, the divorce becomes effective in both the cases. However, a talaq pronounced three times in one sitting is considered as only one divorce. “There is an incident of Hazrat Rukana bin Abd-i Yazid mentioned in the books of hadith. He issued a talaq to his wife three times in one sitting, which he later regretted. When the matter was put before the Holy Prophetsa, he said that a talaq issued in this manner counts only as one talaq and that he could go back to her if he so desired. So, he withdrew his talaq and later issued a second talaq to that wife during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra and a third one during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra. (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Talaq, Baab

“Moreover, when a man divorces his wife, he takes this step out of anger at her behaviour that he considers unbearable and futile. No man would divorce his wife while being happy with her. Therefore, a divorce issued in such a state of indignation will also be effective. However, if the person was raging to such an extent that he was in a state of insanity and he hastily divorced his wife without considering the consequences, but became remorseful once the state of madness subsided and he finally realised his mistake, then for this kind of situation, the Holy Quran has said:

ُ َ ُُ ُ ۡ َّ ّٰ ُ ُ ‫لَا یُ َؤا ِخذک ُم الل ُہ ِباللغ ِو فِ ۡۤی ایۡ َمانِک ۡم َو لٰ ِک ۡن ّی َؤا ِخذک ۡم ِب َما‬ ُ ُُ َ ُ َ ّٰ ‫ک َس َب ۡت قلوۡبُک ۡم ؕ َو الل ُہ غفوۡ ٌر َح ِل ۡی ٌم‬

‘Allah will not call you to account for such of your oaths as are vain, but He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Forbearing.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.226) “As far as the issue of witnesses for divorce is concerned, it is to make it easier to decide in the event of a dispute. However, if both the spouses agree with the divorce going ahead and there is no disagreement between them, then such a divorce will be considered effective even without witnesses. Therefore, having witnesses for the divorce is mustahab i.e. preferable but not compulsory. Where the Holy Quran mentions witnesses in the matter of divorce and remarriage, it has declared it an ‘advice’. The Holy Quran states:

ُ ََ َ َ َۡ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ‫ف ِاذا بَلغ َن ا َجل ُہ َّن فا ۡم ِسکوۡ ُہ َّن ِب َم ۡعرُ ۡو ٍف ا ۡو فارِقوۡ ُہ ّن‬ ّٰ َ َ َ َّ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ّ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ َ fil battah) ‫ِبمعرو ٍف و اش ِہدوا ذوی عد ٍل ِمنکم و اقِیموا الشہ‬ ؕ ‫ادۃ لِل ِہ‬ َّ َّ ۡ َ َ ٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ ّٰ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َ ُ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ٰ “The Promised Messiahas says in this ‫ذل ِکم یوعظ ِب ٖہ من کان یؤ ِمن ِبالل ِہ و الیو ِم الا ِخ ِر ؕ۬ و من یت ِق‬ regard:

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

ۡ َّ ّٰ ‫الل َہ یَ ۡج َع ۡل ل ٗہ َمخ َر ًجا‬ ‘Then, when they are about to reach their [prescribed] term, keep them with kindness, or put them away with kindness, and call to witness two just persons from among you; and bear [true] witness for Allah. This is by which is admonished he who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And he who fears Allah – He will make for him a way out.’ (Surah al-Talaq, Ch.65: V.3) Therefore, the Four Jurists also agree that if a person divorces their spouse or, [if legally permitted], returns to the same spouse without having witnesses, their divorce or coming back together will not be affected by the lack of witnesses.”

Proclaiming the words “Sadaqallahul-Azeem” after reciting the Holy Quran Someone presented his viewpoint on proclaiming the words “Sadaqallah-ulAzeem” after reciting the Holy Quran and requested Huzooraa for guidance. In his letter dated 11 June 2019, Huzooraa gave the following reply: “I had research conducted on this matter. Scholars hold two positions on it. Its proponents have found a way to justify it by arguing from some Quranic verses and ahadith. “In my view, there is nothing wrong with someone proclaiming these words after reciting the Holy Quran because there is certainly nothing inherently wrong in these words; rather, the truth of the Word of God is being confirmed. However, repeating these words as a ritual without knowing their meaning would be considered a meaningless act.”

Travelling while fasting Someone presented selected extracts from the sayings of the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra regarding leave from fasting in Ramadan for travellers and asked Huzooraa for guidance on how the various sayings could be reconciled. Huzooraa, in his letter dated 11 June 2019, gave the following answer to this question: “There is no contradiction between the two types of sayings quoted in your letter. In light of the clear command of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra have said that the traveller and the sick should not fast. And if a person fasts while he is sick or on a journey, he disobeys the clear commandment of God Almighty. “As far as this saying of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra is concerned that, ‘There is travel during fasting. There is no fasting during travel’, if the entire sermon is studied carefully, it becomes obvious that by giving various examples, Huzoorra is, in fact, explaining that fasting is forbidden by the Shariah during a journey that is made with the intention of travelling and for which regular preparations are undertaken by preparing the luggage, even if it is a short journey. However, a journey that is made as part of a trip for enjoyment or excursion will not be considered as “travelling” for the purposes of fasting and one would fast during it.

“Huzoor’sra other statements on the issue of fasting during travel support this understanding of his statement.”

Announcement of nikah and mahr Huzooraa was asked whether a bride could proclaim her agreement herself on the occasion of her nikah and whether it was necessary to proclaim the amount of mahr on the occasion of the announcement of nikah. Huzooraa, in his letter dated 22 July 2019, gave the following answer. “In the Holy Quran, where Allah the Exalted has commanded Muslim men to marry believing women and Muslim women to marry believing men, He has used different words for both men and women. Hence, addressing the men, He states:

ٰ ۡ ۡ َۡ ‫َو لَا تن ِک ُحوا ال ُمش ِرک ِت‬

‘And marry not idolatrous women.’ [Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, V. 222]

“And, addressing the women, He states:

ُۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ‫َو لَا تن ِک ُحوا ال ُمش ِرک ِی َن‬

‘And give not [believing women] in marriage to idolaters.’ [Ibid] “In other words, in this verse, Allah the Exalted has placed the responsibility of arranging the nikah of the women on their guardians [wali]. That is why on the occasion of the announcement of nikah, the wali responds on behalf of the girl. The Promised Messiahas draws our attention to this matter and says: ‘A woman is not permitted to annul the nikah directly, just as she is not permitted to arrange the nikah directly. She can

have her marriage annulled through the ruler of the time and she can get married through a wali.’ (Arya Dharam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, p. 37)

“Thus, a wali would fulfil the responsibility of responding on behalf of the girl on the occasion of the announcement of nikah and that is the tradition of the Jamaat. “As far as mentioning the amount of mahr on the occasion of the announcement of nikah is concerned, it is not compulsory because according to the injunctions of the Holy Quran, nikah can take place even without first settling the dowry, as it is said:

ّ ُ ۡ َّ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ُ َ ُ َۡ َ ُ َ َ ‫الن َس‬ ‫ٓاء َما ل َ ۡم ت َم ّسوۡ ُہ َّن ا ۡو تف ِرضوۡا‬ ‫لا جن‬ ِ ‫اح َعل ۡیک ۡم ِان طلقت ُم‬ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ٗ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َّ ُ ۡ ُ ّ َ َّ ً َ ۡ َ َّ ُ َ ِ‫لہن ف ِریضۃ ۖۚ و م ِتعوہن ۚ علی المو ِس ِع قدرہ و علی المقتِر‬ ۡ َ ًّ ۡ ًۢ َ َ ٗ ُ َ َ ۡ ‫اعا ِبال َم ۡعرُ ۡو ِف ۚ َحقا َعلی ال ُم ۡح ِس ِنی َن‬ ‫قدرہ ۚ مت‬

‘It shall be no sin for you if you divorce women while you have not touched them, nor settled for them a dowry. But provide for them – the rich man according to his means and the poor man according to his means – a provision in a becoming manner, an obligation upon the virtuous.’” (Surah al-Baqarah: Ch.2, V.237)

Quran burning in Sweden and our responsibilities The virtual mulaqat of the national amila of Sweden with Huzoor-e-Anwaraa was held on 29 August 2020. While condemning the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by an anti-Islam group in Sweden, which took place a day before, Huzooraa reflected on the reasons behind it and gave guidance on how an Ahmadi Muslim ought to react to it. Huzooraa said: “I heard that some riots took place

there last night. Did this have any impact on your town or area?” Upon the reply of Amir Sahib Sweden, that the riots had taken place overnight and that the situation had improved by the grace of Allah the Exalted, Huzooraa said: “You must remove these misconceptions about Islam. Although, the police did not allow the person, who came forward and declared that he would burn the Quran, to do so, they still gave him the right to appeal against the decision, and some of his followers or members of his group went ahead and burned the Quran in a park last night. “The reason why this is happening is that they do not know the true teaching of Islam and the Holy Quran. Moreover, due to the actions of some terrorists amongst the Muslims, these people get the impression that this might actually be written in the Quran. They try to grab on to one verse that instructs the believers to do “qitaal” or to fight, whereas they overlook the rest of the verses which explain the circumstances or context enabling this permission. “So, these people should be made aware of these teachings, and you should make your plans to propagate the true teachings in accordance with this.”

How to do tabligh during the coronavirus pandemic? During the same mulaqat, on the question of how to do tabligh under the current situation of the world due to the coronavirus, Huzooraa said: “Many avenues of online tabligh have opened up through WhatsApp and other Continued on page 11

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 26 March - 1 April In this, the fourth year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed era of the Third Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh (1965-1982) laid the foundation stone for this block. The construction of this magniﬁcent building roughly cost 150,000 rupees.

objectives of building the house of Allah. This series of sermons continued until 16 June.

28 March 1969: The annual Shura gathering was held which continued until 30 March.

To read the sermons, please see: www. alislam.org/book/great-objectivesbuilding-house-allah/

28 March 1972: Jamia Ahmadiyya’s annual speech competition was held between 28-30 March. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh graciously distributed prizes to position-holders and then blessed the occasion with an enlightening address.

31 March 1968: On this day, the Talim-ul Islam College prize distribution ceremony was held. Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Mazharra delivered a speech on this occasion. Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad

28 March 1980: On this date, the Jamaat’s 61st Majlis-e-Shura was held. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered the concluding address and announced the prizes for those students who received positions in their education. Huzoorrh said that every student, before sitting exams, should write him a letter. Huzoorrh added that he would pray for those students and reply to their letters. 28 March 1981: The annual Ijtema of Majlis Ansarullah, Rabwah was held.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh at the opening of Masjid Aqsa

26 March 1971: The Jamaat’s annual Majlis-e-Shura (consultative meeting) was held which continued until 28 March. The meeting took place in Aiwan-e-Mahmood and was attended by 500 delegates. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh presided over four meetings during the three days and provided valuable advice. For example, Huzoorrh advised, “Not only is blindly following the West harmful for us, but blindly following the East is also harmful.” 26 March 1976: The 57th Majlis-e-Shura was held. The number of delegates in attendance was 564. In the last meeting, a historic resolution was passed regarding the compilation of Fiqh-e-Ahmadiyya. 26 March 1977: An exhibition of the Holy Quran and Jamaat literature was organised in Japan. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, then serving as a missionary of Japan, reported in Al Fazl that a very successful exhibition of Islamic literature was organised

by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Japan on 26 March 1977. This exhibition showcased translations of the Holy Quran in more than 15 languages along with various other Islamic books, newspapers and magazines. It was the ﬁrst exhibition of its kind in Japan. Many researchers, professors and journalists of Japan, and ambassadors and students of other countries showed great interest. 26 March 1979: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Rabwah’s annual speech competition was held. Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib Zafar, then amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, distributed awards to position-holders. 27 March 1970: A Shura was held, which continued until 29 March. 27 March 1972: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh inaugurated the Science Block of Jamia Nusrat Rabwah. Huzoorrh delivered a speech and provided guidance and instructions on various matters. Earlier, on 8 March 1970, Huzoor had rh

29 March 1981: The 15th annual Ijtema of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia, which lasted for three days, concluded. 30 March 1973: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered a Friday sermon on the Holy Prophetsa and his status of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin. This sermon was later published and widely distributed throughout the country. 30 March 1977: A conference on the world’s religions and philosophies was held in Madras, India which continued until 15 April. For this conference, extensive arrangements were made for the introduction of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya and distribution of literature. 30 March 1979: The 60th Majlis-eShura was held. This event continued until 2 April and was attended by representatives from six countries. 30 March 1981: The ﬁrst-ever AllPakistan Lajna Athletics Tournament was held, which continued for two days. 31 March 1967: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh started a series of Friday sermons, highlighting and explaining 23 great

Ahmad Mazharra

31 March 1972: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh inaugurated Masjid Aqsa Rabwah by leading the Friday prayer. This mosque was built on an area of 70,000 square feet; by the time of its inauguration, the total cost amounted to 1.5 million rupees, which was donated by a sincere Ahmadi, Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq Sahib of Kolkata, who did not want his name to be revealed during his life. 31 March 1972: On this date, the annual Shura was held. In the opening address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh stated that the previous year marked a new turning point in world politics while a third major power, China, was emerging in the world.

Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq Sahib

Huzoorrh said that due to this, the grouping of major powers in the world was shifting and affecting the political and economic climate around the world. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said that the coming 20-25 years were incredibly signiﬁcant, yet they posed great dangers to the Jamaat. Huzoorrh then urged the Jamaat to offer special prayers in light of this.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 Continued from page 9

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivering a speech at an Ansarullah Ijtema, Rabwah

31 March 1973: During the annual Shura, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh started a tahrik (scheme) for cyclists. 600 guests attended the Shura and for the ﬁrst time, 95 cyclists came from Lahore, Sialkot and Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) to help with arrangements. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh also awarded Sheikh Abdul Qadir Sahib of Lyallpur, a researcher of Christianity, and Qureshi Muhammad Asadullah Sahib, both of whom gained positions in an essay writing competition. 31 March 1977: Prof Syed Akhtar Ahmad Sahib passed away in Patna, India. He was the president of the Urdu department at Patna University. He was born in a sincere and religious family which served the Jamaat in many capacities.

31 March 1978: On this date, the Jamaat held its 59th Shura. 1 April 1972: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib, an eminent jurist of Pakistan and India, and a well-known servant of the Jamaat, passed away. He greatly served in the strive against the Shuddhi movement and also had the opportunity to serve the All-India Kashmir Committee, the Boundary Commission, and as the president of the National League. It was his house at Temple Road, Lahore where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was divinely informed that he is the Musleh-e-Maud. 1 April 1977: The Jamaat held its 58th Majlis-e-Shura. 1 April 1979: A mosque was opened in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Aiwan-e-Mahmud, Rabwah

social media platforms. Try to identify the questions and the issues that are concerning people and are being raised. “There are various websites which you should use to tell people that they should be more inclined towards God in these circumstances. They should come closer to God and try to recognise Him instead of adopting atheism, forsaking God Almighty and developing the impression that God Almighty did not exist nor answered prayers and everything around us in the material world was the only reality. “You must be inclined towards God if you wish to save the world because another crisis will arise in the aftermath of the current crises with the gradual shattering of the economy and that is the crisis in which people will try to seize the assets and wealth of other nations, which will lead to wars for which blocs are formed, and have started to form already. “So, the only way to save yourself from this is to come towards God and to understand your responsibilities. At the end of the day, the world is still communicating through whatever means are available through the media. So, you should also use that same media and the same modes of communication and means applied by the people in this world. “I have spoken about various important matters and believe that you should look to act upon the things that have been discussed already. The things that I have mentioned to the national amila also apply to the relevant secretaries from the different majalis. They should bear these things in mind and act accordingly. They should devise their policy accordingly

and work in line with that. “If these activities take place at a grassroots level and if all the various departmental secretaries understand their roles and implement their duties, then the work of the national amila will become easier, and you will also start fulfilling the purpose of you being appointed an officebearer, and this is how you also become a helper to the Khalifa of the time, and you also serve the Jamaat in the correct spirit. And this is how your service is accepted in the eyes of God. “However, if you only want to clutch on to the title of an office-bearer and not do any work with that title in hand whilst setting a wrong example, not giving importance to prayers and not cooperating with each other and other departments and auxiliaries of the Jamaat, then such positions are useless and such organisation is futile. “You may deceive me and the system of the Jamaat, but you cannot deceive God Almighty. Therefore always bear in mind throughout all of your actions and discourses that God Almighty is listening and watching over everything we say and do. Therefore, we must do everything for the sake of Allah alone and we should apply all our skills and potential for this cause so that we may become an important pillar of the Jamaat and we can serve the Jamaat in the best way possible. May Allah the Almighty be your Protector and Strength.” (Translated by Aqeel Ahmed Kang, Al Hakam)

Ahmadi houses shot at in latest attacks in Peshawar Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Pakistan In recent months, four Ahmadis were killed in Peshawar in faith-based attacks. At midnight, on 11 March 2021, three Ahmadi households in Bazid Khel, Peshawar became victims of direct gun firing. Fortunately, no one was harmed in this horrific incident. An FIR of the incident was registered at the Budh Bair police station. Based on the information provided, the three households belonged to Ahmadis namely, Mr Arshad Iqbal, Mr Rooh-ulAmin and Mr Muhammad Rafiq. The spokesperson of the Ahmadiyya Community, while offering his sorrow and grief over this unfortunate incident, expressed his concerns over the increase in hate campaigns against the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan in general, and especially in Peshawar. There is also a recent increase in fatal attacks against members of the community. This is the ninth serious attack on the community in recent months. On 11 February

2021, in Bazid Khel, Peshawar, Mr Abdul Qadir, an Ahmadi who was 65, was shot dead at the doorstep of a medical centre owned by an Ahmadi. Shortly after Mr Abdul Qadir’s killing, an unprovoked hate campaign was launched against the community. On 25 February, a procession in Peshawar took place where violence against Ahmadis was promoted. The participants of the procession further threatened Ahmadis and demanded them to abandon the city of Peshawar. The spokesperson further expressed that these attacks are creating a sense of deep insecurity amongst members of the community while the Ahmadis of Peshawar are living in an atmosphere of immense fear. He demanded that perpetrators of this vicious attack should be brought to justice and that the Pakistani Government must put an end to such hate campaigns against Ahmadis.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Professor Clement Wragge’s meeting with the Promised Messiah Part II

Professor Clement Wragge: [...] The other thing I want to find about is Satan. What is Satan? How is it that God being the Master and All-Powerful, Satan was still able to have so much control to the extent that, for his reform, God had to come to this world. What is meant by this? The Promised Messiahas: […] Regarding Satan, it should be remembered that two forces have been imbedded in human nature and creation, and both [forces] oppose each other. This is so that a person is tried and tested, and, having succeeded [in the tests], becomes deserving of divine nearness. Of the two forces, one pulls towards goodness and the other to evil. The force that pulls towards goodness is called “malak” or “angel” and the force which invites to evil is called “Satan”. In other words, you can understand it like this: there are two forces which affect a person, one calls towards good and the other towards evil. In this manner, if someone does not like the words “Satan” and “angel”, they can still understand [the

concept] – no one can deny two forces are at work within humans. God Almighty never intended any evil – God only does what is good. You see, if sin did not exist in the world then good [deeds] would not have existed either. Good deeds are born from sin [and] the very existence of sin gives birth to good. If someone could commit fornication and they possessed the ability to do so too, but then abstained from it, then this action is called a good deed. If someone has the opportunities to steal or be cruel etc. and can carry these acts out, but does not do so and abstains, then they are doing a good act. To have the opportunity and capability of sinning and then not indulging in sin, is the very name of reward and good deeds. Prof Clement Wragge: There are two forces at work in the world – positive and negative. Now, if we always use the positive force and neglect the negative, then one day the negative will slowly gather force and erupt at any time: destroying the world. The same is true of good and evil. If the whole

world only does good and never commits any bad deeds, then, in the same way, evil will gather force and destroy the world. The Promised Messiahas: You see, if a person is not even able to shout, then their speaking softly will not be considered as high morals. If people remained in one condition and were not capable of any change, then good would no longer be called good. The presence of two opposites manifest goodness. If one’s state was unchangeable and humans were not given any other abilities and were always compelled to do good and could not commit evil, then how would obedience and good even exist? Allah the Almighty has, to an extent, given human beings control – they can change their state. They have the power to do good and the choice to commit evil. And so, a person will find their reward according to how they act. You see, if bad morals did not exist then how could good morals have existed? Moral depravity came into existence as soon as good morals came into existence.

A person understands bad morals and condemns them because bad morals exist. Good morals have specific definitions [too] and they are praised. If there was no picture in one’s mind of what is bad, then there would be no such thing as good morals. It is always through evil that good is distinguished. If only one way had been created, then there certainly would not have been any reward nor [God’s] pleasure. Pain and comfort, sorrow and happiness, darkness and light, bitter and sweet, poison and antidote, bad and good and sin and goodness, all come into being by the existence of its opposite. If these opposites were not created, life itself would have been very dull. If there was only one way and condition, it would have been engrained in [human] nature, and so what reason would there be for any reward and recompense? How could such a condition be a means of gaining [God’s] pleasure when all deeds committed in such a condition – that was innate in humans – would be out of compulsion, a person having no power otherwise. Remember, humans have been given free will. A person has the option to do good or bad, to do good or cruelty and to be benevolent or miserly. It is always by keeping in mind the two aspects of possible behaviours that we can form an opinion about a particular person being good or bad. The whole meaning of [human] actions is that a person is able to act otherwise. Despite having the ability to take revenge, [a person] does not and in the contrary acts kindly. But, how can a person who has not even been given a hand to punch with so that they can take revenge, say they are doing good or acting kindly by not punching [someone] back [in retaliation]?

ّٰ َ َ َۡ َ ‫ق ۡد افل َح َم ۡن زک َہا‬ ٰ َ ‫َو َق ۡد َخ‬ ‫اب َم ۡن َد ّس َہا‬

[He indeed [truly] prospers who purifies it, and he who corrupts it is ruined.] (Surah alShams, Ch.91: V.10-11)

From these holy verses, it is clear that goodness and good qualities pivot on both aspects [of being able to do good or bad]. The person who is only given one capability and not the other, possesses a mere engraving that cannot be erased. He who denies the existence of angels

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

Prof Clemet Wragge: In Christianity, it is famous that the world went astray but God then purchased it back from Satan. Is this correct?

Prof Clement Wragge: I believe the next life to be like a cloak – through it, a person transforms from one condition into another. I have a special interest in spiritualism. I want to know how the next life will be and what will happen there? The Promised Messiahas: No doubt, after this life, a new life will start. However, right now, I do not have the time to explain this matter in detail. In this life, whoever plants their seeds well, they will get a pure [afterlife]. And those who did not plant their seeds well will face difficulties and punishments. In a way, that new life Sir Harold Nicholas | Wiki Commons

and Satan is effectively denying self-evident truths and going against that which can easily be sensed or witnessed. Every day, we witness that people do good while on the other hand crimes also take place in the world, and both these forces are equally at work – not a single person can deny this. Who doesn’t feel and experience these two forces within themselves? Here, no philosophy or logic can rule otherwise since the two forces are present and each is working in its place. With regard [to your question] that if only good exists then evil will gather force and destroy the world. Regarding this, all I can say is that I have no concern with [conjectures] saying, “If this happens then that will happen, and if that happens then this will happen”. All I see is that human nature has been prepared for good actions as well as for bad actions. I do not go beyond this.

The Promised Messiahas: We do not believe in such nonsense. This is nonsense. The question should be posed to Christians. Prof Clement Wragge: Christian beliefs say Adam went from a higher state to a lower state, whereas [in reality] humans develop from lower states to higher states. The Promised Messiahas: This is not our belief, nor do we accept it [i.e. the Christian belief].

Professor Clement Wragge

remains connected to this [current] life and does not completely cut off. The world of dreams serves as an example of this. While awake, life exists, however when one falls asleep a great change occurs. I am aware of some details [regarding this topic]; however, it cannot be explained right now because this topic requires a lot of time. It cannot be explained in a few minutes. Mrs Wragge: Is it possible to talk or connect in any way with those who have passed away from this world and find out their true condition? The Promised Messiahas: This is possible – through visions a person can meet souls. However, to achieve this, taxing and immensely difficult spiritual exercises are greatly required. I have tested and experienced this myself and, at times, have met souls and conversed with them. A person can ask them about things that are beneficial and about prayers etc. I have met with the soul of Hazrat Isaas [Jesus] and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and have met some Companionsra too. I am experienced in this regard. However, the difficulty for a person [regarding meeting souls] is that until they do not carry out spiritual exercises with strict adherence to practice and the [set] rules, they cannot attain this experience. And as this [experience] cannot be achieved by everyone, for this reason, in such a person’s opinion, these matters are just stories and fantasy and possess no reality.

The human heart is the centre of extraordinary and great wonders. However, as clean and quality water is acquired through strenuous effort – the ground is dug up, the mud taken out and the area cleaned – in the same way, to access the wonders of the heart that God has instilled, great effort and struggles are needed. The point to remember is that the reality of this matter [of conversing and meeting with souls] is accepted and I have witnessed and experienced this myself. After this, Prof Clement Wragge asked the Promised Messiahas for another audience on another day because he had many more questions to ask Huzooras. In response, the Promised Messiahas, who was in his final illness, said: “These days, I am ill. I cannot endure too much effort. However, if I am well, then it is possible [to meet again].” Six days later, Prof Wragge got the blessed opportunity to meet the Promised Messiahas once more. During the meeting he continued to ask Huzooras questions, especially those relating to science and the natural world. In the coming issues of Al Hakam, we will, insha-Allah, present a translation of the meeting that took place on 18 May 1908 between the Promised Messiahas and Prof Clement Wragge. (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, pp. 359-364; translated by Al Hakam) (To be continued …)

Huzooraa visiting the grave of Prof Clement Lindley Wragge, New Zealand, 2006

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

A university with a difference: Nigeria Jamaat lays foundation of Minaret International University, Ikirun

the 100 Years celebration of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Nigeria, in Ilaro. All documentation with the National Universities Commission is ongoing while the provision for the physical infrastructure for the Minaret International University has commenced. The university will start with three faculties; humanities, sciences and education. The remaining faculties will be added gradually. This is the first university with both an Islamic and Western education model to be established by the Jamaat. Ghana had the opportunity of the establishment of a solely theology university years back. As a truly international university, it will draw academicians, researchers and students across the globe. The vision of MIU, is to pursue intellectual and moral development for creativity, entrepreneurship, adaptability and survival of our university graduates. Such a university education for the youth will be designed to promote academic excellence, moral discipline and the spirit of selfless service for the advancement of socioeconomic development, the emancipation of the people and commitment to global cooperation for development and unity of humanity. The mission is to establish a worldclass tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socioeconomic development nationally, regionally and internationally. The university will be committed to giving opportunity to all qualified candidates at home and from abroad based on merit and equity, through a work-study methodology and without any sectarian or racial discrimination. The philosophy of the university education is a wholesome one that integrates moral and academic excellence for a healthy development of the mind and body in such a manner that the graduate of our university would be of immense benefit and dignity to himself or herself, to the family, the community, the nation and humanity at large. The university education will focus on environmentally sustainable growth and development of all aspects of agriculture, energy and transportation infrastructure, water, natural resources, manufacturing and processing, management sciences, engineering, communication technology, humanities as well as scientific and technological research relevant to global development problems and challenges. In precise terms, as a wholly faith-based university, the philosophy implies the following specific principles: 1. Strict enforcement of moral discipline 2. Guarding against alcoholism and drug addiction 3. Banishment of cultism 4. Infusing theory and practice/ work approach through practical entrepreneurship training 5. Philosophy of students’ research projects 6. Sports, physical fitness and martial arts The MIU, will be guided by the following aims and objectives:

Qasim Akinreti Coordinator MTA Nigeria Studios On 9 March 2021, the serene city of Ikirun, in the progressive state of Osun was alive with teeming retinue of visitors across Nigeria and the world. The event was the foundation laying ceremony and unveiling of the Minaret International University (MIU) project sponsored by Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Nigeria and globally. The journey for the MIU began in 2016

following a resolution at the annual Shura of Jamaat Nigeria, led by the former Amir of Jamaat Nigeria, Prof Mashuud Adenrele Fasola Sahib. The Shura proposal came from the Ibadan circuit of the Jamaat; once adopted, it was presented to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during a mulaqat by the Nigerian delegation to the Jalsa UK. The initial main campus was on 600 hectares of land at Agbonbiti in Ile-Ife. But Ikirun was later considered as the

main campus, while Agbonbiti will be the satellite campus solely for the Agriculture and Farm Settlement Project. The Ikirun site was close to the Federal Government College, connected to the national grid and easily accessible from the newly constructed dual carriageway to the town. Ikirun has a railway terminus, close to Osogbo, the state capital, which equally has an airport, though not completed yet. With a federal university – Obafemi Awolowo University and a private university – Oduduwa University in Ile Ife, the Ife elites were not too keen for the MIU. The immediate former governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, now Minister of Interior, was equally passionate about the take-off of the university, he assisted the Jamaat to reduce the fee for the Certificate of Occupancy of the 530 acres. Once the sum was paid, he accelerated the process of signatory. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola participated in the Jalsa Salana of Jamaat Nigeria and supported the establishment of the university while the current governor was the chief of staff. It should be noted that the Nigerian Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, also supported the university initiative. Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, applauded the proposed university during

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AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

14th World Religions Conference in Abbotsford, British Columbia Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent Abbotsford is a city located in the province of British Columbia, adjacent to Canada– United States border, Greater Vancouver and Fraser River. With an estimated population of 141,397 it is the largest municipality in the province, outside Metro Vancouver. The metropolitan area of Abbotsford-Mission has the third highest proportion of visible minorities in Canada, after Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver Area. It is home to Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre, University of the Fraser Valley and Abbotsford International Airport. As of the 2016 census, Abbotsford is the largest municipality of Fraser Valley Regional District and the fifth-largest municipality of British Columbia. Abbotsford–Mission metropolitan area of

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1. Offering admission to various academic and professional programmes of the institution based purely on relevant well-defined and universally accepted academic and moral merits 2. Admission to undergraduate courses in various approved disciplines for all qualified candidates globally 3. Admission to graduate programmes in various approved disciplines based on welldefined qualifications for distinguished graduate students from the institution and other recognised universities and similar institutions globally 4. To provide remedial programmes for interested candidates with deficiencies towards meeting the standards required by merit for various programmes 5. Undertaking and promoting research in areas of environmental and development challenges unilaterally and in cooperation with other research institutions as well as industrial and agricultural establishments 6. Commercialising research findings through pilot projects for the benefit of small-scale enterprises, and invite

around 180,518 inhabitants, is ranked as the 23rd largest metropolitan area in Canada. It has also been named by Statistics Canada as Canada’s most generous city in terms of charitable donations for nine straight years. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya British Columbia region hosted their first World Religions Conference (WRC) in 2006. This was the year when the southern coast of Indonesia was devastated by a Tsunami. Accordingly, the topic was chosen to be “Reconciling the existence of God and human suffering”. The attendance then was over 310 and it was held in Victoria, provincial capital of British Columbia. Given the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s topic was chosen as “Where is God during Pandemic suffering?” Unlike 2006, multimedia resources were fully available to promote the event. The attendance number demonstrates how successful the promotional efforts were.

The total online viewers on YouTube were 494, with another 22 sign-ins on Zoom. An interesting fact about online conferences is that often they are watched after the event has ended. People can benefit for months to come. As of 9 March, YouTube is showing 505 watched conference. YouTube promotion reported 8,500 viewers who watched at least a 30-second segment or more of the conference recording. With this data, it is estimated anywhere between 700-900 people watched and participated in this wonderful event. The Facebook campaign garnered 3,000 views, 39 comments and 19 reactions. Similarly, Instagram had 1,221 views, 35 comments and 102 reactions. The traditional media campaign promoted the conference on Abbotsford local newspapers and radio station. Abbotsford Jamaat, British Columbia,

held the 14th World Religions Conference on 2 March 2021. The programme was virtual and started at 6 pm (local time) with a recitation from the Holy Quran. President Jamaat Abbotsford, Rizwan Peerzada Sahib welcomed everyone to the event. The event was moderated by Chief Dr Robert Joseph, OBC, OC of Gwawaenuk First Nation. Regional President British Columbia Jamaat, Naeem Ahmad Lakhan Sahib gave the opening remarks. Several dignitaries attended including: 1. Councillor Kelly Chahal, City of Abbotsford 2. Mr Jamie Vermeeren, President of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints 3. Mr Ali Mirza, RCMP Officer A total of eight faiths were represented in the conference. The respective faith speakers were as follows: 1. Bahaism: Mr Afruze Bahraini 2. Christianity (The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints): Mr Brody McDearmaid 3. Islam: Missionary Umair Khan 4. Sikhism: Ms Sukhvinder Vinning 5. Christianity (The Anglican Church): Rev Allen Doerksen 6. Judaism: Rabbi Susan Shamash 7. Hinduism: Mr Shrinath Dwivedi 8. Metaphysical: Dr Anneli Driessen All panelists spoke on the topic considering their respective faith. Attendees benefitted greatly by getting the point of view of multiple faiths in one sitting. Some of the feedback included: “Congratulations again to another successful event last night. The energy was good and everyone was supportive and respectful.” (Dr Anneli Driessen) “The conference was very informative. We appreciate Ahmadiyya Muslim Community uniting religions of world.” (Harold Rosen)

interested corporate bodies to participate in the efforts to commercialise research findings 7. Engaging in intellectual and charitable community services such as community development projects, public policy analysis, debates and career guidance and counseling for prospective university students 8. Organising academic conferences from time to time to address problems of socio-economic development and environmental challenges 9. Publications of academic journals and monographs through internal and external publishing outfits 10. Business ventures and consultancy services relevant to the competence and capacity of the human resources at the disposal of the university for the promotion of the practical and technical orientation of the university. Governor Ishaq Adegboyega Oyetola agreed with these objectives in his speech, stating that education and religion are timeless transformations of a society for a truly moral and ethical rebirth. He

appreciated the Jamaat for this great gesture at an auspicious time in the history of the state and Nigeria in general. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria pioneered Muslim missionary education in Nigeria in 1922 with the opening of the first Muslim primary school, Talim-ul-Islam Primary School Elegbata in Lagos Island, inaugurated by the late Mr Henry Carr, the then Colonial Education officer for the Lagos Colony. Thereafter, the flood gates of Islamic and Western education for teeming Nigerian Muslim children across gender, race and religion commenced, thereby laying a good educational foundation. The Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria first venture into secondary education followed in the 1950s and 1970s across the country with a special programme called “The Nusrat Jehan Scheme”. Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia profited immensely from this scheme. In Nigeria, there are over 20 secondary schools in Lagos, Ibadan, Owode, Ogbagi Akoko, Onda, Ara, Umaisha and Kano. The primary schools across the country were feeders for the secondary educational

institutions for the current and next generation of elites for Nigeria. Within this period, a wholly Islamic Missionary training College, Jamiatul Mubashireen, was established at Ilaro along Owode road in 1976. Two schools for the memorisation of the Holy Quran for boys and girls aged 9-13 years, were established in Ilaro. The current Ahmadiyya Science College in Ilaro will metamorphose into a technical college any moment from now, as a team of experts and Ahmadi engineers from London visited the Ogun State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology recently. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria was quite methodical in its approach to educational pursuits for better understanding of the religion of Islam, the humanities, science and deep knowledge of the Holy Quran. The educational institutions have produced manpower resources and generated employment for Nigerians. Minaret International University, obviously, is a great step towards a prosperous, sound and functional education for Nigerians and foreigners as well.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

A new zeal among Australia Nasirat after successful meeting with Huzoor Abida Chaudhry Sadr Lajna Imaillah Australia Amatul Malik Najam Sahiba, National Secretary Nasirat reports that the Nasiratul-Ahmadiyya (grade 1, age group 13-15) New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, had the honour to have a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 21 March 2021. Sadr Lajna Imaillah Australia wrote a letter to Huzooraa on 1 February 2021, seeking approval for a virtual mulaqat and alhamdulillah, Huzooraa granted the approval on 12 February 2021. After receiving this approval, Sadr Lajna Imaillah informed the National Secretary Nasirat, Amatul Malik Najma Sahiba. An urgent online meeting was held with all the national Nasirat team members and Nasirat secretaries of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory to assign all the tasks related to the mulaqat, such as the layout of the proposed programme, selection of material (tilawat, hadith, kalam-ul-Imam and poem), selection of Nasirat for the tasks, booking of venues, rehearsals, hall arrangements, dress code, Ziafat and many more tasks. The preparation began after forming a team and allocating all the tasks individually. A selection of Nasirat was completed on 7 March at St Mary centre after holding competitions of tilawat with Urdu and English translations, hadith with Urdu and English translations, Kalam-ulImam and nazm with English translation. After finalising the participants for the programme, rehearsal sessions commenced. The rehearsal sessions were carried out over two consecutive days during the weekdays followed by one day online on Zoom. Then two sessions were held on the weekend spanning about five to six hours. The preparations were done to get the Nasirat fully trained for this blessed event under the guidance of Sadr Sahiba, the national Nasirat team, Nasirat secretaries and MTA Australia. All the arrangements were also reviewed by the team throughout this time. The final stage of full preparations and testing was completed a day prior to the mulaqat and on the same day, a few hours before the mulaqat. The blessed day that everyone was eagerly waiting for finally arrived. All the Nasirat, the national Nasirat team and Nasirat secretaries arrived at the Khilafat Centenary Hall at Masjid Bait-ul-Huda at 5:30 pm. All the Nasirat were dressed in uniform – a white dress with a long white gown and a green scarf.

The final rehearsal was carried out with MTA Australia. Then at 7:30 pm, Maghrib and Isha prayers were offered followed by dinner. Sadr Sahiba Lajna and Secretary Nasirat were supervising and providing detailed instructions about the format, sequence, seating and order of asking questions. After dinner, Nasirat had a rehearsal with MTA International from Huzoor’saa office to test and ensure that all the technical aspects of the mulaqat were covered and thoroughly tested; the system setup included the sound clarity, hall setup and picture quality. After the testing was completed, the MTA International team advised that Huzooraa would be arriving in the next half an hour, insha-Allah. During the wait for our beloved Huzooraa, all Nasirat were encouraged to recite durood and istighfar continuously. Everyone was quiet and pin-drop silence was observed in the hall. After the mulaqat, everyone was emotional with feelings of happiness and joy because of the time that they spent with our beloved Huzooraa. Cakes and chocolates were distributed on this very special and blessed occasion. Nasirat shared their feelings and emotions before and after the class. Some impressions following the mulaqat are as follows: “At first, when the rehearsals started, the feeling was surreal and I couldn’t believe that we were about to have a whole onehour meeting with Huzooraa. Throughout the first few rehearsals, somewhere in my heart, I knew that all this hard work was going to pay off when the day of the virtual meeting came. Now, these were only the first few rehearsals. When the rehearsals with MTA began, the feeling started to kick in and I started to feel the excitement and it gradually increased. Now, during this rehearsal, although it was tiring and difficult to manage as coming from school and going to the mosque was the timetable, but the days were now being counted down. “Overall, this was a very enjoyable experience. The practices were fun to attend and it was amazing to be able to see everyone after a long time. As I was doing nazm, I had to do personal classes with senior members to perfect my nazm which also took a lot of time. This did, however, pay off as in the end it was for the purpose of meeting Huzooraa which was always a dream of mine.” “The grade one Nasirat in NSW were given the opportunity to have a virtual meeting with Huzooraa, and I and all the

other Nasirat were given this opportunity. We feel so blessed and lucky to have had this one hour to spend with Huzooraa.” “When I first heard the news about the virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa, I was in disbelief at the opportunity we were being provided. I felt so blessed and grateful that Huzooraa would give us an hour’s worth of his precious time when many living in the other states would miss out. During the rehearsals, I kept this thought in my mind and continued to try my best.” “I was nervous before the class as I was scared that I would not read the English translation of tilawat in a suitable manner in front of everyone and embarrass myself. But once the class started and we met Huzooraa, I felt relaxed because he was very kind and friendly with us.” “It was so amazing to see Huzooraa. When he started off with humour, it immediately helped the atmosphere to calm and I could see a lot of people, including myself, relax as he managed to ease people’s nervousness just by being present. His answers to the many questions enabled me to gain a better understanding of Islam and its teaching as well as the benefits of being an Ahmadi Muslim. It was a truly remarkable experience that I will never forget.” “Preparing just before the meeting with the international MTA team, there was a sense of nervousness and stress. Seeing that glimpse of Huzooraa calmed me down and when the meeting had started, all the negative feelings of being tired and nervous were gone.” “It is like I had forgotten about all the stress including the homework that was left to do for school. I had forgotten about everything except that Huzooraa was in front of me and that he was talking to us.” “There was a mixture of emotions throughout the mulaqat. At the start, I felt so calm and when the time came for the nazm, I saw our beloved Huzooraa reflect deeply on the words of the nazm, which was very moving for me. Throughout the meeting, I was so happy and just could not help but look at him and smile. The answers and words our beloved Huzooraa said just absorbed into me and it was like my soul was being reinvigorated as he was giving us advice. I could not believe that beloved Huzooraa was there right in front of me taking his time out to talk to us.” “The emotions that I was feeling at that time are indescribable and cannot be clearly expressed in words, but the meeting was overall exciting, happy, calm, nervous and an emotional experience that I will never forget; truly the meeting was an out of the

world experience.” “The meeting was a time to remember and it was also basically a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The rehearsals were worth it in the end and I wasn’t able to stop smiling when I saw Huzooraa on the screen. I think that he was very happy to see all of us and to also hear about the dam and the rain. Even now, I feel happy to have seen Huzooraa, but I am also a bit sad that the time which we had was limited and that it wasn’t longer.” “I will cherish the rehearsals as they brought everyone together and made us a tight-knit group. When the day of the mulaqat came, to see Huzooraa so worried about the floods in Sydney really brought tears to my eyes. There was something about Huzooraa sitting there that captivated everyone and not once did we feel bored. When the class finished, I couldn’t believe that the hour had passed so quickly. I felt really emotional after the class and so blessed and grateful for the opportunity when many others missed out. I will surely cherish this mulaqat as well as the long hours spent practicing, for the rest of my life.” “My emotions after the class were happiness because talking to Huzooraa was engaging and fun. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to talk to him. The whole experience and opportunity to meet him will stay with me for the rest of my life.” “I have learned so much from this experience, especially my love and personal bond with Khilafat and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.” “Before the class, I was scared and nervous but after the class, I was so sad and I wished we had more time. I am very happy Huzooraa took the time to speak to me and he called me. I will always cherish that one hour.” “The time spent in this mulaqat is the golden time of my life which I will always remember. Especially when Huzooraa called my name and I presented the tilawat’s translation in Urdu. During the mulaqat and afterwards, I felt so happy and satisfied by seeing Huzooraa. His beautiful smile is something I will always remember for the rest of my life.” “These are memorable moments of my life to see Huzooraa and the happiness and satisfaction on the faces of Nasirat after the mulaqat. It is very difficult to put my sentiments into words and I wish and pray that Allah may bring back those days again when we can meet Huzooraa in person, insha-Allah.”

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

MTA Ghana team blessed and motivated following virtual meeting with Huzoor

Hafiz Ismaeel Ahmad Adusei Co-ordinator MTA International Ghana Studios

On 20 March 2021, staff and volunteers of MTA International’s Wahab Adam Studio in Ghana, along with the Director, Umar Safir Sahib, were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat. Some impressions of the participants are as following: Hanif Bepuah Sahib, MTA representative, Kumasi, said: “I feel very spiritually awoken and alive by the humility and friendliness of our beloved Huzooraa. I can imagine that a lot is expected of us as volunteers so that MTA Ghana can make giant progress with programming. I learnt that Huzooraa has a lot of concern for us individually, but he loves Ghana particularly.” Salmana Mehmood Sahiba, a volunteer in scheduling, said: “I feel honoured and blessed to be part of this historic meeting and be able to talk to Huzooraa. It has built a new spirit of working harder in MTA. Jazakumullah.” Fatiha Arthur Sahib, Lajna Department, said: “I was very excited to meet and speak to Huzooraa for the first time and I learnt that I have to do my work well so that next time, insha-Allah, I can give a better report. It was a very educative meeting.” Saeed Fadlulahi Froko Sahib, Producer of Journey to Islam and Story Time with Kids and Presenter of Real Talk Africa, said:

“It was a blessed experience having an interaction with Huzooraa. I have always longed for such an experience and I thank God today for providing me with the opportunity of having an interaction with Huzooraa through MTA Africa. The beautiful directives and guidance he gave me were heavenly and I believe firmly that going by that, the various programmes I produce at MTA Africa will gain a lot of improvement.” Abdul Moomen Muslim Sahib, a volunteer and presenter of Inspirational Africans and Story Time for Kids, said: “It was an honour to be part of the mulaqat and to interact with Huzooraa. His Holiness was very kind, friendly and sociable with all of us. This helped to ease whatever tension we might have been feeling and made the interaction very natural. “He was kind enough to engage with everybody as we introduced ourselves and he offered useful guidance to help make our work more successful. Among other things, Huzooraa challenged us not to let Covid-19 affect the delivery of our targets and that we should find ways to deliver on the needed productions. Huzooraa showed a lot of interest in the Story Time for Kids programme and encouraged us to do more around such programming so the younger generation would have good Islamic content to watch. Once again, I am grateful for the opportunity.” Amtul Muhaimin Andoh Sahiba, a volunteer in scheduling, said: “I was very happy to be a part of the event. It was a great opportunity to be able to talk to Huzooraa. I wish for this

opportunity again.” Muhammad Ofosu Sahib, receptionist, said: “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Alamin! I really appreciate the time our beloved Huzooraa gave to us […] The guidance and instructions we had regarding uplifting our work was a wake-up call for me to do more to achieve more. It is my utmost prayer that God Almighty grants our beloved Khalifa good health and a long life and wisdom to govern the institution of Khilafat as ordained by Allah Himself. Alhamdulillah, six non-Ahmadi Muslims have decided to become Ahmadis after watching MTA Ghana programmes after a few months of operation.” Bashirudeen Adams Sahib, Head of Graphics, said: “We are in such times when one cannot travel to go and meet His Holiness for prayers and his guidance but due to advancement in technology, it has been possible to sit face to face with my beloved Huzooraa. It is an opportunity everyone wishes to have. It is an honour and a great blessing to get guidance from Huzooraa. I really valued his time spent with us. It is my prayer that Allah grants him strength and good health to be able to give us such guidance always.” Zainab Debrah Sahiba, a volunteer in scheduling, said: “I feel very privileged to be part of this mulaqat and I was very impressed and overwhelmed. Looking forward to having another [mulaqat].” Amatu-Subuur Osman Sahiba said: “This was my first mulaqat with Huzooraa, which was amazing and I

count myself blessed for the opportunity. Huzooraa advised us to work hard to ensure the progress of MTA from strength to strength.” Mirza Salih Sahib said: “What I learnt was that Huzooraa has many expectations from MTA Ghana, as in previous mulaqat with the missionaries, Huzooraa emphasised on live interactive programmes and many other such things. May Allah forgive our shortcomings and enable us to follow Huzoor’saa instructions.” The mulaqat was indeed a blessed opportunity for me that words cannot capture. Interaction with the Khalifa of the age is a rare opportunity. We spent days and nights preparing for the mulaqat, praying and hoping things went well. The whole team came together to sacrifice a ram and indeed, behind the scenes, a lot of things happened that are not less than miracles. What impressed me most was the fact that Huzooraa had an aura surrounding him and before the meeting; everyone was tense. However, due to his shafqat (affection), everyone got relaxed when the interaction started. Huzoor’saa patience was extraordinary. How patiently he waited for everyone to come from the control room, interacted with them and even answered some questions despite the fact that time had run out. Huzooraa most patiently listened to all of us like a loving father and gave guidance. The depth of his insight is impeccable. Another wonder was how he could tell a person’s background in Ghana just by his name or looks. This is a thing that many Ghanaians fail to do. When Huzooraa prayed for me that “May Allah bless you”, I literally felt it and I was happy because Allah definitely listens to the Khalifa’s prayers. Huzooraa gave a lot of guidance that for me are very key to the success of MTA as a whole. We will endeavour to follow it to the letter, insha-Allah. I was indeed motivated to work more and harder. What motivated me more is when I was told during the test time that Huzooraa comes back to his office between 9-10pm. If at this age, he works so hard and relentlessly, we have no excuse. It is my heartfelt prayer that may Allah, out of His sheer grace and mercy, grant our beloved spiritual father a long, healthy life, full of success, and enable us to reap the benefits of Khilafat. We love Huzooraa! All Ghanaians love Huzooraa! We hope and wish to see you, beloved Huzoor! Lastly, I would like to, on behalf of the MTA team, express our sincerest gratitude to Huzooraa for this opportunity and honour.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Belgium Jamaat hold Interfaith webinar

Life lessons from mothers: UK Ahmadi women hold multifaith discussion Bushra Huma Bhatti Outreach Department, Lajna Imaillah Hounslow North

Mohammad Arsalan Belgium Correspondent On 18 March 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium had the opportunity of hosting an Interfaith Webinar, organised by the department of external affairs. The theme for this webinar was, “How to practice our faith during the Covid-19 pandemic?” The preparation started a few months back with the help of Missionary-in-Charge, Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib. He helped to contact several representatives of other religions and some politicians as well. Secretary external affairs, Sharif Ahmed Sahib and his team helped in the organisation of this event, which was a first of its kind in Jamaat Belgium. The moderator for this event was Mr Jean Sadouni, who is the pastoral unit manager of Boetendael. The Councilor of Culture, Dr Daniel Hublet was also present for the event and participated amongst the panelists. Along with them, five representatives of religious communities were present for the programme, which included: 1. The Rabbi Samuel Pinson, Synagogue Maalé of Uccle-Forest 2. Vulnerable Phra Raj Visuddhivides, Monk of the Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre of Waterloo, Brussels 3. Mr Jeff Simon, Representative of the International Bahai Community 4. Missionary-in-charge Belgium, Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib 5. Mohammad Arsalan Sahib, Missionary, Wallonie The programme started at 6 pm with welcoming words by the national secretary external affairs. Then, Mr Jean Sadouni moderated the programme. First, a short introduction of all the representatives was presented by the secretary external affairs. Mr Jeff Simon then presented the point of view from the Bahai community. After this, the Monk, Phra Raj

Visuddhivides presented his speech in English which was translated by the missionary, Mohammad Arsalan Sahib into French for the listeners. The Rabbi, Samuel Pinson presented his points with some references from the Torah. Then, Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib presented his speech in which he mentioned the organisation of the Jamaat and the guidance that we received from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during these difficult times of the pandemic. Everyone spoke about three main points that were given to them, which were: 1. How are we practicing our faith during the coronavirus pandemic? 2. What have we experienced during this last year of the pandemic? 3. What is the message that we should give to others? Then, some points were shared in an interactive talk and some questions from the viewers were answered by the panelists. At the end of the programme, the secretary external affairs thanked all the representatives and participants for their part in making this event a success. The missionary-in-charge concluded the day with silent prayer. Others prayed in their own way. Alhamdulillah, the programme was appreciated by all. Some remarks and comments that we received during the programme are as following: “Thank you, it was an evening in a joyful and hopeful atmosphere. What beautiful people and beautiful messages. We have remained touched by reciprocal brotherhood and knowledge. We want to continue our journey together towards unity.” “Congratulations! It was really constructive. I liked it when you pointed out the psychological support role of religious leaders during a pandemic. And social assistance initiatives, solidarity towards the most deprived. And well done for the promise to ‘do things’ together! Without

To commemorate International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, Lajna Imaillah Hounslow North hosted a multifaith discussion forum on the topic of “motherhood”, on 13 March 2021. The online event was attended by more than 40 guests from different faith groups and women’s organisations such as WFWP, SGI and Mums Aid. The aim of the informal discussion was to address the topic of “motherhood” from different perspectives, including faith and how motherhood faces different challenges in life. During the programme, the audience were asked to pay tribute to our mothers by sharing the lessons our mothers have taught us. Women from the Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Muslim faith and those of no specified faith, shared their experiences and views on motherhood. Some were mothers themselves, others were not, but have experienced motherhood’s care and love as daughters and united in their agreement of how important a mother’s role in society is. Lajna Imaillah members told the participants that to celebrate the establishment of Lajna Imaillah for 100 years, in 2022, they are funding a maternity hospital in Sierra Leone, as a gesture of gratitude to God Almighty. A representative of Mums Aid (an awardwinning charity which provides post-natal depression counselling for new mothers) was present and shared information with the participants about the important work the charity undertakes. At the end of the session, tributes were paid to all mothers and the participants shared the life lessons their mothers had taught them with the other listeners. Some of those are as following: “My mother loves gardening and so taught me first to prepare the soil before planting anything. True in life as in nature.” “The best advice that my mother gave me was to only ask God for help. He will always be there for you.” “Always show patience.” “The best advice my mother gave me is to always respect your elders.” “My mother taught me that everything happens for a reason and when it seems like things are falling apart, they are often just falling into place.” “The advice my mother told me was to never fear worldly things but have a fear of Allah only.” “My mum’s advice was to be a grateful forgetting the laity. You can be proud of yourself. You have been remarkable. ‘There is only one humanity because there is only one Creator’, superb conclusion.” “Congratulations again for your great initiative. The dialogue was dignified and fraternal and all the credit goes to you all. See you soon.”

person.” “My mother suffered a stroke where one goes back into time like a child. By changing her, bathing her and feeding her it was like being able to be grateful that she did this for me when I was born.” “My mum is my best friend and without her I would be very empty. Always there with good advice and support and motivates me when feeling down.” “Be the mother that you want your children to also be.” “Always save for a rainy day.” “God is the Master, don’t just ask for ‘Better’. Ask for the ‘Best’.” “The best advice my mother gave me is that God is the best of planners. Anytime I have been disappointed with things not going the way I had planned e.g., not getting a job I really wanted, she always assured me that God had something better planned for me, and indeed, in hindsight, I always see the changes that Allah brings into my life are much better than I could have ever planned myself, alhamdulillah.” “The advice my mum told me and that has always stayed with me is when I went to school, I felt nervous about fitting in, and my mother asked to me in Urdu, ‘Look at your fingers on your hands, are they the same?’ and I said no. She said ‘Well, that is just like the people you will meet in school. Everyone is different, yet you all work together as one, as friends, don’t you?’ I replied, ‘Yes, I guess you are right.’ So just because people may be different, difference and diversity is a beautiful thing. It teaches us we can work together as one.” “The best advice my mother gave me was to always be a role model for your siblings and others and better yourself and then others will follow you. She always told me to be kind and love your neighbours and help the poor and God will reward you back, respect your elders and remember to be the friend to your future mother-inlaw as my mother was with me. My mother always spoke to us as a friend and she always told us to be open with her as we are with our friends and this made our relationship strong as she loved us unconditionally.” “One piece of advice that I would like to share that my mother gave me is that God has blessed everyone in different ways so never look enviously at people who are better off then you but to look at people who are less fortunate than you and then you will be grateful for what God has blessed you with.” “Think before you speak.”

“Thank you for the online conference. Very well done. It feels good to see these good inter-religious feelings.” A total of 116 people participated in this event.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

The sky testifies for the Messiah M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam

The history of past civilisations bears witness that an extraordinary revolution occurs upon the earth and in the skies when God Almighty sends His prophets to reform mankind and rid the world of evil and corruption. A great number of signs and out-of-the-ordinary universal phenomena are witnessed before and after the appearance of these messengers. In accordance with this sunnah (practice) of Allah, celestial signs and miracles were granted to different prophets so that the people of their age might recognise the truth and improve their moral and spiritual state by believing in them. It is said that a bright star was seen at the time of the birth of Prophet Jesusas and some researchers believe it to be Halley’s Comet. This event is traditionally linked with the star prophecy mentioned in the Old Testament. It is stated in the Book of Numbers: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17) Likewise, it is stated in the Gospel of Matthew: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east.” (Matthew 2:1-2) Some scholars are of the view that the appearance of Halley’s Comet in 12 BC and 66 AD could also be the inspiration of the event mentioned in the Gospel of Matthews. (RM Jenkins, The Star of Bethlehem and the comet of AD 66)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was blessed with the miracle of shaqq-ulqamar (the splitting of the moon). The Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was given the sign of kasuf-o-khusuf (solar and lunar eclipse), which occurred on Friday, 28 Ramadan 1311 AH (6 April 1894) and 13 Ramadan 1311 AH (21 March 1894), respectively. Another unique sign of a sitara dhussineen (star that appears after many years) or a dumdar sitara (star with a tail), also known as the great comet, appeared in the time of the Promised Messiahas according

to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa. Referring to the time prior to the advent of the Mahdi, Hazrat Kaabra narrates: ْ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ ‫َ ْ ٌ َ ْ ُ ُ م َن‬ ‫يء الق َم ُر ل ْيلة ال َبد ِر‬ ‫نجم يطلع ِ المش ِر ِق ي ِضيء كما ي ِض‬ “A bright star will rise from the east, shining as the moon shines on the night of the full moon.” (Naim ibn Hammad, Kitab alFitan, Bab ma Yuzkaru min Alamaat as-Sama)

Then, it is stated: ُ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ ْ ْ َ َ َ ٌ‫والش َفا [ذوالسنین] ۔۔۔ ي َ ْب َت ِدأ َن ْجم‬ ‫طلع بِال َمش ِر ِق القرن ذ‬ َ ٌ َ ‫ل ُه ذِن‬ ‫اب‬ “A star by the name of Qarn, [which appears after many years], will rise from

the east … A star having many tails will appear.” (Ibid) Describing the signs of the arrival of the Promised Messiah, it is related: ُ َ ََ ٌ َ ََ ‫امات‬ ‫الا َو ا ِّن ِلخ ُر ْو ِج ٖہ عل‬ ُ ُ ُ َ ََ ٌ َ َ ‫عش َرۃ ا ّو لہا طل ْو ُع‬ َ َ َ َّ ‫الْک ْوک ِب ذِی الذن ِب‬ “There are 10 signs of his [the Mahdi’s] appearance, the first of which is the appearance of a star with a tail [comet].” (Muhammad Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar)

The Promised Messiahas states: “Nawab Siddiq Hassan Khan Sahib wrote in Hijajul Kirama and Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sani stated in his book that a star with a tail, i.e. Dhus-Sineen [comet] would appear at the time of the advent of the Promised Mahdi. Thus, that star appeared in 1882.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 330)

It was the year 1882 when the Promised Messiahas announced that God Almighty

19 had appointed him as the reformer of the Latter Days and in the exact same year, the appearance of the Great Comet of 1882 could not be considered a coincidence. An article published in The Review of Religions sheds light on the details of this great sign. It states: “This comet is known as ‘The Great Comet’ of 1882. As is evident from its name, it was an extraordinary comet, unparalleled in the 19th century with regard to its illumination. The term ‘Great Comet’ is a well-known term and is used for such comets which are so bright that they are visible to the naked eye. Astronomers consider the 19th century to be one of enormously bright comets. “The Great Comet of 1882 appeared in the morning skies of September 1882. Reports suggest that it was first seen as early as 1 September 1882 from the Cape of Good Hope as well as the Gulf of Guinea and over the next few days many observers in the southern hemisphere reported the new comet. On the 3rd of September 1882, it was also observed in New Zealand. “On September 9, WL Elkin from the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa said that the comet could be seen with the unassisted eye and was as bright as a star of the third or fourth magnitude with a straight tail of 2.5º in length. BA Gould from Cordoba, Argentina reported on 18th September that the brilliancy of the comet attracted popular attention and the ‘blazing star near the sun’ was the topic of discussion throughout the country. “Soon astronomers all over the world had witnessed the comet as it became exceptionally bright over the next few days. Subsequent orbital studies have determined that it was a sun-grazing Continued on next page >>

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Woven love Qasim Choudhary Missionary USA In an unknown village in Africa lived an elderly woman labouring away and weaving a basket for two months. You must be wondering, why or for whom was she undertaking such an arduous task? You see, this was not just any ordinary basket composed of coarse cotton yarn. Each weave of this seemingly worthless basket was intertwined with pure love and devotion. This basket was to be presented to her king, whom she held dearer than her own children. The king was from a distant land and upon his arrival, he was given the basket. However, upon his departure, it was mistakenly left behind by his companions. When the king was informed of this, he immediately sought that the basket be << Continued from previous page

comet, meaning one that passes extremely close to the surface of the sun. For many hours on either side of its perihelion (the point in the orbit of a planet or comet at which it is nearest to the sun), the comet was easily visible in the daytime sky next to the sun. It reached an estimated magnitude of -17 and hence brighter than the full moon, which has a magnitude of almost -13. “On 3rd October LA Eddie (South Africa) and F Terby (Belgium) independently reported observations of two nuclei. Eddie also noted having seen six nuclei on 2nd October. Again on 5th October, three nuclei were reported independently by EE Barnard (Nashville, Tennessee, USA) and HC Wilson (Cincinnati Observatory, Ohio, USA). On 6th October, CW Pritchett (Missouri, USA) said the nucleus presented three centers of light. Another interesting observation was reported by Eddie on 15th October; he noted that with a 24-cm reflector, one nucleus resembled electric light in color and two more nuclei appeared to be within a bar of light and when observed with a 100x magnification the whole nucleus looked like five luminous beads. “After its perihelion, the comet moved into dark skies, and although it faded as it receded from the sun, it remained one of the most prominent objects in the sky. Despite its fragmentation, it remained

brought to him even though he lived a thousand miles away. The king explained to his companions, “In your eyes the basket is worthless, but the love that prompted her to weave it was invaluable and I shall not leave it behind, even if the transporting of it costs us thousands.” (Message of Love and Brotherhood to Africa, by Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh, pp. 19-20)

This story is by no means a fable. It is a personification and the reality of the bond between the Khalifa and his Jamaat. It is a manifestation of the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh when he said: “The Imam of the Jamaat and the Jamaat itself are two names of the same thing. The Khalifa of the time and the Jamaat itself both unify to become one entity. This is why it is the task of Khilafat to strive to alleviate the pain and suffering of the Jamaat.” (Al Fazl, 21 May 1978)

visible to the naked eye until February 1883.” (“The Saviour of the Latter Days: Signs of the

Jesusas was also witnessed in 1835, the year of the birth of the Promised Messiahas.

Messiah”, The Review of Religions [English], 14 July

(www.space.com/19878-halleys-comet.html)

2019)

The Promised Messiahas has mentioned and highlighted this sign of dhus-sineen on many occasions. Below are some of his sayings in this regard. In his book Haqiqatul-Wahi, the Promised Messiahas says: “The third sign is the appearance of dhus-sineen [a comet] which was destined to appear in the time of the Promised Messiah. It has long since appeared. Its sighting prompted some English newspapers of the Christians to comment that the time of the Messiah’s advent had arrived.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p.

248)

At another place, the Promised Messiahas writes: “There was also a prophecy that in those days [of the Messiah and Mahdi], the star Dhus-Sineen would appear, which also appeared in the time of Jesusas and before that, during the time of Noahas. Now, everyone knows that it has appeared. News of its appearance was also published in Urdu and English newspapers.” (Ayyamus-Sulh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, p. 313)

Celestial signs were continuously witnessed during the age of the Promised Messiahas. The same Halley’s Comet that is said to have appeared at the time of Prophet

Mentioning the appearance of meteors and this great comet, the Promised Messiahas says: “On the night before 28 November 1885, there was such a display of meteors in the sky, the like of which I had not witnessed in my whole life before and so many thousands of flames were traversing the atmosphere in the skies that there is no other spectacle in the world which I can cite to describe it. I recall that at that time, the following revelation was vouchsafed to me repeatedly: ۡ َ ّٰ َ َٰ َ َ ‫ک ّن الل َہ َر ٰمی‬ ِ ‫و َما َر َم ۡیت اِذ َر َم ۡیت و ل‬ “‘It was not you who let loose but it was Allah Who let loose.’ This pelting had great affinity to the pelting of the stars in the sky. “This exhibition of the pelting of stars that occurred on the night of 28 November 1885 was so vast that it was visible all over and was described in great wonder in the papers of Europe, America and Asia. People might have thought that it was purposeless, yet God, the Noble, knows that I was the one who watched this spectacle with the greatest attention and derived the greatest delight from it. My eyes continued to be regaled by this spectacle for a long time. This display of the pelting of the stars started early in the evening. Because of divine glad-tidings,

I derived great pleasure from it, for it was revealed upon my heart that it had appeared as a sign in my support. “Thereafter, the people of Europe saw the comet which had been observed in the time of the Messiahas [Prophet Jesus] and it was conveyed to me that this comet was another sign in support of my truth.” (Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. 110-111; Tadhkirah, pp. 166-197)

Then, a comet caused a great explosion near Podkamennaya Tunguska River in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, on 30 June 1908 and it was the year when the Promised Messiahas passed away. (www.bbc.com/earth/ story/20160706-in-siberia-in-1908-a-huge-explosioncame-out-of-nowhere)

Some may argue that the said happenings are bound to occur after a period of time, but how can they explain more than one concurrence which link these events to the Promised Messiahas and the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, those people who sincerely ponder over these signs will certainly find the right path, as Allah the Almighty says, “He [God] has pressed into service for you the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; and the stars too have been pressed into service by His command. Surely, in that are signs for people who make use of their reason.” (Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.13)

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

100 Years Ago...

A day in Qadian: A visitor describes his experience in Qadian Below is a picturesque description of Qadian by a visitor and his experience of meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra

The Review of Religions (English), March 1921 The small peaceful town of Qadian lies some 11 miles north east of Batala. It has risen from a small village and owes its prosperity to the head of the Ahmadia movement. The road to Qadian is always crowded with pilgrims who come to pay their homage from all parts of the globe. They gladly undergo the discomforts of the journey and one hardly finds any travellers growing weary or complaining of the bad condition of the road. To an ordinary visitor the road is not pleasing, much less the jolting tum-tum, but a pilgrim makes his way through mountains of dust with great pleasure. What Jerusalem is to a Christian or Benares to a Hindu, that or more is Qadian to an Ahmadi. It is the stronghold of Ahmadism, the seat of Arabic learning, and the second birth place of Muhammadan philosophy. As we passed through its streets everybody greeted us with Assalumo Alaikum (peace be with you). They took us in their plain and clean houses lit up with their beaming eyes and filled with their merry laughter. As I went from one house to another, I met the same sort of people dressed in plain

white clothes with their faces radiant with joy. The way in which they treat strangers impressed me so much that a single visit to Qadian has again revived in me those midday dreams of old ages when people used to meet as brothers. I have found the realizition of my dreams in an outof-the-way town like Qadian that seems to me to be full of the most kind-hearted people. Cut off from the world outside, they have a small world of their own in which they live as happily as their forefathers in the palmy days of old. Its people cannot boast of any great monuments nor of some old relics of architecture, but they feel more proud of their simple mosques in which rings the voice of their leader. Under the star-lit sky, the whole town sleeps in a slumber of peace. While in the

distance, the never-ceasing murmur of the cities can be heard. Its snow white domes and minarets bathed in the moon light present a contrast to our disfigured houses and temples black

will the soot and clothed in the mist that hangs over the cities. The cry of the muezzin from the minaret pierced into my forgetful mind Continued on next page >>

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Interview of Dr Abdus Salam given in Muslim Bosnian newspaper Preporod (Renaissance)

Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo The Islamic newspaper, Preporod (Renaissance) is the first newspaper of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina that marked << Continued from previous page

and a voice rang inside that there is one greater mission of life than to eat, sleep and be merry – to pray to the Almighty. Through the efforts of a friend of mine, I secured an interview with His Holiness, the head of the movement, [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra]. I always feel a great craving for the society of those who hold in their hands the destinies of their fellow creatures, whose single breath can lead them (the people) on to action. We have great kings, statesmen, generals and prophets who can mould their subjects to any shape they like. But a great religious and social reformer is nearer to God than any of the other workers. Before uplifting their subjects from misery, and degradation, the kings and generals have to wade through a sea of blood. They believe in putting mankind before their steel and powder in order to relive their people of distress. But a social and religious reformer dreads a single drop of blood as much as a child dreads the fire. He stands against the fiery blast of the people with great fortitude and even at times has to go through great torture for the sake of truth. So you can imagine my great pleasure in exchanging some words with such a high priest of truth and piety. Seated on a small piece of carpet,

the 50th anniversary of its establishment last year. Since its inception – while promoting independent opinion and journalism – prominent local and world names from various scientific and cultural fields, regardless of religious and political beliefs, have written and spoken for Preporod, and have been interviewed by this newspaper. A few years before the war in Bosnia, this newspaper with its editor-in-chief, Jamaludin Latic (Džemaludin Latić) interviewed, among others, the first Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics, Dr Abdus Salam Sahib. This interview was published in the newspaper Preporod on 1 April 1990. Seeing the need for the subject of teaching belief in high schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Latic felt the need to prepare two textbooks for teaching belief, which he published in 2000 with the Bosnian title Islam i svjetske religije I, II (Islam and world religions I, II). These two books were also published in Albanian in 2011, as a guide for teaching belief in high schools, with a circulation of about 5000 copies. In the first volume, in the chapter “Religion and Science”, the author, after writing about some famous scientists

(such as Galileo Galilei and Louis Pasteur), includes an article by Albert Einstein and after him, includes the three-page interview with Dr Abdus Salam Sahib and ends the chapter with the concluding speech of Dr Abdus Salam Sahib during the ceremony of the Nobel Prize he received in 1979. Some of the question asked to Dr Abdus Salam Sahib were: 1. “Can you explain, as simply as possible, the theory of the single magnetic field, for the discovery of which you won the Nobel Prize, and what does it have to do with Einstein’s theory of relativity?” 2. “How do you see the relationship between religion and science?” The main question of the interview, which is worth mentioning, was: “In your research, you have been guided by the Quranic vision of the Cosmos, man and God. What ayats [verses] or ideas from the Quran particularly inspired you?” The answer of Dr Abdus Salam Sahib was brilliant: “[Taking out a copy of the Quran, he opens the Holy Quran and asks] Which ayat do you want me to quote, Ayat-ul-Kursi? Yes, of course. “Allah — there is no God but He,

dressed in a neat and simple dress with his head bent and eyes half closed, I saw the present leader of the movement [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra]. After the mutual greetings, he lifted up his majestic head and I saw the half pleasant and prophetlike face. There was a sympathetic thrill in his voice and the words gushed out like pure water from the fountain of his soul. He was meek like a lamb, innocent as a babe but more wise than an old man of eighty. His very words brought peace with them and they healed the wounds of irreligiousness like an ointment. One cannot but appreciate the current of discipline and organization that runs through the whole system. No doubt the credit is due to the leader who calmly organises all the enterprizes [sic] taken into hand by the movement. Qadian is a very busy place, even more busy than some of the most thickly populated and industrial towns of India. From early in the morning up till late in the night, the people are busy in saying their prayers and chanting hymns in His praise. After every meal, they thank Him for every loaf of bread given to them. The Ahmadia theological Madrassa is crowded with the young scholars who lead pure and simple lives and feast only upon the divine philosophy.

The Qadatn [sic] High School is situated some three quarters of a mile from the town. It is lodged in a very imposing building with extensive lawns and well kept play-grounds. The young scholars have nature all round them and they enjoy the full advantage of the pure air and sunshine, the two great gifts of God. Attached to the school is an equally fine building with two white towers that can be seen even from a great distance. I cannot but appreciate the spirit shown by the leader and the community in the use of the school to boys belonging to other religions as well. The school at present has some 700 students on roll and the science department is quite up to date. I didn’t expect to find such a flourishing institution in an ordinary town like Qadian and my surprise was even greater when I actually saw the buildings and the working school. The community must be congratulated on possessing such a great educational institute that is second to none in the province. The small and most tidy little hospital is a boon to the people and its doors are always open to the helpless patients representing all religions and nationalities. The Minaratul Masih or the Tower of

the Living, the Self-Subsisting and AllSustaining. Slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth ... [Surah al-Baqarah, Chapter 2: V.256] SubhanAllah! Every ayat, every ayat inspires me!” Dr Abdus Salam Sahib, in addition to the Nobel Prize in Physics, had received several other important awards such as the Smith’s Prize, Adams Prize, Star of Pakistan (Sitarae-Pakistan), Order of Excellence (Nishan-eImtiaz) and the Royal Medal etc. He passed away in 1996 and was buried in Rabwah, Pakistan.

the Promised Messiah is of no little interest to the visitor. It stands like a white mast, over the floor of the great mosque and can be seen through the dust on the road to Qadian. It is beautifully built and highly polished with plaster and commands the whole view of the town. Leaving aside the places of interest worth a visit an ordinary visitor is always impressed with the high order of society that he meets. There in Qadian, the ideal Herbert Spencer, the great poet, has been realized – that of plain living and high thinking. I for one can never forget the hospitality shown to me by the heads of different departments and they are always pleased to help a stranger who wants to have an insight into their faith and work. The help which the community is rendering to the poor is by no means small. Its langer khanas are always full of poor people who are fed and clothed so that they may pray to God with a contented and pure heart. The work which the community is doing is very useful and beneficial and the next generation shall look upon their leaders with gratitude and love. (Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Review of Religions [English], March 1921)

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

The cheerful nature and refined sense of humour of the Promised Messiah Anyone could ask any question and the Promised Messiahas would reply to it. Sometimes an opponent would be mentioned and people would talk about him; at other occasions Huzooras would narrate the latest revelations he had received from the Almighty Allah, or a specific jamaat or individual suffering from persecution would be mentioned and discussion would start on that topic. Hence, his gatherings would have discussion on all sorts of topics and each person could discuss whatever he wanted to. But when the Promised Messiahas would start speaking, everyone would be silent and listen attentively. It was the practice of the Promised Messiahas that whether it was a public lecture or a private discussion, he would start out speaking in a low voice, but his voice would slowly get higher until it was loud enough that even people sitting far away could hear him clearly. His voice used to have a certain ardency to it. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, pp. 227-228, Narration 247)

Talha Ali Missionary, Philippines Allah the Exalted, addressing the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in the Holy Quran, states: “And it is by the [great] mercy of Allah that thou art kind towards them, and if thou hadst been rough [and] hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters [of administration]; and when thou art determined, then put thy trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who put their trust [in Him].” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.160) Hence, it can be inferred from this verse that Allah, the most Merciful, protects the hearts of the prophets from hard-heartedness. It is due to this special blessing of Allah that the prophets of Allah are exceptionally cheerful in nature despite their heavy workload and immense responsibility. One of the manifestations of their cheerful nature is in the form of their unpretentiousness and eloquent sense of humour. It has been mentioned in the ahadith that among all, the Holy Prophetsa used to smile the most, had the most perfect temperament and was always cheerful at home. He would appreciate an honest and clean sense of humour and would tell eloquent jokes himself as well. The Companionsra used to recite preIslamic poetry and other such things in his gatherings and even when they would talk about secular matters, the Holy Prophetsa

would sit among them.

(Uswa-e-Insan-e-Kamil,

pp. 593-594)

The Promised Messiahas, who was the most ardent devotee and the greatest lover of the Holy Prophetsa, also had an eloquent sense of humour and possessed an exceptionally cheerful nature, which was free of any pretentiousness. Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismailra narrates that the Promised Messiahas would enjoy a humorous anecdote or a joke to the extent that sometimes, due to laughter, he would wipe tears from his eyes with a cloth. But he would never laugh at anything vulgar or a taunt at someone; rather, he would stop people from saying such things in front of him. Hazrat Dr Mir Sahibra says that once, he said something improper to someone in jest, in front of the Promised Messiahas while he was on his charpoy. The Promised Messiahas sat upright and stopped him, saying that such jokes were sinful. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, p. 561, Narration 588)

Unpretentious and cheerful gatherings of the Promised Messiahas The gatherings of the Promised Messiahas were a model of solemnity and sobriety. The Companionsra were always cognisant of the great status of the Promised Messiahas and used to listen to each word of the Promised Messiahas with utmost attention and humility. But this should not make one think that these gatherings were extremely dry in nature, or the attendees felt any sense of difficulty or cumbersomeness sitting through these meetings.

On the contrary, we learn from a narration of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that whenever the Promised Messiahas would meet someone, he would do so with a smile on his face, which would remove all worries and griefs from the person’s heart. Every Ahmadi used to feel that their hearts had been rid of all distress after meeting him. One look at the smiling face of the Promised Messiahas would send a current of jubilation through the body. It was the practice of the Promised Messiahas that he would listen carefully to each and every person, no matter his status, and would reply with utmost love. Every individual used to think that the Promised Messiahas loved him the most. Sometimes, common folks, who were not aware of the etiquette of the blessed gatherings of prophets, would narrate long, unrelated stories to the Promised Messiahas and he would continue to listen to them, never cutting them off or asking them to stop. After prayers, and sometimes on other occasions as well, the Promised Messiahas would stay in the mosque and his devotees would form a circle around him and start discussing various topics, initiating a lesson in spiritual reformation and religious education. The attendees would feel as if springs of knowledge and illumination had sprung forth from which each individual could benefit according to their own capacity. There were no set protocols for these gatherings. Each individual could sit wherever they were able to find space.

The attendees could discuss any sort of topic openly in these gatherings. Hazrat Mir Shafi Ahmadra, a researcher from Delhi, narrates that once, an Arab was sitting in front of the Promised Messiahas and narrating pointless stories of the people and wildlife of Africa. The Promised Messiahas continued to sit there and smile. He did not cut him off by saying, “Why are you wasting time?”; rather, he patiently sat there till the end with a smile on his face. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. 727, Narration 790)

Another amusing incident from the gatherings of the Promised Messiahas is narrated by Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra of Kapurthalla. He says that in the early years of the Promised Messiah’s claim, whenever he would visit Qadian, he would stay in the room adjacent to Masjid Mubarak, through which the Promised Messiahas used to walk to the mosque from his house. Once, a knowledgeable maulvi visited Qadian along with 12 influential people with him. He did not argue, rather he would observe everything minutely. Once, he came to the room of Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra and said that the Arabic books of Mirza Sahibas were written in extremely eloquent Arabic. He noted that this was not possible without the help of various scholars who were fluent in Arabic. He further noted that the time to do this could only be at night. He then asked Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra if he knew of any scholars who spend the night in the house of the Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Munshi Sahibra replied, “Maulvi Muhammad Chiragh and Maulvi Muinuddin spend the night with the Continued on next page >>

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

Promised Messiahas. These scholars must be the ones who help him at night.” Hazrat Munshi Sahibra narrates that his voice reached the Promised Messiahas inside his house and he laughed so much and so loud, that he could hear him laugh. The next day, the Promised Messiahas remained in the mosque after the Asr prayer. The questioner was also there. The Promised Messiahas, without any mention, looked towards Hazrat Munshi Sahibra and said laughingly, “Show him those scholars as well!” Then, the Promised Messiahas, proceeded to narrate the story of the previous night to Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra and the others. In the meantime, Chiragh Sahib and Muinuddin Sahib were brought to the front of the assembly. Chiragh Sahib was an illiterate weaver and a helper in the house of the Promised Messiahas. Muinuddin Sahib was an illiterate blind man who used to massage the Promised Messiah’s feet. The maulvi left after seeing the two and returned with a big platter of sweets. He presented them to the Promised Messiahas and requested him to accept his bai‘at (oath of allegiance). His 12 companions also accepted Ahmadiyyat. The Promised Messiahas accepted his bai‘at and after dua, looked towards the questioner and said smilingly, “Put these sweets in front of Munshi Sahib, for he was the source of your guidance!” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, pp. 720-721, Narration 777)

Another incident which is narrated by Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismailra sheds light on the awe of the Promised Messiahas upon his Companionsra as well as the cheerful nature of these gatherings. He narrates that once, the Promised Messiahas called Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra to Masjid Mubarak after the Zuhr prayer to ask him something. In response, Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra (probably due to the awe of being in the presence of the Promised Messiahas) said, “Huzoor ne ye arz kia tha to me ne ye farmaya tha …” (“Huzoor said this and I said this”, using the more respectable form of the verb for himself and the humble form of the verb for the Promised Messiahas). Hearing this, everyone in the mosque started smiling, trying to contain their laughter. But the Promised Messiahas did not pay any attention to it. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. Narration 589)

Frankness and humour with the Companionsra The Promised Messiahas was very frank with his Companionsra and would share jokes with them as well. Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahibra mentions a joke narrated by the Promised Messiahas. He says that once, the Promised Messiahas asked him and another companion for their suggestion about the direction of the morning walk. He suggested to go for a walk in the direction of the Tatla Canal. Upon this, the Promised Messiahas started smiling and commented, “Once, a hungry person was asked, ‘What is one plus one?’ He replied, ‘Two pieces of bread’.” The Promised Messiahas said, “Mian Nur Muhammad did the same thing by suggesting to go for a walk towards the Tatla Canal so that he can go to his village from there.”

Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahib lived 5 kilometres from Qadian in the direction of the canal mentioned above. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi,

Vol. 1, p. 317, Narration 347)

Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahibra has mentioned another joke of the Promised Messiahas. He narrates that once, Hafiz Nabi Bakhsh Sahibra told the Promised Messiahas that he (i.e. Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahibra) recited a lot of prayers (wazifa). Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahibra replied, “Huzoor, I do not recite any such prayers but I do read a lot from the Holy Quran.” The Promised Messiahas smiled and commented, “Your example is like the person who was told that he eats good food. Upon this, he commented, ‘I do not eat good food; I only eat pilao [rice cooked in meat].’” The Promised Messiahas further commented, “What can be a greater prayer then the Holy Quran. It is the greatest wazifa.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. 318, Narration 348)

Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Ibrahimra of Baqapur narrates an incident of the unpretentiousness and forgiveness of the Promised Messiahas. He narrates that once, while Maulvi Muhammad Ahsan Sahib was proofreading the Arabic section of the book of the Promised Messiahas, Haqiqatul-Wahi, he asked the Promised Messiahas, “Why have you crossed out this word as this is correct.” The Promised Messiahas replied that he had not marked any such word. Maulvi Sahib asked then as to who had made this mark. The Promised Messiahas said that it was possible that Mir Mahdi Hussain Sahib might have made this mark. Maulvi Sahib asked the Promised Messiahas what right Mir Sahib had for doing such a thing. The Promised Messiahas smiled and said, “He does have a right. It is called interjecting (dakhal-e-bay-jaa).” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. 430, Narration 450)

Another amusing incident has been narrated by the wife of Master Abdur Rahman Sahibra (formerly known as Mehr Singh). She narrates that she saw in a dream that she was blessed with a boy. In her dream, the wife of Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib asked her what she had named the boy. In the dream, she heard a voice from her right side, “Nazir Ahmad.” Her husband narrated the dream to the Promised Messiahas. When the child was born, he went back to the Promised Messiahas to ask him to name the child for blessing. The Promised Messiahas asked him to “name the child as shown by Allah [in the dream].” She says that after purifying herself after the 40-day postpartum period, she went to see the Promised Messiahas and requested him for prayers. Huzooras said, “InshaAllah,” and then said while laughing, “It is raining fire over the world after the coming of one Nazir [warner] and now another has come.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, p. 205, Narration 1326)

Cheerfulness and humour with members of the household It is usually observed that individuals who are extremely busy get agitated at small things and consider joking with children and those below them a waste of time. Similarly, many people are able to conceal their anger and temper when they are in front of outsiders, but their family and close

friends have to face the brunt of their ill temper. We observe that the Holy Prophetsa – and following his example, the Promised Messiahas – showed utmost kindness towards their family, children and household workers. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra mentions that once, when he was still a young child, his mother, Hazrat Ummul Momineenra, started mentioning Punjabi words to him and asked him for their corresponding Urdu words. He says that he was under the impression that a Punjabi word could be changed to Urdu by elongating the vowels. Hence, he would answer her with meaningless words, formed under this self-made rule. Hazrat Ummul Momineenra and the Promised Messiahas, who was also standing there, enjoyed those nonsensical answers with laughter. The Promised Messiahas even asked him for certain words himself. In the same self conceived principle of changing Punjabi words to Urdu by elongating the word, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra said that the Promised Messiahas laughed a lot when he translated the word “kutta” (dog) to “kooota”. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, pp. 561-562, Narration 588)

The wife of Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashidudinra narrates a beautiful incident of the Promised Messiahas with her young daughter. She narrates that once, she was visiting Qadian from Agra along with her daughter, Razia Begum, who was 4-years old at that time, and a helper who used to take care of her. While taking care of her, she would teach her some things as a joke. She narrates that once, the Promised Messiahas was walking in his courtyard and her daughter, who was wearing a tiny burqa, went and hugged the legs of the Promised Messiahas. The Promised Messiahas stopped right away. The young girl playfully made a crying face and said, “Please call us back soon.” The Promised Messiahas asked her where she was going. She replied that she was going to her in-laws. The Promised Messiahas started laughing and asked, “What will you do at your in-laws?” She replied, “I will eat halwa puri [a breakfast special]” and started running around the courtyard. After she made a round around the courtyard, she returned back and hugged the feet of the Promised Messiahas. The Promised Messiahas jokingly asked her, “Have you returned from your in-laws? What was your mother-in-law doing?” She replied, “She was cooking roti [bread].”

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 Huzooras asked, “What was your husband doing?” She replied, “He was eating the roti.” Huzooras asked her what she had eaten at her in-laws, to which she replied that she had eaten halwa puri. The Promised Messiahas commented, “Her mother-in-law is very affectionate. She gave roti to her son and halwa puri to her daughter-in-law.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, pp. 238239, Narration 1409)

Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra narrates an incident of the Promised Messiah’s kindness and humour with his helpers at home. He narrates that Hazrat Ummul Momineenra told him that once, an elderly caretaker named Bano was massaging the legs of the Promised Messiahas. It was extremely cold weather and she was massaging the legs of the Promised Messiahas from on top of his blanket. She did not realise, due to the heavy blanket, that instead of massaging his legs, she was pressing the bedpost. After a while (probably to direct her attention towards this), the Promised Messiahas said to her, “Bhano! It is very cold today.” On this, she replied, “Yes, indeed, that is why your legs are stiff like wood today.” The Promised Messiahas wanted to jokingly direct her attention towards her mistake, but instead, she took the joke to another level. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. 722, Narration 780) Refined humour as an instrument of spiritual training The Promised Messiah’s process of educating and spiritual training was not harsh; rather, the Promised Messiahas would tell stories, parables and even use humour to guide the community around him. Hazrat Fazl Begumra, wife of Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Baigra, narrates that she used to live in Qadian while her husband was living in Kasur. When he came to Qadian, he brought some shoes and melons from Kasur and sent them as a gift to the Promised Messiahas along with a letter in which he had written (in humility), “Huzoor, I do not have any skills but would like to wash the clothes of the Promised Messiahas.” She said that she was also sitting there, when the Promised Messiahas asked her, “Fazl, does Mirza Sahib [her husband] wash your clothes as well?” She replied, “Huzoor, he doesn’t even get his own glass of water at home!”. The Promised Messiahas laughed and said, “He is asking to wash my clothes.” In this lighthearted manner, the Promised Messiahas informed him about the reality of virtue and that charity begins at home. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, p. 227, Narration 1380) The Promised Messiahas also used humour to show the ridiculousness of the beliefs of the opponents of Ahmadiyyat. Hazrat Mian Imamuddinra of Sekhwan narrates that the Promised Messiahas used to say that according to the opponents of Ahmadiyyat, when the Messiah would return and people would go to meet him at his house, they would be told that the Messiah was gone out to the jungle to kill swine. The people would be amazed as to what kind of Messiah this was who was hunting pigs instead of guiding people. Only such people could be happy with the coming of such a Messiah who were also fond of

hunting and eating pigs. Muslims could never be pleased with such a Messiah. Hazrat Mian Imamuddinra said that the Promised Messiahas would laugh while explaining this, to the extent that sometimes he would have tears in his eyes. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. 809, Narration 946)

Masjid Mubarak, Qadian. The Promised Messiahas would spend many evenings in this mosque where he would explain the true message of Islam. These evening sittings would prove to motivate his Companionsra in their spiritual and moral training

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra narrates an amusing story told by the Promised Messiahas to highlight the natural differences among people and also to highlight that there are rules for everything. He writes that the Promised Messiahas used to say that once, some merchants were sitting in a bazaar discussing whether it was possible to eat 250 grams of sesame seeds. They considered this a herculean task. One of them said that if anyone could eat 250 grams of sesame seeds, he would give them five rupees as a reward. A farmer was walking by them. When he heard that these merchants were offering five rupees for eating a mere 250 grams of sesame seeds, which he considered to be an easy feat, he thought that there must be some hidden conditions attached to this challenge. So, the farmer walked up to the merchants and said, “Shah ji, do the seeds have to be eaten with the packet they are in or without?” The farmer was used to eating a lot while the merchants could only digest a small piece of bread. When the merchant who had made the challenge heard the question, he replied, “Chaudhry Sahib! Please move on. We are talking about humans here.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 406)

Similarly, Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismailra narrates that the Promised Messiahas used to tell an amusing story of a Shia to highlight the point that once a person accepts the false Shia doctrines of enmity against the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa, eventually this leads to enmity of all Companionsra, even the Holy Prophetsa and Allah the Almighty. The Promised Messiahas used to say that a Shia man, who had transgressed the bounds of justice, was on his deathbed and made a will to his children. He said: “I want to make a will. If you remember this advice, you will maintain your faith. This advice is the essence of my life experience. The advice is that a person cannot be a true Shia unless he has just a tiny bit of animosity for Hazrat Hassanra as well.” His relatives got alarmed at this statement. He continued: “This is because if Hazrat Hassanra did not abdicate his Khilafat in favor of the

Umayyads, the Shias would never have had to suffer. Hence, it is necessary to have just a tiny bit of animosity against him as well.” He remained quiet for a bit and then proceeded to say: “Even more so, one should have just a tiny bit of animosity for Hazrat Alira as well. He was the lion of Allah and the first Khalifa after the prophet according to his will and yet, Abu Bakr and Umar wrongfully took his right to Khilafat and he remained quiet and did not fight against them. If he had shown some courage at that time, the hypocrites would not have become victorious.” After a small break, he continued: “Let me tell you something even more important. A true Shia must have just a tiny bit of animosity against the Holy Prophetsa as well. If he had cleared the matter of the Khilafat of Alira after him and decided on the matter of Abu Bakrra and Umarra, then there wouldn’t have been any mischief and trials. It was also his fault that he did not expound on the issue.” Then, he sat upright and said: “I am now taking my last breaths. Come close so that you may hear me. If you are truly a Shia from the heart, then you must have just a tiny bit of animosity for Gabrielas as well. It was his fault that the revelation was sent towards Alira and he took it to the Holy Prophetsa. It does not matter whether he did it knowingly or by mistake.” Then, he remained quiet for a short period. As his time of death was fast approaching, he whispered to his relatives

to move even closer as he had one last thing to say. He then said: “I want to tell you this last thing before I die. A person cannot be a true Shia unless he has just a little bit of animosity for God as well, for He could have easily resolved all this confusion and the right of Alira would never have been hijacked, nor would Hazrat Hussainra have been martyred.” After saying these last words, he died. The Promised Messiahas used to laugh while narrating this story and used to gesture with his finger to highlight the phrase, “just a little bit of animosity.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, pp. 568-570, Narration 603)

The above-mentioned narrations show a small glimpse of the cheerful nature and the refined sense of humour of the Promised Messiahas. These narrations show us that the Promised Messiahas had an extremely cheerful and unpretentious nature despite, rather because, of his high status, and the immense responsibility of preaching the true message of Islam to the entire world, and being ever-so-cognisant of the material and spiritual needs of a young and growing community. His company would not be cumbersome upon his Companionsra; rather, he would remove all their sorrows through his smiling countenance and cheerful nature. May Allah enable us to follow the example of the Promised Messiahas and remove difficulties and spread smiles to those around us. Amin.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Tabligh, letters from heads of states and lectures Al Fazl, 17 and 28 March 1921

come to visit in other days as well. They ask questions and enquire about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Telegram from the president of Brazil Brazil is a large country in South America. I sent a New Year’s greeting card to the president of Brazil. Moreover, I sent some literature of the Jamaat to convey the message of Islam. In response, a telegram of thank you was received from the president. The telegram was in Spanish, so an American scholar, who is under our tabligh, translated and read it to me. Letter from the king of Belgium Another thank-you letter in reply to my tabligh letter has been received from the king of Belgium. As it was in French, we got it translated by the French Council. (Muhammad Sadiq. 22 January 1921.) Acceptance of Islam We are grateful to Allah the Almighty that by His grace, a respected American scholar, Mr JL Mart has accepted the religion of Islam with full sincerity of heart and has become another valuable addition to the new convert Muslims of this country. On the basis of a divine vision shown to me [by God], Mart Sahib has been given the Islamic name Abdullah. May Allah the Almighty grant him perseverance and make him a source of guidance for others. His young children, who are all employed, are under tabligh. We request members of the Jamaat to pray that Allah the Almighty may grant every one of them the strength to enter the rightful religion of Islam with true faith and sincerity. Amin. Apart from them, a few other esteemed friends are also under tabligh. We pray that Allah the Almighty may guide them all to accept Islam. Amin summa Amin.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (1872-1957)

300,000 announcements A well-known annual reference book is published from New York and widely sold throughout America. It is also kept in libraries, educational institutes and offices. An announcement of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has been published in it. This book has a circulation of 300,000 and was published on 20 January [1921]. It has almost 900 pages and contains all kinds of information. In spite of its huge size, it only costs half a dollar and its expenses are met with the help of advertisements. Its name is The World Almanac and Encyclopedia 1921. Health in Chicago The hygiene officer has mentioned in his annual report and newspapers have published it that Chicago is the best city in the world with respect to health. The reason behind it is that in relation to its population size, it has the lowest number of deaths from influenza pandemic, fever, smallpox, etc. Moreover, the number of deaths caused by hitting of motor vehicles is also lower here than in other cities. It has also been mentioned that in the United States in the year 1920, the number of people killed in road accidents by motor cars was 10,000.

Debate with priests One fine day, two priests came to our house. We had a long discussion. They had no answers and were speechless in every respect. At the end, the subject of Prophet Jesus’as death on the cross was discussed. I said that his death on the cross was proved by the Gospel itself. Sadiq: Please tell me whether or not Prophet Jesus prayed all night to avoid the cup of death on the cross. Priest: He prayed indeed, but at the same time, he said, “Not as I [Jesus] will but as God wills.” Sadiq: This is certainly true. The phrase referring to the will of God is actually present in the prayer of every supplicant. Everything happens by God’s will. No one can force God to do anything. The only thing to consider here is whether Jesus prayed or not. If he did pray, was that prayer accepted or not? You [priests] yourself admit that he did pray. Now as far as the question of acceptance [of that prayer is concerned], look in the Gospel, the book of Hebrews, chapter 5, verse 7: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”

Sadiq: Now tell me, who is mentioned here? Priest: Jesus. Sadiq: Is there any mention of praying for being rescued from death other than on the night of the cross? Priest: [It has been mentioned] nowhere else. Sadiq: It is also written here that the prayer was accepted. Priest: Yes, it is mentioned here, but Matthew and others have written that he gave his life and on the third day, he said, “I rose from the dead.” Sadiq: This is also true. As far as he was concerned, he died and the onlookers also thought he was dead. However, God saved him from death in a state of unconsciousness, and it is a common saying in every language that if a person recovers from a serious illness, it is said that he was given a second life. Lectures I delivered two lectures on 16 January 1921 and gave another two lectures on 23 January. The numbers of participants in the lectures on both days were reasonable. A session of questions and answers was held after the lectures. Apart from lectures, people

Brief work report 16 lectures were held in the months of December and January. Six lectures took place at LM Church, nine at the Ahmadiyya Lecture Hall and one at the Spiritualist Society. Aside from lectures, a debate was held with a Christian sermoniser named Mr Purdel on the prophethood of Hazrat Khatam al-Nabiyyin [Seal of all Prophets – Prophet Muhammadsa]. This humble one presented four proofs from the Bible in the truth of the Holy Prophetsa. One of them was that the word Muhammad is present in the Bible. The Christian sermoniser was left speechless and it had a positive impact on the audience. Tabligh is carried out by sending literature of the Jamaat to various cities of this country and exchanging letters [with the people]. The number of letters sent by me in the last two months is 1,950 and the number of letters received is 550. This includes mail and reports from India. However, most of the mail is from this country. The religious conditions of the new converts to Islam A new convert to Islam, Fatima Mustafa, uses Arabic wording of Salat in her prayers. Sheikh Abdullah (Mr Mart) and Siddiqatun Nisa (Mrs Garber) have memorised half of the Arabic wording of Salat. Ghulam Rasul (Mr Russell) and Muhammad Yaqub (Mr

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 Walker) are also trying to learn the Arabic language. In addition to the lectures, darses (sermon) of the Holy Quran have been started which are delivered every Thursday. Expenses After the lectures and sermons, the attendees are allowed to ask questions [and literature is distributed]. Moreover, literature is also handed over [to numerous people] by walking from place to place. All these different kinds of work require a lot of expenses. The cost of almost everything in this country is very high. If you go to a barber shop and get a simple shave, they charge two rupees, and if you get a haircut, they charge three rupees. However, the same is the case of [the barber’s] expenses. For example, the chair he arranges for you to sit and have a shave in costs three hundred rupees alone. Hence, the question of expenses is very important over here. The supporters of Islam should pay attention to the work of spreading the message of Islam. All the progress of Islam, external and internal, solely rests on the fact that we ourselves become true Muslims and convert other people to Islam. If Europe and America submit to God and accept Islam, all the disputes can be settled in no time. Weather Nowadays, it is snowing over here. The ground and roofs are covered with white snow. It is very cold, but not as extreme as it used to be in the past. People say that they have not experienced such a mild winter in Chicago in the last 40 years. When this humble one reached England, the winter was very mild that year as well. ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ّٰ ‫َو الل ُہ ذو الفض ِل ال َع ِظ ۡی ِم‬ [Surely, Allah is Lord of exceeding bounties and blessings.] Doctorate degree The Lincoln Jefferson University of Chicago has awarded this humble the degree of doctor of literature (LittD) in recognition of my services to the welfare of the people and achievements as a scholar. Need of our own magazine We need our own magazine to respond to those articles which are published in newspapers here against Islam and Muslims. In this regard, 200 dollars per month are required for at least one year. Thereafter, the magazine can become independent and self-sufficient, insha-Allah. To accomplish this, please send as much contribution as possible to me, so that the preparation can be started immediately. The president of Panama [As mentioned in the previous letter], in reply to my tabligh letter and literature, the king of Belgium has sent a letter of thanks and the president of Brazil has sent a telegram of thanks. A New Year’s greeting card has been received from the president of Panama as a token of thanks. Wassalam, Muhammad Sadiq. 1 February 1921. Chicago, USA (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 17 and 28 March 1921 issues of Al Fazl)

The Promised Messiah’s love for the Holy Prophet Sadid Ahmad Calgary, Canada

َّ َ ّٰ ُ ُ ُ ُ ۡ َ ّٰ ُ ُ ُ ُۡ ‫ق ۡل ِا ۡن كن ُت ۡم ت ِح ُّبوۡ َن الل َه فات ِب ُعوۡنِ ۡى يُ ۡح ِب ۡبك ُم الل ُه َويغ ِف ۡر لَـك ۡم ذنوۡبَك ۡؕم‬ َ ُ َ ّٰ ‫َوالل ُه غفوۡ ٌر ّر ِح ۡي ٌم‬

“Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: [then] will Allah love you and forgive you your faults. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.32) The reason I present this verse of the Holy Quran is so we can all see that the love the Promised Messiahas had for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa roots from the Holy Quran as it instructs all Muslims to follow the Holy Prophetsa if they truly love Allah. To become a Muslim, a person has to declare that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammadsa is the messenger of Allah. This is the core belief of Islam. As Muslims, we all possess love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa which is essentially embedded within us. It is this love that fuels over a billion Muslims around the world every single day. From the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa, there was no one greater than Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, who was completely intoxicated in the love of his sa master, Hazrat Muhammad , as he states: ‫� ش‬ ‫بع‬ � ‫محم رمخمم‬ ‫دعب از دخا ِق ّ د‬ ‫رگ رفک یا� وبد دخبا تخس اکرفم‬ “Next to God, I am inebriated with the love of Muhammadsa; if this be disbelief, then by God I am a great disbeliever.” (Lecture

love for the Holy Prophetsa until his death, this qaseedah being a paramount example. It is imbued with love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Some of the beautiful couplets from this qaseedah are presented below: ‫انی ٔاری فی وجھک المتھلل‬ ُ ً ‫شٔانا یفوق شمائل الانسان‬ “I find such a glory in your sparkling countenance as surpasses all human excellence.” ً ّ ّ ٰ ‫الوری‬ ‫محمدا خیر‬ ‫لا شک ان‬

and he stated: “This qaseedah has been accepted by Allah, and Allah has informed me that whoever memorises this qaseedah and repeats it constantly, such a person’s heart would be granted a deep love for me and for Prophet Muhammadsa and I will reward him with nearness to Me.” (Sharah Al-Qaseedah,

“Without any doubt, Muhammadsa is the best of the best; a man of extreme generosity, the soul and strength of the noble, the elect among the elite.” ّ ‫تمت علیہ صفات کل مزیّۃ‬ ُ ‫خ ِتمت بہ نعماء کل زمان‬ “All noble virtues culminated in his person, the blessings of all times reached their apex in him.” ً ‫یا ِح ِّب انک قد دخلت محبۃ‬ ‫ِفی ُم ْھ َجتی ومدارکی وجنانی‬

embedded in them expressing love for his mastersa. The Promised Messiahas writes in relation to the pain he feels on the attacking of his mastersa: “I swear by God, if these people had murdered my children before my eyes, and cut my sincere friends into pieces, and had killed me with great humiliation and had possessed themselves with all my possessions, I would still have not been so pained and my heart would not have been so grieved as compared to the pain that I feel by the insults thrown at the Holy Prophetsa.”

‫ریق الکرام ونخبۃ الاعیان‬

Ya Aina Faizillahi Wal Irfani, p. 2)

This qaseedah is just one example from the Promised Messiah’sas books. His books are filled with such writings. If one was to search through the blessed books of the Promised Messiahas, he would come across countless and captivating examples deeply

Sialkot [English], p. 69)

The opponents of the Promised Messiahas accuse him of being disrespectful towards the Holy Prophetsa, but they cannot even begin to comprehend the love he had for his master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, which exceeds all bounds of earthly love. Not a single person has been born in this Ummah who has had more love for the Holy Prophetsa than the Promised Messiahas. And this angelic love was undeniable and evidently clear looking at the blessed personage of the Promised Messiahas. In accordance with the love for the Holy Prophetsa, to an extent, he used to manage himself just as his beloved mastersa used to manage himself. This included showering on the blessed day of Friday, managing his hair in the same manner as his master, using miswaak (chewing sticks) to brush, applying oil, using fragrance, and using a comb in accordance with the sunnah. Another magnificent example of the love for the Holy Prophetsa can be found in Al-Qaseedah, penned by the Promised Messiahas in his book Aina-e-Kamalat-eIslam (pp. 590-594). Opponents object that the Promised Messiahas only showed love for the Holy Prophetsa before his claim and after his claim, he stopped praising him, and considered himself to be greater than him (God forbid). This allegation is completely baseless as there are many examples that show us that the Promised Messiahas praised and had

“O my beloved, my adoration for you has penetrated into my blood, heart, soul and body.” These are just some examples that convey to us the unlimited and divine love the Promised Messiahas had for the Holy Prophetsa. When one reads these couplets carefully, they will find a light illuminating from them. These couplets have been blessed so much that when the Promised Messiahas finished writing the Qaseedah, his face lit up

(Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, p. 15)

Indeed, no one in this Ummah has been born who loved the Holy Prophetsa more than Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

Proving the claim of the Promised Messiah’s knowledge of miraculous and profound Arabic Part IV 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 importance of explaining the Arabic lughaat and its benefits Explaining the benefits of variations between different lughaat, Allama AlSuyutirh has quoted Ibn Janni’s statement in his book, Al-Muzhir. This statement holds great importance and is as follows: ٌ َُ ُّ ْ َ ُ َ ُّ ‫اللغات َعلی اخ ِتلا ِفھا کلھا ح ّجة‬ “Despite the fact that there are variations between different lughaat, every single one of them is hujjah [comprehensive evidence].” (Allama Al-Suyutirh, Al-Muzhir)

This means that if anyone, without having complete knowledge of each and every lughat, raises an objection to some of the words, phrases or styles in the writings of the Promised Messiahas after his claim to have been taught the Arabic lughaat by God Almighty, then their allegation would be considered null and void. Moreover, the scholars admit that all the lughaat have not been recorded and the number of lughaat that have been preserved is very small. Now, as the Promised Messiahas claimed to have been taught 40,000 Arabic lughaat, it is quite possible that these lughaat included some that have not yet been recorded. Hence, if some pedantic individual finds such lughaat unfamiliar and objects to them, it will be a proof of their own ignorance. After this explanation of the subject of Arabic lughaat, many words that appear in the books of the Promised Messiahas but are apparently considered wrong, are proved to be eloquent and their traces are found in the lughaat of the Arabs. The Promised Messiahas claimed that he was given knowledge of various lughaat by Allah the Almighty. This miracle can be witnessed at numerous places in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas and the variations of these lughaat manifested in his Arabic books also serve as a proof of his absolute proficiency in God-given knowledge of Arabic. Consequently, there are many examples of variations in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas. For instance, reducing hamzah and replacing it with ya, such as ‫ بریﺌون‬instead of ‫ بریّون‬and writing ‫ بیر‬instead

of ‫ بﺌر‬etc. The statement presented at the outset also indicates that despite these variations, it is an eloquent lughat. In the same way, there are many examples in the works of the Promised Messiahas of using feminine and masculine forms according to the intended meanings of the words. For instance, addressing the Arabs, the Promised Messiahas wrote in his book Al-Tabligh: ّٰ َّ ُّ َ َْ َ ْ َ َ ‫ت الل ِہ‬ ‫ض الن‬ ِ ‫بو ِۃ َوجیران ب َ ْي‬ ِ ‫یا أهل أر‬ َْ ُ ‫العظمی‬ “O dwellers of the land of prophethood and neighbours of the exalted House of Allah.” In this sentence, the Promised Messiahas has used the feminine form ‫ عظمی‬instead of masculine form ‫ عظیم‬for describing the quality of ‫ بيت‬which is masculine. The reason of using feminine form ‫ عظمی‬is that the Promised Messiahas meant ‫ الکعبة‬by ‫بيت اللہ‬, which is feminine. In his Arabic book, Al-Istifta, the Promised Messiahas states: ْ َ ّ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ ُ َّ َّ َ َ َ ّ ُ َ ‫�یمان َم ًعا‬ ‫الجسم وا��وح وال‬ ِ ‫وأما ال�فات ا��وحانية فيھلک‬ “As for spiritual diseases or evils, they destroy the body, soul and faith, all together.” َ ُ In this phrase, the masculine verb ‫ف ُي ْھلک‬ َ ُ has been used for the word ‫ال�فات‬, which is feminine. The Promised Messiahas has used ُ َ the masculine form of the verb for ‫ ال�فات‬to ّ (evil) or ‫السم‬ ّ refer to ‫الشر‬ (poison), which are masculine. In Khutbah Ilhamiyah [the Revealed Sermon], the Promised Messiahas said: َ َ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫� َما أَنْ�ُ ْم تُق ُّر‬ ‫َو ِإ ّن الق َص َﺺ لا � ْجري ال� ْس� َعل ْي َھا‬ ‫ون‬ ِ “And certainly, these narrations are not subject to abrogation as you claim.” In this sentence, ��‫ َالن‬is masculine but ّ intending it to mean�َ ‫( عملية ال� ْس‬procedure ّ ْ of abrogation) or �‫( قاعدۃ ال�س‬principle of َ abrogation), the feminine verb ‫ � ْجري‬has been used for it. As mentioned in the previous part of this article, one of the reasons behind the

َ َ ‫ط َﺤره‬as ‫ط َھ َره‬ and َ َ َ ‫ َمد َحہ‬as ‫َمدهہ‬ It is further narrated that the Holy ّ َُ َ َ ََْ Prophetsa said to Ammarra: ‫بن �م َية‬ ‫ویھک ا‬, but َ ََ rather it should have been ‫ويحَک‬. Wherever this hadith has been recorded, ‫ ح‬has been َ ََ exchanged with ‫ ه‬in the word ‫ويحَک‬, and it is one of the most eloquent lughaat. (AlMukhassas, Kitab al-Azdad, Bab ma Yaji‘u Maqulan bi Harfain wa Laisa Badlan)

differences in the Arabic lughaat is taqdim and ta‘khir (exchange of sequence of letters in a word). For example, some people recite ٌ or write the word ‫صاعقة‬ as ‫عة‬ ‫ق‬ ‫صا‬. Now, look ِ ِ at the following statement of the Promised Messiahas in his Arabic book, Hujjatullah: ُ ُ ُ َّ َ ُ ُ َ َُ ،‫ َو َم ْنبت ش ْع َب ِت ِہ‬،‫الموج َب ُة ل ِ ِفْ ْت َن ِت ِہ‬ ‫َولا َریْ َب أنھ ْم �م ال ِعلل‬ َِ َ َ ُ ْ ‫وجرموثة شذب ِت ِہ‬ “Without a doubt, they are the flaws which cause him to fall into temptation, the source of its stem, and root of its tree stump.” If another Arabic ٌ lughat is formed by changing ‫صاعقة‬ to ‫ صا ِقعة‬due to taqdim and ِ ta‘khir, then it can be assumed it is not ُ َ that ْ Rather wrong to change ‫ جرثومة‬to ‫جر ُموثة‬. than considering this usage to be scribal error or a mistake, it may well be a correct usage of a specific lughat. In the exchange of letters, some tribes used to exchange ‫ ه‬with ‫ ح‬in different words and vice versa. For example, in the book of lughat, Al-Mukhassas, it is stated that some people read: ُ َ َ ُ َ َ ‫کد َحہ‬as ‫کدهہ‬ َ ‫ی َ ْھ َت ِ�ﺶ‬as ‫ي ْح َت ِ�ﺶ‬ َ ‫ َالحَفيف‬as ‫َ الہفيف‬ ََ َ ‫ أه ّم�ي الأمر‬asَ ‫أ َح ّم َ�ي الأمر‬ ُ‫ �� َ َ� البعیر‬as ‫�� َ َہ‬

Now, keeping the above-mentioned rule in mind, when we look at the Arabic books of the Promised Messiahas, we find that at ّ certain places, he has written ‫محجة الاهتداء‬ ّ as ‫ مھجة الاهتداء‬by exchanging ‫ ح‬with ‫ه‬. Likewise, in his Arabic book, Hujjatullah, the Promised Messiahas has written the word ‫ حوجاء‬instead of ‫ هوجاء‬by exchanging ‫ه‬ with ‫ ح‬and this is considered an impressive style and a famous lughat of Arabs. Similarly, many other ancient Arabic lughaat are found in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas that are extinct in today’s Arabic writings. Below are some examples: 1. In Arabic, unlike other languages, there are separate rules for singular and plural, as well as for referring to two things (i.e. Al-Muthanna). In Arabic, alif and nun come at the end of a word to show that it is Al-Muthanna (dual), when it is in a state of rafa‘a (nominative case). For example, ٌ َ َ َ the dual of ‫ َج ّنة‬is ‫ج ّن َتان‬, meaning two paradises or two gardens. When it is in state of nasab (accusative case) or jarr (genitive case), alif changes into ya, i.e. in accusative and genitive cases ‫ جنتان‬will be written as ‫جنتین‬. The example of nominative case can be observed in the following verse of the Holy Quran: ٰ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ‫اف َم َق‬ ‫ام َربِّ ٖہ َج ّن� ِن‬ ‫و ل ِمن خ‬ “And for him who fears to stand before his Lord there are two Gardens.” (Surah alRahman, Ch.55: V.47)

The example of accusative and genitive cases can be observed in the following verse of the Holy Quran: َ ۡ ًَ َُ ۡ ۡ َ َۡ ‫َو ا� ِر ۡب لھ ۡم َّمثلا َّر ُجلی ِن َج َعل َنا لِا َح ِد ِه َما َج ّن َتی ِن ِم ۡن‬ ۡ َ َ ‫اب‬ ٍ ‫اعن‬ “And set forth to them the parable of two men: one of them We provided with two

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 gardens of grapes.” (Surah al-Kahf, Ch.18: V.33) Contrary to these rules, in the lughaat of some tribes such as Banu al-Harith Ibn Ka‘ab, Khath‘am, Zubaid and Kanana etc., the state of Al-Muthanna never changed in nominative, accusative or genitive cases. Its alif used to remain in all the three cases and was not changed with ya. (Al-Nahw al-Wafi, 1/123-24, and Jami‘ al-Durus al-Arabiyah li Shaikh Mustafa al-Ghalayini)

The examples of the Arabic lughaat with respect to Al-Muthanna are also found in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas, but some opponents, due to lack of knowledge, object when they find such examples contrary to today’s well-known rules. Below are some of those old lughaat and examples of the above-mentioned rule from the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas: ُّ َ َ ْ َ َْ َ ُ َ ‫ت ل َ ُه مَ َّرت‬ ‫[…] ِم ْن َها أ ّن الش ُه َب الثوا ِقب انقض‬ ‫ان‬ “One such [sign] is that shooting stars which appeared twice for him.” (Al-Istifta) ْ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ ّ َ َ َ َْ َ َ َ ‫واح ٍد‬ ٍ ‫ان فِي َوق‬ ِ ‫ت‬ ِ ‫قيضان فك ْيف يجت ِمع‬ ِْ َ ُ َ ‫ألا تعلمون أن هذان ن‬ َ ‫أيّ َها الغاف‬ ‫لون‬ ِ “O those who are unaware, do you not realise that these two are complete opposites, so how can they come together at the same time?” (Al-Tabligh) َ َ َّ ْ َ ْ ‫ان عظ‬ َ َ ‫اعتقاد مص‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ِ ‫يبت‬ ِ ‫يمت‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫ِإن فِي هذا ال‬ “Certainly, there are two great calamities in this belief.” (Ibid) In all theَ above examples, Al-Muthanna, َ َ ُ َ َّ َ َ ْ ‫ان عظ‬ َ ‫مصيب َت‬, is i.e. ‫قيضان‬ ‫ هذان ن‬,‫ان‬ ‫ مرت‬and ‫ان‬ ِ ِ ِ ‫يمت‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ mansub (accusative) and as per general rules of Arabic grammar, it should have come with ya and nun at the end, but according to the old lughaat, it is correct. 2. The common rule for ‫ كلا‬and ‫ كلتا‬is that when they are mudaf (the noun that comes before ‘of ’ and is possessed or owned) to an apparent noun, then in all three cases, their alif remain. However, deviating from this general rule, in the lughat of the tribe of Kanana, they are changed according to the common rule of Al-Muthanna in their respective cases. An example of this kind is also found in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas and it is as follows: َ ّ َْْ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ ُّ َ ‫الصف َتين‬ ِ ‫ل ِيدل لفظ الأنسين على كِلتي‬ “The word al-unsain signifies both attributes.” (Minan al-Rahman) The person who does not know this lughat will say out of ignorance that is َ ّ َْْ should be ‫ كلتا الصفتین‬instead of ‫الصف َتين‬ ِ ‫كِلتي‬, but his assertion is erroneous because this form is also part of Arabic lughaat. 3. One of the lughaat of the Banu Rabi‘ah tribe was that they did not write alif at the end of a word which was mansub (accusative) with tanwin (nunation). For example, they used to write ‫ قرأت كتابًا‬without ً alif as ‫كتاب‬ ‫قرأت‬. An example of this lughat is also found in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas. He stated: َ ‫ساء ُزمَر ال ْ ُم ْع َتقد‬ ً ‫َوت َ َت َع َّهدها َص‬ ً ‫باح َو َم‬ ‫ين‬ “The group of believers make this pledge every morning and evening.” (Maktub Ahmad) ً Instead of ‫صباحا‬, the Promised Messiahas ً has written ‫صباح‬, which is one of the old lughaat. Apart from the above-mentioned variations, one of the causes of discrepancy in Arabic lughaat was that some tribes used to change some letters and use other letters in their place. For example, they used to read and write mim after changing nun. In

this regard, the statement from Lisan alArab is as follows: ْ َ ََ ََ ْ ‫َوفي كتابه ل ِوائل بْن‬ ،‫ َم ْن زنى ِمم بِكر َو َمن زنى ِمم ث ِّيب‬:‫حج ٍر‬ ِ ِ ِ ً َ ُّ َ َ َ َ ّ َ ‫ِ َ ْ ِم ِ ْن ِ ْ َ من‬ ‫ فقلب النون ِميما‬،‫أي ِ بِك ٍر و ِ ث ِي ٍب‬ “Wa‘il bin Hajjar has written in his book: ‘man zana mim bikrin wa man zana mim thayyib’, using mim instead of min, that is, he has changed the letter nun into mim.” (Lisan al-Arab, under the word mim) Similarly, among other reasons for differences in the Arabic lughaat, the examples of changing different letters such as ghain to kha and jim to ha etc. are also present. Hence, if these variations are kept in mind, a lot of objections of opponents will

be answered automatically. Somebody can object that all of our justifications and deductions cannot be considered correct, because the door of limitless usages devoid of rules cannot be opened on the basis of such assumptions. The opponents can say that such matters should be taken from the Arabs through discourse, that is, their usages should be allowed and other styles should not be used. The answer to this objection is that it is a well-known fact to the lexicographers that very little from the auditory lughaat of the Arabs has been preserved and a great deal has been lost. Thus, none of the writings related to the

subject of lughaat could be ruled out because they may well be one of the Arabic lughaat; especially if the author of such writings claims that he has been given the knowledge of Arabic lughaat by God Almighty, then this possibility turns into a certainty. Moreover, the out-of-the-ordinary Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas compel a person to believe that they are from the lughaat of the Arabs. (Research conducted by Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Sahib, Arabic Desk UK. Translated by Al Hakam, with special thanks to Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib, Arabic Desk UK)

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya The Gambia holds Musleh-e-Maud Day Baba Suwareh The Gambia

Even though Covid-19 is on the rise in The Gambia and sub-region, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya The Gambia would never want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the favour and the blessings of Allah the Almighty which was bestowed on the Jamaat through the Promised Messiahas. The Musleh-e-Maud Day event was observed under the strict adherence of the Covid-19 regulations as laid down by the country’s healthcare authorities as well as WHO guidelines. We also abided by the instructions laid down by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa regarding Covid-19 regulations. The event took place on 20 February 2021 at Baitus Salam Mosque, the Jamaat’s main mosque situated in Talinding. At 6 pm, men, women and children of the Jamaat converged in Baitus Salam mosque to express their gratitude to Allah the

Almighty. Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya The Gambia, Baba F Trawally Sahib chaired the programme. The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, which was followed by a poem. Amir Sahib expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for witnessing yet another important date in the history of the Jamaat worldwide. He said 20 February each year is a unique day in Jamaat’s history. He indicated that this day is celebrated annually with the sole intention of remembrance of the prophecy concerning the birth of a son to the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias and its fulfillment in the person of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra. It is not a celebration of a birthday which occurred on 12 January, but rather the commemoration of the prophecy and its fulfillment. It is a date to remind us of our responsibilities and to draw our attention

to the progress of Islam, and to remind us of our responsibilities to serve Allah the Almighty and to serve humanity in general irrespective of colour, creed or faith. Amir Sahib concluded by urging the members to show total obedience to the institution of Khilafat and to pray for Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. He reminded the gathering to remember our motherland, The Gambia, the sub-region, and entire the humanity in their supplication. He said not to forget to pray for all the places around the world where our brothers and sisters are facing severe persecution because of their faith. He specifically mentioned Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Algeria and Arab countries. Syed Saeed ul Hassa Shah Sahib, Naib Amir and Missionary-in-charge spoke on the background of the prophecy. The event was successfully attended by brothers, sisters, and children in Talinding, its surrounding and across the country.

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II in Malerkotla – Daily diary Al Fazl, 14 and 28 March 1921

Malerkotla On his way from Lahore to Malerkotla, some friends met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] at the Amritsar station. The Ludhiana Jamaat was present at the station and they arranged for the evening feast as well. A lavish meal was served in the waiting room. Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib and his son, Maulana Saqib Sahib along with his sons, and Mansab Ali Khan Sahib as well as other members of the Jamaat were also present at Malerkotla station. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih reached Sherwani Kot by motor car. On 9 March 1921, the lecture of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] was announced by the secretary of Anjuman Ahmadiyya Malerkotla. The city house of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan was suggested as the Jalsa Gah. A delegation of three men went to the Afghans of Malerkotla and met them individually to join the lecture. Every effort was made by the opponent maulvis to ensure that no one participated in the sermon. The agents of maulvis went to every house, neighbourhood and mosque, to make sure that nobody attended this sermon. However, the gathering exceeded our expectations. As Malerkotla is basically a lifeless city for various reasons and the public there is in a very

poor state, around 150 Ahmadis came from Patiala, Nabha, Sangrur, Ludhiana and surrounding areas [to attend the jalsa]. Most of the people of Malerkotla who were present at the gathering happened to be Hindus. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih led Maghrib and Isha prayers combined in the Ahmadiyya Mosque. Thereafter, the meeting started. In order to formalise the proceedings of the jalsa, Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib recommended the name of Khan Muhammad Ehsan Ali Khan Sahib Raees of Malerkotla, as the president, which was seconded by Maulana Muhammad Nawab Khan Sahib Saqib. The president [of the gathering] said: “Friends! As it has been announced before, the Honourable Mian Sahib, leader of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, will address you. The subject of his speech will be The Truth of Islam. The proceedings will start with a recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a poem. Then, there will be a speech. Those people who have something to ask about it can visit Sherwani Kot tomorrow morning and get all the information.” After the president took his seat, Maulana Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib recited the first section of Surah Bani Israil. Thereafter, he said that the president had told [the gathering] that those friends who had something to ask could come to Sherwani Kot tomorrow morning and ask about it. However, many people might not be able to get there because of the long distance. Therefore, with the permission of Hazrat Sahib[ra], I want to add this much to the statement of the president that those friends who can get to the said place should meet over there, but for the convenience of those who cannot go there, Hazrat Sahib[ra] has given an hour and a half in such a way that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih will come here at

one o’clock and meet [the friends] till half past one. Then, Baba Fazal Karim Sahib presented the following poem of the Promised Messiahas: ‫سک دقر اظرہ ےہ ونر اس دبمء االونار اک‬ [An extraordinary light is being manifested from that Spring-Head of Lights.] The speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih started at quarter to eight. He recited the fifth ruku of Surah al-Nur from beginning to end and explained as to why there are differences among all the religions. Huzoor[ra] said: “The differences start from the concept of existence of God and extend to all other matters of faith and practices. The followers of one religion consider their religion to be true and call others false. People did not ponder over religion. Everyone is a follower of any religion because he has heard from his parents that he is a Hindu or a Muslim. This is what people fight for but do not try and understand their own religion.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] further said, “Islam also claims to be true and proves it.” In this regard, Huzoor[ra] narrated the remarkable works of the Holy Prophetsa and compared Mr Gandhi with him. Huzoor[ra] then described the present condition of Muslims. Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih brought up a question that “can Muslims be proved true according to the principles of the Holy Quran?” At this juncture, Huzoor[ra] presented the truth of the Promised Messiahas and said: “There are only two ways for Muslims according to the principles mentioned in the Holy Quran. The first is to believe in him [the Promised Messiahas] and establish the truth of the Holy Quran. Apart from Hazrat Mirza Sahibas, they have nothing to substantiate the authenticity of Islam.” The last part of the speech was full of passion and concern. The speech lasted for two hours. At the end, Huzoor[ra] [led the audience] in silent prayer and the jalsa came to a close. The next day, two persons came to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih when he arrived at one o’clock in the afternoon. In reply to the question of one gentleman as to what the meaning of Ibn-e-Maryam (son of Mary) is, Huzoor[ra] gave a short speech that will be published in a future issue. From there, Huzoor[ra] arrived at the station. The train in which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was to depart for Ludhiana was over an hour late. My (Mehr Muhammad Khan’s) father, Fazal Muhammad Khan Sahib Jagirdar and my maternal grandfather, Khan Sahib Qadir

Bakhsh Khan Sahib (father of Maulana Saqib Sahib), met [Huzoorra] at the station. Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib and his sons and other friends were also present at the station. The Ludhiana Jamaat welcomed us. The evening feast was at the house of Master Qadir Bakhsh Sahib. At his place, four ladies had the honour of taking bai‘at. Huzoor[ra] stayed at the guest house which is connected with the station. The next day, Huzoor[ra] boarded the express train from Ludhiana at 5 am and reached Amritsar. He stayed at the station for two hours. Thereafter, members of the Jamaat came and met him. At twelve o’clock, Huzoor[ra] rode from Batala and his tanga [horse-pulled vehicle] was the first to reach Qadian. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih gave the Friday sermon and led the prayer, alhamdulillah. 14 March 1921 Nikah sermon After reciting the masnun nikah sermon [the verses of the Holy Quran recited on the occasion of nikah by the Holy Prophetsa], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: “As this is the time for dars, I just want to advise both the parties that in the present age, the eyes of the whole world are on our Jamaat. People observe every single one of our actions and the difference between us and others. There is no doubt that if we claim to be the followers of a prophet of God, but we do not follow in his footsteps, then the blame will fall on us. “For instance, if there is a true claimant [of prophethood], but those who believe in him are practically in a bad moral condition, then there is no benefit for them. God might guide us to [that prophet] owing to certain hidden attribute of ours, but otherwise, we cannot be drawn towards him by looking at the apparent [condition of his followers]. Hence, the same is true for others that unless people witness a practical difference between us and others, they cannot be attracted to us. It is for this reason that our Jamaat has not immensely progressed till today. People generally see no significant difference between us and others. They do not see any distinction in us as compared to others. “Thus, unless we have a special distinction in each of our work, we cannot progress. It is the same in the matter of nikah. If people observe how Ahmadi men treat their relatives and their wife’s relatives, and how Ahmadi wives’ relatives treat their husbands’ relatives and how good a relationship all of them have with each other, then other people will be drawn towards us. However, if there is no difference between us and others in this matter, then people will not differentiate between us and others. If we have good relations with each other, we will live in peace and people will benefit from it. Consequently, the proverb, ‘aik panth do kaaj’ [kill two birds with one stone] will come true.” Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih announced the nikah of Muhammad Ismail Sahib, son of Nizamuddin Sahib, with Maryam Sahiba, daughter of Muhammad Abdullah Sahib […] (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 14 & 28 March 1921 issues of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

The exemplary young Companions: Manual labour

earned some dates and brought them to the service of the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Isabah, Vol. 5, p. 449)

Bringing an end to arrogance and pride Hazrat Abdullahra bin Salam was an affluent companion. Once, people saw him carrying a bundle of wood and said that he did not need to carry it as God had provided him ample wealth. But he replied that he wanted to bring an end to arrogance and pride. (Tarikh Medinah Dimashq li-ibni Asakar, Vol. 29, p. 132)

Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas, who accepted Islam when he was only 19 and was one of the senior Companions, was a very learned and scholarly person and had held respectable offices. About his scholarship in learning, Hazrat Umarra used to say that there was no need of any authentication after Saadra had narrated a hadith of the Holy Prophetsa. But no matter how respectable an office he held, he never compromised simplicity and the habit of manual labour which is taught in Islam.

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

One distinguishing feature in the traits of the Companionsra is that they never saw manual labour as beneath them. During labour, they never fancied any type of indignity or disgrace. Aside from their services and zeal they manifested at the time of war, some instances from everyday life in this regard are presented below. Construction of a mosque in Medina In the early days of the Holy Prophetsa in Medina, the first task at hand was the construction of a mosque, whose foundation stone was laid by the Holy Prophetsa himself. The masons and the labourers of the mosque were none other than the Companionsra themselves. Sometimes the Holy Prophetsa himself would join the Companionsra. They would perform this task with great fervour and sometimes, they recited the following couplet: َ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ ‫ہذاال ِح َمال لا ِح َمال خ ْیب ْر‬ َْ َ َ َ َ ‫ہذا اب َ ُّر َربّ َنا َو اط َھ ْر‬ “This is not the load of the camels from Khayber. O our Lord! This is the burden of righteousness and purity which we carry for Thy pleasure.” Similarly at Quba also, where the immigrants settled in early days, the Companionsra constructed a mosque with their own hands. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul-Manaqib, Bab Hijratun-Nabiy wa Ashabihi ilalMedinah)

Planting trees and agriculture Hazrat Abu Dardara was a very learned and scholarly companion. Hundreds of students at one time are reported to have learnt from him. But he was so fond of manual labour that in the mosque of Damascus, where he was the imam, he

would plant and tend trees with his own hands. Once, somebody surprisingly asked him if he performed this task with his own hands. In reply, he said that it was greatly meritorious in the sight of God. (Siyar-e-Ansar, Vol. 1, p. 184)

Services in the Prophet’ssa Mosque Hazrat Haram bin Malhanra would himself fill water in the Prophet’ssa Mosque. He would cut wood in the woodlands, sell it and provide meals for the Ashabus-Suffah [Companionsra who were dedicated to spend their time in the Prophet’ssa company] and other needy people. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwah ZatirRaji‘ wa Ri‘l wa Zakwan)

Logging as a profession The incident of the martyrdom of seventy huffaz at Bi‘r-e-Ma‘unah has been related at some other place in this series. It is reported about the huffaz that they would log in the woodlands during the day and thus, they subsisted on its profit, whereas their night hours were devoted for the worship of God. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ulMaghazi, Bab Ghazwah Zatir-Raji‘ wa Ri‘l wa Zakwan)

Collecting wood for the Prophetsa The Holy Prophetsa delivered his addresses with the support of a pillar in the mosque. Once, he expressed the need of a pulpit. A young companion, Hazrat Sahalra, rose up, went to the woodlands and brought wood for the pulpit. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 337, Hadith 22871)

Earning money to feed the Prophetsa Hazrat Kaabra bin Ajzah once saw the Holy Prophet’ssa expression different than usual due to hunger. So he rose to his feet and departed from the meeting. He saw a Jew watering his thirsty camels. He settled with him the price of one date for drawing out a bucket of water and thus

Allah loves His content servants Once, when he was tending to his camels in a jungle, his own son came and said, “It is not good that people hold kingships and sovereignties whereas you tend camels in the jungle.” Putting his hand on his son’s chest, Hazrat Saadra said, “Be quiet, for I have heard the Holy Prophetsa say that the Almighty Allah loves the content and righteous servant of His.” (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, pp. 214-217)

Manual labour as a living despite high income Hazrat Salman the Persianra was the governor of Madain and received 5,000 dinars per month as a salary. Despite this, he used to weave mats to earn a living. As for the salary, he would spend it all in the way of Allah. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 268) Earning money for one’s own wedding Hazrat Ali’sra excellence needs not any elaboration. He was the son-in-law of the Holy Prophetsa and was among the Ahle-Bait [household of the Prophetsa]. He had no money to hold a walima function after he got married to Hazrat Fatimahra but he had two she-camels. He decided to bring “Azkhar” grass, which is used by goldsmiths, from the jungle on his camels and sell it to them to arrange for the walima function. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab alKhiraj, Bab fi Biyan Mawazi‘ Qismul-Khums wa Sahmi Zil-Qurba)

Tending camels Hazrat Aqabahra bin Amir says that they would themselves serve in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and in turns they would tend their camels. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Taharah, Bab ma Yaqular-Rajulu iza Tawazza)

Providing food to the Prophetsa Once, when Hazrat Alira found the Holy Prophetsa starving, he came to a Jew in a garden and settled the wage at the rate of one date for drawing a bucket of water from the well. He drew seventeen buckets of water. Thus, he earned seventeen dates

and presented them to the Holy Prophetsa. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Abwabur-Rahun, Bab Ar-Rajulu Yastasqa Kulun wa lau biTamrati wa Yashtaritu Jildatan) Performing tasks yourself During a journey, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar would never task anybody with anything which he could do himself, so much so that he would get the camel to sit on the ground and would mount it on his own. (Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 164) Earning money from your own effort After Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf migrated to Medina, his was made a brother of Hazrat Saadra bin Rabi. Hazrat Saadra offered him half of his property, but he denied it saying that he did not need it. Instead, he asked him the way to the market and started the trade of oil and cheese. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Buyu‘, Bab Qaulallahi Ta‘ala fa-iza Qazaitas-Salata)

After immigrating to Medina, Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Saadra bin Malik and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud etc. started cultivating the agricultural lands of the Ansar. Hence, they earned their share from the harvest. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alMazari‘ati, Bab Mazari‘ah Bishshatr wa Nahw)

In short, the Companions did not look down on any job whatsoever. Hazrat Khabbabra was a blacksmith by profession. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Buyu‘, Bab Zikrul-Qain wal-Hadad)

Weaving Some female Companions used to weave clothes. Hazrat Saudahra, the mother of the believers, would herself weave radim of Ta‘if. (Al-Isabah, Vol. 8, p. 107, Zikr Khulaisah) The Prophet’ssa appreciation for hard word The hands of one companion were blackened by hard work. The Holy Prophetsa enquired about this. He replied that he had to break stones all day to earn living for his family. At this, the Holy Prophetsa kissed his hands. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 185, Tadhkirah Saad Al-Ansari)

Hazrat Abu Bakrra tended neighbours’ goats Despite the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakrra was very wealthy and affluent, he never felt any shame in doing work with his hands. He would tend goats and sheep and milk the goats of neighbours, so much so that when he was elected as the Khalifa, a neighbouring girl very wistfully remarked, “Who will milk our goats now?” (Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 137) Hazrat Abu Bakrra continuing his trade the day after Khilafat Hazrat Abu Bakrra was a cloth merchant. Despite holding such a high post in the spiritual and temporal realm, i.e. becoming the Khalifa, he never entertained the feeling that manual labour was below him and that he should avoid it in the future. The very next day, as usual, he held up the rolls of cloth and set off to market to sell them. On his way, he was met by Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra, who Continued on next page >>

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

counseled him to leave this job as he was their imam now and to get stipend from the treasury. Our youth especially should learn from this incident. (Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 138)

Hazrat Umar’sra services to his subjects As a result of the teachings of Islam, the Companionsra had become so used to manual labour that not only would they do their own work; rather, they would show no hesitance to serve others as well. Despite Hazrat Umar’sra status being equal to that of a monarch, yet he would provide water to the widows by carrying waterskin vessels on his back. He would also run errands for the families of the Muslim warriors. (Kanz-ul-Ummal, Vol. 12, p. 629, Hadith 35941)

There’s no doubt that the society at that time varied a great deal from that of ours in this age and the authorities then would not have to do many tasks which have become compulsory in this age. The way of sovereignty today has widened administrative work for the authorities so much that they have to give a lot of time to it. Nevertheless, those youngsters of ours who deem some tasks below their dignity can learn a great deal from such instances. Hazrat Uthmanra not disturbing the sleep of his followers There is no question about the affluence of Hazrat Uthmanra. He had servants at his disposal to serve him, but he was used to doing his work with his own hands and would not bother others. In the later part of night, for Tahajjud, he would not wake up any other person to prepare for his ablution etc.; rather, he would perform the entire task himself. This leads us to the conclusion that those who were trained directly by the Holy Prophetsa had learnt it well that a person should do their work themselves. (Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 44) Hazrat Ali’sra services to his followers Despite being the son-in-law of the Holy Prophetsa and himself having a distinguished position, Hazrat Alira never hesitated to work with his own hands. He never considered manual labour below his dignity. Once, he watered an orchard for somebody the whole night and earned some barley for it. The next morning, he had hareerah cooked from it and when he sat down to eat it, a beggar came and he handed all of it to him. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Abwab-ur-Rahun, Bab Ar-Rajulu Yastasqa Kulun wa lau bi-Tamrati wa li-Yashtaritu Jildatan)

Sometimes when people visited him to ask certain questions with regard to Islam, they would find him mending his shoes, digging the ground or tending camels in the woods. (Tarikh al-Tabari, p. 3348) Advice of the Prophetsa to his daughter The degree of the Holy Prophet’ssa love for his beloved daughter, Hazrat Fatimahra and how much he catered for her comfort is evident from the ahadith. But despite having the power to prevent it, he never minded her working with hands.

Once, Hazrat Fatimahra came to the Holy Prophetsa and submitted that she had to do a lot of hard work at home, so much so that her hands had blistered by milling. She requested the Holy Prophetsa to give her one of the slaves that came to him so as to relieve her in the hard work. But the reply of the Chief and Sovereign of this world and the Hereafter to his beloved daughter needs can be written with golden ink. Even in very straitened circumstances we do not want for our children to be put even in minor trouble. But what was the reply of the Holy Prophetsa to Hazrat Fatimahra? He said, “How can I give you and forget about the comfort of the Ashabus-Suffah.” Thus, she returned empty-handed. Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa visited her house and said, “Shall I tell you something better than what you have asked of me?” She replied, “Do tell me.” He said, “After every Salat, say ‘Subhanallah’ and ‘Alhamdulillah’ 33 times each and ‘Allahu Akbar’ 34 times. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Da‘wat, Bab Tasbih wa Takbir ‘indal-Manam)

Earning dates by drawing water in a bucket from a well Keeping in mind the exalted station of Hazrat Alira, read the following incident. He says that once, he went out of his house for some errands. He saw that a woman had piled up some soil to moisten. He set a price of one date per bucket of water with her and drew out 16 buckets which blistered his hands. Thus he earned 16 dates and brought them to the Holy Prophetsa and they ate the dates together. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ali bin Abi Talib, Vol. 2, p. 351, Hadith 1135)

The Holy Prophet’ssa manual labour It was not only the Companionsra who worked with their hands; the Holy Prophetsa, the Chief and Sovereign of this world and the Hereafter, never hesitated from manual labour also. Numerous ahadith recorded in history reveal that when the Holy Prophetsa returned home, he would help his wives with their household chores. He would milk the goats and he would even, on his own, mend his shoes. In the tasks of national importance, he would help the Companionsra. Hazrat Umm Salamahra reports that on the occasion of the Battle of the Ditch, the Holy Prophet’ssa chest was covered with dust. He carried to the Companionsra bricks and stones with his own hands and recited poetic verses as well. When he saw Ammar bin Yasirra, he said, “O Ibn Sumayyah! A rebel group will slay you.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 6, p. 256)

It is evident from the above incidents that manual labour of the Companionsra was not due to the conditions of that time; rather, they were trained in this regard by their leader and guide and that is why they would do it. The rich and poor, the young and old all did it alike. None should think that they did it under certain conditions. Women’s brave services during battles Hazrat Anasra reports that when, on the

occasion of the Battle of Uhud, the Muslim forces lost their feet, he saw Hazrat Aishara and Hazrat Umm Saleemra carrying water in water sacks for the wounded. They would bring another sack when one was emptied. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi) Daughter of Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Asmara Hazrat Asmara was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and was of the affluent people of Mecca. Despite affluence, she would perform menial jobs with her own hands. She was married to Hazrat Zubairra, a less privileged companion. He possessed only a horse and a camel. Besides her household work, she herself would look after the camel and horse. The Holy Prophetsa donated a tract of land to Hazrat Zubairra. Hazrat Asmara herself would collect the date-bones from there and carry them on her head all the way, three furlongs, home. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab al-Ghairah)

Wife earning money for the household Hazrat Zainabra bint Abu-Mu‘awiyah was married to Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud. Her husband was financially a poor man. She knew handicraft and used to earn her living by this manual labour. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zakat, Bab Fazl-un-Nafaqati ‘alal-Aqrabin)

An important request In this age, we must learn a great lesson from this aspect of the lives of the Companionsra. Today, Western culture has ingrained a very dangerous mentality in the youth of the modern age and has presented to them a very wrong concept of self-respect, wherein they deem certain works below their dignity. And due to this misconception, they fall victim to redundancy. They lead their lives in straitened circumstances and become a burden on

their parents and guardians. They prefer redundancy until they acquire a job suitable to their standard, which spoils them. Their inclination towards avarice and perversion sometimes spoils their character. If such youngsters read these accounts attentively and consider that no matter how respectable a family they may belong to, they cannot exceed the family members of the Holy Prophetsa. When the son-in-law of the Holy Prophetsa and the scion of the most respectable family of the Quraish and a scholarly person as well does not feel undignified when he cuts grass and sells it in the market; and the wives of the Holy Prophetsa do not feel ashamed to do work with their own hands; neither their family importance hinders their progress, nor does their relationship with the family of the Prophetsa hinder their manual labour, then certainly, youngsters in our age will feel bound to reflect upon their own attitude. A pleasant and comfortable revolution will be brought into the national and social lives of Muslims if such accounts strike their hearts and minds and as a result they reform themselves. Seeing the blackened hands of a respectable companion and thereupon enquiring about its reason, which was that he had to break stones all day to earn a living for his family, and the Holy Prophet’ssa kissing his hands in response, shows that not only is it not below one’s dignity to do any job one gets; rather, it is highly meritorious in the sight of the Holy Prophetsa. (Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

The 49th interfaith prayer for the nation and the world Syed Shamshad Nasir Missionry, USA Muhammad Ahmad Sahib of Detroit reports that the Universal Peace Federation USA held the “49th Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World” meeting via Zoom on 11 March 2021. 45 members attended this meeting, which was broadcast live via Facebook. Archbishop, George A Stallings moderated the session. After the introduction and welcome, Mr Stallings introduced Cantor Ruth Berman Harris of Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. Ms Harris spoke about freedom and connection to God. Mrs Jennie Preece of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints spoke about mercy and forgiveness. Mrs Karla Bartholomew of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena spoke about various humanitarian programmes and highlighted the involvement of interfaith leaders in such initiatives. She also gave a brief introduction of the Church of Scientology and read the creed of the Church of Scientology.

Archbishop Stallings introduced Shamshad Nasir Sahib, Ahmadi Muslim missionary of the Midwest region, and appreciated the Jamaat’s extensive efforts in building bridges between Islam and other religions. Shamshad Nasir Sahib started his remarks with a recitation from the Holy Quran and some prayers of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, with their translations. He gave a brief introduction of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya and its founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, the Promised Messiah, and spoke about his teachings which were recently published in The New York Times on 21 February 2021, with the title “Words of Healing from the Promised Messiah”. Shamshad Sahib also read an excerpt of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. In the end, Dr Michael Jenkins, President, Universal Peace Federation spoke about his various interfaith experiences. Tomiko Duggan of the Universal Peace Federation concluded the session by thanking all the faith leaders.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

The blessings of Ahmadiyyat on my parents, Dr Hameed A Khan and Mrs Sajida Mubashira Khan Part III Tayyaba Ahmed Hartlepool “And those who say, ‘Our Lord, grant us of our spouses and children the delight of [our] eyes and make each of us a leader of the righteous.” (Surah al-Furqan, Ch.25:75) Birth of another son: Abid Many readers may have read, seen on MTA or heard about the amazing “out-of-body” experience of my mother when she had surgery for cancer in 1981. She saw herself presented before God and requested that she be allowed to return to her young family – at the time she had three young children: myself, Fareed and Munavvarah. Allah the Almighty responded by saying thousands of years had now passed and there was no point in returning, upon which my mother pleaded, “You are the Lord of Time. You have the power to send me back!” She was returned with two signs from God to show the truth of the incident: one that she would no longer need blood and secondly, she would suffer much pain. When she woke, having already had two pints of blood, she saw that around half of a third bottle was being delivered through her arm, she signalled to my father and the medical staff that she did not want further blood to be transfused, but they took her murmurings to be due to the delirious effects of the anaesthetic. Her body immediately reacted to the blood and it had to be removed from her arm. After a great deal of pain, it was only her fervent prayer for recovery (at the time of her father’s arrival from Pakistan) that ended the second sign also. What my mother and father probably did not envisage, shortly after the ordeal of her illness, was another miraculous blessing that Allah the Almighty would bestow on them – another son. Having had cancer treatment, doctors had advised against any further physical stress such as pregnancy. Yet in December 1982, Abid Waheed Ahmad Khan was born. Training Of course, my parents were delighted and very grateful to Allah; he was the centre of the whole family’s attention, as often the youngest child in the family is. Abid soon grew into an active and innocently mischievous child. By the time he was around two or three, my father would stand him up beside himself in congregational Salat. Being so young, he understood Salat was an important time so he would stand for Salat at the beginning, disappear for a time during Salat and then return just before the end! However, this gentle training meant that by the time

he was just six years old, I can remember that on certain occasions, when other male family members were not available, he was able to lead Salat at home. Special times When reminiscing over her dedication to tabligh, my mother herself mentioned a dream to me that she had seen when she was young, perhaps a teenager, in which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra came and said to her, “Jab tum payntees sal ki hogi, men tumharay upar aik jadoo karunga”, meaning, “When you reach the age of 35, I shall put a spell on you.” She believed the dream meant that in her 30s, a great change would take place in her. Certainly, by the grace of Allah, it was from around this time onwards that many of those English ladies converted, who numbered around 18 by the time she passed away in 1994. It was a great blessing that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh would spare his precious time and accept the invitation of my parents to visit Hartlepool for the purpose of tabligh. My mother would invite as many of her friends and contacts as she could and they would gather in her sitting room, with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh seated in a chair near the fireplace, answering in detail their questions. On one such occasion, two or three of my teenage school friends also attended and commented afterwards, “We were mesmerised by his voice and his turban!” In addition to this, my parents would take every opportunity possible to attend Jalsas, question and answer sessions, programmes and private mulaqats (meetings) with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. The following incidents are related according to my memory and understanding of the time and I pray I am not mistaken in these narrations in any way. On one occasion, my parents took a lady, called Joyce, of Jewish background to meet Huzoorrh. When she was introduced to Huzoorrh, he responded in such a beautiful way by describing her people as “a spiritually

and intellectually gifted nation.” Another meeting which I remember attending was of the elderly lady, who I mentioned earlier, Mary. My mother had been preaching to her for a while and had taken her to meet Huzoorrh, I assume with the hope that her interest in Islam would progress. The lady, however, had a personal grievance which she discussed in tears, that her son and daughter-in-law did not come to see her at all, thereby resulting in her being deprived of the company of her two grandsons. I waited with bated breath to see how Huzoorrh would respond; the old lady seeming to be the injured party. Huzoorrh, surprisingly, graciously and very wisely, explained to her that at times, the bigger (elder) person is the one who shows humility and makes the first move towards reconciliation. I wish she had acted on this advice but unfortunately, she did not. She died without making amends with her family a year or two later, my mother being the only one at her bedside in the end. It was also in such a mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh that I remember mention was made of a lady who had converted – (my impression was) initially and mostly for the sake of marriage. Huzoorrh made a comment to the effect that just because someone’s entrance to the true religion was not ideal, it did not mean once they had entered the fold, they could not be successful (and sincere). It was a great privilege to attend these precious meetings with Huzoorrh; may Allah Bless Khilafat-eAhmadiyya always. Amin.

There have been many times when I have looked back and realised the profundity of the comments of beloved Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and been amazed at the wisdom and truth encapsulated in his words. One incident is a favourite memory of mine whereby Huzoorrh and my mother were discussing which among two of her children was the most intelligent, Huzoorrh having one opinion and my mother siding with another. At this time, my son Taalay was just a baby of 2-3 months old. Huzoorrh eventually accepted my mother’s choice but pointed to the baby and said that he would be even more intelligent. A question and answer session with a wedding By January 1989, the successful preaching efforts of both my parents were now in full throttle. Therefore, when the time came for my wedding (to Ummi’s nephew, Syed Hashim A Ahmed) they, of course, requested Huzoorrh to not only visit Hartlepool and announce the nikah, but also for a question and answer session with a large roomful of guests. By this time, my father had converted his large double garage into a meeting room, especially keeping in mind such visits of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and the hospitality of the guests that were invited to many such tabligh events. He had also extended our home to add another dining room. The question and answer session was very blessed by the grace Continued on next page >>

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM we should love others purely for the sake of Allah. This was her way. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh led her funeral prayer in absentia in London and said, “She achieved such a great masterpiece in this country that I wish her funeral prayers be performed in such a distinguished manner that the whole world may join in the prayers […]” May Allah bless her soul and raise her status in Heaven. Amin. Lajna UK Centenary 2017 Many years had passed by since my mother’s passing. Lajna Imaillah UK was celebrating 100 years of being established in the UK. Intriguingly, it was at this time that the MTA documentary was produced

(by Taalay – the baby Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh had complimented many years earlier), titled The White Birds of Hartlepool. It was a timely reminder, with interviews of several converts from my parents’ time, of my parents’ humble efforts in tabligh, most assuredly blessed by the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Thus, when it came to the main Lajna UK Centenary event in Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, the lady that had been bestowed the title of “Queen Victoria” many years earlier by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, was remembered well by the ladies of today, alhamdulillah. (To be continued…)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh answering questions of guests in Doctor Sahib’s living room

<< Continued from previous page

of Allah, with varied topics discussed. Queen Victoria As far as my memory serves, it was a couple of days later when my mother attended our small walima (wedding) dinner in London, that Huzoorrh gave her a most wonderful and prophetic compliment, that she would be remembered as “Queen Victoria” in the history of (ladies) tabligh in the UK. My mother was elated and very grateful to Allah for His blessings. This article is my humble effort in this regard. My sister, brother and son having already published articles and a documentary about my parents, I felt it would be good to join them in recording

their good efforts in Ahmadiyya history. May Allah accept it. Amin. Parting “And Solomon was heir to David. And he said, ‘O ye people, we have been taught the language of birds and we have had everything bestowed upon us. This indeed is [God’s] manifest grace.’” (Surah al-Naml, Ch.27: V.17)

My mother, in 1994, eventually succumbed to another episode of cancer. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫اج ُع ْو َن‬ ِ ‫اِنا لِل ِہ و اِنا اِلی ِہ ر‬ “Verily, to Allah we belong, and to Him shall we return.” She once told me that she always tried to follow the Holy Prophet’ssa guidance that

Humanitarian services of Ahmadis in Zambia Bilal Ahmed Missionary, Zambia Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Zambia’s delegation approached the area councilor for Kanyama constituency to enlighten the civic leader in regard to the Jamaat’s humanitarian services. On receiving a brief explanation, the Area Councillor invited Zambia Jamaat to partake in a cleaning programme that was

organised by the Lusaka City Council under a Presidential Directive. On 27 February 2021, in response to the cleanliness programme arranged by the Area Councillor of Kanyama Constituency, 18 Khuddam led by Munir Ahmed Nasir Sahib, a devotee teacher at the Jamaat’s School, and I participated with great enthusiasm and joined the rest of Kanyama

Constituency Community in the voluntary cleaning programme armed with shovels and wheelbarrows. In amazement and joy, the local people and the council administration praised the unprecedented gesture of the Jamaat. The councilor acknowledged Jamaat’s services on his Facebook post and said: “Thanks [to] Ahmadiyya Muslim

Mission for participating in today’s Keep Kanyama Clean Programme, to all the CBEs, WDCs and the market committee leadership we will remain grateful forever”. This also served as an opportunity to share the word of Allah the Almighty with the constituency’s predominantly Christian community and we invited them to the peaceful teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021

Friday Sermon 26 February 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Uthmanra ibn Affan After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: Previously, I mentioned the expeditions and conquests that took place in the time of Hazrat Uthmanra. I will continue mentioning these today. Ali bin Muhammad Madaini narrates that Tabaristan was conquered in the era of Hazrat Uthmanra in 30 AH by Hazrat Saeedra bin Aas. A battle ensued and the fort was captured [by the Muslims].

towards Byzantine territories began in 32 AH. In 32 AH, Amir Mu‘awiyahra fought against Byzantine territories and reached the shores of Constantinople. (Ibn Kathir, AlBidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 7, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001] p. 155)

The conquests of Marw Al-Rudh, Taleqan, Faryab, Jowzjan and Tokharistan took place in 32 AH by Hazrat Abdullahra bin Aamir. Taleqan is the middle region between Balkh and Marw Al-Rudh located in present day Afghanistan; Faryab is also an area of Afghanistan; Jowzjan is also situated in Afghanistan; Takharistan is also part of present-day Afghanistan; all these areas were conquered. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, Fath Maru al-Raudh wa al-Taliqan… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 630) (Sheikh Shah Moinuddin Ahmad Nadvi, Siyar

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Sanah 30 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], pp. 102-103)

Then, the conquest of Sawari [Battle of the Masts] took place in 31 AH. In the majority of the books of history, the location of this battle is not mentioned; however, Allama Ibn Khaldun has mentioned that this battle took place in Alexandria. (Tarikh Ibn Khuldun, Vol. 2, Wilayat Abdullah bin Abi Sarah ‘ala… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2000], p. 575) (Al-Nujum al-Zahirah fi Muluk Misr wa al-Qahirah, Vol. 1, p. 50, Dhikr Wilayat Abi

al-Sahabah, Vol. 1 [Karachi, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha’ah,

Sarah ‘ala Misr, Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyyah, p. 1929)

2004], p. 168)

According to a narration, the Muslims fought against the Byzantine forces in a battle named “Sawari” in 31 AH. Abu Ma‘shar narrates that the Battle of Sawari took place in 34 AH and the Battle of Asawidah, which was a naval battle, took place took place in 31 AH. According to Waqidi [a historian], both battles of Sawari and Asawidah took place in 31 AH.

Abul Ash‘ab Saadi narrates from his father that Ahnaf bin Qais fought against the people of Marw Al-Rudh, Taleqan, Faryab and Jowzjan well into the night, until Allah the Almighty inflicted the enemy with defeat. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir alTabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Fath Maru al-Raudh wa al-Taliqan… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 130)

Ahnaf bin Qais dispatched the cavalry under the command of Aqra bin Habis to Jowzjan. Aqra was sent to deal with the remaining army that Ahnaf had already defeated. Thus Aqra encountered them in a ferocious battle, in which many from the cavalry were martyred. Eventually Allah the Almighty granted the Muslims victory. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Ghazwah al-Sawari, Sanah 31 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al- Fikr, 1998], p. 115)

When Hazrat Abdullahra bin Saad bin Abi Sarh defeated the French and the Berbers in Ifriqiya and Al-Andalus, the Byzantines were outraged and went to Constans II. They prepared an army to fight the Muslims, the likes of which the Muslims had not witnessed since the beginning of Islam. This army consisted of 500 naval fleet, which encountered the Muslims. Amir Mu‘awiyahra appointed Hazrat Abdullahra bin Saad bin Abi Sarh as the commander of the naval fleet. When the two armies faced each other, a severe battle ensued. Eventually, Allah the Almighty granted victory to the Muslims as a result of which Constans II fled along with the remaining army. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5 [Beirut,

Tabari, Vol. 5, Fath Maru al-Raudh wa al-Taliqan… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], pp. 130-131)

Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 116) (Ibn Kathir, AlBidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 7, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001] pp. 152-153)

The conquest of Armenia took place in 31 AH. According to Waqidi, Armenia was conquered in 31 AH by Habib bin Maslamah Fihri. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al- Fikr, 1998], p. 118)

The conquest of Khorasan took place

in 31 AH. Hazrat Abdullah bin Aamir set out towards Khorasan and conquered Abarshar, Tus, Abiward and Nesa, until he reached up to Sarakhs. In the same year, the people of Merv formed a peace treaty. ra

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Shukhus Abdillah bin Amir ila… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 123)

Merv is in Turkmenistan and the other areas are situated in Iran. Expeditions

Balkh was conquered in 32 AH. From Marw Al-Rudh, Ahnaf bin Qais headed towards Balkh and besieged the residents [in the city]. In ancient times, Balkh was one of the most important cities of Khorasan and is the oldest city of presentday Afghanistan. The old part of the city is presently in ruins, located 12 kilometres to the right of the Balkh River. The residents of the city agreed to a peace treaty for

36 400,000 dirhams, which Ahnaf bin Qais accepted. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Dhikr Sulh al-Ahnaf ma‘a Ahl Balkh [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 131) (Yaqut Ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah], p. 568)

The expedition of Herat took place in 32 AH. Hazrat Uthmanra dispatched Khulaid bin Abdullah bin Hanafi to Herat and Badghis. He conquered both cities, but later they [i.e. the people of the cities] rebelled [against the Muslims] and allied themselves with the Karen king [House of Karen]. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Dhikr Sulh al-Ahnaf ma‘a Ahl Balkh [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 131)

In 32 AH Hazrat Abdullahra bin Aamir departed leaving Qais bin Haythim as the governor in his absence. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir

al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Dhikr Sulh al-Ahnaf ma’a Ahl Balkh [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 132)

The [King] Karen had prepared a large army to confront the Muslims. Qais bin Haythim appointed Abdullah bin Hazim as the governor and left to assist Hazrat Abdullah bin Aamir. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-

Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Dhikr Sulh al-Ahnaf ma’a Ahl Balkh [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], pp. 132-133)

Since there was a vast enemy army facing them, Abdullah bin Hazim left to fight against [King] Karen with an army of 4,000 soldiers. Abdullah bin Hazim sent 600 soldiers as a vanguard and set out behind them. The vanguard force reached the army of Karen in the night and launched an attack. Due to this sudden attack, the enemy became petrified and when the remaining Muslim army reached there, the enemy suffered a crushing defeat and [King] Karen was killed. The Muslims chased them and many people were either killed or imprisoned after their capture. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Dhikr Sulh al-Ahnaf ma’a Ahl Balkh [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 1998], p. 132)

During the era of Hazrat Uthmanra, Islam reached the Indian subcontinent. Imam Yusuf writes in his book, Al-Kharaj, with reference to Imam Zuhri that Egypt and Syria were conquered during the era of Hazrat Umarra and Ifriqiya, Khorasan and Sindh were conquered during the era of Hazrat Uthmanra. (Imam Abu Yusuf, Kitab

al-Ikhraj, Fasl fi Qital Ahl al-Shirk… [Al-Maktabah alTaufiqiyyah, 2013], p. 218)

There is a narration in regard to the arrival of Islam in the Indian subcontinent as follows: During the era of Hazrat Uthmanra, Hazrat Abdullah bin Muamir was given an army under his command and sent to Mukran and Sindh, where he demonstrated a great valour and bravery in the conquest of Mukran. Later, he was appointed as the governor of these newly conquered lands. (Muhammad ishaq Bhatti, Barre-Saghir mein Islam ke Awwalin Nuqush, 2009, p. 63)

In regard to Hazrat Mujashi bin Mas‘ud Sulammi it is written that whilst leading a Muslim army, he fought a Jihad against the opponents of Islam in Kabul, the capital of modern-day Afghanistan. According to the historians, Kabul was considered a part of India in those days. During the era of Hazrat Uthmanra, Hazrat Mujashi

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM fought against the opponents of Islam in Balochistan, a province of Pakistan and also conquered the neighbouring area of Sistan. Thereafter, the Muslims began to live in these areas of the Indian subcontinent and considered it as their homeland. (Muhammad ishaq Bhatti, Barr-e-Saghir mein Islam ke Awwalin Nuqush, 2009, p. 65)

There are various prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa regarding the discord and strife that emerged during the era of Hazrat Uthman’sra Khilafat. Hazrat Aishara narrates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “O Uthman! It is possible that Allah will bestow upon you a cloak. If people demand that you take this cloak off, do not take it off.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab alManaqib, Bab Man al-Nabisa “Uthman an la Yakhla” … Hadith 3705)

This is a narration from Tirmidhi and has also been narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah as follows: Hazrat Aishara narrates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “O Uthman! If ever Allah entrusts you with this matter [Khilafat] and the hypocrites seek to remove the cloak from you which Allah has bestowed upon you, never take it off.” The Holy Prophetsa repeated this three times. The narrator, Nu‘man states that he asked Hazrat Aishara that what stopped her from informing others about this news. Hazrat Aishara stated that she was made to forget this. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Iftitah alKitab, Fadl Uthmanra, Hadith 112)

Hazrat Kaabra bin Ujrah relates that the Holy Prophetsa once spoke about a discord and said that it would occur very soon. As the Holy Prophetsa was narrating this, a person walked by, whose head was covered and was clad in a mantle. The Holy Prophetsa stated, “On that day”, when this discord emerges, “this individual will be on the truth.” The narrator states that he immediately stood up and took hold of that person and found that it was Hazrat Uthmanra. He held Hazrat Uthmanra from both hands and then turned him in the direction of the Holy Prophetsa and asked, “Is it this individual?” The Holy Prophetsa said, “Yes, he is the one.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Iftitah al-Kitab, Fadl Uthmanra, Hadith 111)

Hazrat Aishara relates that the Holy Prophetsa stated during his illness that he wished some of his companions were in his company. Upon this, they asked, “O Messengersa of Allah! Shall we bring Abu Bakr?” However, the Holy Prophetsa remained silent. They then asked, “O Messengersa of Allah, shall we bring Umar?” Again, the Holy Prophetsa remained silent. They then asked, “O Messengersa of Allah! Shall we bring Uthman?” Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative. Following this, Hazrat Uthmanra came and the Holy Prophetsa took him on his own to the side. As the Holy Prophetsa began talking to him, the expression of Hazrat Uthman’sra face began to change. Qais relates that Abu Sehla, the freed slave of Hazat Uthmanra, told him that on the day of Yaum al-Dar [Day of the Siege], Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan stated that the Holy Prophetsa had given him a specific instruction which he was now going to fulfil. The narrator states that Hazrat

Uthmanra stated:

َ ََ ‫انا َصابِ ٌر َعل ْی ِہ‬

“I am firmly steadfast upon this.” Yaum al-Dar is the day when the hypocrites besieged Hazrat Uthmanra in his house and then martyred him in a merciless manner. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Iftitah alKitab, Fadl Uthmanra, Hadith 113)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has explained in great detail regarding the outset of dissension that began during the era of Hazrat Uthman’sra Khilafat and the factors that led to it. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Both of these noble men [i.e. Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira] were among the first devotees of Islam. Their companions are also from among the best fruits of Islam. For a charge to be levelled against their honesty and virtue is, in reality, a disgrace upon Islam. Any Muslim who sincerely ponders over this fact will definitely reach the conclusion that in actuality, these people are above and beyond all kinds of partiality. This statement is not without foundation; rather, the pages of history are a testimony to this very fact for anyone who examines them with open eyes. “As far as my research is concerned, whatever is alleged against these noble men and their friends is the work of the opponents of Islam. After the era of the Companionsra, various so-called Muslims, driven by their egos, have levelled allegations upon either one or the other, from among these noble men. However, despite this the truth has always prevailed and has never remained veiled in secrecy.” (Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, p. 249) As regards the strife and discord that developed against Hazrat Uthmanra, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra raises the question as to how this conflict arose: “Some have alleged the cause to be Hazrat Uthmanra while others, Hazrat Alira. Some say that Hazrat Uthmanra introduced certain innovations in the faith, which caused an uproar among the Muslims. Others assert that Hazrat Alira secretly conspired to acquire Khilafat and had Hazrat Uthmanra killed by creating hostility against him so that he could become the Khalifa himself.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: “However, both of these notions are false; neither did Hazrat Uthmanra introduce innovations in the faith, nor did Hazrat Alira have him killed or took part in a conspiracy to murder him in order to become the Khalifa himself. In fact, there were other causes for this revolt. “Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira are completely free from the blemish of such allegations. Both were very holy men. Hazrat Uthmanra was the person about whom the Holy Prophetsa had said, that he had served Islam to such a great extent that now he could do whatsoever he wished, God would not question him.” This is a narration of Sunan al-Tirmidhi. “This did not imply that he would not be held accountable even if he renounced Islam. In fact, it inferred that he had acquired so many qualities and had

progressed so much in virtue that it was no longer possible for any of his actions to be in violation of the commandments of Allah the Exalted. As such, Hazrat Uthmanra was not a man who would issue an order in violation to the Shariah, nor was Hazrat Alira a man who would secretly conspire to assume Khilafat.” (Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, pp. 253254)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “[…] in the beginning of the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra, we see no sign of disorder for up to six years. Quite conversely, it appears that people were generally pleased with him. In fact, it is ascertained from history that in this era, he was even dearer to the people than Hazrat Umarra. Not only was he dear to the people, in fact they were in awe of him. A poet of that era testifies to this fact in his poetic verses, in the following words: “‘O rebellious people! Do not loot and devour the people’s wealth in the reign of Uthmanra; for Ibn-e-Affan is he whom you have experienced. In accordance with Quranic injunctions, he executes those who pillage; he has always been a guardian of the injunctions of this Holy Quran; he is the one who teaches the people to act upon these injunctions.’ “However, after six years, we see a campaign in the seventh year; and this was not directed against Hazrat Uthmanra; rather, it was directed against the companions or against various governors. As such, Tabari narrates that Hazrat Uthmanra took full consideration of the rights of people. However, those people who did not enjoy the distinction of being the foremost pioneers in Islam did not receive the same level of honour as the early and pioneer Muslims did in gatherings; nor did they receive an equal share in rule and wealth. Over time, some people began to criticise this superiority and deemed it to be an injustice. “However, these people feared the Muslim masses and out of their fear that the people would oppose them, they would not express their views openly. Instead, the practice which they had employed was to secretly incite people against the companions. When they came across an uneducated Muslim or a freed Bedouin slave, they would open up their book of complaints. Consequently, either out of ignorance or due to their own desire for position, certain people would join them. Gradually, this group began to multiply and reached a large number.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “When disorder is about to arise, its contributing factors also begin to accumulate in an extraordinary manner. On the one hand, those of a jealous disposition were beginning to grow incensed against the companions. On the other hand, the zeal for Islam, which is usually present in the hearts of all those who convert from other religions, began to decline amongst these new Muslims, who had neither lived in the company of the Holy Prophetsa, nor had they received an opportunity to spend a great deal of

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 time with those who had been in the Holy Prophet’ssa company. “As a matter of fact, as soon as they accepted Islam, it was their presumption that they had learned everything. As soon as this Islamic fervour lessened, the control which Islam possessed over their hearts also began to fall weak. They, once again, began to enjoy committing the sins that they had once indulged in before they became Muslims. When they were punished for their crimes, instead of reforming themselves, they became bent upon the destruction of those who were administering these sentences. Ultimately, they proved to become the cause of creating a great rift in the unity enjoyed by Islam. “The centre of these people was in Kufa. However, the strangest thing to note is that an incident took place in Medina itself, which demonstrates that in that time, some people were as unfamiliar with Islam as the ignorant people of today who live in the remotest areas. “Humran bin Abban was a person who married a woman during her iddat [a period in which a woman is prohibited from marriage]. When Hazrat Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, learned of this, he was displeased at him; not only did he order a separation, but also exiled him from Medina to Basrah. This occurrence demonstrates how certain people began to perceive that the mere acceptance of Islam authorised them as being scholars of Islam. They did not feel a need for further research. Perhaps, due to an influence of various views, related to believing in unlawful things as being permissible, they deemed it a futile act to follow the Shariah.” (Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, pp. 262-263)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further narrates: “In truth, this entire disturbance was the result of a secret conspiracy hatched by the Jews. They were joined by certain Muslims who were attracted to the desire of the world and had left their faith. Neither were the provincial governors to blame for this, nor were they the cause of this disorder”; this was instigated by certain Jews and some Muslims also joined them. Nonetheless, the governors appointed by Hazrat Uthmanra were free from blame, nor did they instigate this disorder. “Their only fault was that they had been appointed by Hazrat Uthmanra and the fault of Hazrat Uthmanra was that he was holding fast to the rope of Islamic unity despite his old age and physical frailty. He was carrying the burden of the Muslim ummah upon his shoulders and was concerned for the establishment of the Islamic Shariah. He would not allow the rebellious and tyrannous to oppress the weak and helpless according to their desire. As such, the following incident testifies to the truth of this fact. When the same rebels held a meeting in Kufa and they began to discuss how disorder may be created in Muslim affairs, everyone unanimously gave the opinion: َّ َ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ٌ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ َ َ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫لاوالل ِہ لا یر فع رأس ما دام عثمان علی الن‬

“‘By God, no one can dare to raise their head, so long as the reign of Uthmanra prevails.’ “It was the very person of Hazrat Uthmanra himself that prevented rebellion. It was necessary to move him aside in order for these people to freely achieve their goals” (Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, pp. 282-283)

Explaining more details about the strife and discord, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “Then Hazrat Uthmanra called the mischief-makers and gathered the companions of the Holy Prophetsa as well. When everyone had gathered, Hazrat Uthmanra informed them of the whole affair. The two informants also stood by as witnesses and gave their testimony” about what the rebels were conspiring. “Upon this, all the companions gave the following verdict: “‘Execute these people’”, who are creating disorder in the name of “peace” and “reformation”, “‘because the Holy Prophetsa has said, “May the curse of Allah be upon such an individual who calls people towards his own obedience or the obedience of another, at a time when there is an Imam who is present. Kill such a person whoever he may be.”’” This narration is from Sahih Muslim. “Then, they reminded everyone of the words of Hazrat Umarra, ‘I do not deem the execution of any such person permissible for you in which I do not have a part.’” In other words, no one may be executed unless there is an indication from the government. “Upon hearing the verdict of the companions, Hazrat Uthmanra stated, ‘No, we will forgive them and accept their pleas. We will counsel them with all our efforts and we will not oppose anyone so long as he does not clearly violate the law or express disbelief.’ “Then Hazrat Uthmanra said: “‘These people have mentioned certain things which you are aware of as well. However, their plan is to debate with me on these issues so that they can return and say, “We engaged in a debate with Uthman regarding these matters and he has been defeated.” These people allege that whilst on journey, I offered the prayer in full but the Holy Prophetsa used to perform qasr [shortened prayer] whilst on journey. However, it was only in Mina where I offered the prayer in full and even that was due to two reasons: firstly, because I owned property there and I had married there; secondly, because I came to know that in those days people had converged for Hajj and the uneducated from among them would begin to say that the Khalifa only offers two rak‘aat [units] so there must only be two rak‘aat in the prayer. Is this not true?’ “The companions replied, ‘Yes this is correct.’ Then Hazrat Uthmanra said, ‘The second allegation that they raise is that I have introduced the innovation of establishing public pastures, although this is a false accusation. Pastures were established before me. They were introduced by Hazrat Umarra and I have only made them more spacious due to

the growing number of camels which are given in alms. Then, the land designated for public pastures is not the wealth of anyone. I have no benefit in this; I have only two camels, whereas at the time when I became Khalifa I was the wealthiest among all the Arabs. Now I only have two camels which I have kept for Hajj.’” Hazrat Uthmanra said at the time he was elected as Khalifa, he was the wealthiest of all the Arabs, but now he only had two camels in his possession. “‘Is this not true?’ The noble companions affirmed, ‘Indeed, it is.’ Then Hazrat Uthmanra said, ‘They say that I appoint comparatively young men as governors, even though I only appoint such individuals as governors who possess virtuous attributes and manners. Holy men before me appointed even younger people as governors than those appointed by me. Far more objections were raised against the Holy Prophetsa for appointing Usama bin Zaid as the general of an army than are now being raised against me. Is this not true?’ “The companions responded, ‘It is true.’ Hazrat Uthmanra then said, ‘These people raise objections before the people but hide the real events.’ In this manner Hazrat Uthmanra stated all the objections one by one and refuted them one after another. The companions emphatically persisted that they should be executed, but Hazrat Uthmanra did not agree and released them. Tabari states: ُ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ َ َّ ْ َ ‫ابَی ال ُم ْسلِ ُم ْو َن اِلا ق ْتلھ ْم َو ا ٰبی اِلا ت ْرکھ ْم‬ “‘The rest of the Muslims were adamant on having them executed but Hazrat Uthmanra could not be convinced in any way to punish them.’ “This incident shows the various types of falsehood and deception which would be employed by the mischief-makers. In that era, when the press and means of transport were not as developed as today, it was very easy for these people to mislead the uneducated. In reality, however, these people had no legitimate reason to rise up. Neither did the truth support them, nor did they speak the truth. All their endeavours were founded upon lies and falsehood. It was only the mercy of Hazrat Uthmanra that was saving them, otherwise, the Muslims would have torn them to pieces. The companions could not have ever tolerated that the peace and security which they had achieved by sacrificing their lives be done away with in this manner by the mischief of a few wicked people. They could see that the Islamic state would crumble if these people were not promptly punished. However, Hazrat Uthmanra was an embodiment of mercy and he desired, in any way possible, for these people to be rightly guided so that they would not die in a state of disbelief. “As such, Hazrat Uthmanra would show leniency towards these people and looked upon their actions of manifest rebellion as a mere intention to commit rebellion and would put off their punishment. This incident also illustrates that the companions greatly detested these people. The reason being that firstly, the mischief-

makers stated themselves that only three people of Medina were with them and no more.” The mischief-makers only named three residents of Medina who were with them. “If other companions were also on their side, they would have named them as well. Secondly, the companions demonstrated through their actions as well that they abhorred the actions of these mischiefmakers and looked upon their deeds as being in violation of the shariah to such extent, that in their view, no punishment lesser than execution was acceptable. If the companions supported these people or the people of Medina held the same views as the mischief-makers, they would not have needed any further justification or excuse; and would have killed Hazrat Uthmanra there and then and elected another person for the office of Khilafat in his stead. However, we observe that instead of these people being successful in killing Hazrat Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, their very own lives became endangered by the unsheathed swords of the companions. It was only due to the favour and kindness of the very same gracious and compassionate person – whom they sought to murder and against whom they had instigated an outrage – that they were able to safely escape. “One is astonished at the malice and unrighteousness of these mischiefmakers, for they did not derive the slightest benefit from this incident. Each and every one of their allegations was amply refuted and all their objections were proven to be false and unfounded. They witnessed the mercy and compassion of Hazrat Uthmanra and the soul of every individual bore witness to the fact that the likes of such a person cannot be found on the face of the earth at this time. However, instead of repenting for their sins, being ashamed of their cruelties, feeling remorse for their trespasses and refraining from their mischief, these people began to burn even more in the fire of rage and fury. They considered their being rendered speechless a disgrace and the forgiveness of Hazrat Uthmanra as being the result of their good planning. As such, they returned whilst devising strategies to fulfil their remaining plan in the future.” (Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, pp. 293-296)

I will continue to narrate these accounts, insha-Allah, in the future. However, I will now speak about some members who have passed away recently. The first is of a martyr, Abdul Qadir Sahib, son of Bashir Ahmad Sahib, who was from Bazidkhel, Peshawar and was martyred on 11 February [2021].

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] According to reports, Abdul Qadir Sahib worked at the clinic of his uncle, the late Dr Manzoor Ahmad Sahib, located in Bazidkhel, Peshawar. The deceased was present in one of the rooms of the clinic with other members of the Jamaat to offer the Zuhr prayer. A

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

bell sounded from the door which the patients would use. When Abdul Qadir Sahib opened the door, a youth in the guise of a patient opened fire on him, as a result of which he was severely injured. He sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest. He was immediately taken to hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries he sustained and was martyred.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] The deceased martyr was 65 years old. The perpetrator of the killing was apprehended by the police or perhaps the people apprehended him and handed him over to the police. The family of the deceased, along with other Ahmadi families, have been facing severe persecution for some time. On 19 January 2009, religious extremists attacked this clinic as a result of which Abdul Qadir Sahib was shot in the leg. Subsequently he was forced to migrate from Peshawar and only after a long time did he return to Peshawar. Owing to a recent wave of persecution, under orders from the Jamaat, he had to move to Rabwah two months ago. His family was residing in Rabwah, but the deceased was residing in Bazidkhel due to his work in the aforementioned clinic. Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the deceased through his paternal grandfather, Nizam-ud-Din Ahmad Sahib, who had the honour of pledging allegiance in the Khilafat of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. His grandfather had two elder brothers, Dr Fateh Din Sahib who was a civil surgeon in Peshawar and Abdul Latif Sahib, who was an engineer. Upon hearing about the claim of the Promised Messiahas, when Dr Fateh Din sahib was a student, he visited Qadian in 1902. Out of love, the Promised Messiahas even placed his blessed hand on his hand and stated that he was a good youth; however, he never had the opportunity to pledge allegiance. Later he came to the UK on a scholarship and attained his medical degree. Then, in 1908, when he heard about the demise of the Promised Messiahas, he visited Qadian and pledged allegiance to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. His grandfather’s other brother, Abdul Lateef Sahib, who was an engineer, also pledged allegiance in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira along with his brother. Upon the advice of both brothers, members of their family, including the grandfather of the deceased, pledged allegiance. The deceased possessed many qualities; he had great love for Khilafat and always showed respect and admiration for officebearers of the Jamaat. He had a passion for calling others unto the way of Allah and owing to this, he faced a lot of persecution. Due to this persecution, in the past two years, he moved houses seven times, but by the grace of Allah, he remained firm upon Ahmadiyyat. Aside from Tahajjud and offering the compulsory prayers, he was regular in reciting the Holy Quran. He was very compassionate and sociable. Throughout his life, he never

quarrelled with anyone. His wife stated: “We experienced countless highs and lows throughout our lives, but he was never aggressive in his conduct; even if I spoke to him in a stern manner, he would always reply in a soft manner. “He always showed love and compassion to his children. He had a yearning to attain the rank of martyrdom. He would always say that when faced with a trial, he would never turn his back on Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat, but instead would embrace death.” She further writes: “The state of his prayers was such that on occasions, when he was in sajdah [prostration], family members would nudge him slightly, lest something had happened to him, God-forbid,” i.e. he would remain in sajdah for a long time. The deceased martyr had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in Bazdikhel as muntazim tarbiyat. The deceased leaves behind his wife, Sajidah Qadir Sahiba, four sons and five daughters. May Allah the Almighty elevate the status of the deceased martyr and safeguard those he leaves behind. May Allah enable his children to continue his virtuous deeds. The second funeral is of Akbar Ali Sahib, son of Ibrahim Sahib, who was a prisoner in the way of Allah. He resided in Shaukat Abad Colony in the district of Nankana. He passed away on 16 February. Akbar Ali Sahib, who had been imprisoned in the way of Allah, passed away on 16 February 2021 owing to a heart attack whilst in Sheikhupura prison.

َ ‫ِانَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِہ َو ِانَّآ ِال َ ْی ِہ‬ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ‫ر‬ ِ

[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] There were two other people alongside him and a case was filed against all of them on 2 May 2020. In October, on the day when their bail was going to be officially confirmed, the high court rejected their interim bail and ordered for them to be imprisoned. Subsequently, all three were placed in prison. Later, in January 2021, the magistrate in Nankana Sahib, without even hearing our viewpoint, in a completely biased proceeding, added the charge of section 295C [of the Pakistan Penal Code] against them, which is a very serious charge. In any case, the deceased spent the last four and half months in prison and was 55 years of age at the time of his demise. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the deceased was part of the scheme of Wasiyyat. Ahmadiyyat entered his family through his father, Respected Ibrahim Sahib, who did the Bai‘at during the era of the second Khalifa in 1920 alongside his brother, Respected Ismail Sahib. Akbar Ali Sahib joined the army and served in the army for 23 years as a hawaldar [non-commissioned officer equivalent to a sergeant]. He retired from the army 16 years ago and then worked as a security guard. He was a very responsible and brave individual. He was working as a security guard at a bank prior to being imprisoned.

An opponent [of the Jamaat] complained to the bank manger that he had employed Akbar Ali Sahib, who was a “kafir” [disbeliever]. The bank manager replied that every morning he checked the CCTV recordings and Akbar Ali would offer nawafil [voluntary prayers] in the night, recited the Holy Quran and observed the fasts of the Ramadan, therefore how could he be a kafir. He must have been a very bold and courageous manager. The deceased had the opportunity to serve as the president of his local jamaat for six years. Prior to his imprisonment, he was serving as the finance secretary. He had great compassion for the poor, was very hospitable and showed a lot of love to all the members of his family. He had great passion for propagating the message of Islam and would always speak in a very convincing manner as a result of which he would have to face a lot of opposition as well. It was owing to the opposition against him that he had to resign from his job as a security guard. He is survived by two wives, Zeenat Bibi Sahiba and Fazeelat Bibi Sahiba, one son who is 19 years of age, and a daughter who is 16 years of age. May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and elevate His status. May He also be the Protector and Helper of his progeny and enable them to continue his good deeds. The next funeral is of Khalid Mahmood-ul-Hassan Bhatti Sahib, who was currently serving as the Wakil-ulMaal Salis in Tahrik-e-Jadid, Rabwah. He was also serving as Naib Sadr Ansarullah and also Naib Afsar Jalsa Salana. He passed way at the Tahir Heart Institute in Rabwah at the age of 67:

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] The deceased’s grandfather, Baab-ulKhan Bhatti Sahib, accepted Ahmadiyyat; however Khalid Mahmood-ul-Hassan Bhatti Sahib’s father did not accept Ahmadiyyat as he did not have full conviction in his heart. Baab-ul-Khan Sahib had accepted Ahmadiyyat, but his son did not [i.e. Khalid Mahmood-ulHassan Bhatti Sahib’s father]. One day, he was at the farm as they did agricultural work and Khalid Mahmoodul-Hassan Bhatti Sahib’s father was also there and was lying down with a blanket over him. A maulvi from a non-Ahmadi mosque where Khalid Mahmood-ulHassan Bhatti Sahib’s father would go and pray happened to pass by and also sat down. Their discussion led to the topic of Ahmadiyyat and during the course of the discussion, the Maulvi Sahib admitted that Ahmadiyyat was indeed true. Khalid Mahmood-ul-Hassan Bhatti Sahib’s father immediately removed the blanket from his face and stood up and said, “If Ahmadiyyat is true, then why are you leading us astray?” In other words, he led him astray by telling him that Ahmadiyyat was wrong and that he should not follow his father in accepting Ahmadiyyat. In any case, his father then stated, “Listen carefully, as of today, I will be

on the side of wherever the truth is.” Thereafter, he performed the bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Khalid Mahmood-ul-Hassan Bhatti Sahib attained a BA from Punjab University in political science in 1978. In 1980, he acquired an MA in history. He then worked in governmental service as a lecturer for two years but gave his resignation after two years. In 1982, he dedicated his life for the service of the Jamaat and had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in various capacities for approximately 38 years. In 1982, he was appointed in wakalat-etamil-o-tanfiz and also served as the naib wakil. He was then appointed as wakil-uldiwan and then as wakil-ul-mal salis. He also had the opportunity to officially visit Indonesia, Singapore, Burma, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Uganda, etc. Whichever country he visited, he would take a very detailed assessment and then guide them accordingly. Particularly, when he visited Burma and Sri Lanka, the jamaat greatly benefited from his guidance and they acknowledge that as well. Many of them have been writing to me and mentioning that they learnt a great deal from him about the nizam-e-Jamaat [administrative system] and that he played a significant role in strengthening their relationship with Khilafat. Similarly, he was a part of the markazi amila of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Ansarullah and was a member of various committees, including the qaza board [board of arbitration]. He is survived by his wife, Nusrat Naheed Sahiba, and two daughters and a son, Khurrum Uthman, who is serving as a waqif-e-zindagi in MTA here in the UK. His wife writes that after completing his MA in political science, he expressed to his father that he wanted to pursue an MA in history. His father advised him that he could study as much as he wanted but he should remember that if he was going to work, then he should only work for the Jamaat. She further states that in the 43 years of their marriage, he always treated her with utmost kindness. Whenever he would return from his official travels, he would always relate incidents of how Allah the Almighty treated him with love. He was a very loving father. He would make every effort to fulfil all their wishes, which were permissible. His eldest daughter, Dr Saima states that she twice applied for a visa and it was rejected on both occasions. She applied for the third time and at the same time, Bhatti Sahib [her father] was leaving for an official travel. She requested him to delay the trip by a few days because she had been given a date for her visa result and had to go to the embassy. Upon this he said that this was not possible and that she should go alone because he was travelling for the sake of God Almighty and therefore, He would bestow His blessings upon her and it so happened that her visa was approved on that occasion. His younger daughter writes that he was a very loving father and treated them with utmost kindness. He never told them off and would always advise them in a

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 March 2021 very loving manner. He would always give precedence to Jamaat work and no matter how important a work was to do at home, he would first finish all his office work and then come home. He was always ready to serve the Jamaat and had great love and passion for Jamaat work. He would always give precedence to his faith over all worldly matters. I also observed that he would work very diligently and always served with utmost loyalty and with the spirit of dedication. One of his daughters states that whenever they were faced with a difficulty, he would advise to always place trust in Allah the Almighty. He would say that Allah the Almighty would never abandon them and indeed Allah the Almighty never did. His son writes that ever since they can remember, they had always seen him serving the Jamaat. Whenever he would face a difficulty or a trial, he would say that since he was serving the faith and doing God’s work, therefore He would grant him help and indeed Allah would bestow His blessings and provide him ease in his work. He truly upheld the spirit of his waqf. His son further states that despite his engagements in serving the Jamaat, he never neglected any of his responsibilities at home. He personally tended to each and every matter. Laiq Abid Sahib is a legal advisor in Tahrik-e-Jadid. He says: “I had been working with him for 38 years. He always respected and upheld the traditions of the Jamaat. One of his many qualities was that he considered it of utmost importance to protect the assets of the Jamaat with great diligence.” One of his class fellows, Muhammad Idrees Sahib, says: “After dedicating his life, Khalid, who was generally very quiet, transformed into a unique personality. The love for Khilafat was perhaps ingrained in every fibre of his being and he always showed complete obedience to the Khalifa of the time and was always immersed in the service of the Jamaat.” A worker in [the department of] Wakalat-e-Mal Salis says: “Any mail that the office received was never left pending. He immediately worked on it and advised us to complete our daily tasks on the very same day. He would say that life is unpredictable and one may not get the chance to do it the next day.” As I mentioned, wherever he went, whether it was in Pakistan or abroad, he left a positive impression. He worked with a spirit of serving the Jamaat and upheld his waqf with great sincerity. May Allah the Almighty elevate his status and may He also enable his children to continue his good deeds. The next funeral is of Respected Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib, who was serving as the legal adviser of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. He passed away in the Tahir Heart Institute on 17 February [2021], at the age of 81:

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.] Ahmadiyyat entered his family through his father, Respected Sufi Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, in 1927. When he came to know of the establishment of the Jamaat in Qadian, he and his relatives decided to travel to Qadian in order to enquire further. Hence, in 1926, they travelled from Tharparkar, Sindh, in order to attend the Jalsa Salana in Qadian. They were greatly impressed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and the Jamaat, but did not perform the bai‘at. He decided to go [to Qadian] the following year as well, but his friends refused to go. Nevertheless, when he travelled to Qadian the following year, in 1927, he attended the Jalsa and performed the bai‘at there. He was 28 at the time. His village strictly followed the Ahl-e-Hadith [sect of Islam] and he faced great opposition. His in-laws told his wife that he had become a disbeliever and called her back home. However, after a short while, his wife said, “I have observed that after becoming a ‘disbeliever’, he has, in fact, become a better Muslim. Therefore, I have returned and I do not see any reason to leave him.” Nevertheless, the entire village boycotted the family, so much so that they prevented them from obtaining water from the well in the village. They had to travel several miles in order to collect water. He narrated that after several weeks, the well in our local village dried out and the people of the village believed that since they had prevented Sufi Sahib from obtaining water, therefore the water well of their village had dried out as well. Following this, they started preparing a well again. They went to him and asked him to be the first individual to make a financial contribution [chanda] towards it as [they believed that] if he contributed towards it, the well would continuously provide water. Therefore, even though his relatives did not accept Ahmadiyyat; however, after this incident they stopped opposing him. His is survived by his wife, Rashida Parween Sahiba and Allah the Almighty has blessed them with four sons and two daughters. One of his sons is Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir, who is serving as a missionary and resides here in Islamabad and is serving as a teacher in Jamia Ahmadiyya UK. Another son of his is Nasir Ahmad Tahir, who is a life devotee and serving in The Review of Religions in Canada. In 1968, Respected Mubarak Tahir Sahib completed his master’s in economics. Then in 1969, he obtained his LLB degree and in January of 1970, his request for waqf was approved and he was appointed in wakalat-e-ulya as the muharar darja awwal. Then on 5 February 1971, he was sent to Uganda as a teacher. He returned [to Pakistan] in 1972 and had the opportunity to serve in Wakalat-e-Mal Thani for some time. Then in 1976, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh sent him to Lahore along with various other department heads (wukala) in order to receive training regarding income tax and matters pertaining to properties. He also enrolled in the Bar Council; then in 1970,

he was appointed in Tahrik-e-Jadid as the legal advisor. On 1 July 1983, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appointed him as the legal advisor in Sadr Anjuman as well and he served in this office until his demise. His services span a period of over 50 years. He also served in the Markazi Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya in various capacities as a mohtamim. His wife, Rashida Parveen Sahiba, says, “He would always enter the home with a smile on his face, convey the greeting of peace [salaam]; he would then first offer his prayers and then he would eat something.” She continues: “He had countless memories with the Khulafa; whenever he would sit with the children of the family, he would recount those faith-inspiring incidents. He would tell them about the bounties, blessings and rewards associated with remaining attached with Khilafat. He would discreetly help those in need to the extent that even we would not know about it and we would only find out when someone who had been helped by him would come and tell us or express this in some way or another. He would share the pain of others and would partake in their happiness. He would offer nawafil prayers, recite the Holy Quran and invoke salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa [durood]. He used to say that God Almighty Himself sees to the success of a life-devotee; one must have complete trust in Allah, pray, seek forgiveness and develop love for Khilafat. It is also very important to write to the Khalifa for prayers.” All of these things are true; he had a great deal of trust in Allah. I myself have seen when I was nazir-e-ala and even before that when I had to work with him in relation various Jamaat work that he had great trust in Allah the Almighty. Whenever he was faced with difficult tasks, he had a high degree of trust in Allah and would say that this was the work of the Jamaat and would be done through the prayers of the Khalifa, insha-Allah. He would begin tasks by first offering prayers and giving alms and then by the grace of Allah, he would see success as well. His son, Hafiz Ijaz Sahib says that once he related an incident that in 1967, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was travelling to Karachi by train. The train stopped for some time at the Hyderabad station where many Ahmadis gathered in order to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. Huzoorrh was standing in the door of the train and he signalled to respected Mubarak Tahir Sahib to come near. He did not have any prior recognition of him, or at least he [Mubarak Tahir Sahib] thought that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh did not know him. In any case, he continues to say that Mubarak Tahir Sahib quickly moved forward through the crowd towards Huzoorrh. When he reached the door, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh reached into his sherwani [traditional long coat], took out some money and placed it into the pocket of Mubarak Tahir Sahib, after which the train left. Mubarak Tahir Sahib used to say that it was through

the blessings of the money which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh had placed in his pocket that his pockets always remained full. And this in fact is the reality, that Allah the Almighty kept his pockets full and he would receive income in extraordinary ways. But just as he would receive this, in the same manner he would spend openly on the poor and for the Jamaat as well. After some time, upon seeing a dream, he dedicated his life. When he dedicated his life, his marriage had been settled, and the nikah had also taken place. He was in Hyderabad at the time, and his wife’s female relatives had brought her for some medical treatment there. They also informed Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib as well that they were going to see a doctor. When they disembarked from the train, the female family member said to Mubarak Ahmad Tahir Sahib that she had heard that he had dedicated his life and that life-devotees do not even get enough money to eat. Mubarak Sahib immediately said that up until then, only the nikah had occurred and the marriage had not yet taken place, and that if they had so much doubt about his future, they should take their daughter home and then he left from there displeased. In this way, he upheld the honour [of being a life-devotee] and Allah the Almighty upheld his honour by bestowing upon him an abundance of wealth while being a life-devotee. He was the legal advisor during the time of the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh; he would have to travel out of town in order to deal with cases and he would have to travel by bus as not everyone had the facility of a car at the time in Rabwah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh had instructed then that whenever he returned from a journey, he should report to him. He said that on one occasion, it was extremely late at night and he only arrived two hours before the Fajr prayer. He thought that there was no need to inform Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh of his return at that time as he would be disturbing him as perhaps he would be offering voluntary prayers, offering Salat or he could be sleeping. He thought that since he had arrived two of hours before Fajr, he would simply inform him at the Fajr prayer. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh saw him at the Fajr prayer he asked, “Mubarak Sahib, what time of the night did you arrive?” He informed him that he had arrived just a few hours ago. Upon this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said, “Had you come and informed me at that time, then perhaps I could have had some sleep as well, as I had been waiting for you and did not know whether you had arrived safely or not.” His son says that when he decided to devote his life and go to Jamia, his father said to him, “To devote your life means to be obedient. You have a hasty temperament which is not conducive to being a life-devotee. To devote your life is to serve quietly and with complete obedience. If you are able to do this then it is a matter of great happiness, otherwise I do not wish that you devote your life

Friday 26 March 2021 | AL HAKAM

and then later abandon it.” Hence, this was the guidance and training which he gave. By the grace of Allah, till now his son has been able to fulfil this and may he continue to do so. During the sermon of the Khalifa of the time, he would instruct everyone in the home to leave what they were doing and to attentively listen to the sermon. If there was any guidance, instruction or financial appeal made in the sermon, then as soon as the sermon was finished, he would begin implementing it right away and would urge his children to do the same. Mirza Adeel Ahmad, who is the assistant legal advisor in Sadr Anjuman says: “As far as I have seen, he truly loved Khilafat. He had an unwavering belief in prayer; if there was ever a matter of concern or a difficult task which he had to tend to, he would say, ‘I have prayed a great deal in my nawafil prayers and have given alms. Let us now write to the Khalifa and then see; Allah will bestow His blessings upon us.’” He further states, “He was a man of honour, yet at the same time, for the sake of Jama’at work, even if he had to plead with the person who made tea or the assistant in the office for any help he would never hesitate from doing so. He would also adopt all possible means to establish connections with those in authority. “Once, a decision had been made by the Anjuman, and it was his opinion that if this decision was implemented then it could have a negative impact on the Jamaat. He told me that the decision did not seem right, and then he said that he would write his opinion to the Khalifa, as their duty is to simply give him our opinion and then whatever decision is made would be full of blessings.” Dr Sultan Mubashar says: “He knew how to establish connections with those in position of authority and he would always use these connections for the benefit of the Jamaat. No matter how difficult the circumstances, he always kept a smile on his face and never expressed any sort of worry. In order to tend to cases pertaining to the Jamaat, he had to travel to such places where, aside from other difficulties, there was also a threat to his life. However, this courageous man never turned away from fulfilling his duties.” As I said earlier, Allah the Almighty had granted him an abundance of wealth. Allah the Almighty would help him through bonds, from which he received large sums. Doctor Sahib says that once he received about 5 million [rupees] out of which he gave about 60 percent to various financial schemes of the Jamaat and also helped the poor and needy. This is not an isolated incident; rather, this was always his practice. Allah the Almighty would grant him large sums and he would give most of it in financial contributions (chanda) and for the sake of helping the poor. He had two great desires which he told him and for which he would ask others to pray; the first was to remain in

The Bible and the origin of languages

The Promised Messiahas substantiated that the Arabic language is the source of all languages and other languages are its derivations which resulted from different influences and varying circumstances. According to him, Arabic is the mother of all languages and it is also the divine language which was taught by God Almighty to mankind.

“”

www.alhakam.org/the-bible-and-the-origin-of-languages/

service until his last breath and the second was to depart this world whilst in a state of independency and not be a burden on anyone. Allah the Almighty fulfilled both of these desires. I myself have seen that he possessed many great qualities. He

worked with great patience and care and never became worried. His level of trust in Allah was extraordinary. May Allah the Almighty elevate his station and enable his progeny to become the recipient of his prayers.

After offering the prayers, I will lead the funeral prayer in-absentia of all the deceased members, insha-Allah. (Oﬃcial Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International 19 March 2021, pp. 5-10. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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