Al Hakam - 28 May 2021

From the Markaz The Gambia’s Khuddam amila report to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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Sir Zafrulla Khan Sahib’s services for the Palestinian cause

From longing to living embraced – Part II A testimony of how “fear” was turned into “security and peace”

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Perfect preservation of the Quran: Recording – Part I A series of articles discussing the miracle of perfect preservation of the Holy Quran and responding to modern-day criticisms Page 19

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021 | Issue CLXVII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Gambian journalists seek answers for world peace from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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

The supplication of the oppressed َ َ ُ َ ّٰ ّٰ َ َّ َ ْ َ ‫اس َر ِض َى الل ُه ع ْنه أ ّن َر ُس ْول الل ِه‬ ٍ ‫ع ِن اب ِن عب‬ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ ‫صلى الله عل ْي ِه و َسل َم بَعﺚ ُمعاذ بْ َن َج َب ٍل ِإلى‬ ُ ْ ْ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ‫ال َي َم ِن ﻓقال ات ِﻖ َدع َوة ال َمﻈ� ْ� ِم ﻓ ِﺈن َها ل� َس‬ ٰ ْ َ َ َ ٌ َ‫اللّه �ِ ج‬ ‫اب‬ ِ ‫ب َ ْينها وبَي َن‬

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrated, “The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sent Muaz bin Jabal to Yemen, and said, ‘Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for indeed, there is no barrier between it and Allah.’”

On 22 May 2021, 15 journalists from the Gambia gathered to join a virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The journalists desired to ask questions to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

The first journalist thanked Huzooraa for the opportunity and noted that it was his fourth meeting with Huzooraa. On this, Huzooraa smiled and remarked, “And the first virtual mulaqat”.

The journalist referenced Hazrat Amirul Momineen’s book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, and said that Huzooraa had paid a lot of emphasis on global peace. He asked about the importance of justice and why it was crucial to speak out against injustices. In response, Huzooraa said: “Not only with regard to world affairs do you have to maintain justice and establish justice, but in every sphere of life, you have to show justice. Even if there is no justice in your house – for example, if you have two wives and you are not doing justice to the both of them – then there will be fights in the house [...]

“Similarly, in the case of worldly affairs, if there is no justice, there is no peace. If you have double standards, as we can see in today’s world shown by the big powers, they cannot maintain peace in the world.

This is what happened when the League of Nations was formed. The League of Nations was formed to maintain justice Continued on next page >>

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Bir wa al-Sila an Rasool Allah)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The light and blessings of the Holy Prophetsa Hence, on various instances, wherever the humility and humbleness of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, may be seen to reach the heights of perfection, it appears that he was supported and illumined by the succour and light of the Holy Spirit in equal degree. The state of the deeds and actions of our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, clearly demonstrate this. In fact, the sphere of his light and blessings is so vast that his manifestation and reflection can be observed to extend into all eternity.

As such, all the bounty and grace of God Almighty that is being sent down in this day and age is received through obedience and subservience to none Continued on page 2 Photo credit: MTA International

Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Continued from page 1

other than the Holy Prophet .

I truthfully say and proclaim on the basis of my own experience that no one can perform true virtue, attain the pleasure of God Almighty, and be fortunate enough to receive the divine favours, blessings, insights, verities and visions, that are bestowed upon one who purifies their soul to the highest degree, until they are lost in subservience to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Evidence of this is found from the word of God Almighty Himself: sa

َّ َ ّٰ ُ ُ ُۡ ّٰ ُ ‫ق ۡل ِا ۡن کن ُت ۡم ت ِح ُّبوۡ َن الل َہ فات ِب ُعوۡنِ ۡی یُ ۡح ِب ۡبک ُم الل ُہ‬

“Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you.’”

I am a practical and living proof of this claim by God Almighty. Recognise me in light of the hallmarks that represent the saints and beloved of God Almighty as established by the Holy Quran. Hence, the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, possessed such perfect morals that even if an old lady took hold of his hand, the Holy Prophetsa would remain there listening to her attentively; and until she would leave him, he would not leave her.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 211)

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

<< Continued from previous page

and give equal rights to each and every nation, but it failed. Resultantly, there was an eruption of the Second World War. And the same is happening with the UNO – they are not maintaining justice, they have double standards for poor countries and for the rich countries, for Western countries and African and Asian countries. This is why you can see there is disturbance in the world today. So, if there is no justice, there is no peace.

“This is why the Holy Prophetsa said that you have to establish justice, maintain justice and then you will see peace in society – at your local level, in your houses and at the international level, at large.

“This is why I always say it is very crucial. Even if you do not do justice to your children, after some time, one will stand against you. This is why I always emphasise [it] and it is the teaching of Islam, that always do justice. And justice is the best way to maintain peace and harmony in this society.”

The next journalist referenced a hadith of the Holy Prophetsa in which he said that a believer, when they see a wrong deed, should try to rectify it with their hands, or denounce it with their mouth or if these are not possible then at least dislike the deed in their heart. In light of this hadith, he asked what the Ahmadiyya mission was doing about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Huzooraa replied: “The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that if you see something bad, try to rectify it by hand, or by mouth, or at least with your prayers. If you have the power to stop it with force, you use your hand. If you don’t have the power, you should at least use your mouth and tell them that it is not a good thing.

Even if you don’t have that much courage to speak out against those who are fighting or doing bad things, then at least pray for them […]

“How does it [this hadith] apply to the Israel-Palestine [conflict] for Ahmadis?

You see, we don’t have worldly power; we are not ruling any country. So here, with regard to power, we cannot use it.

As far as disliking, stopping it verbally or saying something is concerned, that is what we have been doing all this time. In

my last Eid sermon, I spoke against the cruelty and brutality that was, or is being committed against Palestinians. And there is no balance of power – Israel is the fourth [largest] superpower of the world and Palestinians are a small resourceless people who cannot reply in the same way.

They cannot practice tit-for-tat. They are just bearing all this cruelty.

“What the Ahmadiyya Community is doing – within its sphere, within its reach and what it can do – is speaking out against cruelty and brutality being committed. And [through] our contacts with politicians of the big powers of the world, for example the UK and America, we try to meet the politicians and those people who are in power, those who are in contact with us or those who listen to us, that [they must] try to use their resources, their influence to stop this brutality and cruelty. And here also, we have to maintain justice; whoever is cruel, whoever is destroying the peace should be stopped from doing it. So this is what the Ahmadiyya Community is doing in the case of Palestine, or in any case, wherever justice is not being properly done.”

The next journalist asked, “As a Muslim Jamaat, what is your take on the statement that ‘Muslims are involved in so many atrocious acts’?”

In response, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Our message is quite clear and in my addresses and discourses, I have spoken on this subject at length; that all those groups which are creating disturbance and destroying the peace of society, committing atrocities, brutalities, are doing it against the teachings of Islam. But they are using the name of Islam, they are actually trying to defame the name of Islam. So, we always speak out against them.

“If you read my book – there are some addresses in this book – Pathway to Peace, it is clearly, categorically written – I have spoken on it – that these groups, whatever they are doing, it is against the teaching of Islam […]

“If they want to reform the world, this is not the way of reforming the world […]

Islam never said that you commit such type of atrocities and harm any person without any reason. The Holy Quran says

that the killing of a person without any genuine reason is like the killing of the whole of mankind […]

“In the name of Islam, actually, they want political power. Boko Haram, or AlShabab or Al-Qaeda, or whatever it is, are doing all these things in the name of Islam, but actually, they are trying to defame the name of Islam.”

Next, a journalist said, “We wake up every day and see a lot of news and injustices happening around the world, not only in Palestine or Israel. So, as young people, what we do is post on all social media pages and say, ‘Pray for these countries’ or ‘Pray for these people’ […]”.

She then asked what Huzooraa thought was the proper solution and way to react.

Huzooraa answered by saying: “I have already spoken on this that the practical issue is that we should, if you have power, use power to fight against those people who are destroying the peace of society. And at different platforms, you have to speak out against injustices and ask the people of the world and the powers of the world to maintain peace.

“In the case of Palestine, if the Muslim world is united – there are almost 54 countries of the Muslim world; if they are united and their words are the same, they are using the same language for asking to maintain the peace of the world, then you will see a big change. But regrettably, the Muslim world is not united – every Muslim leader has their own vested interests.

“Our opponents know – those people who are against Islam, know – that [Muslims] are not united, so they can do whatever they like. And this is the result of what is happening in the Muslim world. This is a result of not only what is happening in Palestine, this is a result of all those militant groups, the formation of the militant groups. Had there been justice and one single stance of all of the Muslim world on this issue, there would not have been any militant group [...]

“As far as Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is concerned, we have been doing whatever is within our resources or within our means.”

While conversing with another journalist from Star TV, who asked about how Muslim nations could unite, Huzooraa

further said: “[...] It is a big pity! Regrettably, they are not united; all have their vested interests [...] They only want to save their power, their chair and the supremacy of their parties or their nation instead of considering the unity of the Muslim ummah.

“The Holy Prophetsa said that in the Latter Days, this would happen. The Muslims would not be united; every country, or society, or group would have their own interests and would not consider the larger interests of the Muslim ummah.

And at that time, they would even forget the teachings of Islam. In the name of Islam, they would be doing bad things. At that time, the reformer of the age would come and [the Prophetsa instructed that we] follow that reformer. If we followed that reformer, he would give us the true teachings of Islam and get us united.

“So, in my view, this is the only solution, that instead of seeing their own national and political interest, or personal interest, each and every leader should consider and try to think of the larger interest of the Muslim ummah and try to unite.

“If they are not going to accept the reformer of the age, they [should] at least try to unite. They say there is an organisation of Islamic countries, but that has failed. What is it doing? That organisation does not have one voice.

Had there been one voice of the Muslim ummah, of Muslim leadership, then there would not have been such things as I have already explained.

“The only thing is that the Muslim ummah should unite. And the solution which Allah the Almighty has given us, the Holy Prophetsa has told us, is that when the reformer of the age comes, we accept him.”

Addressing the question of another journalist from Home Digital FM, whose question was about the Israel-Palestine conflict, Huzooraa discussed the root causes of the conflict and the injustices of land being taken from the Palestinians.

Huzooraa said: “[…] if the government, who has the power and who is a big power of the world, tries to encroach and snatch the other part of the land, which was, according to the

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agreement, given to the Palestinians, then there will be a conflict […] “[Israel] doesn’t want to maintain justice, it doesn’t want to maintain peace and harmony in society. They have greed and until and unless their greed is finished, they will keep on doing it. And that can only be stopped, as I have already said, if all the Muslim countries unite together; they should speak in one voice and when they speak in one voice and show their force, then you will see a big change in this present existing conflict between Israel and Palestine.”

A journalist from The Standard newspaper said he desired to know more about the causes behind why Muslims were facing so many injustices and atrocities.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “[…] I have already told you in response to another question that because our leaders are not fair, they are not sincere with their objectives, all of them have their own vested interests. You see, now we can see that Israelis killed almost more than 200 Palestinians. Then, if you see what Saudi Arabia did with Yemen, thousands of people were killed, displaced and removed from their houses. And then what happened in Syria and Iraq?”

Another journalist asked, “Why has it been extremely difficult for this generation […], with unprecedented technological advancement and awareness, to achieve peace and unity?”

Hearing the question, while smiling, Huzooraa remarked, “All your questions

are circling around unity and peace.” He then went on to answer, saying: “You see, it is not a matter of this generation only. For the past 50-60 decades, we have been seeing this disturbance in the world. It is almost 107 years since the First World War erupted and later on, the Second World War, which occurred more than 70 years ago.

“It is a pity that although we are advancing; we claim to be civilised, we claim to be more advanced than the previous generation, still, we are trying to snatch each other’s rights. We are usurping the rights of each other and without feeling any shame. Everybody thinks that he is right. So, now, in this materialistic world, although we have technologically advanced, our greed has increased […]”

Huzooraa said that as the world has turned into a global village now, countries and people begin to compare themselves with others. This, in turn, leads to frustration. Huzooraa said: “This technological advancement has created frustration and because of this frustration we are trying to snatch others’ assets and properties, by hook or by crook.

We don’t bother to think whether it is fair or not. The big powers, despite the fact that they have the power and have the resources, are trying to usurp and snatch the resources of the smaller powers.

Millions of dollars are being collected from the African nations by the big powers in the name of establishing peace in their countries, or for the development

of their countries, but in reality, it is not being spent on them. Had it been spent properly on the African countries, or the poor countries of the world – whether it is in Asia, or Africa, or elsewhere – there would not have been a poverty level as you see today.”

“There are so many causes that are creating disturbances in society in the whole world. So we have to consider all these things, that how can we live together? […]

“This is why the reformer of the age came to unite the whole of mankind on one hand. And until and unless the people of rich countries or the people of poorer countries realise the rights of each other and realise the rights they owe to their Creator, there can never be peace in society.”

Another journalist asked if the peaceful motives and teachings of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat would influence and help other Muslim communities to share this realisation of establishing peace.

Huzooraa said: “We have been doing our job. We were interested to try and create peace and let people understand their duties they owe to their Creator and which they owe to their fellow beings. And until and unless both duties are discharged, there cannot be peace of mind. And if there is no peace of mind, you cannot establish peace and you cannot do justice in the world.

“So, we have been doing our level best to try to make people realise that these

are their duties, and quite a number of audience members who come to attend our peace conferences or other conferences, listen to our speeches and agree. Quite a number of politicians also come to attend our conference and they say, ‘Whatever you have said is really what can create peace in society’.”

However, Huzooraa said, when they go back to their normal lives they forget what they listened to from the Jamaat’s platform.

Huzooraa said: “Quite a number of people do understand what we are saying and at least, as time goes on, we can see there is a big change. Now people have started realising that whatever Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is saying, is the real solution for creating peace in society and in the world. But they have their own interests and their hands are tied; they are not free to say whatever they like. This is why they cannot, entirely do whatever they wish. Or sometimes, they even say, ‘Whatever you are saying is right, but we have our own interests.’”

Huzooraa said, “Our work is to keep on saying whatever is right and we are not going to give up. Whether somebody understands it or not, we hope that one day, people will realise their duties – these two duties that I have mentioned [the rights of man and the rights of God] – then, when they realise their duties, they will practice whatever we are saying and act upon whatever is necessary for creating Continued on next page >>

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peace in society and the world.”

The same journalist also asked how the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, became an instrument in eradicating the injustices of the world and bringing about peace.

In response Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “He claimed that Allah the Almighty sent him to bring the whole ummah on one hand and [to enable] the whole of mankind to realise their duties to their Creator and to each other. So this is the mission of the Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiahas.

During his lifetime, he discharged his duties and tried to spread his message as far as it could reach. Now, we are trying to spread the message of the Imam Mahdias and people have started realising its truth.

Those who understand it, come to join us.

“You cannot say that within two or three years or within a short period of time, you can achieve your target”.

Another journalist asked, “What proof is there in the Holy Quran that Islam is the only true religion?”

Huzooraa responded by saying: “The Holy Quran said that all the religions and all the prophets were sent

by Allah the Almighty […] The Quran says that all the teachings of the previous prophets had been gathered in the Holy Quran and all the previous prophets always said – it is in the Bible and the Quran as well – that they came to their own people, in different pockets. And there was a time,

when, at the same time, there were more than one prophet in different areas, as you can see Abrahamas and Lotas – the example in the Holy Quran and even in the Bible.

“But here, the Holy Quran claims and says that the Holy Prophetsa was sent for the whole of the mankind – he is Rahmatunlil-Aalamin [mercy for mankind] – and he is for all nations. This is why all the true teachings which were preserved till the time of the Holy Prophetsa were all included and revealed to the Holy Prophetsa again and they were mentioned in the Holy Quran.

“So this is one reason, that we say that all the previous prophets, although they were rightly guided and sent by Allah the Almighty, never claimed that they were for the whole of the mankind. But the Holy Prophetsa claimed this and it is in the Holy Quran, that he was for the whole of mankind and for the whole world and his message is complete […]

“Even Jesus Christas did not say that he had come for the whole of mankind.

He said he had come for the tribes of the Israelites.

“Then, a common attribute of all the prophets is they always said to ‘worship Allah’ and that they were true followers of Allah the Almighty. They tried to maintain the unity of Allah – all of them said Allah is the All-Powerful and the Omnipotent.

This is the common thing which all prophets said and even this was said by the Promised Messiahas. This is the short answer to your question.”

Next, a journalist from King FM asked what the meaning of “Ahmadiyya” was.

Replying, Huzooraa said: “You see, there are different sects in Islam – there are some Hanafis, Malikis, Shafi‘is – then there are sub-sects and in this way, there are almost 72 sects in Islam. When the census of 1901 was being conducted, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Community said that we should distinguish ourselves as a sect [...] But the name of the sect would be ‘Ahmadi’. So, at that time, those who were the followers of the Promised Messiahas or Mahdias were given the name ‘Ahmadi’ because of that census of 1901.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then explained the reason the Promised Messiahas gave for this name he chose for his community. The Promised Messiahas said that other sects have named their sects according to the names of their founders, for example, Imam Abu Hanifarh, Imam Shafi‘irh, Imam Hanbalrh etc. Contrary to this, Huzooraa explained, the Promised Messiahas said, “I am giving this name – Ahmadi – because this is the name of the Holy Prophetsa. The name of the Holy Prophetsa is Muhammad and Ahmad.”

Huzooraa said that for this reason, Ahmadis are distinct from other sects, as our sect is named after the name of the Holy Prophetsa “and not after the name of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Community”.

The last question asked to Huzooraa

was how one could purify their heart and strengthen their faith to have a spiritual connection with Allah the Almighty.

In response Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “The best way is to pray to Allah the Almighty, that He purifies your heart.”

Huzooraa further said that the Holy Quran says to do istighfar. He said, “Istighfar is the best way to purify your heart. Istighfar is the best way to free yourselves from your previous sins and to give you the power to stop committing any sin again. So, this is the best way.

“And then, Allah the Almighty has instructed us, true Muslims, to offer the five daily prayers. If we fervently pray in our five daily prayers and observe our prayers in the best way, with full concentration, then we will see a big change in our lives.

“So the best way is to offer five daily prayers, seek Allah’s guidance, seek Allah’s help to purify your heart and do istighfar and Durood Sharif as much as you can.

That will also help you to purify your heart and to increase you in your faith and belief.”

At this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa noted to Amir Sahib that an hour had passed and he thanked all those who attended the meeting and said to convey his salaam to all the Jamaat members of the Gambia.

At this, the meeting ended and Huzooraa said salaam.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Gambian journalists on meeting with Huzoor

Demba Kandeh The Gambia Correspondent

15 journalists in the Gambia participated in a virtual meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on 22 May 2021. The meeting offered the Gambian media an opportunity

to understand the Islamic perspective on various issues around world peace and unity among Muslims.

Huzooraa took questions from all the journalists who participated in the event and provided the true Islamic teachings on various issues.

Reacting to the session at the end of the meeting, journalists expressed satisfaction with the interaction with Huzooraa and hoped for more engagement in the future.

Modou Lamin Joof, a journalist with a popular commercial radio, Teranga FM in Sinchu Alagie, said: “The Khalifa spoke on various issues, including the need for unity among Muslims and the urgent need for world peace. It was an amazing meeting. But overall, it was excellent. It is important to hear the Islamic perspective on these problems and the ways forward from an Islamic leader.”

Journalists were invited from across the Gambian media, including television stations.

Ebrima Jatta of the state broadcaster, Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) said: “This is my fourth time meeting with His Holiness. The virtual meeting is an amazing breakthrough that will increase and spread Islam’s message of peace, love and unity especially in the Gambia. Coming amid the global pandemic, this event signifies the continuous efforts by Jamaat to expand its works and impact. More time to engage with His Holiness will help to increase perspective on the many questions

regarding the state of the Ummah and global affairs.”

Zainab Hydara, a reporter with Star TV/ Radio, a private media network, expressed: “An interesting session, all the questions were well answered by the Khalifa. Even whereas similar questions are asked, he elaborated on each to reach our understanding. To me, if more people like the Khalifa have more sessions like this, the world will be at peace. I hope that the Khalifa and his people will continue not only to preach, but approach world leaders one after the other until peace is established around the world.”

Omar Jobe, a producer with Star TV hailed the event and said that he looked forward to more engagements in the future.

Ahmad Mbowe of the Light FM, a radio station of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, said: “It was indeed a great thing that can spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat as the media houses will publish the mulaqat all over [...] The meeting was a successful one and I hope and pray that a lot of its kind happen again to provide a platform where lot more media houses will have a one-onone meeting with the Khalifa of the time to ask and clear their doubts about issues affecting the world. I am indeed happy and grateful about the mulaqat.”

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From the Markaz

The Gambia’s Khuddam amila report to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

Amila members of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya the Gambia were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat, on 23 May 2021.

After conveying salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa led everyone in silent prayer, after which the amila members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and the work assigned to them.

Huzooraa asked how many members were present, to which Sadr Sahib replied there were 27 members seated in the MTA studio, where they had gathered.

The first to present their report was naib sadr I, who said he was tasked with overseeing and supervising various departments.

Speaking with mohtamim talim (education), Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about the talim programme for the year and asked what books were recommended for Khuddam to read during the year. Mohtamim talim said that they had recommended some books and stated that the book, Our Teaching was suggested.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if each khadim was notified about this and told

to read this book and whether any exam would be conducted to ascertain whether or not the khuddam had, in fact, studied the books. Whilst offering guidance, Huzooraa said, “Don’t only make plans, but implement those plans as well.”

Next to speak was naib sadr II who reported that he was assigned to look after the Ijtema affairs of the Gambia.

Following this, mohtamim tarbiyat was next to present his report. Recognising him, Huzooraa smiled and said, “Abdur Rahman Cham, with a beard.”

Huzooraa then enquired about his duties and plans for tarbiyat and further asked if he knew or had the data of how many Khuddam offered Salat, recited the Holy Quran daily and read the books of the Promised Messiahas. In reply, he said that he did not have the data.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “How will you know the achievement? Until you have the data, you can’t know what the present condition is and what your target should be […] how can you say that this is our plan? This is just a plan on paper then.

Make such a plan which is implemented and you see the result of.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further

said, “If the tarbiyat department is active, then all the other departments will also be active; you will see a big change among your Khuddam. They will be more attached to the Jamaat; they will be cooperative; [they will be] coming to the mosques and [they will] try to make a personal relation with Allah Almighty.”

Following this, mohtamim tajnid introduced himself as “tajnid secretary”.

Upon this, Huzooraa said, “you are not tajnid secretary, you are mohtamim tajnid.

In Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, there is no secretary; there is mohtamim. Try and read your rules and regulations book and your constitution, then you will know what your responsibilities are.”

Next, muavin sadr had the opportunity to speak with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and said that he assisted in technical and ITrelated work as well as graphics and design work. Huzooraa asked if he was an IT expert and what his profession was. Responding, the muavin sadr said that he had completed a bachelor’s degree in physics and was currently working at the University of the Gambia.

A regional qaid was next to present his report. Whilst conversing with him,

Huzooraa asked if he had come from Pakistan and enquired about his profession.

Responding in the affirmative, he stated he had come from Pakistan in 2017 and was a teacher in the Nasir School.

Speaking with mohtamim mal (finance) Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked what he did by profession, to which he replied that he was an immigration officer working in the Gambia’s immigration department.

Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah!” and lovingly remarked, “But an immigration officer has nothing to do with finances.”

After this, mohtamim khidmat-e-khalq (service to mankind) reported that they were planning to have a free medical camp and stated that they had helped arrange various charitable activities like blood drives etc.

Next to report was mohtamim umur-etulaba (student affairs) who narrated that there were 25 students in the University of the Gambia, four in private universities and 200 students in high school. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa enquired what the students in university were studying. The mohtamim said that four were studying medicine. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Try to encourage more Khuddam to Continued on page 7

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This Week in History 28 May - 3 June

28 May 1934: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra commenced his journey towards Lahore.

Huzoorra was to deliver two lectures in Lahore at the request of the Punjab Literary League, whose administrators belonged to Punjab University.

The first lecture was given at the hall of YMCA situated at Mall Road on 31 May 1934 at 8:30 pm. The title of the address was The Status of Arabic in the Lingual World. The session was presided by Dr Barkat Ali Sahib Qureshi MA PhD, Principal Islamia College. Many had started arriving at 7 pm. The Hall was completely full at the start of the lecture and those who came late had to go back. The lecture continued for one and a half hour.

The second lecture was held at Town Hall on 2 June. This hall was bigger than the previous one and with a capacity of 1,000. Huzoor’sra lecture continued nearly for two hours. The topic was Is Not Man in Need of a Religion?

29 May 1942: Sobaidor Khush Haal Khan Sahib was martyred in Sawabi, a city in North-Western part of presentday Pakistan. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, mentioned him during his Friday Sermon of 7 May 1999. Huzoorrh stated that Sobaidor Khush Haal Khan Sahib was very fond of tabligh. He faced severe opposition in his village, Meeni Tahsil Sawabi, District Mardan, due to being an Ahmadi. He was attacked after offering the Friday prayer in Topi area.

Some unknown persons opened fire at him. The murderers left a letter on the spot in which they stated, “Leave the Qadiani religion, do not damage the religion of the Holy Prophetsa, otherwise all of you will be murdered.”

29 May 1951: Lala Malawamal Sahib passed away in Qadian on this day. He used to spend his time in the company of the Promised Messiahas and witnessed many heavenly signs and even travelled with him on many journeys.

It was Lala Malawamal who, at the behest of the Promised Messiahas, had the ring with the inscription: َ ُ ّٰ ْ َ​َ َُ َ ‫اف ع ْبده‬ ٍ �ِ‫أل� َس الله ب‬ made from a jeweller in Amritsar.

Lala Malawamal would often help

nikah with Hazrat Amatul Haye Begum Sahibara was announced by Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra. She was the daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. The dowry was set for 1,000 rupees.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was foretold in a divine vision about this proposal during the life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. This was his second nikah.

the Promised Messiahas and would be tasked with various duties. On some occasions, Huzooras would give some pages of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya to Lala Malawamal for him to take to the press in Amritsar and get published.

29 May 1968: On this date, Hazrat Maulvi Fazl-ud-Dinra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away.

He was born in 1886 and did bai‘at in 1901. He was a pious man and a selfless person. By profession, he was a prominent jurist, a renowned researcher and author.

In September 1907, the Promised Messiahas initiated the scheme for life devotion. A condition for a person who dedicated his life in this way was that they would not demand anything for their work and would continue preaching even if one had to live by eating the leaves of trees.

Hazrat Maulvi Fazl-ud-Dinra was among the first group to respond to this pioneering movement. He was listed as number 11 on the preliminary list of those who dedicated their lives to this service.

30 May 1969: On this date, Hazrat Hafiz Abdul Samira, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away. He was born in 1889 and did bai‘at in 1897.

As a child, he had the opportunity to visit Qadian and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere there. He would frequently listen to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra dars-ul-Quran.

Once, he narrated that mostly at around two or three o’clock at night, Huzooras would call him and he would immediately wake up upon hearing this call and be tasked with various duties.

31 May 1914: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra

1 June 1957: The magazine, Tashheezul-Azhan started its publication as an organ of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Markaziya in Pakistan. Previously it was a rich research journal, on oriental and religious topics, founded by Hazrat Mirza Bashirudin Mahmud Ahmadra, from Qadian.

1 June 1970: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh returned to England from his tour of Spain.

Huzoor went to Spain on 25 May 1970.

Members of his convoy included, Hazrat Begum Sahiba, Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, Chaudhry Zahoor Ahmad Bajwa Sahib, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Sahib, Muhammad Saleem Nasir Sahib and Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Sahib. rh

Reporting this journey, Bashir Ahmad Rafiq Sahib stated that the journey on the plane took two hours. As they approached Madrid, they sensed a sort of anxiousness in Huzoorrh.

When Madrid’s airport became visible, Huzoorrh said, “I can hear the stomping hooves of Tariq’s horses. Can you also hear them?” Huzoorrh repeated this sentence two or three times.

Toledo as well, which was the capital of Spain until 1560.

2 June 1948: After the partition of India, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed that books from Qadian’s Library should be shifted to Chiniot as soon as possible. Upon this, the concerned officials transferred this treasure to Chiniot, until mid-June of that year.

3 June 1947: Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra passed away. He was a noble companion of the Promised Messiahas, principal of Jamia and mufti of the Jamaat.

Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra was given the title of “Ghazanfar” by the Promised Messiahas. He was a descendant of Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani.

Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra was born in 1855. He left his homeland at the age of 13 for the sake of acquiring knowledge. At the beginning of 1897, he accepted Ahmadiyyat and in 1901, he settled permanently in Qadian where he was able to render services for 46 years.

On one occasion, the Promised Messiah said to Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra that he observed, on the basis of

During this journey, Huzoorrh stayed in Madrid for two days. He then went to the centre of Islamic culture, AlAndalus, and then reached Cordoba on 27 May. He stayed in a hotel and visited the grand mosque of Cordoba. The following day, Huzoorrh went to Granada and visited the Alhambra palace. During this journey, he went to The Jamaat’s library in Qadian | Photo courtesy of: ahmadiyyagallery.org

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

7 Continued from page 5

Right to left: Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata Jalandhari, Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra and Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh

Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian 1939-1940. Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh is seated third from right and Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra is seated on his right

divinely endowed insight, that there was right-mindedness and righteousness in him.

Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, he would not sit on a chair but would, instead, teach him whilst standing.

The Promised Messiahas used to send him as a representative of the Jamaat on various occasions. The Promised Messiahas offered prayers behind him, and also honoured Maulvi Sahib’s exegesis of the Quran with his certification and made special arrangements for its publication.

Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra also announced the nikah of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra with some of his wives. He delivered hundreds of speeches at the annual Jalsas and other meetings, and travelled extensively for training and preaching. He held many important positions, including nazir talim-otarbiyat, principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya, mufti-e-silsala, amir-e-muqami and secretary Bahishti Maqbarah.

Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra also had the opportunity to accompany the Promised Messiahas on many journeys. In 1907, on his request for waqf (dedicating his life for the Jamaat), Huzooras wrote, “I consider you worthy of this work.”

He personally witnessed many signs of the Promised Messiahas and, in this regard, his name is also mentioned in Huzoor’sas book, Haqiqatul-Wahi.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was still a child when Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra saw in a dream that this child would attain a status of great glory. Therefore, he used to say that after this dream, whenever he would teach the young Hazrat Mirza

Upon his demise, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra led the funeral prayer and helped carry the coffin.

In his Friday Sermon of 6 June 1947, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, while mentioning the services and achievements of Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra, said: “If I am envious of anyone's hard work, it is that of Maulvi Sahib. The institution of Wasiyyat is very grateful [for the services] of Maulvi Syed Sarwar Sahib Sahib.”

go into the field of medicine, science and research as well.”

Mohtamim umur-e-tulaba further reported that some other students were pursuing political science, development studies and agriculture. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Agriculture is also a good subject.” Huzooraa also said that law was also a good subject to pursue.

Speaking with mohtamim ishaat, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired if any publication was being published by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

Mohtamim ishaat replied that a monthly magazine, Al Khadim, was being published. Huzooraa said, “Try to encourage more khuddam to contribute and write articles for your magazine.”

Mohtamim nau mubai‘een (new converts), Al-Hajji o Jallow presented his report. Hearing his name, Huzooraa asked if he had done Hajj. Responding, the mohtamim said that “Al Hagie” was only his name and added that he had not done hajj. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and said, “You are only Al Haji by name. Now, you should perform Hajj as well.”

Whilst presenting his report, he said that during the last three years, they had 4,171 new converts.

Next, speaking with mohtamim tabligh, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired what the target for tabligh was. Mohtamim tabligh stated the target was 2,000 bai‘ats for the year and that Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya had, so far this year, achieved 514 bai‘ats.

Mohtamim sehat-e-jismani (physical health) was next to report. Huzooraa asked if he was a mu‘allim, to which he replied in the affirmative and said he had graduated from Ghana in 2021. Huzooraa then asked him if he played sports and how many khuddam also played sports. In response, the mohtamim stated that as football was a common sport in the Gambia, many Gambian Khuddam played it.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then asked if all the amila members played football and turned to mohtamim tarbiyat, Abdur Rahman Cham Sahib, and said that he had gained a lot of weight. Upon this, mohtamim sehat-e-jismani smiled and said that Abdur Rahman Cham Sahib was very active in the gym.

Next to speak was the regional qaid of Monsikonko, who is also a life-devotee serving as a teacher in the Tahir Ahmadiyya Muslim Senior Secondary School in Monsikonko. Huzooraa asked if he had come from Pakistan, what subject he taught and what he had studied. He replied that he had come from Pakistan and attained a master’s degree in theology in Germany and was now teaching Islamic religious studies.

Next to present his report was mohtamim san‘at-o-tijarat (trade and industry) Recognising him, Huzooraa asked if his brother was Muhammad Mbaye, a missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. To this, he replied in the affirmative.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked him if he knew how many Khuddam were looking for work and if he was helping them find work. Huzooraa then said that he should work with all the qaideen and get the information needed to help those individuals who were looking for work.

Mohtamim Atfal reported that there were 11,774 Atfal in the Gambia. Huzooraa asked what plans were made for their training and to keep them attached to the Jamaat.

Mohtamim Atfal replied that programmes and plans were being made to hold an Atfal rally and tabiyati class.

Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Try to make sure that a good number of Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya participate in your Aftal rally and tarbiyati class.”

Addressing mohtamim waqar-eamal (dignity of labour) Huzooraa asked what work had recently been conducted.

Mohtamim waqar-e-amal replied that they had recently cleaned the entire premises of a major government hospital.

Huzooraa enquired from the sadr about reports they received from various majalis and asked if he gave any feedback on them.

Huzooraa said, “Try to give your comments or, at least, acknowledge their letters; or those who are not sending their reports, remind them on a regular basis, every month. This way, you can make a closer contact with those jamaats.”

Sadr Sahib then said that they were looking forward to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa visiting the Gambia soon. Upon this, Huzooraa said, “Then pray.” Huzooraa said that insha-Allah, he would visit sometime later.

Following this, Sadr Sahib requested and said that there were some questions and matters which amila members wanted to ask, which Huzooraa graciously accepted.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was asked what one should do if an amila meeting was being held and prayer time was approaching.

He further asked if they should stop the meeting and pray or continue the meeting and pray after.

Huzooraa said: “You should stop and pray first. Join the congregation if it is in the mosque. And then, after completing your prayers, you can continue with your meeting.”

Next, Huzooraa was asked how one can continue with the good deeds one adopted during Ramadan.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa replied: “You should listen to my sermon; you will get the answer there. Listen to my sermon two or three times; you will get the answer.”

Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked how one can best utilise social media and other outlets for tabligh.

“You can utilise it [social media] for preaching activities by pasting some powerful arguments through verses of the Holy Quran, ahadith and quotations of the Promised Messiahas which help you.

Different types of people have different questions.”

Huzooraa added: “Never react if they [those who you are preaching to] resort to foul or abusive language, or they are not properly following moral codes, then leave that person. Be careful. If you want to preach on Facebook and other social media sites, use it with all the protocols of morals and good teachings.”

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

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part XV

Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit. his prostrations [sujood] lower than his bowing [ruku‘].

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Salat, Bab Ma Ja‘a fi as-Salati ala ad-Dabbati fi at-Tini wal-Matar)

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

Virtual congregational prayers I met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 13 April 2021. During the mulaqat, I asked Huzooraa whether it was permissible to conduct Tarawih prayers virtually.

Huzooraa provided guidance on this matter and said: “If the mosque and the houses behind it are at the same site — as is the case at the new markaz of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Islamabad, UK, where the workers’ dwellings are located behind the Mubarak Mosque — then one may, only under compelling circumstances such as the current coronavirus pandemic, offer the Tarawih or other congregational prayers using means of communication such as loudspeakers or FM radios etc. where the chances of losing the signal are very low. However, if the mosque and the houses are at separate locations or if the houses are located in front of the mosque, then the occupants of those houses may not offer their prayers by following the [imam, leading] prayers in the mosque; rather, they may offer separate congregational prayers in their own homes.”

Ladies calling the iqamah or prompting the imam In the same mulaqat, I said to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa that, under the current circumstances, one was compelled to arrange congregational prayers at homes.

So, people were praying at homes with their family members. I asked whether a woman could call the iqamah for congregational prayers and whether she could prompt the imam if he forgets.

On this, Huzooraa said: “If there are women and only men from her own family, then a woman may prompt the imam. However, if there are men from outside her family present, then, as per the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, she would just clap if [the imam makes] any mistake or forgets. She would not prompt him nor say subhanallah.”

Huzooraa also added: “A woman must not say the iqamah even if the prayers are being offered at home because the Holy Prophetsa did not allow this and it is also said about the Promised Messiahas that whenever he prayed at home due to some compulsion, he would have

“Those whom your right hand possesses” [milk alyamin]; Conditions for the validity of a divorce [talaq]

Hazrat Amma Janra stand next to him.

[Hazrat Amma Janra has mentioned the compelling reasons as to why the Promised Messiahas would have her stand next to him.] However, it has not been mentioned anywhere that he ever instructed Hazrat Amma Janra to call the iqamah. Therefore, the man must call the iqamah himself.

Anyhow, regarding the iqamah, it is also mentioned in a hadith that the imam can call it himself when necessary.”

The hadith which Huzooraa referred to in his blessed guidance has been recorded in Sunan al-Tirmidhi. There, it is reported

by Amr bin Uthman bin Ya‘la, who narrated it from his father, who narrated it from his [son’s] grandfather [Hazrat Ya‘la Bin Murrahra] that they were with the Holy Prophetsa on a journey when they ended up in a narrow area and Salat became due. Then, it began raining and there was mud beneath them. So, Allah’s Messengersa called the azan while he was on his mount and then the iqamah. Then, he continued moving forward on his mount. He led them in Salat using gestures. He would make

Someone from an Arab country asked Huzooraa: 1. the meaning of “those whom your right hand possesses” [milk al-yamin] 2. what the correct conditions for the validity of talaq were 3. what the ruling was on talaq that was verbally pronounced once.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 14 January 2020, gave the following reply: 1. “In the early stages of Islam, the enemies of Islam would make Muslims a target of various kinds of atrocities. If they got hold of the wife of a poor and oppressed Muslim, they would include her among their wives as a slave.

“Hence, in accordance with the ُۡ ٌَ ُ َ Quranic injunction of ‫َج ٰٓزؤا َس ِّیئ ٍۃ َس ِّیئۃ ِّمثل َہا‬ [‘the recompense of an injury is an injury the like thereof ’], such women who came along with an assailing army against Islam in order to support them would be taken captives as prisoners of war in accordance with the custom of that era. Then, if such women did not earn their freedom by paying the ransom or through the method of mukatabat [an agreement between a slave and master, where the slave offers to pay their own monetary value in order to be set free] they would be distributed among the army as there were no royal prisons etc. to hold such prisoners of war in those days.

In Islamic terminology, such women are called ‘milk al-yamin’.

“Moreover, with regard to milk alyamin, one should also remember that

Islam does not at all permit anyone to capture the women of the assailing enemy and to enslave them just because they are at war against them. The teaching of Islam is that no one can be taken prisoner unless a regular war takes place. Allah the Exalted states in the Holy Quran:

ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ّٰ َ ٰ ۡ َ ۤ ٗ َ َ ۡ ُ َّ ۡ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ‫ض ؕ ترِیۡ ُد ۡو َن‬ ِ ‫ما کان ل ِن ِب ٍی ان یکون لہ ٰاسری حتی یث ِخن فِ ٰی الار‬ ّ َ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ُ ّ َ َ ۡ ُّ َ َ َ ٌ‫الل ُہ عَزیۡ ٌز َح ِک ۡیم‬ ‫عرض الدنیا ۖ٭ و اللہ یرِید الاخِرۃ ؕ و‬ ِ

‘It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land. You desire the goods of the world, while Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is Mighty, Wise.’ (Surah al-Anfal, Ch. 8: V. 68) “Thus, since the condition of a regular war was in place, only those women used to be taken prisoners on the battlefield who were there to fight. Therefore, they were not just general women, but rather those who came there as armed adversaries.

“Hence, Islam is not at all in favour of enslaving people. In the early stages of Islam, temporary permission had to be granted for this under the specific circumstances of that era. However, Islam and the Holy Prophetsa, with great wisdom, encouraged the manumission of even such slaves and emphasised that they should be treated well with kindness until they themselves earned their freedom or were set free.

“As soon as these specific conditions ended and the state laws took on a new form, as is the custom now, so did the justification to enslave people come to an end. Now, according to Islamic law, there is absolutely no justification for keeping a slave. In actual fact, the Hakam and Adl, the Promised Messiahas has declared it as forbidden [haram] under current circumstances.”

2. “The conditions for [the validity of] talaq are that if a man divorces his wife out of his own volition whilst being fully conscious, whether verbally or as a written statement, the divorce becomes effective in both cases.”

3. “Likewise, a talaq pronounced once verbally would be considered effective, but the husband would have the right to reconcile [ruju‘] within the iddah period, provided that it was not the third talaq. After the third talaq, one can neither reconcile during the iddah period, nor perform a new nikah after the iddah period until the ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ّٰ condition of ‫ َحتی تن ِک َح ز ۡو ًجا غی َرہ‬is fulfilled, which means that the woman marries another man, establishes conjugal relations with him and later separates from him through

9

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021 talaq or khul‘ without any prior intent to do so or if that husband dies, then she may also remarry the former husband.

“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 counted 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. (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad Bani Hashim, Musnad Abdillah Ibn Abbas, hadith No. 2266)” Offering the funeral prayer [janazah] of non-Ahmadis; Dealing with banks and other financial institutions Huzooraa was asked about: 1. offering the janazah prayer of nonAhmadis 2. various matters related to dealing with banks.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 14 January 2020, gave the following reply to these questions: 1. “The standpoint of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with regard to offering the funeral prayer of non-Ahmadis is that it can in no way be right to offer the funeral prayer of someone who used to openly brand the Promised Messiahas as a liar or a disbeliever.

“In the case of someone who, although did not deny the claims of the Promised Messiahas but nor confirmed them, if other people [i.e. non-Ahmadis] are available to offer their funeral prayer, then Ahmadis should refrain from it.

“However, if a Muslim passes away somewhere where there is no one present to offer their funeral prayer, then Ahmadis would offer his janazah behind an Ahmadi imam because a person who professes the shahada must not be buried without a janazah.”

2. “If interest is involved in the dealings with banks or financial institutions that are not state-owned, then that would not be lawful. However, if the dealings are based on profit and loss sharing then it would be allowed.

“Similarly, additional profits gained through the money deposited in stateowned banks or financial institutions are also not considered interest because they invest their capital on philanthropic projects, as a result of which various schemes are devised for the benefit of the citizens of the country, the economy grows and employment opportunities are generated for the citizens. Therefore, the profits from such banks and financial institutions can be utilised for personal needs. There is no harm in that.”

Eve misleading Adam A lady from Germany wrote to Huzooraa stating that Huzooraa had said in one of his Friday Sermons, “A true believer should also pray for his wife and children because the first temptation to Adam was brought by a woman.” However, she said,

the Promised Messiahas had written in his books that it was a biblical statement that Eve had led Adam astray.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 4 February 2020, gave the following reply: “In my sermon that you have quoted, I also read out another excerpt from the Promised Messiahas. In that quote, the Promised Messiahas has also stated that according to the Torah, Balaam, who opposed Prophet Mosesas, lost his faith due to his wife, whom the king lured by showing her some items of jewellery. She then incited Balaam to pray against Prophet Mosesas and for this reason, Balaam lost his faith.

“Moreover, the Promised Messiahas has mentioned in some of his writings, with reference to the Holy Quran, that Allah had stated that Adam did not intentionally break His commandment. He rather thought that Eve’s eating the fruit and sharing it with him was perhaps owing to God permitting her to do so. That is why God did not exonerate Eve in His Book, but only Adam, َ َ ْ َ َ about whom He said, ‫[ ل ْم � ِجد ل ُہ ع ْز ًما‬We found in him no determination (to disobey)] and He severely punished Eve. “Similarly, the Promised Messiahas has mentioned in one place that just as Adam was born in the last part of the ‘sixth day’, so was the Promised Messiah decreed to be born in the last part of the sixth millennium and just as Adam was tried through Nahash, who is called Khannas in Arabic and whose other name is Dajjal, in the same way, Nahash was created to oppose the Latter-Day Adam, so that he may entice the effeminate people with ‘eternal life’, just as the serpent who is called Nahash in the Torah and Khannas in the Quran, enticed Eve. “Whether it is stated with reference to the Bible or in light of the Quranic injunctions, the fact of the matter is that it points out some natural weaknesses found in both men and women. Hence, where on the one hand, a woman’s natural weakness is mentioned that she tends to be covetous and acquisitive, on the other hand, she also possesses the ability to take men in and to persuade them with her charm and guile.

Likewise, where on the one hand, men consider themselves to be very clever and intelligent, on the other hand, they also have this weakness that they are easily fooled by women. It is this reality that the Holy Prophetsa has also mentioned.

Hence, it is stated in a hadith that the Holy Prophetsa said: ْ َ ْ ُ َْ َ َ َّ ّ ُ َ َ ْ َ ‫َ ْ َ ين‬ ‫ا�� ُج ِل الحَا ِز ِم‬ ‫ات عق ٍل و ِد ٍ أذھب ل ِل ِب‬ ِ ‫ما رأيت ِمن نا ِق َص‬ ّ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ ُ َ ْ ْ ‫ال� َسا ِء‬ ِ ��‫ِمن ِإحدا�ن يا مع‬ ‘O womenfolk! I have not seen anyone, who is psychologically and religiously deficient, being more skillful in fooling men of sound judgement than you.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari) “Just as organisations have taken advantage of this innate deficiency and the innate skill of women in the past, in this modern era most intelligence agencies of the large countries continue to benefit from them. Hence, we observe that many women are employed in these agencies just to elicit secrets from men of the hostile organisations or institutions by utilising their charm and guile and they do this successfully.

“These are all matters that are related to the worldly life of men and women.

However, at the same time, Islam has also taught that there is no difference between men and women in terms of rights and responsibilities, nor in terms of the reward for doing good deeds. Just as men have some rights and responsibilities according to their capacities and abilities, so also do women have some rights and responsibilities according to their capacities and abilities.

There is no difference between them in terms of their rights and responsibilities.

Similarly, just as a man is entitled to a reward for performing a good deed, so is also a woman entitled to the same reward for performing a good deed. Moreover, in some cases, a woman is entitled to an equal reward to that of a man for performing a relatively less demanding virtuous deed and in other cases, she is even entitled to a greater reward. This is the beautiful teaching of Islam that no other religion or any other teaching in the world can ever match.”

Tattoos and face painting During the Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau Class for Nasirat, held in Canada on 11 July 2012, a girl said to Huzooraa that once, at a henna stall at a meena bazaar, she saw signs indicating that they offered tattoos and face painting. She asked whether that was allowed in Islam.

Huzooraa gave the following reply: “Those who do tattoos or face painting are wrong. There should only be henna at the henna stall. If the president of Lajna had arranged it, then that was completely wrong. [Should one] put henna on the face to appear mad or to become a cartoon?

Allah has made them humans and you are making them look like animals? On the henna stall, one can have henna applied only on the hands.”

Then, while pointing to the front and back of his hand up to the wrist, Huzooraa said:

“You can have it applied up to here as women usually do for adornment. That is permissible. However, applying henna to the face or tattooing is forbidden in Islam.”

At this point, Huzooraa asked the president of Lajna as to why it had happened.

Upon hearing her reply, Huzooraa further said: “Why was face painting arranged? That should not happen. Were you trying to make them look like monsters like other people do here?”

The Lajna president said that they had done it for tabligh purposes, to which Huzoor said: “If this was done for tabligh, then is there only face painting left for tabligh? No one has the right to distort faces. Islam has given a very clear injunction on this.

“Do not introduce new customs. If you, the Lajna, introduce such customs and innovations, then what reformation can you do? This is how innovations creep into religion on the pretence of a good deed. When Hazrat Adamas was misled by Satan, he did not say, ‘If you follow this, you will gain some pleasure from it.’ First, he said, ‘This is a good deed. So, act upon it and you will become pious forever.’ Did Satan not mislead Adam in this manner, promising that he would become righteous forever? However, it was a satanic promise.

You people are acting in the same evil manner and introducing these ever-new innovations.

“It is the duty of Lajna and office-bearers that they look towards the countenance of the Khalifa-e-Waqt and see what he is saying. Do not create your own innovations and customs. And you little girls! You should become my ‘spies’ and always tell me the truth. Alright?”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu)

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

UK missionaries teach Holy Quran to over 18,000 during Ramadan Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-charge, UK

The holy month of Ramadan is also the month of the Holy Quran. Allah the Almighty states, “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V. 186) Each year Ramadan reminds us of the importance of the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen, may Allah be his Helper, has mentioned in the past that reminders of the affinity between Ramadan and the Holy Quran will only be beneficial when we make special efforts during Ramadan to look for the commandments of the Quran, then put them in practice and make them a part of our lives; when we try to understand the meanings of the Holy Quran, when we make special efforts in this month to look for the commandments of the Quran. (Friday Sermon, 19 July 2013) Mansoor Ahmad Chattha Sahib reports that even though darses of the Holy Quran are delivered in all UK mosques throughout the year, in light of the immense importance of the study of the Holy Quran during the sacred month of Ramadan, the field missionaries of the UK Jamaat intensified

their efforts and were engaged in darses of the Holy Quran up and down the country.

In total, 565 darses of the Holy Quran were delivered. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, it is estimated that over 18,000 members of the Jamaat benefitted from them. Alhamdulillah.

A glimpse of the various activities is given below: Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionaryin-charge UK, delivered 19 darses in English and Urdu in the following Jamaats: Lower Morden, Roehampton, Wandsworth Town, Aldershot, Balham, Tooting, Upper Mitcham, Tooting Bec, South Region, North Region, Manchester, Richmond, Northwest Region, Southwest Region, Northeast Region, Baitul Futuh Region, Putney, Bournemouth, Carshalton and Newcastle.

It is estimated that no less than 15,000 people benefited from these sessions. In addition, his daily dars-e-hadith after Fajr was broadcast nationwide and thousands of members listened to it every day in the UK and other countries.

Humayon Jahangeer Khan Sahib delivered nine darses and 525 members benefited from his darses.

Naseem Ahmad Bajwa Sahib arranged 55 darses and also delivered various lectures.

12,200 people benefited from the various

programmes.

Mujeeb Mirza Sahib delivered daily darses of the Holy Quran at Darus Salam Mosque in Southall. Over the weekend special guests were invited to deliver the dars and around 70 people benefitted from the programmes.

Ammar Ahmad Sahib arranged daily dars for Southwest Region and 80 to 100 people benefitted from them.

Rabeeb Mirza Sahib arranged nine darses for Hounslow South, Hounslow North and Slough Jamaats and around 300 members benefitted from them.

Imran Ahmad Khalid Sahib delivered 16 darses in the various Jamaats of Fazl Mosque Region and around 1,900 people benefitted from them.

Faiz Ahmad Sahib arranged 8 darses for South Region and 2,070 people benefitted from them.

Zakaria Sheikh Sahib arranged four local and five regional darses. Tahir Khalid Sahib, Sabahat Karim Sahib, Mansur Ahmed Chattha Sahib, Shahil Munir Ahmad Sahib, Hassan Selby Sahib, Rawahudin Arif Khan Sahib, Muhammad Ahmad Khurshid Sahib and Aneeq ur Rehman Sahib also delivered darses on a daily basis in their local Jamaats and around 747 people benefited from them.

Sharjeel Ahmad Sahib delivered eight

darses in various Jamaats of Baitul Noor Region and around 50 members attended each dars. He recorded his dars and shared it with the whole region.

Tahir Selby Sahib delivered darses every day and also delivered three darses for North East Region. The darses have been watched by 2,900 people on YouTube so far.

Slahudin Mir Sahib delivered 21 darses and 106 people benefitted from them.

Shahzeb Athar Sahib delivered 16 darses and also shared it via WhatsApp with Jamaat members, around 40 people benefitted from them. In addition, together with Usman Shehzad Butt Sahib he delivered dars for the whole region which was attended by 145 households.

Raza Ahmad Sahib arranged five darses and 1,300 members benefitted from them.

Zartasht Latif Sahib delivered 25 darses and around 70 members listened to them every day.

By the grace of Allah, Jamaat members enjoyed the programmes set up in Ramadan both locally and from the centre and benefitted from them immensely. And why should this not have been the case, as the Promised Messiahas has said, the Holy Quran is a treasure chest, every word of it is an ocean of wisdom, it makes one drink cups full of the love of God.

The Gambia Khuddam amila members rejuvenated following mulaqat Demba Kandeh The Gambia Correspondent Majlis Amila of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya The Gambia had a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 23 May 2021. The meeting lasted for about an hour and Huzooraa provided advice and guidance to all members of the amila throughout the meeting as he also received updates from them.

Reacting to the mulaqat, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya The Gambia, Alieu Trawally Sahib said: “We thank Allah the Almighty for enabling us to witness this very day, having a mulaqat with Huzooraa. If you set your eyes on Huzooraa, you feel good because it is like meeting your beloved father. He gave us guidance on various issues. Insha-Allah, we

will see a lot of improvement in our work because things that we never expected, now we can do them and make progress.

We thank Allah the Almighty and pray for Huzooraa for long life and excellent health.”

Buba Kassama Sahib said: “I was very happy because it has been a lifelong prayer for me to meet my beloved Imam, Khalifa of the time. I am very happy and glad that I had a few minutes of conversation with him. This mulaqat will help me a lot because Huzooraa gave some guidelines and advice to some departments.

Huzooraa mentioned something that really moved me a lot. He said we have to implement our plans and he repeated it to two or three people and that moved me a lot. I said to myself, ‘I have to learn from this and in my duties, I will try to do more work and implementation in the near future.’

Insha-Allah.”

One of the Naib Sadrs, Saikou Jammeh Sahib said: “It was very inspirational and emotional for me because it was my first time meeting with Huzooraa. It is truly a blessing to meet with him. The advice given by Huzooraa will help us improve the overall activities of the Majlis. If we act on the advice and guidance of Huzooraa, this will improve the work of various departments within the Majlis.”

Modou Lamin Touray Sahib, Mohtamim Maal said: “I have never met Huzooraa so having this mulaqat is very inspirational for me.

He gave us guidance on how to go about the duties and responsibilities of amila

members of the Majlis. I am inspired a lot right now. And this mulaqat also reminded me that listening to Huzoor’s sermons is a blessing and that one can learn a lot from watching Huzoor’s programmes on MTA.”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

The exemplary young Companions:

a convert. (Muwatta Imam Malik, Kitab alNikah, Bab Nikah-ul-Mushrik iza Aslamat Zaujahu) A marriage conditional upon conversion to Islam Before accepting Islam, Hazrat Abu Talhahra expressed his desire to marry a Muslim lady, Hazrat Umm Salimra. At his proposal to her, she replied that she could not marry him until and unless he embraced Islam.

And she would be ready to marry him only after he accepted Islam and that she would not accept any dowry from him except his conversion. As a result, he accepted Islam.

(Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 6, p. 345, Zikr Umm Salim bint Malhan)

Passion for preaching Islam

Fearlessness in preaching Hazrat Abu Dhar Ghaffarira accepted Islam in its early days. He had no supporter or helper in the whole of Mecca. But he possessed such a passion and zeal for the propagation of Islam that irrespective of any dangers, he proceeded to the Ka‘bah and, in a loud voice, proclaimed his faith in Allah and the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa.

At the time, the disbelievers were sitting together and having a chat there.

The moment they heard his voice, all of them set upon him with whatever they could lay their hands on. As a result, he fell unconscious.

After he recovered, he found that the whole of his body was covered in blood. So he left. But the next day, he returned and started propagating the message of Islam.

The disbelievers again started beating him up. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Manaqib-ilAnsar, Bab Islam Abi Zar Ghaffari) Hazrat Abu Bakr’s influence in preaching Islam

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

The Companionsra had always been very enthusiastic to promulgate the divine treasure that they themselves had obtained from the Holy Prophetsa and there were no discomforts that hindered them in this way.

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud’s willingness to preach to a violent audience Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud was young and tended goats when the Holy Prophetsa announced his prophethood.

Once the Holy Prophetsa, accompanied

by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, strolled down to where the young Abdullah was grazing his goats. Hazrat Abu Bakrra asked him to give them some milk to drink if he had some.

Abdullahra replied that the goats were not his and belonged to someone else, therefore he could not give them the milk.

The Holy Prophetsa asked him to bring a goat that had not yet given birth. Hazrat Abdullahra brought one. The Holy Prophetsa passed his hands on its udder and prayed, as a result of which its udder was filled with so much milk that all three of them had their fill from it. Hazrat Abdullahra was so

impressed by this incident that he accepted Islam.

This was a time when the Muslims were very weak, so much so that they were not allowed to worship the One God in public.

One day, the Muslims decided to recite the Quran to the disbelievers, but it was a challenging and dangerous task to carry out.

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud undertook to perform it. But other Companionsra objected that he was not best suited for the job. They needed someone who had a large family so that the Quraish may have some hesitation in assaulting him. But Hazrat Abdullahra insisted that he must go and said that his God was his protector.

The next day, when the Quraish were assembled together, this admirer of the Quran reached there to read it out to them.

The whole group of the Quraish became enraged to see this daring behaviour of the young man and all of them set upon him. He was beaten so badly that his face became swollen, yet he did not stop reciting the Quran.

He returned to the Companionsra in very poor physical condition. Upon seeing him, they said that it was this very fear that they wanted to stop him from going there.

Hazrat Abdullahra replied, “I swear in the name of God, if you allow me, I will do

the same tomorrow again. The opponents of the religion of God have never looked to me so depraved before today.” (UsdulGhabah, Vol. 3, p. 280) Hazrat Umm Shareek’sra preparedness to preach despite dangers The keenness for the propagation of faith was not confined to men only; rather, Muslim women equally discharged this responsibility too with full realisation.

Hazrat Umm Shareekra was a female companion who propagated the message of Islam to the women of the Quraish in secret. This was a time when to mention even the name of Islam would not go without danger. When the Quraish learnt about such activities by her, they ousted her from Mecca. (Tabaqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 8, Zikr Ummi Sharik) Hazrat Umm Hakimra bint Harith’s preaching to husband, Ikrimahra After the fall of Mecca, Ikrimahra bin Abi Jahl fled to Yemen, but his wife, Hazrat Umm Hakimra bint Harith, accepted Islam.

Having accepted Islam, she became so restless to bring her husband into the fold of Islam that bearing all the troubles of travel, she travelled all the way to Yemen to preach Islam to him and brought him back

After Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra heart was enlightened with the light of Islam, he, with zeal and fervour, desired for his close friends and relatives to benefit from this divine bounty. Despite the troubles cast in this way from the disbelievers, he continued propagating the message of Islam. As a result of his endeavours, some noble souls accepted Islam, who later shone like stars on the firmament of Islam.

Hazrat Uthmanra, Hazrat Zubairra bin Awam, Hazrat Abdur-Rahmanra bin Auf, Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas, Hazrat Talhahra, Hazrat Uthmanra bin Maz‘un, Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra, Hazrat Abu Salmahra and Hazrat Khalidra bin Saeed bin Aas are only a few of those who embraced Islam through him. (Sirat Ibn Hisham, Bab Zikr man Aslama min-as-Sahabati bi-Da‘wati Abi Bakr) Hazrat Abu Bakrra accompanied the Holy Prophetsa when he went to different clans and public gatherings to propagate the message of Islam. Since Hazrat Abu Bakrra had a wide network of acquaintances, he would introduce the Holy Prophetsa to them. (Kanzul-Ummal, Vol. 6, p. 319, Bab Fazl-is-Sadiq) (Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

From longing to living embraced – Part II A testimony of how, according to the Quranic promise, “fear” was turned into “security and peace”

Asif Mahmood Basit UK

Dawn of a new era The sitting of the electoral college commenced and people began to gather on the roads surrounding the Fazl Mosque. My nerves could no longer take the pressure, so I wandered off into the darkness of a nearby street. I turned into another street and then another. I felt myself fighting off the tide of that testing time.

Feeling that it was about time, I strolled back to the mosque. The thousands of people that had thronged on the road were all on mute.

In such silence, the microphone crackled to life, the effect of which most of us can still relive. It was like the beating drum of a major announcement. The crackle sent a shockwave down everyone’s spines and we were all ears. Then came the announcement which, with every word uttered, drew us closer to peace. The clouds of fear that had cloaked us for the past few days began to disperse. The entire atmosphere began to change as the sense of fear swept away and bliss began to blossom. Then, finally, the name was announced. Our hearts cried the resounding praise of “Allahu-Akbar!”

Allah had manifested His power and might through the person of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa! May Allah continue to bring him comfort and peace!

It was an historical moment. How remarkable was the experience of seeing fear transform into peace! Never had I witnessed such anxiousness! But the relief I felt after was enough to make me forget all the distress.

Without describing the period from hearing that announcement to taking the oath of initiation at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inside the mosque, I shall move forward. That period of time was a very delicate one; so fragile that describing it may cause damage. It was a very personal, delicate and private moment for us all.

A new era had begun for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. I had the honour of seeing Huzooraa with my own eyes in the Fazl Mosque. What an astonishing transformation it was. I could not rest my eyes on him for too long.

It was in those days that I said the following: ‫ا� وسرج ےہ‬ ‫اُس اک پ ی�ر وت ی‬ ‫ک‬ � ‫ی‬ ‫اُس ہپ رہھٹے یمری رظن سے؟‬ “He is the sun personified; How could I fix my gaze in his direction?”

The feeling is still the same today, not

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

only mine, but of many others as well.

It was the middle of the night, but a new sun had risen in the sky of Ahmadiyyat. The whole world was to be illuminated from this sun. This sun would erase atheism and disbelief. Life itself was to gain warmth from this sun. Many who had gone stray were to find the right path under the light of this new sun. And most of all, every single member of this grief-stricken community who had been dwelling in the shadows of fear was to do away with that fear and, under the rays of this new sun, welcome the dawn of a new era. The light of this sun was to nourish a spiritual harvest from which the whole world was to benefit.

Huzooraa took the bai‘at [oath of initiation] from the thousands of Ahmadis who surrounded the vicinity of the Fazl Mosque. Huzooraa emerged from the doors of the mosque and raised his hand to wave to the huge crowd of Ahmadis. Everyone had the chance to see their beloved leader, after which Huzooraa entered his residence.

Having been through the hammering mix of emotions – fear, patience and happiness – the clock had struck one o’clock in the morning.

We returned to our homes, but it became impossible to get some sleep. At home, all we could talk about was our new Imam.

My father would reminisce the days when he had had the honour of working with Huzooraa in the dar-ul-qaza [judiciary]. I, too, narrated my personal recollections.

In this manner, night turned into morning and the time for Fajr prayer came upon us.

Once again, we found ourselves in the Fazl Mosque and with great enthusiasm. I saw Huzooraa as he approached the mosque.

He wore the same shalwar kameez and the same blazer as the night before. There was, however, one difference and that too a significant one. The mantle of Khilafat was now gradually beautifying Huzoor’s blessed countenance. The complexion was unique; the nur even more visible.

Only God knows how that night was spent; what words were exchanged. Huzoor’s emotions had already been displayed to the world, so what would it have been like when he met his Lord in solitude? God Himself had descended upon the Earth to select His chosen servant. So for whom Allah had come so close, what emotions would that person have experienced when being so near to Allah!

History was in the making as the night passed and a new day arose. Alhamdulillah, we had witnessed the first historical prayer led by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. That day, the blessed body of Hazrat

Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh was to be laid to rest. The burial would take place on the land of Islamabad, the land that was very dear to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Only a few meters away from his burial place was the home in which he resided for many Jalsa Salanas, ijtemas and other occasions.

Later, we heard that Huzooraa had begun attending his office and was leading all five prayers in the Fazl Mosque. The blessed era of the Fifth Khilafat had now begun!

For the coming few days, groups from across the world were given the opportunity to meet Huzooraa in their respective groups in the Mahmood Hall. I stood in the queue among the Ahmadis of England and awaited my turn. Gradually, I got closer and closer to Huzooraa. When my turn came, Huzooraa very graciously allowed me to embrace him. The same electrifying current rushed through my body as the day I had embraced him in the crowd before the election – the same warmth, energy and bliss.

That day, I embraced my leader, but I realised that he no longer remained a dweller of this world. His dwelling had been elevated to a much higher, exalted realm.

Apparently, he was an ordinary human who stood before us. But God Almighty had selected him. Angels had descended upon

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

him and he now wore the mantle of nur.

The embrace perhaps lasted only a second, but what a memorable moment it was! Countless praise be to Allah the Exalted, that he enabled us to witness the magnificent transformation from fear to peace.

I – who, in pursuit of worldly achievements, travelled here to the UK; who would ponder over the existence, role and even the possibility of the nonexistence of God; who was a deep admirer of Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud; who had adopted religion but only as a social ritual; who considered the institution of Khilafat as a leadership, but was not fully aware of its spiritual status – now considered it my good fortune that I had embraced the man whom God had chosen. I felt the spiritual light radiate my soul and being, alhamdulillah!

In truth, that was the day I began to truly believe in Khilafat as a divine institution.

And in keeping with this honesty, it was a result of that belief that I began to truly believe in God’s existence. Thus, I am forever indebted to this man of God. I, as well as my children and my children’s children, will forever be in his debt, for it was he who sparked a flame in my lifeless soul. May Allah grant me, my children and their children the opportunity to remain subservient to Khilafat.

As I exited the doors of the Mahmood Hall that day, I was experiencing a bizarre rush of emotion. The memories and moments that would circulate the avenues of my mind were now flickering before my eyes like a film, but in different ways. At times, they would fast-forward; at others, I would see them in slow-motion.

But alongside those recollections was a new sense of passion. At times, I considered it my good fortune that I had met and known Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa before Khilafat. But then, I would question why

I had not met him with the reverence he deserved; why I merely considered him an office-bearer of the Jamaat and why I had not recognised him to be a man elevated in spirituality.

I regretted all those times I had met Huzooraa casually. But then there was another overriding thought.

A glance at the early life of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa I remember the day when, upon the demise of Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Mansoor Ahmad, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh announced the appointment of Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmad as nazir-e-ala and amir-e-muqami. Having made the announcement, Huzoorrh also declared that in a manner, it fulfilled the revelation of: ‫ت‬ ‫ٹ‬ �‫اَب ُ�و امہری ہگج �ب� ی�ھ اور مہ ےتلچ ہ ی‬ “Now you sit down in my place and I shall leave.” (The Promised Messiahas had said these words to Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, grandfather of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, in a divine vision.)

Huzooraa then told the members to pray that Allah enabled him to become a successor in the true sense of the word. It was a remarkable indication. But God tends to keep such signs ambiguous.

A few days after the new appointment of nazir-e-ala and amir-e-muqami was my walima ceremony. That day, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa graced my walima. While reminiscing that day, I recall his humility, but within that humility was a sense of aweinspiring dignity and composure.

“Was I able to identify the nur in his eyes at that time – the nur I see today? Maybe.

Maybe not!”

Then, I recalled the days when I would meet various elders of the community in their offices and along the streets of Rabwah.

In 1990, when many elders of the Jamaat

resided in Rabwah, I always wished to meet such people as I had recently come to Rabwah. Never had I seen so many scholars and saintly persons gathered in one place, especially such people who were direct descendants of the Promised Messiahas!

It was in those days that I went to the office of wakalat-e-mal II in the Tahrik-eJadid offices to meet an unknown “Mian Sahib”. That Mian Sahib was among the regular worshippers at Masjid Mubarak, but I did not know who he was. When I heard about him, I went straight to meet him.

If I recall correctly, it was the first time I had met that individual and it was in the picturesque corridors of Tahrik-e-Jadid. It was a brief meeting, consisting of “Assalamo alaikum” and “Wa alaikumussalam”, but the smile on Huzoor’s face remains engraved in my memory because even today, that smile manifests itself when Huzooraa wishes to say something but opts for silence.

Then, one day, I saw him in Masjid Mubarak and would have the honour of meeting him there many times. He would enter Masjid Mubarak from the doors closest to Qasr-e-Khilafat. He would sit in that very area and having offered prayers, would depart the mosque as solemnly as he had arrived.

I recalled the days when I would meet many elders of the community and meet him also. But I always found something different about him from the rest; something unique – a simple and ordinary exterior with no intentional signs to indicate taqwa and righteousness. There was a sense of calmness about him; a sense of simplicity and humility. But there was surely something that made this apparent dweller of this world a dweller of a higher one.

My heart would ache with regret. I would lament my negligence and lack of understanding; my days of ignorance and foolishness! If ever they could return, I would greet that Mian Sahib with the reverence and love he so deserved!

The days after the passing of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh were enigmatic.

Everyone was in a spiritual and emotional state. But I can only speak for myself. For the first time, I had realised the importance of Khilafat. (We can probably never fully understand it, so I actually had begun to comprehend it.) The transformation of fear into peace with the start of the Fifth Khilafat gave me firm belief in God. Strange thoughts occupied my mind in those days. I would ask myself, “When did God actually choose his next Khalifa?

When I first met him, had Allah already selected him as the future Khalifa or not?”

It was in this confusion that a thought occurred; an extremely personal point that I will now try and gather the courage of presenting before you.

Personal interpretation of a poem by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh The poem written by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, “Merey dard ki jo dava karey”, would be repeated on MTA International during those days, especially during the days between the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and the appointment of the Fifth Khalifa.

In those days, this poem was constantly on my mind and naturally so. I had never

given too much thought to the meaning of the poem. But then, one day, that poem bore a completely new meaning to me: ‫ وکیئ یا�ا صخش وہا رکے‬، ‫رِمے َدرد یک وج َدوا رکے‬ “If only there was a person who could heal my wounds.”

Huzoorrh, here, refers to an individual.

Had Huzoorrh been referring to God, he would never have used the word ‘shakhs’ (person). ‫ رگم رجہ اک ہن گِلہ رکے‬، ‫وہ وج ےب انپہ اُداس وہ‬ “When he feels an unsettling sadness, he does not complain of being remote.”

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa spent a large part of his life physically far away from the Khalifa of the time. During the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, he had devoted his life and had been sent to Africa. When he returned to Pakistan, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh had migrated to London. He spent that entire period in a state of solitude and being “remote”. Without complaining, though, he fulfilled his duties. ‫ت‬ ‫ئ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫رِمی ہ ی‬ ‫رُق� ےسج ی�اد ی‬ ‫اچ� رِمی ب ی‬ ‫ٓا� دَقَم دَقَم‬ ‫ابلس بش ی‬ ‫م ٹپل ےک ٓاہ و اکُب رکے‬ ِ ‫وت وہ بس ےس پھُچ ےک‬ “When his desire for my nearness flood his mind at every moment; then, in the depths of the night, may he cry out for my sake.”

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa was the person who always preferred to stay in seclusion. Even though he had the authority, he would very rarely be seen on a stage. His position naturally made him the single person who everyone wanted to call onto the stage, but he always preferred to remain unknown. Such a man only opens the doors of his heart before His Lord (that too in the depths of the night) Who had always been his One and Only Benefactor. ‫ق‬ ‫خ‬ ‫�ال ےس‬ ‫ وہ یمرے مغ ےک ی‬، ‫ڑبےھ اُس اک مغ وت َ�رار وھک دے‬ ‫ٹ‬ ‫ا ی‬ ‫ُ� اہھت اےنپ ےئل وت رھپ یھب رِمے ےئل یہ ُداع رکے‬ “And when his grief increases, he loses peace at the thought of my grief; When his hands rise to pray for himself, even then, he prays for me.”

I cannot say anything as regards his hours of seclusion. But the rare times when he had to deliver a speech before Khilafat, he would always say a few words about the importance and blessings of Khilafat, followed by, “Now let us pray”. It is obvious who those prayers were for. ‫ن‬ ‫ڑبا وشر ےہ رِمے رہش ی‬ ‫م یسک ایبنج ےک ُ��زول اک‬ ‫وہ رِمی یہ اجن ہن وہ ہ ی‬ ‫ وکیئ ھچک وت اج ےک ہتپ رکے‬،‫ک‬ “There is great hue and cry in my town about the descent of a stranger; it is wellnigh possible that he could be my very own being. I wish somebody would try to find out.”

This clearly points to the descent of spiritual light that settled on the heart of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa from Allah the Almighty. Yet, it was so subtle that he himself did not know of it. ‫ن‬ ‫ی ہ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ م � وہں رپ رِمی ٓارزو‬، ‫�ی وت یمرے ِدل یہ اک سکع ےہ‬ ‫وک ونجن ےہ ُ جم �ی انب دے وت رھپ وج اچےہ اضق رکے‬ “This is the reflection of my very own heart! I am not so, but my desire is to become so; and then, divine decree may do whatever it may.”

I need not comment on this; it speaks Continued on next page >>

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

for itself. ‫ساں‬ ‫ رِمی‬، ‫اُےس ڈوھڈنیت ہ ی� یلگ یلگ‬ ‫ولخوتں یک اُدا ی‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ رِما ومٰیل ی�را الھب رکے‬، ‫وہ ےلم وت سب �ی وہکں ہک ٓا‬ “The sadness of my solitude searches the streets for that person; when it is found, I will only say ‘Come! May my Lord grant you prosperity.’”

How multi-dimensional is the last couplet! �‫وہ ابداشہ ٓا یا‬ “The king has come.” ‫ت‬ ‫ٹ‬ �‫اَب ُ�و امہری ہگج �ب� ی�ھ اور مہ ےتلچ ہ ی‬ “Now you sit in my place and I shall leave.” ‫ن‬ ‫ق ق �ن ش ن‬ ‫ُ� ی‬ ‫اہلل ا ہ ی‬ ‫ح اج �� ی�ی اک قح ادا رکےن واال انبےئ‬ “May Allah enable him to fulfil the responsibility of true successorship.”

My heart became filled with conviction that the nur (spiritual light) of God’s Second Manifestation descended on Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad’saa heart in that period!

The above poem was composed in 1996.

The effect of Khilafat on a common man Then I thought to myself that I had met Huzooraa after this. My walima took place after this.

I was handed my master’s degree by my university and my marriage certificate by my mother on almost the same day. I was in desperate need of a job. I had applied in various places in Lahore.

At the time, Hazrat Mian Sahibaa was nazir-e-ala and amir-e-muqami. When I returned to Rabwah, I had the opportunity of meeting him. He graciously wrote me a letter of recommendation to help me in search of a job. Like all Ahmadis, I was taught the etiquette and mannerism of meeting elders. I thought to myself that I had met him in a well-mannered way, but then questioned myself whether I had met him with the respect he deserved.

Then of course, there was the time when I had turned my back but then ran to meet him in the crowd. That day, there was indeed something special about him.

After his divine appointment as the Khalifa, I worked in a couple of professions for a year. At first, I worked within a law firm, but later began working in a bank.

From a worldly perspective, it was not that bad a job.

Then one day, I came across a couplet of Iftikhar Arif: ‫ل رھپ ریہ ےہ رہش ہب رہش‬ ‫مکش یک ٓاگ ی‬ ‫ک امہری رجہت ی ا‬ ‫ک‬ ‫گسِ زامہن ہ ی� مہ ی ا‬ “The fire of worldly desires take me from town to town; what more is this migration for me?”

This couplet struck a chord with me.

Thus, I wrote to Huzooraa expressing my desire to dedicate my life. Allah the Almighty concealed my flaws and Huzooraa very graciously accepted this humble one among his servants.

Then, Huzooraa very graciously granted me many daftari mulaqats (official audiences). I witnessed many sides to this ocean of wisdom. Whatever I possess, is from there. All praise belongs to Allah!

A question of “possibility” answered I have mentioned above that when I would reminisce my youth, I would think that there was a “possibility” Huzooraa had

forgotten my days of trouble and mischief.

But, from time to time, Huzooraa would remind me of that period by narrating incidents from that period. Huzooraa would smile while narrating such incidents and I would feel ashamed like a man being shown videos from his infant days, acting completely childish.

One day, the mention of Rabwah came up and Huzooraa asked regarding a certain someone, “Do you remember him?”

When I replied in the affirmative, Huzooraa said, “It was a time when you considered everyone a bazurg [a saint] and would greet them with both hands. Isn’t that so?”

I wasn’t prepared for this question.

Huzooraa could see my complexion change. Then Huzooraa said, “I remember everything from your younger days!”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!

Huzooraa knew me by name, which, in itself, was a great deal for me! But knowing that Huzooraa remembered many things of my past was startling. Nevertheless, this incident passed with smiles and laughter.

At many instances, Huzooraa very subtly reminds me of my foolish days and the mischief I would create back then.

Huzooraa recently said to me, “Once, when I came to the hostel, you laughed out loud when I said something. Do you remember?”

I lowered my head in shame and replied that I remembered.

Whenever Huzooraa recalls such moments, my love for Huzooraa intensifies and grows. Despite my immature behaviour then, and my incompetence today, Huzooraa still puts up with this unworthy one. May Allah, the Coverer of all flaws, the Gracious and Merciful, always keep my master pleased with me!

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad standing third from left

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad as nazir-e-ala and amir-e-muqami

Khalifatul Masih today As I write these words, 18 years have passed since that eventful night. Huzooraa has since remained occupied in one great service – propagating the true message of Islam.

Day and night, he remains occupied in this. Sometimes planning, mostly praying, sometimes contemplating, at other times studying, and otherwise preparing speeches and lectures to present before dignitaries of countries and leading figures of the world is how this champion of peace spends his days and nights. Every second of his time is spent in this service.

Striving to propagate the true message of Islam through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat; providing guiding principles to its members for the success and progress of the community; planting the seed of religion and the responsibility of its protection within the youth of the community; spreading the Holy Quran throughout the land; establishing mosques; advising students on choosing career paths; spiritually charging the students of Jamia Ahmadiyya before they step into the field so that it may last them their lifetimes; devising plans to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged nations and providing food, water and education to those who are deprived, are among the thousands of items on Huzoor’s to-do list.

God knows what else there is! There is so much that if an ordinary person managed to accomplish all this, it would

A group photo of students and staff at the TI Ahmadiyya Secondary Commercial School, Ghana, 1977. Hazrat Mirza Masrooor Ahmad, seated 8th from left

require many lifetimes. Huzooraa remains occupied in this grand, God-given mission every day and every night.

I once read an extract of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, which shook me to my core.

Huzoorrh said: ‫ش‬ ‫ا� رمدم ُک ذہم داری ےہ۔ اہلل اک لضف اشلمِ احل ہن وہ وت‬ ‫الختف ی‬ ‫ااسنن الہک وہ اجےئ‬ “Khilafat is a life-draining responsibility.

If Allah’s help is not at hand, then one could perish [with the burden].”

How can we forget that Huzooraa continues to achieve this goal day and night?

The Holy Prophetsa once said:

َ ‫ش َّی َب ْتن ِْی ُہود‬ “Surah Hud made me grow old.”

The commentators of the Holy Quran have said that this remark could be regarding the following verse of the Holy Quran: “So stand thou upright, as thou hast been commanded, and [also] those who have turned [to God] with thee; and exceed ye not the bounds [O Believers]; for surely, He sees what you do.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.113) Huzooraa is a very high-spirited and courageous person. But the Holy Prophetsa was the most courageous man ever. If he Continued on next page >>

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021 << Continued from previous page

said that this verse made him old, then how can we forget this admirer of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, who was, so to speak, revealed this verse when the life-draining responsibility of Khilafat was placed on his shoulders?

One of the first words he uttered after being appointed was his confession that his life was now in the Hands of the One Who possesses total control over all that is in the Universe. For his Lord, he took up the responsibility and, under the commandment of his Lord, he shall continuously propagate Islam and strive to keep his community steadfast on this path.

What must be the state of such a heart?

We all pride in narrating how some of our children were born in the period of the Fifth Khilafat, but now they are all grown up.

So and so child was so small when he started attending Huzoor’s classes; so and so would often read something before Huzoor in those classes, but now their very own children give presentations or recite poems in front of Huzoor.

We pride in the fact that when Huzooraa was appointed Khalifa, some of us were not married, but now, they have three or four children of their own who have mulaqats with Huzooraa and are recipients of Huzoor’s endless grace.

Some of us have kept the pens they first received from Huzooraa as children, whereas their own children now receive pens from Huzooraa and do their schoolwork with those pens. An entire generation was born and raised in this era!

But Huzooraa also passed through the nights and days of this period – thousands of days and thousands of nights!

I mentioned above that all memories of Huzooraa, when I had met him early on, would come to mind when reminiscing earlier memories of Huzooraa. I also mentioned that in those early memories, his beard was black, then slightly less black and as the memories approached the present time, his beard appeared less and less black.

One day, Huzooraa called me to his office. It was between Zuhr and Asr. As I entered Huzoor’s office, I noticed he was not wearing his turban. After Huzooraa had issued his instructions, I stepped out of the office. That was the first time I had seen Huzooraa like this. There was no trace of resemblance in the present colour of Huzoor’s hair as compared to the memories I had stored in my mind! It was bright white like shining silver!

I deem it befitting to end this chapter without the customary conclusion. ُ ُ ْ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ ّ َ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ ‫س‬ ِ ‫اللہم ايِد اِما�نا بِرو ِح القد‬ “O Allah! Strengthen Huzoor’s hand with the spirit of holiness!”

Huzooraa has always given to us and has never asked for anything in return. Thus, Huzooraa will never say it himself, so let us tell ourselves: ‫ت‬ ُ ِ �‫وا‬ ‫ےک‬ ‫اس‬ ‫اجگ‬ ،‫یھب‬ ‫و‬ � ‫خ‬ ‫�م ا� ت‬ ‫اجگ ت‬ ‫یہ‬ ‫را� وج ی�رے درد ی‬ ‫اَن � ی‬ !� �‫م وس یا‬ “People of Ahmad! Wake up! Wake up now for his sake; for him, who has spent countless, sleepless nights in pain for your sake!”

Eid celebrations in Argentina Marwan Gill Missionary Argentina

For the first time, La Plata, which is the capital city of the province Buenos Aires – the largest province in Argentina – hung the banner of “Eid Mubarak” for two days on their town hall. It was an enormous gesture to express sympathy and tolerance towards the Islamic faith and the Muslims living in Argentina.

I was invited as the president of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Argentina to the town hall to lead a silent prayer according to the Islamic tradition in the presence of different representatives of the council. The initiative of hanging the Eid banner on the town hall is a result of the good relations between the local Ahmadi Muslims and the council of La Plata.

As Ramadan is known as the month of charity and the celebration of Eid also includes the element of charity towards fellow beings, this year, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Argentina organised special events in this regard.

In the city of Cordoba, in two different neighbourhoods, prepared meals were distributed to around 250 people. Local members and friends of the community prepared and personally distributed the meals to people living in extreme poverty.

Detroit Jamaat celebrates Eidul-Fitr 2021 Syed Shamshad Nasir Missionary, USA

Muhammad Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Detroit reports that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Detroit celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on 13 May 2021 at Masjid Mahmood. Due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions, a limited number of Jamaat members were able to join the Eid prayers at the mosque. Members interested in joining the Eid prayers were preregistered via an online registration form.

As per the social distancing guidelines, prayer halls were appropriately marked on both men’s and women’s sides and members were required to bring their own prayer mats along with protective masks. All other guidelines were circulated for members’ convenience for the Eid prayers at Masjid Mahmood.

In keeping with the traditions, Regional Missionary, Shamshad Nasir Sahib delivered his daily dars during the entire month of Ramadan. Members from Columbus, Detroit, Dayton and many other Jamaats joined during these darses of the Holy Quran, hadith and malfuzat. Overall,

attendance remained very good with large participation from the Midwest Jamaats.

On 12 May, the daily dars sessions concluded with prayers led by Shamshad Nasir Sahib.

Shamshad Nasir Sahib led the Eid prayers and delivered the Eid Sermon.

Although lunch arrangements couldn’t be made due to the Covid-19 situation, the

Jamaat made arrangements for traditional sweets that were given to members. Many volunteers worked tirelessly to make these arrangements for Eid prayers as well as the sweets gift packs. May Allah reward all the volunteers abundantly.

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

Sir Zafrulla Khan Sahib’s services for the Palestinian cause Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has always been at the forefront to advocate the rights of Muslims.

Recently, the Palestine-Israel conflict has erupted intensively, but it is not a new issue.

It has a long history, and history is evident that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has always spoken up for the rights of oppressed Palestinians.

When the partition of Palestine was under discussion in the United Nations, Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra presented the true aspects of the issue in the most impressive and persuasive manner.

Hazrat Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra himself states that as Pakistan had become a member of the United Nations just a few days before his first speech, the Arab delegations did not give any importance to the Pakistani delegation, and they seemed to have no expectations from us on this issue. (Tahdis-e-Nemat, p. 520-521) After his speech on 7 October 1947, the Arabs were greatly pleased and overjoyed, as it represented their emotions and point of view in the best possible manner.

A top Indian daily newspaper, The Statesman, wrote the next day in its editorial: “For the first time, the voice of Pakistan was heard in the counsels of the United Nations on a burning topic of worldwide significance when the leader of this country’s delegation, Chaudhry Zafarullah Khan, addressed the United Nations Palestine Committee at Lake Success on Tuesday. It was a telling speech which tore into shreds the specious pleas put forward by the advocates of the partition of Palestine.

“Chaudhry Zafarullah did not merely indulge in rhetoric when he described the partition plan as ‘physically and geographically a monstrosity’, he proceeded to prove this by unassailable arguments.

“Answering the contention that the migration of more Jews into Palestine should be permitted because the displaced Jewish people desired to go to that country, Pakistan’s spokesman asked whether the Americans would consent to relax or abrogate their own immigration laws if displaced persons of various other nationalities desired to enter the United States and settle there?

“Would America, he further asked, agree to take in the five million displaced persons of the Punjab if they desired to leave the scene of their suffering and cross over to the United States.

“We have little doubt that the Arabs will rejoice to find the voice of Pakistan so powerfully raised in the United Nations in defence of their cause. The addition of the independent sovereign state of Pakistan to the comity of free Muslim peoples of the World is already beginning to have its effect

on international affairs.” (The Statesman, 8 October 1947) Then, the same newspaper quoted an Arab spokesman, in its 11 October 1947 issue: “It was the most brilliant and exhaustive survey of the Arab case regarding Palestine that I ever heard.”

Hazrat Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra argued: “The United Nations cannot subscribe to the principle that a racial or religious minority, whether arising from national development or created as a result of immigration, can insist upon the breaking up of a homeland or shatter the political, geographical and economic unity of a country without the consent and against the wishes of the majority.” (TG Fraser, Partition in Ireland, India and Palestine: Theory and Practice, New York: St. Martin’s Press [1984], p. 176) Dr Chaim Weizmann – a Zionist leader who became the first president of Israel – had cited the partition of the Indian subcontinent as a precedent for Palestine’s partition.

While negating this point, Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra stated during his speech of 7 October 1947, that it was wrong to compare these two matters. Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra argued that even though the majority party of the Indian subcontinent [Hindus] was not eager, both parties eventually agreed to the partition of India, and if both Jews and Arabs agreed that partition was the only solution, Pakistan would be the first country to vote for such a course.

In India, the Muslim minority was an integral part of the population, while

in Palestine, a minority was created artificially by settling Jews against the express will of the people. (SM Burke, Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: An Historical Analysis, London: Oxford University Press [1973], p. 138) During his UN speech of 28 November 1947, Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra stated: “This is a solemn moment, solemn in the history of the world, in the history of this great – let us hope, at least – great organisation. The United Nations is today on trial. The world is watching and will see how it acquits itself – again, perhaps, not so much from the point of view of whether partition is approved or not approved, but from the point of view of whether any room is to be left for the exercise of honest judgement and conscience in decisions taken upon important questions […]

“It is said that if the partition is not accepted, there would be no room left for a solution. On the contrary, if the partition is accepted, fatal steps will have [to be] taken.

The Arabs and the Jews will have [to be] set by the ears and never again will there be any chance of bringing them together. Far too many unfinished vendettas will then bar the way.

“If you delay and do not take the fatal step, you still leave open to the Arabs and the Jews the chance of a conciliatory solution through which they combine and work. It is not that if you do not take a final decision today, your jurisdiction to decide anything is barred. It means that neither of these two solutions is acceptable and that something else must be found.

“The responsibility remains with you.

Do not throw away that chance. Do not [close] a door that may not be opened again.

The United Nations must find a solution which is not only just and fair, but which has the best chance for success as regards the largest number of Jews and Arabs in Palestine.”

At the end of his speech, he stated: “The representative of the United States made reference to the prayer and the wish that I expressed at the end of my statement to the Ad Hoc Committee. I again utter it humbly, sincerely, and earnestly, ‘May He Who controls all hearts and knows their innermost thoughts and designs, Who alone can appraise the true value and foresees the consequences of all human action, in His Grace and Mercy so guide our judgment that what we decide here today shall promote and foster the peace,

prosperity and welfare of all His creatures, Jews, Arabs, and Gentiles alike, and shall redound to His Glory forever.’ “[Arabic] Our last cry is; All praise is due to God, the Lord of all the Universes.”

(UNISPAL, 2nd Sess., A/PV.126, UN Doc [28 November 1947]) PR Kumaraswamy, in his piece, Beyond the veil: Israel-Pakistan relations, stated: “Pakistan was represented by its able and articulate Foreign Minister, Sir Zafrulla Khan (1893-1985). Capitalizing on his legal background, he vehemently argued that the UN had no legal or juridical authority to partition Palestine […] Zafrulla Khan thus became the most articulate opponent of the partition plan. In the words of one Israeli official, he ‘was undoubtedly one of the ablest and most impressive delegates present from any country.’” (Beyond the Veil: Israel-Pakistan relations, Memorandum 55, Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, Tel Aviv University [2000], p. 22) In reference to the brilliant advocacy of the Palestine cause by Sir Zafrulla Khanra at the United Nations, Khwaja Hasan Nizami wrote in a letter addressed to a Pakistani, dated 6 March 1948: “The fact of the matter is that Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan has done a job for which 80 crore [800 million] Muslims of the World owe him a debt of gratitude. I never hesitate to mention this fact to all – the intelligentsia and the common people alike. Even in my speeches at big public gatherings, I freely express this view.”

King Faisal Al Saud, wrote a letter to Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra on 5 May 1948, and thanked him: “It is with great regret that I learned of your departure on Friday and wish to take this opportunity to express to you our heartfelt thanks for your close cooperation and the noble stand which Your Excellency has taken, not only during the meeting, but since the question of Palestine has been put before the United Nations.

“Allow me to state that your high principles have created a desire on the part of all righteous persons to identify themselves with the efforts of Your Excellency, not only on behalf of all the Arabs but Moslems all over the world as well.”

In May 1948, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra told the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ernest Bevin, that Pakistan would never recognise the state of Israel. This caused a stir in the international media, especially in New York.

Al Sayed Ahmad Asim – Sajjada Nashin of Dargah Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, Baghdad – wrote in a letter to Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra, dated 5 July 1948: “I avail of this opportunity to thank you from the core of my heart, on my behalf as well as on behalf of the family

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021 of Hazrat Ghaus-ul-Azam, for the great Jihad you waged in a purely Islamic spirit in support of the Holy Land of Palestine before the United Nations. I earnestly pray that Almighty Allah may grant you full recompense for your services and enable you to further serve the cause of Islam.”

Abdul Hamid Al-Kaatib stated in his article published in a magazine Al-Arabi: “Muhammad Zafrulla Khan is the person who proved to be the champion in defence of Palestine’s rights. While defending the rights of Arabs in regard to Palestine, he used all qualities of his God-gifted speaking power and legal and political capability. The pulse of his speech rhythmed with the real Islamic spirit.” (AlArabi, June 1983) When the issue of Palestine was still fresh, the mufti of Palestine issued a fatwa (verdict) against Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra, and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Upon this, General Abdul Rahman Hassan Azzam Pasha, who was the Secretary-General of the Arab League, stated: “We know it very well, that Zafrulla Khan is a Muslim with respect to his words and character. He had been successful all around the world in defending Islam, and it had been his distinct feature that he successfully supported every point of view which had been adopted in defence of Islam. For this, his respect has instilled in people’s hearts, and the hearts of the Muslim world are filled with thankfulness for him.”

(Jaridah Al-Akhbar Al-Qahiriyyah, 23 June 1952) Former vice-chancellor of Karachi University, Dr Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi stated in his book, The Muslim Community in Indo-Pak Subcontinent (p. 98) that the Arabs found the most capable means to present their Palestine case in the United Nations in the person of Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra.

Upon the demise of Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra, many newspapers published reports in which his services for Palestine and the Arab world in general, were appreciated.

Daily Nawa-i-Waqt stated on 2 September 1985: “Quaid-e-Azam sent him to the United Nations as leader of the delegation for representing Pakistan on the issue of Palestine, where his well-argued speeches created a significant place for Pakistan in the hearts of the Arabs.”

The Muslim of 2 September 1985 stated that in 1947, he was specially nominated

by Quaid-e-Azam to represent Pakistan in the United Nations, where he brilliantly advocated the case of Palestinian Muslims, which made the Arab world thankful to him.

The Dawn of Karachi, 3 September 1985, stated in its editorial: “He earned the abiding respect and admiration of the Arab and other Muslim nations as a defender of their interests.”

Jang of 3 September 1985 reported a session of Federal Cabinet of Pakistan: “The cabinet expressed great grief upon the demise of Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khan […] The cabinet paid tribute to him for presenting the cause of Palestine and the third world in International institutions and conferences, and his services in the International Court of Justice.”

“

17

The fact of the matter is that Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan has done a job for which 80 crore [800 million] Muslims of the World owe him a debt of gratitude. I never hesitate to mention this fact to all – the intelligentsia and the common people alike.

Even in my speeches at big public gatherings, I freely express this view.”

Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra with Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia

Then, the Daily Nawa-i-Waqt of Rawalpindi and Lahore wrote on 3 September 1985: “[…] In addition to the Kashmir issue, the way he presented the point of view of Pakistan in advocating the freedom and sovereignty for Palestine and many other Arab countries (Morocco, Tunisia and Libya etc.), is still being appreciated in the Arab countries.”

The Daily Jang of Rawalpindi wrote in its editorial on 4 September 1985: “[…] His services in relation to the Palestine issue are also unforgettable.”

On 6 September 1985, Jang (Lahore) reported: “Syria’s acting ambassador [to Pakistan] Isa Suleman stated in his message on behalf of the president Hafez al-Asaad and the Syrian government, that the Syrian government immensely value all of his [Sir Zafrulla Khan’sra] efforts which he exerted for defending the rights of Arabs

and specifically in regard to the dispute of Palestine.”

Fadhil Jamali, a former foreign minister of Iraq, stated: “In fact, it was not possible for any Arab, however capable and competent he may be, to serve the cause of Palestine in a manner in which this distinguished and great man dedicated himself. What was the result of the debate in the United Nations is another matter. But, it must be acknowledged that Mohammad Zafrulla Khan occupies a pre-eminent position in defending the Palestinians in this dispute. We expect from all Arabs and followers of Islam that they will never forget this great Muslim fighter.”

(Al-Sabah of Tunisia, 10 October 1985) In a personal tribute, King Hussein bin Tallal of Jordan said: “He was indeed a champion of the Arab cause and his ceaseless efforts whether among the Muslim and non-aligned countries or at the International Court

of Justice will remain forever a shining example of a great man truly dedicated to our faith and civilization.” (The Review of Religions, Sept-Oct 1986, p. 6) These were just a few glimpses of the appreciation Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra received for his great services for the cause of justice for Palestine.

His services, however, were not limited to Palestine only. He advocated the rights of many Arab countries. That created immense respect for his country – Pakistan – in the eyes of the Arab Muslims.

Alas, his own country did not value him later, so much so that today, some ignoramuses even label him as a “traitor” of Pakistan. We shall let the readers be the judge.

May Allah the Almighty remove all suffering of the Palestinian people and may true justice prevail in the world. Amin.

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

Islam and science: Our forgotten history Ahmad Kamal, Student Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana

Growing up, my science textbooks were filled with theories of famous Western scientists. Naturally, I grew up crediting our scientific enlightenment to these Western sounding names with an ignorant inclination to believing it was only due to a Christian society.

I had come across articles that had named a few Muslim scientists and their inventions, which were fascinating, but living in a world of Newton, Boyle and Faraday, I remained largely unconvinced of any lasting Islamic influence in the field of science.

Of course, what continued to allude to me was the realisation that some Muslim scientists such as Musa al-Khazarizmi, a mathematician (780–850 CE) and Ibn al-Haytham, the “father of optics and experimental physics” (11th Century) were intrinsic to unlocking the secrets of the world just as much as Newton or Archimedes were, but sadly, as Ehsan Masood notes: “The Arabic sounding names somehow became lost in the myth of the Dark Ages […]” (Science & Islam - A History) He further writes: “It is as if the memory of an entire civilization and its contributions to the sum of knowledge has been virtually wiped from human consciousness. Not simply in the West but in the Islamic world too, the achievements of Islam were, until recently, largely forgotten or at least neglected, except by a few diligent specialists [...]” (Ibid) It is said that a nation without knowledge of their past is like a tree with no roots which falls with the first gush of wind. In the same way, if we remain oblivious to our past, we begin to resemble a leaf; unaware it is part of a tree.

The Holy Quran has many accounts of past nations. All these narrations are there to remind us what led to the destruction of these nations and for us to take a lesson from them. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira states in his autobiography: “Islam has presented the world with countless favours. A great favour from among those is that it was the Muslims who promoted the knowledge of history. Other nations advanced in this field after learning it from the Muslims. So how sad and regretful is the fact that today, it is the Muslims who are most unfamiliar to the status of their prominent personalities “(Mirqatul Yaqeen, pp. 22-23) He then gives an example: “Bani Israel was such a great nation َ َ َ having the potential to even say ‫ن ْح ُن أ ْبناء‬ ّٰ ُ‫الل ِه َوأَح َّب ُاؤه‬ (We are the children of God and ِ His beloved [Ch.5: V.19]), but once they became ignorant to the status of their great personalities, they were utterly disgraced.

Thus, in the Holy Quran, God using the

ُْ َ َْ ْ َ َ words ‫يل اذك ُر ْوا‬ ِ‫[ يا بنِي إِسرائ‬O Children of Israel, remember (...) (Ch.2: V.123)] has addressed them many times reminding them of the status of their prominent personalities.

“Hence, we realise that to lead a nation away from decline into progress, one method will be to continuously remind them of their prominent personalities thus leading to the wide propagation of the nation’s history” (Ibid) The knowledge of history remains crucial to understanding and maintaining our civilisation and this is a special blessing endowed to the human species alone.

History is our memory, and without it, we are no less than the wild. Steven Pinker, regarding the importance of history, writes: “To be aware of one’s country and its history, of the diversity and customs and beliefs across the globe and through the ages, of the blunders and triumphs of past civilizations [...] such awareness truly lifts us to a higher plane of consciousness. It is a gift of belonging to brainy species with a long history.” (Enlightenment Now – The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

“

[2018]) The rest of the world is slowly but surely realising the role Islam played in this world’s collective enlightenment. Prince Charles, in a speech at Oxford University, on 27 October 1993, said: “If there is so much misunderstanding in the West about the nature of Islam, there is also so much ignorance about the debt our culture and civilisation owe to the Islamic world. It is a failure which stems, I think, from the strait-jacket of history which we have inherited” Similarly, Former US President Barack Obama, on 4 June 2009, in Cairo, remarked: “It was Islam that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s renaissance and enlightenment.”

Such prominent Western personalities sound like they are ready to give Islam credit for its part in our scientific enlightenment but to have one country living up to it is far better than fifty preaching it.

Yet, Islamic countries fail to set an example of acknowledging their very own.

Islam has presented the world with countless favours. A great favour from among those is that it was the Muslims who promoted the knowledge of history. Other nations advanced in this field after learning it from the Muslims. So how sad and regretful is the fact that today, it is the Muslims who are most unfamiliar to the status of their prominent personalities “

The biggest example before us is that of Prof Abdus Salam.

Prof Abdus Salam was co-winner of the Nobel Prize in 1979 for his work on a model of particle physics, which theorised how fundamental forces governed the overall dynamics of the universe. He was the first Pakistani and Muslim to win a Nobel Prize in physics.

He believed his theories were guided by the Quran and driven by his belief in the unity of God, which had made him look for the unification of forces in nature. In his home, he used to work while listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran. He even quoted the verses of the Quran and dressed in his traditional attire for his Nobel acceptance speech.

Gordon Fraser writes about the speech: “In his Nobel Prize address, even before sketching the science for which he had earned the award, he outlined the history of Islamic science and its importance for the pre-renaissance world, for ardent seekers of knowledge like Michael the Scot. But then Islam and science had gone their separate ways and somehow lost each other. Salam’s ambition was to reconcile them.” (Cosmic Anger: Abdus Salam – The First Muslim Nobel Scientist, [2008]) He further writes; “Salam, resplendent in his turban saw himself as a Muslim gospeler, restoring nameplates in the pantheon of science that had become obscured or even illegible” (Ibid) Prof Abdus Salam Sahib was not an average Nobel laureate. His work had placed him among the very best. Professor Jim alKhalili says about Abdus Salam: “There is no doubt in my mind that his work places him as the greatest physicist of the Islamic world for a thousand years.

Not since Ibn al-Haitham and al-Biruni has there been a more influential figure in this field.” (Pathfinders – The Golden Age of Arabic Science, [2010]) But to Pakistan, he was nothing but an Ahmadi. This meant he deserved to be disregarded and mocked. His name was meant to serve as inspiration to young Muslims; however, sadly it was denounced and shunned, and subsequently removed from textbooks.

He had proposed that Pakistan would set up an Islamic Science Foundation to promote science in Islamic countries and recognise the contribution of Muslim scientists but “support in his home country was vital, but with Salam’s hardly discernible in Bhutto’s Pakistan, his proposal fell on deaf ears and became sidelined.” (Cosmic Anger: Abdus Salam – The First Muslim Nobel Scientist, [2008]) Maybe if his own country had valued and appreciated him and had broken the lens of religious bigotry and discrimination, perhaps his name would have found a way into my textbook and the textbooks of millions of young Muslims around the world.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

Perfect preservation of the Quran: Recording – Part I A series of articles discussing the miracle of perfect preservation of the Holy Quran and responding to modern-day criticisms.

Farhan Iqbal Missionary, Canada

Among the ancient books available today, scholars agree the New Testament is the most well-attested book. What that means is that there are more manuscripts for the New Testament than any other book from antiquity. There are thousands of manuscripts – partially or fully – both in the original Greek language in which these were written, and in the form of translations in Latin, Ethiopic, Slavic and Armenian.

As a leading New Testament scholar, Dr Bruce Metzger proudly puts it, the book which is the runner-up next to the New Testament in terms of manuscript testimony is Homer’s Iliad with fewer than 650 Greek manuscripts. (The Case for Christ, p.78, [1998]) However, when it comes to preservation of ancient texts, scholars have pointed out differences between these numerous manuscripts available, which makes it difficult to know without a shadow of doubt what the original words were.

Comparatively, the Holy Quran is the only ancient book that is the best preserved throughout the last 1,400 years, and this can be ascertained from the evidence and by taking a closer look at how the Quran was originally revealed and preserved since the time of Prophet Muhammadsa.

Critics of Islam have made many objections to the claim by Muslims that the Quran is perfectly preserved. This debate has become even more furious nowadays because the preservation of other holy texts, like the Bible, have also been brought under close scrutiny for the last two to three hundred years.

It is alleged, for instance, that there are different “versions” of the Quran and doubts are expressed regarding the motives of Hazrat Uthmanra when he burned certain manuscripts of the Quran in favour of the official one. In light of this, it is important to first understand what methods were used for the preservation of the Quran.

Methods of preservation of the Quran Since the beginning of the revelation of the Holy Quran, much care was taken to ensure that it is recorded with one-hundred-percent accuracy. God Himself gave a promise in the form of a prophecy that He would safeguard the revelation of the Quran from any kind of impurities. He said:

َّ ۡ ّ َ ۡ َّ َ ُ ۡ َ َّ ُ ‫الذک َر َو ِانا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰح ِفظوۡ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا نحن نزلنا‬

“Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.” (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.10) In the commentary of the above verse,

in Tafsir-e-Kabir, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra notes that it is not a coincidence that the Quran has been preserved since its revelation.

In fact, its preservation is hinted at in the words “Al-Kitab” and “Qur‘an”. This means it was preserved in two ways. First, it was written down from the very beginning, and second, it has been memorised by people in full since its very first revelation. (Tafsir-eKabir, Vol. 4, p. 17) Other than this, he notes several other factors that contributed to the preservation of the Quran: 1. God ensured that such people exist who are able to memorise the Quran cover to cover 2. The rhythm of the Quran is very sweet and easy, enabling anyone to memorise it – fully or in parts – without difficulty 3. The recitation of the Quran was made obligatory in Salat – the five daily prayers – helping to preserve it 4. God created love in the hearts of people to recite it regularly 5. God ensured the Holy Quran spreads throughout the world right after its revelation, making it impossible for any group or government to make changes or amendments 6. Various kinds of knowledge in Islam

are based on the Quran, causing the Quran to be quoted in all kinds of books related to different fields of study. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra says that in his opinion, if the quoted verses of the Quran from all these books were collected and compiled, even then, the whole Quran can be compiled from just those references 7. The academic form of Arabic never changed and can be understood even today with ease. This helped preserve the original language of the Quran in turn supporting the preservation of the Quran itself 8. God protected the Quran by sending fresh revelation in its support through Mujaddidin and other chosen ones (For a detailed discussion of all the points for the preservation of the Quran, see pages 17-20 of Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4) Adding to the 8th point, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra notes that in this day and age, when irreligiousness has reached its climax, God has sent the Promised Messiahas who has purified the Quran from all incorrect interpretations and commentaries and presented it to the world in its purest form.

Hence, in this manner, God has ensured the Quran is preserved both in its script and in its true meanings and message.

What is more is that the Holy Quran itself points to how much care was taken

in the way it was revealed to ensure its purity. For instance, God says the Quran was revealed at a slow pace so that the Holy Prophetsa and the Companionsra could learn it methodically and thoroughly without rushing through it:

َّ َ َ ٗ َ ۡ َ ُ ٰ ۡ َ َ ً ٰ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ٰۡ َ​َ َ ۡ ‫اس َع ٰلی ُمک ٍث ّو ن ّزلن ُہ تنزِیۡلًا‬ ِ ‫و قرانا فرقنہ ل ِتق َراہ علی الن‬

“And the Quran We have revealed in pieces that thou mayest read it to mankind at intervals, and We have sent it down piecemeal.” (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17: V.107) This fact is corroborated by history as it is known that the Quran was revealed over a period of 22 and a half years, which ensured safe delivery of the message from God to the Holy Prophetsa and from him to his Companionsra. It prevented it from being forgotten as there was plenty of time to memorise and revise the Quran in small, manageable portions.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has noted that the Holy Prophetsa spent 7,970 days as a prophet, while the number of verses in the Quran is 6,236 and the number of words in the Quran is 77,934. This means that on average, every verse of the Quran has 12 words, while the average daily revelation of the Quran is only nine words. (Ahsanullah Danish, Az-Zikrul Mahfuz, p. 12 [2007]) Continued on next page >>

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

The disbelievers say, ‘Why was the Quran not revealed once?’ [God says] This is

how it should have been so that We may strengthen your heart from time to time. This was also so that

First Ahmadi mosque opened in Sabon Machi, Niger

divine knowledge and other kinds of knowledge are taught at their own time, appropriately [...] With this wisdom, God revealed the Holy Quran over 23 years so that the prophecies are also fulfilled during this time”. << Continued from previous page

In other words, the Quran was revealed so slowly that on average, even a full verse was not revealed on a daily basis.

Some critics of Islam may allege the Quran should have been revealed all at once and cast doubt in regard to the reasoning behind its slow revelation. This allegation was made during the time of the Holy Prophetsa as well and the Holy Quran addresses it as follows:

ُۡ َ ُ َ َٰ ً َ ًَ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ۚۛ ‫ال ال ِذیۡ َن کف ُر ۡوا لَوۡ لَا ن ِّز َل َعل ۡی ِہ الق ۡر ٰا ُن ُج ۡملۃ ّوا ِح َدۃ ۛۚ کذل ِک‬ ‫وق‬ ً‫ل ُِن َث ّب َت بہ ُف َؤ َاد َک َو َر ّتَ ۡل ٰن ُہ تَ ۡرت ۡیلا‬ ِ ِٖ ِ

“And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was not the Quran revealed to him all at once?’

[We have revealed it] thus that We may strengthen thy heart therewith. And We have arranged it in the best form.” (Surah alFurqan, Ch.25: V.33) In the commentary of this verse, the Promised Messiahas writes: “The disbelievers say, ‘Why was the Quran not revealed once?’ [God says] This is how it should have been so that We may strengthen your heart from time to time.

This was also so that divine knowledge and other kinds of knowledge are taught at their own time, appropriately. This is because it is harder to understand something before its time. With this wisdom, God revealed the Holy Quran over 23 years so that the prophecies are also fulfilled during this time”. (Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 22, p. 357) The scribes of the Holy Quran Among the various precautions taken for the preservation of the Quran, let us have a closer look at just one: the writing down of the Quran.

There were many Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa who had the responsibility of writing down the revelation of the Holy Quran. It is narrated that: ‫اذا نزل عليه شيء دعا بعض من كان يكتب‬ “Whenever a verse was revealed, the Holy Prophetsa would call one of the scribes.”

(Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad ‘Ashratul Mubashareen bil-jannati, Musnad Uthmanra bin Affan) This means the Holy Prophetsa had several scribes available to him to write down the Holy Quran as it was revealed.

Quoting from Fath-ul-Bari, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra gives a list of 15 scribes,

the most important of whom was Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit. (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 356, [1996]) Ahsanullah Danish Sahib, a scholar of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, who consulted various historical books that contain the names of the scribes, concludes there were 28 companions who wrote down the Quran specifically during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, and he has also noted that some researchers placed the number as high as 40. (Az-Zikrul Mahfuz, p.23 [2007]) All of this research shows that those Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa who knew how to write, loved to write down verses of the Holy Quran and this happened from the earliest of days. It was also common for Companionsra to have some written portions of the Quran with them.

Even if those various manuscripts with parts of the Quran written were put together, complete copies of the Quran could be produced from them. On top of this, some Companionsra had written down the Quran in its entirety as shown by the following narrations: ٰ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫ت أن َس بْ َن َمال ِكٍ ـ َر ِض َى اللّ ُه َع ْن ُه ـ َم ْن‬ ‫ قال سأل‬،‫حدثنا قتادة‬ ٌ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ّ َّ َ َ َ ُْْ َ َ َ ‫آن َعلى ع ْه ِد الن ِب ِي صلى الله علي ِه وسلم قال أربعة‬ ‫جمع القر‬ َ َ ُ ُّ ُ َ َ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ ْ َ ،‫ت‬ ٍ ِ‫ وزيد بن ثاب‬،‫كله ْم ِمن الأنصا ِر أبى بن كع ٍب ومعاذ بن جب ٍل‬ ْ َ ُ ْ َْ ُ َ َ َ َ َُ ْ َ َ َ ‫امة ع ْن‬ ‫‏ تاب َ َعه الفضل ع ْن ُح َسي ِن بْ ِن َوا ِق ٍد عن ثم‬.‫َوأبُو زيْ ٍ ‏د‬ َ​َ ‫‏‬.‫س‬ ‫أن ٍ ‏‬ “Qatadara narrated: ‘I asked Anas bin Malikra: “Who collected the Quran at the time of the Prophetsa?” He replied, “Four, all of whom were from the Ansar: Ubayy bin Kaab, Muaz bin Jabal, Zaid bin Thabit and Abu Zaid.”’” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Fadha‘ilul-Quran, Babul Qurra min Ashabin-Nabisa) َ ّ ٰ َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ‫الن ِب ّي َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم َول ْم ي ْج َم ِع‬ ‫ قال مات‬،‫س‬ ٍ ‫عن أن‬ َ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ُ َ َ ْ َّ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ‫ت‬ ٍ ِ‫القرآن غير أربع ٍة أبو الدردا ِء ومعاذ بن جب ٍل وزيد بن ثاب‬ َ َ ‫َوأبُو زيْ ٍد‬ “Anas bin Malikra narrated: ‘When the Prophetsa died, none had collected the Quran but four persons: Abu Al-Darda, Muaz bin Jabal, Zaid bin Thabit and Abu Zaid.’” (Ibid) Based on these two narrations, it can be determined that from the tribe of Hazrat Anasra alone, there were five people from the Ansar who had written down the Quran in its entirety during the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa.

(To be continued...)

Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger had the opportunity to build a mosque in Sabon Machi, a city in the region of Maradi, Niger.

The city of Sabon Machi is located 40km from Maradi city, the second-largest city of Niger and 700km from the capital, Niamey.

It lies on the Dakoro-maradi route. The city has about 33 Ahmadi Jamaats nearby and serves as the centre for them.

A beautiful Ahmadiyya mission house already exists here, and at the moment a Muallim, Abdul Rehman Sahib, graduate of Jamia Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso, is also serving here, thus making this city an automatic natural choice for a mosque construction site.

The construction of this mosque started in March 2021. Regional Missionary, Abdullah Saqib Sahib oversaw the construction of the mosque.

The construction of this beautiful mosque was completed in the shortest possible time and the inauguration took place on 16 May 2021.

Asad Majeeb Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-charge Niger, commenced the formal reception and inaugurated the mosque by removing the curtains and leading the silent prayer.

A large number of Ahmadis and nonAhmadis participated in this blessed programme. The attendees included nearby village chiefs, the mayor of Sabon Machi and some members of his cabinet.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Amir Sahib. After the silent prayer, people entered the mosque and Amir Sahib Niger delivered the speech.

In his speech, he welcomed the guests

and introduced Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He reassured the local populace that this new Ahmadiyya mosque would be an ideal place to convey the message of the true Islam, Islam Ahmadiyya, free from all kinds of divisions.

Keeping the presence of non-Ahmadi guests in mind, he told the audience about the purpose of the advent of the Messiah and Mahdi and mentioned his true status as stated by Allah the Almighty and Holy Prophetsa. He told the audience that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, under the auspicious guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, calls people to the true teachings of Islam and works to promote peace and harmony in the society.

After that, various authorities including the mayor of Sabon Machi appreciated the efforts of the Jamaat, thanked the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and gave goodwill messages. Amir Sahib’s speech was followed by silent prayer.

Later, the guests were served refreshment and the children were entertained with sweets.

The mosque is 65 square meters and is located on a major road. This road leads to nearby Ahmadi Jamaats. The mosque can accommodate approximately 100 worshippers.

MTA system is already installed in the mission house adjacent to the mosque so that Jamaat members may listen to Huzoor’s Friday Sermons and other programmes on MTA. May Allah the Almighty reward everyone involved in the construction of this mosque and make this mosque a means of conveying the message of Ahmadiyyat and always keep this mosque inhabited with true worshipers. Amin.

21

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul 100 Years Masih II: Names of newborns, Ago... desire for Hajj and bearing hardships for Ahmadiyyat Al Fazl, 23 May 1921

Crown Prince of the King of Hejaz.

“After the King of Hejaz, he [Fasial] will not be able to leave Iraq and go to the Hejaz and will certainly rule Hejaz from Iraq. In this way, the Hejaz will also come under their [British] influence. This is not a good sign if he [Faisal] is adamant on this intention.”

Hardships should not be feared Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] sent the following letter to a young man who is being hassled by his father because of converting to Ahmadiyyat: “Dear friend! Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

“I have come to learn that the reply sent from me in response to your letter got in the hands of your father, which made him angry and he now wants you to renounce the truth.

“I am glad to know that you are standing firm on the truth with courage and resoluteness. I do not regret that you are being put to trial because sufferings caused by men are temporary. However, it is these trials that shape the morals of mankind and beautify them. The spiritual tarbiyat of the people in this age is incomplete because they have not been put into various kinds of hardships and afflictions as were faced by the followers of some of the earlier prophets.

“Consequently, there are still some imperfections in their conducts and morals.

If people were put into all sorts of hardships, soon a Jamaat would have been formed that would have stirred the world.

“Hence, you should not be afraid of the hardships you are facing because of your father, but be happy that God has granted you the opportunity to revive your faith and progress in good morals.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 23 May 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

15 May 1921

Suggestion of newborns’ names Someone wrote a letter seeking suggestion for his newborn’s name. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], after suggestion his name, turned to Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib[ra] and said: “It has been observed with respect to the naming [of newborns] that quite often, the morphological measure or rhyme [of these names] do not match [with their parents’ names], but when I suggest a name and send it, a letter is received from the other side that the suggested name resembles the name of their previous boy or girl. This indicates that there is a hidden divine connection [which makes me suggest that name for their family].”

Migration to Qadian A gentleman’s letter enquiring about migration to Qadian was presented to [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra]. After marking it to the umur-e-ama [general affairs] office, Huzoor[ra] said: “Before migrating, it is important to consider as to how you will subsist here [in Qadian]. When Hazrat Alira migrated to Medina, he did not shy away from even bringing grass in the time of need. However, people who do this kind of work in their homelands stop doing it after migrating

[to Qadian], and [say], ‘They cannot do it anymore.’”

Huzoor[ra] further said: “It is necessary for people to develop the spirit of living a life of difficulty, hardship and diligence.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s intention to perform Hajj again When there was a mention of Hajj, [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] said: “My intention is that if Allah the Almighty grants me the opportunity, I will perform Hajj again. In the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, I saw in a divine vision that I had gone to perform Hajj and when I reached Aden, I realised that I did not know how to perform Hajj. When I asked the people, they refused and said, ‘We also do not know [how to perform Hajj].’

“Thus, I turned back, but somewhere along the way, I saw myself on land and I asked a man as to how to perform Hajj.

He told me that, ‘It is a simple task. After reaching the tomb of [Hazrat] Ibn Abbasra we put on the ihram and go on to perform Hajj from there’. (I am doubtful about wearing the ihram in my vision.)

“Then he took me with him and I saw a clay dome which that man described to me as the tomb of Ibn Abbas. From there, I entered into the state of ihram and

performed Hajj.”

“When I narrated this vision to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, he said, ‘Alhamdulillah.’

Then he asked, ‘Did you understand anything?’ I said that I did not understand.

He said: ‘The tomb of [Hazrat] Ibn Abbasra is in Ta‘if and it has been prophesied that the Messiah or Mahdi would put on the ihram from Ta‘if. Allah the Almighty might grant you the opportunity to perform Hajj on behalf of the Promised Messiahas.’”

[Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] said, “I have seen divine visions about Hajj on many other occasions as well.”

The condition of the outside world Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib enquired about the political situation of the outside world.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: “The latest reports indicate that the British intend to keep the government of Hejaz under their influence. Mr Churchill, Secretary of State for the Colonies, said in his speech that if the government of Hejaz acknowledged their influence with respect to relations with other countries, they would provide financial assistance.

“On the other hand, the proposal to hand over the throne of the Arab Kingdom of Iraq to Faisal will eventually lead to the same result because the Arab Kingdom of Iraq is a wealthy state and Faisal is the

“Words of Wisdom” at Clawson City council meeting Syed Shamshad Nasir Missionary, USA

Muhammad Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Jamaat Detroit reports that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Detroit presented “Words of Wisdom” at the Clawson City’s council meeting on 18 May 2021. Regional Missionary, Shamshad Nasir Sahib along with Secretary Tabligh, represented Detroit Jamaat at the city’s council meeting.

Nikalas Stepnitz, Assistant to the City Manager of the City of Clawson welcomed and introduced the representatives of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya at the beginning of the meeting.

City Mayor, Paula Millan then invited Shamshad Nasir Sahib to give words of wisdom before the council members of the city. He gave a brief introduction of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya and at the end, recited some Arabic prayers from the Holy Quran and hadith, followed by their English translation.

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadiyya Medical Association Australia Eid gifts to Ahmadi refugees in Thailand

Dr Ata Rehman President AMMA Australia Over the past few years in Pakistan, such a difficult situation has been systematically created against Ahmadis that a large number of Pakistani Ahmadis have been forced to leave Pakistan merely for the sake of religious freedom. Some of them took refuge in the Far East on religious grounds under the auspices of the UNHCR. These vulnerable families face many hardships of life especially unemployment and uncertainty about the future.

In accordance with Islamic teachings, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association Australia this year also arranged to distribute gifts to these helpless families to share the happiness of Eid. Sweets and other

items were distributed among them on the occasion of Eid. According to government guidelines in Thailand, due to the strict social restrictions due to the pandemic, any gathering even inside the home is strictly prohibited. Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Thailand himself visited different Jamaats and distributed sweets and gifts to children from the 15,000 Australian Dollars donation from AMMA Australia.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association (AMMA) Australia paid an amount of 18,000 Australian Dollars three months prior to help our refuge brothers and sisters.

May Allah bless the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association of Australia for its efforts. Amin

Ahmadis in Belgium bring religions together during Ramadan 2021 Mohammad Arsalan Belgium Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium got the opportunity to hold its first virtual Iftar programme on 7 May 2021. As Dutch and French are Belgium’s main languages, the programme was organised in both languages with two separate teams.

The host for the Dutch programme was Nasir Zeervi Sahib. The event started with recitation of the Holy Quran with Dutch translation, followed by an introduction of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

The first presentation was given by Shariaar Akbar Sahib, a missionary, on the topic of “Concept of fasting in different religions”.

The second presentation was delivered

by Toseef Ahmed Sahib, a missionary, on the topic of “Ramadan and Islam”. After this, the third presentation was delivered by Shaam Qamar Sahib (member of Humanity First on the topic of “Ramadhan and Khidmat-eKhalq”.

After this guests were invited to ask questions to which Toseef Ahmed Sahib and Shariaar Akbar Sahib answered.

The former mayor of Dilbeek, Mr Stefaan Plateau was also following our programme.

After the question and answer session, he was invited to say a few words. He said: “I was mayor of Dilbeek for about 21 years, and I have seen Ahmadiyya Muslim community starting and growing in Belgium. Ahmadis are very friendly and peaceful people. I have regular contact with the Imam and other members. What I like about your community is the way you have been integrated in our society. You speak very well the local languages; you are also helping local authorities. Today I have learned more about Ramadan in Islam and fasting in different religions. I have read the Bible and also the Quran. There are a lot of similarities. All the big religions have a concept of fasting in their teachings.

Christians today have become modern and they are not following this aspect closely. I

think it has to do with the advancement of technology. In the end, I want to say that I have a lot of respect for you, your belief and your values. Thank you.”

In the end, Amir Sahib Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Belgium thanked him for his kind words and all the participants for attending the programme.

Before Iftar time, a video clip was shown on how Muslims practice fasting and prayers.

The programme concluded with a silent prayer led by Amir Sahib. In total 335 guests attended the programme, alhamdulillah.

The French programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed

by French translation. After which Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium gave an introduction of the Jamaat.

The first part of the programme was about “The concept of fasting in different religions”, in which religious representatives would present their teachings about fasting.

A missionary, Mohammad Arsalan Sahib moderated this section of the programme and invited Mr Hugues Krygier, president of the synagogue of Uccle city. After him, Sisiter Ginette Besse was invited to present the Christian teachings about fasting.

Then, Venerable Phra Rajvisuddivides,

monk of the Buddhist temple of Waterloo and Brussels, presented the concept of fasting in Buddhism. After him the Baha’i community representative, Mr Jeff Simon presented the concept of fasting.

In the end of this interactive session, Mohammad Arsalan Sahib presented the Islamic teachings about fasting.

In the second part of the programme, a presentation was presented by Essan Secundar Sahib, Missionary-in-charge, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium on the topic of the essence of Ramadan and activities of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium.

After these sessions, two video clips were shown to the guests on the humanitarian services of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium and a video clip on how a Muslim spends a day during Ramadan.

At the end, Iftar was done along with the guests.

In total, attendance was 211.

After the meeting, we received many positive comments from participants.

Mrs Fathiya Alami, honorary counsellor Uccle said: “Salam, it was a very successful programme. We have learnt a lot as we did in each programme organised by your community. I really like the video in which you presented the daily routine and prayers.

We pray that Allah gives you success in your noble mission.”

Mrs Julie Delvaux, in-charge of antidrugs in Brussels said: “Thanks for your invitation for virtual Iftar. Each time I attend any event of your community or I visit your mosque I learn a lot. What you have done today by bringing different religions on one platform is a true example of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None.’”

Sister Ginette Besse, from Church of Uccle said: “Thanks for your invitation. It was a great learning experience for me. We have seen that we share the same values and it is possible, to live together in a peaceful world.

I was happy to see the support shown by the mayor of Uccle and other religious leaders.

Again a very big thank you for your proposal which goes beyond an intellectual approach, a personal interest, to bring together, unite men and women of goodwill.”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

Responding Proving the claim of the Promised

to Messiah’s knowledge of miraculous and

Allegations profound Arabic | Part XII

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.

Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Central Arabic Desk

The difference between iqtibas [quotation] or tanaas [intertextuality] of the Promised Messiahas and other writers There is a disagreement among the experts in the science of rhetoric about iqtibas or tanaas and tazmin [introducing verses of someone else in one’s own work]. Some of them consider their usage as plagiarism, while certain others consider it an exceptional quality of eloquence. In order to understand their point of views, if the difference between two particular matters is made clear, this issue can be solved and the viewpoints of both the groups are proved to be correct in their respective ways.

The first matter to explain is that if a person quotes and picks up the words of old authors with their context and meaning and writes them in his book without referring to them, it will definitely be considered plagiarism.

On the other hand in the second case, if someone writes a phrase of a past author in the context of his work in such a way that the meaning of that phrase changes completely and it becomes a part of his work as a new subject, then it will be considered as iqtibas or tanaas and not plagiarism. The researchers also consider this type of usage as art and eloquent writing.

However, what distinguishes the iqtibas of the Promised Messiahas from the quotations of the rest of the writers of the world is this claim of the Promised Messiahas that his iqtibas was not from acquired knowledge and personal effort, but was a God-given miracle.

The Promised Messiahas explained on multiple occasions that at times a phrase or verse of an old author or poet would come in his work in such a way that it would become a part of that new subject and most of the time such sentences were like unseen knowledge for him on which Allah the Almighty informed him. Moreover, the Promised Messiahas said that it might be possible that someone knew already that the said phrases were from such and such book, but he was getting them directly from God while writing, so for him, they were the knowledge of the unseen. This very blessing was not given to any other author. Hence, the Promised Messiahas states: “Leaving aside the fact that if they [names of certain medicines] have already been mentioned in the book of Galen or the

book of Hippocrates, I have been informed about certain medicines for the treatment of certain diseases through revelation on many occasions. It is exactly the same with respect to my writings. I do not care if the words or phrases that I come to know as succour from God Almighty are also mentioned in another book, but they are a miracle for me and for everyone who is acquainted with my state.” (Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 434) The Promised Messiahas further said: “During the course of writing Arabic, hundreds of complete sentences descend upon my heart, either in the form of verbal revelation or in the form of a writing on a piece of paper which is shown to me by an angel. Some of these sentences are verses of the Holy Quran, or similar to them with minor modification.

“Sometimes I only find out later that a certain Arabic sentence that had been revealed to me by God was, in fact, present in a certain book. God, being the Lord of everything, has the authority to reveal to my heart a fine sentence from some book, or an exquisite verse from some book of poetry. […]

“God, in Whose hand is my life, is my witness that this is how He has been dealing with me. This is one of the signs pertaining to matters of the unseen that continue to be revealed to me in various forms.

“My God cares not if any phrase that is revealed to me happens to be present in some Arabic, Sanskrit or English book,

because for me it is a matter of the unseen.

For instance, God Almighty has related many episodes from the Torah in the Holy Quran, and has included them in the category of the unseen, because they were unseen for the Holy Prophetsa, though not for the Jews. Hence, this is why I challenge the whole world to compete with me in writing a miraculous exegesis of the Holy Quran in eloquent Arabic. Otherwise, what is a mere mortal man and what power does a son of Adam have to arrogantly challenge the whole world?” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 5, pp. 156-158, [Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 435-436]) In short, according to the literary writers, the quality of expressive iqtibas comes from the acquired knowledge and the one who is quoting knows how many phrases or extracts of which writer he is quoting in his work. However, the iqtibas of the Promised Messiahas was a God-given gift, because mostly he did not know at the time of writing whether the said words or phrases were from a certain author or a certain book, but they were a source of unseen knowledge to him. He would only come to know after some time that such and such phrases were also in such and such books. This kind of exceptionality in iqtibas is a distinction, which is unique to the Promised Messiahas.

The writing of the Promised Messiahas and Abu al-Qasim Al-Hariri’s works The Promised Messiahas has often made

use of rhyme and rhythm in his Arabic works, which is a high quality of rhetoric.

However, in the mediaeval Islamic era, this genre was used by various authors in story writing and vain practices. The Promised Messiahas claimed that Allah the Almighty granted him absolute proficiency in the Arabic language. Thus, Allah the Almighty not only sent the Promised Messiahas as the greatest mujaddid [reformer] under the shariah [divine law] of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, but also restored some of the extraordinary eloquent styles of the language of revelation, i.e. umm al-alsina [Arabic, the mother of all languages].

Hence, the Promised Messiahas not only revived the forgotten words and phrases of the Arabs by using them in his books, like Seeratul Abdal, etc., but also by using some archaic Arabic lughaat and styles in his writings, made them part of the Arabic language again. Moreover, the Promised Messiahas has left clear indications in his works that it is not possible for a person to learn all this knowledge through their personal efforts and then also use them in their context of writings without the support and succour of God Almighty.

The following statement of the Promised Messiahas expound on this matter: “It is my claim that as a miracle by God Almighty and His succour, I have been granted the power of this type of writing to manifest the wisdom and truth of the Continued on next page >>

24

Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

Holy Quran to the world from this [new] perspective as well, and to make the rhetoric that has become prevalent in Islam in a meaningless and absurd way, subservient to the Word of God, [the Holy Quran].”

(Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 437) The main difference between AlHariri’s style and that of the Promised Messiahas is that Al-Hariri has subdued his ideas to the Arabic words, i.e. he focused on the structure of the words so that the morphological measure, rhyme and rhythm of his phrases do not break. He was so immersed in this practice that at times he would not care even if the selected sequence of rhyming words would change his intended meaning or in some cases give absurd or nonsensical meanings. This shows that he was not capable of stringing together rhyming words without changing his intended meaning or ideas, but in order to maintain the string of rhyming words, he ruined the actual ideas. Thus, Al-Hariri’s books and extracts have a fine literary touch with respect to the apparent morphological measure and structure of words, but they are not as high in quality when it comes to the meanings or the true ideas. On the contrary, the Promised Messiahas stringed together exceptional ideas and pearls of wisdom in high-quality literary phrases, rhyming words and rhythms which made his work stand out from the rest of the authors’ writings.

The Promised Messiahas has not only mentioned this difference between his and Al-Hariri’s writings but also elucidated his claim with respect to it. The Promised Messiahas stated: “Maqamat al-Hariri is held in high esteem. However, it is of no use for religious or insightful work because Al-Hariri could not find the ability to write a true and actual tale or the extraordinary words of wisdom and knowledge in the form of an eloquent and expressive composition and prove that he could make use of precise words according to his ideas. On the contrary, he has subdued his ideas according to the words from the beginning to the end, which proves that he was not at all capable of writing an account of an actual event in eloquent Arabic.

“Thus, it is impossible for a person [i.e. the Promised Messiahas], who is only interested in [conveying] divine ideas and his objective is to spread the insightful pearls of wisdom and knowledge, to get any kernel from Al-Hariri’s collection of bones.”

(Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 433) Hence, the above explanation shows that the Promised Messiahas was very clear about his claim of the Arabic language and well aware of the objections raised against it. Moreover, he knew full well the reasons and causes of these objections and the key aspects of their answers were also clear and manifest to him. Additionally, the points for which we carry out research from scores of books, the Promised Messiahas had already outlined them in his works in a handful of sentences.

(Research conducted by Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Sahib, Arabic Desk UK. Translated by Al Hakam)

Huzoor’s remarks on rights of Palestinians published in Sri Lankan media A. Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

A leading website Lankaweb.com, having 25000 views, published a news article on 15 May 2021, titled “World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Speaks Up for the Rights of the Palestinian People During Eid Sermon” This particular sermon by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was sent to Honourable Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

During his Presidency, Honourable Mahinda Rajapaksa has been awarded the “Palestinian Star” – the highest honour the Palestinian Government awards a person, for his efforts to maintain long term cooperation between the two countries.

The text of this sermon was also sent

to Honourable Kehliya Rambukwella, Minister of Mass Media, Honourable Ali

Sabry, Minister of Justice and some other active Parliamentarians.

Ahmadis in The Gambia support families of fire victims in Tabokoto and Talinding Baba Suwareh Nusrat Jehan Dept, The Gambia On 29 April 2021, Amir Jamaat-eAhmadiyya The Gambia, Baba F Trawally Sahib and his delegation comprising of the two naib amirs and senior members of the Jamaat were accompanied by the Regional Co-ordinator of National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to deliver support to the families who were stroked with a fire accident earlier this month.

The team’s first visit was at Tabokoto where Amir Sahib, while presenting the donated items to the victims, extended his sadness on behalf of the entire Jamaat for the incident and advised the affected families to be patient, noting that everything that happens has been predestined by Allah the Almighty.

He said that assisting one’s neighbour is an integral part of Islam because the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has clearly mentioned in many ahadith that when your neighbour is in distress, we should assist as much as possible, we should feel the pain they are going through. So as Muslims, we have an obligation to serve Allah the Almighty and to serve humanity, Amir Sahib emphasised.

The ward councillor of the area, Mr Ansumana Bayo expressed his thanks and appreciation for the timely intervention

of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He described the gesture as most needed and timely and commended the Jamaat for their usual assistant when it comes to giving a helping hand to those in need especially disasters of all natures. He said that the Jamaat represents the true character of the Prophetsa of Islam who always encourages Muslims to keep the spirit of helping the poor and the needy especially in the Holy month of Ramadan.

Councillor Bayo concluded by assuring the donors that the donated items will be put to good use and will go a long way to ease the burden of the victims The team proceeded to Talinding where there was a serious fire outbreak. Amir Sahib, on behalf of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and extended sympathy and condolences. Amir Sahib noted that the entire Jamaat was shocked, saddened and grieved about the tragedy and we were there to show our support and share the sorrowful moment with you.

Amir Sahib consoled the families to be steadfast and to remain faithful in Allah the Almighty because it is a teaching of the Holy Quran that whenever calamity of such kind befalls us, our only cry should be “Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return”.

Amir Sahib called on other philanthropists to come forward to assist

the victims.

He concluded by praying for the families and all those who provided support during and after the incident.

The Regional Coordinator of National disaster Management Agency (NDMA) expressed thanks and appreciation to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya for their longstanding support in complementing the agency’s efforts in mitigating difficulties caused by disasters. He described the Jamaat as the agency’s long-standing partner and thanked Amir Sahib and the entire Jamaate-Ahmadiyya for the gesture.

The beneficiaries in both places expressed joy, thanks and appreciation for the support and commended Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya The Gambia for their tremendous support not only in the disaster relief but in other key areas in education, quality health care services to the Gambian people and other areas in complementing the government’s efforts.

The donated items included bags of rice, bags of sugar, gallons of cooking oil, bags of onions, second-hand clothing and cash.

The event was covered by the major media outlets across the country, both print and electronic media including the state broadcaster, The Gambia Radio and Television Services.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021

Friday Sermon 30 April 2021 The last ashra of Ramadan: Fortify prayers and repentance with durood After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: By the grace of Allah the Almighty, we are currently passing through the month of Ramadan. And in the next two days, we will be entering the final Ashrah [10 days]. On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa stated that in the final 10 days of Ramadan, Allah the Almighty grants salvation from the Hellfire.

towards prayers but also explained how these prayers can be accepted. Alongside praising Allah the Almighty, invoking salutations on the Holy Prophetsa is also very important for the acceptance of prayers. Otherwise, those prayers become suspended between Heaven and the earth. (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Abwaab Al-Witr,

(Kanzul Ummal, Vol. 8, p. 463, Hadith 23668, Mu‘assisah al-Risalah, Beirut, 1985)

Hadith 486)

Furthermore, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whoever stops invoking salutations on me has deviated from the path to Heaven.”

Thus, in these days we must pay particular attention towards performing our worship in the most excellent manner, invoking salutations on the Holy Prophetsa [durood], seeking forgiveness from Allah the Almighty and repentance, offering prayers, fulfilling the rights due to Allah the Almighty’s worship and also fulfilling the rights owed to mankind; this is so that we can attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty and be saved from the Hellfire.

What was the example of the Holy Prophetsa and in what manner did he spend the last 10 days of Ramadan; what was the standard of his worship? Even in ordinary days, the standard of his worship was such that it is difficult to describe in words. However, what was the standard of his worship during Ramadan? In relation to this, Hazrat Aishara relates that he particularly strived more than ever [in his worship in Ramadan]. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Fazl

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitabul Iqamah Al-Salat, Hadith 908)

We find another Hadith that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Invoke salutations on me.

This act of yours will become a means of your own purification and progress.” (Kanzul

Ummal, Vol. 1, p. 249, Kitab-ul-Azkar)

We also find the following saying of the Holy Prophetsa: “Whosoever invokes salutations on me with a sincere heart, Allah the Almighty will, in turn, send blessings upon them tenfold, elevate their status by 10 ranks and also write 10 good deeds on their part.” (Kitab-ul-Sunan Al-Kubra Li-Al-Nisai, Vol. 6, pp. 21-22, Kitab Amal-ul-Yaum Wa Lailah, Riwayat No. 9892, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut 1991)

Lailat-ul-Qadr, Hadith 2024)

From this, it is evident that it is beyond our comprehension to what extent the Holy Prophetsa would strive. Even Hazrat Aishara was unable to express this in words. Despite this, Allah the Almighty has commanded believers to follow the Holy Prophetsa, as he is an excellent model and one ought to strive to attain the same lofty standards according to one’s own capacities, which the Holy Prophetsa has established for us. Only then will Allah the Almighty listen to our prayers and only then will we be treading on the path and advancing towards the standards which are outlined for a believer. Moreover, this is the standard, which a believer should try to attain.

Hence, during these days, we should particularly try to engage ourselves in supplications. These days, Ahmadis must pay particular attention to this.

In some countries, Pakistan in particular as well as in some other Muslim countries, opposition of various kinds is increasing against the Jamaat and attempts are being made to ignite a fire of hatred against us.

May Allah the Almighty protect us from such ploys and may He turn the evil outcome

of their efforts back on to the enemy.

Similarly, with regard to the current pandemic, we should pray for Allah the Almighty to safeguard us from it.

We are fortunate that the Holy Prophet’ssa true servant in this era, the Promised Messiahas, not only drew our attention

Thus, these various narrations illustrate the importance of invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa.

However, for us – who claim to be the followers of the Promised Messiahas and claim that without him, it is not possible to understand the true status and rank of the Holy Prophetsa – it is incumbent to develop a true understanding of the importance of durood and strive to recite it as much as possible. And it should not only be recited so that Allah the Almighty accepts our prayers; rather, we should recite this so that we may instil an everlasting purity within our lives; so that we may draw closer to Allah the Almighty; so that we may bring about a pure change in our lives and attain religious and spiritual progress through the recitation of the durood.

Our claim of having accepted the true admirer of the Holy Prophetsa should not be just mere lip-service; rather, our every action should reflect the fact that we have accepted the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, regarding whom even the angels in the

26 Heavens declared, “This is the man who loves the Holy Prophet[sa] the most.” (Barahine-Ahmadiyya, pt. 4, Ruhani Khazain Vol.1, p. 598)

Regarding the following revelation which the Promised Messiahas received: ْ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ٰ ْ ُ ّ َ َّ َ ُ ٰ َّ َّ َ ُ ٰ َ ّ َ ‫الن ِب ّیی َن‬ ‫ص ِل علی محم ٍد وا ِل محم ٍد س ِی ِد ول ِد ادم وخات ِم‬ “Call down blessings on Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad, who is the Chief of the children of Adam and is the Seal of the Prophets, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”, the Promised Messiahas said: “This indicates that all these ranks, munificence and favours are on account of him [the Holy Prophetsa] and are a reward for loving him. Subhanallah [Holy is Allah]!

What high ranks the chief of all creation has in the presence of the One True God and what kind of nearness does he have to Him that his admirer becomes the beloved of God, and his servant is appointed the master of the whole world!”

In other words, one who does true justice to his subservience to the Holy Prophetsa attains such a rank in the sight of Allah the Almighty that the entire world unites to serve him. Thus, the status of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi is owing to his complete subservience and love for the Holy Prophetsa. It is because the Promised Messiahas was a true devotee of the Holy Prophetsa that Allah the Almighty declared him to be an ummati prophet, who was going to appear in subservience to the Holy Prophetsa and further his mission. He was sent for the propagation of Islam.

The Promised Messiahas states: “At this time, I recall that one night, this humble one recited durood so abundantly that my heart and soul became fragrant therewith. The same night I saw in a dream that angels were carrying into the house of this humble one water skins filled with divine light in the form of pure and clean water and one of them said, ‘These are the very blessings which you had sent to Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.’

“I recall a similar wonderful experience.

Once, I received a revelation which indicated that there was a vigorous discussion in the High Assembly in Heaven. That is, God’s will for the revival of the Faith was surging, but the appointment of the man to revive the Faith was not yet disclosed to the High Assembly, and this is why they were in disagreement. It was at this time in the dream that I saw people searching for a reviver. A man appeared before my humble self and, pointing towards me, said: َ ٰ ُ ُّ ٌ ّٰ َ ‫ھذا َر ُجل ی ِح ّب َر ُس ْول الل ِہ‬ “Meaning, ‘This is the man who loves the Messenger[sa] of Allah. The meaning of this statement was that the principal qualification for this mission is the love of the Holy Prophetsa and that this quality was definitely found in me.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, pt. 4, Ruhani Khazain Vol.1, pp. 597-598, sub-footnote 3)

Thus, we believe in the Messiah and Mahdi, who was sent by Allah the Almighty for the rejuvenation of faith. He was sent for the important task of the renaissance of Islam and to gather the entire world under the banner of the Holy Prophetsa and in his subservience. The Promised Messiahas attained this status owing to his deep love for the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, we, who have

Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM joined the community of this true devotee of the Holy Prophetsa and at every occasion pledge that we shall give precedence to our faith over all worldly pursuits, is it not a huge responsibility therefore of ours that whilst helping to further the mission of this reviver [of faith] and whilst fulfilling our pledge and invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa [durood], we become the helpers and supporters of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi? We are to inform the world that the person whom they consider has dishonoured the Holy Prophetsa, Godforbid, in fact, is the one who loves him the most.

We are the ones who truly invoke salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa [durood] after having gained insight of its true meaning and essence from the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa. We are the ones who not only pray for ourselves in the month of Ramadan, but we anxiously ponder over how we can propagate the name of Muhammadsa and raise aloft his flag throughout the entire world and how we can help bring people into the subservience of the Holy Prophetsa, thereby enabling them to reform their lives in this world and in the next; how we can make them feel a sense of pride in them being subservient to the Holy Prophetsa and being associated with the name of Islam and understanding that this is the only faith which can guarantee the peace and prosperity of the world; [how we can make them understand] that this is the only faith that enables one to establish a connection with Allah the Almighty and that this alone is the faith which claims that even today Allah the Almighty accepts the prayers of the followers of the Holy Prophetsa owing to their love for him.

Thus, this is a huge responsibility we Ahmadis have been entrusted with because we have to now inform the rest of the world.

We also have to reflect as to how truly and sincerely we are fulfilling this responsibility and thereby attaining the grace and blessings of Allah the Almighty.

If we truly want to continuously receive this grace and blessings then we have to continue invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa [durood], individually and also collectively as a community as well. If we do this, then we will witness for ourselves how Allah the Almighty, out of His grace, will completely destroy and annihilate the evil ploys and plans of the enemy. And Allah the Almighty will see to the enemy Himself. We will witness how we and our future progenies will continue to excel in spirituality. We will witness the signs of the acceptance of our prayers offered in a personal capacity and also the prayers offered collectively as a community as well.

This is something that can never be proven false, for the Messengersa of Allah has assured us of this by stating that the prayers which are offered whilst praising Allah the Almighty and invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa [durood] will indeed fulfil all of one’s needs, provided that this durood is offered with the true sincerity of the heart and there is a true yearning for the Holy Prophetsa to be exalted in his rank and status and also provided that these prayers are offered with a true heartfelt desire. However, this can only happen when one understands its deeper meanings and the wisdom behind it [i.e. the durood].

I will briefly mention that a heartfelt

prayer is offered when one has a full understanding as to what exactly they are praying for. Mere lip service can neither enable one to have a deep understanding of the meanings of those words, nor will it have any impact upon the heart. If the prayer does not have an impact on one’s heart, then it cannot bring about fervency and emotion in the prayer. Thus, in order for it to have an impact on the heart, it is essential that one knows what exactly they are praying for and why.

There are millions of people who recite the durood but do not even know its meaning and what the benefits are in reciting durood for them and for the Holy Prophetsa.

On one occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra explained this and I will present a summary of it.

In the durood, “Allahumma salli” comes first and “Allahumma barik” comes after.

The wisdom behind this is that “Salat” means to pray; therefore, “Allahumma salli” means, “O Allah! Pray for the Holy Prophetsa.”

Now, those who pray are of two types; firstly, those who have nothing and they seek from others; the others are those who have complete authority and grant to others.

Thus, when we say regarding God Almighty that He prays, it means that He instructs His creation, including the wind, water, mountains, etc. to support His servant.

Therefore, “Allahumma salli” means, “O Allah! Grant Your Prophetsa all the good that is found in this world and in the Heavens.

Exalt him in honour and respect.”

Thus, when Allah the Almighty decrees for something, then nothing can be greater than that because we cannot even fathom the scope of what He decrees and wills.

Therefore, we present this supplication before Allah the Almighty that whatever is the greatest status in His sight or whatever rank He wishes, may He grant that to the Holy Prophetsa.

“Allahumma barik” means, “O Allah!

The mercy, grace and rewards you have bestowed on the Holy Prophetsa, increase them to such a degree that the entire mercy and blessings of this world are gathered together and bestowed upon him.”

Therefore, firstly Allah the Almighty will grant that what He wills, and the scope of that is beyond what we could ever imagine, and then we pray that may Allah the Almighty bless that so much that it continues to increase which becomes even more difficult to even fathom or comprehend its magnitude.

Thus, when we offer these prayers for the Holy Prophetsa and we continue to go on offering these prayers, then we will also partake of the prayers of the Holy Prophetsa which he offered for his ummah [followers].

When we pray in a truly heartfelt manner for the success and progress of his religion and for him to reign supreme in the world, then Allah the Almighty will also enable us to partake of these prayers and receive the blessings of the durood because this also includes a prayer for his ummah. We will also benefit from the fruits that grow forth from the seeds we sow. This is because the prayer of “salli” is akin to sowing a seed and “barik” can be likened to the fruits thereof.

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 7, pp. 77-78)

However, the condition for this is that [these prayers] have to be offered with utmost sincerity of the heart and with pure intentions. Moreover, one should practise

the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa and pay attention towards fulfilling the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation.

We ought to do true justice to being the followers of the Holy Prophetsa.

It should not be the case that one carries out injustices in the name of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa and then also recites the durood hoping to become a recipient of those blessings which one receives owing to reciting the durood; [for example] those who break the law and inflict hardship on people and yet claim to love the Holy Prophetsa and send salutations upon him and therefore believe that they should not be stopped from their deeds; furthermore, blocking roads so that patients are unable to reach hospitals and then saying that they are doing this in the name of Allah and His Messengersa – all these actions are against the clear commands of the Holy Prophetsa and are tantamount to disobeying his commands.

Allah the Almighty has never granted permission to do such a thing, nor did the Holy Prophetsa and nor does invoking salutations on the Holy Prophetsa benefit such people. Instead of elevating the rank and honour of the Holy Prophetsa, this is an abhorrent attempt to discredit him and an attempt to smear the name of Islam. It should always be remembered that Allah the Almighty severely punishes those who commit injustices in the name of Allah and His Messengersa.

Thus, today, it is only Ahmadis who can explain the correct understanding of durood to the world. Therefore, during this Ramadan, where we must pay particular attention towards invoking salutations on the Holy Prophetsa, we must try to bring about virtuous changes within ourselves, which is essential for our durood to be accepted. If this is accepted, then it is beneficial for that individual as their prayers will be accepted and it will improve their spiritual condition.

When one progresses in their love for the Holy Prophetsa, they will then receive the true nearness of Allah the Almighty. And one’s durood offered earnestly will, in turn, provide the means for the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa to progress.

One can further learn of the importance of durood by the fact that in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty has instructed the believers to invoke salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa. Allah the Almighty states:

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

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe, you [too] should invoke blessings on [him] and salute him with the salutation of peace.”

[Ch.33: V.57] Thus, invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa is of such importance that Allah the Almighty and His angels invoke salutations upon him.

Here, the meaning of “Allah praying” [“send blessings”] is further clarified in that Allah the Almighty constantly elevates the status of the Holy Prophetsa and also provides the means to establish his grandeur and honour. In this era, Allah the Almighty has entrusted the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas with following this command in the correct manner and invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa. Through this, one would become the recipient of the blessings

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AL HAKAM | Friday 28 May 2021 from Allah the Almighty and receive blessings from the prayers of the angels, because if the angels send blessings upon the Holy Prophetsa, then these blessings would also reach his true ummah and true followers.

Thus, if we receive such blessings, then it is incumbent upon us to show gratitude by sending salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa even more than before. This link between durood and gratitude is a never-ending cycle which continues to benefit a true believer.

Explaining the aforementioned verse, the Promised Messiahas states: “Just reflect upon the sincerity and devotion of our Chief and Master, Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The Holy Prophetsa stood firm against all forms of evil. He bore diverse trials and tribulations, but did not care in the least. It was this sincerity and devotion which moved Allah the Exalted to shower His grace. It is for this reason that He states:

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

“‘Allah the Almighty and all His angels send blessings upon the Messenger. O ye who believe! You also should invoke blessings and peace upon the Prophetsa’ [Ch.33: V.57]. This verse establishes that the deeds of the Noble Messengersa were such that Allah the Almighty did not use any specific word to praise them or outline his attributes. Although words could be found, God Himself chose not to use any in particular, for the pious deeds of the Holy Prophetsa were beyond the confines of praise” i.e. it is very difficult to comprehend the morals of the Holy Prophetsa as they were extremely lofty.

A verse of this nature does not exist in praise of any other Prophetsa. The soul of the Holy Prophetsa was imbibed with such sincerity and purity, and his deeds were so praiseworthy in the sight of God that Allah the Almighty decreed for all times to come that all future generations would send blessings upon the Holy Prophetsa as an expression of gratitude.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 37-38)

Thus, this gratitude will eventually be of benefit to us. In this Ramadan and all year round, may Allah the Almighty enable us to understand the importance of durood and enable us to invoke blessings on the Holy Prophetsa. ٰ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ُ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ٰ َ ّ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ ‫اہ ْی َم‬ ِ ‫اللہ ّم ص ِل على مح ّم ٰ ٍد وعلى ا ِل م َح ّم ٍد ک َما ص َ ّل ْیت على اِبْ َر‬ َ ّ ٌ ٌ ٰ َ​َ ‫اہ ْی َم اِنک َح ِم ْید م ِج ْید‬ ِ ‫وعلى ا ِل اِبْ َر‬ ْ ٰ ّٰ َ َ ُ ٰ ْ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ٰ ‫اہ ْی َم‬ ‫الل ُہ َّم بَا ِرک َعلى محَ ٰ ّم ٍد َو َعلى ا ِل َمحم ٍد کما ب‬ ِ ‫ارکت على اِبْ َر‬ َ ّ ٌ َ ٌ ٰ َ​َ ‫اہ ْی َم اِنک َح ِم ْید م ِج ْید‬ ِ ‫وعلى ا ِل اِبْ َر‬ The second aspect which I would like to especially highlight and remind about is istighfar [seeking forgiveness from Allah] and the prayer: َ َُ َ َْ ُّ ّٰ ْ َ ‫ا ْس َتغفِ ُر الل َہ َربِّ ْی ِم ْن ک ِل ذن ٍب ّوات ْو ُب اِل ْی ِہ‬ “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins, and turn towards Him.” This is an extremely important prayer.

The Promised Messiahas states: “The true meaning and essence of seeking forgiveness or istighfar is to implore God so that no human weakness becomes manifest and so that God may support human nature with His strength and envelop it within the circle of His protection and succour. The word, istighfar, is derived from gha-fa-ra, which means to cover up.

Hence, this supplication implores of God that He, with His power, may cover up the natural weakness of the person who seeks forgiveness from God. “This meaning is then extended to the masses at large in that God may cover up such sins which have already been committed. However, the true and proper meaning is that God protects from human frailty the person who seeks forgiveness and performs istighfar with His own divine power and grants him strength from His own strength, and knowledge from His own knowledge, and light from His own light.

For after having created man, God has not left him alone, but as He is man’s Creator and the Maker of all his external and internal faculties, He is also the Sustainer of man. In other words, He safeguards with His unique support everything that He has created. God is All-Sustaining and maintains creation through His own support.

“It is, therefore, incumbent on man that since he has come into existence by the creating hand of God, he should seek to safeguard the features of his creation from corruption through God’s support […]

Therefore, this is a natural requirement of man for which he has been directed to perform istighfar. It is to this that the Holy Quran refers in the following: ُ َ ْ ْ ُ َّ ٰ َ ّ ٰ َ ‫الل ُہ لآ اِل َہ اِلا ھ َو الحَ ُّی الق ّی ْو ُم‬ “[…] And so it is God Who is both the Creator and Sustainer. The attribute of creation was manifested when man was brought into existence, but the divine function of providing sustenance was to work ceaselessly. Hence arose the need for constant istighfar.” In order to prevent one’s [spiritual] condition from deteriorating, Allah’s attribute of All-Sustaining provides support when one constantly recites istighfar.

“Every attribute of God bestows a form of grace and istighfar is needed to draw out the grace of God’s support. It is to this that the following verse of Surah al-Fatihah refers:

َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ِا ّیاک ن ْع ُب ُد َو ِا ّیاک ن ْس َت ِعی ُن‬

“This means, ‘You alone do we worship and You alone do we implore so that Your support and providence may uphold us and protect us from stumbling lest we fall prey to weakness and are unable to worship You.’” (Ismat-e-Anbiya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 671-672)

Therefore, istighfar is extremely important in order to perform worship, safeguard oneself from the attacks of Satan and to follow the commands of Allah the Almighty. It is not the case that one should only recite istighfar after committing a sin.

Indeed, at such a time, seeking forgiveness and repentance are essential to safeguard oneself from future sins and to have previous sins forgiven. In order to protect oneself from future sins, one requires the help of Allah the Almighty and this is sought through istighfar.

Whether one has committed a sin or not, in both cases istighfar is of vital importance.

Satan is always there to hinder us from our path and man cannot remain protected from Satan’s attacks through one’s own efforts. To say that one will abstain from future sins merely through their own effort is impossible. The only way to do this is to seek Allah’s help and Allah the Almighty states that in order to seek His help, one must recite istighfar profusely. This is the means

to safeguard oneself from satanic attacks in the future and also to have previous sins forgiven. Man is weak and istighfar is vital because it grants strength. Istighfar gives one strength to overcome human frailties and protects us against the onslaught of Satan.

Thus, istighfar will draw upon the attribute of Allah being the “All-Sustaining” and will protect the one who recites istighfar from every evil. Allah the Almighty draws close to the one who strives towards Him. Having committed a sin, if one repents and turns towards Allah the Almighty, then Allah accepts that person’s repentance. And those who strive to seek shelter in Allah from the attacks of Satan, Allah, in turn, accepts their istighfar and saves them from Satan.

Allah the Almighty has stated himself how vast His mercy and forgiveness is by saying that it encompasses everything.

Regarding this, the Holy Prophetsa mentioned a narration about a person who committed 99 murders. When that person felt remorse for his actions and wished to repent, he went to see a religious scholar to enquire about repenting [for his actions].

The scholar said, “You have sinned to such an extent and committed so many murders, how can you ever be forgiven?” That man killed the scholar as well, thereby making 100 murders.

After this, he again felt remorse over his actions. He then went to see a more renowned scholar and asked the same thing. The scholar replied, “Indeed, Allah the Almighty states that the door to His repentance is always open. If you truly repent, then go to such and such place; over there you will find the people are engaged in the worship of Allah and performing deeds for their faith. Go and join them, but remember, never return to your own area again.”

True repentance is to cut off all such ties which were a means to committing sin. Therefore, in order to attain true repentance, he was not to return to the same area. Hence, he set off towards that place; however, he passed away when he was only halfway there.

When he passed away, the angels of mercy and punishment went to him, and argued with one another, each saying that he should go with them. The angel of mercy said that this person had repented which was why he should go to Heaven. The angel of punishment said that he did not carry out a single virtuous deed during his lifetime, so how could he go to Heaven? He could not be forgiven.

In the meantime, a third angel arrived, and in light of the situation, he became the mediator and stated that the distance from the origin of his journey to his destination should be measured and the decision should be based according to the place he was closest to. When they measured the distance, they found that he was closer to his destination [at the time of death]. Thus, on account of having repented and doing a good deed, the angel of mercy took him to Paradise. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab –Al-Taubah, Hadith no. 7008)

So these are the ways in which Allah the Almighty creates means for forgiveness.

Even when an extremely cruel murderer sought repentance whilst he was in good health, God created the means for his forgiveness.

These days, many children and youths ask about the extent to which Allah the Almighty forgives. It is clear from this narration that when Allah the Almighty states that He accepts repentance and that His mercy is extremely vast, it means that one cannot confine God’s mercy. However, the condition is that one must repent sincerely. There is a narration in which the Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said: “By God! Allah the Almighty is more delighted with the repentance of His servant, than a person who finds their camel that was lost in the wilderness.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Dawat, Hadith no. 6309)

Allah the Almighty advances towards those who strive towards Him. The Holy Prophetsa said that if a person moves a hand’s length towards God, then God moves two hand lengths towards them. If one walks towards Him, then He runs towards them.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Tauhid, Hadith no. 7405)

Hence, it is our duty to move closer to God in order to save ourselves from sin, to have our sins forgiven and also to be safeguarded from the Hellfire. Allah the Almighty has granted us this month specifically for this purpose and so we must derive benefit from it.

On one occasion, whilst explaining repentance and forgiveness, the Promised Messiahas stated: “Keep in mind that to reject repentance and forgiveness is akin to shutting the door of human progress. It is obvious to everyone since time immemorial that man is not perfect in himself, but in fact, he stands in need of perfection. As after his birth, he gradually widens his knowledge and is not born learned and well informed, in the same way, when after his birth he starts to become aware of his surroundings, his moral condition is at a very low ebb.

“Observation of the condition of small children would show that most children are inclined to beat others on the slightest provocation and many of them are given to telling lies and using foul language with other children. Some steal, backbite, show jealousy and are miserly. When they grow up, they fall into the grip of the self that incites to evil and are guilty of diverse types of immoralities and wickedness which are openly corrupt.

“Thus, for most people, the first stage of life is impure, but when a fortunate person emerges from the fierce flood of youthful desires, he turns towards God and withdraws from undesirable activities through sincere repentance and occupies himself with purifying the garment of his nature. Usually, these are stages of human life, which a person has to traverse. This shows that were it true that repentance is not accepted, it would mean that God does not desire to bestow salvation on anyone” and this is not possible because God Almighty says that He desires to grant salvation. (Chashma-e-Marifat,

Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 192-193)

The Promised Messiahas then states: “Let it be clear that in Arabic idiom, taubah (repentance) means ‘returning’, and that is why, in the Holy Quran, God’s name is also ‘Tawwab’, that is to say, ‘He Who is Oft-Returning’. This means that when a person discarding sin turns to God with a sincere heart, God Almighty turns even more to him.

“This is altogether in accord with the law of nature. God Almighty has made it part

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Friday 28 May 2021 | AL HAKAM

of human nature that when a person turns to another with a sincere heart, the latter’s heart is also softened for him. Then how can reason accept that when a servant turns towards God Almighty with a true heart, God should not turn to him?”

It is a part of human nature for people to act in this manner [i.e. to turn towards one another], but to then say with regard to God Almighty that He does not turn with mercy, in spite of man turning to Him, this is not the case at all.

The Promised Messiahas then states: “Indeed, God, Who is Benevolent and Merciful, turns even more towards His servant.” The Promised Messiahas states that God Almighty is Benevolent and Merciful, and turns even more towards His servant.

“That is why, in the Holy Quran, God’s name is also ‘Tawwab’, meaning ‘OftReturning’. Man’s turning to God is through remorse and humility and meekness, and God’s turning to man is with mercy and forgiveness. If mercy were not one of the attributes of God Almighty, no one would be granted salvation. It is a pity that people do not ponder over the attributes of God Almighty and depend entirely upon their own actions.

“But can it be the practice of God, Who

without any action proceeding from man, has created thousands of bounties for him upon the earth, that, when a weak man, being warned of his heedlessness should turn to Him, a turning which is like death and should put off his previous impure garment and should be consumed in the fire of His love, God should not turn to him with mercy? Is this God’s law of nature?”

(Chashma-e-Marifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 133134)

The Promised Messiahas states on another occasion: “The doors to God Almighty’s grace and bounties are never closed. If man turns to Him wholeheartedly and with sincerity, then God Almighty is Forgiving, Merciful and accepts the repentance of such a person.

“To estimate which sinner will be forgiven [and who will not] by God Almighty is a severe affront and insolence in the presence of God Almighty. The treasures to His mercy are vast and limitless. There is no deficiency in His presence and His doors are not closed to anyone. This is not like the jobs of the British, whereby only a highly educated person would be granted a job. All those who reach in the presence of God Almighty will attain high ranks. This is a categorical promise. Unfortunate indeed is

the one who despairs of God Almighty and is in a state of ignorance at the time of his demise; indeed, in such a case, the door is then closed for them.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, pp. 296297)

Hence, the doors to God Almighty’s mercy are open. But it is necessary that one repents in a state of health, not whilst taking their final breath. Therefore, one must repent and seek forgiveness constantly during these days, as the month of Ramadan is a month of acceptance of prayers, and in the final 10 days, one can seek protection from Hell. God Almighty is the One Who enables one to seek forgiveness for their sins and to carry out good deeds. If we remain firmly attached to Allah the Almighty, our life will be prosperous in this world and in the hereafter.

As I have mentioned before, the circumstances for some Ahmadis in certain parts of the world have become constrained beyond all bounds.

There is a single answer to these difficulties – and that is to develop our relationship with God Almighty. If we develop a bond with God Almighty and our durood and seeking forgiveness are for the sake of attaining the pleasure of God Almighty, then the opponents will not be

able to cause us any harm, even if they try their utmost to do so. But if God Almighty is displeased with us, no excuse in the world can be of benefit to us, nor can any effort.

Thus, we must strengthen our bond with God Almighty.

During Ramadan, pray regularly in your supplications for protection against the evil of the opponents.

As I have mentioned, Ahmadis in certain parts of the world are being afflicted with great difficulties, and Ahmadis are undergoing terrible hardships. May Allah the Almighty grant them ease and protect them from the harm of the opponents.

The Ahmadis in Pakistan should pray especially in these days for themselves and for the Jamaat as well.

Also, pray a lot that we remain protected from the widespread coronavirus pandemic.

May Allah the Almighty save the world from this pandemic and also protect us.

May Allah Almighty enable us to recite durood and seek forgiveness in the correct manner.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 21-31 May 2021, pp. 5-9. Translated

by The Review of Religions.)

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM WAKALAT TASNEEF Additional Wakalat Tasneef UK is looking to expand their team of books’ cover designers.

The Promised Messiahas took special interest in making his books presentable and appealing to the readers by arranging beautiful calligraphy and cover designs.

We intend to follow these footsteps and endeavour to create attractive cover designs which are used for English and other translations of these books of the Promised Messiahas and his successors.

Therefore, if you have good aesthetics and designing experience, you are invited to contact us through your National Amir to volunteer in this noble cause.

Ideally, the designer should be well-versed in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator as a minimum.

Jazakallah.

Munir-ud-Din Shams Additional Wakilut-Tasneef, wakalat.tasneef@gmail.com

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021