Al Hakam - 11 June 2021

From the Markaz

EXCLUSIVE

Lajna Kababir receive answers from Huzoor

“I know why I was chosen” – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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50 years of Nasir Mosque, Suriname and its relation to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya

Answers to Everyday Issues Response to allegations regarding the blessings of Heaven

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021 | Issue CLXIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

The next few decades are crucial for the Jamaat’s success Hazrat Khalifatul Masih provides guidance to Ahmadis from Kababir, Haifa On 5 June 2021, male members of Jamaat Kababir, Haifa, got the opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting.

At the start of the meeting, after conveying salaam Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if there were no government protocols in place for social distancing as everyone was sitting together. Muhammad Sharif Odeh Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir said the government had ended social distancing; however, masks were mandatory in indoor public spaces. Sharif Sahib also said he had sought permission for everyone to take off their masks for some minutes so that Huzooraa could see their faces.

On this, Huzooraa smiled and remarked, “I can see your faces in even one minute, don’t worry. Okay, if you want to show your faces, go ahead.”

At this, members of the Jamaat took their masks off for a moment, to which Huzooraa commented, “Masha-Allah, you have very beautiful faces.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then lovingly said to Sharif Odeh Sahib, “Sharif Sahib, corona has made you old. Has it made you old, or are you still young?”

Next, the formal session commenced

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

Tahajud prayer

َّ ُ َّ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ​َ ُْ ‫الن ِ� ّي َصلى‬ ‫يرة َر ِﺿ َى الله عنه یقول ِإن كان‬ ‫الم ِﻐ‬ َ ّٰ ُ َ َّ ُ َ​َ َ َ ّ ‫الل ُه َعل ْی ِه َو َسل َم ل َیق ْو ُم ل ُِی َصل ِ َي َح ّتى ت ِر ُم قد َماه‬ ً َ ُ َُ َ َ​َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ُ َ ُ َ ُ َ ُ َ َ َْ ‫ون ع ْبدا‬ ‫ فیقال له فیقول أف�ا أ ك‬،‫أو ساقاه‬ ُ َ ‫ش� ْ� ًرا‬

Hazrat Al-Mughirara narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to stand in the prayer or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why [he offered such an unbearable prayer], to which he said, “Should I not be a thankful servant [to Allah]?”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tahajud, Hadith 1130)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Seeking forgiveness is a shield in the face of divine chastisement and grievous calamities

Photo courtesy of Jamaat Kababir

with a recitation of the Holy Quran – Surah al-Nur, verse 55-57 – by Rashid Khattab Sahib. The verses highlighted the establishment and importance of Khilafat.

After the recitation, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked everyone to put their masks back on.

Sharif Odeh Sahib then delivered a short speech, which he read out in Urdu.

He thanked Huzooraa for granting meetings with members of the Kababir Jamaat. He

said it was a great blessings of Allah that for the first time ever, Jamaat members in Kababir were able to meet Huzooraa while sitting in their own country. Sharif Sahib prayed that Allah the Almighty may bless the land of the prophets once again and bring back its holiness with Huzoor’s visit to the Holy Land.

After his address, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “Masha-Allah, you read the Continued on next page >>

The plague epidemic itself is a grievous affliction. Yet, another law that is even more severe exists above this; another calamity that far outweighs the phenomenon of disease. Women and children too are separated and houses are emptied at its behest. Reflecting over this illness and the law that governs it, I felt a pain in my heart, so I supplicated in my Tahajud prayer, upon which I received the revelation: َّ ٰ ّ َ َ ّٰ َ ُ َۡ َ �ۡ ِ�‫ا ِّن الل َه لا یُﻐ ِي ُر َما بِق ۡو ٍم َح ّتى یُﻐ ِي ُر ۡوا َما بِانف ِس‬ “Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.”

I now consider that perhaps the revelation, “O Lightning, do not strike Continued on page 2

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from Heaven”, relates to this as well.

I would like you to understand that Allah the Exalted has mercy on those who supplicate before the descent of affliction, and who seek forgiveness from Him and give charity, and He saves them from divine chastisement.

Do not listen to my words as though they were mere tales. I advise you for the sake of Allah that you ought to ponder over your circumstances. You ought to not only engage in prayer yourself, but exhort your friends to do the same. Seeking forgiveness from God serves as a shield in the face of divine chastisement and grievous calamities. In the Holy Quran, Allah the Exalted states:

ّ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ۡ � ‫و ما‬ ‫ان الل ُہ ُم َع ِذبَ ُہ ۡم َو ُھ ۡم یَ ۡس َتغ ِ� ُ� ۡو َن‬

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Urdu well Sharif Sahib.”

A video presentation was then shown to Huzooraa, which detailed the history of Kababir Jamaat in Haifa and the mosque that is situated on Mount Carmel. Details of the Jamaat in the West Bank and Gaza were also given. The new Masroor Centre project and its progress was also shown.

Members of the Jamaat then desired to asked questions to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

First was an elderly gentleman, Falah Sahib. On seeing him, Huzooraa said, “I am seeing you after a long time. By your appearance too, masha-Allah, you look very healthy.”

Falah Sahib then said that in seven years, the Kababir Jamaat would celebrate 100 years since its establishment and wanted to know Huzoor’s advice for in this regard.

In response, Huzooraa said: “The arrival of a particular day or the fulfilment of a certain time period do not fulfil any purpose. The real thing is to ask what preparations you all are doing for the completion of 100 years.

“A companion asked the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about Judgement Day and in response, the Holy Prophetsa asked him what preparations he had made for it?

“That is why the importance of anything depends on the preparation that is made for it.

“You know that 100 years [since the establishment of Kababir Jamaat] are about to be completed. You have accepted that Messiah and Mahdi in this age, who came according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, according to the prophecy of Allah the Almighty – which is also in the Holy Quran – and came in this era so that the true teachings of Islam be established in the world […] We accepted him and now are to further spread his mission.

“For this, firstly, you must create pure changes within yourselves. Reflect on your own selves […] and see how many there are amongst you who have truly adopted the true Islamic teachings. How many amongst you have truly become ibadur-Rahman [worshippers of the Gracious God]?

How many are there amongst you whose standards of worship are very high, who offer

“Allah would not punish them while they sought forgiveness.”

Therefore, if you desire to be safeguarded from this divine chastisement, then seek forgiveness abundantly.

The government has the right to put the infected in quarantine. In other words, those that are isolated will be grappling with death. There will be no distinction between the rich and poor, male or female, nor old or young. Therefore, if, Godforbid, the plague spreads to a locality in which any of you reside, I instruct you to be among the first who obey the laws of the government.

There are reports that in most areas, the police forces have been met with confrontation. In my view, to oppose the laws of the government is rebellion, which is a terrible crime. It is, however, an nawafil prayers along with their compulsory prayers? How many are there amongst you who not only desire to take the message of the Promised Messiahas to their families, tribes and peoples, but also strive to do so?

How many are there amongst you whose basic morals have become extraordinarily better than before? How many of you have a peaceful, forgiving and loving atmosphere in your homes? How many of you have taught their children about Ahmadiyyat’s, the true Islam’s, teachings? How many have paid attention so that their children may grow up according to the true teachings of Islam? […] How many are there amongst you who have established themselves in their localities in such a manner [that people say], ‘These are those Muslims who are examples of the true Islam’.

“These are the aspects that we should ponder over and there are lots more. If you are fulfilling these or have fulfilled them and are acquiring these qualities, since you are entering 100 years, then know that you are trying to celebrate the 100-year jubilee in a great way. And if this is not the case, then in the next seven years, try to achieve these things.

“Aside from this, you should act according to the other teachings of Islam and also ask yourselves, how many amongst you keep a true relationship with Khilafat and are fulfilling their pledges?”

Ayman Maliki Sahib, a Palestinian Ahmadi, asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa how a Palestinian living in Israel could – while staying within the limits of the law – continue to express love for their nation, especially in the current climate.

Huzooraa responded by saying: “The thing is, you are a Palestinian and are living there. The commandment for a Muslim is that wherever he is living, he should abide by the law of the land.

And if the government is being cruel, then he should leave that place of cruelty – do hijrat [migration]. You came from Palestine yourself to live here; you have put yourself under this law. You still have the passage to return to Palestine.

“However, even while living here, if your voice can reach the members of the government, then raise your voice to them and tell them that ‘cruelty never flourishes’.

This is our work, everywhere, to say to every

obligation of the government to appoint such officials who are well-mannered and honest, and who are aware of the traditions, customs and religious practices of the land. In short, take it upon yourselves to obey the laws, and inform your friends and neighbours of the advantages that are attached to these regulations.

I say repeatedly that now is the time for prayers; it appears that this epidemic has turned its face towards the Punjab.

Therefore, it is necessary for each and every one to be forewarned and awakened so that they may supplicate and seek forgiveness from God. It is the stance of the Holy Quran that once divine punishment descends, seeking forgiveness cannot save one from chastisement.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 214-215)

government, every oppressor, that cruelty never flourishes and we are those who raise our voice against cruelty. And sometimes, for this [task], one has to endure hardships.

“Now, in Pakistan, there is a law by which Ahmadis have been declared nonMuslim. As far as the law is concerned, that Ahmadis should declare themselves as nonMuslims, no Ahmadi is ready to accept this law. The law says you cannot say: ّ ٰ ُ َ ٌ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َ ‫لا اِل َه اِلا الل ُه محَ ّمد ّر ُس ْول الل ِه‬ “No Ahmadi is ready to accept this.

The law says you cannot offer your five daily prayers facing the qibla – no Ahmadi is ready to accept this. And there are lots of other Islamic injunctions [Ahmadis are stopped from].

“However, Ahmadis fully abide by and live by the other laws of the country. They do not accept these laws [against them] and for this, they face punishments too.

“So, firstly, if there are such difficult situations and you can do hijrat, then the commandment of Islam is that instead of rebelling against the government, migrate from such an oppressive rule. And this example we find in the life of the Holy Prophetsa.

“Conversely, if you are to live there, then while raising your voice against the cruelty, express your view. An Ahmadi should not cause vandalism and violence, nor say those things that cause harm to the country and nation, nor carry out such actions that do not actually harm to the oppressors, and rather, bring harm to the public. […]

“When Israel was being established, at that time, Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahibra delivered this speech in the United Nations and said that peace could never prevail there until both nations were given equal rights.

If the Israelis wanted to live there, then they both should live as two free countries.

“You say you are from Palestine; there is a separate government in Palestine, but that is not a free government. No government in the world is ready to recognise it, nor is the United Nations ready to accept it. That is why, while living in Palestine too, you are, more or less, living under the control of Israel. You ask how you can abide by the law while living in Israel, but even in Palestine, you have to endure some hardships.

“For this, with wisdom, raise your voice and those people should get together who

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

take this voice to such an international forum where a free Palestinian government is then established – not a suppressed Palestinian government that has no authority.

“Raising one’s voice against cruelty is a fundamental duty of a believer. Otherwise, migrating from that land of cruelty is the second commandment […] Apart from this, causing unrest and rebellion in the country or instigating violence and vandalism do not suite a true believer, nor is there permission to do this.”

Huzooraa said that wisdom and prayers were needed for the Palestinian cause.

“Pray and establish a true connection with Allah the Almighty. If the Palestinians truly, as one, pray and take their morals, actions and beliefs to the level where Allah the Almighty listens to prayers and becomes the Helper of the believers, then, inshaAllah, conditions will get better.

“Other than this, like I said, with reference to Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahibra, until both governments do not get equal rights, this atmosphere of hostility will remain. And to end this hostility, whatever we can personally do – with wisdom and prayer – we should do.”

A young Khadim, Eiqan Shams Sahib, asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what reply to give to other Muslims who asked what rank Ahmadi Muslims gave to AlAqsa Mosque.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that Amir Sahib Kababir had clearly mentioned in his opening remarks that it was “the land of the previous prophets” and “the Holy Land”, which showed how we saw this place. If there was no such significance for us, then Amir Sahib would not have mentioned this.

During the conversation, Huzooraa went into depth and explained how non-Ahmadi Muslims falsely believe the Holy Prophetsa physically descended in Al-Aqsa. In light of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra writings, Huzooraa went into the meaning of the spiritual experience – the isra – of the Holy Prophetsa.

Huzooraa said that after the qibla changed, Mecca and Medina received a higher rank than Baitul Maqdas. The Holy Land, Huzooraa said, did have a high rank – it was the land of the prophets, but we did not see it higher than Mecca and Medina.

Huzooraa said that once the qibla was

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changed and the rank of Mecca and Medina was raised higher than Al-Aqsa Mosque, then further arguments over this matter were futile.

Regarding the ownership of the land, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa spoke about when it was given to righteous Muslims during the era of Hazrat Umarra and when it was later taken away.

“If Jews do not act properly, [the Holy Land] will be given to Muslims again, but this will not happen through wars and rockets; rather, it will be through prayers.

Those prayers will be the prayers of believers. That is why the more believers are born, who pray and fulfil the rights of God and the rights of His creation, the quicker they will be blessed with this place, if the Jews do not desist [in their cruelty].”

Huzooraa said the Holy Land had a high rank and it was the responsibility of Muslims to protect it. But to say that the Holy Land was such a place where the Holy Prophetsa descended during the isra was false. The ahadith clearly showed it was a spiritual isra.

Ibrahim Shuaiki Sahib addressed Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and said that the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra said that the land on which a blessed person walked was blessed by Allah the Almighty. He said that the land of Palestine was in dire need of such blessings and wanted to know when Huzooraa would visit and see them.

Huzooraa replied by saying: “As I have just said, this depends on your prayers; how powerful your prayers are; how much you bow before the Almighty Allah; to what extent you fulfil the role of a true believer, who fulfils the rights of God and the rights of mankind and becomes a true

manifestation of ibadur-Rahman.”

When these aspects were fulfilled, the rest would follow too, Huzooraa said.

“Otherwise these are just emotional things – nothing is achieved through mere emotions. For this, Allah the Almighty has said, ‘You too should make an effort, try hard and do mujahidah’, and the mujahidah of this age is prayers and tabligh. After this, Allah the Almighty will open up ways […]”

Murad Kamal Odeh Sahib asked how those who had retired could help the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Huzooraa responded by saying: “[Those who have now retired] spent their whole lives in earning the world. After retirement, when the last part of their lives has arrived, Allah the Almighty has still given an opportunity [to serve], so they should benefit from this opportunity and present themselves for the service of faith.

“This is why, during the era of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the scheme of, ‘Waqf after retirement’ had started.”

In this scheme, Huzooraa explained, the extremely poor members of the Jamaat would be given a small stipend from the Jamaat and they would serve. The majority of others who had pensions would volunteer themselves for serving the Jamaat and would work with the spirit of waqf [lifededication].

Huzooraa said those elderly men who were sat at home and who, due to age, sat at home bickering and quarrelling with their wives at home, should present themselves to the Jamaat for service. Then, according to their qualities and skills, the Jamaat can take service from them.

Huzooraa said if not even this, then retired men could at least spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and do tabligh.

“After retirement, if nothing else, then at least take literature and go out for tabligh.

In Israel and other areas, tell them what the true Islam is. In Israel […] there are still some amongst Jews too who raise their voice and say that there is cruelty taking place against Muslims […]”.

Huzooraa said that doing tabligh at an old age would become a means of gaining the closeness of Allah the Almighty. It was a matter of will power and determination, Huzooraa said. Reaching the age of 60 or 70 and just sitting at home and saying “I am old now” is no excuse. 60 or 70 years is not a very old age.

“A person’s heart should remain young; their determination and resolve should remain young.”

Saifideen Sahib was next to ask a question. He said the Holy Prophetsa, in the Holy Quran, was given the glad-tiding of returning to Mecca, victorious, in the following words:

ّٰ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ ُ​ُ ۡ ّ ‫الل ُہ َر ُسوۡل َ ُہ‬ ‫الرُ ۡءیَا ِبال َح ّ ِق ۚ ل َ َت ۡدخل َّن ال َم ۡس ِج َد ال َح َر َام ِا ۡن‬ ‫لقد صدق‬ ّٰ َ َ َ‫الل ُہ ٰام ِنیۡن‬ ‫شٓاء‬ ِ

“Surely has Allah in truth fulfilled for His Messenger the Vision. You will certainly enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, in security”. (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.28) He asked when this prophecy would be fulfilled for the Promised Messiahas too.

Huzooraa said “Allah the Almighty knows best […]”; however, the Promised Messiahas had said that whatever he was told by Allah the Almighty through divine revelation and which he had told the Jamaat, would surely be fulfilled.

Regarding the above verse, Huzooraa quoted the Holy Prophetsa who reminded the Companionsra that the verse did not mean that they would enter Mecca

the very next year. He ascribed no time limit to it. Thus, “When Allah the Almighty told the Holy Prophetsa [this promise] and the Holy Prophetsa did not set a time [for its fulfilment], how can I set a time limit for it?”, Huzooraa expressed.

However, “[…] Insha-Allah, these prophecies will be fulfilled because it is the word of Allah the Almighty […]

“The day will come when the Muslim ummah, under the flag of the Promised Messiahas, will enter the Holy Ka‘bah” Rabea Odeh Sahib was next to ask a question. On seeing him, Huzooraa lovingly said that he had not seen him for two years.

As Jalsa Salana had not taken place, he had not recited an Arabic qaseeda at Jalsa.

Rabea Sahib’s question was how many letters one should write to Huzooraa as some people were of the view that writings too many letters wasted Huzoor’s time.

In response, Huzooraa said: “What can I say about this? Every person has a unique connection with Khilafat.

According to their bond with Khilafat, they write to me and I have no objections.

“This is your own decision. There is benefit of writing letters when a relationship builds – the connection between the Khalifa and an Ahmadi increases when there is mutual love for each other. […]”

“When your letters come to me, I reply and so a relationship is forged. How frequently you wish to write to me is something you must decide for yourselves.

What can I say? I cannot force someone by saying, ‘You must write to me!’”

“I also know of some people who don’t write letters, but they have heartfelt sincerity with and love for Khilafat.”

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Ahmad Ehsan Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Kababir, asked how Huzooraa saw the success of the Jamaat in the next 10 years.

Huzooraa said: “The success of the Jamaat is taking place.

As for knowledge of the unseen, Allah the Almighty knows best; a human cannot say anything. However, by Allah the Almighty’s grace, the success the Jamaat is seeing and the way in which the Jamaat is spreading in every country and in many cities of every country, the way the foundation of the Jamaat has been laid […], we are hopeful that, insha-Allah, the next 10 or 20-25 years are very crucial years for the success of the Jamaat. And in them, we will see that most people will come under the flag of the Promised Messiahas, or at least there will be a majority, amongst the Muslims too, who will accept the reality that Ahmadiyyat is the true Islam, insha-Allah.”

Rashid Khattab Sahib asked when the world would recognise the economic structure of Islam.

In response, Huzooraa said that the current economic system of the world was mostly run on interest and we would only be able to show the world the economic system that Islam presents when a whole country accepts Ahmadiyyat.

Huzooraa said: “Islam’s economic system can be established when a nation’s government is entirely made up of Ahmadis and in its country, they are able to present the example. This is why, once, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra said to convert even a small country through tabligh so that the majority there might be Ahmadis – in fact he gave the example of the Gambia – and then we would be able to show the world that ‘this is the true way of running an Islamic government’, ‘This is the political system according to which a government can be run’ and ‘This is the method through which an economic system can be established without interest’.”

“So, until the Jamaat does not spread to the extent that an entire nation’s population becomes Ahmadi, we cannot establish such an example.”

Huzooraa said that at a smaller level, within the structure of the Jamaat, we tried to show others how to run a system without interest. However, we could not say that we were ready to present a working, largescale example to the world yet. This could only happen when Ahmadiyyat had spread at a large scale.

Huzooraa said that currently, the Jamaat

did not have the means to show such an example at a large scale; however, such a time would come and we should pray for it.

Fowad Ali Sahib asked what to say to those who intended and desired to serve the Jamaat and Islam, but due to laziness and negligence, did not.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “You have chosen the wrong words – merely having the ‘intention’ does nothing.

[True] intention only happens when one decides to do a particular action. Merely having an intention and leaving it buried in one’s heart is done only by those who have no courage at all. If one has intended to do something, then a plan should be accompanied by it too. […]

“The Holy Prophetsa said: َ ّ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ‫ات‬ ِ ‫الن ّی‬ ِ ِ‫اِنما الاعمال ب‬ “‘Your deeds are determined by intentions alone.’ This did not mean that just because you have intended to do something, you will get its reward. This means that when you intended to do something, you should bring into effect all of your efforts, use all the means that are available to you and then leave the matter to Allah the Almighty.”

Huzooraa said that those who say they have an intention to do something but then don’t act on it actually succumb to severe laziness and sloth – they do not have earnest intentions or desires. They may express in audiences that they have desires to do good etc. but in actuality, they don’t and express these things just to impress others.

“If intentions are pure and desires are strong, then it is impossible for one to not progress in religious works and amend themselves.”

Huzooraa said that those with true intentions actually then progressed and carried out good works. On the other hand, those who didn’t have pure and true intentions just played on words to please others and said they had the intention, but deep down, didn’t actually have any desire to do good works.

Huzooraa said to say to such people: “If it is your intention, then pray to Allah the Almighty and immediately engross yourself in this work. It is only then that you can be the recipient of Allah the Almighty’s grace and you can achieve your intentions.”

Otherwise, Huzooraa said, such people were all talk. It cannot be that a student who desires to come first in a class just sits at home and does not study. Those who truly desire to do something, follow it with actions.

An elderly member commented on Arab countries not allowing Ahmadis to preach and proposed a plan for symposia to be held for Arab writers, journalists and academics etc. in which they are informed about the Jamaat, as Arabs could especially spread the message of Ahmadiyyat.

In response, Huzooraa said: “You are correct, they stop us [preaching] amongst Arabs, but according to our means, whatever tabligh we can do, we are doing it.

Through MTA and different social media platforms, by Allah the Almighty’s grace, the Jamaat has been introduced a lot in Arab countries.

“The letters I receive from different people inform me of this. […] We can see that amongst Arabs, compared to before, in a huge populace, the Jamaat’s introduction has been given. And amongst some educated people too, the Jamaat’s introduction has been given. That is why some television programmes [about the Jamaat] were done by some channels, which Sharif Odeh Sahib participated in and some others too.”

Huzooraa said that to further this work, the Kababir Jamaat – which was a wellorganised Jamaat – could take this up and make plans. Huzooraa said they could devise plans – either a symposium or anything else

– and send such proposals to him.

Amir Sahib thanked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for sending a new missionary, Imaduddin Sahib, to Kababir who had graduated from Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana and was originally from Jordan.

Advising him, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Here, too, you should continue to read the books of the Promised Messiahas so that your Urdu continues to improve and so that you may receive the real treasure of knowledge. You will read the Arabic books, but you should also read the Urdu ones […]

“Secondly, as you are young, seeing the atmosphere there, you should not become acclimatised to it; rather, you should make very energetic plans and ambitious plans […]” so that in a short time, the message of Ahmadiyyat could reach all over Israel.

Huzooraa said that despite having a mosque in Kababir which people could see from far away and which attracted lots of tourists to the mosque, he did not think even 5% of the Israeli population knew about the Jamaat. Huzooraa told Imaduddin Sahib to make plans with Amir Sahib and to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat across the whole country very quickly.

“May Allah the Almighty enable you to do this”, Huzooraa said.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then conveyed his salaam to everyone and the meeting came to a close. ___________________________ The participants of this mulaqat shared with us their sentiments. They said the following: Mansoor Odeh Sahib expressed: “I was overwhelmed when I heard about the mulaqat with Huzooraa. The first thing I had thought of to prepare for the mulaqat was praying to Allah the Almighty, seeking istighfar and offering sadaqah.

“Alhamdulillah, I have had the honour to meet Huzooraa 13 times since 2013 and every time, I have that same feeling of being thrilled and excited to meet Huzooraa.

“I know well that if Huzooraa sees our faces, it would be enough to gain immense blessings.

“Huzooraa spoke about waqf after retirement and that was an encouragement

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021 for me to devote my life to the service of the Jamaat after I retire. And most importantly, I would like to create a transformation in myself in order to live up to the standard that Huzooraa expects us to fulfil.”

Kamal Abdul Latif Sahib said: “It was a good feeling when we were waiting for the mulaqat to start. It was so emotional for me when Huzooraa answered the question about the Jamaat’s financial system and how we can apply it rather than the systems that are based mainly on usury […] This was my first time meeting Huzooraa. When I saw Huzoor’s face for the first time, I started having a great hope that Islam would be victorious again so soon.

“Now, I have a strong desire to start a strong relationship with Huzooraa by corresponding with him more often.”

Raid Zahdi Sahib said: “This was my first time ever to meet with Huzooraa. I had been praying for one week continuously. I was doing istighfar as well in order to be prepared well for this mulaqat.

“When I saw Huzooraa for the first time, I had a strong hope to one day meet him personally. I really wish there weren’t a lot of difficulties and barriers that make travelling to the UK difficult for us.

similar to anything else. I felt similar to how we would feel when going to meet Huzooraa in London. It was really great to have this feeling again.

“I benefited a lot from the answers given

by Huzooraa. I hope these answers can be printed and distributed to the whole world in order to make everyone know the truth.

“I always try to make positive changes in myself, but something was missing. I found that missing thing today when I saw Huzooraa and heard him talking.

“Now I want to work more on reforming myself and I will pray a lot, asking Allah to help me in serving the Jamaat with more energy and enthusiasm.”

Ahmad Radi Sahib said: “Although it is a totally different feeling when you meet Huzooraa in person, I am really grateful to Allah the Almighty, Who enabled us to witness this historic mulaqat.

“There are people among us who have never had the pleasure of meeting Huzooraa personally; however, today, their dreams became a reality, alhamdulillah.”

Sami Noman Sahib said: “It is an indescribable feeling. I felt so happy when I saw Huzoor’s blessed face on the screen […].”

“I was discussing recently with a nonAhmadi friend about the status of Masjid Al-Aqsa in the eyes of Ahmadi Muslims, but I didn’t have an idea about the official answer of the Jamaat. I was very happy and surprised by hearing the answer given by Huzooraa in this regard.”

Eihab Odeh Sahib said: “My first mulaqat with Huzooraa was in 2009. Ever since, I have been having mulaqats with Huzooraa at least once a year, and every time, I felt as though I was spiritually charged for the year ahead.

“When Covid-19 spread in the world, we couldn’t have mulaqats anymore. Ever since, I have not felt sufficient spiritual energy within me.

“I was very happy to hear that we were having a mulaqat with Huzooraa, so I started to pray continuously as I used to do when my turn came to take part in Liqaa Ma‘al Arab.

“My eyes couldn’t stop shedding tears from the beginning of the mulaqat. I am so grateful to Allah who enabled us to have this mulaqat that charged us again.

“I can speak for hours and hours about this meeting and about how much effect it left in me.

“I want to make more effort to fulfil my duties and serve the Jamaat […].”

Anan Al Qazaq Sahib expressed: “Today was not an ordinary day, and I cannot describe it. My sentiments are not

Mahmood Talt Sahib expressed: “Alhamdulillah for the blessing of Khilafat, and alhamdulillah Who enabled us to meet Huzooraa despite all the difficulties and trials through which the whole world is going through these days.

“I pray that Allah will enable us to serve the religion of Islam and to fulfil His rights as well as the rights of our fellow human beings. May He make us part of His salih [righteous] servants. May He help us to spread the true message of Islam and the true message of the Promised Messiahas in every place and time.”

Ahmad Ihsan Sahib said: “Alhamdulillah, today, I had the pleasure of meeting Huzooraa once again. This was a historic mulaqat. Even though it was a virtual meeting, I believe even when Huzooraa looks at us, it is enough for us to partake of these blessings, no matter what part of the world we may be […]

“It is really wonderful how you always have the same feeling whenever you meet Huzooraa, whether you are meeting him for the first time or you have met him more than once.”

Amir Amin Sahib said: “Alhamdulillah, we had the pleasure of meeting with Huzooraa. I was in dire need of this mulaqat and now I am very grateful that I took part in it.”

Rishwan Odeh Sahib said: “I am over the moon. I felt so emotional

Photos courtesy of Jamaat Kababir

and happy to see Huzooraa. This was my first time meeting with him.”

Abdussalam Masood Sahib said: “Alhamdulillah for enabling us to be here; alhamdulillah for enabling us to see Huzooraa in this blessed programme after a long period of waiting.”

Jawdat Yonus Sahib expressed: “Every meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa is an interesting and comprehensive meeting, and it has all the benefits and blessings for our Jamaat, especially for us here in Kababir. So we thank Huzooraa and our jamaat here for granting us this great opportunity and making it possible for such a great programme to take place.”

Ahmad Rashad Sahib said: “Alhamdulillah for enabling us to meet Huzooraa and to see his blessed face. Even though it was a virtual mulaqat, we are so happy to see him and knowing that he is good and healthy.

“I am grateful that Huzooraa saw the members of the Jamaat in Kababir and knew about their conditions.

“I pray for this blessed programme to have good results.”

Abdul Shakoor Sahib, a Pakistani, said: “Today is my first time to meet with Huzooraa after many years. No doubt, we keep listening to his Friday Sermons, but this programme had a different taste.

Alhamdulillah, I enjoyed this meeting a lot. May Allah bless Huzooraa and enable our jamaat in Palestine to witness a lot of progress and flourishment.”

Eiqan Shams Sahib said: “This is the first time in the history of Jamaat for such a programme to take place in Kababir or even in an Arab Jamaat. I am so proud to have been part of such an event. I consider this an Eid for us. This date is going to be well kept in our minds and hearts, and I will remain proud of being part of it. I don’t have enough words to describe my feelings at the moment.”

Muran Khattab Sahib said: “The mulaqat was really interesting. I was a bit tense in the beginning as this was the first time for such a historical programme to take place. I kept looking at the face of Huzooraa all the time, which made me feel sheer comfort and peace. Alhamdulillah, this is a great blessing.”

Yazan Rabi‘ Sahib said: “At first, I was not feeling anything, but when the blessed face of Huzooraa appeared on the screen, I had a wonderful feeling.

I felt as if everyone was having the same feeling as I was.

“The mulaqat was awesome and I hope that next time, it happens in person.

“I had a question in mind, but alhamdulillah, Huzooraa gave the answer during the mulaqat, even though I didn’t have the chance to ask.”

Ibrahim Salih Sahib expressed: “I was really nervous before the mulaqat and so, I started doing istighfar when I took my seat, which made me feel a little bit comfortable.”

“We have been waiting for a long time for such an opportunity. I have met Huzooraa before, but I was young at that time.”

Hazim Jawdat Odeh Sahib said: “This was spiritually refreshing after two years of not meeting with Huzooraa. We were pleased; Huzooraa was pleased as well.

May Allah enable such programmes to take place more often, and may He bless this great Jamaat.”

Fuad Odeh Sahib said: “It was a great mulaqat. It reminded me of the feeling I used to have when I went to meet Huzooraa during different Jalsa Salanas.

“A lot of Jamaat members attended the programme today. I pray that Allah enables us to attend Jalsas and meet Huzooraa in person again very soon.”

Mahmood Al Bash Sahib said: “Finally, after two years of not seeing Huzooraa due to the spread of Covid-19, we had the pleasure of meeting Huzooraa virtually. There was a spiritual aura during the mulaqat. I hope we will be able to soon benefit from this blessed atmosphere and keep holding fast to the rope of Khilafat more and more.”

Ibrahim Shweiky Sahib said: “May Allah bless Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. It was really an interesting meeting. We miss Huzooraa a lot. We ask Allah humbly and sincerely to enable us to see Huzooraa very soon. Amin.”

Asad Odeh Sahib said: “I pray that this mulaqat will one day be a ‘monthly’ mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa […].”

Muath Odeh Sahib said: “It is a blessing granted to us by Allah to enable us to meet Huzooraa […] It felt great to see my beloved. As soon as I saw Huzoor’s face, I began weeping, much like a child who had not seen his father for two years. His presence charged our hearts and souls with spiritual energy. May Allah always keep us close to Huzooraa and Khilafat. Amin.”

(Report prepared by Al Hakam. With thanks to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir)

Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

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From the Markaz

Arab or non-Arab, Ahmadi women must set good examples that make them stand out Lajna Kababir, Haifa seek direction from Huzoor

On 6 June 2021, 98 members of Lajna Imaillah Kababir were blessed with the opportunity of meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting.

The meeting started off with a recitation from the Holy Quran, after which the sadr of Lajna Imaillah Kababir said a few words expressing her gratitude to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for the mulaqat.

Then, a qaseeda was recited by three Lajna members.

Following this, the sadr stated that there were a few questions relating to Islam, religion and current affairs that some Lajna members wanted to ask. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa accepted the request.

The first question asked was, “What are the dangers that surround our region and how can we be safe from them?”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “There is a danger from the opponents of Islam […]. It is essential to present a good example according to the true teachings of Islam, and no one should be given the opportunity to raise an objection against Islam. General risks do not only apply there.

The biggest danger is present everywhere in the world, and that danger is the propaganda of the wrong deeds of dajjali influences, which is taking place throughout the world, through the media, Internet and various other means. Due to this, young boys and girls who are born into religious families are forgetting [the true teachings of] their religion and instead, turning to the world and materialism.”

Huzooraa further said: “We must safeguard ourselves from [the evils of] social media, television and wrong types of programmes. We must raise our children to be safeguarded from this and mothers should play their roles in this

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matter. From childhood, a mother should be attached to her child and teach them religion.

An Ahmadi mother’s work is to instil within the child’s heart and mind clearly that they must give priority to religion over worldly matters […]. The real challenge is how we are going to face the immorality spreading throughout the world.”

Next, a Lajna member stated that she would regularly preach Islam Ahmadiyyat to her friends and they would mostly agree with her. However, in the end, they would say, “We are all Muslims” and the conversation would end there.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “We cannot force anyone to join the Jamaat. Everyone is free in matters of religion. Our task is to convey to the world that we are Muslims and the reason [why] we are Muslims”.

Huzooraa, further explaining how one can do tabligh, said: “One thing we must remember is that we should see if the Holy Prophetsa made any prophecy about the Latter Days, or if the Holy Quran has mentioned any prophecy about it. Then, you can tell them about the verse of the Holy Quran in Surah al-Jumuah:

َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ‫َو ٰاخ ِریۡ َن ِمن ُہ ۡم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوۡا ِب ِہ ۡم‬

“[‘And (among) others from among them who have not yet joined them’ (Ch.62: V.4)] and tell them about the Holy Prophet’ssa prophecy about the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi in the Latter Days.”

Huzooraa explained that other Muslims would realise the truth of Islam Ahmadiyyat when they saw the noble example of Ahmadis.

Upon being asked what message he had for Ahmadi women living in Arabia, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Whether they are Arab or non-

Ahmadi women, as I have said

before, should pay attention towards their children’s tarbiyat; they should teach them religion and pray for

them; the prayers of parents for their children are granted acceptance.

Arab, all Ahmadi women must set a good example that makes them stand out. Others should know that Ahmadi women’s deeds, etiquettes, morals, actions, speech and the way they live in society are according to the teachings of Islam.

“The second most important thing is that Ahmadi women, as I have said before, should pay attention towards their children’s tarbiyat; they should teach them religion and pray for them; the prayers of parents for their children are granted acceptance.

So, along with their tarbiyat, teaching them religion, keeping them attached to religion, keeping them attached to the oneness of God, teaching them high morals that are according to Islam, they should pray for them that Allah may always keep them attached to religion and may they never drift away from this path; may they be those who walk upon the right path and may they never fall into Satan’s grip […]

“If Ahmadi women are able to fulfil

this duty, then they will be counted among those mentioned in the hadith of the Holy Prophetsa, ‘Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.’ If you desire to enter Heaven and for your children to also enter Heaven, then you must look after your offspring and perform their tarbiyat in an exceptional manner.”

Next, a Lajna member said that in their country, women who wore the hijab were seen as peculiar in their society and for this reason, many women tended to fear wearing the hijab. She asked what advice Huzooraa could give to such women.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “This is not unique to your place alone; the same is the case in Europe. There are some countries in Europe that have passed laws prohibiting wearing the hijab, or prohibited it in some public places; there is even a fine and punishment for it. Despite this, women who are firm in faith continue to wear the hijab – they do not fear such

AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021 laws.

“There, you are facing social pressures, or people pointing fingers, or someone who may have laughed or made a gesture at you […] You must decide whether you want to listen to Allah and tolerate all difficulties, mockery, wrong types of remarks, or, fearing these things, whether you want to start accepting what people say and follow society. This is the decision you must make.

A believing woman must be firm in her faith.”

On being asked how a woman could perform her children’s tarbiyat when she also had a job, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “Those Ahmadi women who also work to provide for the family should first look for a job that finishes at a time where they are able to be at home when their husbands come home. When the children come home from school, the mother should receive them. And if for any reason, she is not able to be present when her children come home, the children should be aware that their mother has prepared food for them so that they may eat when they come home […]

“After coming home [from work], the mother should spend time with her children, talk to them about various tarbiyat matters, she should ask them if they have offered their Namaz etc.”

A Lajna member said that there were many Jewish, Christian and non-Ahmadi Muslims who lived in their society. She said that they would invite them to their functions in which, usually, they held various activities which were prohibited in Islam. She asked what should be done in such a situation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “This environment is not unique to Kababir or Israel; this environment is widespread throughout the world. However, even in Muslim countries – especially in Pakistan and India – there are some rituals that are wrong, yet prevalent in India, which have crept into Muslim practices.

“Those who have a good connection with the Jamaat and call you to their functions, you may go. When you go to their functions, maintain your dignity. If they dance [at such functions] then turn away, or if they are following erroneous practices, then stand up and move away. However, this usually does not happen.

“If it is an extremely impure environment, then you may only go for the ceremony you were invited to – for example, if you were invited to a wedding, then present your gift to the bride and groom and then come back, or [if you were invited for food] then eat and leave. It is possible to safeguard yourselves [from such things], unless it is an extremely indecent environment, in which case, where indecency is evident from the beginning, then there is no need to attend […]”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was asked that as the world was slowly moving away from Allah, how one could invite Ahmadi women and young girls to the Jamaat’s events.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “I have already answered this question before. This is the duty of parents, to keep them attached from childhood, teach them religion and tell them about the pledge they make during their meetings that ‘we will give precedence to religion over worldly matters’ and tell them what this means; tell

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If you desire to enter Heaven and for your children to also enter Heaven, then you must look after your offspring and perform their tarbiyat in an exceptional manner.

them about God’s teachings […]

“Nasirat should devise such programmes which the young girls find interesting and also bring them closer to religion; they should hold interactive programmes.”

A Lajna member asked Huzooraa what was required of an Ahmadi girl who wished to serve the Jamaat and humanity.

Huzooraa replied: “An Ahmadi girl should first try to increase her religious knowledge. She should increase her relationship with God, fulfil the rights of His worship – if the parents explain its importance from a young age, she will be able to do this – she should observe Namaz regularly, she should fulfil Allah’s rights […].

“Ahmadi girls, after completing their studies, if they are pursuing any medical field, can serve humanity. If they are becoming teachers, they can serve humanity and there are many professions whereby, after completing their studies, girls can prepare themselves to serve humanity […]

“The Holy Prophetsa stated regarding the alliance which was created in Mecca to help the needy – Hilf al-Fudul – ‘Even if those people call me to help humanity and the needy,’ after his claim to prophethood, ‘then even now, I am ready to join them in this.’ Even though the Holy Prophetsa had attained prophethood, he was still ready to help the non-Muslims and disbelievers.

“So, we should not merely remain in a closed environment in our service to humanity; rather, we should broaden our sphere [of service] and see how much service we can offer to humanity as it is service to humanity which opens more avenues to introduce Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Our intention should be to serve humanity; however, these are extra blessings, which Allah the Almighty then bestows.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked about the true meaning of the Quranic statement of:

ّ َ َٰ ُ َ ّ َ ‫الرِج‬ ‫ال ق ّو ُموۡ َن َعلی ال ِن َساء‬

“Men are guardians over women” (Ch.4: V.35) and whether it meant that a man’s opinion should be given precedence over a woman’s view.

Huzooraa answered: “No, this is not what it means at all, that a man’s opinion has precedence.

Women, masha-Allah, speak words of wisdom too. And it was through some women’s opinions that during the Holy Prophet’ssa time, some major decisions were made. During [the] treaty of Hudaybiyyah, it was Umm Salamah’sra view which the Holy Prophetsa acted on, through which all companions who at first did not slaughter their animals, slaughtered their animals […]

“What this verse implies is that man, being the head of the household, is responsible for the home, running the finances of the house, and to make sure the house is running in accordance with the Islamic teachings […] Islam also teaches

that if a woman is earning money, then her husband has no right to ask her to carry out the expenses of the home. If a woman does not wish to do so, then it is incumbent on the husband [to provide] even if the wife is earning and has wealth. Man, being the guardian and head of the household, is dutybound and has a responsibility to look after the household’s expenditures.”

Upon being asked when Huzooraa would visit Kababir, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “Pray, let’s see when Allah creates the means, insha-Allah.”

Huzooraa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end. ________________________ Participants of this mulaqat shared their impressions on meeting Huzooraa and receiving guidance from him.

Aya Al Bash Sahiba said: “The mulaqat charged me with positive energy. It reminded me of the purpose and the importance of the work that every woman and mother is doing in this world.”

Suhaj Abdul Hakeem Sahiba said: “Alhamdulillah for granting us this opportunity and for enabling us to see and meet with Huzooraa. I am so happy for being part of this blessed meeting. My feelings are indescribable.

“I pray this mulaqat will repeat not once, but again and again, and I hope we will maintain communication with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa so that we and our children keep enjoying the immense blessings, insha-Allah.”

Hanaa Zaki Sahiba said: “All of the answers Huzooraa gave led me to rearrange my ideas and feelings that have been in chaos since the start of Covid-19 and lockdown, especially bearing in mind the conditions our country is experiencing these days.

“I felt my duties as a wife, mother and Muslim woman become more obvious to me. I was so nervous, but I started feeling very calm when I saw Huzoor’s face and heard his voice.

“I have recorded all the points that Huzooraa mentioned in order to go through them again after the mulaqat.”

Nabila Sahiba said: “This was my first time meeting with Huzooraa. I was extremely happy. I pray our next mulaqat will be in this blessed country in order to enjoy his blessings here among us.”

Maha Faraj Sahiba expressed: “I was overjoyed to meet Huzooraa; meeting him made me feel at peace. At first, I started shivering and couldn’t move my body. My eyes shed many tears, and then, I felt happy and satisfied. Alhamdulillah for enabling me to meet Huzooraa.”

Asmaa Shweiky Sahiba said: “It was a very fruitful mulaqat. It was a pleasure for us to see Huzooraa and to gain the blessings of such a meeting.”

Raida Salih Sahiba said: “I would like to thank Huzooraa for granting us the opportunity to have a virtual mulaqat with him.

“The mulaqat was really beautiful and interesting. I pray we have the chance to meet him and talk to him more often. Amin.”

Umm Ahmad Jihan Sahiba expressed: “I would like to thank Huzooraa for granting us the pleasure of meeting with him. I was so happy to be part of this virtual mulaqat. Although it was virtual, I had the same feelings of fear, excitement and happiness I normally have when I go to meet him in a group mulaqat. When he speaks, I don’t want anyone to make any noise so that I don’t miss any blessed word. I hope and pray to be blessed with his visit to Kababir soon, insha-Allah.”

Noorul Huda Ghanim Sahiba said: “The meeting was virtual, but I still felt excited to see Huzooraa and listen to his valuable advice.

“I felt that this meeting was blessed and that Allah would definitely respond to the prayers I made during it. My nerves got the better of me before and during the mulaqat.

“I had a feeling that this meeting was not similar to any other programme, and I noticed that everyone around me was excited and interested as well.

“Huzoor’s words and advice left a profound effect on my heart. Actually, it has increased my love and sense of belonging to our beloved Jamaat.

“I am more aware of the importance of corresponding with Huzooraa and having mulaqats with him in order to have a strong relationship with this blessed system.

“This was my first time ever to meet with Huzooraa and it is my hope to meet him in person, insha-Allah.”

Ruba Tal‘at Sahiba said: “I felt overjoyed to meet Huzooraa. I was very nervous before the mulaqat took place, but once I saw Huzoor’s blessed face, all the fear vanished and only good feelings and vibes remained.”

Fatima Odeh Sahiba said: “I don’t have enough words to describe the feelings I have. I felt as though Huzooraa was here, in Kababir, among us.

Alhamdulillah for being part of this blessed event and I pray that such mulaqats take place more often.

“The advice of Huzooraa left a huge effect on my heart, alhamdulillah.”

Jamila Odeh Sahiba said: “I felt as if I was in the UK [with Huzoor]. I pray to keep enjoying good health in order to take part in such blessed meetings more and more in the future. My Continued on next page >>

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

body starts shivering whenever I participate in mulaqats with Huzooraa.”

Nourhan Odeh Sahiba expressed: “I was touched to be part of this mulaqat. I had a lot of questions and today, I had a number of them answered. I would like to thank Huzooraa for granting us this great opportunity. I really needed to listen to Huzoor’saa valuable words and guidance.

I hope our next mulaqat will be in the UK, insha-Allah.”

Malahat Shakoor Sahiba said: “The mulaqat was really interesting and impressive. I do not have the words to describe how great a pleasure it was for us that Huzooraa took this much time from his valuable schedule for this mulaqat. I cannot describe how beautiful and blessed this mulaqat was.”

Alaa Odeh Sahiba said: “Alhamdulillah it was a brilliant experience to communicate with Huzooraa through this virtual mulaqat.

“I pray that mulaqats with Huzooraa take place more often.”

Abeer Odeh Sahiba said: “Alhamdulillah for granting this great opportunity to meet with Huzooraa. The mulaqat was really good. I cannot describe my feelings. I pray to see Huzooraa again and to maintain good communication with him.

I really wish he could come and visit us here in Kababir.”

Jamila Ismael Sahiba said: “I have been to London to meet Huzooraa many times, but I enjoyed this mulaqat more than those ones in London because Huzooraa gave us more time than ever.”

Buthaina Odeh Sahiba said: “I felt so nervous the moment I saw Huzooraa. I felt as if I was with him in London. His smile always makes me feel calm and reduces any anxiety I have, alhamdulillah.

“The answers Huzooraa gave made me so happy, especially when he talked about taking part in wedding parties that are not conducted in accordance with Islamic teachings. Everything he said regarding this matter was very clear. I am so happy to hear the answer from him directly.

“I had a question, but was not able to ask it. However, I pray we may have more mulaqats in the future, insha-Allah.”

Tahani Odeh Sahiba said: “It was truly amazing. I was overjoyed to see Huzooraa once again after a long time, alhamdulillah.

“I felt calm and satisfied once I saw his blessed face, and that left a huge impact on my soul.”

Amira Odeh Sahiba expressed: “The mulaqat was great. I cannot describe how happy I was to see Huzooraa, especially because this was my first time meeting with Huzooraa.

“It was a great pleasure indeed that Huzooraa gave us a lot of his valuable time in order to listen to us and enable us to hear his precious advice.

“I cannot describe how pleased I am to take part in this beautiful mulaqat.”

Ghufran Al-Mistarihi Sahiba said: “I am grateful to Allah the Almighty for granting me the opportunity to see Huzooraa, especially because this was the first time I met him.

“I pray that Allah may give us the honour of meeting him in person here in Kababir soon.

“I was in dire need to take part in such a mulaqat. The mulaqat left a huge impact on my heart and soul. We thank Allah for this and we thank Huzooraa for giving us the opportunity to hear his precious advice and by seeing his blessed face […]”

Inaya Ismael Odeh Sahiba said: “Alhamdulillah for having this great opportunity. The mulaqat was virtual, but I felt as if Huzooraa was with us here.

“I have met Huzooraa before, and I still feel the same every time I see him. The fear vanished though once Huzoor’s blessed face appeared on the screen.”

Mai Yasin Sahiba said: “I liked how everyone was silent and calm while waiting for Huzooraa. Huzoor’s answers were very satisfying, alhamdulillah.”

Rania Jamal Sahiba said: “I was so excited to see Huzooraa and hear his precious guidance and answers.

“I have a passion for hearing his answers and I found all of his answers logical and honest.”

Umm Mahmoud Jamila Sahiba said: “I pray for Huzooraa every day in my prayers and I ask Allah the Almighty to make all the Muslims united under his flag.”

Umm Eihab Halima Sahiba said:

“I feel overjoyed; I wish we could have such a mulaqat every two or three months.”

Umm Mahmoud Rawiya Sahiba said: “I am touched to be part of this interesting mulaqat, which left a huge effect in me. I pray we have such mulaqats more often.”

Manal Salah Sahiba expressed: “I have been so nervous since the mulaqat with men took place; at the same time, I felt as if the angels were circulating the area and were protecting it; as if Huzooraa had come to visit us in person. It was an amazing feeling indeed.”

Yasmin Tariq Sahiba said: “Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful to Huzooraa for granting us this opportunity.

There was an atmosphere of peace and satisfaction, as if Huzooraa had come to visit us here in person.”

Jamila Ismael Sahiba said: “I felt as if I was in the UK. I pray we will be able to go to the UK freely as we used to do before in order to see Huzooraa in person again.”

Umm Akram Fairouz Sahiba said: “I was so glad. I pray that Huzooraa continues to enjoy good health.”

Buthaina Al Qazaq Sahiba said: “I would like to thank Huzooraa for giving us so much of his precious time and for answering our questions.

“I wish to ask Huzooraa to pray for the people of my beloved town, Kababir, that they may be closer and hold fast to the rope of Allah.”

Labiba Abu Asab Sahiba said: “I was so nervous in the beginning, as I was standing in front of Huzooraa.

“I was afraid when my turn to ask a question was about to come. I was talking to myself and saying, ‘O Allah! This is the person you have chosen to be our Khalifa, and he is a manifestation of Your mercy.

If we feel this much fear when we stand in front of him, then how will we be standing in front of You?’ “Subhanallah, it is wonderful how this fear was a beautiful feeling! I would like to maintain this feeling in order to use it in my prayers to help me in concentrating more while standing before Allah.

“Preparing for this mulaqat was like preparing for Eid. When the qaseeda was being recited, I imagined myself between

those who sang for the Holy Prophetsa when he entered Medina.

“One sister had a dream that I was sitting in the nearest place to Huzooraa; however, when the mulaqat was about to start, I took a seat behind her so that I didn’t appear on the camera a lot. But the wife of our missionary insisted on making me sit in the front line, and this dream was fulfilled.

“I could not believe my eyes, and I did not want to move them away from Huzooraa when he started talking to us directly.”

Dua Odeh Sahiba said: “I was so excited and nervous before the mulaqat. I was experiencing a stomach ache for two days before the mulaqat, but this pain subsided when the mulaqat took place.

“I was preparing myself by doing a lot of istighfar and Durood Sharif; I prayed a lot during my Tahajud and paid sadaqah, asking Allah to bless this mulaqat and to cover our shortcomings.

“It was really exciting to see Huzooraa, despite the fact that I have seen Huzooraa many times before. I did not want the mulaqat to end. I hope from the depth of my heart to see Huzooraa more frequently and not just once a year.

“A lot of the points inspired me during the mulaqat, especially when Huzooraa spoke about how mothers should manage their houses and children. I had had some questions regarding this matter for some time. It was great to hear Huzoor’s advice when he talked about the perfect way to encourage Ahmadi girls to participate in Jamaat activities and draw them closer to the Jamaat.”

Fatin Masood Sahiba said: “I was so happy to meet Huzooraa, and though it was a virtual mulaqat, I still had the feeling that he was here with us in Kababir. I pray that such mulaqats happen more often.”

Baraa Rashad Sahiba said: “By the grace of Allah, we were blessed by meeting Huzooraa. It was a very spiritual meeting, even though it was virtual. We felt as if Huzooraa was here among us. The mulaqat gave us a huge amount of spiritual energy and it boosted our enthusiasm a great deal. Alhamdulillah for granting us the blessings of Khilafat.”

(Report prepared by Al Hakam. With thanks to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir)

AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

9

EXCLUSIVE

“I know why I was chosen” – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V Asif M Basit

Khilafat Day came and went this year like every other year. The sun of 27 May rose and set like any other normal day. The Jamaat’s newspapers and magazines published special issues for the day and MTA arranged a variety of programmes to commemorate this very special day of our history – the day when the true Islamic caliphate was established.

Chapters of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat held meetings – on local and national levels – dedicated to the special occasion.

But all this – despite being inherently very important – was a series of events that take place every year and nothing is very unusual about it.

The true spirit of Khilafat – and the majesty of Allah the Almighty which it stands for – was celebrated a day after, on Friday, 28 May, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa tapped on the subject himself.

Huzoor’s sermon brought the history of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya – now spanning 113 years – playing before our eyes in a fastforward mode. And how faith-inspiring it was!

Huzooraa started the sermon by briefly mentioning the great achievements of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, then moving on to the magnificent services of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, before mentioning how the Jamaat had continued to progress in the blessed eras of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. But when the natural flow of this aweinspiring story brought itself to the time of his own Khilafat, Huzooraa said something that pierced through my heart, as, I believe, it would have pierced through every Ahmadi’s heart.

As the whole story was based on solid, tangible facts, Huzooraa continued mentioning – albeit by just touching upon the periphery – the bounties and blessings of Allah during the period of his own Khilafat, with great humility. And then came the few words that struck my heart and left me restless.

Huzooraa said, “I am but a very weak person […]”.

These few words got stuck in my heart and soul and I carried them around for two whole days.

The person who is, for me and for millions of others, the mightiest, is weak? The one who carries in his heart the gigantic weight of humanitarian pain, is weak? The one who has relentlessly been treading on and calling to the path of God for almost two decades – despite the tempest of materialism – is weak?

The only audible, laudable and practicable

voice of Islam in this day and age, is weak?

These thoughts, and their strands, tangled themselves in my mind for two whole days.

On the morning of Sunday, 30 May, I got the opportunity to see Huzooraa in person.

I couldn’t carry the weight any more and so, after having sought guidance in various matters, I finally off-loaded it at the first available chance: “Huzoor, you have witnessed Allah’s favour and grace for over 18 years now; do you still think that you really are ‘weak’?”

I hardly finished my question when Huzooraa said: “Yes. I do very much feel so; even more now than ever before. It is Allah’s favour that proves that no human effort or excellence is behind all this. Allah may choose whosoever, but He alone protects the Jamaat and keeps it on the road of progress.”

I said, “Huzoor, it’s almost been two decades. You must have had an idea about why Allah chose you for Khilafat?”

Huzooraa replied: “Yes. I have understood. I understood it the very first day, but with time, this understanding has only strengthened.

“I feel that Allah chose me to make it known to the world that this is Allah’s

“

I feel that Allah chose me to make it known to the world that this is Allah’s Jamaat and He alone secures it

Jamaat and He alone secures it; also, to make it known that the Ahmadiyya Khilafat has been established by Allah alone and that no form of human knowledge, experience, efficiency or quality stand behind it.”

There came a pause and I thought that this great moment was over. But after a few seconds, I heard Huzoor’s voice again: “I always feel that this couplet truly depicts my state: ‫نئ‬

‫ےج ی‬ ‫م ی‬ ‫ ھچک ی‬،‫و�اں المعں وےل‬ ‫� یمرے ےلپ‬ ‫ت‬ ّ َ‫� ب‬ ّ َ‫� ب‬ ّ َ‫ ب‬،‫ل‬ ّ ‫و�اں ی�ری رتمح َو‬ ‫ےج ی‬ �

[A glance at my deeds brings me back nothing; but I look at Your mercy, and all I see is favours and blessings.]

“I have never had any air about myself.

Allah alone has rendered everything.”

With these humble words of my humble master, I conclude this short piece. And as we leave it here, let us pray for the person who is the source of energy for all of us;

for the one whose bravado and courage is taller than mighty mountains; for the one who stands firm before the colossal winds of time.

Let us pray for him who is determined to erect mosques in every nook and corner of the world; the one who is on an unwavering mission of spreading the word of the Quran to every human being on the planet. Let us pray for him who blows the spirit of Allah’s word, and that of his Messenger’ssa, in the heartlands of disbelief and infidelity; the one whose magnetism attracts lost souls that had strayed away from faith.

And let us pray for this person who brings honour and prestige to Islam; the one who is the brightest streak of the sun of Islam in this age.

Long live Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V! ُ ُْ َ ‫اَلل ّٰ ُھ َّم اَیّ ْد ا َِم‬ ‫ام َنا بِ ُر ْو ِح القدس‬ ِ

10

Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 11-17 June

suffering from affliction after affliction.

Huzoorra stated that the Jamaat should pray to Allah in such delicate times that He might save the country from disorder. Huzoorra added that the people of the country, generally, were unaware of geography and, as such, were not aware of what was to come. However, Huzoorra said that he understood the gravity of the situation as he had the maps present in his mind and would contemplate often.

Then, Huzoorra said that the Jamaat should pray to Allah and especially during the nights that Allah might provide the solution to these problems.

(Al Fazl, 16 June 1947) 11 June 1948: The government of West Punjab, Pakistan gave permission to the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to set up their Markaz in Rabwah after a long process relating to legal and official matters.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra formed a committee, consisting of 10 members, to start planning the core schemes for construction.

Huzoorra, at that time, was residing in Quetta. Among the detailed instructions Huzoorra gave was for the committee to review the location and determine where the headquarters would be located in the new city. Huzoorra further told the committee to bear in mind places such as Bahishti Maqbarah, mosques, colleges, schools, hospital, research institutes etc.

Huzoorra also stated that if there was water in the city, then trees should be planted around the city as a fence.

Huzoorra added that research should also be done on what kind of fruit and other trees could be planted in the area. Huzoorra said that first, the foundation of a mosque should be laid and then it should be assessed in what order the houses would be built in the city.

Thus, the one who was “filled with secular and spiritual knowledge” gave various important and necessary guidance at a time when Rabwah was

just a mere desert.

12 June 1970: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh narrated few incidents of his tour of Spain and West Africa. He described what his heart felt while remembering the glorious past of the Muslims in Spain. Whilst narrating his stay, Huzoorrh stated that he stayed in Granada for two nights. During the second night, Huzoorrh said he hardly slept and instead, spent his night praying to Allah.

Huzoorrh said that he prayed fervently to Allah and added that after the Fajr prayer, the following verse of the Holy Quran flowed from his mouth: َ ُ ّٰ َ ّٰ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ ّٰ َ ‫َو َم ۡن ّی َتوَ� ۡل َعلی الل ِہ ف ُہوَ َح ۡس ُب ٗہ � ِا ّن الل َہ بَال ِﻎ ا ۡمرِ ٖه � ق ۡد َج َع َل الل ُہ ل ِ� ِ ّل ش ۡی ٍء‬ َ ‫ق ۡد ًرا‬ “And he who puts his trust in Allah – He is sufficient for him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. For everything has Allah appointed a measure.” (Surah al-Talaq, Ch.65: V.4)

14 June 1908: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira called the attention of Ahmadi scribes and invited them to come and reside in Qadian so the process of printing the Jamaat’s publication might become swift.

In fact, there was a great shortage of scribes in Qadian at that time. For this reason, an important booklet of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was sent to Lahore for publication. Similarly, an important pamphlet of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra was also sent to Lahore.

At the behest of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, the editor of Al Hakam announced this desire of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira by publishing an advertisement for it.

14 June 1956: Syed Kamal Yusuf Sahib and Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib reached Gutenberg, aiming to establish the Ahmadiyya mission in

13 June 1947: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra instructed all the Ahmadi men and women in the country to perform Tahajud prayer regularly, owing to the dire situation at that time. On 3 June, the British Raj had announced the partition scheme.

In his Friday Sermon, Huzoorra pointed out the worrisome situation in the country and said that the country was

Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib

Syed Kamal Yusuf Sahib

Scandinavian countries. In those early days, this venture was supervised by the neighbouring Germany Jamaat.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was shown in a divine vision, in 1932, that the people of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Hungary were waiting for the spread of Ahmadiyyat.

After this, Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib BA sent a detailed report in regard to the establishment of the new Islamic mission: “By the grace of God Almighty, with the prayers of and under the instruction of our beloved master, Hazrat Amirul Momineen [Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra], I, along with brother Kamal Yusuf Sahib, reached the city Gothenburg on 14 June 1956 […] The first necessary task for establishing a new mission is to find a suitable room. In this regard, after special efforts, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, a suitable room has been found in Gothenburg for rent in which brother Kamal Yusuf Sahib has shifted.

“During the stay of one week, contacts were made with different societies.

[We] had the opportunity to meet the officer in-charge of the relevant department of the government. He showed special interest in our tabligh related tasks and ensured all kinds of possible help. He also promised brother Kamal Yusuf Sahib for help in learning the language.”

15 June 1912: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira travelled to Lahore and laid the foundation stone of the house of Hazrat Sheikh Hazrat Sheikh Rahmatullahra ra Rahmatullah .

This was Huzoor’sra last journey to Lahore.

Sheikh Sahibra had been told by the Promised Messiahas that he would bless

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh laying the foundation stone of Basharat Mosque, Spain

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh at the foundation stone ceremony of Basharat Mosque, Spain

17 June 1937: Mr John Clark Archer (1881-1957), American Clergyman and academic, visited Qadian and had an opportunity to have an audience with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. He discussed various Islamic issues with Huzoorra.

the house by laying its foundation stone, but destiny did not allow him.

On this, the first successor of the Promised Messiahas did not desire for a single promise of his master to remain unfulfilled. Accordingly, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira bore patiently the hardships of travel and reached Lahore to lay the foundation stone.

During this journey, apart from his wife and sons, he was also accompanied by Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddinra, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra and some other members. Members of the Jamaat at Lahore station welcomed them.

The guests stayed in the Ahmadiyya Buildings, while Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira resided at the house of Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig Sahib.

At the time of laying the foundation stone, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira called the sons of the Promised Messiahas to stand near him and instructed Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra to come forward, who was standing behind.

Then, Huzoorra instructed four chairs to be brought forward and told the sons of the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra to take a seat. Upon this, they felt hesitant in sitting while Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira remained standing, to which Huzoorra said: “It is I who serves you and I am performing your work. I have great regard for your father, who was my benefactor and noble leader, in my heart; please, do sit down.”

Thus, they all sat down and after that, Huzoorra delivered a speech and laid the first brick with his blessed hand. Then, with his special instruction, those sons

He was a professor of religions at Yale University, USA. In those days, he was in Punjab, engaged in conducting research on Sikhism.

After having an important meeting with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and visiting the Jamaat offices, he returned to Amritsar.

Later, on 13 July 1937, he sent a letter addressed to nazir-e-ala in which he wrote: The Furqan Force

of the Promised Messiah and Hazrat Nawab Sahibra followed him. After that, Huzoorra led everyone in silent prayer. as

Whilst in Lahore, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira delivered speeches in the evening of 16 June and in the morning of 17 June.

In his speech, he proved the superiority of Islamic teachings in comparison to other religions.

During his stay in Lahore, Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan, Editor Akhbar Zamindar visited him and stated that he should not call Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas a prophet and that only then could peace be established with other Muslims.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira stated that if Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas had not claimed to be a prophet, then the saying of the Holy Prophetsa would prove false because the awaited Messiah was called a prophet in ahadith.

15 June 1950: Ceasefire was agreed upon in Kashmir between India and Pakistan. On this, the Furqan Force of Ahmadis was disbanded. On 17 June, a special ceremony was arranged in Sarai Alamgir and the message from the commander-in-chief was read out.

Everyone concerned witnessed and lauded the efficiency and loyalty of Ahmadi volunteers.

16 June 1937: A prominent Ahmadi figure in Qadian, Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahman Jattra Hazrat Maulana Abdur was charged Rahman Jattra in court in a dispute related to the land of the graveyard in Qadian. The judge gave two options: four months imprisonment or a 100-rupee fine. Under the guidance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Jatt Sahib opted to go to jail and remained there until 9 July.

On 9 July, he was acquitted and on the same evening at 5:30pm, he reached Qadian by train and was welcomed

by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and other members of the Jamaat.

“I think I may have delayed a lot in writing this letter. Please accept my apologies for this mistake. I hoped that I would visit Qadian again and express my emotions personally, but circumstances did not permit. And now there is very little chance for my visit.

I received a message yesterday and so I had to immediately go to Jabalpur (UP). I recently met with Nayyar Sahib in Lahore and had a discussion with him.

I am very much grateful to him and his family for their kind hospitality, and his personal conduct […]

“I will always be grateful to everyone – from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih to all the workers – because I had been treated very well. I have started reading the books which Hazrat Sahib gave me, especially Islam, The Way to Peace and Happiness, and Teachings. I am thankful to all of you from the depth of my heart. After reaching America, I will make a permanent record of my visit to Qadian.

“Yours sincerely, John Clark Archer”.

12

Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

Answers to Everyday Issues – Part XVI

Response to allegations regarding the blessings of Heaven 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.

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

A lady wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa stating that some liberal, so-called feminist women raised the allegation against Islam that the Quran and ahadith had promised men blessings in Paradise such as wine, various kinds of food and women, but anyone who indulged in the same things in this world was considered wicked. Similarly, they alleged that these promises were only for men and there was no such promise for whatever women did in this world. The lady then requested a detailed reply.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 22 March 2021, gave the following reply: “The fact of the matter is that such allegations stem from total ignorance of the most beautiful teachings of Islam. Of course, the opponents of Islam raise such allegations because they do not know the teachings of Islam, but the sad and painful aspect of this is that such allegations also arise in the hearts of many Muslims. That is so because they are Muslims in name only, who do not consider it necessary to attain religious education as outlined in the Quran and hadith. The material world dominates their hearts and minds in such a way that they squander their entire lives pursuing its lustre while completely ignoring the true purpose and objective of life that is the worship of God. They try to look at the most sacred and pure blessings of the Hereafter in the same tainted mirror of worldly life.

“Where, on the one hand, the blessings of Heaven have been described in the Holy Quran, using the names of various earthly things by way of similitudes, on the other hand, these blessings have also been declared free of any impurity or negative aspect. Hence, the Holy Quran has described the different types of pure wines found in Paradise with several names and properties; they give rise to rationality, vitality and divine love; they are fragrant, aromatic and pure; those who drink them rejoice in indescribable spiritual ‘intoxication’. Hence, it states in Surah as-Saffat:

ۡ ّٰ ّ َّ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ۡ ّ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ ُ َ ُ ‫یﻄاف علي ِہم ِب�ا ٍس ِمن م ِعی �ن ۔ بيﻀ‬ ‫ٓاء لَذ ٍة ل ِل� ِر ِبی َن ۔ لَا فِ ۡي َہا‬ َ‫َﻏوۡ ٌل َّو لَا ُھ ۡم َع ۡن َہا یُ�ۡ َ� ُفوۡن‬

‘They will be served round with a cup from a flowing fountain, [sparkling] white, delicious to the drinkers, wherein there

will be no intoxication, nor will they be exhausted thereby.’ (Surah al-Saffat, Ch.37: V.4648)

“It is stated in Surah al-Waqi‘ah:

َۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ َّ َ ُّ ٌ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ‫اب ّو ابَارِیۡ َق � َو �ا ٍس ِّم ۡن‬ ٍ ‫یﻄوف علي ِہم ِولدان مﺨلدون ۔ ِبا�و‬ َ‫َّم ِعیۡن ۔ لَّا یُ َص َّد ُعوۡ َن َع ۡن َہا َو لَا یُ�ۡ� ُفوۡن‬ ِ ٍ

‘There will wait on them youths, who will not age, carrying goblets and ewers and cups filled out of a flowing spring – No headache will they get therefrom, nor will they be intoxicated.’ (Surah al-Waqi‘ah, Ch.56: V.18-20)

“Surah al-Dahr states:

ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ‫اج َہا �افوۡ ًرا‬ ‫ِان الابرار ی�ربون ِمن �ا ٍس �ان ِمز‬

‘But the virtuous drink of a cup, tempered with camphor.’ (Surah al-Dahr, Ch.76: V.6)

ۡ َ ُ َ َ َ ً َۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ‫اج َہا زن َج ِب ۡيلًا‬ ‫و یسقون فِيہا �اسا �ان ِمز‬

‘And therein will they be given to drink a cup tempered with ginger.’ (Surah al-Dahr, Ch.76: V.18)

َ َ ُ ٰ ‫َو َسق ُہ ۡم َر ّب ُہ ۡم � َر ًابا ﻃ ُہوۡ ًرا‬

‘And their Lord will give them to drink a pure beverage.’ (Surah al-Dahr, Ch.76: V.22) Surah al-Mutaffifin states:

َ َ​َ​ََۡ َ ٰ َ ٌ ۡ ُٗ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َّ ۡ َّ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ‫س‬ ِ ‫یسقون ِمن ر ِحي ٍق مﺨتو ٍم ۔ ِختمہ ِمسك و فِ ۡی ذل ِك فليتناف‬ َۡ ً َ ۡ َ ُ ‫ال ۡ ُم َت َنافِ ُسوۡ َن ۔ َو ِم َز‬ ‫اج ٗہ ِم ۡن ﺗ ۡس ِن ۡي ٍم ۔ َع ۡينا ّی� َر ُب ِب َہا ال ُم� َّ�بُوۡ َن‬

‘They will be given to drink of a pure beverage, sealed. The sealing of it will be [with] musk – for this let the aspirants aspire – and it will be tempered with [the water of] Tasnim, a spring of which the chosen ones will drink.’ (Surah al-Mutaffifin, Ch.83: V.26-29) “The Promised Messiahas, while

explaining the essence of the blessings of Paradise, states: ‘Cups of pure wine that will be as pure as the pure water [zulal] will be given to the people of Paradise. The wine will be free from all evil properties that may cause headaches or inebriation or intoxication.

One will not hear any vain or sinful talk in Heaven, but the word of salutation, ‘Peace, peace’, will be heard from everywhere which is a sign of mercy, love and delight […]

‘Now, it is evident from all these verses that the heavenly wine does not bear any resemblance or similarity with the wines of this world. It is rather the opposite and contrary to these wines in all its properties.

Moreover, nowhere in the Holy Quran is it mentioned that that wine will be made from grapes or jaggery or babul bark or any other such earthly substance. In fact, it has been repeatedly stated in God’s Word that the real essence of this wine will be the love and the recognising of the Divine which the believer takes with him from this world.

‘As for the question as to how a spiritual matter would be seen as wine, this is one of the mysteries of God Almighty which is revealed through revelations to those who recognise God [arifeen]. Wise people reach its reality through other signs and traces.’

(Surma Chashm-e-Arya, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 2, pp.

156-157)

“In the same way, while clearly describing the purity of the couples found in Paradise, Allah the Exalted states in the Holy Quran that they will be very pure and virtuous companions who will be kept hidden in

well-guarded pavilions like precious pearls.

No jinn or human would have so much as touched them before. Most importantly, it is ُ َ َ​َ ۡ ‫اھ ۡم ب ُحوۡر ع‬ stated ‫ین‬ ِ ٍ ِ ‫ َو ز ّو ۡجن‬i.e. ‘We shall marry those people of the Paradise to the most beautiful companions.’ (Surah al-Tur, Ch.52: V.21) “Thus, Heaven is not just a place of merrymaking but an extremely precious place of spirituality. Although the blessings of Heaven are named after earthly things, they refer to spiritual blessings, not to physical ones. Its example is like that of a wealthy man who told a scholar that he possessed abundant wealth. The scholar, pointing to his library, said that he had a greater treasure than him. His reply did not mean that the books were stuffed with money. He, rather, meant, ‘I have something more beneficial than what you call a treasure or wealth.’

“Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, while responding to a similar allegation, writes in Tafsir-e-Kabir: ‘First of all, it is worth remembering that the Holy Quran has clearly stated that comprehending the rewards of the Hereafter was beyond human intellect. Thus, it is not correct to compare the life of this world with the life of the Hereafter. The Holy Quran says:

ُ َ ُ ً ‫َفلَا تَ ْع َل ُم ن َ ْف ٌس َما اُ​ُ ْخ ِفيَ ل َ ُہ ْم ِم ْن ق ُ َّر ِة اَ ْعیُن َج َز‬ ‫آء ِب َما �انوْا ي ْع َملوْ َن‬ ٍ

“And no soul knows what joy of the eyes is kept hidden for them, as a reward [...].”

(Surah al-Sajdah, Ch.32: V.18)

‘This shows that whatever has been said about Paradise in the Holy Quran is in allegorical language and it is not correct to deduce from it the meaning that is derived from similar words in this world […] By stating that believers will have Gardens with shady trees, streams, non-perishable milk, water that does not rot, honey that is free of any wax or impurity and non-intoxicating wine that rather purifies the heart, the Holy Quran has replied to their allegation in the following manner: ‘The things that you consider to be blessings are inferior to the rewards that the true believers will receive. The water of the rivers, which you consider as a blessing, can rot. Believers will have such rivers, whose water will not rot. The orchards which you consider a blessing are not the real blessings.

The real blessings are the orchards that will never perish and which will be given to the believers. Believers do not need the wine that you consider a blessing. This wine is filthy and such that it obscures the mind.

AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021 God will give the believers the wine that will sharpen the intellect and increase the purity. In the honey of which you are proud, there is an impurity. The companions whom you are proud of, are filthy instead of being a blessing. Allah the Exalted will give the believers such companions who will be pure.

The fruits of which you are proud always run out. The believers will get fruits that will never run out and they will be given to them as and when desired.

‘This topic is so clear that anyone who considers it without prejudice can understand its meaning and find its subtle hints. However, there is no cure whatsoever for those who are prejudiced or ignorant [...]

In short, the gardens, the rivers, the fruits, the milk, the honey and the wine mentioned in the Holy Quran are very different from the gardens, rivers and fruits of this world.

The milk, the honey and the wine of the Hereafter are very different from the milk, the honey and the wine of this world. The Holy Quran has itself explained these matters in such a way that to doubt it after that is merely an expression of prejudice.

And since these expressions have also been used in the previous scriptures, there is nothing in these verses that people should find difficult to understand.’ (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.1, pp. 241-246) “Moreover, the earthly names of the blessings of the Hereafter are also given to make people understand and to attract them towards them. This is so because religion is for all kinds of people. So, things that are difficult for people to understand, need to be described in such a way that they can be understood by people of all levels and so that people from all walks of life can benefit from them.

“Given this point of wisdom, the Holy Quran has used such words for the blessings of the Hereafter which are a source of consolation for all kinds of people according to their intellect and status. Furthermore, the disbelievers used to taunt the Muslims by saying, ‘They are deprived of all kinds of bounties and they also want to deprive us of all of them.’ Therefore, to help their minds perceive the blessings of the Hereafter, Allah the Exalted gave them the names of the earthly things which they considered as blessings and by using the names of these same things, He told them that the believers will also get all these blessings. Otherwise, in the Quran and hadith, it has been clearly stated that there will be blessings in Paradise which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard and no human heart has ever perceived. However, only those pious and righteous people, who, although live on this earth, but forgo these worldly luxuries and rise high spiritually, will be given a taste of these blessings in this very world. Later, when these people will find those blessings in Heaven with their absolute properties, they will openly cry out:

َّ َ َ َۡ ‫ٰھذا ال ِذ ۡی ُرزِقنا ِم ۡن ق ۡب ُل‬

‘This is the provision from which we have been given before.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.26)

“The Promised Messiahas, while describing this reality of the Hereafter, states: ‘God has said:

ُْ َْ َ َ َ ُ َ ُّ ‫فلَا ت ْعل ُم نف ٌس َما أخ ِفيَ ل َ ُه ْم ِم ْن ق َر ِة أ ْعي ٍن‬

‘[“And no soul knows what joy of the eyes is kept hidden for them” (Surah al-

“

13

Study the Holy Quran from beginning to end. In

all issues, commandments and rewards, both men and women are mentioned. For example, if righteous men are mentioned at some place, then righteous women are also mentioned next to them. If worshipping men are mentioned at some place, then worshipping women are also mentioned next to them.

Sajdah, Ch. 32, V. 18)] ‘That is, no virtuous one knows what bliss is kept hidden from him, as a reward for that which he used to do.

‘Thus, God has described all those bounties as hidden, the like of which is not to be found in this world. It is obvious that the bounties of this world are not hidden from us and we are familiar with milk, pomegranates and grapes etc. which we eat here. This shows that the bounties of the next life are something else and have nothing in common with the bounties of this life, except the name. He who conceives of the conditions of Paradise in the terms of the conditions of this life has not the least understanding of the Holy Quran.

‘In interpreting the verse that we have just cited, our lord and master, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said that Heaven and its bounties are such as no eye has seen, nor has any ear heard, nor have they been conceived by the mind of man; whereas we see the bounties of this world and hear of them and their thought also passes through our minds.

‘Now when God and His Messenger describe them as something strange, we would depart altogether from the Holy Quran if we were to imagine that in Heaven we shall be given the same milk which is obtained in this life from cows and buffaloes, as if herds of milch cattle would be kept in Heaven and there will be numerous beehives in the trees of Heaven from which angels will procure honey and pour it into streams.

‘Have these concepts any relationship with the teaching that says that those bounties have never been witnessed in this world, and that they illumine the souls and foster our understanding of God and provide spiritual nourishment? They are described in physical terms but we are told that their source is the soul and its righteousness.’ (Islami Usool Ki Philosophy, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, pp. 397-398)

“Huzooras further states: ‘The reality of the Islamic Paradise is that it is a reflection of the faith and actions of a person in this life and is not something that will be bestowed upon a person from

outside. A person’s paradise is developed inside him and everyone’s paradise is his faith and his righteous actions, the delight of which begins to be tasted in this very life and one perceives the hidden gardens and streams of faith and righteous action which will become concretely manifest in the Hereafter. God’s holy teaching instructs us that pure, perfect and firm faith in God, His attributes and His designs, is a beautiful garden of fruit trees, and righteous actions are the streams that irrigate the garden.’

(Islami Usool Ki Philosophy, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, p. 390)

“As far as this part of your question is concerned, whether only men are promised rewards in the Hereafter, excluding women, this question also arises as a result of a lack of knowledge of Islamic teachings.

“In countless places in the Quran and Hadith, where virtuous men have been declared the inheritors of these rewards, virtuous women have also been declared as being entitled to the same rewards. Hence, it states:

َُْ َ َ​َ َ َُ َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ‫ات ِم ْن ذك ٍر أ ْو أنثى َو ُهوَ ُم ْؤ ِم ٌن فأول َ ِئك‬ ‫ومن يعمل ِمن‬ ِ ‫الصال َِح‬ َ َ ْ ُ َ ّ َ ُ َ ‫ون ال ْ َجنة َولَا يُظل ُم‬ َ ‫يَ ْدخل‬ ً‫ون ن ِقيرا‬

‘But whoso does good works, whether male or female, and is a believer, such shall enter Heaven, and shall not be wronged even [as much as] the little hollow in the back of a date-stone.’ (Surah an-Nisa, Ch. 4, V. 125) “Likewise, it states:

َ َ​َ َ ْ َّ ًََ ‫َم ْن َع ِم َل َس ِّيئة فلَا يُ ْج َزى ِإلا ِمثل َها َو َم ْن َع ِم َل َصال ًِحا ِم ْن ذك ٍر أ ْو‬ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َّ َ ْ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ٌ ْ ُ َ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ‫اب‬ ٍ ‫أنثى وهو مؤ ِمن فأول ِئك يدخلون الجنة يرزقون فِيها بِغيرِ ِحس‬

‘Whoso does evil will be requited only with the like of it; but whoso does good, whether male or female, and is a believer – these will enter the Garden; they will be provided therein without measure.’ (Surah alMu‘min, Ch.40: V.41)

“Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, while explaining this matter, stated: ‘There is no doubt that previous nations proposed laws for men, but they did not mention women’s rights anywhere. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the first to teach that just as men have rights over women, so do also women have rights over men. َّ ْ َ ْ ‫َول َ ُه َّن ِمث ُل ال ِذي َعل ْي ِه َّن ِبال َم ْعرُ ْو ِف‬

‘[“And they (the women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in equity.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, V. 229)] ‘Thus, just as men have rights over women, so do also women have many rights which men ought to fulfil. Then, he opened the ways for the advancement of women in every sphere of life: He declared them the owners of their properties. He took care of their feelings and emotions. He took care of their education. He commanded that their spiritual training [tarbiyat] be undertaken. Then it was declared that just as there are infinite levels of advancement for men in Heaven, so also the doors of infinite development are open for women in Heaven.’ (Friday Sermon, 26 November 1937, Al Fazl, 4 December 1937, p. 5)

“On another occasion, Huzoorra said: ‘Study the Holy Quran from beginning to end. In all issues, commandments and rewards, both men and women are mentioned. For example, if righteous men are mentioned at some place, then righteous women are also mentioned next to them. If worshipping men are mentioned at some place, then worshipping women are also mentioned next to them. If it is mentioned that men will go to Heaven, then it is also mentioned next to it that women will also enter Heaven. If a man has virtues of an excellent order and he is placed in a high station in Heaven, then his wife, whose virtues may not be suitable for that station, will nevertheless be kept in the same position because of her husband.

‘Similarly, if a woman has virtues of an excellent order and she is placed in a high station in Heaven, then her husband, whose virtues may be of a lower order, will nevertheless be kept in the same position because of her.’ (Address delivered on 31 July 1950,

Al Fazl Rabwah, 14 November 1962, p. 4)

“While speaking to ladies during various Jalsas [annual conventions], I have also addressed the topic of the responsibilities of women in Islam and their rights in this world and the rewards they will receive in the Hereafter. During the Jalsa Salana Germany of 2019, I also addressed the ladies on this topic. Have a look at that too.”

(Translated by Al Hakam)

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

50 years of Nasir Mosque, Suriname and its relationship with Khilafat Laiq Ahmad Mushtaq Missionary, Suriname In the Holy Quran (chapter 9, verse 18) Allah the Almighty says: “Verily, he alone is worthy fo maintaining the Mosques of Allah who believes in Allah, and the Last Day, and observes Prayer, and pays Zakat, and fears none but Allah; so these it is who are far more likely to be [counted] among the guided.”

Allah the Almighty also says: “And [all] places of worship belong to Allah; so call not on anyone beside Allah.” (Surah al-Jinn, Ch.72: V.19) Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan narrated that he heard Allah’s Messengersa say: “Whoever builds a mosque for [the sake of] Allah, then Allah will build a similar house for him in Paradise.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Salah) By the grace of Allah, 25 April 2021 marked 50 years since the inauguration of the first mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Suriname. Over the last five decades, Nasir Mosque has been a source of innumerable blessings for the Jamaat. This mosque also serves as the headquarters for the Ahmadiyya mission in the country.

Suriname is one of those fortunate countries where the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat reached during the blessed era of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. A resident of this small country in South America travelled all the way to Rabwah, Pakistan and got the opportunity to live near Khalifatul Masih IIra for almost four years. According to Mr Abdul

Mr Hoseni Badoella

Opening of Nasir Mosque, 25 April 1971

Aziz Jummanbakhsh’s diary, he reached Rabwah on the evening of 20 December 1953. Later on, he had the privilege of meeting Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and performing allegiance.

After the arrival of Maulana Rashid Ahmed Ishaq in November 1956, the Jamaat was officially established in Suriname. Among the very first people to be blessed to accept the message of Ahmadiyyat, was Mr Hoseni Badoella.

A few years after accepting Ahmadiyyat, he decided to build a mosque on his own land, dedicating 3,000 square meters of land to the community for this purpose. A few days after the commencement of the construction of the mosque, a formal inauguration ceremony was held on 18 June 1961.

Maulana Bashir Ahmed Orchard, Missionary of Jamaat Guyana, especially travelled to Suriname to participate in this event. The construction of the mosque took about 10 years to complete due to a lack of funds and manpower. It is worth mentioning that Mr Badoella himself

Laying the foundation stone of Nasir Mosque, 18 June 1961

did most of the construction, along with his sons. As there was no missionary in the country, Maulana Ghulam Ahmad Naseem and Maulana Fazl Illahi Bashir

visited Suriname from the neighbouring Guyana and supervised the work.

On Sunday, 25 April 1971, the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

was commemorated with the official inauguration ceremony of the Nasir Mosque. On this occasion, a written message was received from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. A congratulatory telegram was also received from Wakilut-Tabshir, Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said in his message: “Congratulations on the occasion of the inauguration of the first mosque of Jamaat Ahmadiyya in Suriname. May Allah the Almighty make this mosque a source of divine blessings for everyone, amin. The Jamaat should always remember that all blessings are in obedience to God’s command and obedience to God’s chosen servants, whether they are God’s prophets or the prophet’s Khulafa. Khilafat brings the blessings of Allah, so hold fast to it.

Maulana Fazl Illahi Bashir

May Allah be with you.”

From 29 May to 4 June 1991, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited Suriname, the first and only time a Khalifa visited this country. On 31 May, Huzoorrh delivered a Friday Sermon on the subject of gratitude, at the Nasir Mosque.

Huzoorrh said: “Whether it is the Ahmadis of Fiji, Suriname, Mauritius, China, Japan, Russia or America, if they all listen to the advice of the Khalifa of the age, live, their moral training will be done in the same way. All of them will become one nation, even if these peoples are very different in their appearances. The colours of their faces and skins may be different, but their

hearts will be of the same colour. Their appearance may be different due to the difference in their features, but the appearance of their souls will be the same. I came here and saw that this Jamaat is made of great sincerity. Indeed, this Jamaat is a mine of sincerity. But if mines are not excavated and valuable gems are not obtained therefrom, then of what benefit are they? These gems remain mixed up in clay. There is in your midst such sincere material that if your missionaries and office-holders take benefit from it and bring out these hidden treasures, then the whole area can benefit from your blessings and be filled with the light of Ahmadiyyat, by the grace of Allah. May the Almighty Allah grant you the capacity to do this. Amin.” (Al Fazl, 23 September 1991) In 2006, the Nasir Mosque was completely renovated. The wooden roof was removed and a steel frame was made and installed. PVC sheet ceilings were installed, along with aluminium doors and windows. New mats were laid on the floor. Thus, the appearance of the mosque was completely changed. Members of the Jamaat made great financial as well as other sacrifices to reach this goal. After its completion, a detailed report was sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa replied: “Masha-Allah, the mosque has become very beautiful. You have said that a lot of this work has been done by Waqar-e-Amal, and there is also a huge contribution by the grandchildren of Hoseni Badoella Sahib. May Allah reward them and bless their wealth and progeny.”

Readers of Al Hakam are requested to remember Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname in their special prayers.

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

No God, no objective morality Meanwhile UNICEF says pornography is child’s human right Mustafa Siddiqi Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

In bizarre and rather disturbing news, UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, one of the world’s most well-known and recognised children’s charities, published a report suggesting that efforts to restrict children from accessing adult content online, including pornography, may involve a breach of children’s “human rights”, including their rights to “access information” and “freedom of expression”.

It said, chillingly, that the possibility of their rights being apparently infringed in this way meant that different children’s rights must be “balanced”.

In the report, UNICEF asserts – without any evidence – that there is “no consensus on the degree to which pornography is harmful to children.” (http://c-fam.org/ wp-content/uploads/Digital-Age-AssuranceTools-and-Childrens-Rights-Online-acrossthe-Globe.pdf) Fortunately, 487 child safety experts and advocates from 26 countries were on hand to sign a joint letter to UNICEF, coordinated by the US-based National Center on Sexual Exploitation, referencing an array of research demonstrating the egregious harm pornography causes to children. (https://endsexualexploitation.org/articles/ unicef-report-dismissing-pornographysharms-to-children-removed/) As if then to twist the knife into the wound of anyone who would take fierce exception to the suggestion that children viewing pornography is somehow a part of their human rights, the report quotes a study of European children, which says that “most children who saw sexual images online were neither upset nor happy” and then proceeds to give statistics about how children felt after seeing pornographic images.

Worse still, in a way that appears not at all coincidental, but rather strategic, the final word of the section under comment is given to the statistic that “39 per cent” of Spanish children “reported feeling happy [emphasis added] after seeing such images.”

The above statistics are included in the section which seeks to assess the harm to children of viewing pornographic material.

It starts off by commendably referencing research by advocates against allowing children to view pornographic material, linking it to a number of detrimental outcomes, even if it itself then undermines the very same research by suggesting that only “some” children only “appear” to be harmed by being exposed to only “some” kinds of pornography only “some” of the time – and even then the nature and extent

of such harm “vary”!

The huge reluctance to say that “pornography is harmful for children” is glaringly obvious and extremely disconcerting; such convoluted language is reminiscent of the slipperiest corporate terms and conditions.

Yet when it comes to suggesting why children viewing pornographic material may not be harmful for them, in the same section, the same rigorous scepticism is nowhere to be seen. The report references the above-mentioned study and uses children’s feelings to somehow inform commentary on this issue, to somehow quantify the harm they suffer. Yes – children’s feelings. The same children who can’t legally work, vote, marry or drive; who practically can’t even live without harming themselves without constant adult supervision. The mind boggles.

Setting aside temporarily, then, children’s feelings being used to inform a UNICEF report about their rights as hopefully some kind of isolated moment of madness on UNICEF’s part, noteworthy is another justification presented in the report of children accessing pornography of it apparently being some kind of educational opportunity for them. It is suggested that pornography could be a source of “vital sexuality education”, though the report is careful here to euphemise the pornography referenced as “digital sexuality education media”; it adds that some of the described content “may be classified” as pornography in “certain contexts”. What these “certain contexts” are, where sexually explicit, pornographic material that would otherwise be wholly inappropriate – and illegal – for children to view turns out actually not to be,

is a mystery.

Besides, how on earth can children viewing pornographic material be justified as being “educational”? If “educational” is taken simply to mean “conveying new information”, then, yes, children viewing pornography would certainly be extremely educational; exposing nascent, immature minds to the world of sexuality. But if the educational value for children is measured solely on the basis of information only, then why aren’t all other forms of information accessible to children, irrespective of possible risks?

Instead of telling children the importance of being responsible, considerate members of society, why aren’t children shown graphic videos of racist and/or violent abuse? Instead of teaching children not to bully others, why aren’t children shown distressing videos of other children being bullied at school? Instead of reminding children not to talk to strangers, why aren’t children shown examples of children who’ve been kidnapped and killed by strangers? Surely, such an approach would be far more direct and effective than “mere words”.

“Not showing children such content (as mentioned above) would be a potential breach of children’s rights, including their rights to access information and freedom of information,” said no one, ever; not even UNICEF. Viewing material sexually explicit, however, seems to be some kind of natural, inalienable right inherently belonging to children.

Thankfully, UNICEF later removed the report from their website. While this is undoubtedly a good thing, it is no solution to the issue – because the report itself was never the problem.

The problem goes far, far deeper. The

problem is that lacking God means lacking any form of objective morality.

Objective morality is the idea that what is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong, irrespective and independent of what anyone thinks or says about it.

Take, for example, the proposition that “torturing people for fun is wrong”.

Presumably, everyone would agree with this. But the real question is: why is torturing people for fun wrong? Is it because everyone agrees that it is? If it is, what if not everyone agreed that it is? What if one person, or ten people, or half of society, or if everyone minus one, or if absolutely everyone thought that torturing people for fun wasn’t wrong?

Would that mean it wouldn’t be wrong anymore, or perhaps less wrong?

Surely, everyone would agree that torturing people for fun is wrong independently of whether anyone thinks it is or not. So is torturing people for fun wrong, perhaps not because anyone says it’s wrong, but because it’s inherently cruel? Yes – but again, what is cruel? Is hunting animals cruel? Is eating animals cruel? Is keeping animals as pets cruel? There are people who believe just as passionately that all three are wrong as those who believe that all three are right. Waiting for consensus on what is and isn’t cruel (which has never happened in the history of humanity and appears no more likely to happen today than at any point in the past) before doing anything about it would be extremely cruel in itself.

So if objective morality means morality not defined by what we feel, but by something independent of us, what should dictate to us what is right and wrong? The law, in practice, for most people appears to define day-to-day what’s right and what’s not. But what is the law? In the democracies of the world today, the law is what a majority of people think is right. So what if tomorrow, the majority of people decided to have a law passed that says that torturing people for fun is right?

The above is no sensational exaggeration.

Consider the example of Nazi Germany.

According to a study by Oxford University professor Robert Gellately, there was substantial participation in, and consent to, the Holocaust from a large number of ordinary Germans (Backing Hitler: Consent and Coercion in Nazi Germany, Oxford University Press). And even if we were to assume that no-one knew about the Holocaust at all and accepted that Hitler wasn’t even strictly democratically elected because of his abuse of the democratic system, the fact remains that over a third of the German population voted for him in the presidential election of April 1932, and over a third of Germans voted for the Nazis in

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021 the federal election of July 1932, which is when the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag, the German parliament. (https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/ en/article/adolf-hitler-1930-1933). And on 30 January 1933, Hitler was appointed as chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenberg, the man whom over half the German population had (re-)elected the previous year (www.historyplace.com/ worldwar2/riseofhitler/runs.htm).

From then began Hitler’s dictatorship, and the rest is history.

The above facts bear strikingly unpalatable implications for democracy, and surely practically put paid to notions of democracy being a viable basis for morality.

Whether or not the German people knew what Hitler was to go on to do is immaterial; his leadership of the German people was justified from a purely democratic standpoint because it was ultimately the support of the people that allowed him to get there.

How does Nazi Germany relate to children viewing pornography? When God is taken out of the equation, the possibility of an external, independent basis for morality is removed. Moral values can then only be defined by someone’s saying so at some particular time. But even then, moral values don’t stay the same – they change according to the whimsical “tyranny of the majority”.

Consider the example of female public attire. Less than 200 years ago, a woman baring her ankles in public was considered “wholly indecent”(http://arts.brighton. ac.uk/projects/brightonline/issue-numbertwo/the-fetishization-and-objectificationof-the-female-body-in-victorian-culture).

This is in sharp contrast to the modern era, where variously revealing clothes are the normal clothing of choice for women in the West especially.

As for sex before marriage – in 1650, the British parliament passed a law making it punishable by three months’ imprisonment, (www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/actsordinances-interregnum/pp387-389) a far cry from modern attitudes: in 2012, only 6% of British society considered it to be “always wrong”. (www.bsa.natcen.ac.uk/ media/38723/bsa30_full_report_final.pdf) Not only do these things run rampant in society nowadays, they enjoy widespread acceptance. As such, the larger part of society would presumably be happy with these shifts in opinion, pleased with the “progress”. It is interesting to speculate, however, how people of the past would view the state of our society today. How would modestly-dressed women of the Victorian era view women of today, with more skin often visible than covered? How would married couples of the past view modern society, where sex before marriage has become a social norm? After a wave of initial shock, with anywhere between disgust and sheer horror, one would imagine.

“But those people were from backward, unenlightened, barbaric times!” will be the likely response. “Why should we care about attitudes that were so clearly wrong!” The thing to do here would be to objectively compare attitudes now and then, and ask: why is women being free to wear revealing clothing objectively better than women not being free to wear revealing clothing? And why is the freedom to have sex before marriage objectively better than

not having the freedom to have sex before marriage? Regardless of whether one believes society’s current situation to be better than that of the past or not, there is no objective way of proving that what we have now is any better than at any time before.

The only possible justification for why today is better than yesterday is because more people are apparently “happier” on the basis that more people are able to “do what they want”.

But without objective morality, why is happiness even something of any value?

Why should people’s happiness matter?

Why should people’s happiness count for anything more – or be any more of a desirable outcome – than people’s sadness?

Without objective morality, “good” and “bad” have no definition and so, morals have no grounds or basis – and then happiness, as a result, becomes an utterly meaningless and useless value.

The real problem with using an arbitrary, groundless concept like “happiness” as an artificial basis for morality is that since it lacks an external reference point and any kind of objective definition, it can thus have no boundaries or limits either.

If society today can dismiss the moral concerns of its forebears with a wave of the hand, purely on the basis of “we don’t like it”, then it must also, by the same token, be ready to accept similar dismissal from future generations. This may sound quite reasonable – acceptable, even – until one takes a glance at its unavoidable consequence: the dark undercurrents currently festering in the moral underbelly of society, and contemplates their unsettling ramifications.

Mirjam Heine, a medical student and TEDx speaker, argued in a talk in 2018 that paedophilia should be accepted as an “unchangeable sexual orientation just like, for example, heterosexuality.” All Heine did here was demonstrate logical consistency: if society has now, for example, accepted different types of sexual tendencies, why can’t the same courtesy be extended to paedophiles? Only because society wouldn’t like it as much?

Heine continued: “The difference between paedophilia and other sexual orientations is that living out this sexual orientation will end in a disaster.” The fact is – presumably to the joy of paedophiles the world over – paedophilia may not spell

“disaster” for those who engage in it for too much longer.

Behavioural psychologist and therapist Dr Linda Mintle disagreed with Heine, calling paedophilia a “mental disorder” (www.metroweekly.com/2018/07/tedxspeaker-argues-that-pedophilia-shouldbe-accepted-as-an-unchangeable-sexualorientation/). Let’s not forget, sexual tendencies that were labelled “mental disorders” in the past are now widely accepted and celebrated.

Today’s “mental disorder” is tomorrow’s “sexual orientation”, it would seem.

Theoretical physicist, cosmologist and renowned anti-theist, Lawrence Krauss, said in a debate with Muslim researcher, Hamza Tzortzis, when asked why incest was wrong, “It’s not clear to me that it’s wrong.” He said incest would not merit “absolute condemnation” if a brother and a sister loved each other, provided they “used contraception, […] it was once and they went off and it didn’t affect anything else […] if they love each other and care for each other”. He’d perhaps be willing to listen to arguments in favour of incest if they were “rational”. (https://youtu.be/ uSwJuOPG4FI?t=4161) It is quite sad to see that Krauss, led by his insistent rejection of God, for all his academic prowess and renowned scholarship, suffers moral bankruptcy to the point that he is unable to absolutely condemn even incest as wrong.

Though it seems shocking, it should perhaps not be entirely surprising. In a way, like Heine, he perhaps isn’t even entirely blameworthy – they both at least display creditable logical consistency absent from the vast majority of atheist discourse, which fails to recognise that a lack of objective morality can only result in a slippery slope of moral freefall.

Without God as one’s moral compass, nothing can be objectively good or bad.

Without God, in fact, the entire Universe doesn’t even have a purpose – and if the Universe itself has no purpose, no meaning or moral value can be attached to anything in it either. Any artificially constructed “morality” is a baseless illusion; an illusion that can provide cover to, and in fact support, profoundly troubling expressions of unchecked, animalistic human instinct.

This mess of morality and the loss of a healthy moral compass will only continue to

degrade society.

Today, UNICEF suggested open access to pornography for children is a human right; only God knows what is to follow.

The remedy to this is to come back to God – the Creator of humans – and His perfect teachings for humanity.

A pithy and profound warning of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa comes to mind: ْ ْ َ َ َْ ْ َ َ َ ْ ‫اص َنع َما ِشئت‬ ‫ِإذا لم تست ِحي ف‬ “If you feel no shame, do whatever you like.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 147)

Khilafat Day event in Greece Zeeshan Nadeem Greece Correspondent

On 29 May 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece was able to hold its online Khilafat Day event through Skype.

The planning of the event began two weeks before the date to make it successful.

All members of the Jamaat were reminded by the presidents of the auxiliary organisations.

In addition to this, all members were notified via WhatsApp group announcements and by phone.

The Jalsa was presided over by Atta-Ul Naseer Sahib, Missionary and National President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece. The Jalsa started with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by its translation, a hadith and an excerpt from the writings of the Promised Messiahas.

Then a poem was recited, followed by the first speech which was delivered by Mubarak Ahmad Bashir Sahib on the topic of “Khilafat on the precepts of Prophethood” with support of Quranic verses and ahadith.

Another poem was recited, after which the second speech was delivered by Choudhry Mushtaq Ahmad Sahib on the “Blessings of Khilafat”.

The final speech was delivered by Dr Muhammad Athar Zubair Sahib, Chairman Humanity First Germany, whose approval was given very graciously by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. He presented various incidents regarding his personal observations in relation to the acceptance of Huzoor’saa prayers.

In light of Huzoor’s instructions and his personal example, he also advised the Jamaat members about improving family lives. Alhamdulillah, it was very useful for the members to listen to such incidents of our beloved Huzooraa. Some members even sent their impressions of how they vowed to make pure changes in themselves after listening to this speech.

The Jalsa concluded with silent prayer, which was led by the keynote speaker.

The total attendance of the event was 53, which comprised of 11 Ansar, 28 Khuddam, seven Lajna members, four Nasirat and three Atfal.

May Allah enable us to make efforts to serve Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya until our last breaths. May Allah enable us to be the recipients of the prayers of our beloved Imam. Amin.

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadi Muslim UK Missionaries give nationwide speeches on Khilafat Day Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-Charge UK

27 May 1908 heralded the start of the “Second Manifestation” of God’s blessings as the institution of Khilafat was re-established in Islam. As a continuous reminder of this sheer blessing of Allah the Almighty, Khilafat Day jalsas are held up and down the country and indeed globally too.

The pandemic has encouraged people to become more creative in using technology to reach out to others.

Shahzeb Athar Sahib, a missionary, reports that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK commemorated Khilafat Day throughout the country via YouTube and video conferencing software to reach out to the members of the Jamaat.

Over 25,000 people attended Jalsa Khilafat Day Jalsa organised virtually throughout the UK. The National Khilafat Day Jalsa was held on 27 May 2021 live on YouTube, which has, thus far (2 June), been viewed by 15,963 people. The Jalsa was chaired by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Urdu poem. The first speech was delivered by Dr Chaudry Ijaz ur Rehman Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah UK, on “The blessings of Khilafat”, followed by a speech delivered

by Raja Burhan Ahmad Taaley Sahib, a missionary and lecturer at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, on “The mantle of Khilafat”.

A speech was then delivered by a young waqif-e-nau on “How Khilafat guides me”.

The Jalsa concluded with an Urdu poem, followed by the closing remarks and silent prayer led by Amir Sahib.

Across the 14 regions in the UK, in the month of May 2021, UK missionaries have been organising Jalsa Yaum-e-Khilafat.

Missionary-in-Charge UK, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib delivered speeches addressing the jamaats of Huddersfield North and South and Worcester Park on “Personal accounts and memories with Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat”.

Naseem Ahmad Bajwa Sahib, the missionary of the Baitul Futuh mosque, delivered speeches addressing Merton Park and Baitul Futuh jamaats.

Mubarak Ahmed Basra Sahib addressed the jamaats of Bradford North, Bradford South, Keighley and Leeds.

Mansur Ahmed Sahib addressed the jamaats of Hayes and Greenford.

Sabahat Karim Sahib addressed the jalsas of Huddersfield South and Huddersfield North jamaats.

Qureshi Daud Ahmad Sahib addressed the Glasgow Jamaat and Ansarullah Glasgow.

Mujeeb Ahmed Mirza Sahib addressed the Southall Jamaat and spoke on “Obedience to Khilafat”.

Ammar Ahmad Sahib addressed the Cardiff Jamaat and spoke on the “Significance of Khilafat”.

Humayon Jahangeer Khan Sahib ad-

dressed the Birmingham West Jamaat and spoke on “Why we celebrate Khilafat Day’.

Sheikh Sharjeel Ahmad Sahib addressed Clapham, Battersea, Burntwood and Tooting Broadway jamaats.

Imran Ahmad Khalid Sahib addressed MKA Masroor region.

Zartasht Latif Sahib addressed the Leicester and Coventry jamaats.

Hassan Selby Sahib addressed Scunthorpe Jamaat.

Tahir Khalid Sahib addressed the Morden Park, Baitul Ehsan and Morden South jamaats.

Rawah-ud-din Arif Khan Sahib addressed the Glasgow Jamaat.

Tahir Selby Sahib addressed the Newcastle Jamaat and gave a PowerPoint presentation on the “Blessings of Khilafat”.

He also addressed the Midlands regional tabligh class, Hartlepool tabligh class and Hartlepool Atfal class.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat commemorates the blessings of Khilafat on this day by offering prayers and recalling the blessings of Allah the Almighty on the Jamaat through this blessed institution.

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Khilafat Day Jalsa Huddersfield Aamir Shahzad President Huddersfield South

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Huddersfield South and North organised an online Khilafat Day Jalsa on 28 May 2021.

The event started with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by an Urdu poem.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge UK was invited in this jalsa to share his personal accounts and faith-inspiring memories with Khulafae-Ahmadiyyat. He started his address by advising all the participants that earlier, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, had delivered a beautiful and heart-touching Friday Sermon, which highlighted the importance of Khilafat and everyone ought to listen to that sermon.

He also shared his personal eyewitness incidents and explained how Allah the Almighty showed his love and help to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. He advised everyone to be obedient to Khilafat and to regularly listen to the Friday Sermon of Huzooraa, as this was a powerful source of making a connection with Khilafat.

Finally, before dua, he reminded everyone to remember Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in their prayers. The event concluded with silent prayer.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

Proving the claim of to the Promised Messiah’s Allegations knowledge of miraculous and profound Arabic

Responding

Part XIV 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 dispel major allegations raised against the Promised Messiah’sas use of Arabic phrases, his God-given eloquence and command over the language and the usage of sentences taken from past literature.

Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Central Arabic Desk

Conclusion A professor of Islamia College Lahore, Maulvi Asghar Ali Sahib, also objected to the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas and mentioned the same objections in his letter, which were expressed by the maulvis of his time and other opponents of the founder of Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The Promised Messiahas wrote a detailed reply to his letter on 3 April 1894 and gave answers to all of his objections in a concise but comprehensive manner.

We will present below a few extracts from the said complete response letter of the Promised Messiahas as the conclusion of this series of articles.

The Promised Messiahas stated: “After ‘assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu’, I express that I have received your letter. This quality of yours [Maulvi Asghar Ali Sahib] is commendable that you do not belong to that group of people who are merely hasty and out of prejudice, call a Muslim by the name of ‘kafir’ [disbeliever], antichrist and unfaithful, or even call him ‘akfar’ [superlative degree of kafir]. It came to light that your letter was for the purpose of enquiring about some parts of the book, Hamamatul-Bushra, where, in your view, there are mistakes of sarf wa nahw [Arabic morphology and grammar] or urooz [prosody or laws of poetic meters and rhythms]. Moreover, as per your knowledge, some ideas, phrases or couplets in this book have been plagiarised.

“So, my dear friend, in response to this, I submit that this humble person does not consider himself to be a writer or a poet or anything for that matter. Neither have I spent any part of my life [to acquire] this skill, nor have I spent a considerable amount of time in writing these phrases and couplets.

“Allah the Almighty knows that these [Arabic] writings were composed like regular letters by sparing a couple of hours out of my busy schedule each day. At the

same time, the copyist would keep writing them as well. By chance, if I ever have an entire free day, around a hundred couplets are prepared in one day. This day is also marginally free because if you happen to visit this place, you will know how busy the days and nights are over here. The situation of incoming letters is such that sometimes, 300 to 500 letters are received on a monthly basis. Moreover, I have to reply to some letters in the form of treatises [i.e. lengthy answers were written] […]

“In these circumstances, you can understand that if there occurs a mistake in a book, because to err is human, then there is nothing wrong in that. In fact, it is a matter of concern if there is no mistake.

Many righteous and pious people live here and from time to time, learned intellectuals and writers come and stay. Moreover, a group of scholars reside here who never leave this place. You can easily enquire about my style of writing from them. If you do, you will find that my works are a miracle […]

“Once I write something, I do not get a chance to review it. Consequently, if any grammatical or syntactic error remains in such writings, then what is wrong with that? Where have I claimed that this is impossible? In this short opportunity of time and in such a hurry, whatever passes on through my pen, I consider it from God Almighty. However, it is totally my mishap if a mistake happens. Moreover, a scriber’s error should also be considered. […]

“Do not get me wrong, but your view on plagiarism is also not right. I have a habit that you may have got confused with plagiarism; it is that while contemplating over an idea and in the flow of writing which goes on without hindrance, if a phrase or sometimes a verse of a past writer comes to mind, which seems suitable, then it is considered by God Almighty. There is nothing wrong in writing the said [phrase or verse] if it fits perfectly in the subject because it coincidently came to our mind.

The more surprising thing is that most of the time, I do not realise it at all and another person says that the said phrase or verse has

become almost identical to such and such phrase or verse. Sometimes, I am surprised by an extraordinary tawarud [coincidence of ideas or random uniformity of theme in writings of two or more authors]. I know that hasty people will object to it with their haste and bad suspicion, but I am sure that I have not committed any kind of sin. If they do object, then they should keep doing it.

“An eloquent work, when it reaches its perfection, becomes a light. The light only resembles light. In order to commit plagiarism, young age, power of youth and extensive opportunities are needed, but I do not have these things. What can we do if someone considers [my works to be] plagiarism? The essentials with which these writings have been composed. If someone can write with the said essentials, I can allow him to plagiarise not once but a thousand times. You can understand that the scope of plagiarism in a research work on a particular subject is very narrow. Anyone involved in this type of work will easily understand how baseless this objection is in such scholarly discussions.

“On the other hand, you should bear in mind that one should not rush to find out errors of sarf wa nahw. It is not long before opponent maulvis point out similar errors in books. Another sincere scholar removed that misconception by presenting similar examples from the Holy Quran and corrected him. Once, an opponent argued about the metre of an [Arabic] couplet.

There and then, an Arabic scholar presented a couplet of a famous Muslim poet from the early era, [which had the same metre]. It is a blessing of God Almighty that a great number of literary writers, who belong to Syria, Medina and our own country, India, are part of our Jamaat. Moreover, other scholars also come to stay here from time to time.

“Dear friend! The field of sarf wa nahw is very vast. See how much difference there is in silas [Arabic prepositions]. Sometimes there come three ٰor four silas for a single ّ ّٰ word.ٰ Such as‫ بارك الله فیك‬,‫ بارك الله لك‬,‫ باركك‬and ّ ‫بارك الله علیك‬, so please reflect.

“Sometimes, ‫ من‬is replaced by ‫ عن‬and

vice versa. On other occasions, ‫ ف‬is replaced by ‫ ب‬and vice versa. Moreover, there are huge changes in the new idioms [of Arabic].

“Hence, this is a very delicate matter.

I wonder why you get into it and why you claim that you will publish grammatical errors across the country.

“Dear friend! If there really is any mistake, then where have we denied it?

However, if some of the errors that you have pointed out are not proven to be mistakes after the final research, then who would be embarrassed after this haste? The critics have pointed out errors of Hariri as well. In fact, these days, an evil-tempered Christian of Beirut has criticised the Holy Quran.

Thus, when the evil objectors do not even shy away from the Holy Quran at the time of raising allegations and when criticism has been carried out against the poetry and prose of the native speakers as well, then how can I say that I can avoid these attacks.

However, I say that it is certainly true that criticism is easy but the occurrence of insightful ideas is difficult. […]” (Al Hakam, 17 October 1903, Letter dated 3 April 1894 addressed to Maulvi Asghar Ali Sahib, Professor Islamia College, Lahore) Towards the end of his reply, the Promised Messiahas accepted Maulvi Asghar Ali Sahib’s challenge of competing in composing a piece of writing and Huzooras presented his then recent work, Nur-ul-Haq. The Promised Messiahas said: “It has been revealed to me in two dreams and two revelations that my enemy and opponent will fail to produce the like of it [i.e. the book, Nur-ul-Haq].” (Ibid) Moreover, the Promised Messiahas presented a list of conditions for Maulvi Asghar Ali Sahib to abide by in that competition, so that the time of both parties might not be wasted. However, the professor did not live up to his own challenge and could not find the courage to compete with the Promised Messiahas.

Hence, the Promised Messiahas substantiated in this precise letter that the field of sarf wa nahw was very vast and a person could easily consider a correct phrase to be wrong. Moreover, he made it clear that there was no question of objection if he accidentally made a grammatical mistake in his writings or a scribe committed an error while copying or transcribing.

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

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

Perfect Preservation of the Holy Quran

The manuscript of Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ud

A series of articles discussing the miracle of perfect preservation of the Holy Quran and responding to modern-day criticisms. not a prophet or messenger. If he made a mistake out of passion, does that mean that we should consider his statement part of:

Farhan Iqbal Missionary, Canada

Some critics of Islam raise an objection that Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud did not consider Surah al-Fatihah and the Mu‘awwidhatain (last two chapters of the Holy Quran) as part of the original text of the whole Quran, causing his hypothetical manuscript to be made up of 111 chapters instead of 114 chapters. We call it hypothetical because he never compiled an official manuscript as opposed to mush‘afe-umm and never declared or formally announced that his manuscript should be considered a standard instead of any other manuscript.

Regardless, it is indeed true that some narrations mention this opinion of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud that he did not wish to include these three chapters in his manuscripts of the Quran. For instance, it is narrated in Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Masnadul Ansar, as follows: ‫حدثنا محمد بن الحسين بن أشكاب ثنا محمد بن ابي عبيدة‬ ‫بن معن ثنا أبي عن الأعمش عن أبي إسحق عن عبد الرحمن‬ ّ ‫ كان عبد الله يحك المعوذتين من مصاحفه‬:‫بن يزيد قال‬ ‫ قال‬،‫ ان هما ليستا من كتاب الله تبارك و تعالي‬:‫ويقول‬ ‫ سألنا‬:‫الأعمش و حدثنا عاصم عن زر عن أبي بن كعب قال‬ )‫عن هما رسول الله صلي الله عليه و سلم قال (فقيل لي‬ ‫فقلت‬ “It is narrated by Abdur Rahman bin Yazid that Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud used to erase the Mu‘awwidhatain from his manuscripts and used to say, ‘They are not from the book of Allah [i.e. the Holy Quran].’ One narrator, A‘mish, narrates that Asim narrates from Zirr, who in turn narrates from Hazrat Ubayyra bin Kaab [who said], ‘We asked the Holy Prophetsa about them [i.e. Mu‘awwidhatain], and he said, “This is how I have been commanded”, and so I convey [this to others].’”

A similar narration appears in Sahih alBukhari as follows: ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫ت يَا أبَا ال ُم ْن ِذ ِر ِإ ّن أ َخاك ابْ َن‬ ‫ قال سألت أبى بن كع ٍب قل‬،‫عن ِز ٍر‬ ٰ َّ ّ ٰ َ ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ ٌّ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ُ‫اللّه‬ ‫‏ فقال أبى سألت رسول الل ِه صلى‬.‫مسعو ٍد يقول كذا وكذا‏‬ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ قال فنحن نقول كما قال‬،‫علي ِه وسلم فقال لِي ِقيل ل ِ ‏‏ي فقلت‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ ُ ‫َر ُسول الل ِه صلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسلم‏‏‬ “Zirr bin Hubaish narrates, ‘I asked

َّ ُ ‫ِا ْن ُھوَ ِالا َو ْح ٌی ّیوْ ٰحی‬

[It is nothing but pure revelation that has been revealed by God] [Ch.53: V.5]?” (Izalae-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 421-422)

Ubayyra bin Kaab, “O Abul Mundhir! Your brother, Ibn Mas‘udra said so-and-so [i.e., the Mu‘awwidhatain do not belong to the Quran].” Ubayyra said, “I asked the Holy Prophetsa about them, and he said, ‘They have been revealed to me, and I have recited them (as a part of the Quran).” Ubayyra added, “So, we say according to what the Holy Prophetsa said.”’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Hadith 4977)

First, it must be clear from these narrations that Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud is only expressing an opinion about the last two chapters of the Quran. Other narrations mention that he thought these were merely

prayers revealed to the Holy Prophetsa to seek protection from Allah on behalf of his grandsons, Hazrat Imam Hassanra and Hazrat Imam Hussainra. Commenting on similar objections about Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud, the Promised Messiahas writes: “These ignorant people say that Ibn Mas‘udra requested a prayer duel, which means that it is permissible for Muslims to do prayer duels. However they cannot prove that Ibn Mas‘udra did not retract his opinion, and they also cannot prove that a prayer duel took place resulting in Divine punishment for those in error. The truth is that Ibn Mas‘udra was an ordinary person,

The Promised Messiahas is arguing here that no matter what the case, the status of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud is not so high that we should consider him immune from errors in judgement. His words and statements do not have the same status as the words of the Holy Prophetsa, regarding whom it is clearly stated in the Quran that what he said for religious guidance was pure revelation from God. At the same time, there is absolutely no doubt that he was a great teacher of the Holy Quran and one of the most revered companions, and among the earliest converts to Islam, and every Muslim must respect him. A simple error in judgment about three of the chapters of the Holy Quran does not diminish his high status in the eyes of any Muslim. Our prayer for him has always been and continues to be, “Radhiyallahu ‘anho”, may Allah be pleased with him.

Secondly, the narrations themselves clearly refute the error of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud as Hazrat Abdullahra bin Ubayy – another revered teacher of the Holy Quran – is reported to have checked with the Holy Prophetsa about the Mu‘awwidhatain and he told him that they were part of the Quran.

Similar to this narration, there are many other well-authenticated ahadith that quote the Holy Prophetsa as clearly stating that Surah al-Fatihah and the Mu‘awwidhatain are part of the Holy Quran and not separate from it.

An interesting point is that other narrations state that Ibn Mas‘udra did not include the Mu‘awwidhatain in his manuscript, or they were missing from the manuscript of Ibn Mas‘udra, but these narrations do not record his statement that they are not a part of the book of Allah.

This is a subtle difference which means that there is some confusion as to the real reason why Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud Continued on next page >>

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

Waqar-e-amal in Nairobi cemetary Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

On 30 May 2021, 26 members of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Nairobi, Kenya participated in a waqar-e-amal programme that was done at the Jamaat’s graveyard located at Ziwani estate, Kariokor district of Nairobi, about two kilometres east of the city centre.

Activities carried out included cutting overgrown grass, planting flowers and trees, digging out weeds from the graveyard, arranging stones and so on.

Members had been informed a week earlier to converge at the graveyard site around 11 am. Among those who attended was Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Kenya, << Continued from previous page

did not include these two chapters in his manuscript. It may have been the opinion of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud or it may have been the opinion of the person narrating this about him. In either case, these are just their opinions which are clearly refuted in these narrations as well as many other narrations from authentic sources.

As Ahsanullah Danish Sahib puts it, on the one hand, we have the opinion of the companions of the Holy Prophetsa supported by historical evidence, the united opinion of the entire ummah, the united opinion of the memorisers or huffaz of the Holy Quran, and on the other hand, there is the opinion of the person narrating this from Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud, or perhaps the opinion of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud himself. What does our rational mind tell us? (Az-Zikrul Mahfuz, p. 276 [2007]) Accept the doubt of one or two people or the clear-cut statements of the Holy Prophetsa that plainly state that both Surah al-Fatihah and the Mu‘awwidhatain are part of the revealed Holy Quran.

The evidence for the excellent preservation of the text of the Holy Quran is quite extensive.

A recent discovery of a manuscript of the Quran gives further evidence for this. It was found in the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom and scholars have said that it is perhaps the oldest manuscript of the Quran in the world. It dates from the period of 568 CE to 645 CE which makes it a possible manuscript from the time of the Holy Prophetsa himself. (www.birmingham. ac.uk/news/latest/2015/07/quran-manuscript-22-07-15. aspx [Retrieved 5 April, 2017], see also www.bbc.com/ news/business-35151643 [Retrieved 5 April, 2017)])

It contains parts of chapters 18 to 20 of the Holy Quran and a comparison with a present-day publication of the Quran reveals that they are identical, without any differences. Despite all this evidence, if some critics object to the preservation of the Holy Quran, it can only be due to bias.

An honest researcher in this field has no option but to affirm that the prediction of the Quran regarding its perfect preservation has indeed been fulfilled.

Tariq Mahmood Zafar Sahib.

For close to three hours, the work was done and everyone in attendance including Atfal, Khuddam and Ansar members put in the effort to finish in good time.

Amir Sahib thanked all participants and said this should not stop; rather, it should continue our entire lives. Prayers were made for all the departed souls who had been buried in the graveyard. May Allah have mercy on them. Amin.

With all this done, members offered the Zuhr prayer.

May Allah bless all those who accepted to come and made the waqar-e-amal a success. Amin.

Ahmadi Lajna Imaillah Freeport, Trinidad assist refugees during Pandemic Adila Yacoob Medical Student, Trinidad & Tobago

During the month of Ramadan, a viral video was sent out drawing attention to an urgent refugee appeal. This video indicated that a number of families in the South region called Icacos were requesting basic

necessities such as food items and school supplies.

Lajna Imaillah Freeport already made a collection in our monthly meeting one month prior to carry out a target of food hampers to assist families, but when a Lajna member came across the viral video, we went through the proper channel of office

bearers to seek approval and guidance to assist these refugees.

On 20 April 2021, Lajna Imaillah Freeport, under the banner of Humanity First, set out to purchase items for the food hampers. Essential non-perishable items purchased were: rice, flour, cooking oil, can foods, pasta, more than 10 cases of drinking water and much more. All food hampers were organised by the local Sadr Lajna Imaillah, alongside three Lajna members and a few Khuddam assisting us in safety with regards to buying and packaging the goods.

Due to the strict advice from the government concerning Covid-19, it was decided that our contributions would be delivered to the non-profit organization.

Hence on 30 April, the Muallim of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Freeport and our local Quaid Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya assisted Lajna members in delivering these food hampers.

Alhamdulillah, on 7 May 2021, the hampers were distributed on-site and our love, grief and support was shared among the refugees. More than 30 refugees and several families benefitted from this act of charity.

We continue to pray that may Allah the Almighty alleviate their pain and protect them and may Allah the Almighty accept these services of Lajna Imaillah Freeport, Trinidad. Amin

22

Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

The exemplary young Companions: Patience and resignation to the will of God Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

The mourning rituals, before Islam, were part and parcel of the Arab culture and were performed with full effort and care.

At the death of a relative, people would tear at their faces and hair, beat their breasts and cry and bewail bitterly. It was obligatory for women to open their hair and put dust in it and follow the funeral lamenting and bewailing, so much so that some women would have their hair cut; women were hired to cry and wail and they would cry very bitterly.

After laying the body to rest, a table would be laid to serve lunch to the wailing women.

Likewise, events in commemoration of the deceased would be held on the third and fortieth day, and this would occur on a sixmonthly and yearly basis. It was compulsory for every bereaved person to hold them to be considered a respectable person in society.

The Holy Prophetsa forbade all such absurd rituals and taught that any affliction from God Almighty should be borne with fortitude. The Holy Quran says that true believers are those who, at the time of every affliction, say, “We belong to Allah and we are to return to Him”, and resign to the will of God with patience. They do not resort to unusual and unnatural crying and bewailing. Despite their centuries-old customs of bewailing, the Companionsra followed this command in all its spirit.

Below are some accounts in this regard.

Demonstration of Islamic patience at the death of a child Many accounts of Hazrat Abu Talhahra have been given in this series. He was an illustrious companion.

Once, his son was ill whom he left to go to work in the morning. The son died in his

absence. His wife not only herself restrained from wailing, but she forbade her neighbours as well from crying. No professional women were hired. She only said: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ and kept quiet. She also forbade all others not to apprise Abu Talhahra of the death in the house.

In the evening, when he returned home and asked after his son, the wife replied that he was calmer than before. Then, she served dinner to her husband. He spent the night comfortably.

The next morning, the wife asked her husband, “Is somebody allowed to raise an objection if he has to return a borrowed thing?” Hazrat Abu Talhahra replied in the negative, at which she said to him to exhibit forbearance at the death of his son. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Faza‘il-us-Sahabah, Bab min Faza‘ili Abi Talhah Al-Ansari) Not dwelling on the consequences of a will of God After the death and obsequies of his son, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar started racing with the local Bedouins. At this, Hazrat Nafi‘ra commented, that immediately after burying his son, he had started to race with the Bedouins. Hazrat Abdullahra replied, “The consequences of a will of God must be cast to oblivion in whatsoever manner.”

(Tabqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 5, p. 204, Zikr Waqid bin Abdullah) Accepting the will of God at martyrdom of close relatives After the Battle of Uhud, the female Companionsra came out of the town to ask after their relatives. One of the ladies was Hazrat Hamnahra bint Jahsh. The Holy Prophetsa asked her to accept the will of God at the martyrdom of her brother, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jahsh. She heard the news

with great fortitude and invoked forgiveness for him.

After that the Holy Prophetsa asked her to be resigned to the will of God at the martyrdom of her maternal uncle, Hazrat Hamzahra bin Abdul-Muttalib. At this news, too, she showed great forbearance. She only said: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ invoked forgiveness for him and observed silence. (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 8, p. 241, Zikr Hamnah bint Jahash) Accepting the will of God Hazrat Abdullahra bin Abbas was on a journey when he got news of the death of his brother Qathm. He only said: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ offered two nawafil off the road, mounted his camel again and advanced to his destination.

One is stunned to read the accounts of profound patience and resignation to the will of God found in the lives of the Companionsra. Not only men, but accounts of women also bring tears to one’s eyes when especially they are compared with the examples in this age of ours.

Patience at son’s death A son of the female companion Hazrat Umm Atiyyahra fought in a battle in the time of the Rightly Guided Khilafat. He fell ill during the battle and came to Basra.

Learning about his illness, his mother immediately set off for Basra to visit her ailing son. Before she could reach there, her son passed away a couple of days earlier. She exhibited profound patience and resignation at this fatal blow and on the third day, she wore perfume and said, “Except at the death of one’s husband, no one is allowed to mourn for more than three days.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jana‘iz, Bab Ihdad-ul-

Mar‘ati ‘ala Zaujiha As has been discussed, bewailing and lamentation at somebody’s death is not allowed according to the teachings of Islam.

But one point is necessary to be cleared that grievance at the death of a dear one is a natural thing, whose absence is not a merit but amounts to stone-heartedness. It is not objectionable if tears roll down one’s cheeks as a result of it. Islam only forbids bewailing and lamentation and from such actions that amount to an objection and complaint against the divine will and exhibiting impatience.

Ignoring the teaching of the Holy Prophetsa and the practice of the Companionsra, the practice of the present-day Muslims on such occasions is tantamount to stigmatising the Islamic teachings. Adopting the customs of their non-Muslim neighbours, Muslims have absolutely forgotten their Islamic values.

On the occasion of deaths, they follow the Hindus or the Arabs of the time of ignorance by bewailing and lamentation, beating their chests, pulling their hair, giving meals and practising rituals on the third or fortieth day etc. None of the above-mentioned rituals are allowed according to the teachings of Islam. And most regretfully, the maulvis who were responsible to keep the true teachings of Islam alive, for their vested interests and temptations, have imprinted such absolutely unIslamic rituals on the minds of the Muslim masses as a necessary part of Islam that the masses are made to believe that the soul of the deceased cannot attain tranquility without such things.

May Allah have mercy on the poor condition of the Muslims. Amin.

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

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

100 Years Ago...

Letter of Hazrat Abdur Rahim Nayyar detailing his missionary engagements in West Africa (1921) Al Fazl, 9-13 June 1921

We present below the latest letter received by the missionary of West Africa, Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib Nayyar. From this letter, where it is clear that by the grace of God, this Ahmadi missionary is making great progress in his work, it also shows that this task is so huge and significant that our Jamaat will have to do it with special courage and effort.

At the same time, as our tabligh work in other countries is expanding day by day, it is needed from our Jamaat which has pledged to – prefer religion over world and consider it their duty to spread and protect Islam – to generously present their wealth in the cause of their God to meet the expenses of tabligh, so that there remains no obstacle in the way of our missionaries.

If we contribute as much as we can for Islam, the true religion of God, and make no less effort on our part, then Allah the Almighty will also shower His blessings and we will achieve such great things which will be surprising for even ourselves.

Thus, members of our Jamaat should not only express delight after reading the good news of their missionaries, but also pay due attention to assisting them financially, so that their work may expand by day. (Editor, Al Fazl [1921]) Muslims in pitiable condition Everyday, I am reminded of the words of the Holy Prophetsa: ‫ ليس الخبر كالمعاينة‬with ‫شن‬ ‫ی‬ the translation of Sheikh Saadi: ‫�دہ ہک وبد امدنن‬ ‫[ د�ی دہ‬Seeing something with the naked eye is different from hearsay].

Muslims in India and around the world believe that Islam is progressing in Africa and as Christians have repeatedly published, they believe that people are converting to Islam. However, the situation is quite the contrary.

The [religion of] West Africa is Christianity. Public offices, educational institutes, finance, power, authority and trade are all in the hands of Christians.

Ignorance, poverty, disputes and mutual discord are part and parcel of the Muslims whose majority have come from other parts

of Africa and settled in British territories.

Except for the natives of Nigeria, all of them are Christians or idolaters.

Christianity is growing everywhere by the day. There are Christian colleges and schools in Sierra Leone, and sermonisers of every Christian sect are also present who are diligently engaged in preaching their religion. Although Muslims of this place are in better conditions than all other African countries, but in reality, their share is zero.

The [religion of] the entire Gold Coast [now Ghana] area is practically Christianity. There are only those Muslims in the region of Fante who have announced their conversion to Ahmadiyyat and only these people can be called the original inhabitants of the Gold Coast. The rest are outsiders who have entered the Gold Coast from northern and southern Nigeria or other Central African states and are distinguishing themselves from one another by fighting with each other.

The situation is such that the mosque in Accra, the capital of the state of the Gold Coast, is sealed because of riots among these people. After the death of some of the chiefs who were Muslims, their successors are now Christians.

The same is the condition of Muslims in Nigeria. The two major groups [of Muslims] in Lagos are bloodthirsty of each other and have filed cases in court.

There has been a conflict in the mosque.

All sorts of defects, lack of true knowledge and disregard for the teachings of Islam have led them to the point that even their name is a word of contempt in the eyes of Christians. If Christians have to abuse someone, (God forbid) they will call him a “Muhammadan”.

There is not a single madrasa [religious school] in Sierra Leone, the Gold Coast and Nigeria that can be called Muslims’ educational institute or where Muslims can acquire knowledge and ultimately recognise Allah and His Messengersa and gain the strength to work with dignity in the world.

Significant task before the Ahmadiyya nation Brothers! It is your task to revive the corrupted ummah of Muhammadsa and show them the light in the darkness they dwell in, and also to save Islam from the attacks of Satan. Every village, town and city of Africa is full of Christian preachers.

They have their schools, colleges, influence and power in every sphere of life.

I am alone in the land of thousands of miles and millions of people. I not only have to battle [with myself to eat their] food and [survive the harsh] environment, but I also have to deal with

the misunderstandings of the authorities.

In the midst all these difficulties and worries, I recite the following couplet of Hazrat Nimatullah Walirh and cheer myself: ‫غم مخورزانکه من دراین تشویش‬ ‫خرمــــی وصــل یار می بینــم‬ [“Do not worry, because I am looking at the joy of meeting my friend in the midst of this hardship and distress.”]

However, my heart melts when the following sight comes before my eyes and makes me desperate: Continued on next page >>

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM ‫ش ش‬ �‫پ ی �چ‬ ‫ُواتفد‬ ‫� م� ِان امش االسم در اخک ال ت ن‬ ‫پش‬ ‫م��ع ن‬ ‫چ��یس ت� ذعرے ی‬ �‫� قح اے عمجم ا م�ی‬ [“Before your very eyes, Islam turned to dust. O people who are blessed with countless bounties! What excuse will you present before God [on the Day of Judgement]?”] (A couplet from a poem of the Promised Messiahas) Thus, rise and make far greater efforts than before. Spend your wealth in the cause of God, so that the apparent means of safeguarding God’s religion can be achieved.

New convert Muslims Bilal Mends and Abdul Aziz Francis, two young men, converted to the true religion of Islam after the previous report was submitted. As they were Roman Catholics before, they feared that the Roman Catholic fathers would curse them. I assured them that only Ahmadis are under the true grace [of God] now and no one else could succeed by praying against the servants of Ahmadas. After they were satisfied, they converted to Islam and [their names] became Bilal from Mends and Abdul Aziz from Francis. May Allah grant them perseverance.

Saltpond to Saraha

<< Continued from previous page

‫رہ رطف رفک اتس وجاشں وچمہ اوفاج �ی �ز�ی د‬ ‫ین‬ ‫د� قح ب ی�ار و ےب سک وچمہ ی ن‬ ‫ین‬ �‫ااعلدب‬ �‫ز‬ [“Infidelity is spreading everywhere like Yazid’s forces, and Islam is sick and helpless like Zain-ul-Abideenra.]

Surely, I have no guide and helper save for Allah the Almighty.

I have four important tasks before me: 1. To establish three high schools for secondary education in Sierra Leone, the Gold Coast and Nigeria, and to open primary schools in each place 2. To train and produce mubaligheen [preachers] in the local languages 3. To reform the present imams and muallims [teachers] 4. To establish a dar-ul-tabligh [mission house] in the capital These works come under the heading of general tasks. Aside from these, some special tasks include: 1. 1,000 children of new Ahmadi Fante Muslims should be circumcised 2. They should be made aware of the teachings of Islam and [conveyed the message] of Ahmadiyyat in the Fante language 3. Madrasas should be opened in at least 10 central regions of the Fante people 4. A dar-ul-tabligh should be built in Saltpond These are very important tasks which are not in front of this humble and weak one, but rather, before the entire Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah?

Brothers! Tell those who quench their thirst by drinking icy cold water and sweet drinks in warm weather that this Ahmadi missionary does not even have access to well water and that he sometimes has to use thirst-quenching tablets to satiate his thirst. Tell those who ride horses, chariots, motors and bullock carts that this missionary of Islam has to walk through dense jungles on foot. Tell those who use sweets made of milk and butter that these things are like a dream for this servant of Ahmadas.

Why? Surely, for the sake of Allah and His Messengersa, and for the spread and safeguard of Islam. Thus, blessed are those who respond to the appeal of this wandering traveler and homeless stranger and be my helper in this great task which is before the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

“

Listen! O all those people whose hearts ache for Islam; who consider themselves to be ardent followers of Islam and are gathered for safeguarding Islam under the flag of the Promised Messiahas. Islam is in danger! Help this missionary of Islam so that the work of safeguarding and spreading Islam can be carried out across thousands of miles and among millions of people of West Africa.

It is difficult and dangerous for men to come here from India. However, monetary assistance can reach me and the great work, which I have mentioned above, can be done with the help of kind-hearted Englishmen and educated Africans who are compassionate towards Islam.

Always remember! This is God’s work that will certainly be accomplished.

However, if you show heedlessness, Islam will hold you accountable on the Day of Judgement and say:

After a month’s stay in Saltpond and carrying out miscellaneous tabligh activities, I left on 1 April [1921] for a place called Saraha, which is 50 miles inland from Saltpond. Along with Mahdi, the chief of Fante, I met the chief of a village called Essian and conveyed to him the message of Islam. This Christian chief of a rural area was so impressed that he kissed my hands after I recited the [kalima] ‫لا إله‬ ّٰ ّٰ ‫إلا الله محمد رسول الله‬. I hope from Allah the Almighty that he will convert to Islam at the second meeting.

Departing from Essian, we reached Saraha. I was accompanied by two Fante interpreters. In Saraha, around a thousand newly converted Ahmadi Muslim men and women were gathered who had come from nearby villages. They welcomed me in their own peculiar style and it won’t be wrong to call it a really grand welcome.

The [entrance] doors made of bamboo were erected and boys and girls dressed in new clothes, holding flags in their hands and reciting: ٰ ّ ‫صل علی محمد‬

Listen! O all those people whose hearts ache for Islam; who consider themselves to be ardent followers of Islam and are

gathered for safeguarding Islam under the flag of the Promised Messiahas. Islam is in danger! Help this missionary of Islam,

so that the work of safeguarding and spreading Islam can be carried out across thousands of miles and among millions of people of West Africa.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021

A series of Friday sermons delivered by Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh, the third successor of the Promised Messiahas, in 1967. The sermons are one of the finest and sublimest commentaries on the verses related to the Ka‘bah, the House of Allah, and expound on how magnificently the 23 objectives related in the verses have been fulfilled by the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. As the Ka‘bah was the centre for all mankind at the outset, this House of Allah, again, was meant to

become a centre for the unification of mankind in the latter and consummate time, so that both the Prophet and Qibla of human unification may be joined to belong to one place. Allah wants Jamaate-Ahmadiyya to realise the divine wisdom behind the foundation of the Ka‘bah so that they are considered the people of understanding in the sight of Allah and join the group of those purified ones who are showered upon the grace of Allah all the time.

www.alislam.org/library/books/23-Great-Objectives-House-of-Allah.pdf

‫سیدنا محمد‬ ‫سیدنا محمد‬ ٰ ّ ‫صل على محمد‬ And expressing joy and happiness in their African accent and style, they came one mile outside of Saraha to welcome me.

(I swear by God that I really admire these sincere African people. Their passion is of great significance.)

Arriving at the venue of the gathering i.e. Saraha, I gave a speech and then delivered the Friday sermon. After the sermon, the chiefs offered gifts and presented chicken, rice, tins of milk, a lamb and sugar, which I accepted and instructed to distribute [among the needy].

At the request of these people, I stayed the night in this village. Recalling the blessings and benevolence of Allah, I spent the night on tea and some pieces of bread, and intended to sleep after seeking refuge with Allah from the attacks of the African fever-bringing mosquito.

A series of questions and answers was held in the evening. I shed light on issues of food, drink, marriage, death and birth, which had a great impact on Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike, alhamdulillah.

Saraha to Accra We left Saraha in the early hours of 2 April [1921] and set off to Accra, the capital of the Gold Coast. Accra is about 100 kilometres from Saraha and a road leads there from a place called Swedru. Motor transport is available on this road, but fares are unreasonably high. There are Christian missions and churches everywhere along the way. I met a librarian in Swedru who was a Christian priest. He invited me to come and deliver a sermon in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia.

In the village called Akwayang, where I had to wait for a second motor [ride], I met some Christian shopkeepers who listened very attentively to prophecies of the Bible. In the evening, I safely reached

Accra and it seemed as though I had come back to civilisation from the jungle after many months. Accra is a nice town and has been built in a European style. As the governor resides [in Accra], it is very prosperous and developed.

Stay in Accra; India in Africa This place has no hotel or accommodation for travelers. The driver of the motor dropped me off in the bazaar and I quietly got off. I asked the passersby about the location of a hotel. Not knowing the exact address of any hotel, I mentioned Indians and as soon as I said the word Indian, a boy took me to the shop of Messrs Dialdas and Sons.

This noble Indian compatriot from Hyderabad, Sindh, treated me with such warmth, love and affection that I really witnessed India in Africa. I stayed in Accra for five days and my hosts prepared every available Indian food.

They provided karah parshad [a type of pudding made from an equal portion of whole wheat flour, milk and sugar] and a lot of milk (which can only be available in small quantities in Accra).

Apart from Messrs Dialdas and Sons, there is another Indian place here called Messrs Moolchand Chauharmal. I stayed as a guest with him for a day and he also treated me with great courtesy, love and kindness and showed great hospitality and utmost affection. May Allah reward him abundantly.

Tabligh in Accra and three lectures The time at the house was spent in reading the book, Ramayana and the works of Hazrat Baba Nanakas and following the [Persian] proverb: ‫“[ دا� آ�ی د �ر‬Anything that is kept safe eventually comes in handy”].

On the outside, I held the Muslims accountable by delivering a sermon in a vast ground in front of their sealed mosque. I gave two speeches to Muslims and mentioned the appearance of the

Promised Messiahas, as well as the death of Jesusas. Moreover, I delivered a speech at the native club, which was addressed to Christians.

During my speeches to Muslims, three interpreters stood to my right, left and behind. One of them translated my words into Yoruba, another into Hausa, and the third one into Wangri. It was an exuberating atmosphere. My photograph was also taken here. Another strange incident which happened during my speeches was that a maulvi from Senegal, French colony, asked for the Arabic interpretation of the following part of a Quranic verse: ّ َ َ ّ ‫ٰي ِع ۡي �سی ِانِ ۡی ُم َتوَفِ ۡيك َو َرافِ ُعك ِال َ َّی‬ [“‘O Jesus, I [Allah] will cause thee to die a natural death and will exalt thee to Myself.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.56)] It was a testing time for me. However, Allah the Almighty helped me and an unlettered man was granted the power to speak in Arabic and so I spoke in Arabic for a few minutes, which was immediately understood by the kind-hearted maulvi, who also explained it to others.

It was the first time in the history of Africa that a Muslim missionary spoke at the native club. I spoke on how to be free from sin and explained the principles of Islam, which was well received by the educated audience.

Departure from Accra On 7 April [1921], after observing that by the grace of God, the views of Christians in Accra were sympathetic towards Islam and that the Muslims were inclined towards Ahmadiyyat after five days of continuous discourse, I left with satisfaction of heart.

A gathering of Muslims, along with Mr Tara Chand, manager Messrs Dialdas and Sons, Narain Das, manager Chauharmal and Moolchand came to bid farewell at the coastline. May Allah grant them the best of rewards.

Accra to Lagos After being a guest of Indians in Accra for five days, I had forgotten that I was in Africa. However, as soon as I boarded the ship called “Akabo” , nausea and dizziness reminded me of the journey and I suffered poor health for an entire day.

The next morning, on 8 April [1921], the ship arrived at the port of Lagos, the capital of the state of Nigeria. After meeting the immigration officer, Mr Vardan and the superintendent of police on the deck, I was allowed to disembark the ship. Soon after I landed on the shore, I met Ahmadi friends, Mr Shishaba and his associates, who had come to greet me.

After concluding this meeting, I met the commissioner of police and then at three o’clock, I met a resident of Cologne.

Both of them behaved very respectfully and affectionately. As it was a Friday, I offered Jumuah prayer at the Ahmadiyya mosque and delivered a sermon in English, which was translated into Yoruba by the imam, Mr Ajose.

Lagos I will write about the accounts of this place in another letter, insha-Allah.

Meanwhile, I submit that: 1. I have delivered three public lectures 2. Friday sermons and darses of the Holy Quran, hadith and Ahmadiyya jurisprudence have started 3. The series of regular meetings are taking place 4. Friends are happy and enemies are surprised 5. Aqiqah [Islamic tradition of sacrifice on the occasion of a child’s birth] of two Ahmadi children has taken place 6. A nikah sermon has been delivered I am need of prayers.

The traveller, Abdur Rahim Nayyar. 16 April 1921 (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 9-13 June 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

26

Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 14 May 2021 Ahmadiyyat: The healing of enmity After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

A few days ago, a Maulvi Sahib [Muslim cleric] was saying on social media that all the unrest and disorder that is witnessed in the world today is due to the “Qadianis” [Ahmadis]. In fact, he said that even the unrest in Palestine was due to the Qadianis.

And then, as they always do, he stated that whatever injustices, killings and violence is carried out against Ahmadis is therefore justified.

Thus, this is their level of conduct and these are the kind of things they utter. Ever since the establishment of Ahmadiyyat, these people, who are the a‘imatul-kufr [i.e. leaders of the disbelievers], have been saying such things. However, we express infinite gratitude to Allah the Almighty for we have accepted the Messiah and Mahdi, who taught us that despite listening to their hurtful comments and enduring their physical efforts against us, we ought to display patience and pray.

It is the leaders of the disbelievers, who have incited the innocent Muslims [against Ahmadis] by spreading false information.

The general [Muslim] population, perhaps owing to their lack of knowledge, believe that Ahmadis, God-forbid, dishonour the Holy Prophetsa and therefore hold the view that such treatment should be meted out against Ahmadis because whatever the maulvi has said must be true.

This is the condition of the general Muslims; however, those maulvis who actually possess knowledge, know full well whatever they say has no basis whatsoever and they simply wish to create disorder, so that they may remain in service at their pulpits and no one may remove them.

Allah the Almighty knows best as to how He will deal with them. However, as I mentioned earlier that our duty is to pray.

I mentioned in the Eid Sermon [earlier today] as well that the Promised Messiahas stated that one ought to pray even for their enemies. (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 96) We are those who pray and will continue to go on praying because this opposition is nothing new for us. In fact, this has been there since the advent of the Promised Messiahas and such attacks were levelled against the Promised Messiahas; those who

came to listen to him were also attacked.

Some people simply attend the gatherings in order to just listen to what is being said. It is not necessary that they will accept what is being said; however, the maulvis [at the time] would be scared that if these people listen to the Promised

Messiahas, they will do his bai‘at because they knew that the truth was on his side.

Therefore, they would stop them, but not just that, they would attack them as well.

Despite this, the Promised Messiahas prayed for such people who would stop others and carry out injustices.

And it is owing to these very prayers that despite their opposition [of the Jamaat], some of them accepted Ahmadiyyat, and continue to do so even now.

Thus, despite the statement of this maulvi, we do not utter anything negative or use similar language as they do; rather, we will continue to pray for them. And just as we have witnessed in the past as well that it is from among these very people who have then become ardent devotees, and this will, insha-Allah, continue to happen.

Despite listening to their harsh statements, we continue to pray for the Muslims in general. We are pained by their suffering and this indeed is due to the teachings of the Promised Messiahas and this was the very instruction given to him

by Allah the Almighty as well. The cruelties which they perpetrate are owing to their misunderstanding and due to their love for the Holy Prophetsa, which they claim to have, irrespective of whether they actually demonstrate it or not, but nonetheless, this is what their claim is. Therefore, we are not to pray against them.

In relation to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra has narrated an incident. He states: “I was only a child at the time and the Promised Messiahas was returning after having been invited somewhere. As he was walking through the marketplace, people would be stood on the rooftops and would hurl verbal abuse at him and say, ‘Mirza has fled! Mirza has fled!’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “I couldn’t understand [what they were saying]. I thought perhaps there was some unrest at a gathering and therefore the Promised Messiahas was returning from there. In any case, in that very instance, I saw an old man whose hand had been cut and who had applied some turmeric mixture upon it; it seemed as if the wound was very fresh, yet even he was tapping his healthy hand upon his injured hand and was saying in Punjabi, ‘Mirza has fled! Mirza has fled!’

I was astonished, owing to my young age, as to why this man would say that ‘Mirza has fled!’ What exactly had happened as I just could not understand? However, this was simply due to their opposition or perhaps

AL HAKAM | Friday 11 June 2021 the maulvis had incited the people and so they uttered whatever came into their hearts, irrespective of whether or not they knew anything, but all they wanted to do was simply say something and so they did.”

Similarly, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra relates another incident: “On one occasion, the Promised Messiahas was walking in the city of Lahore and someone attacked him from behind and the Promised Messiahas fell down.”

According to other narrations, it is mentioned that the Promised Messiahas stumbled but did not actually fall to the ground.” (Sirat Messiah Maudas, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub

“

27

We are those who pray and will continue to go on praying because this opposition is nothing new for us. In fact, this has been there since the advent of the Promised Messiahas and such attacks were levelled against the Promised Messiahas; those who came to listen to him were also attacked.

Ali Irfanira, p. 442)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud further states: “Similarly, we saw people throw stones [at the Promised Messiahas]. In short, in those days, the opposition was at its peak and naturally, at times, certain members of the Jamaat would become angry as to why these people would do this for no reason whatsoever. At that time, the Promised Messiahas received a revelation.” Even though this revelation has not been found in any narration as yet; however, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated that this was a revelation. In any case, it is mentioned in the form of a couplet of the Promised Messiahas: ‫ن �ز‬ ‫ین‬ ‫اے دل وت ی� اخرطِ ا�اں اگنہ دار‬ �‫� پ‬ ‫ح یم�ب� ؐرم‬ ‫�کآرخ دننک دوعےئ ُ ِّ ب‬ ra

(Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 182)

“In other words, ‘O Our appointed one!’” If this is a revelation then Allah the Almighty is the one who is instructing him. “‘Even if the Muslims hurl abuse at you, you

should still have consideration for them because, after all, why is it that they hurl abuse at you and try to attack you? They attack you and hurl abuse at you because of the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, it is important you still have consideration for them.’

“The reason why they were acting in such a violent manner was due to their love for the Holy Prophetsa, who is the beloved of Allah the Almighty. Therefore, whether it was owing to this misunderstanding of theirs or for any other reason, the Promised Messiahas [was instructed] to have consideration for them and not pray against them. Therefore, we ought to ponder as to why these people oppose us. They hurl abuse against us and say that [drinking] our tea is even worse than [drinking] alcohol and to drink alcohol would be considered lawful as

opposed to drinking the tea of an Ahmadi.”

After mentioning this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “If such people were to realise that the flame of the love for Holy Prophetsa which is in my heart is not even present in millions of their people, they would immediately fall at the feet of Ahmadis. These people oppose us because they think that we oppose the Holy Prophetsa, but this opposition is owing to the misunderstandings on their part.”

After mentioning this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra further stated: “If people oppose us and say wrongful things against me, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Community or you, the members of the Jamaat should know that these are your fellow brothers and embroiled in a misunderstanding. Therefore, instead of being angry, you should pray for them and try to inform those who oppose you of the true reality. Once you inform them of the true reality, then they will come to know that we are not the enemies of the Holy Prophetsa; rather, we are his true lovers and those very people who are bent upon killing us would be ready to sacrifice their lives for our sake.” (Bhera ki Sar Zameen Mein Eik Nihayat Iman Afroz Taqreer, Anwar-ul-Aloom, Vol. 22, pp. 8486)

Therefore, we ought to pray for our opponents. As I mentioned earlier, this is what the Promised Messiahas has taught us that we ought to pray for them and it is from among these people that such ardent devotees will emerge and accept [the message].

Whilst narrating an incident of Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra would relate, ‘I used to live in the upper storey of a house and the Promised Messiahas would live in its lower storey. One night, I heard crying from below which was as if a woman was experiencing the pains from labour. I was intrigued and so I tried to listen carefully in order to hear the sound.

I realised that the Promised Messiahas was praying and was saying, “O Allah, the plague is widespread and people are dying as result of it. O Allah, if all these people were to die, then who shall be left to believe in You.”’” Then with reference to the same incident, but from a different source, it is stated that the sound was coming from the house adjacent [to the Promised Messiah’sas house], but nonetheless, the incident is the same and it states: “The Promised Messiahas was praying that if these people were to die, then who would accept God. Now, one ought to reflect

upon this because the plague was a sign that had been foretold by the Holy Prophetsa and the plague was also prophesied by Promised Messiahas as a sign. However, when the plague emerged, the very person for whom it came as a sign of his truthfulness was supplicating with utmost fervency before God Almighty and prayed, ‘O Allah! If these people die as a result of it, then who shall believe in You.’ “Thus, a believer ought not to pray against the general population because the very objective of a believer is to help save humanity. If one were to pray against them, then how can they save them if the prayer is answered and they all perish as a result of it?

“Ahmadiyyat was established for the very purpose of safeguarding Islam; Ahmadiyyat was established to safeguard the Muslims and to restore their dignity. Therefore, how can we pray against those for whom we have been tasked to help them attain such lofty ranks?”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “God Almighty is far more Honourable than any of you. God Almighty addressed the Promised Messiahas in a revelation saying: ‫ن �ز‬ ‫ن‬ ‫اے دل وت ی� اخرطِ یا�اں اگنہ دار‬ �‫� پ‬ ‫ح یم�ب� ؐرم‬ ‫�کآرخ دننک دوعےئ ُ ِّ ب‬ “In this [revelation], God Almighty addresses the heart of the Promised Messiahas and makes him profess these words.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra perhaps delivered this speech in Bhera. He mentioned this same couplet in another instance as well. The first incident was different to this and [that incident] took place in Lahore, whereas this incident took place in Bhera.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “In this [revelation], God Almighty addresses the heart of the Promised Messiahas and makes the Promised Messiahas say: ‘O my heart! Look out for the feelings and sentiments of the people, lest their hearts become estranged. It should not be the case that you become frustrated and pray against them as they love your Messengersa and it is owing to this love for the Messengersa that they hurl abuse at you.’

“This is the real essence of the matter.

We know that amongst those who oppose us, one group is opposing us unjustly, but the other group is opposing us because they have become caught up in the trap of the former.” Most of the people have fallen victim to their ploy in Pakistan or in other countries around the world and for this reason, they oppose us.

“As such, their opposition is due to the

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Friday 11 June 2021 | AL HAKAM

love of our Master [the Holy Prophetsa].

When they understand that we love the Holy Prophetsa, they will then realise that we strive to establish the honour of the Holy Prophetsa and that they ought to help us. We will certainly see this day, insha-Allah, for how long will this misconception last?”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “A Western author has written, ‘One can deceive the entire world for a few days or you can deceive a few people continuously’” – this indeed is correct – “‘but you can never deceive the entire world forever.’ This means that it is possible to deceive all the people for a few days, or 10 people forever, but it cannot be the case that one deceives the entire world forever.”

And this indeed is true because the truth eventually comes to light and we see that those people who are deceived by others [into opposing Ahmadiyyat], eventually it is they who are accepting Ahmadiyyat. From where are the numbers of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat increasing? It is increasing from those very people who were once with the opponents. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 33, pp. 221-

The Holy Quran’s guidance on discord between nations

221, Friday Sermon, 18 July 1952)

Thus, one day, this opposition will finish, insha-Allah, and these very people will pledge allegiance to the Promised Messiahas.

Many people have written to me and write these days as well that after opposing Ahmadiyyat, they were told to read literature and pray; when they prayed and read the literature, the truth became apparent for them and they now wish to pledge allegiance and they eventually join the Jamaat. This practice has existed from before; Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned this as well as the other Khulafa that many people would write letters stating this and they do so today as well.

Thus, when the maulvis issue verdicts against us, the message of Ahmadiyyat spreads as a result and especially to those factions of society to whom it was difficult for us to preach. So they are doing our work and it will be beneficial to us. We ought to also pray for them, that if there is anyone among them who has an ounce of decency in them, then may Allah the Almighty enable them to see reason and understand [the truth]; however, we ought to pray especially for the general public and the Muslim ummah at large that Allah the Almighty may save them from their ploys [i.e of the Maulvis].

Nonetheless, when these people oppose us, it is beneficial for us; through this [opposition], the message of Ahmadiyyat is reaching those places it had never reached before, or we did not have the means to spread the message there. Subsequently, some people from among them make contact with the Jamaat. Therefore, it is our responsibility to pray and remain patient and this is the best way which will grant us success, insha-Allah. It is our task to ensure our thoughts and sentiments are free from any malice against our fellow Muslims.

Continue to pray for them – may Allah the Almighty quickly open their eyes and may they recognise and accept the Imam of the age.

“

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Another major reason for unrest between

nations is the mindset that a person’s nation is intellectually and racially superior to all other nations. This sort of mindset is common even in today’s world and, oftentimes, ends in bloodshed. www.alhakam.org/the-holy-qurans-guidance-on-discord-between-nations/

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 4 June 2021, pp. 5-7. Translated

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