Al Hakam - 2 July 2021

From the Markaz UK Nasirat get guidance from Huzoor

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The Hidden Christians of Nagasaki

Answers to Everyday Issues: Part XVII Jinn

How the Quran and ahadith prove Ahmadis are Muslims

Part II

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Page 9

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 | Issue CLXXII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

MTA: Embodiment of a grand prophecy Hazrat Khalifatul Masih addresses MTA International Conference 2021 Islamabad, Tilford, 27 June 2021: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered an address at the conclusion of MTA International’s 2021 Conference.

Huzooraa addressed the conference from his office in Islamabad, and MTA staff members participated live from an array of countries, including Ghana, Germany, Indonesia, the Gambia, Mauritius, the USA, Bangladesh, Sweden, the UK, Kababir and Canada.

The concluding session began with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inviting Basil Butt Sahib from the Canada studios to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. Umar Sharif Sahib, from the UK, was then called to recite an Urdu poem.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then called upon the Managing Director of MTA International, Munir-ud-Din Shams Sahib to present the conference report. He reported that every year, MTA International had progressed under the guidance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Eight satellite channels were being run throughout the world with cutting-edge technology through almost 20 international teams.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had personally initiated various programmes for MTA International. This year, through a virtual experience, 30 countries participated in the MTA Conference, he said.

A video presentation was then shown.

The video highlighted the successful spread Continued on next page >>

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

For whomever Allah wants good

َ ّ ٰ َّ َ​َ ّٰ َ َّ َ ْ َ ‫ أ ّن َر ُسول الل ِه َصلی الل ُه َعل ْی ِه‬،‫اس‬ ٍ ‫ع ِن اب ِن عب‬ ُ ْ ّ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ ُ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ّ ‫ين‬ ِ ‫وسل َم قال من ي ِر ِد الله بِ ِه خی ًرا يف ِقهه فِي‬ ِ ‫الد‬ Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said, “When Allah wants good for a person, He grants him understanding of religion.”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Ilm an Rasulullahsa, Hadith 2645)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The truth about the world and its pleasures In reality, the world and its pleasures are nothing more than a sport and pastime. They are temporary and short-lived, and the result of these joys is that a person is distanced from God. However, the pleasure derived from attaining deeper insight into God is something which no eye has seen and no ear has heard; none of the other senses have experienced this sensation. It is a piercing phenomenon. At every moment it gives rise to a new form of pleasure which had not been experienced previously.

Man has a unique relationship with God Almighty. The divines have presented the most subtle discourses on the bond that exists between the human essence and divine nature of providence. If the mouth of an infant is put up against a rock, could any sensible man entertain that milk would flow forth from within the rock and the child would be satiated? Of course not. In the same manner, until Continued on page 2

Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

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<< Continued from previous page

of MTA studios throughout the world, under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. 19 studios actively participated – along with various local teams too – in this year’s conference.

The presentation highlighted that the monumental progress of MTA International this year included the virtual mulaqats with Huzooraa, which Ahmadis across the world were able to benefit from – something that has never happened before. With the help of MTA, international conferences and events were also made possible.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then commenced with his address.

Huzooraa said, “In this era, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was sent

by Allah the Almighty to revive the true teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and to convey those noble

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a human being falls down at the threshold of God Almighty, their soul does not pass through the process of complete selfeffacement, which is needed to foster a relationship with divine providence, nor is this even possible until the soul is reduced to a state of non-existence or to a state that resembles nothingness; for this is what divine providence requires. Until this is so, the soul cannot be nourished with spiritual milk.

The Arabic word lahw comprises all the pleasures of food and drink. The ultimate outcome of these pleasures, as you can observe, is nothing but distaste.

Pride over forms of adornment, modes of transport, fine houses, authority or family background are all things that are

teachings to all parts of the world.”

The Promised Messiahas stated that the era of the Holy Prophetsa was a time for the perfection of religion and the era of the Messiah was for this teaching to spread.

“In short, the great mission of the Promised Messiahas was to spread the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa to all nations and peoples. And to achieve this great objective, Allah the Almighty, Himself, provided the means.” Huzooraa highlighted.

The Promised Messiahas wrote a lot of books to push back against anti-Islam opponents. He replied to allegations and “each one of his books” showed the “timeless” and “pristine” teachings of Islam.

“The Promised Messiahas informed the world that only through Islam’s sublime teachings was it now possible to forge a loving and pure bond between mankind and its Creator. Only through Islam could human beings truly fulfil the rights of God Almighty. Similarly, he taught that it was ultimately viewed by their possessors as abhorrent, causing grief, saddening one’s disposition, and turning it restless.

The Arabic word la‘b among other things, implies a love for women. When a man is intimate with a woman, his passion and pleasure ultimately turns dull.

However, if all this is preceded by true love for none other than Allah Almighty, a person experiences satisfaction upon satisfaction, and pleasure upon pleasure, until finally the door of true divine insight is opened to them and they enter into an eternal and undying satisfaction, where nothing but purity and cleanliness exists. That pleasure lies in God, so strive to seek Him and search for Him, for this is true pleasure.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 218-219)

only by acting upon Islam’s teachings that a believer could fully discharge the rights owed to one’s fellow beings.”

Huzooraa said it was the teachings of Islam that the Promised Messiahas gave through his books and discourses. The Promised Messiahas devised “an outstanding scheme” for the propagation of Islam. He utilised various means to spread Islam. As the print media, by then, was the most established and efficient means of information, the Promised Messiahas regularly published messages in newspapers so that the teachings of Islam could be spread far and wide.

“For the sake of the spread of Islam, the Promised Messiahas instructed his followers to gain an in-depth knowledge of their faith and beliefs and to then devote their lives for the sake of propagating and preaching it to others”, said Huzooraa.

“Until his last breath, the Promised Messiahas sought to complete his divine mission – to convey Islam’s teachings not just within his nation, but across borders and continents. Indeed, history bears witness to the fact that the message of the Promised Messiahas reached the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom during his life.”

For example, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa noted, how famous newspapers of the West reported on the challenges of the Promised Messiahas.

Huzooraa said, “It is clear that the Promised Messiahas frequently utilised print media for the sake of serving Islam and in the cause of imparting its noble teachings to a vast audience.”

Thereafter, following the departure of the Promised Messiahas from this world, Allah established the institution of Khilafate-Ahmadiyyat. Great efforts were made for the message of the Promised Messiahas and Islam to reach all parts of the world during the very inception of Khilafat. For example, a missionary was sent to the United Kingdom to introduce the message of Islam to the British people, during the era of the

first Khilafat.

During the second Khilafat, tabligh efforts by the Jamaat saw a dramatic increase. “Great strides were taken as the Jamaat continued to flourish and expand,” Huzooraa said. However, due to a lack of resources, the Jamaat was not able to spread across the whole world, but Allah the Almighty continued to bless those limited means.

In 1938, a new chapter of the spread of Ahmadiyyat started when – for the very first time – the voice of the Khalifa spread through the loudspeaker. At that time, the use of the loudspeaker was considered a revolutionary means of spreading Islam. However, as people were rejoicing over the loudspeaker, the Second Khalifara prophesied and declared that “the time was surely near when the Khalifa of the time would deliver a speech in Qadian whilst simultaneously his voice would be heard in every nation and every corner of the world.”

Glimpses of that blessed future came into view as the years went along, Huzooraa noted. For example, missionaries were able to acquire occasional slots on radio stations and were “thus able to present the perfect teachings of Islam and Ahmadiyyat to a much wider audience”.

Those radio programmes were seen as a great achievement by the Jamaat – the newspapers of the Jamaat would eagerly publish these missionary reports.

Huzooraa said that now, the Jamaat had its very own radio stations and channel, and no longer required slots at other radio stations. And now, through television, we were able to spread the message of Islam further.

When television started, it was very limited. “However, when Allah the Almighty provided our Jamaat with inspiration, resources and capability, He also created the means for satellite” and so our channel was able to broadcast to the whole world. This was the clear fulfilment of the prophecy given to the Promised Messiahas, that “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth.” By the grace of Allah the Almighty, now, 19 MTA studios had been established globally who were working under the central guidance of MTA International and the guidance of Khilafat.

In addition to the UK studios, we have established full studios in Qadian, Ghana, the Gambia, Tanzania, Indonesia, Germany, Canada, USA, Kababir, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Australia, Canada and Uganda, Huzooraa highlighted.

Due to government restrictions, Pakistan studios’ production was limited; however, Allah the Almighty had blessed the Jamaat with international studios elsewhere.

“With the grace of Allah the Almighty, a number of live programmes are now regularly broadcast from Qadian and from the Abdul Wahab Studios in Ghana.

Similarly, the MTA Germany studios have launched some programmes in German.

“In fact, apart from our English and Urdu content, programmes are being produced in various languages such as French, Swahili, Turkish, amongst others.

“Therefore, with the grace of Allah, the message of the true Islam is reaching all parts of the world through MTA. “If we analyse our financial and human resources in purely worldly terms, the truth

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021

Photo courtesy of MTA International

is that we could never have accomplished all of this on our own. In reality, whatever has been achieved has been the result and fulfilment of that divine promise and revelation, that ‘I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth.

“Each and every day we are witnessing, with our own eyes, the glorious manifestation of the help and favour of Allah the Almighty.”

Huzooraa said that where, initially, there was just one MTA channel, now Allah had enabled MTA to launch several channels.

There was MTA 1 – the flagship channel.

Apart from this, MTA 2 Europe, MTA 3 Al-Arabiyya, MTA 4 Africa, MTA 5 Africa, MTA 6 Asia, MTA 7 Asia and MTA 8 North America were all broadcasting simultaneously. These can be streamed online by anyone from any part of the world.

Huzooraa spoke about the recent advancements of MTA, for example, MTA broadcasting on terrestrial television in Suriname, the Gambia and Ghana.

Religious, informative and other interesting documentaries were now being produced and broadcast on MTA, Huzooraa said. More content for children was also being produced. The teachings of the Holy Quran and the books of the Promised Messiahas were also explained in various programmes.

Huzooraa said, “MTA programmes are also serving to introduce the teachings of Islam to people outside the Jamaat in an excellent way.”

Where MTA serves as a means of education and tarbiyat of the Jamaat, it is playing an excellent role in propagating the message of Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa said.

Regarding the pandemic situation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “During this [pandemic] period, I have not been able to travel on tours, nor have Ahmadis been able to visit me. Yet, through the blessings of MTA, the direct contact and communication between Khalifatul Masih and members of the Jamaat has not only continued but has increased and reached new heights, alhamdulillah.

“Apart from the weekly Friday Sermons, which are broadcast live around the world,

a new avenue of mulaqats – the virtual mulaqats – have emerged during this period […]

“One day, I am meeting Ahmadis from Australia; the next day, from Indonesia or the United States, or from Qadian, Europe, Africa, Canada and other parts of the world.

While sitting here in Islamabad, the words and voice of the Khalifa of the time are reaching every corner of the world.”

Huzooraa said that as we witnessed these blessings and observed the rapid advancements, we could not help but recall the prophecy of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Many other programmes of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa were being shown on MTA too.

Huzooraa said, “Many people send their feedback that having watched the mulaqats, their faith and bond with Khilafat has strengthened. Or that they have learned new points that would improve their moral and spiritual development.

Others write that they have learned about the administrative system of the Jamaat through these programmes, while some

Photo courtesy of MTA International

write that they had long held questions in their hearts that were answered during the mulaqats. People also write that they have come to better understand the vision and views of the Khalifa of the time on particular issues, whether they be religious or contemporary matters. Many also write how these programmes have motivated them to personally reform and improve themselves and to strive to increase their service to the Jamaat and to play their role in ensuring that the unity of our Jamaat only ever increases […]

“Both from a spiritual and administrative perspective, MTA is playing a great role in conveying and amplifying the voice of the Khalifa of the time. It is eliminating distances, removing barriers and above all, ensuring that the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas remains united at the hand of Khilafat and that Ahmadis across the world follow exactly the same religious teachings and beliefs.

“From one corner of the world to the next; from Asia to Europe; from Africa to the Americas; from the Far East to the

various island of the world; from the east to the west; from the north to the south, the teachings of the Promised Messiahas and the instructions of the Khalifa of the time are reaching all nations and peoples through MTA”, Huzooraa said.

Huzooraa said that due to this, all Ahmadis should be thankful to the workers in MTA – whether the workers are paid a minimal amount or the volunteers.

Huzooraa said these workers are saving the Jamaat millions of pounds each year.

Huzooraa said he recalled that during an event in America, a governor, after being told by Huzooraa that MTA received no state or commercial funding, was shocked and asked how this was even possible.

“Indeed, for worldly and material people, it is surely impossible to comprehend how MTA can only survive as a global channel, but actually thrive without any form of commercialisation. Yet, they do not realise that MTA is a manifestation of that grand promised of Allah the Almighty vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas that ‘I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth’.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “I reiterate that both the permanent staff of MTA and every volunteer, wherever they are serving, are all deserving of our sincere appreciation and prayers. No matter what is asked of them, they continue to serve and do so with a smile on their faces and with great dedication. Certainly, my heart is filled with gratitude for all of you. May Allah the Almighty reward you and may He enable you to continue to serve with humility and selflessness.”

Huzooraa, advising MTA workers, said, “Never think that the success of MTA or the Jamaat is contingent upon your skills or your time, or that you are deserving of praise or material reward. Most certainly, if you remain forever sincere and devoted, and serve with true humility, you will attain the very best of rewards from Allah the Almighty himself.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, at the end, led everyone in silent prayers.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

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From the Markaz

Shun any inferiority complexes to do with faith, appearance and familial background UK Nasirat get guidance from Huzoor

On 26 June 2021, a group of Nasiratul-Ahmadiyya (Ahmadi Muslim girls), between the ages of 13 and 15, from the UK was fortunate to have a virtual class with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

After conveying salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many members of Nasirat were seated in the Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh. In response, Sadr Sahiba said there were more than 410 Nasirat present. She added that all Nasirat were seated at a one-metre distance from each other and had all been tested for the coronavirus before coming.

The class then commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by its English translations. After this, five Nasirat had the opportunity to present a tarana (choral poem).

During the class, Nasirat had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa various questions relating to faith, mental health, divine decree etc.

The first question asked was with regard to keeping good company and how one could know whether the company and friends one kept were good.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa answered by saying, “Allah the Almighty has given you wisdom. Allah says to use that; you can judge between bad and good.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked the questioner if she was able to judge between what was good and what was bad, and asked if she was able to judge what food was rotten and what food was good. To this, the questioner responded in the affirmative.

Huzooraa said: “By interacting with your friends, you will know how your friends talk. If they are talking in a way which is appropriate, which is according to the norms of morals, then they are good friends. If they talk in an inappropriate way, their morals are not good, their company is not good, they are mixing too much with boys, they talk too much about worldly things, then that means that they are not good friends.

“If you are in need of something and they [your friends] help you, they are sincere with you, then they are your good friends.

There are so many other factors by which you can judge who is good and who is bad”.

On being asked how one could encourage another Muslim girl to wear a headscarf, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “You can simply tell them that according to the teaching of Islam, when a girl reaches the age of maturity then they should wear a scarf. If somebody is not following the commandment of Allah the Almighty,

which is clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran, then that is up to her.

“There are quite a number of nonAhmadi girls as well who do not wear scarves. If you collect data and find out the

percentage, then, I think, [the percentage of] Ahmadi girls wearing scarves will be more than the non-Ahmadi girls who wear scarves, as far as the ratio of their number is concerned […]”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said to the questioner that she could simply tell people that wearing a scarf, practising hijab and Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 << Continued from previous page

dressing modestly was the commandment of Allah the Almighty. Huzooraa added, “If somebody does not do it, that is up to her; and that is between her and her God”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was asked that if Islam taught men and women were equal, then why were women not treated equally in all societies around the world?

Answering the question, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated: “We are not responsible for each and every society and nation. Islam says they are equal and Muslims should treat women as their equal partners […] I have spoken on this subject at length in my different speeches and addresses during Jalsa Salana and Lajna Ijtema, so you can find out the answer from there […]

“In a true Islamic society, men and women, boys and girls, should be treated equally.”

On being asked why Hazrat Ibrahamas (Abraham) was mentioned in Durood Sharif and not any other prophet, Huzooraa said: “Hazrat Ibrahimas is called ‘Abul Anbiya’ [Father of the Prophets]. It is Hazrat Ibrahimas who had quite a number of prophets from his progeny. So, if you see the present-day known religions, most of the people are following the religion of Abraham, as Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Christians and Jews are the descendants of Hazrat Ishaqas [Isaac], and Muslims are the descendants of Hazrat Ismaelas […] The last of the prophets who came to complete the Shariah and the law of Allah the Almighty was from the progeny of Hazrat Ibrahimas.

“This is why, while reciting Durood Sharif, we mention the name of Hazrat Ibrahimas because he was blessed more than any other prophet, and the coming of the Holy Prophetsa was the sign of him being blessed more than any other prophet.”

Next, a young girl asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how one could stay true to their faith, despite being afraid to express their own ideas out of fear of being classified as rude or backward.

Answering the young girl, Huzooraa stated: “The first thing is that you remove your inferiority complex. If you believe and if you think that your religion is the true religion, and it is the last of the religions and is the final religion, and it contains all of the good things which were revealed to the previous prophets, then there should not be any complex.

“Secondly, those people, who are worldly people, who do not want to listen to you with regard to religious matters, why should you force them to listen to you? Find some good friends, talk to them in a light mood, and when you think that they are ready to listen about God, about religion, about faith, then you can talk to them about the true teachings of Islam. And never say, outrightly, that Islam is the supreme religion and is better than any other religion. Although we can prove the supremacy of Islam over all other religions, there is no need to injure the sentiments of other people by saying this directly […] If you are just blunt, they will obviously say you are rude and backward.

Don’t try to be blunt; be wise.”

A young member of Nasirat asked Huzooraa that if Allah had already decided one’s fate, why should a person try so hard

“

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Allah the Almighty says that ‘you have to change yourself first. If you take one step towards Me, I will come towards you two steps. If you walk towards Me, I will run towards you.’ So, first, you will have to make effort, then do dua […]

to lead a better life.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa answered: “Do you know what Allah has decided about you?” Huzooraa used his hands to indicate and said, “Allah the Almighty says these are the good things and these are the bad things. [Allah says] ‘If you do good, I will reward you. If you do bad, I will punish you.’

“It is Allah who knows if you will do good or bad. You don’t know. If you don’t know, then you should try hard to do good things so that you are rewarded. But it is not necessary that the person who is doing bad things will definitely go to hell […] Allah says, ‘My Mercy encompasses everything.’ […] Our job is to do good deeds. We do not know our fate; Allah knows it.”

Next, a young lady stated that in her religious education lessons in school, she was faced with obnoxious and abusive comments about the Promised Messiahas and her classmates spread lies about the nature of his demise. She asked Huzooraa about the best way to deal with such comments.

Huzooraa responded: “This is the way opponents behave. You can tell them, ‘How do you know? As far as we know, he died on his bed. And there is proof; our history shows it’ […] This is the way they have been taught to behave. So let them do what they like; their morals are with them. Just pray to Allah the Almighty to save them.”

Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked if it was necessary for someone who wore a long, loose dress and a full headscarf to also wear a burqa over the dress.

Answering the questioner, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated: “It is not necessary if your dress is modest.

There was no burqa at the time of the Holy Prophetsa. And even in the Holy Quran, it does not mention to wear a burqa and long coat. The Holy Quran stated that you should cover your head, your cheeks, your bosom, by covering your body […]”.

Upon being asked if one could marry a non-Ahmadi Muslim, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “If you want to save your children, train them according to your own beliefs, raise them up according to your own beliefs, then you should avoid marrying non-Ahmadi Muslims […]”.

Huzooraa explained that the majority of

marriages where the husband and wife did not share the same religious beliefs were not successful and ultimately broke.

A Nasirat member expressed that at times, when parents advised their children, the children did not agree with the advice, but later the children realised that the advice was for their benefit. She asked how one could become more obedient to parents.

Answering her, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Don’t make haste in taking any decision.

When you hear anything from your parents, instead of just getting annoyed or refusing it outrightly, you can keep quiet. Think it over, ponder over it and then see what they are saying [and ask yourself], ‘Is it good for me?’ […] So, you should try to see the pros and cons of the advice your parents are giving […] Think twice before taking any action, or before denying [the advice], refusing it, or accepting it. Be patient, as I have said, and pray to Allah also […] Think twice, pray to Allah before making any decision.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was asked about issues relating to culture, society, social media, which could have a negative impact on one’s mental health. He was asked what prayers could help in this regard.

Huzooraa responded: “First, as I have already said, remove all the complexes with regard to your religion, with regard to your faith, with regard to your appearance, with regard to your family background. Develop some confidence within yourself. Pray to Allah the Almighty in your five daily prayers. Dedicate one full sajda [prostration] for this purpose, that Allah the Almighty gives you the strength to compete and overcome the bad things of present-day society. The best way is to pray while you are offering your five daily prayers […]”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then told her to often recite Durood Sahrif and quoted the following prayer ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫العل ِ ِّي ال َع ِظ ْيم‬ ‫لا حول ولا قوة إلا بِالل ِه‬ [There is no might or power save with Allah, the High, the Great] “Do istighfar as well: َ َُ َْ ُّ ّٰ ْ َ ‫ا ْس َتغفِ ُر الل َه َربِّ ْی ِم ْن ک ِل ذن ٍب َو ات ْو ُب اِل ْی ِه‬ “and try to know the in-depth meaning of it. Then, it will also save you from bad things and create and develop confidence in you.”

A member of Nasirat stated that she was

growing fruit and vegetables in her garden at home and asked if it was suitable to use pesticides in their garden.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “If your garden is an organic garden, then do not use it. If you don’t want to make it an organic garden, then use pesticides.

But there are some other ways also to save your plants from pests and insects. Burn some dry leaf, or dry wood, and make some ash, and then spread that ash on the plants.”

Huzooraa also said that neem leaves could also be used to save plants from insects.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked a question with regard to racism. The questioner said that racism had been extremely normalised over the years. She asked Huzoor’saa views on this.

Huzooraa said: “When you clap, you cannot clap with just one hand; you have to use the other hand [also].

“The fault is from both sides […] migrants who do not try to integrate themselves into society and, apart from that, most of them do not work, and if they work, they do not pay taxes and try to isolate themselves from the local people.

When the local people see that someone is not integrating with them – and also getting benefits from the government, from the tax they pay – then that makes them annoyed.

So, this is why those leaders who have some ill will about immigrants or do not like immigrants, are trying to incite the general public. This is why racism is increasing. If the immigrants try to integrate themselves within the society, then you can remove the doubts of local people.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked how one’s prayer worked if they themselves did not try to change.

Huzooraa explained: “Allah the Almighty says that ‘you have to change yourself first. If you take one step towards Me, I will come towards you two steps. If you walk towards Me, I will run towards you.’ So, first, you will have to make effort, then do dua […]”.

As the class drew to a close, Sadr Sahiba thanked Huzooraa for gracing the Nasirat with his time and advice.

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

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

UK Nasirat rejoice following successful meeting with Huzoor Mateen Bhatti Secretary Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya UK

On 26 June 2021, Nasirat between the ages of 13 and 15 had the opportunity to meet Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in a virtual mulaqat. This took place in the Tahir Hall of Baitul Futuh Mosque. The mulaqat was attended by around 370 Nasirat from eight regions of the UK. All Nasirat were required to do a lateral Covid-19 test the night before and each girl had a temperature check before registration, after which they were seated in the Tahir Hall. All were required to wear face masks.

The girls began arriving from 8 am. The girls were very patient as they waited for Huzoor’s presence.

There was an aura of a unique and special day. On top of that, to be in Baitul Futuh after such a long time added to their excitement as some were able to meet each other after a very long time.

During a break in the Tahir Hall, I enquired from a girl from Purley jamaat whether she had met anyone else from her jamaat? I was taken aback by her simple answer. She said “Yes, there is someone from Purley, but I am not able to recognise her” as they had been having virtual Nasirat classes during the pandemic and new attendees hadn’t met each other yet. This was heartbreaking for me.

Whilst waiting for Huzoor’s arrival, rehearsals took place.

MTA checked the mics, settings and guided how girls should approach the mic, to speak slowly and clearly.

The time then arrived when Huzoor’s presence enamoured the entire atmosphere.

It was surreal. Huzoor’s smile and love for his Nasirat never left his face until the screen went blank.

Huzooraa gave each and every Nasirah all the time that was needed to answer their questions.

The time seemed to go swiftly as we came to the last question.

The Nasirat expressed their emotions in the following words: Aashita of Morden Hall Park expressed: “I found this class very informative and learned many new things from Huzooraa.”

Rumaisa of Baitul Futuh East expressed: “I thought the mulaqat was really good and I enjoyed it a lot. I had a few questions prior to coming to the class, which have all been answered.”

Raheela of Thornton Heath said: “I really enjoyed the mulaqat. This time round, there was a variety of questions ranging from religion to everyday things like growing vegetables, so I felt like it was really interesting and catered to everyone.

Something new I learnt was that you could use neem leaves on vegetables as a source of pesticide.”

Shafia of Morden Hall Park said: “I found the class very interesting and I learned a lot. I think there were lots of different questions which everyone could relate to. The questions asked regarding school and when people ask you questions in class, I feel like I can use that knowledge now that Huzooraa has addressed how to answer those questions.”

Maria Ahmed Rana of Baitul Futuh expressed: “I learned a lot from this mulaqat, especially from the questions about doing tabligh and how to respond to many different allegations against Ahmadiyyat. I felt really encouraged by Huzooraa when he told everyone to remove their complexes and be more confident in expressing our own views.”

Rameen Mirza of South Cheam said: “The whole event was really good and I think it was really well planned. The questions were interesting and Huzooraa gave insightful answers. All the restrictions due to Covid-19 were also managed well.”

Fareeha Hashmi of Carshalton said: “This session today answered all my questions and was very helpful. I can apply all these to my daily life and can try to

respond to them in a good way.”

Shareena Javaid of Richmond Park expressed: “Huzooraa talked very informatively today and really knew the subject behind each question.”

Aleena Ahmed of Southfields expressed: “It was really interesting because a lot of questions applied to lots of people there and they were very interesting to listen to.

It was really enjoyable and I found Huzoor’s answers very informative.”

Saba Qaiser of Hounslow South said: “I was one of the Nasirat who asked a question and it was such a blessing and frightening at the same time, but also very special. It was probably one of my favourite days ever.”

Saleha Saddiqa of Roehampton Vale said: “I really enjoyed our mulaqat with Huzooraa. Masha-Allah, Huzooraa was smiling and laughing throughout. It really made me happy as well and there was so much that I learnt from this class. Seeing Huzooraa after a year, due to the pandemic, felt really special and just seeing Huzooraa talking and interacting with us had a massive impact on me.”

Maheen Mahmood of Merton Park said: “I really enjoyed the class even though we were unable to be in the same room, face to face with Huzooraa. Being together with all the other Nasirat after such a long time, we felt finally connected, so I really enjoyed the atmosphere.”

Shafia Kamran of Roehampton said: “I really enjoyed the virtual class. I asked Huzooraa a question and he provided such an amazing answer. It made me feel really blessed to attend the class.”

Kafia Farooq of Deer Park expressed: “I really loved this experience because it felt like Huzooraa was right in front of us, despite it being a virtual class. I felt it went perfectly to plan.”

Kashifa Sohail of Farnham said: “This class was very enjoyable. Even

though it wasn’t face to face with Huzooraa, it was still very interactive and everyone had a chance to do ask what they wanted.

Huzooraa answered lots of questions and it made my day.”

Tuba Sheikh of Sutton expressed: “The event was good, and the question and answer session was good. While I didn’t have any questions to ask, I felt the ones asked were very interesting.”

Firdous Idrees of Clapham said: “Today, I was blessed with the opportunity of doing tilawat. I felt nervous at the beginning but also relieved after the recitation […] It felt good to see Huzooraa after so long. Although it wasn’t in person, I still enjoyed it.”

Sabiha Khullat Chima of the national Nasirat team expressed: “The virtual Nasirat mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was nothing short of a miraculous experience. Sitting in an audience presided by our beloved Khalifa always leaves my heart filled with gratitude as Allah the Almighty has blessed us with leadership and guidance found nowhere else in the world.

“At a time when Ahmadis around the world are praying day and night to be close to our Khalifa again; I had the opportunity to sit and listen to the profound wisdom of Huzooraa in a live audience, where young girls were able to express their worries and curiosity as questions, and receive, what I feel, were not only answers but Huzoor’s support and motivation for girls to become proud young Ahmadi girls.”

Fouzia Mahmood of the national Nasirat team said: “Having seen various mulaqat clips online of people from around the world, I was eagerly awaiting for our Nasirat to have an opportunity too. So, when the day arrived, there was panic, excitement and nervousness all afloat.

“The atmosphere was unreal and you could see the girls eagerly waiting for Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 << Continued from previous page

Huzoor’s arrival. Just minutes before our mulaqat started, I noticed that the same hall that was bustling with life, all of a sudden there was pin-drop silence. Then came Huzoor’s smiling face on the screen. The mood changed within seconds. Despite it being virtual, to see Huzooraa talking to everyone, interacting with the girls, his presence and aura was very much felt.

“Huzooraa really took his time in answering the girls’ questions and providing them with as much detail as possible with ease. Of course, with a loving sense of humour along the way. I don’t know if the rest of the mulaqats felt like this, but I know they can’t get better than today’s.

“The connection and spark between beloved Huzooraa and the Nasirat was very much visible, something that may not be entirely felt when watching it on the television later. It is something you feel in that moment. With everything going on, it was such a blessing and moment of pure joy, as if the world around you was put on pause.

“I felt very blessed to have been included in this successful event and will cherish this day forever. The first thing I did after the mulaqat was that I told my family everything in detail so it would be embedded in my brain forever.”

As you can see from the Nasirat’s feedback, they will certainly never forget this day. No doubt, insha-Allah; not only those present but those who will watch the programme and listen to Huzoor’s answers, will take away gems of knowledge and be able to face the world with a new perspective and fresh vigour.

Their confidence surely will be boosted enough to hold their heads up high knowing they have the backing of their Khalifatul Masihaa and to become leaders rather than followers.

As the national Nasirat secretary, it is impossible to express my emotions regarding this mulaqat with Huzooraa. I was mesmerised by watching this person whose love for his Nasirat emanated through the screen and I’m sure in each Nasirah’s heart.

Huzooraa satisfied each girl’s question, which was difficult to comprehend. Such love and care! Throughout the mulaqat, tears flowed down my cheeks. The only thing I could do was to recite Durood. The prayers said by the Holy Prophetsa 1,400 years ago for the Jamaat that was promised to come, are being fulfilled in the spectacles we witness when seeing Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

This mulaqat with Huzooraa has paved a way for Nasirat to be able to face issues and who are currently struggling to cope within schools and homes.

There can, at times, be much confusion in the minds of Nasirat as there is sometimes a clash in their minds about certain topics that run in schools, home and social media such as equality, friends, complexities, obedience to parents etc.

Such issues were addressed by Huzooraa in such a simple and logical form that one could feel they were easily understood by Nasirat. In fact, that is what their feedback suggested.

A lot of girls will relate and benefit hugely from this blessed mulaqat.

Insha-Allah, we hope to continue to take each of Huzoor’s responses to questions by raising them in discussions, getting them to

7 share their experiences after having applied Huzoor’s guidance in their to their day to day lives. Insha-Allah, Nasirat will write about their experiences, which will enhance others and an understanding will take place in a jumbled world where nothing makes sense.

I feel this opportunity has brought them much closer to Khilafat and as the rest of

Nasirat from around the world view or read about this mulaqat, they will feel exactly the same as the Nasirat felt being there physically.

There is no doubt in my mind at all that insha-Allah, Nasirat all over the world will gain a huge new perspective that will give them the confidence that they are Ahmadi girls first and foremost; that they have

Khalifatul Masih’s love and blessings with them.

Huzooraa has certainly given them a sense of a raised status of being Ahmadi girls, erasing their complexities in a fast, changing, confused world.

May Allah grant Huzooraa good health and great achievements for the Jamaat.

Amin.

Inauguration of four Ahmadi mosques in Sierra Leone’s Makeni region

Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone inaugurated four mosques in Makeni region on 10 June 2021. These mosques were built in Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali districts’ Jamaats, namely: Mawantain, Magbafath, Makali and Worreh Line. These villages are very close to one another.

The foundation and construction of these mosques were laid by Tahir Ahmad Bhatti Sahib. The local Jamaats participated with Waqar-e-Amal and with providing materials such as sand, stones, providing food for the labours and painting the mosque. May Allah bless them all.

A satellite system and MTA International was also installed at the mosques.

A regional Jalsa for all these Jamaats was held on this occasion and members and nonAhmadi guests gathered in Gbonkobana Jamaat which is at the centre of all four Jamaats. The programme started at 11am with the recitation from the Holy Quran, and was chaired by Amir and Missionaryin-charge Sierra Leone, Saeedur Rahman Sahib.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran,

Photos courtesy of Jamaat Sierra Leone

the guests were introduced. Speeches were delivered on topics such as The status of the Promised Messiahas, The system of financial sacrifice in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, and How to protect ourselves from innovations.

At the end, Amir Sahib answered questions from the audience. Thanking the Jamaat, the Chiefdom Imam acknowledged the works of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in the field of education and in national progress

and promised his friendship with the Jamaat.

After the programme, Amir Sahib and many Jamaat members visited the mosques and Amir Sahib formally opened them.

Including 50 non-Ahmadis, 14 nonAhmadi Imams, 7 local chiefs, and representative of the Paramount Chief, a total of 900 people attended this blessed occasion.

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 2-8 July 2 July 1934: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced the nikah of his son, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh, with Sahibzadi Mansura Begum Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra.

Huzoorra also announced the nikah of Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad, son of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, with Sahibzadi Nasira Begum Sahiba, the daughter of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra.

Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad

Before announcing the nikah, in his sermon, Huzoorra emphasised the importance of devoting lives for the cause of Islam, especially for members of the family of the Promised Messiahas.

In the Majlis-e-Mushawarat of 1952, whilst delivering his address, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra praised Giani Sahib and stated that he was among the four missionaries who had a good and extensive collection of books. Giyani Sahib was very interested in providing higher education to his children, which was among his foremost priorities.

2 July 1974: In Jhelum, Maqbool Ahmad Sethi Sahib was martyred by criminals who broke into his house.

He was born in 1942. His maternal grandfather and paternal grandfather were both companions of the Promised Messiahas. He completed his education at Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah, and then started his own business in Maqbool Ahmad Jhelum.

Sethi Sahib

Huzoorra mentioned the hadith that refers to faith ascending to the Pleiades and being brought back down by men of Persian descent, and said:

He was martyred under the supervision of the police, during which the family members of the deceased were also seriously harmed.

“In these words, the Holy Prophetsa ٌ did not only mention ‫[ َر ُجل‬a man], ٌ َ but stated ‫[ ِرجال‬men]; meaning that the responsibility of spreading Islam would not finish with the ‘person of Persian descent’; instead, the progeny of that person would also have the same responsibility and the Holy Prophetsa had the same expectations from them as he had from that ‘person of Persia descent’”.

3 July 1971: Under the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, a health centre was set up in Boajibu, situated in the eastern province of Sierra Leone.

After the nikah announcement, Huzoorra led everyone in a long silent prayer.

2 July 1970: Giyani Wahid Hussain Sahib passed away. He was born in 1904 and into a Sikh family. His previous name was Sher Singh.

Around 1928, after doing bai‘at, he went to Qadian, devoted his life and began preaching to Sikhs. He had many debates with scholars of different religions and faiths. Many of his research articles have been published in various newspapers of the Jamaat.

4 July 1936: Within a month of getting married, Hazrat Hafiz

Bashir Ahmadra went to Amritsar station by car to receive Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh.

In Qadian, he was warmly welcomed by the local congregation and was garlanded.

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh went back to England on 17 September to complete his studies. In England, he obtained a master’s degree in political science, philosophy and economics from Balliol College, University of Oxford.

5 July 1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra presided over a session of the All India Kashmir Committee held in Lahore. This committee was formed by the prominent Muslim leaders soon after communal tensions sprang forth from the Kashmir riots of 1931.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was invited to join the committee by Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who, at that time, held the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and its leadership in high esteem.

Subsequently, Huzoorra became the president of the committee upon the invitation and persuasion of Muslim political leaders of that time.

This provided the Jamaat with an opportunity to display its ability to get involved in a major crisis and to lead the Muslim population.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reached Lahore through a night journey, after a medical check-up for his eyes from Rawalpindi. He stayed in Lahore until 7 July. This session of the Kashmir Committee continued for three hours.

The same evening, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah MSc, who came to Lahore from Kashmir, had a meeting with Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh left India and Huzoorra. As it was very late, the proceeded for postgraduate studies in meeting was very short; however, the England, on 6 September 1934. next day, Huzoorra granted him the opportunity of two longer meetings.

On this date, 4 July 1936, Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh arrived back 6 July 1967: Hazrat Khalifatul in Qadian from London for holidays.

Masih IIIrh left Rabwah for his In the early hours of 4 July, Hazrat first visit to Europe. During this Musleh-e-Maudra and Hazrat Mirza visit, Huzoorrh addressed seven

press conferences, attended eight receptions and delivered five Friday sermons at different locations.

7 July 1915: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went to Lahore. Huzoor’sra family was also with him on this journey. On 12 July, Huzoorra returned to Qadian.

During this journey, on 11 July, after Maghrib prayer, a lecture was delivered by Huzoorra at Hazrat Mian Siraj-ud-Din’sra house. This lecture was later published under the title, Paigham-e-Masih Maud. This lecture was full of knowledge and wisdom, and was also positively acknowledged by non-Muslims.

8 July 1935: Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra was attacked by an opponent. Mischievous activities by the Ahrar group were on the rise and the situation was turning tense and gruesome even in Qadian during those days. It was around 6 o’clock in the evening when he set off from his office on his bicycle for his residence that a local attacked him with a long and sharp club three times. Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra courageously blocked this sudden assault with sharp reflexes. The attack was condemned by everyone.

In his Friday Sermon of 12 July 1935, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned, in detail, this incident and informed the Jamaat about the deep conspiracy behind this cruel event.

8 July 1967: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh began his journey for Europe, from Karachi. During this journey, Huzoorrh stayed at the Tehran airport and had meetings with members of the Jamaat and then reached Germany.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021

Answers to Everyday Issues

Part XVII – Jinn 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

Jinn Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa that in an interview published in Tariq Magazine, seemingly, the viewpoint of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was put forward by the interviewee that jinns did exist, contrary to the viewpoint of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra. The person said that it gave rise to some allegations by the opponents and asked how one could reply to them.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 18 March 2021, gave the following reply: “The word jinn is frequently used in the Holy Quran and ahadith. It means something that remains hidden, whether it is hidden owing to its form or its behaviour.

The word takes on numerous connotations as it changes cases or is inflected in other ways. Nevertheless, the concept of being hidden and obscure is common across all of these connotations.

“The following words, for example, that are derived from the root j-n-n, carry the above-mentioned connotation: َ َ for example means • The verb janna [‫]ج ّن‬ ‘to cast a shadow’ or ‘to cast a mantle of darkness’ َ is the foetus hidden in the • Janeen [‫]ج ِنین‬ mother’s womb ُ refers to the illness which • Junoon [‫]ج ُنون‬ covers the intellect • Jinan [‫]ج َنان‬ ِ denotes the heart, hidden in one’s chest َ َ is the garden, the thick • Jannah [‫]ج ّنة‬ shade of the trees of which, cover the soil َ َ • Majannah [‫ ]م�َ ّنة‬refers to the shield

behind which the warrior hides ّ ‫]ج‬ َ is applied to the snakes that • Jaann [‫ان‬

live in hiding in the ground َ َ • Janan [‫]ج�ن‬ refers to the tomb that hides the dead in itself َ ُ • Junnah [‫]ج ّنة‬ applies to the veil that

covers the head and the body “Moreover, the word jinn is also used for veiled women. It is also used for such chieftains and prominent people who do not mix with the public. It is also used for people of nations that live in geographically remote areas and are cut off from the rest of the world.

“Similarly, the word [jinn] is also used for nocturnal animals that stay in the dark and for very small insects or microorganisms such as germs etc. That is why the Holy Prophetsa instructed that eating utensils be kept covered at night. He also forbade the usage of bones for cleaning after attending to the call of nature and said that they were the food of the jinn i.e. ants, termites and other bacteria.

“Furthermore, the word jinn is also used for hidden evil spirits i.e. Satan and for the hidden good spirits i.e. angels as has been stated that:

َ َ َ ُ َّ َ َ ُ َّ َّ ‫ون ذل ِك‬ ‫ِمنا الﺼال ِحون و ِمنا د‬

“[Some of us are righteous and some of us are otherwise.] (Surah al- Jinn, Ch. 72: V. 12) “In the Jamaat’s literature, especially in the writings and addresses of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa, the word jinn is usually used in this sense.

All of their discourse negates the popular notions and perceptions regarding the jinn which portray them as controlling people, possessing women, tormenting people or themselves being controlled by people who then order them to bring them things they desire. Such jinns are the creation of the minds of superstitious people and the Islamic doctrine does not accept them.

“While answering a question regarding the existence of jinns, the Promised Messiahas said: ‘We believe [iman] in them but have no intimate knowledge [irfan] of them. Why would we even stand in need of the jinn in our matters of worship, society, culture and politics etc.? How beautifully did the Holy Prophetsa proclaim:

ُ َ ْ َ ‫ِم ْن ُﺣ ْس ِن إِ ْسلَا ِم ال َم ْر ِء ت ْرك ُہ َما لَا � ْع ِني ِہ‬

“[Part of the excellence of a man’s Islam is that he stays clear of what does not concern him. (Muwatta, Kitab husn alkhulq)] “Human life is very short but the journey [to the Hereafter] is long and arduous. Therefore, one should prepare the necessary provisions for that journey.

It does not behove a believer to indulge in such utterly absurd and vain activities.

Make peace with God and put your trust in Him alone. No one is mightier and more powerful than Him.’ (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 3, pp. 403, Edition 2016) “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, while rejecting these imaginary jinns, states: “‘A boy used to live here. His name

How jinn have been perceived in early history, partaking in combat with their characteristic hooves | Wikimedia Commons

was Abdul Aliyy. His father often used to claim to be able to summon the jinn. He often stayed with me but was never able to summon the jinn before me.’ (Mirqat al-Yaqeen fi Hayat Noor ad-Din, pp. 249, Edition February 2002) “Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has, in his various writings, sermons and addresses, elucidated the issue of jinns from different angles and in great detail. In light of the teachings of the Holy Quran and the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa, he has thoroughly refuted the existence of such jinn which are only present in the minds of the people, and which possess them or come under the control of some people, who then employ them as they desire. Hence, in response to a question about the jinn, Huzoorra dictated: “‘I believe in the existence of jinns, but I do not believe that people are possessed by them or that they bring them any fruits.

Just as people are not possessed by angels, in the same way, they are also not possessed by the jinn; just as angels meet human beings, so do the jinn, but only as far as

their natural entity permits them. “‘With regard to the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa, I believe they are for both human beings and the jinn, and believing in him is also necessary for the jinn. It is also [incumbent on everyone] to act on the revelation that descended upon him.

However, this belief of mine has also led me to believe that people can neither be possessed by [the jinn] nor can they bring any fruits for them. “‘The Holy Quran states that it was the duty of those who believed in the Holy Prophetsa to help and support him. If the jinn had the power to help or aid human beings [in the same manner], why were Abu Jahl etc. not possessed by them? They would not even have had to make any sacrifices [to do this]. “‘Some say that the jinn bring sweets etc. to people, but I do not believe in such jinns who although bring sweets to this and that person, but for [the Holy Prophetsa], the one, believing in whom was necessary Continued on next page >>

10

Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

and obligatory – and a party of jinn even came to profess their faith in him – and who would, at times, starve for three days in a row, they would not even bring some bread. If it were not necessary for them to believe in Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, then this would have put us in doubt whether or not they are able to harm mankind, but now we are certain that they cannot do so. “‘As far as the matter of women being possessed by the jinn is concerned, then these are all diseases, superstitions or the manifestation of natural phenomena.

For example, phosphorus shines at night and it is often seen in graveyards because phosphorus comes out of the bones and it shines but people attribute it to the jinn.’ (Al Fazl Qadian [Urdu], No. 82, Vol. 8, 2 May 1921, pp. 7) “ S i m i l a r l y, in one of his addresses, published under the title of Fazail-ul-Quran, sheds Huzoorra light on another aspect of the jinn and states: “‘Some people say that jinns are non-human beings who believed in the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Mosesas and Hazrat S o l o m o n as.

However, what needs to be determined is whether the Quran acknowledges this interpretation. If this is a metaphor, then surely the Holy Quran must have explained it in one of its other verses. If we do not take it as a metaphor, then two verses of the Holy Quran would clash, leading to an inconsistency in the Holy Quran. “‘Thus, we have to see whether a contradiction is created in the Holy Quran by rejecting it as a metaphor or by accepting it as one. Those who do not consider it a metaphor, say that it is like the word “Satan” used [in the Quran]. Just as Satan is a creature that is separate from human beings, so are the jinn creatures that are separate from human beings.

However, commentators unanimously َ َ​َ َ agree with regard to ‫[ َو ِإذا خلوْا ِإلَى ش َيا ِطي ِن ِه ْم‬But when they are alone with their ringleaders [lit. Satans]… (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, V. 15)] that the “Satans” mentioned here refer to the Jews and their prominent leaders.

Thus, if human beings can be Satans, then why can they not be jinns? “‘Likewise, Allah the Exalted states: ْ ْ َ َ َ ًّ ُ َ ّ َ ّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ٰ َ َ ُ ْ ‫س َوال ِج ِ ّن يُوحِ ْي بَ ْعض ُه ْم ِإلٰى‬ ًِ ُ ‫وكذل ِك جعلنا ل ِك ِل ن ِب ٍَي ْعدواُ ْشيا َ ِط ْينَ ال ِإن‬ ‫ض زخ ُرف القوْ ِل غ ُر ْورا‬ ٍ ‫بع‬

“‘[Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6, V.113] “‘It means that “We made enemies for every prophet from among the human Satans as well as the jinn, who provoked enmity among people and incited them against the prophet and his community.” “‘Here, Allah the Exalted has clearly stated that human beings can also be Satans.

Thus, if there can be Satans from among humans [shayatin al-ins], why can there not be jinns from among humans [jinn alins]? That is, just as there can be humans who are referred to as Satans, so can there also be humans who are referred to as jinns.

Hence, we can deduce from the Quran alone that not only did Hazrat Solomonas command the jinn, but there were also jinns who professed faith in Hazrat Mosesas

“‘3. Jinn: The people of the northern regions, that is Europe etc., who did not mix with the people of Asia, and who were destined to make astonishing material progress and show rebellion against religion in the Latter Days. They have been mentioned in Surah al-Rahman. “‘4. Jinn: People of other religions and strangers whom some nations like Hindus and Jews considered a new creature. They are commonly referred to as jinns, such as the jinns of Hazrat Solomonas or those people who came to profess their belief in the Holy Prophetsa. “‘In my view, the jinn that are mentioned as being the inhabitants of Hell, are the same people who are of a fiery nature and who do not obey and do not accept any

and the Holy Prophetsa.’ (Fazail-ul-Quran [Urdu], No. 6, pp. 387, 388) “Similarly, after extensively discussing the topic of jinns in Tafsir-e-Kabir, Huzoorra summarises the discourse and writes: “‘In short, the term jinn has been used in various ways in the Holy Quran: “‘1. Jinn: All the invisible beings that are from the category of the metaphysical Satan.

These entities incite evil in the same way that angels encourage good. The difference, however, is that the encouragement of angels is wider in its scope whereas their incitement is limited. That is, they focus on those who willfully turn to evil thoughts.

These beings are also called Satans. “‘2. Jinn: Jinn also refers to cavemen in the idiom of the Holy Quran, that is, human beings who lived underground before becoming capable of receiving revelation and were not bound by any formal system. For the future, however, the Holy Quran adopted the following terms; those who possess the ability to demonstrate obedience have been referred to as humans [insan] and those who have a fiery nature and refrain from obedience are called jinn.

religion or teaching. As for the human inhabitants of Hell, they are the disbelievers who associate themselves with one religion or another. Or, perhaps, the nations of the Northwest have been referred to as the jinn, while the people of the South and the East have been referred to as humans [ins].

Those people were known by these names in common lore [...] “‘Before I conclude this addendum, I would also like to point out that many classical scholars at least share with me the idea that there are no such jinns who would come and meet human beings and possess them and make them do different things […] If one says that some esteemed elders had mentioned jinns, then the reply to that would be that they were spiritual visions that are possible in the world of allegory. [Those elders] saw some things by way of visions and since the belief in jinns was prevalent among the masses, and the term ‘jinn’ is also used in the Holy Quran, the people misconstrued these figurative entities to be physical beings. “‘My personal experience in this regard is as follows: At different times people have

written to me that jinn came to their house and caused mischief. I always expressed the desire to have an experience of such a house at my own expense, but I would either receive this reply that the jinn had stopped coming or that they had fled due to the blessing of my letter or that of my envoy.

I think what they saw was a neurological mystery. As my letter or emissary proved to be a source of comfort for them, their condition changed. “‘If any of the readers of this exegesis have experience of the said creatures and they write to me, I am ever ready to have an experiment conducted at my own expense.

Otherwise, what I have understood from various Quranic arguments is that the jinn that are popular among the people and about whom it is said that they had some relationship with human beings or brought things to them is merely an illusion, hallucination or misperception. Or they are the tricks of showmen, but people have attributed them to the jinn as they are not familiar with the secret compositions of their tricks. I have also studied this field of knowledge and I am familiar with many of the illusions of these people.’ (Tafsir-eKabir [Urdu], Vol. 4, pp. 69-70) “ M o r e o v e r, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, in response to questions about jinns during Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad m aj a li s - e - ir f an and question and answer sessions, has always stated the position that there was no mention in the Quran and ahadith of such jinns who are the creation of the minds of the maulvis and who can, at their behest, pick up a person and bring him before them within a night. Hence, Huzoorrh states in his magnum opus, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, that: “‘Prepare now to undertake a journey upon the wings of scientific vision into the ancient past to explore the nature and identity of the jinn […] It literally means anything which has the connotation of concealment, invisibility, seclusion and remoteness. It also has the connotation of thick shades and dark shadows. That is why the word ‘jannah’ (from the same root word) is employed by the Quran to denote Paradise, which would be full of thick, heavily shaded gardens. “‘The word jinn is also applicable to snakes which habitually remain hidden from common view and live a life secluded from other animals in rock crevices and earthen holes. It is also applied to women who observe segregation and to such chieftains as keep their distance from

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 the common people. The inhabitants of remote, inaccessible mountains are likewise referred to as jinn. “‘Hence, anything which lies beyond the reach of common sight or is invisible to the unaided naked eye, could well be described by this word. “‘This proposition is fully endorsed by a tradition of the Holy Prophetsa in which he strongly admonishes people not to use dried up lumps of dung or bones of dead animals for cleaning themselves after attending to the call of nature because they are food for the jinn. As we use toilet paper now, at that time people used lumps of earth, stones or any dry article close at hand to clean themselves. We can safely infer therefore, that what he referred to as jinn was nothing other than some invisible organisms, which feed on rotting bones, dung etc. Remember that the concept of bacteria and viruses was not till then born. No man had even the vaguest idea about the existence of such invisible tiny creatures. Amazingly it is to these that the Holy Prophetsa referred. The Arabic language could offer him no better, more appropriate expression than the word jinn.’ (Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, pp. 363-364) “In reply to the question of what Islam’s concept of jinns was, what evidence there was for it in the Quran or in the hadith, if there was any event in the life of the Holy Prophetsa that proved the existence of jinns or whether the notion of the people that jinns possessed people was correct, Huzoorrh [jokingly] said: “‘I have spoken extensively about jinns but these jinns are such a calamity that they do not leave one alone. Whichever gathering one goes to, whichever country one goes to, jinns will definitely come there, that is, the question of jinns would always come up. I have answered this question many times. “‘These jinns used to come to the ijtemas of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and they did not leave us alone at Ansarullah’s ijtemas either. The question about jinns still comes up, whether I go to Karachi or Pindi.

Pakistanis everywhere, be they in England or mainland Europe, are hugely interested in jinns. “‘The word jinn has appeared in different places in the Holy Quran with different connotations. In short, jinn refers to hidden things in the Arabic language.

That is, the word jinn in Arabic applies to things that are hidden in any way. That is why serpents are also called jinn or jaann and women who are veiled are also called jinn. Prominent people who keep their distance from the common people and remain hidden are also referred to as jinn.

Mountain tribes that are generally hidden from the people living on the plains are also described as jinn. Cave dwellers are also called jinn. The word jinn is also applied to hardy, tough people. The word jinn is also used for bacteria. Hence, the Holy Prophetsa forbade the use of bones for cleaning after attending to the call of nature, saying that it was the food of the jinn. At that time, there was no concept of bacteria nor was it known that bones were the food for anything. Later research revealed that bacteria really did cling to bones and that they were harmful and should not be used for cleaning after attending to the

call of nature. So, one of the meanings of jinn is something that is hidden. All other connotations stem from this meaning. “‘Yet another connotation is that of being created by fire, having fiery attributes and a spirit of rebellion. Hence, every nation that has a fiery temperament, which is volatile, quick to anger, militant and rebellious is described as jinn. The jinn that were made subservient to Hazrat Solomonas and Hazrat Davidas were in fact nations that were conquered. They were hardy and there was an element of rebellion in them.

Therefore, the Holy Quran says that they were chained and forced to work. Had they been the kind of jinns that are concocted by the minds of the maulvis, then such jinns could not have been chained. Hence, it becomes clear that the jinn were some physical creation. Therefore, the Holy Quran has also used the word jinn for prominent people and for the capitalist system. “‘While addressing big people, be they capitalists or representatives of socialist governments, Allah the Exalted states in Surah al-Rahman: ۡ ۡ َ ّ ۡ َ​َ َٰۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ ٰ ٰ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ ‫ض‬ ‫يمع�ر ال ِج ِن و الاِن‬ ِ ‫س ِا ِن استﻄعتم ان تنﻔذوا ِمن اقﻄارِ السمو ِت و الار‬ ِ َ َ ّ َُ ُ ُ ُۡ َ ۡ َّ ُ ُ ۡ َ ‫فانﻔذ ۡوا � لَا تنﻔذ ۡو َن ِالا ِب ُسل ٰﻄ ٍن۔ ف ِبا ِ ّى ٰالَ� ِء َر ِّبك َما تك ِذ ٰب ِن ۔‬ “‘[O company of Jinn and men! if you have power to go beyond the confines of the heavens and the earth, then do go. But you cannot go save with authority.] (Ch.55, V.34) ۡ َ ٰ “‘‫ي َم ۡع� َر ال ِج ِ ّن‬means, “O the top people from among the jinn!” and ‫ والانس‬means “And, o the top people from among the common people!” This is what is meant. So, the term jinn is used in all those places. It is a very vast word. Some representatives from the hardy, mountainous tribes also came to meet with the Holy Prophetsa and they wanted to have a separate conversation with him. So, the Holy Prophetsa agreed a time with them, went to see them outside where they had encamped and a discussion took place. The Holy Quran has recorded the incident and it is mentioned in Surah al-Jinn. Later, they became believers. “‘At the same time, the ahadith also tell us that when the Companionsra went there later, they saw that there were traces of their stoves where food had been cooked. So, if they were jinns, then the food of the jinn, imagined by the maulvis, is not cooked on the fire; rather, their food is made up of different substances. They are made up of a fiery substance or a translucent kind of existence. So, it becomes evident that the jinns who came to meet with the Holy Prophetsa were from among human beings. Then the concept of prophets is found among them. They said, “We were very ignorant. We thought that God would never send a prophet again. But look, a prophet has now appeared.” “‘Prophets come [to guide] human beings. In the Holy Quran, the Holy Prophetsa has always been told to convey the message to human beings. He has not been told anywhere to address such jinns.

Hence, those aforementioned people who professed their belief [in the Holy Prophetsa], mention that they had denied prophets, by thinking that no prophet would come in the future. It makes it very clear that they were some people from among humans. The Holy Quran

has mentioned the jinn in many places in the same sense or in the similar sense that I have described. However, it has not described the jinn, who would steal people’s chickens and bring them to maulvi sahib nor the kind of jinns, who would catch someone you wish to be caught and bring them to you within a night. No such mention is found in the Holy Quran or in the life of the Holy Prophetsa.’ (Question and Answer Session, 29 December 1984) “Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has also written excellent articles about jinns. Hence, in one place he writes: “‘The word jinn may denote many things. Nevertheless, it is not at all true that there are jinns in the world who present themselves to people so that they may employ them as they wish, so as to become their toys; or jinns who employ people as they wish after bringing them under their control, so as to make them their toys; or jinns that become people’s friends and bring them good things or jinns that harass people after becoming their enemies; or jinns that make people suffer from insanity and disease after possessing them; or jinns that open the gates of health and prosperity for some people etc. All these are superstitions of weak-minded people that have no basis in Islam and true Muslims should avoid such superstitions. “‘Linguistically speaking (not as an Islamic term), angels can also be called jinns because they are an invisible creation. The teachings of Islam prove that angels play a significant role in increasing the believers’ knowledge, in developing their energy and in their overcoming of the disbelievers as happened on the field of Badr when three hundred and thirteen (313) destitute Muslims rapidly reduced one thousand of the disbelieving warriors, who were fully armoured with weapons, to dust, by the command of God (Sahih Bukhari). So, if the questioner is interested in having a relationship with invisible spirits, then he should give up the idea of such jinns

whom he can manipulate or who can manipulate others; rather, he should focus on the friendship of angels, the relationship with whom can completely transform an individual by the grace of God.’ (Al Fazl, 13 June 1950) “Similarly, while explaining some of such incidents related to Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Rasul Rajekira that are recorded in Hayat-e-Qudsi, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra states: “‘As far as being possessed is concerned, my view is that it is a sort of psychological disorder in which the affected person subconsciously considers himself ill or under the influence of a supernatural spirit.

The person’s previous life experiences, his desires and fears unconsciously contribute towards this feeling too. This too is a kind of illness, namely hypochondria and not an actual disease. Islam believes in the existence of angels and the jinn and they are mentioned in the Holy Quran. “‘It is also correct that the angels of Allah the Exalted control the system of the world

by Allah’s command, encourage people to do good and awaken an awareness against evil. However, it is not correct to say nor do we find any Islamic legal basis for it that the jinn possess people, seize their hearts and minds and make them do various things. Such ideology is wholly against the teachings of Islam and man’s freedom of conscience. “‘Moreover, Islam has defined the concept of jinns in such broad terms that it includes certain hidden spirits as well as invisible insects and germs. Therefore, the statement mentioned in a hadith that one should cover the eating and drinking utensils lest jinns enter them, means that one should protect items of food and drink from the germs of disease. “‘In any case, the existence of jinns is a proven reality. The system of God Continued on next page >>

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

Almighty certainly accepts reality but not antics. Therefore, I do not accept, even if there are seemingly misleading and deceptive accounts against it, that there were some jinns who made human beings the target of their antics. So, to me, what is called evil spirits is in fact [a psychological disorder]. And what is called “normal” in relation to evil spirits is another facet of the so-called possessed person’s own being that is unconsciously speaking through the possessed person. And since the “possessed” person is bound to be weakminded, when a person with a stronger mind or a more spiritual personality pays attention to him, he is able to break the spell of the “demon” through his mental or spiritual power or the power of his heart.

Material people create this change only with their mind’s attention, but the action of spiritual people also includes the effect caused through the attention of the soul and prayer, and mesmerism is definitely a reality. (Hayat-e-Qudsi [Urdu], Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Rasul Rajekira, pp. 617618) “As for the statements from the interview published in the Tariq Magazine, they are based on the account of someone who had heard the incident being narrated. The listener may have misheard or misinterpreted them because, as far as I remember, Huzoorrh did not mention anywhere that he had seen a jinn put a blade in [the razor], but said that the next morning, he saw that there was a blade in it.

“Moreover, the incident from the previous night that Huzoorrh narrated may have been a vision because the stance on jinns, put forward by Huzoorrh in his writings and other question and answers sessions, is contrary to the existence of this kind of jinns.

“Thus, the word jinn can have numerous connotations but it is not incorrect to say that there are jinns in the world who present themselves to people so that they may employ them as they wish, so as to become their toys or jinns who employ people as they wish after bringing them under their control, so as to make them their toys, or jinns that become people’s friends and bring them fruits and sweets or jinns that harass people after becoming their enemies, possessing them and clinging onto them. Such notions are the invention of maulvis who target and misuse weak-minded and superstitious people using their tricks. Such jinns have no basis in Islam and true Muslims should avoid such superstitions.

“If such jinns had indeed existed, then they would have been obliged to make efforts to help our Lord and Master, Hazrat Muhammad, the Chosen One, the Munificent, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and to destroy his enemies by possessing them, especially since the Holy Quran and ahadith mention a party of the jinn visiting him and professing their belief in him. Thus, the fact that this was not the case proves that these imaginary jinns do not exist in this world.”

(Translated by Al Hakam)

Letters of new converts to Years Nayyar Sahib, the Ahmadi Ago... missionary in Africa 100

Al Fazl, 30 June 1921 Below are some letters of newly converted Ahmadi Muslims which they wrote to the revered Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib, Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Africa. These letters show how much sincerity and love our Western new Muslim brothers and sisters have for Islam. Friends are requested to pray that may God Almighty help them progress in their faith and make them a source of guidance for others.

Ms Hameedah Stroud writes: “I pray that God may grant new life to those who are as heedless, as a dead person, to Islam and the teachings of Ahmadas. May He bring them back to the Holy Prophet’ssa tenets and may this come to fruition through you. Yes, through you, who have been honoured by Allah with the position of spreading the glad tidings of the Holy Prophetsa in West Africa.

“I will pray to Allah that I see you again.

I am sure that a large number of people in Hyde Park who are taking interest in the teachings of Islam will surely miss you in your absence. May Allah the Almighty reward you tenfold for the goodness you have instilled in the English Ahmadis and other people.”

Ms Saleha Edison states: “On Sunday mornings, you would [at times] seem anxious about the results of your works. However, even if people did not accept your message, they still cannot forget it. If I hadn’t stepped forward after listening to your speeches in the park, I would never have forgotten what I heard. Moreover,

there are people in this country who are very reluctant to talk about their spiritual condition.

Therefore, there are probably a lot of people like me who reckon and understand what good you have done to them, but do not consider them worthy of expressing their own goodness.”

Ms Gornell writes: “O Indian brother! You have been doing spiritual work in London for me and many others.

I pray that God may bless your work.

“Now, dear brother Nayyar, take good care of your health in Africa and come back to us in the [Hyde] Park. I will keep praying to God to help you and bless you.”

The second officer of the SS Bruto ship, dear brother Ahmad Frank C Bowen, writes from the ship: “Abdur (an expression of love)! We stayed on the ship for only five days. I wish we had spent some more days together on the ship.

“I study my copy of the Holy Quran every day and the more I read, the more I like it. This is surely a wonderful divine book of God. “God has been very kind to me. I observe that the Holy Quran is certainly a wonderful revelation and I am very happy that I met

you, Abdur. Moreover, isn’t it strange how we met each other with the help of a hidden power?

“Abdur! If I can ever be of any service, do not hesitate to tell me. Ever since you left, I have been feeling your absence.”

Mr A Zainuddin, Sierra Leone, states: “You can’t even imagine how the Christians tried to find you after you left.

The Christians I have met are eager to know when you will be back. Moreover, they have assured me that if you return, many of them will convert to the holy religion of Islam from Christianity.

“O brother Nayyar! Come back and save the people from impious beliefs.

“Would you believe! Owing to you, a gathering was held at Fourah Bay Christian College and many Christians regret that they could not see you.

“Brother Nayyar! Come back, I assure you that Muslims are sad being parted from you and many young people are ready to shed their blood for you.”

Brother Musa Garber from Freetown writes: “How much longer should we wait for you? O Allah’s seedsman! If God Almighty will not guide us or if you will come late or do not come back to us, the plants here will rot. I pray that Allah may soon bring you here or someone like you.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 30 June 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021

The Hidden Christians of Nagasaki Part II or Christianity and anyone who heard of it would consider it a gratitude for the harvest.

These feasts were usually held on Sundays.

Apparently linked to the harvest season of crops, those repasts were actually held for the gathering of Hidden Christians and their communal worship.

The birth of a new sect by the name “Hidden Christians”

A Roman Catholic cathedral on a hill in Nagasaki, circa 1945 Anees Ahmad Nadeem Missionary-in-Charge, Japan

The state of early Japanese converts to Christianity like “Ashab al-Kahf” [the people of the catacombs] The lives of early Japanese Christians, who were facing persecution, enduring cruelties, embracing crosses and being forced to blaspheme against Jesusas, were narrowed down to the extent that they had to go into hiding. This period, which began in 1650, is called 隠れキリシタン [i.e. kakure kirishitan] in the Japanese language, which means the “Hidden Christians”.

This period of hiding spanned over the next 250 years. During these two and a half centuries, a new Christian society was born.

Christianity moved away from its traditional way and was shifted to homes from church.

In order to save themselves from the wrath of the authorities, the statues of Jesusas and Maryas were carved in the image of Hazrat Buddhaas and placed in homes. As communal worship was not possible, groups of five to 10 Christians were formed, who would secretly arrange joint meetings and festivals with great caution.

After the prohibition of Christian terms and religious rites, attempts were made to keep Christianity alive through substitute words. There was a soft spot for Christianity in the rural areas as the early converts to Christianity in Nagasaki were feudal chiefs and landlords, so some people left the city of Nagasaki and settled in the villages.

Terms and rituals of the period of hiding In the said age of hiding, Christian adherents moved from the big cities to the countryside, but even in the villages, a cautious lifestyle was maintained. A secret but orderly system was established for the Christians in the villages. A party of five to 10 members was formed and a head would be appointed for each group.

Regarding some of the religious terms of that period, one researcher states: “During the ban on Christianity, Hidden Christians in the Nagasaki region maintained village-based faith organizations, which had been taking root since the sixteenth century.

These small organizations had religious leaders who conducted rituals and taught catechism. The person in charge of keeping the liturgical calendar was called chōkata (

帳方), and those responsible for baptisms – which they performed by themselves in the absence of missionaries – were called mizukata (水方)”, the one with water. (The Triumph of Perseverance: Kakure Kirishitan in Japan and its Inscription on the World Heritage List by Joanes da Silva Rocha [2018], p. 168) In the same way, the person in charge of information and communication was called 聞 き 役 [i.e. kikiyaku], which literally means the one with the ears. (The AgeOld Ritual Practice of Ohatsuhoage among the Kakure Kirishitan Survivors by Roger Vanzila Munsi, p. 5) Due to the prohibition of communal worship, the Hidden Christians adopted a new way of communicating. When the new crop would ripe, the Shinto people used to arrange feasts as thanksgiving. The early Japanese Christians, who were long concealing their faith, also began to arrange similar feasts.

The said festival was called お初穂あ げ [i.e. Ohatsuhoage] in Japanese (Ibid).

It literally means the first provision or the first gift. This word would not even hint that it was related to any religious worship

In The Japan Times, Linda Sieg states: “Many [early Japanese converts to Christianity] joined Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines to disguise their beliefs, and some rites such as confession and communion, which require a priest, disappeared. Other rituals blended with Buddhist practices such as ancestor worship or indigenous Shinto ceremonies. Handed down orally and in secret, orashō chants – from ‘oratio’ in Latin – combined Latin and Portuguese with Japanese, their meanings mostly symbolic.

“When the ban on Christianity was lifted in 1873, some ‘Hidden Christians’ joined the Catholic Church; others opted to maintain what they saw as the true faith of their ancestors.” (www.japantimes.co.jp/ news/2019/11/20/national/history/japanhidden-christians-religion-last-generation/) Regarding those early Japanese Christians who remained on their ancestral faith, the seventh-generation head of a group of Hidden Christians in the city of Nagasaki’s Sotome district, Shigenori Murakami, said: “They [Hidden Christians] didn’t want to destroy the faith they had preserved all along despite suppression.” (Ibid) Despite religious freedom, the early Japanese converts to Christianity, who adhered to the rituals and rites of the hiding period, were sometimes discriminated against by other Christian sects and were considered a separate religion from Christianity. However, within a few years of the lifting of the ban, the majority of the said Christians became affiliated with the Roman Catholic sect.

Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis visited the monuments of the Hidden Christians during their tours to Japan and paid tribute to them.

Many early Christians of Japan, who gave sacrifices according to Christian customs and traditions, have been given the title of saints. A lot of monuments of the Hidden Christians have now been declared Japan’s national heritage and many places have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Continued on next page >>

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

The end of persecution and the unearthing of the Hidden Christians In 1854, a treaty signed between the United States and Japan brought an end to Japan’s self-imposed seclusion and the policy of national isolation. Moreover, the efforts to restore the status and rank of the emperor of Japan, who was considered a symbol of unity and respect, achieved success, and then started the historic reign of Emperor Meiji in 1868.

Following that great change, the people of Japan once again began to return to unity and harmony after division and discord.

With the end of the national isolation policy, Japan’s long period of seclusion from the international world also came to an end, and the visits of Western traders and diplomates resumed as relations with the foreign countries were restored.

As the environment became favourable, the Hidden Christians began to emerge in droves and the unearthing of thousands of Christians in the surrounding areas of Nagasaki and southern Japan was a surprising fact.

A long and dark night had passed for the said Christians. A bright morning was dawning upon them and a message was hidden in the said event for the Christian world that the long wait was ending and the second coming of the Messiah was near.

Appearance of the embodiment of Prophet Jesusas, the Promised Messiahas, and the announcement of religious freedom in Japan Based on the wisdom of Allah the Almighty, it was an astonishing stroke of divine providence that in the 31st year of the Meiji emperorship in February 1889, just one month before the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the announcement of religious freedom was made all across Japan. The issuance of the Meiji Constitution of Japan brought Japan closer to the international community, ending centuries of religious restrictions and violence, and the appearance of the Promised Messiahas allegorically proved to be the true saviour of the Christians of Japan.

Tribute to King Meiji During his tour to Japan in November 2015, the worldwide head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited one of the most sacred places of Shintoism – the Meiji Shrine. The arrival of the Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas in a Shinto worship place was in itself an historic event.

On this occasion, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, while writing his message, asked the head of the shrine, what the role and efforts of King Meiji were for the establishment of peace.

The chief of the shrine replied that the Meiji era held special significance for world peace and freedom of religion.

On this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa wrote the following memorable Quranic words to King Meiji: ۡ َ ۡ َ ٰ ٰ َّ ُ ۡ ُ ُ ّٰ َ ‫ض‬ ِ ‫اللہ نور السمو ِت و الار‬ “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth” [Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.36].

“Allah reward the Emperor Meiji for his

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa with vice chief priest, Shigehiro Miyazaki, at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, 17 November 2015

peace creating work in the country and the world.”

According to the Japanese beliefs, the status of their king is like a god. Thus, on the one hand, the message of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was a tribute to King Meiji, but on the other, it was an extraordinary pronouncement of the Oneness of God Almighty and Huzooraa also conveyed this message to the Japanese nation in a very wise way that the Light of the Heavens and the Earth is only the Supreme Being of Allah the Almighty.

During the said visit, the Japanese hosts invited Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and his associates for a dinner. This dinner was arranged in the historic hall where that constitution of Japan was passed in 1889, which granted religious freedom to the people living in Japan.

Shedding light on the religious life of the people of Japan, the Promised Messiahas said: “The Japanese are seeking for a better religion.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 351 [1988 edition]) In this journey for the search for a better religion, the Japanese nation sometimes embraces the teachings of Confuciusas and sometimes takes refuge in the philosophy of the Buddhaas. The Shinto doctrine also does not quench the thirst of the Japanese people and as a result, the inhabitants of Nagasaki not only accepted Christianity by enthusiastically welcoming it, but also embraced crosses following the Christian practice. However, it seems that this journey of trying to find a better religion is still ongoing and the final destination for the satisfaction of heart and the climax of this journey is hidden in the worship of the One and True God, Allah the Almighty.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “We should not feel anxious by long period of hardships. The Christian people before us were made to suffer for 309 years, but they showed steadfastness and were ultimately rewarded with the sweetest fruit because of their patience. Thus, you should not hasten; rather, you should always be engaged in your work and face hardships with perseverance.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 441) (Translated by M Adam Ahmad, Al Hakam)

Dr Sir Iftikhar Ayaz receives Queen’s Medal for humanitarian service Sheikh Abdur Rahman President Wimbledon South

In appreciation of his humanitarian services, Dr Sir Iftikhar Ayaz Sahib has been awarded the Queen’s Medal for humanitarian service.

This medal was approved by Her Majesty in 2020. Alhamdulillah!

Sir Iftikhar Ayaz Sahib has been dedicatedly serving humanity for many years. He served the UN Human Rights Council in various capacities and was a member of the UN Workshop on the Rights of Minorities for many years. Now, he is a prominent participant in UN Forums on fundamental human rights, freedom of religion and religious persecution.

He has also been actively working with international organisations for the alleviation of poverty, the rights of women and the implementation of the UNESCO Education for All Programme.

As a field expert of the Commonwealth he initiated a very successful Education

For Life programme for the Small Island States in the Pacific Region. In 2019, the government of Tuvalu appointed him as the Special Envoy to the UNHRC. Sir lftikhar Ayaz Sahib has been the chairman of the International Human Rights Committee for many years, ardently working for the rights, the welfare and wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees and their resettlement in other peaceful countries.

He has received almost 40 awards from different organisations of the world including OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Some of the other prominent awards are the Alfred Einstein Medal, the Life Achievement Award, the Human Rights Man of the Year and the Merit of Distinction awarded by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, France.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021

Opposition is a catalyst for the progress of Ahmadiyyat: A testimony from the Philippines Abdul Mukhlis National Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Philippines

In January 2016, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Manila, Philippines, planned to hold a symposium about the life of the Holy Prophetsa. The programme was titled, “Muhammad – Messenger of Peace.”

Jamaat Manila is a relatively new Jamaat in the Philippines compared to the older jamaats in the Mindanao area, in the South of the Philippines. The Manila Jamaat is also predominantly comprised of recently immigrated Pakistani refugees, whereas the rest of the Philippines’ jamaats are entirely comprised of local Filipino members.

The local jamaat made a lot of preparations before the program including holding organisational meetings and distributing invitations to neighbours, visiting local churches and even mosques in the local area to invite them to the programme. During the visits to the mosque, one of the local imams claimed that he had studied in Pakistan. This made us apprehensive due to the persecution of the Jamaat in Pakistan, but the imam met us in a cordial manner and promised to attend.

The symposium was being held in a conference room of a restaurant near the mission house. On the day of the programme, some of our members went early to prepare.

A short while before the programme, our missionary-in-charge received a call from members that many non-Ahmadi Muslims, including some of Pakistani origin were already there for the event. When our missionary reached there, he greeted the Muslim guests with the salutation of salaam and a general conversation ensued with those of Pakistani origin. Within a few minutes, it became clear that they were not there to attend the programme, but rather to disrupt it. The Pakistani maulvis started hurling abuse at the Promised Messiahas and the Jamaat. They kept on repeating that they would not let Ahmadis hold any event in the name of Islam. When reminded that this was not Pakistan, they became even more aggressive and claimed that they would have the Ahmadis declared non-Muslim in the Philippines as well.

At this point, they were politely asked to leave and the members and the missionary went upstairs to the conference hall. But the miscreants followed us upstairs as well. They were more in number than our local jamaat.

Moreover, many guests had arrived by this time and it became difficult to differentiate between those creating trouble and genuine guests.

Photo courtesy of Jamaat Philippines

The miscreants then became extremely physical. They ripped off our banner; started harassing our registration team and throwing or stealing our literature. They started pushing and shoving our missionary and other members. Due to the situation, some Khuddam were asked to escort the ladies back to the mission house while others were asked to involve the authorities, specifically the restaurant management and the police.

Unfortunately, the restaurant management said that they thought this was an internal matter and due to general fear of Muslims in the Philippines, they did not involve themselves.

By this time, all hope for any peaceful dialogue was over. So, our missionary and the members cancelled the programme and went to the police. The general secretary of the jamaat was tasked to file a police complaint.

Un f o r t u n a t e l y, the police let the perpetrators go. The next day, we were told by the police that there was no incident report, and they made the flimsy excuse that our president and some other members were not there personally.

The same day there were Facebook posts with the pictures of our missionary, the Jamaat’s logo and other members with blatant threats and warnings. Without going into too much detail, it took far too

long for the authorities to act, and though after six months we did get some positive feedback due to pressure from higher law enforcement, but by that time it was too late to take the matter to court with any hope of a positive outcome.

The above-mentioned facts are just to set up the stage for the real story that I would like to share. From the restaurant, we returned to the mission house and it was decided that we should continue to hold the programme about the blessed life of the Holy Prophetsa, even if the audience were only members of the Jamaat. Somehow, one of the nonAhmadis who was present at the programme knocked at the door, and for some reason, the Khuddam on security duty allowed him in. The programme was conducted as planned. Speeches were delivered by two of our missionaries about the life of the Holy Prophetsa. In the concluding prayer, our missionary-in-charge spoke passionately about the fact that no power in the world, no amount of coercion could separate us from the threshold of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

The programme was concluded with a passionate dua in which many members could be heard sobbing due to the events that had just taken place.

The next day, early in the morning, there was a knock on the door by some of the Filipino non-Ahmadi Muslims who

had been at the programme and were greatly confused by what transpired. They informed us that the person who attended the internal event yesterday informed them about everything and they were very confused because they were told by the Pakistani maulvis and their local Filipino ulema that Ahmadis were not Muslim. Even though our missionaries were apprehensive at first due to security concerns, eventually our missionaries went to their mosque and had long sittings with them about the beliefs of the Jamaat and answered their questions in details. Those who were interested in the initial meetings were then invited to the mission house for various events.

By the sheer grace of Allah, nine people accepted Ahmadiyyat due to this event. The person who was witness to our internal programme is now a devoted Ahmadi Muslim who is very regular in attending Jamaat programmes, offering financial sacrifice, mushawarat and is also very active in tabligh, despite old age.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Look! In agriculture, there is a use for everything. There is water. There are seeds.

And yet, it is necessary to use manure, which is extremely foul. Similarly, the foul opposition of the community serves the same purpose as manure.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 631 [1988 Edition]) The above-mentioned incident is proof that the opposition and persecution can never destroy Ahmadiyyat; rather, it acts as a fertiliser for further growth and the progress of this divine community.

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadiyyat in the coming decades

Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and Hifz-ul-Quran hold event for academic excellence, 2019-2021 Furhan Hamza Qureshi Missionary, Canada

Every year, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada continues to excel in every way. Malik Talha Ahmed Sahib of Ishaat Department, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, reports that currently, there are 109 students studying in Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada from 13 different countries, including Canada, USA, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Fiji, Spain,

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.

(Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during the virtual mulaqat with Ahmadis from Kababir, Haifa, 5 June 2021)

2020.

However, this year, a virtual prize distribution ceremony for Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and Hifz-ul-Quran School Canada was conducted via Zoom on 29 May 2021, which encompassed the academic years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. In this ceremony, prizes were awarded to students who not only excelled in educational competitions, but also to those who achieved top positions in their respective classes.

Photo courtesy of Jamaat Canada

Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Mauritius and Trinidad and Tobago.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these last two years have been unique in the history of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada.

With the guidance and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, after the spring break of March 2020, Jamia classes were shifted to the online platform of Zoom. Semester exams were also conducted virtually.

In Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, extracurricular activities are conducted under the administrative body of the Majlis-e-Ilmi (Academic Committee). Each department of Majlis-e-Ilmi is headed by a teacher and a student secretary. Every academic year, a new secretary is elected by the student body for each respective department.

There are four tutorial groups in Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada. Students are assigned to a tutorial group in the first year of Jamia.

They then compete on behalf of their tutorial groups in educational and sports competitions to earn points towards the Educational Competitions Cup and the Sports Cup, awarded annually.

At the end of the educational competitions in each academic year, a special prize distribution ceremony is held where students are recognised for their achievements. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the prize distribution ceremony was not held for the academic year of 2019-

Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Canada, presided over the session.

The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Urdu poem.

Thereafter, the annual report of extracurricular activities of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada was presented by the Vice President of Majlis-e-Ilmi, Aatir Khan Sahib.

Hafiz Mujeeb Ahmad Sahib, a teacher of Hifz-ul-Quran School, then presented the annual report of Hifz-ul-Quran School.

Here it should be noted that Hifz-ulQuran School Canada is the first full-time Ahmadiyya school in Western countries.

It was inaugurated in 2011. In the past 10 years, a total of 50 huffaz have graduated.

Due to the pandemic, classes were also held virtually.

After the reports, the names of position holders in educational competitions and academics of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada were announced by Furhan Qureshi Sahib, a teacher of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada.

In the academic year of 2019-2020, there were six individual competitions and two group competitions. The tutorial group which stood first in 2019-2020 was Diyanat group, headed by Abdul Noor Abid Sahib.

Moreover, in the academic year 2020-2021, Continued on next page >>

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021

100 Years Ago...

Diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Travelling to Srinagar Al Fazl, 4 July 1921

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih reached Srinagar safely On 29 June [1921], a telegram was sent by Syed Mahmudullah Shah Sahib BA, which showed that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] safely reached Srinagar, alhamdulillah!

Journey from Qadian to Rawalpindi On 25 June [1921], [Huzoorra] left Qadian and reached Batala in good health. As it was cloudy throughout the way, we were saved from the heat. A wind storm struck in Batala, but we boarded [the train] through it. The entire Jamaat was present at the Amritsar station. A reserved train [carriage] was already present at the station. Huzoor[ra] got on board. The window [glass] fell on Hazrat Ummul Momineen’s[ra] hand and two of her fingers were crushed. It caused her a lot of pain.

We reached Lahore at around 10 pm and it rained heavily over here. Most of the friends were present at the station. While it was raining, the dinner arranged by Mistri Musa Sahib was served in the vehicles.

On the way to Rawalpindi from Lahore, Ahmadi friends kept coming to visit Huzoor[ra] at many places about which they had been informed earlier and because of this, Huzoor[ra] could not sleep almost all night.

On 26 June [1921], [Huzoorra] reached Rawalpindi at 11 am and was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the friends of the Jamaat there. They provided motors and horse-drawn carriages and helped the entire caravan to reach the resthouse.

At the station of [Rawalpindi], a Muslim ticket collector irritated us and our friends in every possible way, but God protected us from his evil intentions.

<< Continued from previous page

there were nine individual competitions and two group competitions. Amanat group, headed by Asif Ahmad Khan Sahib, stood first this year in educational competitions.

Hafiz Mujeeb Ahmad Sahib announced the names of Hifz-ul-Quran students who achieved excellence in academics and educational competitions.

At the end, Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-

In Rawalpindi, Huzoor[ra] stayed at the house of Babu Nooruddin Sahib, secretary of [Rawalpindi] Jamaat. Some friends also came from Kailpur, Kohat, Nowshera etc. to visit [Huzoorra]. Huzoor’s[ra] health is very good by the grace of Allah the Almighty.

Departure from Rawalpindi On 27 June [1921], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] left Rawalpindi for Srinagar at 10 am in lorries. On the way, Sheikh Fazal Ahmadiyya Canada delivered his closing remarks. He emphasised the need for Jamia students to create a living connection with Allah the Almighty, alongside understanding and utilising the great tools provided at Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada.

Following Amir Sahib’s remarks, Daud Ahmed Hanif Sahib, Principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, gave a vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with silent prayer, led by Amir Sahib.

Ahmad Sahib and Master Abdul Rahman Sahib Khaki came from Murree to welcome Huzoor[ra].

After meeting [Huzoorra], the two sped up the motor and went back to arrange food. Huzoor[ra] reached Murree along with the caravan at around 3pm. There, a close friend of our above mentioned associates, Sheikh Abdul Ghani Sahib (estate agent), who is ham-zulf [sister in law’s husband] of Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed Sahib Ahmadi of Gujranwala, arranged a very sumptuous repast at his house. May Allah the Almighty grant Sheikh Sahib the best of rewards.

Members of the Murree Jamaat also gave us provisions for the dinner.

Another thing worth mentioning here is that a respectable Englishman’s wife, through our brother Sheikh Ala Bakhsh Sahib, presented five rupees and said, “I am aware of the accounts of the Promised Messiahas. I sincerely believe in him. As he [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] is his Khalifa, [I believe] he is like him.”

Huzoor[ra] left Murree at 4:30pm and stayed overnight at the dak bungalow in Kohala. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s health is good by the grace of God. Departure from Kohala From Kohala, which is an English territory and is located on the border of the state of Kashmir, we left at 5:30am and travelled 132 miles to reach Srinagar at 7:30pm. Khalifa Nuruddin Sahib Jamuni, his son Abdur Rahim Sahib and Khawaja Abdur Rahman Sahib, were present there to welcome us.

All the belongings etc. were kept at the boathouse and we also spent the night in it.

Now, we intend to move to another house.

Huzoor’s[ra] health is good by the grace of God Almighty and all the fellow travellers are also well.

Humbly yours, (Dr) Hashmatullah, 29 June 1921 (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 4 July 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadis carry out #AskAMuslim campaign on largest island in Sweden Kashif Mahmood Virk Missionary, Sweden

A three-day tabligh tour was held in Sweden from 24 to 26 July 2021. Around 30 members – Ansar, Khuddam, Lajna, Atfal and children – joined the tour. A ferry was boarded from mainland Sweden that reached the beautiful harbour of Visby city on the island of Gotland in the early morning of 24 July.

Gotland is the largest island of Sweden and has around 60,000 inhabitants. During the summer months, about a million tourists and visitors travel to the island and enjoy its beautiful nature and landscape. The island is

also host for Sweden’s annual political and social event – Almedalsveckan.

The main purpose of the visit was to convey the teachings of Islam to both locals and visitors. For this purpose, an information tent was arranged for two days in the busiest street of Visby city. Members of the Jamaat actively took part in both installing the tent and preaching.

The theme of the stall was #AskAMuslim (see Twitter #FrågaEnMuslim), which Sweden Jamaat has campaigned throughout Sweden.

In Visby, thousands of people passed by the tent while looking at its message and several visitors came forward and asked

questions. Many praised the initiative and commented that it was indeed the need of the time that people get the opportunity to ask questions to Muslims directly about their faith.

The campaign was also highlighted by the local media. The local radio channel P4 broadcast a live interview from the stall. In the papers, the local daily Gotlands Allehanda published an interview about the campaign. Members of the Jamaat delegation also distributed leaflets to the residents of Visby.

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

Photos courtesy of Jamaat Sweden

Ahmadis share Islam in remote Australia: Quran exhibition at Snowtown Market

Atif Ahmed Zahid Missionary, Australia

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s mission is to spread the true and peaceful teachings of Islam to the entire world.

In this regard, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Adelaide South had a chance to hold a Quran exhibition and bookstall in the regional town of Snowtown in South Australia.

This was the first time that any Muslim community visited this town and also the first bookstall and Quran exhibition held in any regional town since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Snowtown is a remote town and situated about 200 kilometres north of Adelaide. The total population of the town is 400.

On 20 June 2021, six members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Australia gathered at Masjid Noor at 5:30am. Atif Ahmad Zahid, a missionary, gave some advice on various matters related to tabligh. He then led this group in silent prayer before departing for this two-and-a-half-hour long journey.

More than 230 people from different parts of the town looked at the books and Quran exhibition. A marquee with the Jamaat logo was also a source of attraction for many people. Detail discussions were held with nearly 60 people who visited the bookstall.

The most common topics of discussions were: • What are the teachings of Islam?

• Status of women in Islam • Similarities between Islam and other religions Photos courtesy of Jamaat Australia

The exhibition and bookstall was set up in the main market area of the town centre.

At 9:30am the market was opened for the public. The exhibition attracted a lot of interest from the public.

In the exhibition, translations of the Holy Quran in ten different languages were displayed along with a variety of literature such as Life of Muhammad, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace and Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues. In leaflets, Muslim for peace, Muslim for loyalty, Muhammadsa in Bible and Messiah has come were displayed.

• How can Islam uphold justice in society?

• What is the purpose of life?

A teacher from a Catholic school visited the bookstall and was very impressed with the efforts of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He said: “I knew I have to visit this bookstall and I will get something from there.” He was then given the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam to read along with some other literature.

At 2pm, the Quran exhibition and bookstall ended and members of the Jamaat offered Zuhr and Asr prayer in a park of the town.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021

The exemplary young Companions: Keeping promises

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

Like many other traits, the quality of keeping one’s promise is very noticeable in the lives of the Companionsra, so much so that they would not disregard it even when made to their antagonists. And at the cost of any loss, they would not break their promises.

Returning jizyah In the time of Hazrat Umarra, when the Muslim forces were fighting the Romans and had conquered Homs, after consultation, it was decided as a military strategy to leave the conquered territory and for the whole force to gather in Damascus once again.

But the jizyah had been collected from the inhabitants of the conquered areas, in whose lieu the Muslims had guaranteed their security.

Once the decision of leaving the conquered area was made, all that had been collected from them was returned to them as their security could not have been guaranteed. The local Christians and the Jews were so impressed by this gentle behaviour of the Muslim forces that they supplicated with deep anguish for them to come back soon. (Kitab al-Kharaj, Qazi Abu Yusuf, p. 31)

Keeping a promise made by a slave Once, during the siege of a castle by the Muslim forces, a Muslim slave guaranteed security to the inhabitants of the castle. As the guarantee was not given by a Muslim leader, the Muslims in general refused to keep the promise. But the besieged people pleaded that they were unaware whether the man who made a promise was a slave or a freed-man, therefore the promise to them must be kept.

Ultimately when the matter was presented to Hazrat Umarra for a final

decision, he said, “The promise of a Muslim slave is like that of the whole people, therefore the promise must be kept.” (Futuh al-Buldan, p. 139)

Breaking a peace treaty The Muslims were so particular about keeping their promises that they had the courage to stop even a mighty ruler when they saw any relapse in it.

Once, Hazrat Amir Muawiyahra made a peace treaty with the Romans. The allocated time was not over yet when the Muslims started preparing for an advance on them.

When Hazrat Umarra bin Ansah learnt of the Muslims’ preparation for the advance, he mounted a horse and reached Hazrat Muawiyahra and [referring to the treaty] said, “We must keep our promise. Going against one’s word is inappropriate for a Muslim.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab filImam Yakunu bainahu wa bainal-Aduwwi Ahdun)

Honouring a promise with local people The Muslims would not back out from their word, even to the non-believers. Amir Muawiyahra appointed Hazrat Aqbahra bin Amir as the governor of Egypt. He wanted to have a residential house built for himself in a town in Egypt. For this purpose, he selected a piece of uncultivated land which no one owned. A servant of his suggested that he select a better piece of land as the selected land was not very good. But Hazrat Aqbahra replied that that was impossible because a condition of the treaty to the nonMuslim subjects was that no piece of land would be taken out of their control. (Maqrezi, Vol 1. p. 208)

Blood money for not honouring one’s word It has already been discussed that a group of seventy huffaz, or qura was sent to educate some people in faith at their request. But the disbelievers attacked them and killed all of

them except two. One of the two was Hazrat Umarra bin Umayya Dhahri.

On his way back to Medina, he happened to see two men from the clan of Banu Amir.

Out of revenge, Hazrat Umarra slew both of them. In Medina, when he gave the full account of the martyrdom of the huffaz, he also talked about slaying the two men of Banu Amir. The Holy Prophetsa said, “As for these two they had given their word to us, therefore slaying them was not justified.

Now we must give their blood-money in compensation.” (Sirat Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 186, Qatl-il-Amirin)

The Prophetsa honouring his word and leaving Mecca as promised According to the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Muslims were allowed to come to Mecca for Umrah the next year, but could not stay over three days in Mecca.

The next year, the Holy Prophetsa, accompanied by 2,000 Muslims, came for Umrah and after performing the Umrah, his Nikah was solemnised with Hazrat Maimunahra.

On the fourth day, a delegation of the idolaters came to the Holy Prophetsa and asked him to leave Mecca as three days had passed. He said that if they permitted, he would like to give the feast of walima there and invite the Meccans as well. But they said they did not need the feast of walima and that he must keep his word. Thus, he immediately had their departure announced and halted at the valley of Sarf out of Mecca.

(Sirat Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 372, Zawaj-ir-Rasul biMaimunah)

Keeping promise despite deception After the death of Musailamah, the imposter, in the Battle of Yamamah, some of his troops were made captive whereas some others escaped. Inside the castle and the city of Yamamah, mostly women and children were left. But Hazrat Khalidra was unaware

of this fact.

One of the captives, Maja‘ah bin Mararah, said that still there was a large number of troops with plentiful supplies and who could engage the Muslims for a long time.

He said that if he was allowed, he would go inside the castle and try for reconciliation.

Hazrat Khalidra agreed and allowed him to go inside the castle.

When he went inside, he armed the women and children and stood them along the city-wall to show that a formidable army was in the castle and so that the Muslims might show leniency towards them in the conditions of the peace treaty. In any case, a treaty was agreed on and the inhabitants were granted some concessions. But the Muslim army learned of Maja‘ah’s trick only when they entered the castle.

Hazrat Khalidra asked him as to why he deceived him. He replied that his people would have perished had he not done so.

Even though he had cheated, as far as the peace treaty was concerned, Hazrat Khalidra deemed it necessary to abide by it and did not violate even a single term of it.

Shortly afterwards, the order of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Leader of the Faithful, was received that all the able-bodied men of Yamamah be killed and the women and children made captives. But since the treaty had been signed before the order was received, it was not complied with. This incident is one of the prominent incidents of the Muslims’ keeping their word. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Bab Zikr Baqiyyati Khabar MusailimatulKazzab, Vol. 3, p. 299)

Hormuzan was a leader of the Persians.

When the Persians fled after losing the battle of Qadisiyyah, Hormuzan established an independent state of his in Khuzestan.

After losing the battle against the Muslim troops, he surrendered to rebel again. The Muslims once again defeated him, but when he saw that the king of Persia was marching against the Muslims, he joined hands with him and fought against the Muslims.

After much struggle and many battles, he requested for a treaty of reconciliation, on a proviso that the Muslims would send him before their Khalifa in Medina and that he would gladly accept any decision made by him. Thus, he was sent to Medina.

When he was presented before Hazrat Umarra, he was asked as to why he broke his word so many times. Hormuzan said that he was thirsty. Water was brought. He said he feared that he would be killed while drinking the water. Hazrat Umarra assured him not to worry at all and that he would not be harmed as long as he finished the water. Hearing the words, he put down the glass and refused to drink it. And said, “According to your word, you cannot kill me now.”

Everyone can understand that this was not a promise. A statement was made in a different sense altogether which was exploited and that, too, from a person who had broken his word a lot on many occasions and had been a nuisance for a long time. Despite all this, Hazrat Umarra said, “Though you have cheated me, but I will not cheat you and will not order your execution.” (Tarikh al-Tabari, Zikr Fathah Ramhurmaz wa Tustar, Vol. 4, p. 88)

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

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

How the Quran and ahadith prove Ahmadis are Muslims Hazrat Usamara narrates: “I mentioned this incident to the Holy Prophetsa. He said, ‘Did he profess, “There is no god but Allah”, and even then you killed him?’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, he made a declaration [of faith] due to fear of [my] weapon’. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Did you tear his heart open in order to find out if he was sincere or not?’ And he [the Holy Prophetsa] went on repeating this statement to me till I wished I had embraced Islam that day”. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab Tehreem Qatlil Kafir)

Hafiz Usama Butt Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

Islam ensures every person has the basic human right to choose their religion or faith; no one can take this liberty away.

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Quran: ّ َ ْ َ ‫ين‬ ِ ‫لا إِك َراه فِي‬ ِ ‫الد‬ “There is no compulsion in religion.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.257) This said, many Muslims call Ahmadis Muslims, “non-Muslim”. According to a poll

by Pew Research, conducted in November 2011, two out of every three Pakistani Muslims say Ahmadis are not Muslim.

This survey highlighted the fact that just 7% accept Ahmadis as Muslims, with 26% not offering a response, or answering that they don’t know. (www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2013/09/10/in-pakistan-most-say-ahmadis-arenot-muslim/)

A significant misconception regarding Ahmadi Muslims is the idea that Ahmadiyyat is some kind of new cult outside of Islam.

And that they have a new prophet who brought new teachings, other than Islam. Of course, these are false accusations spread by Muslim scholars and clerics.

Ahmadis believe in the Holy Prophetsa and the final message – the Holy Quran – with all of their being. We only see the Promised Messiahas as an ummati prophet, subordinate to the Holy Prophetsa and under the yolk of the Holy Quran. Any fair person who has read and studied Islam Ahmadiyyat will attest to this.

When it comes to defining and deciding who is and is not a Muslim, it would merit considering what the Holy Quran and ahadith say about defining “a Muslim”.

Allah the Almighty says:

ُ َ ّٰ َ َ ُ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ُ َُ ‫آمنوْا إِذا ض َر ْب ُت ْم فِي َس ِب ْي ِل الل ِه ف َت َب َّينوْا َولَا تقوْلوْا‬ ‫يا أيها ال ِذين‬ ُّ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ً ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ‫الدنْيا‬ ‫ل ِمن ألق ٰى إِليكم السلام لست مؤ ِمنا تبتغون عرض الحيا ِة‬ ُْ ْ َ َ ُ ّٰ َّ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ّ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ ٰ َ ٌ َ َ ُ َ َ ّٰ َ َ ‫ف ِعند الل ِه مغانِم ك ِثيرة ۚ كذل ِك كنتم ِمن قبل فمن الله عليكم‬ َ َ َ ّٰ َّ ْ ُ َّ َ َ ً ‫ان ب َما تَ ْع َم ُلوْ َن َخب‬ ‫يرا‬ ِ ِ ‫فت َبينوا ۚ إِن الله ك‬

“O ye who believe! when you go forth in the cause of Allah, make proper investigation and say not to anyone who greets you with the greeting of peace, ‘Thou art not a believer.’ You seek the goods of this life, but with Allah are good things in plenty. Such were you before this, but Allah conferred [His] favour on you; [so do] make proper investigation. Surely, Allah is well aware of what you do.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.95) This verse clearly instructs Muslims not to rush and call someone a disbeliever because this is a very sensitive matter. It goes so far as to say not to call a person, who gives greetings of peace, a disbeliever.

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa explicitly warned that if a person affirms the Oneness of Allah, then to accuse such a person of merely outwardly affirming it and alleging that he negates it in his heart, would make such an accuser guilty of transgression.

The famous example of Hazrat Usamara who, during a battle, killed a previous disbeliever who had professed the shahada as Hazrat Usamara overpowered him, is a manifest example for all those who are quick to declare Ahmadis as non-Muslims. Hazrat Usamara went to the Prophetsa and informed him about what had happen: َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َّ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ ُ ‫ِلن ِب ِّي َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم فقال َر ُس ْول الل ِه َصلى الل ُه‬ ‫فذكرته ل‬ َ ْ ُ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫‏ قال قلت يا رسول‬.‫علي ِه وسلم‏‏ أقال لا ِإله ِإلا الله وقتلته‏‬ ْ َ َ َ َْ َ َ​َ​َ َ َ َ ّ َ ً ْ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ّ ٰ ‫‏ قال‏أفلا شققت ع ْن قل ِب ِه‬.‫اح‏‬ ِ ‫الل ِه ِإنما قالها خوفا ِمن‬ ِ ‫السل‬ ّ َ ُ ْ َّ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ّ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ‫ فمازال يك ِررها على حتى تمنيت أن ِي‬.‫حتى تعلم أقالها أم لا ‏ ‏‬ ُ َ َ ‫أ ْسل ْمت ي َ ْو َم ِئ ٍذ‬

Now some people claim Ahmadis are not true Muslims, and they just “pose” themselves as Muslims. This argument was immediately dismantled and negated by the Holy Prophetsa in the above hadith.

Claiming to see into someone’s heart and deciding whether that person is a Muslim, is not our business. Let Allah be the judge!

As one of the great scholars of the Hanafi School, Imam Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn Ali alRazi al-Jassas said in commentary of Surah al-Nisa, verse 95: ّ َ َ َ ّٰ ُ ُ َّ َ ٌ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫َم ْن قال لا إل َه إلا الل ُه محَ ّمد َر ُس ْول الل ِه أ ْو قال إن ِ ْي ُم ْس ِل ٌم أنه‬ َ ْ ْ ْ ُ َُ َ ُْ ‫ام‬ ِ ‫يحك ُم له ِبحك ِم ال ِإسل‬ “Anyone who says ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger’ or says ‘I am a Muslim’, [he will be considered Muslim] and will be judged according to Islamic rulings.” (Ahkam al-Quran, commentary of Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.94)

A highly accredited and prominent scholar of the Deobandis and a critic of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Mufti Muhammad Shafi says: “From this verse comes the important ruling that anyone who professes Islam and declares that he is a Muslim – by reciting the Kalima or by associating himself with some marked feature of Islam such as the Azan and the Salah, should be treated as a Muslim. All Muslims must deal with him as they would do with any other Muslim.

They are not supposed to wait and worry about finding out whether such a person has embraced Islam with all his heart or it has been done out of expediency.

“In addition to that, this is a case in which even his doings will not serve as the criterion. Suppose, someone skips Salah, does not fast and is involved with all sorts of sins – still, no one has the right to say that he has gone outside the pale of Islam or to treat him as one would treat a disbeliever.

Therefore, the great Imam Abu Hanifah َ said: ‫[ لا نکفر اھل القبلہ بذنب‬We do not call the people of the Qiblah, kafirs, because of some sin]. Similar statements appear in hadith narrations also, such as, do not say that the people of the Qiblah are kafirs, no matter how sinful and evil-doing they may be.”

(Tafsir Marif-ul-Quran, Volume 2, p. 549)

It is clear that anyone who claims to be a Muslim, will be declared Muslim.

Ahmadis always say they are Muslims and

the teachings of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya are in accordance with the Holy Quran and sunnah. No parliament has this power to declare someone non-Muslim; the pronouncement that a person is a Muslim or non-Muslim rests utterly with Allah the Almighty.

In the Holy Quran, Allah says:

َّ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ‫اب ٰا َمنا‬ ‫قال ِت الاعر‬

That is, “The Arabs of the desert say, ‘We believe.’” In other words, this is a declaration they make regarding their own faith.

Allah then says:

ُ ُ ُ ُ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ّ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۤۡ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ ٰ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ّ ۡ ُ ‫ان فِ ۡی قلوۡ ِبکم‬ ‫قل لم تؤ ِمنوا و ل ِکن قولوا اسلمنا و لما یدخ ِل الاِیم‬

“Say, ‘You have not believed [yet]; but rather say, ‘We have submitted [accepted Islam],’ for the [true] belief has not yet entered into your hearts.” (Surah al-Hujurat, Ch.49: V.15)

This verse is very clear; Allah instructs the Holy Prophetsa not to declare them non-Muslims, even though they have not attained the higher levels of faith. They have the right to express themselves as Muslims and part of Islam.

The great scholar, Imam Raghib explains the meaning of Islam: ْ َ ُ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َْ َْ ٰ ُ ُ ‫یمان َوھ َو‬ ‫رع‬ ‫وال ِا‬ ِ ‫سلام فی الش‬ ِ ‫۔ احدھما دون ال ِا‬:‫علی ضربی ِن‬ ُ َ ُ ّ ُ َ ُ ‫الد ُم َح َصل معه الاعت َق‬ ‫اد‬ ‫باللسان و بِ ٖه یحقن‬ ‫الاع ِت َراف‬ ِ ِ ِ َ ْ ُ َّ َ ُ ُ َ َ ُ ُ َّ ‫قالت الاعراب ٓامنا قل لم‬ ‫اولم یحصل وایاہ ق ِصد‬ ِ ‫بقوله‬ ٖ َ َ ُ َ َ َٰ ُ ُ ‫ک ْن قولوا ا ْسل ْم َنا ۔ والثانی فوق الایمان َوھو‬ ِ ‫ت ْو ِمن ُوا ول‬ َ َ َ َ َْ ٌ ‫ووفاء بالفعل۔‬ ‫اعتقاد بِالقلب‬ ِ ‫ان یَکون َمع ال ِاعت َر‬ ِ ‫اف‬ َ ٰ َ َ ُ َ ّ ّ َ ٰ َ َ َ ْ ‫قد َر ک َما ذکِ َر ع ْن‬ ‫میع ما قضی و‬ ‫ابراھیم‬ ِ ‫واس ِتسلام لل ِه ِف ْی ج‬ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ٗ ُ ُ ّ‫لرب‬ ٗ ْ ُ َّ َ ْ ِ ‫قال اسلمت‬ ‫علیه السلام فی قول ِ ٖه اذ قال له ربه اسلِم‬ َ َْ ‫العال ِمین‬ “In Shariah, there are two forms of Islam.

One of them is doonal-iman [without true faith] and it refers to confession of the tongue – regardless of whether [his] actions follow [his] beliefs or do not follow – and with this the blood of the individual is protected. And this is similar to the statement of Allah [in the Quran]: ‘The Arabs of the desert say, “We believe.” Say, “You have not believed yet, but rather say, ‘We have submitted’”.’ The second is fauqal-iman [with true faith], and it refers to having belief that is sincerely held in the heart, having loyalty demonstrated through actions, and complete submission to Allah in all that He has decreed, as it is mentioned regarding Hazrat Ibrahimas in the statement of Allah [in the Quran]: “When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit’, he said, ‘I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds.” (Mufradat-ul-Quran, p. 240) Now, let’s look at the ahadith, to establish what the definition of a Muslim according to Holy Prophetsa was. The first definition given by the Holy Prophetsa is understood by the following hadith: ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ‫ َع ْن‬،‫َع ْن أَبي َوائل‬ ‫الن ِب ّي‬ ‫َحذيفة ـ ر ِضى الله عنه ـ قال قال‬ ٍ ِ ٰ ِ َّ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ّ ‫اللّ ُه َعل َ ْي ِه َو َسل‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫الإ ْسلا ِم ِم َن‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ت‬ ‫اك‬ ‫‏‬ ‫‏‬ ‫م‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ت‬ ‫َصلى‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ظ‬ ِ ِ ِ َ َ ُ َ​َ ْ َُ َ َ َّ َ َ ًْ َ ‫ فقل َنا نخاف َون ْح ُن‬،‫ فك َت ْب َنا ل ُه ألفا َوخ ْم َس ِمائ ِة َر ُج ٍل‬.‫اس‏‏‏ ‏‬ ِ ‫َالن‬ َ َ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َّ ّ ّ َ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ٌْ ‫الر ُجل ل ُي َصلِي‬ ‫ألف َوخ ْم ُس ِمائ ٍة فلقد رأيتنا ابتلِينا حتى ِإن‬

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 ٌ َ َ ََُ ْ َ ‫هو خائِف‏‬ ‫وحده و‬. ra Hazrat Huzayfa narrated: “The Prophetsa said [to us], ‘List the names of those people who have announced that they are Muslims.’ So, we listed 1,500 men. Then we wondered, ‘Should we be afraid [of the infidels] although we are 1,500 in number?’ No doubt, we witnessed ourselves being afflicted with such bad trials that one would have to offer the prayer alone in fear.” (Sahih al Bukhari, hadith no. 3060) Here, during a census, the Prophetsa clearly instructed that anyone who professed to be a Muslim should be considered one. He did not ask for further investigation or judge people. A mere declaration was enough.

The second definition of a Muslim by the Prophetsa is more detailed and yet simple, leaving no confusion. Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said:

َّ َّ ُ َ​َ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫عن أن‬ ‫ قال قال َر ُسول الل ِه َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم‬، ٍ‫س بْ ِن َمال ِك‬ ِ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫َم ْن‬ ‫ فذل ِك‬،‫ وأكل ذبِيحتنا‬،‫ واستقبل ِقبلتنا‬،‫‏ صلى صلاتنا‬ ‫‏‬ ُ َ ْ ُْ َ َ ّٰ ّ ٰ ُ َ َ َّ ‫ فلا تخفِ ُروا الل َه فِي‬،‫ال ُم ْس ِل ُم ال ِذي ل ُه ذ ِّمة الل ِه َوذ ِّمة َر ُس ْول ِ ِه‬ َ ‫ذ ِّم ِت ِه ‏‏‬ “Whoever prays like us and faces our Qiblah and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim and is under Allah’s and His Prophet’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those who are in His protection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, hadith 391) In another hadith, angel Gabriel asked the Prophetsa about Islam: َّ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ​َ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ َ​َُ َ َ َ​َ ‫ فقال َر ُس ْول الل ِه َصلى‬.‫ام‬ ِ ‫ يا مح ّمد اخ ِب ْرن ِ ْي ع ِن ال ِإسل‬:‫وقال‬ َ َ َ ً َ ُ َ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ ‫ام أ ْن تش َهد أ ْن لا إل َه إلا الل ُه َوأ ّن محَ ّمدا‬ ‫الله علي ِه و سلم ال ِإسل‬ َ َ ّ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُ َ ّ ٰ ُ ْ ُ َ َ،‫ َوت َ ُص ْو َم َر َم َضان‬،‫اة‬ ‫ وتؤتِي الزك‬،‫ وت ِقيم الصلاة‬،‫رسول الل ِه‬ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ً ْ َ َْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ ُ َ َ ‫ صدقت‬:‫ قال‬.‫إن استطعت إلي ِه س ِبيلا‬ ِ ‫وتحج الب ْيت‬ “Gabriel said: ‘O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied:

‘Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform Salat, pay the Zakat, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj to the House [the Ka‘bah], if you can find a way to it [or find the means for making the journey to it].’ He [Gabriel] said: ‘You have spoken the truth.’” (Sahih Muslim) Abu Ja‘far Ahmad al-Tahawi states in his book Al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya ‫ما داموا بما جاء بہ‬،‫و نسمی اہل قبلتنا مسلمین مومنین‬ ‫ و لہ بکل ما قال و اخبر مصدقین‬،‫النبی ﷺ معترفین‬ “We call the people of our Qiblah Muslims and believers as long as they acknowledge what the Holy Prophetsa brought, and accept as true everything that he said and told us. (Al-Aqida al-Tahawiyya, no.

54)

These clear and succinct definitions of “a Muslim” leave no room for doubt that Ahmadis are Muslims by letter and spirit.

What the wider Muslim world says, does not matter. Allah the Almighty and His Prophetsa have declared Ahmadis as the truest Muslims.

The following words of the Promised

Messiahas will be befitting to end on: “I have no book except the Holy Quran, and I have no Messenger except Muhammadsa, the chosen one, and I have no religion except Islam. I firmly believe that my Prophetsa is the Ultimate Prophet (Khatam-ul-Anbiyaa) and the Holy Quran is the Ultimate Book (Khatam-ul-Kutub).

“So no one should turn religion into a child’s play. Let it be remembered that I have no claim except that of being the servant of Islam. I have no claim to rivalry, and he who attributes such a claim to me, levels a calumny against me.

“I receive the munificence of blessings from my Holy Prophetsa and receive the munificence of profound perception from the Holy Quran. Therefore, it is befitting that no one must entertain in his heart anything contrary to this declaration of mine, otherwise he will be liable to be accountable to God for it.

“If I am not a servant of Islam, then all my enterprise is futile, fit for rejection, and entails punitive liability.”

“Sincerely, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, from Qadian, 7 August, 1899.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 5, no. 4)

First Madrasatul-Hifz for Sierra Leone Jamaat

Photo courtesy of Jamaat Sierra Leone

Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent On the completion of 100 years of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Sierra Leone, a humble request was made to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa to start a Madrasatul-Hifz – where students would learn to memorise the whole Quran – in Sierra Leone, which was graciously approved by Huzooraa.

Under Jamiatul Mubashireen Sierra Leone, the classes are going to start with five students and Hafiz Assadullah Waheed Sahib will be the pioneer teacher of this school.

On 16 June 2021, the inauguration ceremony was held in the hall of Jamiatul Mubashireen which was chaired by Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Jamaat-e-

Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone, Saeedur Rahman Sahib.

The ceremony started with a recitation from the Holy Quran with its English translation, followed by a poem.

Hafiz Assadullah Waheed Sahib then read the rules and regulations of admission to the new Madrasatul-Hifz.

In his address, Amir Sahib mentioned the blessings of memorising the Holy Quran and said it was imperative to act on the teachings of the Holy Quran too.

Hamid Ali Bangura Sahib thanked the guests and specially Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa who graciously approved MadrasatulHifz for Sierra Leone Jamaat.

We pray that Allah may enlighten us with the light of the Holy Quran. Amin.

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 4 June 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Umarra ibn al-Khattab After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In the previous sermons, accounts from the life of Hazrat Umarra were being narrated, including the expeditions and battles he fought in. With regard to the Battle of Hamra al-Asad, it is reported that after the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina. The disbelievers headed towards Mecca; however, the Holy Prophetsa received news that the Quraish were planning to attack [the Muslims] once again. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa set out with his companions to a place called Hamra al-Asad. Hamra al-Asad was situated eight miles from Medina. I will narrate a part of what Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has written with regard to the expedition of Hamra al-Asad: “Although the army of the Quraish had apparently taken to Mecca, it was apprehended that this move may be a plot to catch the Muslims off guard, and suddenly return to attack Medina.

Hence, on this night, an arrangement was made for security in Medina and the Companions particularly stood guard all night long at the residence of the Holy Prophetsa. The next morning it was discovered that this apprehension was not mere speculation, because prior to Fajr Salat, the Holy Prophetsa received news that the army of the Quraish had stalled at a few miles from Medina and a heated debate was taking place amongst the chieftains of Mecca, that making use of this victory, why not attack Medina. Some of the Quraish were taunting one another saying, ‘You did not kill Muhammad[sa], nor did you take the Muslim women as slaves, nor did you seize their wealth and possessions; rather, when you gained dominance over them and received the opportunity to destroy them completely, you just left them and turned back, so that they may collect strength again. There is still time, let us return and attack Medina and uproot the Muslims once and for all.’

“In contrast to this, the others argued, ‘You have attained victory. Consider this

When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of these events, he immediately announced that the Muslims should prepare, but along with this he also ordered that except for those people who had participated at Uhud, no one else should set out with them.” (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2, Hamra al-Asad [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah], p. 346) (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 504-505)

It is also mentioned in narrations that when the Holy Prophetsa learned of this discussion between the Quraish, the Holy Prophetsa called Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra and informed them of the matter. Both of them advised that they ought to go after the enemy. (Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2013], p. 278)

to be good fortune enough and return to Mecca, lest we lose this repute as well, and this victory is turned to defeat…’

Ultimately, however, the opinion of the passionate ones prevailed and the Quraish prepared to set back to Medina.

[Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra continues:] “As such, the warriors of Uhud, most of whom were wounded, tied up their wounds and betook to the company of their Master. It is written that on this occasion, the Muslims set out with such joy and zeal, as if they were a triumphant army which sets out in pursuit of the enemy.

“After travelling a distance of eight miles, the Holy Prophetsa reached Hamra al-Asad […] Now that it was evening time, the Holy Prophetsa instructed that camp be set up at this very location. He further instructed that fires be lit at different places throughout the plain. As such, in no time, 500 fires were lit in the plain of Hamra al-Asad, which struck awe into the heart of any spectator from afar.

“Most probably, on this occasion, an idolatrous chief of the Khuza‘ah tribe named Ma‘bad presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and offered his condolences for those who had fallen at Uhud, whereafter he continued on his way. On the following day, when he reached Rauha, lo and behold, he found the army of the Quraish encamped there

AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 and that preparations were underway to return to Medina. Ma‘bad went to Abu Sufyan at once and said: “‘What are you about to do? By God, I have just left behind the army of Muhammad[sa] at Hamra al-Asad, and never before have I seen such an aweinspiring army. They are so passionate due to their regret for the defeat at Uhud that they shall reduce you to ashes on sight.’

“Abu Sufyan and his followers were so awe-struck by these comments of Ma‘bad, that they abandoned the idea of returning to Medina and made haste to Mecca at once. When the Holy Prophetsa received news that the army of the Quraish had fled in this manner, he thanked God and said, ‘This is the awe of God, which He has struck into the hearts of the disbelievers.’

After this, the Holy Prophetsa remained in Hamra al-Asad for another two or three days.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 504-505)

Ghazwah Bani Mustaliq took place in Sha‘ban, 5 AH. This battle was also known as Ghazwah Muraisi. Mentioning this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “The opposition of the Quraish began to take on a more dangerous form day by day and through their conspiracies, they had already incited many tribes against Islam and the Founder of Islam. However, now their animosity created a new threat, in that those tribes of Hijaz who had thus far held good relations with the Muslims, now began to stand up against them due to the seditious designs of the Quraish.

“In this respect, the Banu Mustaliq, a branch of the renowned Khuza‘ah tribe, took the lead and began to mobilise in order to launch an attack against Medina.

Their chief, Harith bin Abi Darrar toured the other tribes of that region and brought various other tribes aboard as well.

“When the Holy Prophetsa received news of this, as an act of precaution, the Holy Prophetsa dispatched a Companion named Buraidahra bin Husaib towards the Banu Mustaliq in order to gather intelligence and urged him to return swiftly with insight into the state of affairs.

When Buraidahra arrived, he found that in fact, a very large gathering was present and preparations were underway to attack Medina with great vehemence and uproar. He returned at once and relayed his findings to the Holy Prophetsa.

“According to his custom, as a preemptive measure, the Holy Prophetsa urged his companions to set out towards the dwellings of Banu Mustaliq. A large number of companions prepared to go forth. In fact, a large group of hypocrites who, prior to this, had never come along in such numbers also set out. The Holy Prophetsa left behind Abu Dharr Ghifarira or in light of various narrations, Zaidra bin Harithah as the amir of Medina, and set out in the name of Allah from Medina in Sha‘ban 5 AH. “There were only 30 horses in the army; however, camels were available in a somewhat greater number. The Muslims travelled on these horses and camels in turns. During the course of this journey, the Muslims happened to find a spy of the

“

23

Remember, the Holy

Quran is the only scripture in the world that proclaims itself to be a miracle. It forcefully asserts that its prophecies and narratives are from the realm of the unseen, it contains prophecies about the future down to the Last Day, and that it is a miracle in respect of its eloquence and beauty of expression.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Fountain of Christianity, pp. 12-13) disbelievers, who was taken captive and presented to the Holy Prophetsa.

“After questioning him, when the Holy Prophetsa was assured that he was actually a spy, the Holy Prophetsa attempted to probe him for information relevant to the disbelievers, but he refused. Furthermore, since his attitude was suspicious, according to the customary law of warfare, Hazrat Umarra executed him. After this, the Muslim army continued to advance.

“When the Banu Mustaliq found out about the imminent arrival of the Muslims, and received news that their spy had been killed, they became very fearful.

Their actual intention was to somehow attack Medina unexpectedly, but owing to the alertness of the Holy Prophetsa, the tables had now turned. They became immensely awe-stricken and the other tribes who had come out to join them in support became so fearful due to the power of God, that they immediately left their side and returned to their homes.

However, as for the Banu Mustaliq, the Quraish had so deeply intoxicated them with enmity towards the Muslims that they still did not hold back from war, and remained fully bent upon fighting the Muslim army with full force. When the Holy Prophetsa reached Muraisi‘, close to where the Banu Mustaliq were present, which is a place situated between Mecca and Medina near the coast of the sea, the Holy Prophetsa ordered the setup of camp. After arranging the ranks and the distribution of flags, etc. the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Umarra to move forward and announce to the Banu Mustaliq that even now, if they refrain from their enmity towards Islam and accept the rule of the Holy Prophetsa, they would be given peace, and the Muslims

would return. However, they vehemently refused and prepared for war. It is even written that the first arrow was shot by a man from their tribe.

“When the Holy Prophetsa witnessed their hostility, he ordered the companions to fight as well”, as the enemy had already started to fight. “For some time both sides exchanged a shower of arrows, upon which the Holy Prophetsa ordered the companions to launch a sudden attack.

As a result of this sudden assault, the disbelievers lost their footing. The Muslims surrounded them so skilfully that their entire tribe became surrounded and was forced to throw in their arms. With only ten casualties among the disbelievers and one from among the Muslims, this war, which could have taken on a dangerous form, came to an end.”

In Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets] Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “It is also necessary to mention that there is a narration regarding this battle in Sahih Bukhari, where it is related that the Holy Prophetsa attacked the Banu Mustaliq at a time when they were unaware and giving water to their animals. However, if one contemplates, this narration is not in contradiction to the account related by historians; rather, both these narrations relate to two different times; that is to say, when the Muslim army arrived close to the Banu Mustaliq, at the time, since they were unaware that the Muslims had reached so close”, even though they were definitely aware that the Muslim army was about to arrive, “they were still at ease in an unorganised state. It is this very state to which Bukhari has made mention. However, when they received

news that the Muslims had arrived according to their previous preparation, they immediately aligned in battle array and prepared to fight. The historians have alluded to this second state. ‘Allamah Ibn Hajar and other research scholars have reconciled these two varying narrations in this very manner, and it is this elucidation which seems to be correct.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 557-559)

On the return from the expedition of Bani Mustaliq, an incident occurred which has been narrated in Sahih Muslim.

Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdillah narrates: “We were with the Holy Prophetsa during an expedition”, i.e. the expedition of Bani Mustaliq, “when someone from among the Muhajireen struck an individual from among the Ansar on his back. The man from the Ansar called out to the Ansar and the muhajir man called out to the Muhajireen”, i.e. both called out for help from their people. “This news reached the Holy Prophetsa and when he heard the commotion he said, ‘What is this cry of the Jahiliyya period?’ They said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! A man from the Muhajireen struck a man from the Ansar on his back.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Leave that, for it is a senseless act’”, i.e. to quarrel over the smallest of matters is futile. “When Abdullah bin Ubayy, who was present there at the time, heard this, he said, ‘He may have done this, i.e. a muhajir may have hit a man from the Ansar, even if it was a slap, but by Allah, if we return to Medina, then certainly the most honourable (God-forbid) would throw out the most wretched.’ Hazrat Umarra submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Grant me permission to sever the head of this hypocrite.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Leave him. I do not wish for people to say that

24 Muhammad kills his companions.’”

Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM (Sahih

Muslim, Kitab al-Birr wa al-Silah, Bab Nasr al-Akh Zaliman aw Mazluma, Hadith 2583)

The details of this incident are mentioned in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets] – I will leave this as it has already been mentioned previously.

Nonetheless, in Sirat Ibn Hisham, it is mentioned that in his final days, whenever Abdullah bin Ubayy would say such things, his people would label him to be extremely indolent. When the Holy Prophetsa learnt of his condition, he said to Hazrat Umarra, “O Umar! The day you asked me permission to kill him, had I granted you permission, people would have scorned and curled their lips. But now, if I command these very people to kill, who would have previously shown contempt, they would readily do it now. However, due to our patience and now that his matter has come to light, those very people who supported him previously, have turned against him and can even go to the extent of killing him.”

Hazrat Umarra said, “By Allah! I now know that the verdict of the Holy Prophetsa was far greater and more blessed than my suggestion.” (Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 672)

When the Holy Prophetsa was about to lead the funeral prayer of Abdullah bin Ubayy, chief of the hypocrites, Hazrat Umarra said, “Allah the Almighty has forbidden to lead the funeral prayers of hypocrites.” The Holy Prophetsa said, “I have been given the choice whether to seek forgiveness for them or not.” Thus, the Holy Prophetsa led his funeral prayer.

When Allah the Almighty outright prohibited leading the funeral prayers of such people, the Holy Prophetsa never led the funeral prayer of any hypocrite thereafter. (Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat alAshab, Vol. 3, Abdullah bin Abdillah Ansari [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Jil, 1992], p. 941)

Abu Salama narrated from Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdillah, “On the day of the Battle of Khandaq, Hazrat Umarra came after the sun had set and was expressing his displeasure for the disbelievers of the

Quraish. He said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

I was not able to offer the Asr prayer and it is now after sunset.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘By God! I too have not offered the prayers.’ Subsequently, we got up and went towards Buthan. Buthan was the name of one of the valleys in Medina. Over there, the Holy Prophetsa performed ablution and we also performed the ablution for prayers and then we offered the Asr prayer after sunset. After this, the Holy Prophetsa offered the Magrhib prayers. This is a narration from Bukhari. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Mawaqit al-Salah, Bab Qada al-Salah al-Ula fa al-Ula, Hadith 598)

There are varying opinions about how many prayers the Holy Prophetsa and his companions were unable to offer during the Battle of the Ditch and there are various narrations in this regard. In one narration, Hazrat Jabirra states, “On the day of the Battle of the Ditch, Hazrat Umarra expressed his displeasure at the disbelievers and said, ‘I could not offer the Asr prayers until the sun had set.’” He then said that he went to Buthan and offered the Asr prayers after the sun had set, after which he offered the Maghrib prayers.

This is also a narration of Bukhari, in the previous narration there was mention that he was with the Holy Prophetsa. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwat al-Khandaq wa hiya al-Ahzab, Hadith 4111)

Hazrat Alira has narrated that on the day of the Battle of the Ditch, the Holy Prophetsa said, “May Allah fill the homes and the graves of those disbelievers with fire because they kept us occupied and prevented us from praying Salat al-Wusta (i.e. the middle prayer) until the sun had set.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwat al-Khandaq wa hiya al-Ahzab, Hadith 4111)

This narration of Hazrat Alira is from Bukhari.

Then Abu Ubaidah bin Abdillah narrates on the authority of his father that on the day of the Battle of the Ditch, the idolaters prevented the Holy Prophetsa from offering four prayers, until a portion of the night had passed as much as Allah had willed. The narrator further says that the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Bilalra to call the Azan; he then instructed him to call the Iqamah and led the Zuhr prayers. He then instructed him to call the Iqamah and led the Asr prayers; he then instructed to call the Iqamah and led the Maghrib prayers; he then instructed to call the Iqamah and led the Isha prayers.

This is a narration of Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal. (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 2, Musnad Abdillah bin Mas‘ud, Hadith 3555 [Beirut, Lebanon: A‘lam al-Kutub, 1998], pp. 6-7)

The Promised Messiahas has deemed all these narrations to be weak except for one in which it is mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa only offered the Asr prayer close to the expiration of its prescribed time.

Whilst refuting the allegation levelled by the Christian Priest, Fateh Masih, wherein he stated that the Holy Prophetsa offered four of the prayers after its prescribed time, the Promised Messiahas stated: “This satanic ploy of yours in alleging that four prayers were combined at the time of digging the trench in fact reveals your

level of knowledge, because the word that has been used [in the hadith] is ‘qadha’.

O foolish one! The word ‘qadha’ is used with reference to offering the prayer” not that a prayer was completely abandoned.

“The term ‘qadha’ never applies in an instance where a prayer is missed. If one completely misses their prayer, the word ‘faut’ is used” i.e. the prayer has passed.

“It was for this reason that we have announced a 5,000 rupee [challenge] because there exist such ignorant people who raise allegations against Islam and yet they do not even know the proper meaning of ‘qadha’. An individual who cannot even employ the proper usage of words, how can such a foolish one then claim to possess the capabilities to critique such intricate matters?

“As far as the allegation is concerned that four prayers were combined at the time of digging the trench, the answer to this foolish notion is that Allah the Almighty states that there is no harm”, i.e. it is not strictly forbidden, “to combine the prayers or offer them after its prescribed time in certain extenuating circumstances and in times of danger. However, there is no authentic hadith which states that four prayers were all combined together.

In fact, in Fath-ul-Bari, a commentary of Sahih Bukhari, it states that only one prayer, the Asr prayer, was offered close to the expiration of its prescribed time.

If at the time you were present before us”, the Promised Messiahas is addressing the opponent here, “we would have seated you down and asked you to present the authentic narration which states that four prayers were all combined. In light of the Shariah, there are four prayers which can be combined; in other words, Zuhr and Asr prayers can be combined together and Maghrib and Isha prayers can be combined together. Indeed, there is one weak narration, which states that the Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers were all combined. However, all the other authentic narrations reject this particular narration. All that is proven is that only the Asr prayer was offered close to the expiration of its prescribed time.” (Nur-ulQuran, number 2: Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 9, pp. 389-390)

In regard to the role of Hazrat Umarra on the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah it is written that the Holy Prophetsa called for Hazrat Umarra in order to send him to the elders of Quraish and inform them as to why the Holy Prophetsa was travelling to Mecca. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! I fear for my life because of what the Quriash may do for they are well aware of my opposition towards them and how strictly I deal with them. Moreover, there is no one from among my tribe, the Banu Adiyy who is present in Mecca, who can grant me protection.”

Hence, Hazrat Umarra expressed slight hesitance. And according to another narration, Hazrat Umarra submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! If you wish, I will go to them.” However, the Holy Prophetsa did not say anything. Hazrat Umarra then again submitted, “I shall inform you of an individual, who is held in greater esteem than me in the eyes of the Quraish that is

25

AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 Hazrat Uthman bin Affanra.” Upon this the Holy Prophetsa called for Hazrat Uthmanra and sent him to Abu Sufyan and other elders of the Quraish, so that he could inform them that the Holy Prophetsa was not coming with the intention to fight.

Rather, he was simply coming for the purpose of performing the pilgrimage of the Ka‘bah and to honour its sanctity.

(Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 685) (Mustafa Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-Ibad, Vol. 5, Fi Ghazwat al-Hudaibiyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 46)

The details of this incident have been mentioned with reference to Hazrat Uthmanra.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has written: “While the conditions of the treaty were being drawn up, Abu Jandal, the son of Suhail bin Amr, who was the ambassador of the Quraish, found a way to this assembly suddenly, stumbling in fetters and handcuffs. This young man had been imprisoned by the people of Mecca on his becoming a Muslim and had subjected him to severe torment.

“When he came to know that the Holy Prophetsa had come so close to Mecca, somehow, he escaped the imprisonment of the Quraish and still tied in his fetters, he managed to stagger to Hudaibiyah.

Incidentally, he reached there at a time when his father was stipulating the condition: ‘Every man who comes to the Muslims from the people of Mecca, even if he be a Muslim, shall be returned.’ Abu Jandal threw himself before the Muslims and very painfully cried, ‘O ye Muslims! I am being subjected to this torment, merely on account of my having accepted Islam!

Save me for the sake of God!’ Upon the sight of this, the Muslims began to toss in agony, but Suhail also remained obstinate and said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘As per this treaty, this is the first demand I make to you, that you return Abu Jandal to me.’

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘The treaty has yet to be finalised’” for the negotiations are ongoing and nothing has been finalised.

“Upon this, Suhail said, ‘If you do not return him to me, consider this treaty dissolved.’ In order to settle the matter, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Let it go and grant Abu Jandal to us as an act of favour and kindness.’ Suhail said, ‘No, never.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Suhail!

Do not be obstinate! Listen to me on this.’ Suhail said, ‘I cannot accept this in any case.’ Upon this, Abu Jandal cried out once again, ‘O ye Muslims! Shall your Muslim brother be sent back to the idolaters after having suffered such severe torment?’ It is strange to note that at the time, Abu Jandal did not appeal to the Holy Prophetsa, rather, he appealed to the common Muslims. Perhaps this was because he knew that irrespective of how much pain the Holy Prophetsa held in his heart, he would never allow for the treaty to be detrimentally affected. However, he expected that the rest of the Muslims, perhaps in their indignation at the time, would find a way to justify his freedom, as the clauses of the treaty were still being transcribed. Despite this and irrespective

of how emotional the Muslims were, it was impossible for them to take a stance against the wish of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Holy Prophetsa remained silent for some time, and then painfully said, ‘O Abu Jandal! Be patient. Look towards God, for it is He who shall indeed arrange for your deliverance and for your weak Muslim brothers. At this time, we are bound by our circumstances because we have already settled an agreement with the people of Mecca and we cannot act in violation of this treaty.’

The Muslims were witnessing this scene and in religious indignation, their eyes became gorged with rage, but out of respect, they remained silent before the Holy Prophetsa. Finally, Hazrat Umarra could bear it no more. He came to the Holy Prophetsa and enquired in a trembling voice, ‘Are you not the truthful Messenger of Allah?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, indeed I am.’ Umarra responded, ‘Are we not upon the truth and our enemy upon falsehood?’ The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Yes, indeed it is so.’ Umarra said, ‘Why then should we bear this humiliation in the matter of our true religion?’

“Upon seeing this state of Hazrat Umarra, the Holy Prophetsa concisely said, ‘Look hither Umar! I am the Messenger of God. I understand the will of God and I cannot act against it and it is He Who shall be my Helper.’ But the indignation in the mood of Hazrat Umarra was growing, moment by moment. He began to say, ‘Did you not say that we would perform tawaf around the Ka‘bah?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, indeed, I did, but did I also say that this tawaf would definitely be this year?’ Umarra said, ‘No, you did not.’ The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Then be patient. God-willing, you shall indeed enter Mecca and perform tawaf of the Ka‘bah.’ However, in this state of emotion, Hazrat Umarra was not satisfied.

Nonetheless, due to the extraordinary awe of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Umarra left and came to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. In his emotion, he asked the same question again, and Hazrat Abu Bakrra also responded in the same way as the Holy Prophetsa. However, Hazrat Abu Bakrra also advised him, ‘O Umarra, look hither!

Control yourself. Do not allow for your grip to loosen from the rope of Allah’s Messengersa. By God, this man, in whose hand we have given our own is without a doubt, truthful.’ Hazrat Umarra said that at the time because of his emotion he said such things, but later he felt exceedingly repentant. Moreover, in order to wash away the effects of this weakness as a form of repentance, he performed many voluntary acts as an expiation. In other words, he gave charity, fasted, offered voluntary Salat and even freed numerous slaves, so that this blemish of weakness could be cleansed.’” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 766768)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh would deliver speeches on the occasion of Jalsa [Salana] prior to his Khilafat as well. I shall present a part [of the speech] in relation to this. He states: “There is no doubt that the anguish

which emanated from the heart of Hazrat Umarra in the form of a question was also felt in the hearts of many others.

The emotions which were expressed by his tongue were not only the sentiments of Umarra, but undoubtedly they were felt by many others as well. The courage demonstrated by Hazrat Umarra to express this feeling was an oversight on his part that thereafter Hazrat Umarra always regretted this. He kept many fasts, offered many prayers, gave charity in abundance and drenched the prayer mats in anguish constantly reciting istighfar, but still the fire of regret was not extinguished.

“The anguish felt at the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was temporary and very quickly this was transformed into contentment through the mercy bestowed from the Heavens. However, the feeling of regret which was left in the heart of Umarra owing to this question he had asked in haste, continued to remain within him and this feeling never left him. He would always wish that he had never asked such a question to the Holy Prophetsa.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh further

states: “I often ponder that when Hazrat Umarra was breathing his last, close to his demise and was praying: َ َ َ ‫لا ل ِْی َولا َعل َّی‬ ‘O Allah! I do not seek the reward for my good deeds, rather I seek forgiveness for my sins’, among all these mistakes, the one that may have caused him the greatest anguish was the one he had committed in the plains of Hudaibiyah. At the time of when the conditions of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah were being stipulated, upon seeing the restlessness and pain of the companions, only his beloved God Who was his Most Excellent Friend knew the condition of the Holy Prophet’ssa heart.

But through these three simple sentences which he uttered from his blessed tongue to Hazrat Umarra, the Holy Prophetsa left a great message for those who reflect.”

(Khutbat-e-Tahir [Taqarir Jalsa Salana Qabl az Khilafat], p. 428)

At the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the parchment that contained the conditions of the treaty between the Muslims and Quraish of Mecca was

26

Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM of the entire body of the Muslims telling himself that, ‘O Umar, you have been ruined! You addressed the Holy Prophetsa three times, but the Messengersa of Allah did not respond.’ He began to feel deeply apprehensive about what the matter was?

He began to feel afraid that a Quranic verse may have been revealed in his connection. It had hardly been a moment, when a man called out his name and said, ‘The Messengersa of Allah has summoned Umar bin Al-Khattab!’ He said to himself, ‘I am sure that a Quranic verse has been revealed about me.’ Therefore, perturbed, he hurriedly presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and upon greeting him with salutations of peace, he came to his side.

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘At this time, such a surah has been revealed to me, which is more dear to me than all the things of this world.’ Then the Holy Prophetsa recited the verses of Surah al-Fath. Hazrat Umarra asked, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Is this treaty really a victory for Islam?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, verily this is our victory.’ Upon this, Hazrat Umarra found satisfaction and remained silent and the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 770-772) (Farhang-e-Sirat, p. 200, 243)

signed by Hazrat Umarra as well.

Regarding this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “Two copies of this agreement were transcribed and as witnesses, many prominent members from both sides put down their signatures. From the Muslims were Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Uthmanra, Abdur-Rahmanra bin Auf, Saadra bin Abi Waqas and Abu Ubaidahra. After the agreement had been concluded, Suhail bin Amr took one copy of the agreement and returned to Mecca, while the other copy remained with the Holy Prophetsa.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 769)

Regarding the return journey from Hudaibiyah, it is written in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin: “After making his sacrifice, the Holy Prophetsa ordered the return to Medina.

At the time, it had been a little under 20 days since the Holy Prophetsa had arrived in Hudaibiyah. During his return journey, when the Holy Prophetsa reached Qura al-Ghamim near Usfan”; Usfan is situated 103 kilometres from Mecca and Qura alGhamim is a valley situated eight miles from Usfan; “and it was night, the Holy Prophetsa made an announcement and gathered all the companions. He said: “‘This night, a chapter has been revealed to me, and it is dearer to me than all the things of this world. It is as follows:

َ َ َ ّٰ َ ْ ّ ً َ َ َ َ َّ َ َْ ‫ِانا ف َت ْحنا لَک ف ْت ًحا ُم ِب ْینا ل ِ َیغ ِف َر لَک الل ُہ َما تق ّد َم ِم ْن ذن ِبک‬ َّ َ َ ُ ً َ َ َ َ ‫َو َما تأخ َر َویُ ِت ّم نِ ْع َم َت ٗہ َعل ْیک َویَ ْہ ِدیَک ِص َراطا ّم ْس َت ِق ْی ًما‬ َ َ ّٰ َ ْ َ ‫ّویَن ُص َرک الل ُہ ن ْص ًرا ع ِزیْ ًزا‬

“These are verses 2-4 of Surah alFath, and it continues; the 28th verse is as follows:

ْ ْ ُ​ُ ْ ْ ّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫الرُؤیَا ِبال َح ّ ِق ل َ َت ْدخل َّن ال َم ْس ِج َد ال َح َر َام ِإ ْن‬ ‫لقد صدق اللہ رسولہ‬ ّٰ َ َ َ‫الل ُہ ٰام ِنی ْ َن ُم َح ِّل ِقی ْ َن ُر ُء ْو َس ُک ْم َو ُمقَ ّصریْ َن لَا تَ َخ ُافوْن‬ ‫شآء‬ ِ ِ ِ

“‘O Messenger, we have indeed given thee a magnificent victory, so that we may begin for you an era, wherein the veil of forgiveness shall cover up thy shortcomings, past and future, and that He may complete His favour upon thee and may guide thee on the straight path of success. And indeed, Allah shall help thee with a mighty help [...] The truth is that God indeed fulfilled the vision for His Messenger. For now, God willing, you shall enter the sacred house in a state of security, some of you having their heads shaven and others having their hair cut short, and you shall have no fear.’

“In other words, ‘If you were to have entered Mecca this year, it would not have been an entry of security; it would have been an entry of war and bloodshed.

However, in the vision, God had shown an entry of security and it is for this reason that as a result of the agreement this year, a state of security has been devised. Now, in accordance with the vision shown by God, you shall soon enter the Sacred Mosque in a state of security.’ Indeed, it so happened.

“When the Holy Prophetsa recited these verses to the companions, since the hearts of a few companions still felt the bitterness of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, they became surprised thinking that although they were returning in failure, but yet God was giving them good wishes on their victory.

Some hasty companions even said, ‘Is it a victory that we are returning whilst being deprived of performing tawaf around the Baitullah?’ When these words reached the Holy Prophetsa, he expressed great displeasure. In a brief but powerful speech

he said: ‘This is an absurd objection because if you reflect it shall become evident that the Treaty of Hudaibiyah is truly a momentous victory. The Quraish who were bent on war, have themselves forsaken war and settled a peace treaty with us, and have promised to open the doors of Mecca to us the following year. Safeguarded from the mischief of the Quraish, we are now returning in peace and security, whilst receiving the fragrance of our future victory. Therefore, indeed, this is a grand victory. Have you all forgotten how this very tribe, the Quraish, launched onslaughts of war against you in Uhud and Ahzab? This earth, with all its vastness, became straitened for you and your eyes were petrified, and you trembled in fear. Today, however, this very Quraish is settling a treaty of peace and security with you.’

“The companions responded, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! We have understood, we have understood. We cannot reach your farsightedness, but now we have understood that this treaty truly is a momentous victory for us.’

“Prior to this address of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Umarra was also in a state of extreme apprehension. Therefore, he himself related that on the return from Hudaibiyah, when the Holy Prophetsa was journeying at night, he presented himself before him, and whilst addressing the Holy Prophetsa, desired to say something to him. The Holy Prophetsa, however, remained silent. He addressed him a second and third time, but the Holy Prophetsa remained silent as before. He was greatly hurt by this silence of the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, he moved ahead

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “On the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Holy Prophetsa entered into a peace treaty with the idolaters which caused the companions to feel great anguish that even a person of the calibre of Hazrat Umarra presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Has Allah the Almighty not vouchsafed His promise to you that we shall perform the tawaf of the Ka‘bah or is victory not destined for Islam?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Indeed!’ Hazrat Umarra then submitted, ‘Then why have we entered a peace treaty whilst being subdued?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘No doubt, Allah the Almighty has granted His promise that we shall perform circuits of the Ka‘bah; however, He did not declare that it will certainly be this year.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 30, p. 220) Accounts in the life of Hazrat Umarra will continue in the future, insha-Allah.

At present, I shall mention some deceased and lead their funeral prayers.

The first is of Malik Muhammad Yusuf Saleem Sahib who was in charge of the Zud Nawisi department. He passed away at the age of 86.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

He was the only Ahmadi in his family and he accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1952. His older brother found him employment in the railway. At the time, the chief engineer [at the workplace] there was an Ahmadi named Mir Hameedullah Sahib. He used to receive the Al Fazl newspaper and Mir Hameedullah Sahib would preach to him regularly. Saleem Sahib became Ahmadi after reading Al Fazl.

When his family found out, they began threatening him that they would kill him if he did not leave Ahmadiyyat.

Nevertheless, he left his home, but did not

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AL HAKAM | Friday 2 July 2021 forsake Ahmadiyyat. Eventually, when the situation worsened, the way he had to leave his home was that one night, without letting her other sons know, his mother said to him, “Leave here and never come back, otherwise your life will be at risk.”

He completed his MA in Islamic studies at Punjab University, then in 1958, he joined Jamia Ahmadiyya. In 1963, he graduated from Jamia Ahmadiyya and was appointed in the ifta office with Malik Saif-ur-Rahman Sahib, the mufti of the Jamaat [at the time]. In 1967, he was then transferred to the Zud Nawisi department. When Maulana Muhammad Yaqub Tahir Sahib – in-charge of the Zud Nawisi department – passed away, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh appointed Malik Muhammad Yusuf Saleem Sahib in his place, where he continued to serve as the in-charge until 1985. In the Zud Nawisi office, he was assigned the task of preparing reports from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s speeches, sermons, programmes and tours, etc.

In 1978, the Deliverance from the Cross Conference took place in London, which was attended by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. Malik Muhammad Yusuf Saleem Sahib also attended alongside him and prepared the report thereof. He also assisted Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh a great deal to prepare Sawanih Fazl-eUmar and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh praised him in an excellent manner. In 1983, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh toured Australia, Fiji and Singapore, Malik Yusuf Saleem Sahib was present as well.

After the migration [from Rabwah to London], he had the task of preparing audio cassette copies which he fulfilled in an excellent manner. Due to the diligence required, he would go to a place in Faisalabad himself to prepare these audio cassettes in a house and bring them with him on the way back. He also served as a missionary in the field for some years.

He had the opportunity of working on Khutbat-e-Tahir in the Tahir Foundation.

He had the opportunity to write down the proceedings of the Shura. After his retirement, he continued to serve the Jamaat, but took leave in 2013 due to his illness. He married twice. He had a daughter from his first marriage, after which his wife later passed away. He remarried and from this, he has two sons and three daughters.

His daughter, Qudsiyah Mahmood Sardar, says, “Our father ensured that we have a firm bond with Allah and constantly reminded us in this regard. He would be very particular about us offering prayers and would be upset when we would offer the prayers late. He would pray fervently in his Tahajud prayers. He would recite one part of the Holy Quran every day and even during his illness, he would always ask whether it was time for prayers or not; he was very mindful about his prayers. He instilled within us love and obedience for Khilafat. He himself had a great deal of love for Khilafat. He used to say that all blessings could be found in obedience to Khilafat. He endured great hardships for the sake of Ahmadiyyat.”

The Assistant Private Secretary, Rashid Tayyab Sahib says: “During the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, Malik Muhammad Yusuf Saleem Sahib joined the Zud Nawisi department. He was able to serve in this department for an extended period of time and would write out speeches etc.

He would prepare reports for the Jamaat newspaper, Al Fazl. He carried out his work with great responsibility, proficiency and in an excellent manner.” He also possessed a high literary standard; and as I mentioned, he also had the opportunity of accompanying Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on foreign visits to Africa and Europe. He was mindful of the finest details in his work; he would write every word with great concentration and caution and while writing, he would pray so that he would not stray from the true meaning.

Even after retiring in 2013, if there was ever any difficulty faced in compiling the report for Shura, whenever he was called to the private secretary’s office, he would show up immediately and would always express that he considered it an honour.

I also recall him to have been a gentle person who remained immersed in his work and he fulfilled his duty of being a life-devotee. He quietly completed all his work, never made any demands and led a simple life. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy and enable his progeny to carry on his virtuous deeds.

The next funeral is of respected Shoaib Ahmad Sahib, a life-devotee, who was the son of Bashir Ahmad Kalafghana, Darwesh from Qadian. He passed away at the age of 56.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

He began serving the Jamaat in 1987.

He worked in various departments of Sadr Anjuman as a worker, afsar and nazir; he was able to serve as in-charge of daftar ulya and auditor of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, nazir baitul mal kharch, nazim Waqf-eJadid Mal, afsar Jalsa Salana and sadr of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya India.

His period of service spans more than 33 years. He paid a great deal of attention towards his worship and regularly offered his Tahajud prayer and nawafil. He also exhibited a high degree of obedience to Khilafat. He always used to say that whatever instructions were received should be implemented right away. He possessed deep knowledge of the Holy Quran. He also studied the books of the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa. He had a wide range of religious knowledge and was able to deliver a speech on any topic. He possessed good morals and was sociable. He would show love and compassion to everyone. He took great care of those in need. Everyone in Qadian has spoken highly of him; he was very patient and grateful.

The deceased was a musi. He is survived by his wife and two sons. He was the son-in-law of Jalaluddin Nayyar Sahib, Sadr Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian.

Rafiq Baig Sahib, Nazir Baitul Mal Amad Qadian, writes: “I had the opportunity of working with him for 18 years in Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya India and the office of Jalsa Salana Qadian. He would lead all those serving with his own practical example.

During the days of Jalsa Salana, he would remain in his office until three or four in the morning and would also inspect the accommodation. If he saw any deficiency, he would rectify it immediately. He would always advise every volunteer to do justice in caring for the guests of the Promised Messiahas. If a volunteer acted unjustly, he would apologise to the guests himself.”

His brother-in-law has also written, “He used to say that he never held any grudge against a single person in the world.”

An inspector from Wakalat-e-Mal Tahrik-e-Jadid writes: “He had a tour of his provinces [assigned to him] in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which lasted 75 days. During this time, I became ill and he took care of me just like any parent would do.”

May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and grant his children and wife patience and forbearance, and enable them to continue his virtuous deeds.

The next funeral is of respected Maqsood Ahmad Bhatti Sahib, a missionary from Qadian who passed away on 18 May at the age of 52.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

He was from the jamaat in Charkor District Rajouri Province of Jammu Kashmir. His time of service spanned 30 years; he was able to serve as amir zone Lucknow and as missionary-in-charge Sri Nagar for about one year. From 2017 until his demise, he was able to serve full-time as a central [markazi] qazi. He actively served in the qaza [department of arbitration] with great sincerity. He settled dozens of cases. He would always remain concerned with the responsibilities assigned to him.

In fact, in recent days, when he was ill in hospital as he had contracted the coronavirus, he was still concerned about his work. He was very sociable, goodnatured, brave, intelligent and an active life-devotee.

The deceased was a musi. He is survived by his mother, three brothers, his wife and three daughters. May Allah the Almighty treat the deceased with forgiveness and mercy and keep his daughters in His protection and enable them to continue his virtuous deeds.

The next funeral is of Javaid Iqbal Sahib of Faisalabad who passed away at the age of 66.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

His son Talha Javaid writes: “Ahmadiyyat was introduced into his family through his great paternal grandfather, Baba Chakirah, who was

famous for making millstones and repairing them. He would carry out his work by calling out in the streets and at the same time, he would sing couplets of the Promised Messiahas in a loud voice as well to open avenues of propagating the message.”

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, aside from the regular prayers, he regularly offered Tahajud prayers and would advise everyone at home to offer prayers in congregation and in fact, congregational prayers would regularly be offered in the home. He regularly recited the Holy Quran along with its translation.

He especially made sure to listen to the Friday Sermon and would have everyone at home sit with him to watch the sermon on MTA. He had a great passion for serving the faith. After the conditions of 1984 when the audio sermon of the Khalifa would be relayed via cassette, he would put the cassettes in a bag and would go from village to village on his bicycle to deliver them. Then, when MTA was launched, he had a [satellite] dish installed at his home and would invite people to his home so that they could listen to the sermon.

He is survived by his mother, wife Amatul Basit, two sons and a daughter.

May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy.

The next funeral is of respected Madiha Nawaz, wife of Nawaz Ahmad Sahib, a missionary from Ghana. She passed away on 16 April at the age of 36.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

She was residing in Ghana which is where she passed away. Her husband, who is a missionary, writes: “Over 16 years, I found that she possessed many great qualities. She was extremely forbearing and patient, kind and empathetic. She was an excellent mother and a faithful wife.

“In Ghana, whenever she found the opportunity, she would conduct classes for the local children. She taught her own children the Quran. She treated her inlaws in an excellent manner. She never responded to harsh words and would advise me to do the same. She would always advise others to pray. She was particular about the smallest details when it came to the moral upbringing of her children.

She would often speak of the blessings of Khilafat to her children in order to attach them to Khilafat. She tended to the poor and was a virtuous person.”

She is survived by her husband and three children – Furad Safih aged 13, Faizia aged eight and Zara who is one year old. All three children are part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme, masha-Allah. May Allah the Almighty accept her prayers in favour of her children, elevate her station in Paradise and bestow her with forgiveness and mercy.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 25 June 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions)

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Friday 2 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

Remarkable works of the as Promised Messiah The achievements of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas, as explained by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra

www.alhakam.org/remarkable-works-of-the-promised-messiah/

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