Al Hakam - 23 July 2021

Why we shouldn’t combine Salat: Answers to three excuses

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The 73rd heavenly sect: Response to allegations

The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah

Part I

Part I

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Page 15

100 Years Ago...

Launch of The Moslem Sunrise in America, Jamaat in Baghdad and foundation of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Kohat Page 8

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021 | Issue CLXXV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Sacrifice: The élan vital of love The sentiment of love has arguably been the rock of the vast amount of literature produced in the world since time immemorial, albeit in different forms and shapes – love for a person, for a place, for faith, for a nation and so forth.

Read through the literature produced in the many centuries of human existence and one will find that sacrifice has been the bloodline for love in all its shades and derivatives. From Homer’s Odyssey to Wordsworth’s romanticism and all the way to modern-day fiction and poetry, love has remained the current that runs through human expression, and sacrifice, the undercurrent.

What we know as Eid-ul-Adha is a reminder to all Muslims that love on its own is a body without a soul. Ahmadis are lucky not to have to wait for the annual cycle for this reminder; the pledge that every Ahmadi proclaims – from weekly meetings to annual ijtemas – is all about the love for the cause of the Promised Messiahas, resting on the pivot of sacrifice.

“I shall be ready to sacrifice my time, wealth, honour, children …”: Anything and everything dear to us is sworn in by every Ahmadi – children or adults, women or men.

So what makes sacrifice so important in Islam is not different from what makes sacrifice so very important in any affair of human society: Love. True love calls for sacrifice, not just words, and it is this distinction that defines true love and a hollow sense of belonging.

The first reference to sacrifice in the Holy Quran is found in the story of Hazrat Adam’s two sons, who both offered sacrifice but not both were accepted by Allah the Almighty; acceptance of the sacrifice, the story

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

How the Holy Prophetsa used to offer Salat

ُ َّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ‫الن ِ� ّي‬ ‫الم ِﻐيرة ر ِﺿی الله عنه يﻘول ِإن كان‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ ّ َ ُ َ َّ ‫َصلی الل ُه َعل ْی ِه َو َسل َم ل َیﻘ ْو ُم ل ُِی َﺼ� ِ َ� َح ّتی ت ِر ُم‬ ُ ُ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ َُ َ​َ ‫ ف ُیﻘال � ُ� ف َیﻘ ْول‬،‫قد َماه أ ْو َساقاه‬ ُ َ ً َ َُ َ َ َ ‫أفلا أﻛ ْو ُن ع ْبدا ﺷ� ْ� ًرا‬ Hazrat Al-Mughirara narrates, “The Holy Prophetsa used to stand in the prayer or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why he offered such an unbearable prayer, to which he replied, ‘Should I not be a thankful servant?’”

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

What causes the divinely commissioned to be opposed?

indicates, is down to Allah Who accepts or rejects on the basis of “righteousness”. So, we see that what attracts Allah’s acceptance is not based on the quantity of the offering but the quality, and quality is added to the sacrifice through the love that works behind the act.

The most detailed account of sacrifice mentioned in the Quran is of that of Abrahamas offering his son Ishmaelas to be slaughtered in the way of Allah the Almighty. Abrahamas passed what was only a test of his love and is honoured by Allah as “Khalilullah” (the friend of Allah) and certified as “loyal”.

The strongest teaching of sacrifice and its philosophy found in the Holy Quran is, however, in the verse: ُ َ َ َۡ​َ ٌ َ ٌ ُ ّٰ � ‫لﻘد‬ ‫ان لَﻜ ۡﻢ فِ ۡی َر ُﺳوۡ ِل الل ِہ ا ۡﺳوَة َﺣ َﺴﻨﺔ‬ “Verily, you have in the Prophet of Allah

an excellent model.” (Ch.33: V.22) If Allah prescribes the practices of the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa as the best model for the believers, then Allah is undoubtedly asking for a life of sacrifice to live up to it.

A child born orphan, or, as some accounts suggest, became an orphan at a very early age, the Holy Prophetsa was to live a life of sacrifice from his birth to the time that he passed away. What kept him going, as is evident from his biographical accounts, was the sheer love of Allah the Almighty.

From his self-imposed solitude in the blossom of his youth to offering every belonging in the way of Allah, the Holy Prophet’s life is the epitome of both love and sacrifice.

There is the question as to why the Prophets, peace be upon them, and those who are commissioned by God Almighty, are opposed, and why people disregard their teaching? This is caused by the state of people themselves – a state which becomes the very reason for the advent of these holy personages in the first place. An ocean of sin and impiety rages on amidst the people, while they indulge in all forms of malefaction and wickedness, distancing them and depriving them of God Almighty; and it is this that suppresses their fine and virtuous essence. Since evil actions are at their pinnacle, the essence of human nature, which drives towards every form of perfection or uppermost limit, is diverted to follow a course of evil. It is this very hidden reality, which causes people to initially oppose the Prophets, peace be upon them, and those who are Continued on page 3

Continued on page 3

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It was quite natural for his wife to ask him why he stood in prayer all night long, even though he knew he was the beloved of Allah. His reply was, “Should I not be thankful for this great honour?”

Saying this, he continued to sacrifice his sleep – the only one thing that could bring him some comfort.

We find debates around a statement attributed to the Holy Prophetsa where he said: ‫انا ابن الﺬب��ين‬ “I am the son of two slaughters”. Some experts in authenticity of hadith reject it on the basis of weak links in the chain of its narration; others accept it as authentic for having appeared in the works of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir and Qurtubi.

The background, however, is interesting to note before we conclude this piece.

Legend has it, as recorded by the likes of Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Hisham and Ibn Saad, that Abdul Muttalib had vowed to sacrifice one of his sons in the way of God. He cast a lot to choose the son to be sacrificed from his 10 sons (or eight according to some). The lot fell on Abdullah, the father-to-be of Prophet Muhammadsa.

Relatives and well-wishers advised that he sacrificed camels in lieu of his son and, thus, it is said that Abdul Muttalib sacrificed 100 (some suggest 300) camels; hence was saved the life of Hazrat Abdullah.

The other “slaughter” this tradition refers to is that of Hazrat Ishmaelas, from whose progeny the Holy Prophetsa belonged.

Not being in our scope to testify the authenticity of ahadith, we can, however, testify that the whole life of the Holy Prophetsa was laden with sacrifices.

His life was to be mirrored in the Latter Days in the Promised Messiahas, who, as we know, lived a life of sacrifice. The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, to bring success to the mission of the Holy Prophetsa, sacrificed his wealth, time, honour, rest and peace; all for the love of his holy master, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa.

Then followed Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya where every Khalifa sacrificed every fibre of their being in the way of Allah. Calling for the same, they have always led by example.

The Eid sermon we listened to on Wednesday was by a man who is sacrifice personified. From devoting his life to Islam Ahmadiyyat in the prime of his youth, to working under extremely challenging circumstances for the cause of Islam to sacrificing his sleep for the love of Allah the Almighty and for the people he knows are the last “Jamaat” to be divinely established.

We all express our love for our beloved Imam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa.

We all pledge to sacrifice anything and everything for him. But what do we actually sacrifice for the grand cause that he is the commander of?

Every one of us will have their own answers.

May Allah enable us to understand the call-of-the-time by the Khalifa-of-the-time and may we all be able to offer everything dear to us to nurture the love that we claim to have for Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, the Promised Messiahas, the Holy Prophetsa – a chain of love leading ultimately to Allah the Almighty.

(By Asif M Basit, London)

Continued from page 1

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

divinely commissioned by God, and to neglect their teaching. Ultimately, a time comes when people begin to turn towards these paradigms of virtue and the masses are once again attracted to perfection in goodness. This is why God Almighty states:

ۡ ُ ٰ ۡ َّ ۡ َ �َ �‫َو ا�ۡ�� َِ�ة ِﻋﻨ َد َر ِّﺑﻚ ل ِل ُﻤﺘ ِﻘ‬

“And the Hereafter with thy Lord is for the righteous.”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 221)

Praying for others on Eid-ul-Adha Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “On this Eid of sacrifice, remember those who laid down their lives for the sake of the Jamaat. May Allah exalt their statuses and keep their progeny attached with the community of the Promised Messiahas. May their prayers be fulfilled in their favour and in favour of their children, their future generations, the generations of shuhada [martyrs] and the shuhada themselves.

“Also, pray for the high ranks of those missionaries who travelled great distances, made huge sacrifices and conveyed the message of Islam to those nations that were shrouded in spiritual darkness. May Allah instil sincerity, devotion, pure faith and certainty in the progeny of those missionaries and keep it alive in them.

“In your prayers, you should also remember those who are currently offering sacrifices for the sake of their faith and spreading the message of Islam. May Allah enable them to spread the message of Islam whilst treading the path of taqwa; may they serve their religion unaffected by any egoistic tendencies. May Allah also accept their sacrifices.

“Pray for the asiran-e-rah-eMaula [those imprisoned due to their belief in Ahmadiyyat] – may Allah quickly bring about their freedom. May

Allah have mercy on anybody – whether in Pakistan or another country – who is suffering as a result of inhumane laws and free them from the shackles of cruelty.

“May Allah cover our flaws also; show mercy upon us; increase our levels of faith and certainty. May we witness the triumph of Ahmadiyyat – the true Islam – more than ever before so that we may partake of the true pleasures of Eid. “Pray for all this profusely; increase in your faith and endeavour to care for the rights of your brothers – this is the lesson that the Eid of sacrifice teaches us.” (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Eid-ul-Adha Sermon, 12 August 2019)

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This Week in History 23-29 July 23 July 1933: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra drew the attention of members of the Jamaat towards learning the Urdu language. Huzoorra said that deriving benefit from the books written by the Promised Messiahas was the best and most efficient way to learn Urdu.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra stated that where, on the one hand, the Promised Messiahas reformed religious matters, at the same time, he also reformed the Urdu language. A person wrote a thesis as part of his PhD degree at London University. In his thesis, he stated that the Promised Messiah’sas writings had had a great impact on the Urdu language.

23 July 1938: Two Christian missionaries from Spain and Belgium reached Qadian and had the honour of having an audience with Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra. One guest was Mr Pareja MA, who was from Spain and graduated from Cambridge. He was a professor at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. The other guest was Mr Francis. He was from Belgium and was posted in the Amritsar area. The two guests, before having a meeting with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and having the opportunity to ask him various questions, were shown various institutions and offices of the Jamaat in Qadian.

24 July 1910: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira journeyed towards the city of Multan so he could record his statement in a law case in a government court. This was Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra first trip after becoming the Khalifa.

The reason for this trip was that a soldier from Multan, Turab Khan, who had a mental disorder, came to Qadian six months prior and was under Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra treatment.

Turab Khan went to Multan from Qadian and was arrested on charges of attempted murder. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra was summoned to court for this very reason.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira appointed Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra as the amir in his absence in Qadian. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira arrived back in Qadian on 26 July.

Accompanying Huzoorra on this journey was Mian Abdul Hayye, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra, Hakim Muhammad Umar Sahib, among other companions.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh at the Ahmadiyya Jamaat's mission house in Oslo, Norway

24 July 1978: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh departed for Oslo, Norway, from London via ship. He reached Oslo at night on 25 July. On the same ship was a group of American students and teachers. They had the opportunity to meet with Huzoorrh for an hour and also ask various questions regarding Islam Ahmadiyyat.

26 July 1913: Hazrat Syed Zainul Abidin Valiullah Shahra and Sheikh Abdur Rahman Sahib were sent to Egypt to expand their expertise in the Arabic language.

Sheikh Abdur Hazrat Syed Zainul Rahman Sahib Abidin Valiullah Shahra later attached “Misri” (someone related to Misr – Egypt) with his name. Both of them were members of Anjuman Ansarullah, an organisation founded by Hazrat

Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, and the expenses of their journey were also provided by Anjuman Ansarullah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira bade them farewell with a prayer.

After Cairo in Egypt, Hazrat Valiullah Shahra completed his higher education with honours from Beirut, Aleppo and Jerusalem, and attained mastery in all fields he studied.

26 July 1967: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh departed for England from Denmark.

The plane reached Heathrow at 5:30 pm. Hundreds of Ahmadis, including Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra and Hazrat Maulvi Qudratullah Sanaurira, were present for Huzoor’srh arrival.

25 July 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was an ardent lover of the Holy Founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him.

On this day, while travelling to Europe, when his ship approached the coast near Mecca, Huzoorra ascertained that his ship was cruising directly towards the Baitullah (Ka‘bah) in Mecca.

Upon this blessed occasion, Huzoorra offered two rak‘aat [units of prayer] of voluntary prayer in congregation with his entourage. During this time, Huzoorra remained engaged in fervent prayers.

He recited Surah al-Nazi‘at in the first rak‘ah and Surah al-A‘la in the second.

He prayed for a long-time during prostration; at times, the sound of his fervent supplications could be heard by others. The narrator, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira, writes that the scene could not be described in words.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh arriving in London

25 July 1976: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh toured America, which was the firstever tour of the continent of America by any Khalifatul Masih.

On this occasion, 300 members from America and Canada welcomed Huzoorrh at Dallas’ airport. Huzoorrh had traveled from London to America.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh attending a function in the Mahmood Hall, London

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AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021 Lajna Imaillah England also had the opportunity to welcome Huzoorrh.

The newspaper correspondents asked Huzoorrh regarding the chances of the establishment of peace in the world.

Huzoorrh answered by saying that if man continued to ignore his Creator and did not form a living relation with Him, the world would continue to move towards horrific destruction.

10 continuous days. In Mauritius, he performed great and important services in the field of preaching and moral training of the Jamaat. He passed away on 27 December 1949 and was buried in Mauritius.

Huzoorra offered the funeral prayer of Hazrat Hafiz Jamal Ahmadra in absentia and in his Friday sermon, on 30 December 1949, while mentioning him, said that due to the financial condition 26 July 1978: On this date, Hazrat of the Jamaat, Hazrat Hafiz Jamal Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed a press conference in Oslo, which was attended Ahmadra was sent to Mauritius with his by representatives of local radio and family on the condition that he would newspapers. The national newspapers of not be able to return to his homeland Norway published detailed news stories for the rest of his life. about Huzoor’srh tour. The same day, On his demise, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra Huzoorrh met the mayor of Oslo at said about Mauritius, “Blessed is that 12 pm. At 4 pm, Huzoorrh graced a reception arranged by the local jamaat. land where one as supremely resolute and pious as he is buried.”

On this occasion, Huzoorrh had a lively discussion with members of the Jamaat 28 July 1967: On this date, Hazrat and granted valuable guidance as Khalifatul Masih IIIrh attended a well. Then, at night, Huzoorrh graced a dinner reception which was attended by reception which was arranged for him at the Wandsworth Town Hall, London. various dignitaries of Norway.

The reception was also attended by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Sir Harold Hey 27 July 1910: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Jenkins; Mr Herald Shubert Member of Ira graciously approved the request of Parliament (who was also the honorary dignitaries of Multan and delivered secretary of the Pakistan Society); a speech. A large gathering thronged Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra; to benefit from this address, which High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, was delivered in the hall of Madrasa and many other dignitaries. The Lord Anjuman Islamiya.

Mayor Sir Harold Hey Jenkins and Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra delivered welcome It should be remembered that in speeches. addition to other Muslim leaders, the Promised Messiahas had also delivered an Huzoorrh delivered an address titled address in this very hall.

The Mayor of Wandsworth welcomes Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in an official reception held in his honour at Wandsworth Town Hall, London

27 July 1928: On this date, Hazrat Hafiz Jamal Ahmadra arrived in Mauritius. He spent the next 21 years serving there, propagating the message of Islam on this island.

Hazrat Hafiz Jamal Ahmadra was born in 1892 in Jhelum. His father, Hazrat Hakim Ghulam Mohyuddinra, pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas through a letter. Hazrat Hafiz Jamal Ahmadra memorised the Holy Quran at the age of 13 and had the honour of visiting the Promised Messiahas in Lahore a few days before Huzoor’sas demise.

He later had the opportunity to learn the commentary of Holy Quran, hadith and medicine from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. In 1914, at the behest of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, he dedicated his life. When his wife passed away, Hazrat Hafiz Jamal in 1920, Hazrat Ahmadra ra Musleh-e-Maud arranged for his second marriage. In 1927, Hazrat Hafiz Jamal Ahmadra was instructed to go to Mauritius with his family.

He left Bombay on 17 July 1928 and reached Mauritius after travelling for

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh taking bai'at at Wandsworth Town Hall, London

was in Austria on tour. He went to Vienna, the Capital of Austria, along with Sheikh Nasir Ahmad Sahib, who was serving as a missionary.

A Message of Peace and a Word of Warning. (www.alislam.org/library/ books/A-Message-of-Peace-and-Wordof-Warning.pdf) 29 July 1910: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra delivered what was probably his first ever Friday Sermon, while Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was away on his tour of Multan.

29 July 1957: Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, then wakil-ut-tabshir,

The chancellor of Austria was gifted a copy of the Holy Quran’s German translation (prepared by the Jamaat), which was received by the representative Sahibzada Mirza of the chancellor.

Mubarak Ahmad Sahib The chancellor appreciated this and wrote a letter to Sheikh Nasir Ahmad Sahib, saying:

“I feel awful that I could not meet you personally due to being outside Vienna when you visited […] I hope that you will now accept my heartfelt gratitude through this letter that you personally came and brought the first-ever ArabicGerman edition of the Holy Quran. I have very fondly looked upon this most important book of the Islamic world, and I will make it part of my library with heartfelt happiness.

“I am also sending a letter of the same subject to Mirza Mubarak Ahmad as well.”

29 July 1967: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh attended a reception held by the Southall Jamaat of London. On this occasion, 200 members attended from different parts of England.

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

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100 Years Ago...

Eid in West Africa, my will and 10,000 new converts Al Fazl, 25 July 1921

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948) I have regained health Dear friends! I am weak so forgive me for writing a short article. Ramadan started here on 9 May [1921]. In spite of weakness, I fasted to set an example and to make peace with Allah the Almighty. Moreover, I continued to carry out tabligh to thousands of people in outdoor gatherings three times a week.

Through divine providence, I was given the chance to rest and pray in the last 10 days of Ramadan because of African fever. I was bound to a room and a kind of mu‘takif

[a person in the state of e‘tikaf]. I became very sick and came face to face with death.

The youth of the Jamaat began to cry their eyes out and started to call the doctor again and again.

Allah the Almighty healed me after I was bedridden for 12 days, owing to their supplication, my humility and helplessness, and due to the honour and dignity of the mission of the Promised Messiahas. Now, I am busy again in work with diligence, alhamdulillah.

God and to gladly accept the honour of going to the divine court after performing my duties, the following Punjabi couplets were expressed through my mouth owing to human nature. These couplets voice my desires. My friends and the Jamaat should take note of the wishes of this humble man and my chief, my dear master, the rightful Khalifa is already aware of them. Below are those couplets: ‫ت خ‬

My will

That is, “Khuda Hafiz [God be your protector]! Be happy. Friends, I now begin my journey. Certainly, my friends should

During my illness, where I felt in my heart that I was ready to be in the presence of

Sacrifice of one’s ego Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas

“

says: The reality of Islam is to present one’s neck to God like the sacrificial lamb; to give up one’s own designs and to be devoted to the designs

of God and His pleasure; to lose oneself in God and to impose a type of death upon oneself; to be dyed in the personal love of God and to obey Him entirely for the sake of that love; to obtain eyes that see only through Him, and to obtain ears that hear only through Him, and to develop a heart that should be wholly devoted to Him, and to obtain a tongue which would speak only at His command. This is a stage where all search ends; human faculties complete their functions and man’s ego dies completely. Thereupon Divine mercy confers a new life upon the seeker through His living words and His shining light.”

(Lecture Lahore, Ruhani Khazain,Vol. 20, p. 160)

‫اہلل �ب�یل ��ڑی اسڑے وکچ ڈ�ی رے ن‬ ‫� ال دان الہ س�ہ�یل�ی�وین‬ ‫یمری ہگج اوےت یسک پ ی�ارڑی دارچہخ ڈا وہان الہ س�ہ�یل�ی�وین‬

remain busy in carrying out tabligh and another missionary should be appointed in my place in West Africa”.

Then, human nature compelled me to say:

‫ین‬ ‫اعہشئ پ�اری ونں ب ی ن‬ ‫د�ا ج ی‬ ‫�وڑا الوان الہ س�ہ�یل�ی�وین‬ ‫� ہن رکن‬ ‫ی‬

Meaning, “Do not let my wife be sad.

Please, try to divert her attention from [my passing].”

Allah the Almighty is the Knower of the unseen. However, in countries like this where there is a struggle against climate, food, mosquitoes, insects and evil enemies, it is quite possible that the moment of death Continued on next page >>

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AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021 << Continued from previous page

suddenly comes from Allah the Almighty and its news reaches India many months later. Thus, I considered it appropriate to convey my heart’s feelings through the pen.

10,000 Ahmadis Allah, the God of the Promised Messiahas is surely Holy and Omnipotent as He really showed me Eid after Ramadan. 10 days after my illness, 10 thousand people, including men, women and children of a group called Ahl-e-Quran, took bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, Mahmud[ra], in the name of Prophet Ahmadas at the hand of Nayyar.

The imam of this group and 40 dignitaries came on behalf of the whole group and said, “Listening to your speech and finding you relevant with the prediction of our late imam that a white man would bring the news of the Promised Messiah from the sea and express the truthfulness of the Holy Quran, [we consider that] you are that very white man. Thus, we enter the Ahmadiyya Jamaat by taking bai‘at at your hand.”

Hence, this humble one took bai‘at on his hand from all these elders on behalf of their group. All praise belongs to Allah!

Again, praise be to Allah! Nayyar [the sun] rose from the west. The Promised Messiahas conquered the crescent land and the following scene was witnessed:

ّٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ً َ‫الل ِہ اَ ۡفو‬ ‫یدخلون فِی ِدی ِن‬ ‫اجا‬

[“(And thou seest men) entering the religion of Allah in troops.”]

Friends are requested to pray for the perseverance of this Jamaat.

Eid-ul-Fitr prayer Eid-ul-Fitr prayer was offered by Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Lagos in an open field away from the populated area. All the new and former Ahmadis prostrated before Allah the Almighty with new achievements and happiness to express the praise of God. On the door of the Ahmadiyya Eid gah was written in English, “Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam”. For the first time in the history of Lagos, women came out to pray. Photographers, Europeans and men and women came to watch the Eid prayer and listen to the sermon in English.

Two dozen high raised flags, half a dozen motors, horses and rickshaws, and glittering clothing highlighted this peculiar Eid with their glory.

Along with this procession, a person carrying the blessed staff of the emirate walked in front of this humble servant of Messiah. The procession came from the Eid gah to the residence of this humble one َ ُ ٰ ّ under the delightful slogans of ‫َص ِل َعلی محَ ّم ٍد‬ [(O Allah), bless Muhammad]. Seeing this scene, this honour and this success, I only said that and would say it again: ّٰ ْ َ َ ٰ َ ُ ٰ ّ ُ ْ ‫الل ُھ َّم َص ِل َعلی محَ ّم ٍد َو َعلی ع ْب ِدک ال َم ِس ْی ِح ال َم ْوع ْو ِد‬ [O Allah, bless Muhammad and Your servant, the Promised Messiah.]

I am in need of your prayers.

The holy Mahmud’s humble, menial servant, but a leader of thousands, Abdur Rahim Nayyar. 10 June 1921.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 25 July 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Germany floods: Humanity First Germany and MKA assist in flood relief efforts Zubair Khalil Khan Director Humanity First Germany

During the last couple of days, the German states of Rhineland, Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia were worst affected by the relentless rain and storms which caused rivers and reservoirs to burst their banks, flooding homes and bringing down buildings.

These floods are considered to be the worst floods of the country in living memory.

The German Army deployed 900 soldiers who are now helping the victims. As per the latest reports [16 July 2021], 125 people have died, while 1,300 are still missing.

When news of the flood disaster first reached the Humanity First Headquarters in Germany, the Chairman, Mohammad Athar Zubair Sahib, immediately called a disaster relief meeting on 16 July.

Groups were sent to make assessments and to render help to victims in affected areas.

Stefan Haerter Sahib, Usama Ahmad Sahib, both Directors of Humanity First Germany along with the team of MKA (Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya) Germany, visited the cities of Hagen, Wuppertal and Schuld.

Physical help was rendered in removing the dirt and stuck slumps in basements and houses. A care centre was immediately established for the victims in the city of Nuerburgring and victims were given cooked, hot food.

Visits to more cities for assessments and to render help to victims will be enhanced in the coming days.

According to the assessment of Humanity First Germany and MKA teams, the main support is needed to remove rubble and damaged material from the buildings’ basements and ground floors. For this, everything has to be done manually.

Therefore, Humanity First Germany and MKA Germany are planning to reach to all the jamaats of affected regions and will urge healthy male members to come forward and assist the victims in getting the aftermath of the floods cleared from houses and buildings.

In order to provide cooked food to victims, an appeal for donations has also been circulated. For the victims in the area, a digital and printed version of a contact card has been distributed among the residents.

This card has a WhatsApp and mobile number on which any victim can contact us for help and assistance.

A large number of Khuddam also reached flood victims in Koblenz and its surroundings. Meals were cooked in the Ahmadiyya mosque and taken to a care centre for distribution among flood victims.

In a very large number, members of

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany volunteered for humanitarian services. Huge donations were also offered by members of the Jamaat all over Germany.

There are many areas that are still out of reach due to raised water levels. Humanity First Germany and Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya teams are trying to reach

more areas and, insha-Allah, during the coming days more flood victims will be helped.

Readers of Al Hakam, especially in Germany, are requested to present themselves so that we may work on cleaning the dirt and rubble, as well as to donate generously for food donations.

8

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

100

Launch of The Moslem Sunrise in

Years

America, Jamaat in Baghdad and

Ago...

foundation of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Kohat Al Fazl, 21 July 1921 English newspapers of London and America. At the moment, I promise 10 rupees for this work.

Muhammad Ayub, Station Master, Tanganyika Territory, Africa

A Moslem Sunrise A Quarterly Magazine published in America. The only periodical of Islam in the English Language on the Western Hemisphere. Contains reports of the progress of Islam. Defends Islam and Moslems. Articles to prove the truth of Moslem Religion. Annual Subscription Rs. 5 which should be sent to Nazir Baitul-Mal, Qadian, Punjab.

Dr. MM Sadiq, 74 Victor Avenue, Highland Park, Mich. (The Review of Religions [English], July 1921)]

Foundation of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Kohat There is no Ahmadiyya Mosque in Kohat.

Moreover, there is no influential person who can give or rent a house on permanent basis so that it can be used permanently by the Anjuman. This need was being felt from a long time. Eventually, the following happened:

‫ن‬ � ‫�دے از �� بی� �وں آ�ی � اکرے‬

Shams-ul-Islam [Sun of Islam] Despite the shortage of expenses, I have gathered the courage to publish a magazine here [in America] and according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, the pride of the sons of Adam, Muhammad Mustafa, that the sun will rise from the west in the last days, this magazine is named The Moslem Sunrise. Currently, this magazine has been launched on a quarterly basis but gradually, it will be published monthly.

The annual subscription is 5 rupees.

Members of the Jamaat are requested to write to the nazir talif-o-ishaat [director of compilation and publication], Qadian, for subscription. The nazir will inform me weekly about those who will pay the subscription. There is a great need for friends to pay the subscription on behalf of this country’s inhabitants so that they are persuaded towards Islam. The total cost of printing the first issues will be about 300 dollars and the second will cost less.

Muhammad Sadiq, 74 Victor Avenue, Highland Park, Mich, USA. Ahmadiyya Anjuman Baghdad The office-bearers of the Anjuman have been re-elected after the previous officials returned to India. Sufi Abdul Rahim Sahib Clerk, Director of Civil Transport, has been appointed as the amir, Munshi Barkat Ali Sahib Overseer as the secretary and Munshi Jafar Ali Sahib has been appointed as the muhasib [accountant].

The Anjuman has decided that in future, one anna [a unit of currency formerly

used in the subcontinent, equal to 1/16 of a rupee] per rupee will be presented as chanda. 200 rupees have been sent to nazir bait-ul-mal [director of finance] for the American mission. In the joy of having 4,000 Ahmadis in Africa, a donation drive was organised which resulted in the collection of 123 rupees. Tabligh letters and Jamaat’s literature have been sent to several officers.

Humbly yours, Barkat Ali, Secretary Ahmadis of East Africa should pay attention Brothers! As the people of the African continent have a right on us that where

this country is our source of physical nourishment, there we must arrange to irrigate and nourish it with spiritual water and food. Although it may be difficult for the natives to understand what we are talking about, but our Indian brothers, who live in high numbers in the area of Mombasa, Nairobi, should try to raise awareness in them.

Thus, through Al Fazl, I urge all brothers in East Africa to turn their attention to this matter. I think you should set up your own special committee and collect some money and then send a request through a missionary to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih or at least arrange for weekly or daily publication of Ahmadiyya

[“A man appeared from nowhere to do this good work.”]

Our esteemed friend, Khan Bahadur Khan Muhammad Ali Sahib of Ahmad Kot, adjoining Kohat, Political Extra Assistant Commissioner Ladha Camp, Waziristan, has promised that he will fulfill this need. The land [for the mosque] has been suggested by Khan Bahudur Sahib. Moreover, he has also promised to help construct a beautiful building as well.

May Allah reward him the best of rewards.

Opponents want to put up hurdles in the land suggested by Khan Bahadur Sahib. Friends are requested to pray for its success. Having this mosque in the North West Frontier Province is just as important as the need for Ahmadis to become good role models.

Humbly yours, Sadruddin, Secretary Anjuman Ahmadiyya Kohat […]

New converts By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Master Chiragh Din Sahib, mudarris of Chak No. 132 South and Hakim Saleh Muhammad Sahib, imam of Thatta Umra mosque in Salanwali, have joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and their requests of bai‘at have been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra].

Friends are requested to pray for their perseverance.

Wassalam, Manzoor Ahmad Manzoor Bhairavi from Salanwali (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 21 July 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021

9

An open letter to my father Written by the daughter of the late Sultan Mahmood Anwar Sahib, former nazir islah-oirshad in Pakistan, read to see why it is important to remember parents in our day to day lives and not just on dedicated days like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. Fauzia Mansoor USA

My dear father, it has been five months since you left this world. Since then, not a day has gone by when I don’t miss you.

While the world celebrated Father’s Day, I could not help but think about you.

You must be wondering when I started celebrating Father’s Day as we don’t believe in a mere one-day ritualistic celebration. The real celebration is respecting and following a parent’s example and advice every day.

However, I have my reasons to celebrate it this year.

My dear father, let me celebrate it because you are the one who gave me the courage to stand up for my faith.

I still remember the day when I returned from school and told you what had happened to me that day. I was a fifthgrader at the time. I had arrived a little late to school. My teacher did not let me enter the classroom and punished me for being late. She made me stand in the scorching sun outside the classroom for an hour or so.

I got tired and thirsty. I apologised several times but she did not listen.

Another teacher who was watching asked my teacher to let me go. My teacher replied, “Let her stand there, she is a Qadiani anyway” [a term attributed to Ahmadi Muslims by their opponents so they are not classed as Muslims].

I don’t remember when the teacher let me enter the classroom and allowed me to sit, but I do remember how I felt that day.

I came home and told you about this with tears in my eyes. Instead of sympathising, you smiled and said “I am so proud of you

that you did not hide or lie about your faith because of the fear of being rejected”.

From that day onwards, I never felt scared. I always wear my identity proudly and stand up for my faith. You made me courageous.

Father, let me celebrate Father’s Day because you are the one who taught me, by your example, not to forget the less fortunate during festive celebrations.

I remember it was the day after Eid when a lady came to our house. She was crying as she told Mother that she came to pay her gratitude to you. She was a widow who had recently lost her husband. She said her husband was the breadwinner of her family.

You went to her house the night before Eid with bags full of groceries and dropped them at her door. She said her children were so happy that they had a full meal not just on Eid day, but had enough for the whole month. Your practical example has taught me to be compassionate.

Father, you always took care of our wishes and needs by staying within your limited resources.

I still remember one Eid when Mother asked us to wear our barely used clothes instead of having brand new ones. It so happened that a few days before Eid, someone gifted a new dress to my sister which she planned to wear on Eid. Mother felt this would be an injustice to me so she decided to sew a new dress for me the night before Eid. She took out a piece of fabric from her collection and spent the whole night making that dress for me. The dress needed a matching dupatta (scarf) to be completed. She asked you and at 3 am, you went to buy that scarf.

When I woke up in the morning, a new red dress was sitting there for me. It was the best surprise I ever received. You and Mother spent your whole night just to make my Eid so special for me. I will never forget that.

My dear father, let me celebrate this day because you are the one who taught me how to write from a very young age.

I remember I used to ask you to write speeches for me. When I was in middle school, I once had to prepare for a school competition. I asked you to write a speech for me but that day, you refused and asked me to write it myself. I did not know how to start and what to write, but you guided me.

The same evening, my friend came to you with the same request and you immediately agreed to write the speech for her. I was upset that you wrote it for my friend but not for me.

Upon seeing me upset, you very lovingly told me that you wanted me to learn writing and get better every time.

If it wasn’t for you, I would not have the ability to write this letter to you. It was you who instilled the love for writing and reading in me. You were the best teacher.

Father, you taught me the most valuable lessons of life by setting examples. You gave me the best piece of advice when I was leaving your home after getting married.

You told me to remain thankful to our Lord in every situation and then would I never be unsatisfied.

You always waited for the best time to give a piece of advice. I learned from you that a timely reminder is the best reminder that stays with the recipient always.

You had the best sense of humour. It

always filled our family time with fun.

Your ever-smiling face taught me to stay positive in every situation. You were a loving husband, a caring father and a loving grandfather who is missed a lot.

You were compassionate, confident, friendly and pious – one who never wasted a minute of his life. You led a successful life full of accomplishments and achievements, yet you always remained humble.

In short, you were an amazing role model for me, my siblings and many others.

Let me celebrate, as I am not celebrating Father’s Day, but I am celebrating you, my dear father, and I will keep doing so till my last breath.

Rest in peace.

Your loving daughter, Fauzia Mansoor

Ahmadis in Australia continue preaching Islam in small towns Atif Ahmed Zahid Missionary, Australia Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Adelaide South was privileged to hold a pre-scheduled meeting with the mayor of the town of Millicent.

Millicent is situated approximately 450 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. The population of this town is around 4,700, although the larger area of Millicent is made up of 13 communities with a population of around 12,500.

Members of Jamaat Australia had the opportunity to visit the town of Kingston along the way and donated to the library a copy of the Holy Quran. Additionally, a copy of the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, written by the Promised Messiahas was gifted.

Later, members of the Jamaat arrived in the town of Millicent and attended a meeting with the honourable Mayor Des Noll.

Atif Ahmed Zahid Sahib, a missionary, explained to the mayor that the goal of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was simply to remove misconceptions about Islam and to promote peace.

The message was incredibly well received by the mayor who explained that the majority of the residents there had never even seen a copy of the Holy Quran with their own eyes.

It was a very productive and constructive meeting and during the meeting, strategies were discussed on how the public might be educated about Islam. One such idea was that members of the Jamaat return at a later date and set up an exhibition in the library

where the public could come and ask any questions they had about the religion of Islam.

At the end of the meeting, Atif Ahmed Zahid Sahib presented a copy of the Holy Quran and World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace to the honourable mayor as a gift.

After the meeting, Jamaat members also visited the Millicent council library and donated a copy of the Holy Quran along with other Jamaat books to the library. It was a wonderful addition to the library collection as they did not display any Islamic literature previously.

At the end, a street campaign was also organised in the main market area of the town. Peace leaflets titled Muslims for Peace and Muslims for Loyalty were handed out to people on the street. The message of peace

was well received by the local public and many appreciated the efforts of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya in promoting harmony.

By the grace of Allah, the tabligh trip was very successful and the peaceful message of Islam was conveyed to many people throughout the whole trip, especially those who had no idea about true Islamic teachings.

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

10

Why we shouldn’t combine Salat: Answers to three excuses

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Rizwan Khan Missionary, Texas, USA When we combine Salat and we know it’s wrong, it is not so bad because at least we know we shouldn’t be combining the prayers. But when we believe it is permissible to regularly combine Salat, and we justify it to ourselves with excuses, it’s a different problem. Weakness in practice takes time to work on, but weakness in doctrine must be corrected immediately because it becomes a means of misguidance.

There are three main justifications I have heard for regularly combining prayers.

1. The “prayers will be combined for him” hadith Some quote the Holy Prophetsa when he prophesied about the Promised Messiahas,

“Tujma‘u lahus-Salah” – “Prayers will be combined for him”; therefore they deem it permissible, as members of the community of the Promised Messiahas, to always combine prayers in fulfilment of this prophecy.

This reasoning contradicts the way in which the Promised Messiahas explained and acted on this prophecy himself. The fulfilment of this prophecy happened in late 1900 and early 1901, when, for a period of several months, prayers were regularly combined in the mosque under the instructions of the Promised Messiahas.

Explaining the combining of prayers, the Promised Messiahas said: “This has been happening because of my illness and extremely busy schedule in writing the commentary of Surah al-Fatihah.

In the combining of these prayers, the

hadith of, ‘Tujma‘u lahus-Salah’, meaning, ‘Prayers will be combined for him’, is being fulfilled […] On the days that I am unable to come to the masjid because of severe illness, prayers are not combined. From the words of this hadith we find that, out of love, the Holy Prophetsa said that this would be done for his sake.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 446) Even during the time of the fulfilment of this hadith, the Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas were not permitted to combine prayers in his absence. What position are we in to try and use this hadith as a justification for combining our prayers?

During a question and answer session, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh gave the following reply to someone who suggested that prayers should be combined because of the prophecy “prayers will be combined for him”. Huzoorrh said: “No, you don’t have to find excuses there. That was the Promised Messiah’s time and he mentioned it very categorically that this is applying particularly to the Promised Messiahas.” (Question and answer session, 14 June 1986, www.askislam.org/practices/ praying/question_915.html) During the days when prayers were being combined, the Promised Messiahas said: “A newcomer might suspect that we combine prayers out of laziness, the way some dissidents combine prayers as soon as it rains a little bit or if they have to go to court. They consider combining prayers without rain or any excuse to be permissible.

“I say truly that we have no need to get involved in these arguments or justifications, nor do we want to, because I naturally prefer to observe prayer at its time, and the observance of prayer at its fixed hours is very dear to me. In fact, even in heavy rain, I desire that prayers be observed at their time […] I am combining prayers during these days with the guidance, inspiration and revelation of Allah Almighty.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 45) Observing prayers separately was such a regular practice throughout the life of the Promised Messiahas that when the prayers were combined for a few months, a companion became concerned that people may raise objections. On this, the Promised Messiahas expressed displeasure and explained that the prayers were being combined for a particular reason. (Fiqh-ulMasih, p. 128) Combining prayers was only done for several months during the time of the Promised Messiahas and this was done only for him in fulfilment of the hadith, “Prayers will be combined for him”. Otherwise, the regular practice of the Promised Messiahas was observing prayers separately.

To use this hadith or the name of the Promised Messiahas as an excuse for

combining prayers is incorrect.

2. Northern areas Some say that in northern areas, since the days in winter are short and the days in summer are long, Zuhr and Asr should be combined when there is not much time between them, and Maghrib and Isha should be combined when Isha time is too late.

This reason is based on a guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa that is sometimes misunderstood and misapplied.

In Islamabad, Huzooraa combines Zuhr and Asr for about two months in the winter and Maghrib and Isha for about two months in the summer, and he has permitted countries that are also in northern areas to follow this practice.

The question is, what are the northern areas to which this permission applies?

When we think of London, England and its climate, we may imagine it being further south than it actually is. Toronto and Montreal, Canada have a more frigid winter than London but they are much closer to the equator. London’s distance from the equator is on the latitudinal point of 51.5° N. For perspective, Calgary, Canada lies at 51.1° N, being slightly south of London and having a few more minutes of daylight.

When we look at different cities in the United States, we can get a better estimate of whether they are in northern areas in relation to the rest of the world. Washington DC lies at 38.9° N, which is just south of Madrid, Spain and Ankara, Turkey. Houston, Texas lies at 29.8° N. This latitudinal line runs through North Africa, northern Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Houston lies just south of Qadian, India. The amount of daily daylight in Houston is slightly more than what the Promised Messiahas had in Qadian.

If we feel that Isha is too late in the summer or that Zuhr and Asr are too close in the winter, remember that these are the times of prayers as they are meant to be in most of the world.

“Verily Prayer is enjoined on the believers [to be performed] at fixed hours.”

(Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.104) Out of convenience, if we choose to define “northern areas” by a definition that ends up including the majority of the world, it is incorrect.

Huzooraa said, “[...] prayers should be observed at their appointed times as Allah Almighty has commanded that they be observed, unless one is a traveller or there is another legitimate need. For example, these days, in some cities, the sun sets at 9:15, or 9:30, or in some places at 9:45, so the prayers of Maghrib and Isha are led while being combined. However, when the times change, then they should be observed at their times.” (Friday Sermon, 24 June 2005) 3. Everybody is together Some say that since they are unable to make it back to the mosque for the next prayer, they should combine them so that more people can join in the blessings of congregational prayers.

This reason assumes that a particular mosque is the only place where congregational prayers can be observed.

Contrary to this, the Holy Prophetsa said: “The entire earth has been made for me Continued on next page >>

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021 << Continued from previous page

a mosque and a means of purity” (Sahih alBukhari) In commentary of this hadith, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra wrote: “As a result of this, a Muslim can offer prayers anywhere as and when the time for his prayer comes, and he does not require a special place for worship like the followers of other faiths. This was necessary in order to facilitate the extensive campaign of the Muslims to carry the message of Islam all over the world.” (Forty Gems of Beauty, p.

30) It was inevitable that we as Muslims would spread out throughout the world, and a mosque would not be available in every neighbourhood as there is in Muslim countries. When we are close enough to the mosque, then it is obligatory on us to pray there. If we live at a distance from the mosque where we are unable to return for the next prayer, then our home becomes our mosque. The prayer that we observe at home carries the same reward as prayer at the mosque because we had the intention of observing congregational prayer at the mosque but we were genuinely unable to.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said the following, while in Germany: “Some people have the misconception that until eight to 10 people gather, congregational prayer cannot happen […]

The Holy Prophetsa said that if a mosque is available, then it is obligatory for you to reach the mosque. However, if a mosque is not available, he gave his people the glad tiding that the entire world has been made a mosque for him […] Therefore, Allah the Almighty granted this ease to the Holy Prophetsa and his followers; they do not need a special place of worship.

“Wherever they are, when the time of prayer arrives, they can observe their prayer there and that place will become a mosque for them. Thus, the problem of it being necessary to reach a mosque is solved, and no one can make the excuse that they do not have time and are unable to make it to the mosque because of circumstances.

“As for finding people to pray with, the Holy Prophetsa also resolved this once and for all.

“When a companion saw that the Holy Prophetsa placed great emphasis on congregational prayers, he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I am a shepherd and spend most of my time grazing animals in the wilderness and it often happens that no one is there and I am deprived of congregational prayers. What should I do?’

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Whenever the time of prayer arrives, call the Azan. If a traveller passing by at a distance hears your voice, then Allah the Almighty will put it in his heart to come and join you in prayer. If there is no traveller and no one hears you, then Allah Almighty will cause angels to descend from the Heavens who will line up behind you for prayer, and in this way you will have observed congregational prayer […]

“Thus, if Jamaat members see themselves as helpless in these countries, then they can observe congregational prayers by themselves. They should say takbir and observe prayer in the way that congregational prayer is observed.” (Friday Sermon, 20 August 1982, Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 1, pp. 120-121)

When people say that we should combine prayers because there is a large number of people in the mosque, it assumes that no one is praying in their homes; it assumes that blessings are tied to the number of people in a congregation.

There is no basis for believing that there are special blessings in the quantity of a congregation, for it is the quality that matters.

Our reward for prayer does not depend on how many people happen to walk through the door that day. Blessings are in observing prayers in obedience to the commandments of Allah the Almighty and according to the example of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa. If we cannot go to the mosque, then prayer should be observed in congregation at home, or if an Ahmadi lives in our neighbourhood, we can observe prayer together with them.

In Washington DC, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa advised Ahmadis, saying: “Wherever it is not possible to go to the mosque, a few Ahmadis living close by should organise to get together in one home to offer prayers in congregation. And those Ahmadis living in isolated areas should make arrangements within the household to offer prayers in congregation with family members.” (Friday Sermon, 22 June 2012) If we observe Zuhr at the mosque and everyone lives within a distance where they will be back at home during the time of Asr, then there is no reason to combine prayers.

To say that prayers should be combined at Zuhr because fewer people come at the time at Asr is no valid excuse.

In many mosques in the world, the attendance at Zuhr is more than it is at Asr. Asr is a prayer that is often neglected, which is why many commentators have opined that when the Holy Quran reminds us not to miss “Salat-ul-Wusta”, it refers to Asr prayer. If we combine prayers because not as many people come for Asr, then every masjid in the world should be combining prayers at Zuhr so that more people are able to take part in congregational Asr prayer at the mosque.

The correct approach Islam has taught is that if a person cannot make it back for the next prayer, they should observe it in congregation at home at its fixed time and they will be rewarded for their intentions.

Islam has given us flexibility in deciding exceptional cases on when to combine prayers, but it has not given us flexibility to change principles. The principle Islam has taught is that the five prayers are to be observed at their appointed times, and as an exception we can combine prayers if there is a need.

Those needs are described in the guidance of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas and Khulafa. If we start making up our own reasons to combine prayers, it disregards the basis of jurisprudence and the doctrines of Islam.

In this day and age, if Salat is to be combined, it is either the jurisdiction of the Khalifatul Masih to decide or for his general guideline in particular circumstances to be followed.

If we are weak in practice, then we should gradually work to improve ourselves. If we are weak in doctrine, it should immediately be corrected before it becomes a means of misguidance for others.

“

The true import of Khatamul-Anbiya

The fact that the Holy Prophetsa has been called Khatamul-Anbiya [Seal of the Prophets] does not mean that, after him, the door to divine converse and discourse is closed. Had this been the import, this would then be an accursed ummah which, like Satan, would be forever removed and alienated from God. Instead, what it means is that direct bestowal of the gift of revelation from Almighty God is barred and it is impossible and prohibited for anyone to receive this blessing without rendering obedience to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is a point of honour for the Holy Prophetsa that obedience to him is so blessed that when a person renders the fullest obedience to him, he is granted the honour of converse and discourse of God. (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Volume 5, p. 475)

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

12

Opinion

Racism at my workplace and the power of Islamic teachings

Subur Tahir Wolverhampton, UK

A year ago, following the killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by a white male police officer in America – which sparked protests across the world about police brutality and racism – a similar protest was held in London.

Protesters clashed with a far-right organisation and the police were forced to intervene. It was all over the news and on social media.

Being a black man, I was disturbed by the incidents in America and the UK. On 5 June 2020, a Friday, I went to work and found a printed photo on the cabinet door of a black man pinned to the wall by three white police officers from the protest that took place in London the previous day.

I then realised my name was on the photo with the caption: “Subur Tahir wanted.

Reward for capture”.

At this point I felt numb and my brain froze as I could not come to terms with what I had just read on this photo. After a minute or two of staring at the photo and the caption, I asked one of my colleagues whose idea it was, to which he said it was our manager who did it. I was deeply

disgusted, upset, angry and annoyed. I have faced racism before at university, but to have it at my workplace and from my manager, was deeply disturbing.

At this point, my colleague read my body language and sensed that I was not happy at all. I waited for my manager to come back from her cigarette break.

When she returned, I asked her whose idea it was and she admitted it was hers and that it was just for “jokes” and “banter”.

I made it clear to her that this was blatant discrimination and racial abuse at the workplace and she could lose her job if I reported it to HR. She pleaded and said, “I didn’t really mean to upset you; it was only a joke because he looks like you. I don’t have a racist bone in me and you know that. I don’t see colour.”

I told her that this was probably how she had seen me for all those years I worked there.

I stormed out of the office and went and sat in my car thinking what to do; to report her to HR or not. I rang my dad, an Ahmadi missionary of the Darul Barkat Mosque, Birmingham, and told him what had happened and sought his advice on how to deal with the situation.

My dad asked me to calm down and not to let anger take over me. He said this was an

opportunity for me to demonstrate the true teachings of Islam to her by forgiving her and asking her to write a letter of apology to bring the case to a close. He gave the example of Hazrat Bilalra – a black companion of the Holy Prophetsa and the first muazzin – who forgave his torturers because of the beautiful teachings of Islam. My dad advised me not to report her as she would lose her job – her means of living – and I wouldn’t get any joy or satisfaction out of it. My dad asked if I was okay and said to continue with my work. I responded positively to this advice and thanked him.

I went back into the office and approached my manager. I informed her I wouldn’t be taking it further as I had spoken to my dad who advised me to forgive and to ask you to write a letter of apology addressed to me and then the case would be closed. I then told her that Islam taught forgiveness and

Cycle tour of Majlis Ansarullah Denmark

Muhammad Akram Mehmood Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Denmark Majlis Ansarullah Denmark held their first cycling tour this year as part of a virtual cycling event to keep its members active in these precarious times. Members participated using an online app, with a weekly updated scoreboard posted in Majlis Ansarullah’s official group to make Ansar

more motivated in joining it.

Since the Covid-19 restrictions in Denmark have been substantially lifted, Majlis Ansarullah arranged a physical 150 km cycle tour from the capital city of Copenhagen to the Bait-ul-Hamd mosque in the city of Nakskov.

On 20 June, a meeting was held at the Nusrat Jahan Mosque, Copenhagen where the local mayor of Hvidovre council

participated as the chief guest at the charity event, “Generation Gold” held by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Denmark. She was also briefed about the event.

On this occasion, a group photo of Ansar and Khuddam was taken with the Mayor and Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Denmark.

For this journey, Majlis Ansarullah made special T-shirts with the slogan “Love for All Hatred for None” and “Muslims For peace on Bicycles” written in Danish. These T-shirts drew great attention from members of the public that Ansar met on their route.

The tour began on the morning of 26 June. After silent prayer, the cyclists began their route. A long bike journey was a new experience for some members. The group travelled 80 kilometres to the city of Vordingborg, reaching there at 4 pm, where they stayed the night and left for Nakskov at 10 am the next day, which is a distance of 70 kilometres from Vordingborg.

On reaching Nakskov, Zaeem Majlis Ansarullah Nakskov and the missionary of Jamaat Nakskov welcomed the team of cyclists with other members of the Jamaat at Nakskov’s Bait-ul-Hamd mosque and served delicious food for the team.

After offering the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the team returned to Copenhagen.

All participants enjoyed the trip and appreciated the event.

that even though I was deeply hurt by her actions, I must forgive her, in accordance with my beliefs and faith.

She was astonished by my answer and could not stop crying and thanking me and apologising.

I was fortunate enough to show her the true teachings of Islam in this way and ever since she has been very polite and respectful towards me.

I thank my family for their support and guidance through this ordeal and encourage all to fight bigotry and racism with the tools Islam has provided us with.

Online tarbiyat seminar in Greece Zeeshan Nadeem Greece On 3 July 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece was able to hold a Tarbiyati Seminar in Urdu through Skype at 8 pm.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece was fortunate that the approval of Maulana Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary-inCharge Jamaat UK was granted by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, for the seminar.

The seminar started with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by its Urdu translation. Next, the National President, Attaul Naseer Sahib gave a brief introduction of Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib and requested him to address the seminar.

In the beginning of his speech, he mentioned the blessing of Allah the Almighty with regard to the ease of modern communication and how Allah the Almighty has connected people with Khilafat who are sitting far away through these means. He then narrated some faith-inspiring incidents of Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat.

The seminar came to an end with a silent prayer led by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.

The total online attendance of the seminar was 45 including Ansar, Khuddam and Lajna. Thousands of people have already listened to various clips of the seminar.

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021

Coming from every distant track

Sir Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala visits Qadian

Sir Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala (1914 – 1974)

A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam According to the history books of Ahmadiyyat, Sir Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Mahendra visited Qadian on 14 April 1941. He arrived in the city by car in the afternoon. Accompanying him was his small personal staff.

Hazrat Syed Zainul Abidin Valiullah Shahra, Nazir Umur-e-Ama (Director of Public Affairs) welcomed the distinguished guest.

Sir Yadavinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala, stayed in the house of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra. On the same day, after Asr prayers, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra invited the Maharaja for tea.

Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra and some other respectable guests were also invited. In the evening, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra held a dinner in honour of the Maharaja.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also blessed the occasion.

Though Maharaja Yadavindra Singh’s visit to Qadian was only to have a private and personal meeting with his friend, Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat welcomed him, in

accordance with the teaching of extending the highest standards of courteousness and morals owed to guests. After coming to know of the Maharaja’s visit to Qadian, a delegation of local Sikhs also expressed their desire to meet him which was also arranged. Al Fazl also published the news of his arrival.

The next day, on 15 April, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Hazrat Dr Hashmatullahra was shown various institutions of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

He was first shown Ta l i m - u l - I s l a m High School. Then, he was shown the Noor Hospital where he also met with Hazrat Dr Hashmatullah Sahibra, who served as the manager of the hospital. Hazrat Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Dr Hashmatullahra ra

welcomed the Maharaja and showed him around the hospital.

Following this, the Maharaja visited the office of Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Yusufra, Editor of the Nur newspaper.

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was then given a biography of the Holy Prophetsa which was published in the Gurmukhi language.

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh also visited the Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya where he was greeted by the staff members and students

of the school. He visited the nazarat (secretariat) bait-ul-mal (treasury), the office of dar-ul-qaza, Bahishti Maqbarah and various other places. Following this, he was then shown Masjid Aqsa, Qasr-eKhilafat and Sadiq Library, where he was shown some old and rare books.

After visiting the various sites and institutions, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh left for Lahore from Qadian, along with his staff, at ten o’clock.

Yusuf

Masjid Aqsa, Qadian

Noor Hospital, Qadian

Bahishti Maqbarah, Qadian

14

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia: Convocation for Shahid and Mubashir degrees Ilham Sayyid Ahmad Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

On 15 July 2021, Jamia Ahmadiyya International Indonesia held a convocation ceremony for its Shahid and Mubashir graduates.

The graduation was for 11 students of Jamia Indonesia, four Shahid and seven Mubashir, who have finished their degrees.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, since the 1980s, missionaries of Jamia Indonesia have been sent to many Southeast Asian countries, for example, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, East Timor and Tuvalu. And now, Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia has graduated Shahid missionaries since 2020 who will be preaching the true teachings of Islam not only in Indonesia, but in many countries around the world, insha-Allah.

This degree ceremony was presided

by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia, Abdul Basit Shahid Sahib.

The guests, aside from Jamia teachers,

staff members and the principal, attended the event virtually due to the pandemic, including local missionaries, national amila members, parents of the graduates and Jamia students.

At 9 am, the event started with a

recitation from the Holy Quran, a poem and opening remarks by the principal of Jamia Indonesia, Ma‘sum Ahmad Shahid Sahib.

Afterwards, certificates were presented to the graduates by Amir Sahib Jamaat Indonesia.

The national talim secretary, the missionary-in-charge and the national amir of Indonesia delivered addresses during the ceremony.

The event was concluded with a silent prayer led by Amir Sahib.

Mayors visit new Baitul Mujeeb mosque in Brussels, Belgium

Mohammad Arsalan Belgium Correspondent Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium had the opportunity to receive three mayors in Baitul Mujeeb mosque in Uccle, Brussels.

Baitul Mujeeb is the first purpose-built mosque by the Jamaat in Belgium, which is located in the council of Uccle in Brussels city.

On 30 June 2021, Mr Boris Dillès, Mayor of the local council of Uccle was welcomed, accompanied by Mr Daniel Hublet the councillor of religious affairs of Uccle.

Along with them Mr Alexys Calmyn the mayor of Drogenbos – a neighbouring council of Uccle – was also invited and was accompanied by a member of his council.

A day before, on 29 June, Mr Hugo Vandaele,

the Mayor of Beersel – a neighbouring council of Uccle – visited the mosque.

During these visits, the guests were given a tour of the mosque and its premises. They were shown a video of the foundation laying ceremony of the mosque back in 2011, with an extract of the speech delivered by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and with different clips of the construction progress of the mosque.

Another video was shown from the public open day event which took place just a few days before.

After these presentations they continued the tour of the mosque and finished the visit in the Mosque library, where they were served some refreshments.

At the end, we had the opportunity to ask them their impressions about the mosque.

The Mayor of Uccle, Mr Boris Dillès said: “Hello and thank you for your warm welcome. It is a very emotional day for me because I was here before, exactly 10 years ago at the first foundation stone laying ceremony of this very beautiful mosque. It was already an emotional and important event back then and today we are happy to see it fulfilled. And it is also emotional because we are here among friends.

Friendship with the Ahmadiyya community has been really fruitful for us. Whenever we

needed your support, you were always there to help. We are also pleased because it is a community which is situated in Uccle, and this is really important. We know how much the Ahmadiyya community is fully involved with the council and it is always available and it does the maximum for Uccle. So I am very pleased to be here today and of course I will happily come again.”

He also said that he will be pleased to receive his Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on

the inauguration day, insha-Allah.

Mayor of Drogenbos, Mr Alexys Calmyn also gave his impressions and ideas about the future of the mosque and said that he will also be pleased to be present at the inauguration ceremony of this mosque.

Lastly, Mr Hugo Vandaele, the mayor of Beersel council shared his views. He congratulated Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya for this beautiful project and gave his positive remarks about the interfaith friendship.

15

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021

The 73 heavenly sect: Response to allegations rd

Part I Syed Hashir Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada When conversing with non-Ahmadi Muslims and the topic of the 73rd heavenly sect foretold by the Holy Prophetsa comes up, they try their best to prove that it is not the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

They base their arguments on the same hadith; however, all their arguments are refuted by their own scholars.

The words of our beloved master the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa are as follows: َ ً َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ ‫ين ِف ْرقة َو ِإ ّن‬ ‫إن ب ِني إسرائيل افترقت على إحدى وسب ِع‬ َُ ّ ُ ً َ َ ِ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُِ َ ْ ِ َ َ َِّ ُ َّ َّ ‫أم ِتي ستفت ِرق على ثِنتي ِن وسب ِعين ِف ْرقة كلها فِي النا ِر ِإلا‬ ْ ُ َ ً َ َ ‫احدة َوهِ َي الجَ َماعة‬ ِ ‫و‬

“The children of Israel split into 71 sects, and my nation will split into 72, all of which will be in Hell except for one, which is the ‘al-Jama‘at’.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Tribulations) In a similar hadith, the Holy Prophetsa said: ُ َ ْ َ ً َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ‫ين ِملة َوتفت ِرق‬ ‫و ِإن ب ِني ِإسرائِيل تفرقت على ثِنتي ِن وسب ِع‬ ُ ُّ ُ ً َّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ ً َ َ ً َّ َّ َّ ‫احدة‬ ‫أم ِتي على ثلا ٍث وسب ِع‬ ِ ‫ين ِملة كله ْم فِي النا ِر ِإلا ِملة و‬ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ َ ّ َ ‫قالوا َو َم ْن هِ َي يَا َر ُسول الل ِه قال َما أنا َعل ْي ِه َوأصحَابِي‬

“Indeed the children of Israel split into 72 sects, and my ummah will split into 73 sects. All of them are in the fire except one sect.” [The companions] said: ‘And which sect is it, O Messenger of Allah?’

He said: “[Those who are like] What I

and my Companions are upon.” (Jami‘ alTirmidhi, Book of Faith) Four allegations and viewpoints There are a number of misrepresentations Muslims employ using these two narrations, in an attempt to refute the arguments of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The first is that there are not even 70 sects in Islam, so Ahmadiyyat cannot be the 73rd sect. Therefore, Ahmadiyyat is not the prophesied heavenly community.

Completely contrary to the first point, the second allegation is that there are more than 73 sects and because only 73 sects are from the ummah according to the hadith, the 74th and beyond are outside

the pale of Islam and thus the Ahmadiyya Community does not belong in Islam, because it was formed after the 73rd sect according to a quote of the Promised Messiahas.

The third point presented is that the heavenly sect is the one that was founded by, and existed from the time of, our beloved Prophet Muhammadsa, hence every sect thereafter is misguided and Hell-bound.

The fourth argument given by many is that “al-Jama‘at” in the aforementioned hadith is referring to the main body of the Muslims (the majority of Muslims).

These views are in discordance with one another, but are all under the same job description: they attempt to disprove this community of God. Thus, the subsequent dismantling of these arguments is required to prove the superiority of the words of the Holy Prophetsa in favour of the Promised Messiahas.

Allegation 1: There aren’t 73 sects within Islam The first allegation many raise is, “There have not yet been 73 sects in Islam so Ahmadiyyat cannot be the 73rd sect, therefore Ahmadiyyat cannot be the heavenly sect.”

This claim itself proves them wrong. If there are not 73 sects in Islam and the 73rd is the delivered one, then that heavenly delivered sect has not yet appeared according to their own logic. This produces two options, and these people must choose from this dichotomy: 1. All the current sects in Islam are heavenly (including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community).

2. All of them are damned because the true recognition of the “al-Jamaat” can only be after there are 73 sects in Islam, according to their own point of view.

The Holy Prophetsa of Islam did not mention 65 or 48 or any other random number to be in the fire. And since the number 73 has not appeared yet in the number of Muslim sects, this would mean great chaos because the current sects would all be right and one would have to admit that despite their completely contradicting views and them declaring each other as heretics and blasphemers, they are all heavenly. According to them, the true identity of the “al-Jama‘at” cannot be revealed until and unless there are exactly 73 sects.

Furthermore, their own Muslim scholars have explained that 73 does not mean the exact number “73”. Arabic linguists have mentioned that if the number seven appears as a unit or in tens, then it refers to “many” or “multitudes”. A prominent translator and commentator, Muhammad Yaseen Qasuri Naqshbandi, in his commentary of Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, under the explanation of the above narration writes (in Urdu):

‫تث‬ ‫رتہب اور رتہت ےک ادعاد �ک��ی�ر ےک ےئل اامعتسل ےئک اجےت ہ ی�۔‬ ‫تث‬ ‫رعیب زابن ی‬ ‫ رتس اک دعد‬، ‫م است اک دعد وھتڑی �ک��ی�ر ےک ےئل‬ ‫�تک ث‬ ‫تث‬ ‫در ی‬ ‫ماین �ک��ی�ر ےک ےئل اور رتہت اک دعد ز ی�ادہ ��ی�ر ےک ےئل اامعتسل‬

Continued on next page >>

16

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

‫ی‬ ‫�ا اج� �۔‬ “The numbers 72 and 73 indicate excess. In Arabic, the number 7 is used for slight excess and the number 70 is used for moderate excess whereas the number 73 is used to indicate extreme excess.” (Anware-Nabwi, Book of Faith) Allama Abdullah-bin-Ahmad AnNasfi, a famous exegete of the Holy Quran, writes: َ ُّ ُ َ ُّ ُ ْ َّ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫الس ْب ِعي َن َو كل َها تدل َعلی‬ ‫وقد ورد ِت ال�ﺧبار بِ ِﺬﻛر‬ َّ ِ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ‫ال� ْ�ديْد َو ال ْ َﻐاي ِة‬ ٰ ‫ا��� َر ِة لا ع‬ ‫لی‬ ِ ِ “And surely narrations have been reported referring to ‘70’ and all of them indicate excess, not restriction and limitation.” (Madarik-ut-Tanzil) Another popular contemporary scholar, Yasir Qadhi has said in one of his addresses: “Many scholars have pointed out that in the Arabic language seven, 70 and 700 is an expression. Allah says in the Quran: ُ َ ّٰ ْ َ َ ً َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ْ َ ْ َ ‫ِإن �ستﻐفِر لهم سب ِع‬ ‫ين � ّ�ة فل ْن يَﻐفِ َر الل ُه له ْم‬ “‘If you will ask forgiveness for the hypocrites 70 times, Allah will not forgive them.’ Does this mean if the Prophetsa asked 71 times, Allah would forgive? It is a generic number, 70. So we don’t have to be literal.” (Yasir Qadhi’s address on 1 September 2013) Now, it is very clear that whether there are exactly 73 sects in Islam or more or less, this claim of some Muslims that the number has not reached 73 becomes null by their own scholars. Yasir Qadhi further said: “Every time a scholar from the past attempted a list, ‘This is number one, number two, number three’; by the time he finished writing his book, another group had come to make it similar to 74, 75 […]

We have in our history a dozen books written, each one of them saying, ‘These are the 73’, but guess what? By the time the book is finished, other groups come along, they don’t fit on this list.” (Ibid) Their own scholars invalidate their first argument and prove the number has indeed reached 73, so we must take the number to be an expression.

Allegation 2: More than 73 before

Ahmadiyyat The second group consists of those who say that only 73 are from the ummah, the rest being non-Muslims, and Ahmadiyyat came after the 73rd sect, and so it is misguided. They present a quote of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias. The Promised Messiahas states in his book Tohfa-eGolarhwiya:

‫ابرہ � �س ی‬ � � ‫م � �ف رتہت �� ا�م ےک وہ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ی ن‬ ‫ر�� �ی � ا�م ی‬ ‫� ی� ی‬ �� � ‫م وہ ن�اعت اور‬ ‫��ا ہ ی‬ ‫��ا ےئک � ابرہ � �س ی‬ ‫مپی‬ ‫پی‬ � �‫� وہ‬

“In 1,200 years [after Hijrah], there were only 73 sects of Islam. However, the thirteenth century brought about such innovations and created so many sects in Islam as had not been seen before in 1,200 years.” (Tohfa-e-Golarhwiya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p. 265) Some Muslims use this quote to prove that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas himself admits that 73 sects had already appeared before his advent, therefore Ahmadis cannot even be inside the pale of Islam.

Their own scholars, however, have counted more than 73 sects and considered them in the pale of Islam, as Yasir Qadhi has been quoted above, “We have in our history a dozen books written, each one of them saying, ‘These are the 73’, but guess what? By the time the book is finished, other groups come along, they don’t fit on this list.” (Yasir Qadhi address on 1 September 2013). The exegesis of Jami‘ alTirmidhi also corroborates our views as it says, “The number 73 is used to indicate extreme excess”.

After 73 sects, members of the excess sects cannot be considered removed from the ummah according to their own scholars and, more than anything, according to the Holy Prophetsa. When taking a census in Medina during the Battle of the Ditch, he instructed: َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫ال�سلا ِم ِمن الن‬ ِ ِ‫ا�تبوا �ِي من تلفﻆ ب‬ “List the names for me of those people who have announced that they are Muslims.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Jihad) He also declared:

َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ​َ َ َ​َ ‫ فﺬل ِﻚ‬،‫ َوأكل ذبِ��َ َت َنا‬،‫اس َتﻘ َبل ِق ْبل َت َنا‬ ‫ و‬،‫من صلی صلاتنا‬ ُ ُ ٰ َ َّ ْ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ‫ فلا ��فِروا الله فِي‬،�ِ ِ �‫ال ُم ْسلِ ُم ال ِﺬي � ُ� ذ ِّمة الل ِه وذ ِّمة َر ُسو‬ َ ‫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 Messenger’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those who are in His protection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayers, Chapter superiority of (praying) facing the Qiblah) In the sight of our beloved master, the Prophet Muhammadsa, anyone who calls themselves a Muslim, prays like a Muslim, faces the Qiblah and eats the Halal food, is a Muslim. Thus, even if more than 73 sects are formed, all of them would be within the pale of Islam. If it has to be the exact number and going beyond it goes contrary to the original purport, then according to their logic, if the Holy Prophetsa sought forgiveness for the hypocrites more than 70 times, Allah should have forgiven them.

If they take the hadith literally and use the quote of the Promised Messiahas to bring us under the allegation, then they must remember that Barelvis, Deobandis and many other sects around the world were formed after the 1,200 years referred to in the quotation of the Promised Messiahas.

This would place them outside the pale of Islam.

The founders of the Barelvi and Deobandi sects were in the same era as the Promised Messiahas. It is the members of these sects who mainly raise such allegations. Other sects like Jamaat-eIslami and the Ahrar were formed even after that. This allegation backfires on them. It is they who believe that any sect after the first 73 is not in Islam, not the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

So using the quote of the Promised Messiahas for their own propaganda and against his own meanings has put their Islam under jeopardy.

The Promised Messiahas clearly writes, “The thirteenth century brought about such innovations and created so many sects in Islam […]”. Thus, all these sects referred to were within Islam according to the Promised Messiahas! It is they who are calling themselves non-Muslims because their sects were made after the 73rd sect.

Thus, while their scholars casually show them the exit of the ummah, the Promised Messiah’s interpretation is the only one they can grasp to retain their Islam. They should at least be thankful to the Promised Messiahas.

Allegation 3: Every sect is misguided The third viewpoint purports that the heavenly sect is the one that was founded by, and existed from the time of, our beloved Prophet Muhammadsa, hence every sect thereafter is misguided and Hell-bound.

If one is to say that the heavenly sect is the one founded and created by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, then we are in complete agreement with this belief.

However, Muslims cannot agree upon which group is continuing from the time of our beloved prophet. ‘Sunnis’ claim that it is them and ‘Shias’ claim it is them.

Then the further denominations of these sects argue with each other that theirs is the saved denomination. Everyone in their presumption is claiming to be the delivered sect, the one. So who do we listen to?

I remember asking one of my classmates in high school who belonged to the Bohra denomination of Shiites, “Who founded your sect?” He replied “Prophet Muhammadsa”. Everyone replies in a similar manner.

Another popular non-denominational scholar called Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza quoted a famous Hanafi lawyer, who said, “Only Deobandis will enter heaven”(Question and Answer Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, 21 July 2019). This would mean that Deobandis claim to have existed from the time of the Prophetsa, which is absurd because they were founded just decades before the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was founded. Moreover, this explanation is against the hadith itself because the Prophetsa did not say any sect made or created would be Hell-bound; rather, he said that 73 would be formed and one would be heavenly.

(To be continued...)

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021

Responding to Allegations

The Bible and the truthfulness of the as Promised Messiah

M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam

The Holy Quran, sunnah and ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa and the majority of Islamic literature and sources substantiate the truthfulness of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, peace be upon him. We have and continue to publish many well-researched articles in this respect. However, this series of articles will endeavour to shed some light on the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas through the Bible.

Opponents of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, especially Christians, raise many allegations against the messiahship of the Promised Messiahas based on their sacred books, but at the same time, they overlook many Biblical references which clearly prove the truth of his claim.

One of their very many objections is that the Messiah of the Latter Days, who in their view is Prophet Jesusas, is to descend directly from the Heavens or the skies with his material body, but Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was born here on earth, so he

cannot be the Messiah of this age.

Apart from other compelling historical evidence that proves Prophet Jesusas was neither raised to the Heavens with his body of flesh, nor did he die on the cross for the sins of humanity, but rather had a natural death, the Bible also openly supports this fact and further points out that he would not himself come as the Messiah but someone else would appear in his body and spirit in the Latter Days.

The Bible, referring to the fact that Jesus would not be seen after he passed away, states: “[…] I am going to the Father [God] and you will no longer see me [Jesus].” (John 16:10) At another place, indicating that another person would be sent in his name, it is stated: “For I [Jesus] tell you that you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord [Jesus].’”

(Mathew 23:39) The above sayings clearly substantiate that a chosen one of God, other than Jesusas, would come in his name and be the Messiah of the Latter Days.

It is for this reason that the Promised

Messiahas said: “Of the wonders which God has bestowed upon me, one is that I have met Jesus the Messiah several times in a state of perfect wakefulness which is called a [divine] vision. I have talked to him and have ascertained from him the nature of his real claim and teachings. A major point, which is worthy of attention, is that Jesus the Messiah is so disgusted with the doctrines of Atonement, Trinity, and Sonship, as if these are the great impostures that have been fashioned against him. This evidence of vision is not without support.

“I believe firmly that if a sincere seeker after truth would come and stay with me for a period and would wish to meet Hazrat Masih [the Messiah] in a vision, he would be able to do so through the blessings of my supplications and attention. He can also talk to him and receive his affirmation of what I have stated, for I am the person in whom the soul of Jesus, the Messiah, resides by way of reflection.” (A Gift for the Queen, pp. 19-20 [English Translation of Tohfa-eQaisariyyah]) The verses of the Bible on the subject of ascension and the second coming of Elijah

Part I

also support the above view of the Promised Messiahas. be upon him)of Elijah, it is Regarding(peace the ascension stated: “As they [Elijah and Elisha] were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.” (II Kings 2:11) The Bible, on the second coming of Elijah, says: “Behold, I [God] will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord [Jesus]. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” (Malachi 4:5-6) The above verses led the Jews to believe in the bodily ascension of Elijah to the Heavens and just as the Christians are expecting the physical return of Jesus to earth from the skies as the Messiah of the Latter Days, the Jews were also waiting for the fulfilment of the divine promise, i.e. descent of Elijah from the Heavens before the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. However, as Elijah had passed away just as Jesus died a natural death never to be seen again, he did not appear.

On the other hand, the prophecy of the second coming of Elijah was fulfilled in the name of John the Baptist who came as a reflection of Elijah.

The Bible says: “The disciples asked him [Jesus], ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.

Continued on next page >>

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“

I believe firmly that if a sincere seeker after truth would come and stay with me for a period and would wish to meet Hazrat Masih [the Messiah] in a vision, he would be able to do so through the blessings of my supplications and attention. He can also talk to him and receive his affirmation of what I have stated, for I am the person in whom the soul of Jesus, the Messiah, resides by way of reflection.”

100 Years Ago...

A mi Lett

(A Gift for the Queen, pp. 19-20 [English Translation of Tohfa-e-Qaisariyyah])

<< Continued from previous page

But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the son of man will suffer at their hands. Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.’” (Mathew, 17:10-13) The above verses clearly show that the second coming of Elijah did happen in the person of John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus come to know about it from him.

However, as was predicted by Jesus, the Jews did not believe in John the Baptist, the forerunner of Messiah, and thus persecuted Jesus because in their view Elijah was to bodily descend from the Heavens before the appearance of Jesus, the Messiah.

In this regard, the Promised Messiahas said: “The ‘descent’ or the ‘coming’ does not mean the coming of the Messiah, son of Mary; it is actually a figure of speech signifying the coming of someone resembling the son of Mary; and that, in accordance with divine intimation and revelation, it is the present writer – my own humble self – to whom it applies.

“I am only too well aware that as soon as this view of mine, which is based on clear and definite revelation, is made public, many a hostile pen shall come alive and a public outcry full of horror and rejection will ensue […]

“Let it be clear, that according to the Bible, our own books of ahadith and other records, only two Prophets are supposed to have physically ascended to the Heavens, namely Elijah, also known as Elias, and Messiah son of Mary, also known as Isa or Jesus.

“Concerning both these prophets, some books of the Old and New Testament say that they were raised to the Heavens and shall return to the earth some time in the Latter Days and that people will actually witness their descent from the skies. The ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa also contain words to the same effect.

“Concerning Elias, whose Biblical name is Elijah, the Gospels positively declare that the prophecy of his descent from the skies has been fulfilled with the birth of Yahya, or John, son of Zechariah. The Messiah, son of Mary declares in unmistakable terms, ‘He is indeed the Elijah who was expected to come. Acknowledge him if you will.’

Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra (1893-1985)

Sir,

[Mathew 11:13-15 & 17:10-13] “Through this arbitration by no less a person than a prophet of God, the case of Elijah, his ascension to the skies and subsequent descent has been effectively settled and the manner and meaning of the ‘Second Coming’ clearly determined. This, therefore, is the doctrine, consistent with the Gospels, to which Christians should unanimously subscribe, that Elijah, whose descent was awaited, did, in the time of the Messiah, return from the Heavens in the person of John who was born to Zechariah, with the temperament and qualities of Elijah.” (Elucidation of Objectives, pp. 1-4 [English translation of Taudih-e-Maram]) The Bible also confirms that the Messiah of the last age will be a new creation and thus not the same Jesus of Nazareth. Hence, it says: “Jesus told them [his disciples], ‘I tell all of you with certainty, when the son of man sits on his glorious throne in the renewed creation [Latter-Day Messiah], you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, governing the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Mathew 19:28) The above verse plainly signifies that the second coming of the Messiah would not be the old self of Jesus but a new creation. It also compels one to believe that the Messiah of this age was none other than Prophet Ahmadas as he was a renewed creation of Allah the Almighty.

Hence, the Messiah of the Latter Days

was not to descend from the Heavens or the skies but was to appear as an embodiment of Jesus of Nazareth and possess his attributes and qualities as a reflection.

The Promised Messiahas has very aptly summed up the above discussion, as he said: “All our opponents who live today shall die and none of them shall ever see Jesus son of Mary descending from the Heavens; then their children that are left after them shall also die and none from among them shall ever see Jesus son of Mary descending from Heaven and then their third generation shall also die and they too shall not see the son of Mary descending from the Heaven. Then God shall cause great consternation in their hearts, that a period of Christian domination has passed and the world has witnessed a great change, yet the son of Mary has not descended from the Heavens. Then, in dismay, the wise among them shall forsake this belief and three centuries from now shall not have passed when those who await the second coming of Jesus son of Mary, whether they be Muslims or Christians, shall abandon this concept altogether. Then shall prevail only one religion over the whole world and there shall be only one religious leader. I came only to sow the seed, which has been planted by my hand. It shall now grow and flourish and there is none who can hinder its growth.” (TadhkiratushShahadatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p.

67) (To be continued…)

The address presented by the representatives of the Ahmadiyya community to His Excellency, the GovernorGeneral, forms the subject of the leading article in your issue of 26 June [1921], and as the portion of that article which refers to the Hedjaz appears to be the result of a total misapprehension of the position taken up in the address with reference to that country, I venture to hope that you will be kind enough to give publicity to the following remarks in the columns of your valuable journal, so that any misunderstanding which might have resulted from your article may be removed.

By confining my remarks to the question of the independence of the Hedjaz, I do not wish it to be inferred that I am in complete agreement with the rest of your article, but as the other points on which I differ from you are likely to lead to futile controversy in which neither side can hope to convince the other, I shall leave them to be dealt with in columns other than those of your valuable journal.

As regards that portion of the Ahmadiyya address which deals with the question of the independence of the Hedjaz, you have been pleased to remark as follows: “In addition to the well-worn problem of Smyrna and Thrace, they gave more attention than is usually assigned to it to the demand for the severing of British relations with the Hedjaz Government and the restoration of Turkish control over that country. This latter suggestion is, of course, neither practicable nor defensible.

To deprive the Arabs of the Hedjaz of the new rights of nationhood they won for themselves by fair fight in the war would be an almost unthinkable act on the part of any British government. Lord Reading in his reply did not refer to this impracticable suggestion, but in his general review of the whole problem gave an illuminating exposition of the Government of India’s position in the matter.”

I confess that this summing up of the position has caused me considerable surprise, and I find it difficult to believe that before making this remark you had

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isunderstanding removed: ter to The Civil and Military Gazette, Lahore The Review of Religions (English), July 1921 taken the trouble to read that portion of the address which refers to the independence of the Hedjaz. Even a cursory glance at the summary of the address published in your own columns in the issue of 25 June [1921] would have been sufficient to convince you that the “restoration of Turkish control” over the Hedjaz was not the demand put forward by the Ahmadiyya community. The demand actually put forward in the address has been thus summarised in The Civil and Military Gazette of 25 June [1921]: “But more important still, in our opinion is the question of the independence of the Hedjaz, which must remain free from outside interference. When this question arose, every Muslim entertained a misgiving that the freeing of the Hedjaz from Turkish control might mean the bringing of it under the control of a European power. The Hedjaz being a sterile country would, it was feared, be unable to produce sufficient income to defray the expenses of its administration and the Hedjaz government would be compelled to borrow money from a foreign country, thus placing itself under the control of a European Power. Recent cables tend to strengthen these misgivings. Reuter, the other day mentioned a scheme outlined

by Mr Churchill, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, wherein an annual subsidy is promised to the Hedjaz government provided the latter should undertake to maintain internal peace and put its sovereign policy under the control of Great Britain. This gives rise to certain misgivings and we request Your Excellency to draw the attention of the Home Government to their removal. “(1) The scheme coming, as it does, from the Colonial Secretary has nothing to do with independent status. “(2) To put foreign relations under the control of another government is clearly incompatible with independence. “(3) The stipulation as to responsibility for the maintenance of internal peace runs counter to the very conception of independence.

“The stipulation can only mean that if there is ever any disturbance in the country, Great Britain will have the right to change its government or interfere with its internal administration or put the country under military control. Surely, this is no independence. It amounts to complete

subjection, with this difference, that Great Britain will rule the Hedjaz not directly, but through a Muslim Chief.

“If the Hedjaz government is not able to take care of itself, it may, better be put under Turkish control, subject to the same conditions under which Mr. Churchill proposes to place it under British control. We confidently hope that Your Excellency will be pleased to warn the Home Government of the dangerous consequences of such a fatal step and give publicity to the result of your representations.”

The italics are mine. Now it is perfectly clear from this extract that the demand put forward is that the Hedjaz must remain free from outside interference and that it must be accorded complete independence. An apprehension is next expressed that the scheme outlined by Mr Churchill would, if adopted, amount to the putting of the Hedjaz under the complete control of Great Britain, which is incompatible with independence and that the mere fact that such a scheme is being considered is an indication of the fact that Great Britain desires to bring the Hedjaz under its complete control. This is deprecated.

In anticipation, however, of the objection that the Hedjaz by itself is not able to take care of itself, and that the form of control suggested by Mr Churchill would not in any way derogate from the independent position of the Hedjaz, it is suggested that if outside control is absolutely necessary then that control should be Turkish rather than British, the conditions being the same in either case. You have been pleased to designate this suggestion as at once impracticable and indefensible.

May I ask which part of the suggestion deserves to be so condemned? Is the complete independence of the Hedjaz or its freedom from outside control both impracticable and indefensible? Presumably, it is the latter portion of the suggestion which has appeared to you to verge on the absurd. What is it? As already indicated, the suggestion is that if you are going to put the Hedjaz under any control, let it be Turkish rather than British. Where does the impracticability or the indefensibility come in? Would the form of control suggested by Mr Churchill destroy the independence of the Hedjaz, or would it not? If it would, such control would in itself be indefensible, and,

therefore, the primary demand put forward in the address was that there should be no outside control, British or Turkish. If it would not, then why should Turkish control over territory within which are situated Mecca and Medina be condemned as impracticable and indefensible and British control over the same territory held out by inference, as both practicable and desirable?

It was clearly stated in the address that the apprehension is gaining ground that Great Britain desires to reduce the King of Hedjaz to the position of a dependent chieftain, and it was prayed that this apprehension may be removed. The only way in which this could be done was by stating clearly that no such measure was contemplated, directly or indirectly.

The Ahmadiyya community has from the very beginning advocated the complete independence of the Hedjaz and as early as October 1919, the present Head of the community laid a stress on it in his pamphlet entitled The Future of Turkey.

On pages 12 and 13 of that pamphlet he says: “The second point which must be attended to for the achievement of success is that the Mussalmans must leave alone the question of the Kingdom of the Hedjaz. It is a matter of common knowledge how great are the losses suffered by the Arabs under a foreign yoke in their political status and their language. The facts are well known to those who know the history of the country.

It is also no secret that the Arabs have made

large sacrifices in order to regain their present independence. The national pride of the Arabs has been aroused, and the pulse of freedom is beating strong. Under no circumstances can they now be replaced under the Turkish rule.

“After 1300 years the Arabs have once more become masters of their own house and have already justified their rule by justice and good government. Any new suggestion with regard to them has, therefore, little chance of success. No such suggestions can be entertained by any reasonable man and the Arabs themselves will be the last to accept them. The independence of the Hedjaz is now advantageous to the interest of Islam and is preferable to its being under the dominion of Turkey. The holy places will be safer under a small State, which will not tempt the cupidity of inimical powers. The question of the Hedjaz should, therefore, be considered as an accomplished fact.”

So that is clear that what the Ahmadiyya community desires is an independent Hedjaz, but failing that, Turkish rather than British control.

One can, of course, appreciate the desire of all statesmen and journalists to avoid facing awkward questions but it does not follow that because a question is awkward and had much better not have been touched, therefore, all suggestions concerning its solution must be ridiculed as impracticable and indefensible.

I hope that the above will make it clear that the Ahmadiyya community does not desire the restoration of Turkish control over the Hedjaz, only, to put it bluntly, it prefers a certain amount of Turkish control, if absolutely unavoidable, to a similar amount of British, or for the matter of that any nonMuslim control, as the lesser evil. Indeed to anybody not actuated by the desire wilfully to misrepresent or to misunderstand the views of the community, as an escape from an uncomfortable position, the matter would have been perfectly clear without the above exposition.

Zafrulla Khan (Bar-at-Law), Amir of the Ahmadiyya Community of Lahore. Majitha House, 23 Nisbet Road, Lahore. 28 June [1921].

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original article in The Review of Religions [English], July 1921)

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Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 25 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:

The accounts from the life of Hazrat Umarra were being narrated and I will continue to narrate them today.

Zaid bin Aslamra relates that his father once stated, “I accompanied Hazrat Umarra bin Al-Khattab to Harrah Waqim.” This was located between two “Harrahs”. A Harrah is an area which has a dark rocky terrain.

Harrah Waqim is situated towards the east of Medina and is also known as Harrah Banu Qurayza. The other area is called Harrat-ulWaburah, which is located towards the west of Medina, at a distance of three miles.

Nevertheless, he narrates, “I went there [i.e. Harrah Waqim]. When we reached a place called Sarar, we saw that a campfire had been lit there.” Sarar is also situated at a distance of three miles from Medina.

“Hazrat Umarra stated, ‘O Aslam! I believe that these are travellers, who have been held

back due to the night and the cold weather.

Come let us go to them!’ Hence, we quickly went towards them and saw a woman with her children. There was a pot placed on the fire and her children were profusely crying due to hunger. Hazrat Umarsa said, ‘O people of the light, may peace be upon you!’” He did not wish to say people of the fire and said people of the light instead. “The woman replied, ‘May peace be upon you as well.’

Hazrat Umarra asked permission to come closer and the woman replied, ‘You may do so with a good purpose, otherwise, you may turn back.’” In other words, if he wished to say something good, he could do so and if not, he should turn back.

“Upon this, Hazrat Umarra came closer and asked what the matter was. The woman stated, ‘The night and the cold have kept us here.’ Hazrat Umarsa then asked, ‘What is

the matter with the children and why are they crying like this?’ The lady replied that they were doing so out of hunger. Hazrat Umarra enquired what was in this pot and she replied, ‘It only contains water. I am comforting my children with it until they fall asleep. Allah will judge between us and Umarra.’ Hazrat Umarra said, ‘O lady! May Allah have mercy on you! How could Umar have known about your circumstances?’ She replied, ‘He is the guardian of our affairs and yet he is unaware of our conditions.’”

Aslam, who was accompanying Hazrat Umarra, says, “Hazrat Umarra then came to me and said, ‘Come with me!’ We once again walked very quickly and reached Darul-Daqiq.” Hazrat Umarra had constructed a building, by the name of Dar-ul-Daqiq, during his Khilafat, in which flour, parched and ground barley, dates, raisins and other

necessary items were stored, which a traveller could need on a journey. Hazrat Umarra had also constructed several rest areas for people travelling between Mecca and Medina. Nevertheless, [it further narrates] “He took hold of a sack of grains and a can of clarified butter from there. He then asked me to help him lift it so that he could carry it.”

Aslam further narrates, “I submitted, ‘Let me carry it for you’, but Hazrat Umarra repeatedly stated that he should help him so that he could carry it himself and each time I requested that I would carry it for him, Hazrat Umarra stated, ‘Will you carry my burden on the Day of Judgement?’ Upon this, I helped place the sack on him and Hazrat Umarra carried this sack on his back and walked very swiftly and I also quickly walked alongside him until we reached that

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AL HAKAM | Friday 23 July 2021 woman. Hazrat Umarra placed the sack near her, took out some flour and said, ‘Slowly pour this into the pot while I stir it for you.’”

In another narration, it is written that Hazrat Umarra said, “Slowly pour the flower and I will prepare for your Harira [native Arab dish made of milk and flour].” Hazrat Umarra then started blowing under the pot in order to kindle the fire.

Aslam, i.e. the narrator, further states, “Hazrat Umarra had a long and thick beard and I saw that the smoke was appearing from his beard.” In other words, the smoke would rise and go on his face and also go into his beard. “When the food was ready, he removed the pot from the fire and asked for a utensil to be brought, upon which the lady brought a large plate. Hazrat Umarra poured the food into it and said, ‘Feed this to your children while I spread it out for you so that it may cool down.’ In other words, he would spread it and cool it in another utensil. Hazrat Umarra continued to do so until the children had eaten their fill and whatever remained of the food he left it with her.”

Aslam then states, “Hazrat Umarra then stood up and I also stood up with him. Upon this, the lady said, ‘May Allah the Almighty reward you in the best manner. You are more deserving of this”, i.e. a reward, “than Amir-ul-Momineen [leader of the faithful].’

Upon this, Hazrat Umarra said, ‘You should speak that which is good. When you go to Amir-ul-Momineen, you will find me there, insha-Allah.’”

Aslam further states, “Following this, Hazrat Umarra went to one side and sat down facing the woman. I said to Hazrat Umarra, ‘Is there anything else left to do?’

Hazrat Umarra did not say a word to me until we saw the children playing with each other and laughing and then all of them peacefully went to sleep. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra thanked God and then stood up and turned towards me and said, ‘O Aslam!

These children were awake and crying due to hunger. I desired not to leave this place until I got to witness this peaceful state of theirs, which I have just witnessed.’” (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 567-568, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1987]) (Farhang-e-Sirat, p. 101, 102 & 172, Zawar Academy Publications Urdu Bazaar, Karachi [2003]) (Syedna Umar bin Khattab Shakhsiyat Aur Karnaame, p. 442, Al-Furqan Trust, Khan Garh, Muzaffar Garh, Pakistan [Lisan-ul-Arab, under the word “Harr”])

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also narrated this incident. He states” “If one cannot have access to the essential provisions, it is then the duty of the Muslim government to provide them.” Here, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra is outlining the responsibilities of a Muslim government. “There is an incident of Hazrat Umarra in relation to this which is extremely moving and reveals the true reality. On one occasion, the Second Caliphra was observing whether any of the Muslims were facing any hardship. There was a village called Marar situated three miles from the capital of Medina.”

Our researchers say that it was not Marar but Sarar and it is possible that this was an error by the scribe, who mistakenly wrote Marar. In any case, it further states: “He heard someone crying. He followed the sound and presently came upon an old woman who was tending a pot on the fire and three children near her who were weeping. The caliph enquired of the old

woman what their trouble was. She replied that they had had nothing to eat for two days, and as she could procure no food, she had put an empty pot on the fire to make them think that food would soon be ready; and thus to cajole them into sleep.

“The caliph thereupon returned to Medina. He procured flour, butter, meat and dates and put them in a bag. He then called a slave and asked him to lift the bundle onto his [the Caliph’s] back. The assistant with him protested that he would carry the bundle himself. ‘No doubt,’ replied Hazrat Umarra, ‘you can carry this bundle for me now, but who will carry my burden on the Day of Judgment?’, meaning that as he had neglected his duty to provide for the woman and her children, the only atonement he could make was to carry the bundle of provisions himself to her.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes that an allowance was assigned for every one of those in need, but from this incident, one should not think that this instilled indolence within people. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: “But while Islam enjoins helping the poor, it disapproves of idleness and sloth. The object of state allowances was not, therefore, the encouragement of idleness. They were made only in really deserving cases. People were encouraged to work for their living and were restrained from begging. Hazrat Umarra once noticed a person asking for alms who had a bagful of flour with him.

The caliph took away the bag of flour from him, emptied it out before some camels, and turning to him said, ‘Now you may beg.’ It is on record that beggars were compelled by the state to earn their livelihood by labour.”

(Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam, pp. 272-274, Islam International Publications, Ltd. [2007])

If they were able and healthy, then they had no reason to beg; rather, they ought to work hard and earn money and eat thereof.

Through this, Hazrat Umarra taught that man a lesson that if he begged again then he would again take his food provisions away from him and place them before the animals. Many of those who beg from others present this example of Hazrat Umarra in order to support their stance in that how he would look after the people, but they fail to recognise the fact that Islam has very strictly prohibited begging from others. Moreover, the example of the Holy Prophetsa in relation to this is also there which Hazrat Umarra implemented.

Then whilst narrating this incident on another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “Look at the example of Hazrat Umarra!

On the one hand, the great leaders of the world would tremble in fear owing to his awe and reputation. Even the governments of the Byzantines and Persians would fear him, but on the other hand, a person of such a lofty rank like Umarra became greatly anxious upon seeing a Bedouin woman and her children hungry in the night and he took a sack of flour and container of butter in his hand and went to them. And he did not return from there until he had cooked the food with his own hands and gave it to the children and then waited for them to sleep.” (Sair-e-Ruhani [Part 6], Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 22, p. 596)

Hazrat Umar’sra freed slave, Aslam, who was mentioned previously as well, states: “A group of traders once arrived

in Medina and they stayed in the area designated to perform the Eid prayer.

Hazrat Umarra stated to Hazrat Abdurra Rahman bin Auf, ‘Would you like it that we stand guard in the night for them?’ Hazrat Abdurra Rahman bin Auf replied in the affirmative. Following this, both of them stood guard for them all night and spent the time in worship. During this time, Hazrat Umarra heard the cry of a child and he went towards the sound of the cry and said to the mother, ‘Fear Allah the Almighty and take proper care of your child.’ After saying this, he returned” – in other words, he returned to the place where they were guarding the provisions [of the traders] – “but again, Hazrat Umarra heard the cry of the child and went to the mother and said the same thing to her as he had stated earlier and then returned.

“When night entered its latter part, he heard the child’s cry again, he went to his mother and said, ‘You are extremely negligent! I have noticed that your child has been crying all night.’ Upon this, she replied, ‘O servant of Allah! I am trying to convince him to eat something else other than drink my milk, but he continues to refuse and only wants the milk.’ Hazrat Umarra enquired as to why she did this and she stated, ‘Because Hazrat Umarra only assigns an allowance for those children who have been weaned.’

Hazrat Umarra then asked the child’s age and she told him his age. Hazrat Umarra then stated, ‘Do not wean the child prematurely.’

Thereafter, Hazrat Umarra led the Fajr prayer and owing to his emotions, his recitation could not even be heard properly by the congregants. Hazrat Umarra then said to himself, ‘Woe be unto you O Umar! For you have taken the lives of so many Muslim children.’ Then, he issued an instruction to the person who made the announcements to declare that they should stop weaning the children prematurely. As of this point, in Islam, an allowance would be fixed for every child from the moment they were born.

Hazrat Umarra sent this instruction to all the Muslim lands.” (Al-Bidaya Wa Al-Nihaya, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 10, pp. 185-186, Dar-e-Hijr, 1998)

This incident has also been narrated by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in his own unique manner. He states: “Initially, Hazrat Umarra did not fix any allowance for those children who were suckling, but later he established the right [for an allowance] of children who were still being suckled and issued an instruction that this allowance should be given to their mothers. Hazrat Umarra thought that since a child who was still being nursed did not actively contribute to society, thus the responsibility for [providing the provisions to] the child was with the mother and not the public treasury.

“However, Hazrat Umarra once went for a walk and a group of Bedouin traders had arrived just outside of the city. Hazrat Umarra heard the cries of a child coming from a tent and the mother was trying to console the child by patting him so that he would fall asleep. When the child continuously cried despite her consoling him, she slapped the child and said, ‘Cry for Umar!’ Hazrat Umarra was shocked because he had nothing to do with this. Hazrat Umarra sought permission from the lady to enter the tent and then enquired the matter from her.

Since she did not recognise Hazrat Umarra, she said, ‘Umarra has fixed an allowance for

everyone but he does not realise that this child is also in need of nourishment. I have weaned him as I wanted him to be assigned with an allowance but I do not have enough milk.’

“Hazrat Umarra immediately returned and took out a bag of flour from the treasury and carried it with him. The attendant of the treasury came forward to help carry it but Hazrat Umarra stated, ‘Leave it! I shall carry it myself. When I will be whipped on the Day of Judgment, will you stand in my place? I wonder how many children have died as a result of me.’ Thereafter, Hazrat Umarra issued an instruction that even those children that were being suckled would be assigned an allowance.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 27, p. 353)

The Promised Messiahas states: “In the hadith, it has been narrated by Ammar bin Khuzaima, ‘Hazrat Umarra said to my father, “What has stopped you from planting trees on your land?” His father’”, who was no longer planting any new trees and nor increasing his orchard or perhaps was not replacing the withered plants with new ones, “‘replied, “I am old and will soon pass away. Therefore, what benefit will this be to me?” Hazrat Umarra replied, “This is no reason for you to not to do this. It is incumbent for you to plant trees.” I then saw that Hazrat Umarra would help my father plant the trees.’” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 92) The Promised Messiahas also narrated this account in relation to safeguarding oneself from indolence and laziness and stated that this person was eating the fruits of the previous generation i.e. the plants which had already been planted, but he ought to also leave something behind for the future generation.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Hazrat Umarra would walk in the nights in order to observe the state of affairs. Once, he was walking in the city at night and he heard a woman reciting very romantic poetry [longing for her husband to return].

Hazrat Umarra investigated the matter and learnt that her husband was in the army and would be away from her for a long period of time. Hazrat Umarra then issued an instruction that a soldier must not be sent away for more than four months. And if he desired to stay for longer, then he must take his wife with him otherwise the commander of the army must send him back after four months.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 4, p. 63 [1914]) In relation to this incident, it is also mentioned that Hazrat Umarra stated to the woman who was reciting these couplets, “Have you committed any ill deed?” To which she replied, “I seek refuge with Allah!” Upon this, Hazrat Umarra stated, “Remain steadfast. I am sending a letter to your husband.” And so, Hazrat Umarra sent a messenger so that he may return. Hazrat Umarra then further investigated the matter and then, as mentioned earlier, he issued an instruction that a husband should not be sent away for more than a duration of four months, or his family should be sent with him. (Tarikh-ul-Khulafa, Al-Suyuti, p.111, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1999)

Aslam, the freed slave of Hazrat Umarra relates: “One night, I went to the outskirts of Medina along with Hazrat Umarra. We saw a tent and decided to go towards it. As we got closer, we heard a woman experiencing labour pains and was crying. Hazrat Umarra

22 enquired about her condition and she stated that she was not from the area and was travelling and therefore did not have the necessary provisions. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra became emotional and quickly returned home. He said to his wife, Hazrat Umm Kulthum bint Alira, ‘Would you like to attain a reward which Allah the Almighty has brought to you?’ Hazrat Umarra then related the entire incident, to which Hazrat Umm Kulthumra said, ‘Yes, of course.’

“Hazrat Umarra then carried some flour and butter on his back while Hazrat Umm Kulthumra took the necessary provisions required for a delivery and they both arrived there. Hazrat Umm Kulthumra then went to that woman and Hazrat Umarra sat with her husband who was also there at the time but he did not recognise Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umarra began talking to him.

“When his wife had given birth to a son, Hazrat Umm Kulthumra came out and said to Hazrat Umarra, “O Leader of the Faithful!

Give glad tidings to your friend, for he has been blessed with a son.” It was only when he heard Hazrat Umm Kulthumra say this that he realised that he was sitting next to such an esteemed person and thus began to apologise. Hazrat Umarra stated that there was no need to apologise and then gave them some money and other provisions and then returned. (Al-Bidaya Wa Al-Nihaya, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 10, p. 186, Dar-e-Hijr [1998])

Saeed bin Musayyab and Abu Salama bin Abdir Rahman relate: “By God, whatever Hazrat Umarra said, he truly fulfilled it. When it was time to be strict, he showed strictness and when it was time to show leniency and compassion, he did so and became a father figure for the children. Those women whose husbands were away, he would personally visit their homes and offer his greetings of peace from the door and then ask them, ‘Are you in need of anything? Or do you require anything and I will go to the market and buy it for you because I would not like for someone to cheat you in matters of buying and selling.’

The women would then send their children along with him. Hazrat Umarra would enter the marketplace and there would be so many children behind him that it would be difficult to count. Hazrat Umarra would then purchase their items of need for each one, and for those women who did not have any children, he would personally buy it for them. Whenever a messenger arrived from the army, Hazrat Umarra would personally take the letters from their husbands and deliver it to them and he would say, ‘Your husbands have left for the sake of Allah and you dwell in the city of the Holy Prophetsa.

If you have someone who can read the letter for you then that is fine, otherwise you can stand near the door and I will read out the letter for you.’ Hazrat Umarra would then say, ‘Our messenger will leave from here on such and such day. You can write your letters and we will send them for you.’ Hazrat Umarra would then deliver paper and pens to their houses. Those who could write themselves, he would take the letters and those who were not able to write, he would say, ‘Here is the paper and ink, come near the door and say what you would like me to write.’ Hazrat Umarra would go to every single house and take their letters they had written for their husbands and he would then arrange for them to be sent. (Izalatul Khulafa An Khilafatul-Khulafa, translated by Shah Walliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi, Vol. 3, pp. 228-229, Qadeemi Kutub Khana

Friday 23 July 2021 | AL HAKAM Karachi)

Hazrat Alira relates: “I saw that Hazrat Umarra was once holding the saddle of a camel and was quickly going towards Abtah.” Abtah is the name of a place situated near Mecca and Mina. “Upon seeing him, I said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Where are you going?’ Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘One of the camels which had been donated for charity is missing and I am going to search for it.’ Upon this, I said to Hazrat Umarra, ‘You have set such examples for those Khulafa who shall come after you which will not be easy to follow.’

Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘O Abul Hasan! Do not say anything against me for I swear by Him Who sent Muhammadsa as a prophet, even if a baby goat went missing near the Euphrates River, Umar will be asked about it on the Day of Judgment.’” (Izalatul Khulafa An Khilafat-ul-Khulafa, translated by Shah Walliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi, Vol. 3, pp. 286-287, Qadeemi Kutub Khana Karachi) (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 95)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “During the time of Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat, a Muslim man was once walking with his head lowered. Hazrat Umarra thought that perhaps he had received some sad news or was experiencing some difficulty and hence had lowered his head.

Hazrat Umarra lifted his face up with his fist and stated, ‘This is the era of Islam’s victories and yet you have lowered your head.’” In other words, this was an era wherein God Almighty had granted governance to Islam despite the efforts of the world [opposing it], and so even if he did experience a little difficulty, there was no need to lower his head like that. “Hazrat Umarra stated, ‘At this moment in time, Allah the Almighty has granted governance to Islam and so regardless of what the world says, if you have absolute faith that Islam will be victorious then what need is there to cry’” i.e. over small issues. (Qadian Se Humari Hijrat Eik Asmani Taqdeer Thi, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, p. 379)

In other words, if some of the Muslims in a particular place had to endure some loss, there was still no reason to cry or be worried.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned this incident after migration from Qadian.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated that even if a believer had suffered a loss, they should not look at what they have lost; rather, they ought to reflect as for whose sake had they lost it for. If something had been lost for the sake of God Almighty and for the progress of Islam, then Allah the Almighty would grant an even better reward than that. One should not become worried over temporary loss.

Similarly, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra cites a well-known incident of Hazrat Umarra from which he concludes that though Hazrat Umarra had to endure hardships, he did not mind doing so and he established such equality which Islam seeks to establish throughout the world. The incident is as follows: “Jabalah bin Ayham used to be a prominent chief of a Christian tribe. When Muslims began conquering Syria, he along with his tribe accepted Islam, and then proceeded to go for Hajj. During Hajj, at one point, there was a large crowd; incidentally, another Muslim stepped on his foot.

“In some narrations, it is stated that the Muslim stepped on the hem of his robe.

[Jabalah] considered himself to be a king seeing as there were 60 thousand people

who followed him. In fact, according to some historical accounts, 60 thousand was just the number of his soldiers.

“In any case, when a partially clothed Muslim man stepped on his foot, he was enraged and slapped him, saying ‘You wish to dishonour me. Do you not know who I am? You should have moved back out of respect, yet you have impudently stepped on my foot.’ After having been slapped, the Muslim man remained silent; however, another Muslim spoke up saying, ‘Are you aware of the fact that the religion which you have entered is Islam, and Islam does not distinguish between ordinary and prominent people. Especially in this house”, i.e. the Holy Ka‘bah around which he was performing circuits, “there is considered to be no difference between the rich and the poor.’ Jabalah replied, ‘I do not care about this.’

“The Muslim said, ‘If a complaint against you is made to Umarra, then he will surely take retribution from you for this Muslim.’

When Jabalah bin Ayham heard this, he became furious and said, ‘Is there anyone who would slap the face of Jabalah ibn Ayham?’ The Muslim man said, ‘I do not know about anyone else, but this is how Umarra would settle the matter.’

“Upon hearing this, [Jabalah] quickly completed circulating the Ka‘bah and then went straight to the gathering of Hazrat Umarra and asked, ‘If a prominent person slaps an ordinary man, then what do you do?’ Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘We will have the ordinary person slap the prominent person.’

Jabalah then said, ‘You have not understood what I mean to say. What I mean is that if there is an extremely prominent person who slaps [an ordinary person] then what do you do?’

“Hazrat Umarra said, ‘In Islam, there is no discrimination between the prominent and the ordinary.’ Then Hazrat Umarra said, ‘Jabalah, is it you who has committed this fault?’ Upon this, Jabalah lied and said that he had not slapped anyone and that he had simply asked a question. However, he left that gathering immediately and returned to his country with his people after which they became apostates and fought alongside the Byzantines in the battles against Muslims; however, Hazrat Umarra did not show any concern for him.” (Sair-e-Ruhani (Part 2), Anwarul-Ulum, Vol. 16, pp. 43-43)

This was the level of equality which was established by the Muslim government and this is a lesson for the Muslim governments of today.

Insha-Allah, these narrations will continue in the future sermons.

At this time, I will speak about some deceased members.

First is Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib, who was the local president [sadr] of the Jamaat in Waldshut, Germany and was formerly the national president of Khuddam–ul-Ahmadiyya and also the former national secretary for tarbiyat in Switzerland. He passed away on 12 May at the age of 41 upon falling ill during his descent after successfully climbing Mount Everest and raising the flag of Ahmadiyyat at its peak. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, his parents, one brother and

two sisters.

National President [Amir] of the Jamaat in Switzerland, Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib writes: “From the very outset till his demise, Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib remained an active member of the Community. Both as a member of the Community and as an office-bearer, he was an exemplary and loyal Ahmadi. Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib would always carry out his responsibilities pertaining to the Community with great humility; there was no sign of arrogance in him. He would not only urge people to help others, but he established his own example in this regard. He went to Africa for various IAAAE [International Association for Ahmadi Architects and Engineers] projects where he served the people, and many youngsters went to Africa after seeing his example.

“When he was appointed as the national president of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, he searched for new ways to carry out the education and moral training of the youth and to save them from the materialistic mentality and allures of Europe. His financial sacrifice was also exemplary.”

One of his sons, Talha Warraich, is studying in Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany, and Amir Sahib writes: “He raised his children well”, as a result of which his son is studying in Jamia. “In short, the late Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib was an exemplary Ahmadi who fulfilled the rights owed to God and the rights owed to His creation.”

Non-Ahmadis have also expressed their sorrow upon his passing. Mr Stefen Lorch writes, “I worked with Waheed Wararich Sahib for many years in a company called Swisscom, Switzerland’s largest telecommunications company. I worked with him in his team for about a year.

My respect for him was not only because of his aptitude in his field of work, but especially because of the way in which he carried himself. Waheed Warraich Sahib always exhibited excellent morals, helped others, and was an honest and trustworthy individual. I also enjoyed speaking to him about things not related to work.”

The missionary writes: “The deceased possessed many great qualities. He loved Khilafat. He regularly offered the Friday prayers at the mosque and strove to offer the other prayers at the mosque as well. He also regularly offered the Tahajud prayers.”

National Secretary Finance, Rizwan Sahib writes: “The deceased used to work at the Microsoft branch in Switzerland as a software engineer. Once, he told me that the Microsoft branch in Switzerland was being shut down and was moving to Silicon Valley and they offered him to go along. They would provide everything, his salary would increase and they would help him move everything from Switzerland. However, he said that he refused because he could not leave his responsibilities to the Community.

He could not abandon them and leave [for Silicon Valley].

“After a few days, he said that by the grace of Allah, that branch was bought by a large Swiss company called Swisscom. He said that they were trying to take him away, but Allah the Almighty made arrangements here; and not only that, Allah also bestowed His grace in such a manner that his salary here increased to even more than that of his

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The National Secretary for Umur-eKharijah [Foreign Affairs], Zahid Sahib says: “I knew him for 26 years. I had the opportunity of serving with him in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. He was a very respectable and dignified individual, regular in offering prayers and fasting, devoted to worship, very hardworking, loyal and obedient to Khilafat. He was a kind friend and a sociable person. From his youth, he had a different disposition as compared to other youth. I never saw him angry, nor did I see any traces of anger on his face or in the tone of his voice. I never saw him raise his voice or speak in a harsh tone. Even if mistakes were made, he would take us aside and explain in a kind manner.

“He met everyone – young and old – in a polite manner and with a smile. He always had a slight smile on his face. He was a living example of being ready to sacrifice one’s life, wealth, time and honour. Not only did he guide many youths in Switzerland regarding their education and future, but there are dozens who he helped in securing work.

“Under Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, he established the Ahmadiyya Hiking Club and introduced many youths to hiking. He possessed an extraordinary determination.”

He further says, “Once, I asked him whether he felt afraid while hiking. He said that he did, and his family did not like it, but the solution he came up with was that he met with the Khalifa.” He came and met me. “And he presented the suggestion that if permission was granted”, that is, if I granted him permission, “then he intended to climb the highest peaks in each of the seven continents and raise the flag of Ahmadiyyat on each one.”

He said that he expressed his anxiousness lest I did not give him permission to do this, but I told him that he should raise the flags if he was able to do so.

Zahid Sahib says: “[He said] as a result, insha-Allah, this was exactly what he would do. Thus, this young man never looked back and tirelessly worked to attain this great objective. He climbed one peak after the other. He was able to raise the flag of Ahmadiyyat at the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest.”

[Zahid Sahib] further states: “I do not know whether his demise can be considered a martyrdom or not; however, from what I have personally witnessed, I can say that he had such passion for his faith which is only found amongst those virtuous people who seek to attain the station of martyrdom.”

In my view, he indeed had a noble objective and with great zeal, he tried to convey the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat and the unity of God Almighty and proved successful in this endeavour. He returned to his Lord in his endeavour to fulfil this noble objective and thus, he most surely must have attained the rank of a martyr.

We also pray to Allah the Almighty that may He grant him the station of martyrdom and count him amongst the martyrs.

His father, Khadim Hussain Warraich Sahib says: “We saw that our son was continuing to excel and was climbing one mountain after the other and he never looked back. My friends would ask me why I wouldn’t stop him, as this is a very dangerous hobby to have. I would respond by saying that even

if I were to try, he wouldn’t stop because he has a passion foir raising the flag of the Jamaat on every high peak of the world and to spread the message of the Unity of God.” A friend writes, “Once, I asked Sadr Sahib [Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib] what he would listen to on his phone whilst climbing mountains in order to motivate himself. Sadr Sahib told me that he had downloaded the books of the Promised Messiahas and he would listen to those while on his journeys.”

Similarly, he says, “Once, I asked Sadr Sahib how he would offer his worship at such high altitudes and in such extreme cold. He said, ‘Murabbi Sahib, I thoroughly enjoy worshipping [Allah] on mountains.

The thought crosses my mind that the prophets of Allah the Almighty used to seclude themselves on mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of this world in order to worship.’” He further says, “Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib once told me about one of his journeys that while climbing the Denali Mountain, which is located in North Alaska and is the coldest mountain in the world, his index finger froze. When he showed the wound to a doctor” as a wound had formed, “the doctor said that it was completely frozen and was no longer functioning with the body, and so he said that they would have to cut it off immediately. Sadr Sahib replied that this was the finger for shahadah [declaring the unity of God] which he used during prayers to bear witness to the Oneness of God, and under no circumstances could he have this finger cut off. Afterwards, Allah the Almighty bestowed His grace and through prayers, that finger was completely healed.”

May Allah the Almighty also enable his children to continue his virtuous deeds.

His good qualities were greater than just what others have mentioned and which I personally have seen in him as well. He would demonstrate utmost obedience to every instruction of the Khalifa. He did not merely claim this verbally, in fact, he was extremely loyal and sincere and would strive to continue progressing in this. He was among such individuals who leave behind a void. In any case, as I said, that his objective was to raise the flag of Allah the Almighty’s religion and His Unity in all the peaks, which he was able to successfully achieve.

May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station.

The next funeral is of respected Amatul Noor Sahiba, wife of Dr Abdul Malik Shamim Sahib, and daughter of Amatul Rasheed Begum Sahiba and Mian Abdur Rahman Sahib. She passed away on 15 June [2021] in Washington. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, she was a musia. She was the greatgranddaughter of the Promised Messiahas and on her mother’s side, she was the greatgranddaughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. She was the maternal granddaughter of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and Hazrat Syeda Amatul Haye Sahibara, and the paternal granddaughter of the companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Prof Ali Ahmad of Bihar. As I mentioned, she married Dr Abdul Malik Shamim Sahib, son of Maulvi Abdul Baqi Sahib. Allah the Almighty

granted them two daughters.

Her nikah was announced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. After reciting the Quranic verses that are recited during the nikah ceremony, he stated: “In the verses recited on the occasion of a nikah, it is also mentioned that in order for one to reform their deeds, it is necessary for them to always speak the truth. The majority of troubles and worries are brought about as a result of ill actions, and when it comes to mutual relationships, the absence of speaking the truth is what leads to bad deeds being committed. If one were to speak truthfully as behoves a true believer, there would be no room for misunderstandings, nor any risk of disorder or worry.

“May Allah the Almighty enable us all to carry out good deeds, may He bring about the means for us all to reform our deeds, and may we develop the habit of speaking the truth to the extent that it becomes our hallmark.”

Then, another five or six nikahs were announced on this occasion. With regard to these nikahs, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh stated: “One Nikah is of a relative of mine whom I hold very dear to me and is like my daughter. Amatul Noor is the daughter of Mian Abdur Rahim Sahib and of my younger sister Amatur Rasheed Begum.

She is being married to Dr Abdul Malik Shamim, son of Maulvi Abdul Baqi Sahib.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then said, “I pray to Allah the Almighty that through His mercy, He makes them and those being joined in the other five matrimonies the recipients of eternal joy.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then said to each couple and to all Ahmadis, “The real intention should be for the betterment of Islam. After a long period of struggle, Ahmadiyyat is destined to have the final and complete success in the path of the triumph of Islam. Therefore, it is necessary for one generation after the other to attain a proper moral training and to develop the right mentality. If the mercy of God Almighty is not present, then all of one’s efforts would prove futile, useless and fruitless. So our prayer is that with the grace of Allah, these ties of matrimony, the ones which have already been formed within the Community, and the ones to happen in the future, bring about the means for the strengthening and establishment of Islam.”

(Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 10, pp. 478-479) Sahibzadi Amatul Noor Sahiba had the honour of rendering her services to the Jamaat. She served as the national tarbiyat secretary of USA, the national naib sadr of USA, local sadr Lajna Washington and was a member of numerous committees.

Her eldest daughter, Amatul Mujeeb says: “She always gave precedence to her faith over the world. She was extremely compassionate to others. If she was ever able to help others, she would do so in an extraordinary manner. She was always very mindful of her worship. Apart from the five daily prayers, if I ever woke up in the night, I would see her offering the Tahajud prayers.”

Amatul Noor Sahiba’s husband passed away in an accident a long time ago and her daughter states, “After our father passed away, our mother spent 20 years as a widow, but even in this state, she had complete trust in Allah the Almighty. Her gratitude was always very evident and she would always say that Allah the Almighty has showered us

with so many blessings and favours. I would always hear her saying, ‘God Almighty has promised that if we are grateful, He will grant us more, so we should always remain grateful.’ Her qualities of having an open heart, hospitality, true compassion for others and reconciling between people, were very prominent.

“On many occasions, I heard my mother say the words of the Promised Messiahas that true kindness to one’s relations is not only when others show kindness to you. True kindness is when it is demonstrated even when they sever ties with you. I witnessed this quality in her that she would look for the good characteristics in everyone she had a bond with. She took care of her relatives, members of the Jamaat and her neighbours.

If a guest would come to attend the mosque, she would look for them to sit and speak with them and welcome them.”

Countless people have said that she was a very loving person. Her other daughter writes, “She showed great affection to members of the Jamaat, especially to new converts, and people would show a lot of love back to her. She always desired to help everyone. She would always be worried lest she met someone who was in need and she was unable to fulfil their need.”

Amatul Noor Sahiba’s eldest sister, Amatul Baseer Sahiba, writes: “There was an African-American sister by the name of Sister Shakura. When she went to perform Hajj, she saw in a dream that the house of Noshi was in Mecca” – at home, Amatul Noor Sahiba was known as Noshi.

“When sister Shakura went to live with her, Amatul Noor Sahiba said, ‘This was meaning [of the dream] in that you have come to me and I am now serving you.’”

Her sister, Amatul Baseer Sahiba continues writing, “The African-American sister, Shakura, stayed at Noshi’s house for 18 years, eight of which were spent in bed, as her eyesight was lost completely. Noshi took great care of her. She would also help her in her prayers as she would forget.”

I also witnessed her taking great care of sister Shakura. When I visited USA, she would sit her in a wheelchair and bring her to meet me and sister Shakura was very grateful to her for her help.

Amatul Noor Sahiba had a passion for preaching. She would try to take every opportunity to speak about the Jamaat. If ever asked where she was from in Pakistan, she would always reply by saying Rabwah, and from there she would continue her discussion.

There was a Jewish family which had the honour of accepting Ahmadiyyat. In this family is a woman named Ruqaiya Asad who has been a part of USA’s National Amila. She says, “Amatul Noor Sahiba had a very lovely character and many people derived benefit from her. Whoever had the opportunity to spend time in her presence would praise her qualities. She spent her life practically in accordance with Islam Ahmadiyyat, and as a result, people were positively affected by this. She was an example for everyone.

Through narrating various accounts and in light of the writings of the Promised Messiahas, she had dedicated her life to the moral training of the Lajna members. She participated in all the programmes and always volunteered to offer her services. She faced all her difficulties and troubles with patience, forbearance and determination. In

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this regard, she was an example for others.

She preached with love and sincerity and she was at the forefront in looking after guests. She was an example for young and elderly women alike.”

She further writes, “As I grow older, my respect for her continues to increase.” She then writes, “We must serve humankind and take care of the poor and needy, just as Auntie Noshi used all of her time for many years serving even those who weren’t her relatives (that is to say, she had devoted all her time to serve others).”

Likewise, other women, especially African-American women have written that she had a very loving relationship with them and that she taught them so much about the teachings of Ahmadiyyat.

May Allah the Almighty enable her children to also continue her good deeds and remain firmly attached to Khilafat. She always maintained a bond of loyalty with Khilafat. I personally witnessed this as she demonstrated her example of complete obedience and humility. May Allah the Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy.

The next funeral is of Bismillah Begum Sahiba, wife of Nasir Ahmad Khan Sahib Bahadur Sher, former Afsar of Hifazate-Khas. She passed away in Germany on 14 June at the age of 84. Ahmadiyyat was introduced to her family through her father, Hazrat Chaudhary Mazhar-ul-Haqq Khan Sahib Kathgarira. He had the honour of working in the boarding school in Qadian and the Promised Messiahas gifted him a kurta [loose clothing worn in the subcontinent] as tabarruk [blessing]. She has five daughters and two sons. One son, Mahmood Ahmad Sahib, is a missionary and is serving as the missionary-in-charge of Fiji as well as the amir.

Our missionary, Mahmood Ahmad Sahib writes: “After the demise of my father, whatever income would be generated from our land, my mother would first pay the chanda. She would save the money from my father’s pension and not spend it. With this amount she built a mosque in the south of Tahirabad. She always advised us to hold firm to Khilafat.”

He then writes, “After my father passed away, she gave us the love of both a mother and a father and never made us feel we were missing a father. At the time, I was in my first year of Jamia Ahmadiyya and she would often tell me, ‘You are a soldier of the faith. You have dedicated yourself to your faith. You must stand wherever the Khalifa appoints you’, and she would repeat these words right till the end.

“In the beginning, it was only my father who moved from our village to Rabwah.

Due to this, all our friends and family would regularly visit Rabwah and my mother would make food and accommodation arrangements for them in a very cheerful manner. And she would host guests beyond her capacity, despite limited means. She knew full well how to fulfil the rights of neighbours. She always treated my class fellows as her own children. She would often say to me to bring home the students who are from other countries and staying in the hostels, so that they remain attached to Jamia. Students of Jamia would often receive her affection, and many students

A day in the life of the Holy Prophet

We all know that our holy master, Hazrat Muhammad al-Mustafasa led an extremely busy life. A great part of his time was taken up by expeditions carried out for the defence of Islam. Devising strategies for these defensive battles required a great deal of physical and mental exertion, as well as time. Read an account of what a normal day of the Holy Prophetsa would be like when at peace:

www.alhakam.org/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-holy-prophet/ bear witness to this. Her affection was not limited to only those in Pakistan, it in fact extended to the students from Indonesia and African countries. Whatever money she had, she would distribute it or give it in charity, and no one dared to tell her to keep it for herself.”

This missionary was unable to attend the funeral due to his work in the field. As I mentioned, he is the missionary-in-charge and amir of Fiji and thus he could not attend.

May Allah the Almighty grant him and her other children forbearance and patience, and enable them to continue her good deeds. May Allah the Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy.

The next funeral is of Col Javed Rushdi Sahib, son of Chaudhary Abdul Ghani Rushdi Sahib of Rawalpindi. He passed away quite some time ago َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

By the grace of Allah, he was a musi.

After his retirement from the army, he immediately occupied himself in service to the Jamaat. Aside from serving as the talim [education] secretary, Waqf-e-Jadid Secretary and rishta nata secretary, he also served as the local Wasiyyat secretary. He served three terms as the sadr of Satellite

Town, Rawalpindi. He was very regular in his prayers and would financially assist people in a discrete manner. He was compassionate in nature and would always help and guide his relatives, neighbours and others who were facing hardships. He was a good organiser and had a sound understanding of matters. May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy.

After the Friday prayer, I shall lead their funeral prayer, insha-Allah.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al-Fazl International 16 July 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions)

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