Al Hakam - 20 August 2021

From the Markaz The Netherlands Ansarullah amila members meet Huzoor in virtual mulaqat

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Islam is the true standardbearer of universal rights

Taliban Resurgence: The Anglo-Afghan roots of global terrorism

Official English translation of Huzoor’s concluding address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021 Page 18

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Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and the Arab Muslim community of America

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 | Issue CLXXIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Denmark has the potential to be a role model for Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya around the world Denmark Khuddam in the presence of Huzoor

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

Abandoning the Asr prayer

َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ​َ َُ َ َ َ ْ ‫ال َﺣ َّدﺛَ�� أﺑُﻮ ال‬ ‫ ﻗال ﻛ ّﻨا‬،�� ‫ل‬ ‫م‬ ‫ﻗ‬ ، ‫ﺔ‬ ‫ﺑ‬ �� ‫ﻗ‬ � � ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫ﻋﻦ أ‬ ُّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َُْ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ ْ ‫ﻜﺮوا ﺑِالﺼ�� ِة‬ ِ ‫�� ﺑﺮﻳدة �ِ� ﻳﻮ ٍم ذِي ﻏ� ٍ� فﻘال ﺑ‬ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ّ ٰ َ ُ َ َّ َ ‫ف ِﺈن رﺳﻮل الل ِه ﺻلى الله علﻴ ِﻪ وﺳلﻢ ﻗال‬ ُ َ َ ْ َ​َ َ َ ْ َ​َ �ُ �‫َﻣ ْﻦ ﺗ َﺮك َﺻ��ة ال َﻌ ْ� ِ� فﻘد َﺣ ِﺒﻂ ﻋ َم‬ Hazrat Abu Qilabahra narrates that Abu Al-Malih narrated to him, “We were with Buraidah on a cloudy day and he said, ‘Pray early, for the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whoever abandons the Asr prayer, his good deeds will perish.”’”

(Sunan al-Nasai,, Kitab al-Salat, Hadith 474)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A succession of the recipients of revelation and the reformers Now, another matter worthy of reflection is that one form of rain descends so that the seed may be sown, and another form of rainfall descends so that the seed may grow, develop and flourish. In the same manner, the rain of prophethood descends to sow the seed. After this, the rain of the recipients of divine revelation [muhaddithin] and the Reformers [mujaddidin] falls, so that this seed may sprout, grow and develop as alluded to in the following verse: Photo courtesy of Solid-Engineering

On 14 August 2021, members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Denmark were given the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual meeting. For the mulaqat, the khuddam

were seated in the Nusrat Jahan Mosque complex in Copenhagen.

After conveying his salaam, Huzooraa asked if the covid restrictions in Denmark were lifted; to which, Sadr Sahib replied in

the affirmative and said that the restrictions were lifted that very day (14 August).

The meeting started with a recitation of the Holy Quran and its Urdu translation.

Continued on next page >>

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

“Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.”

Continued on page 3

Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

2 << Continued from previous page

Next, a hadith was presented.

After the hadith, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was informed that the khadim who presented the hadith was from Italy and was originally from an Arab country.

Speaking with the khadim, Huzooraa asked what he was doing in Denmark; responding, he said that he had come to Denmark four years ago and was working as a teacher in Denmark. He said that he had done bai‘at two years ago and was currently preaching to his family too, who are not Ahmadi. He requested Huzooraa to pray for them. Upon this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “Okay, Allah bless you.”

Then, the Urdu translation of the hadith was presented; following which, an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas was read out.

Next, khuddam were given the opportunity to pose questions to Huzooraa.

The first khadim to ask a question stated that he had been living in Denmark for the past six years, looking at the society, he asked Huzooraa about the best method of raising children in a society that did not adhere to Islamic customs.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that it was of utmost importance for parents to establish a bond of friendship with their children so that they felt comfortable sharing things with their parents, which they may hear or learn in school.

“When they share things with you,” Huzooraa said, “instead of shying away, you should answer their questions.

At times, due to your upbringing in Pakistan, it is possible that you will feel some embarrassment [in answering some questions]; nevertheless, you should reply to your children from an Islamic point of view.”

Huzooraa further said: “Firmly establish in their minds that ‘you are an Ahmadi’; educate them about Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam. [Explain to them] why we are Ahmadis and what our objectives and ambitions are. The goal of materialistic people is to seek and go after their material desires; whereas our Continued from page 1

I have stated countless times that prophethood serves as an anchor for divinity. An individual who rejects prophethood, slowly but surely reaches a state where they deny the existence of God. Moreover, sainthood serves as an anchor for prophethood. When a person rejects a saint, eventually and gradually they lose their faith.

At present, you may observe that a period of over 1,300 years have elapsed since the Messenger of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. If God Almighty had remained completely silent until this time and if He had not manifested Himself, Islam would have no more value than a tale or fable and it would have no distinction or superiority over any other religion. For example, the Hindus attribute miracles to their saints and relate these stories as they appear

objectives are far greater; and to achieve this goal, efforts must be made from childhood.”

Huzooraa added that if children felt that their parents won’t listen to their questions or answer them, and instead they will be scolded, then issues could arise.

Next, a khadim asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa about blasphemy laws. He said that a few years ago, the blasphemy law was lifted and that public insults of religion were no longer forbidden. He asked Huzooraa if there should be laws in countries to stop others from mistreating the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that it was Allah the Almighty who guarded the honour of the prophets and that worldly laws did not make any difference. Huzooraa said that attention should be drawn towards what real freedom was. Freedom does not give anyone the liberty to steal money from others. Freedom does not mean that one is free to burgle someone else’s house. This is not freedom, and those who do this are held accountable and must answer to the law.

Huzooraa said that whether there was a law to punish blasphemy or not, “In order to establish peace, it should be vital for all citizens to take care of the sentiments of others. And when people’s sentiments are cared for, an atmosphere of peace will be established automatically.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa further added that the Holy Quran admonished everyone to live together in peace, harmony, and brotherhood. “If society was to follow this principle, then all other problems would be resolved,” Huzooraa remarked.

A khadim asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa if, at any stage in the future, the forces of Dajjal [the Antichrist] could wage a physical war against the Jamaat, and whether Ahmadis would have to fight back in such a case.

Answering this, Huzooraa said that if such a time came where any country or any worldly government used force to eradicate and annihilate religion, at such a time, Ahmadis would be permitted to fight. in their puranas and shastras, but can demonstrate no such feats today. In the same manner, if today the miraculous signs of Islam were related by Muslims as they appear in their books, but they could not show any such signs in this day and age, what superiority would it possess over other religions? Human nature is such that it expresses a dislike and aversion to such things that do not possess a superiority over others.

Faith in Islam would fall weak if it did not possess a superiority, because faith cannot remain strong unless it finds perfection in a matter. Therefore, the hedge of sainthood has been planted around the tilth of prophethood. You may reflect and see how clear and subtle a response this is to those who raise objections against God taking oaths.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 234)

Huzooraa said that at this current time, no wars were being fought to eradicate any religion; rather, the wars in this day and age were fought for geopolitical reasons.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said one should pray that such circumstances did not arise whereby one would have to fight a physical war to defend all faiths.

Next, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked how Allah the Almighty spoke to His loved ones, especially, in this day and age, with the chosen Khulafa.

Answering, Huzooraa said: “Allah the Almighty has various ways in which He speaks. The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, has expounded on this matter in great detail; read the book, Haqiqatul Wahi; it will be clear how Allah does so. At times, He communicates through dreams, and at other times, through visions. Sometimes, a thought arises in one’s heart and the matter is envisaged in the person’s heart. Some are informed by Allah through revelation.

Thus, Allah has various ways, and which He deems most suitable for a person He does so as He wills […]

“Allah guides the Khulafa in the same way I have mentioned. Allah the Almighty also produces results of actions as He is the One who gives guidance. At times, unbeknownst to the person, he is being guided and he does not realise. When he prays, a pathway suddenly opens.

And when he walks along that path, and he is welcomed with success, he then understands that it was in fact the Will of God. Thus, there are various ways [in which Allah speaks].”

A khadim who recently converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat, asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa how one could elevate their level of taqwa and what the best form of tabligh was.

Huzooraa answered: “I have spoken at length with reference to the Holy Quran, hadith, excerpts of the Promised Messiah; and even in my recent Jalsa speeches and addresses. So, if you practice these things [I have mentioned] you will increase the level of your taqwa.

Pray to Allah the Almighty that He helps

you to increase your level of taqwa.”

With regard to the best method of tabligh, Huzooraa stated: “You cannot force anybody. Allah the Almighty said to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that ‘you can do tabligh, but you cannot impose your teaching on anyone, and you cannot compel anyone to follow you.’ This is why Allah the Almighty has said: ۡ ّ َ َّ َ َّ ۡ َ ۡ ّ َۡ َ ۡ َۤ ‫الرُش ُد ِم َن الغ ِ ّی‬ ‫الدی ِن � قد تبین‬ ِ ‫لا ِاک َراہ فِی‬ “‘There is no compulsion in faith. Right has become distinct from wrong’, but you cannot force. You may only tell them. If they accept, that is well and good. If they don’t accept, then pray for them that Allah the Almighty help them accept […]

“The mother of Abu Hurairahra used to speak ill of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. One day, Hazrat Abu Hurairahra came to the Holy Prophetsa and he was crying. He said, ‘O Prophet of Allah! Pray for my mother. She uses very foul words against you.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Okay, I will pray. And you should also pray.’ That was the time for the acceptance of the prayer.

“When Abu Hurairahra reached home, his mother was taking a bath and when she came outٰ from the bathroom, she said ّٰ ُ ٌ َ ُ ّ َّ ٰ َ ‫ �� ِإ� َ� إ�� الل ُه �حَ ّمد َر ُﺳ ْﻮل الله‬and immediately, her heart changed. So, prayers work”.

Next, a khadim asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa about the rights of women in relation to her husband and family.

Huzooraa said that if one was to focus on the address delivered during Jalsa Salana [2021], then the answer would become clear as this topic was expounded upon in detail.

Huzooraa said: “I presented the summary of a lengthy hadith where a female companion mentioned to the Holy Prophetsa [various obligations that men fulfil, such as] men offer prayer, give alms, work to earn money, and then also go for jihad, and Hajj; she said that women were kept back from performing such acts and were to stay at home and perform their domestic responsibilities. She then asked whether

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

women could be equals to men in terms of reward, after carrying out their specific responsibilities. Hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative.”

From this, Huzooraa said, it became evident that reward was equal for both men and women. “Allah the Almighty, in various places of the Holy Quran, has mentioned that men will receive the reward of their good deeds and so shall women receive the reward of their good deeds […] If a wife raises a child in a way whereby the child’s tarbiyat is a priority, is she not deserving of being treated well? If a wife is looking after the home, is she not entitled to being looked after? […]”

If one just pondered over the hadith mentioned earlier and also in the address, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, then they would find both men’s and women’s rights and rewards were mentioned.

Upon being asked which places Huzooraa had enjoyed visiting for sightseeing, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that when he went on tours to other countries, he was able to see various places and that he had seen beauty in various locations he had visited.

A khadim asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how Allah the Almighty could be Gracious and Merciful, but at the same time, many people developed health issues and illnesses, such as schizophrenia.

Huzooraa said that illnesses occurred due to various reasons, whether the causes were after birth or prior. Huzooraa said that one’s environment and circumstance also played a factor in this. Hazrat Khalifatul

Masih Vaa said: “The law of nature dictates that if one goes to an area where malaria is widespread and is bitten by mosquitoes, then the final result will be that they will fall ill with malaria […] Now, does one ask, ‘Children are innocent, why are they developing malaria?’ If a mosquito bites them, they will obviously be affected with malaria. And similarly, there are some illnesses like schizophrenia or depression which develop due to circumstances. Yes, however, Allah the Almighty’s graciousness is that with such a condition, when such a person commits a wrong deed, Allah does not punish them for their sins […].”

Huzooraa added that one always looked at the reward given in this life; however, Allah had kept some reward to be given in the next life. Huzoor further said, “It is well-nigh possible that a person who is seen to be in a poor condition may be in a loftier state than you in the Hereafter […].”

After this, Huzooraa said that there were only five to seven minutes remaining and “if anyone wishes to ask a question, he may do so.”

A khadim who lived very far from the mosque asked Huzooraa if he was able to offer the Friday prayer at home.

Huzooraa said: “If you are alone, you can only offer the Zuhr prayer, not Jumuah. If you are married, and there are three persons at home, then you can pray [Jumuah] at home.

“While living in Ghana, I lived in a village where there was no Ahmadi; thus,

my wife and I would offer Jumuah together, and at times, a student or a missionary would also come and join. If you are able to find three persons, then you may offer Jumuah at home; and if not, then offer Zuhr […]”

Upon being asked why the media targeted Islam, Huzooraa smiled and said: “This can only be answered by the media […] The fact is that the world is unaware of the true face of Islam. The world has only seen Muslims at war with each other in Syria. The world has seen cruelty happening in Yemen. The world has seen the Taliban commit brutalities. The world has seen Al Qaeda commit oppression for no reason […].”

Huzooraa said that the world had seen immoral things committed in the name of Islam. Thus, it was a matter of showing the true face and teachings of Islam.

Huzoor further said: “In this day and age, it is the responsibility of members of the Promised Messiah’sas Jamaat to show others the reality and true image of Islam. This is your duty. Why is it that have you not yet spread the true message of Islam to every citizen in your country, and to every person who works in the media, and why have you not written columns [showing the true image of Islam] in newspapers.”

Huzooraa explained that when the world would come to know of the true teachings of Islam, they would cease to speak against it. Huzooraa asked about the total population of the country; to which the khadim responded that there were five

million people in the country. Huzooraa said, “You can easily distribute pamphlets [explaining the true teachings of Islam] to a population of five million.”

When people would come to know of the true Islam, people who previously spoke against Islam would accept that they had made an error. “Countless people have said this to me,” Huzooraa said, “who then go on to write in support of Islam.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was then asked if one should do tabligh on social media platforms where other people raised objections and allegations and used indecent language.

Answering this, Huzooraa said that that was their character, to show immorality.

Huzooraa explained that when one answers an objection or allegation, it should be done so in keeping with good moral conduct and language. Huzooraa added that though the answer may not benefit the person who raised the objection, it may help a person who was in search of the truth.

As the mulaqat drew to a close, Huzooraa asked how many khuddam there were in Denmark. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Denmark has the potential to become a role model for Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya around the world […] [Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, Denmark] can be an ideal Majlis.”

Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

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From the Markaz

Work for Allah alone: The Netherlands Ansarullah amila members meet Huzoor in virtual mulaqat

On 15 August 2021 the national amila of Majlis Ansarullah the Netherlands met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

The meeting started with silent prayer led by Huzooraa.

Addressing Zia-ul-Qamar Siddique Sahib, Naib Sadr Saf-e-Daum, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how many Ansar members were in saf-e-daum and how many owned bicycles. Naib sadr saf-e-daum replied by saying there were 179 Ansar and 150 of them owned bicycles.

Huzooraa instructed, “Ask the others to get bicycles too.” He then asked whether 150 of the Ansar actually rode their bicycles, or they just stored them at home. To this, the naib sadr saf-e-daum said that about 70 Ansar regularly used them.

Advising the naib sadr saf-e-daum, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said to make plans himself and not to depend on instructions from Sadr Majlis Ansarullah. Huzooraa said that apart from cycling, other forms of exercise and various programmes should be taking place too.

Nazeer Ahmad Awan Sahib, Qaid Umumi was next to speak. Addressing him, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said “Your duty is one of utmost importance.” Huzooraa asked how many majalis there were in the Netherlands and the total number of Ansar.

To this, the qaid umumi said there were 14 majalis and a total of 288 Ansar. Huzooraa asked if all the majalis were sending regular monthly reports, to which the qaid umumi said they were.

Qaid maal was next to speak to Huzooraa.

Advising him, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa urged working from the grassroots when preparing the annual budget and said to pay special attention to those who were financially affluent.

Speaking to Ataul Hayye Sahib, Qaid Tajnid and Qaid Ta‘lim, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that the Netherlands Jamaat should be 100% sure of the tajnid numbers as it was such a small country.

Huzooraa said every Jamaat member who comes to the country should be accounted for.

Regarding ta‘lim, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said every national amila member should read the prescribed book set for all Ansar members to read. The qaideen, zu‘ama and nazimeen should be asked too if they have read the book and

then the rest of the Ansar in the majlis.

Huzooraa stressed that it was imperative that office-bearers acted on instructions first and then encouraged others to follow.

“If your amilas at different levels become active, then 60% of your work will already be achieved […]”

Addressing Amir Sahib the Netherlands – who is an honorary member of the Ansarullah amila in the Netherlands – Huzooraa asked him to take a seat and said: “Your duty is just to pray for Ansarullah that they work. Allah bless you [...] May Allah the Almighty give you sound health and bless you.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa next spoke to Zubair Akmal Sahib, Qaid Tabligh, and asked about tabligh activities. Huzooraa said: “Make big and ambitious plans.”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said a team effort of all the Jamaat in the Netherlands – Khuddam, Lajna and Ansar – could be implemented to spread the message of Islam. Huzooraa said: “Some tasks can be performed and fulfilled collectively.”

On spreading the true message of Islam, Huzooraa said: “Keep a certain target in mind, that you are to get rid of all the doubts raised against Islam. You say that the people of the Netherlands are good people and do not raise many allegations, apart from one part of society. So you should take benefit from this and convey to them the true message.”

Regarding tabligh events and peace conferences that are held in the Netherlands

by Ansarullah, Huzooraa said: “Their publicity should be in newspapers and on social media etc. so that people can find out that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is a community that conveys the true message of Islam.”

Speaking with Qaid Isha‘at, Imran Aziz Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said the Ansar magazine should be published at least quarterly and educated Ansar should write for the magazine in whatever language they pleased. Huzooraa asked about the efforts on social media by the Ansar and said detailed data should be available for the results of tabligh efforts online.

Speaking to Qaid Isar, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said Ansarullah the Netherlands should carry out relief projects in Africa too.

“Can you not make a whole model village in 80,000 euros?”

To this, Sadr Ansarullah the Netherlands, Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib responded by saying, “Huzoor, we will definitely try to, insha-Allah.”

While addressing Abdul Wasay Mubashar Sahib, Muavin Sadr, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked his age, to which he said he was reaching 70. To this, Huzooraa remarked, “70? Then you are young! I do not consider myself as old.”

Sultan Ahmad Dar Sahib, who is qaid ta‘lim-ul-Quran, was instructed by Huzooraa to ask amila members to offer themselves for waqf-e-arzi for teaching the Holy Quran to others. Huzooraa said classes could be carried out online too and said those who did not know how to read the Holy Quran should be paired with a nasir who did, so they could be taught.

“Everyone should know how to read the Holy Quran – without this, there is no benefit. Also try that everyone reads the Holy Quran every day and they should also try to read its translation. You should pursue them, as you pursue them with other things.

The way you urge others to give chanda, you do not urge for reading the Holy Quran”.

Addressing the various zu‘ama, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa instructed them to work diligently at the grassroots and said that the Ansar would become active following the efforts of the zu‘ama.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then gave the national amila members the opportunity to ask any questions they had.

The first question was about how to remedy those national amila members and amila members at other levels who get disheartened and demotivated because of the attitude of other Ansar members.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:

“If they [amila members] are working for those members, then feeling discouraged and disheartened is understandable.

However, if they are working for Allah the Almighty, then feeling demotivated and disheartened is not permissible.

“Ansar are not children, are they? MashaAllah, they enter Ansarullah at the age of 40. Some elderly people demotivate others – the person who crosses the age of 65, sometimes criticise others. Or it can be that some younger Ansar do this too. However, generally, it comes from the elderly.

“Nevertheless, you must keep in mind, and tell others too, that ‘we are to work for Allah the Almighty alone’. And when you are to work for Allah the Almighty, then you should not care about the criticism of others. [...]

“When the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, called his relatives [to a dinner] to preach to them, after he got the station of prophethood, they all just ate the food and ran off […] So did the Holy Prophetsa accept defeat? After some time, he invited them back and this time, preached to them his message again and then served them food. However, those stubborn people acted the same as before – they ate and then ran off. But did they cause [the Holy Prophetsa] to be disheartened and dismayed?

“So, we should all be resilient and mentally strong. Whether the criticism is from our own, or from others, we should not care. We should keep in mind that we are working for Allah the Almighty. When we are working for Allah the Almighty, then we should not care about the praise or criticisms of others. Allah the Almighty is to give the reward. When Allah the Almighty

is to give the reward of our works, then ask Him. Why ask of any kind of reward from people?”

The next question was from qaid ta‘lim who said Ansar – including the amila members – did not respond well to the ta‘lim exams they were sent. He asked Huzooraa what his department could do.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “First, start with the amila – if they are not responding, request Sadr Sahib to remove such members from the amila.

There is only one remedy […] If the amila members are not responding themselves, they should remember that we have not given them positions of leadership for the sake of it […] If you all are working at 100% and create perfection amongst yourselves, and the members know – the Ansar know – that their office-bearers work with dedication and zeal and implement the instructions from the Jamaat themselves too whenever they issue instructions, then they will cooperate and not criticise either.

“When they start to feel that amila members do not work themselves and they begin to lose trust [and start thinking] that the amila members are not working – ‘they tell us to fill the exam, yet do not fill it themselves’ – then what else should the Ansar do aside from criticise?

“For this reason, those members who do not cooperate with any programme that you prescribe for a nasir, if an amila member – at any level – does not cooperate, then Sadr Sahib should write to me that this person should be removed. And they should be told that they have such and such weaknesses, which is why they are being removed. This is so that they realise too that they should not be office-bearers for the sake of having

an office; rather, it is to serve.

“When this happens, then the question of qaid umumi [about motivation and courage] will be addressed too and people will cooperate because an atmosphere of trust will be created”.

Huzooraa said 60% of the work could be completed if the amila members cooperated.

The last question was from qaid tabligh, who asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how to encourage the 40 dai‘een ilallah they have in Majlis Ansarullah, to achieve the bai‘at targets.

Huzooraa responded by saying: “Tell the dai‘een ilallah, ‘You offered yourself to preach, so now it is compulsory for you to fulfil your promise.’ Ask them yourself, hold a meeting every month with the dai‘een ilallah and then ask them in the first meeting about the targets they wish to set.

“They should have the target of converting at least one person each – 40 people should set a target of converting 40. Then, hold meetings every month and review their progress and ask them what they did. Those who had the opportunity to do good work should share how they were successful. Those who were not successful should share their reasons too. Then you should discuss these matters amongst yourselves and see how to devise new strategies and tackle the problems.”

Huzooraa said the main aim should be to constantly remind them, otherwise people become relaxed and sit back.

With this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to an end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 20 - 26 August 20 August 1941: Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra, appeal writer from Kapurthala and noble companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away on this day. He was amongst those companions who embraced Hazrat Ahmad’sas message very early on and remained loyal and devoted to his cause till his final days.

The body of Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra was brought to Qadian and was buried near the Promised Messiahas.

On his demise, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, during his Friday Sermon, said

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra arrives in London, 1924 Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra

that Munshi Zafar Ahmad Sahibra was among the men who remained with the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, in the early days, and these people were a walking-and-talking record of thousands of signs of the Promised Messiahas.

Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra began to admire the Promised Messiahas after reading his book, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.

Around 1884, he started to visit Qadian.

He desired to do bai‘at at the hands of Hazrat Ahmadas and would tell the Promised Messiahas, many times, to take allegiance; however, Huzooras would reply that he had not been commanded to do so. When Hazrat Ahmadas was commanded to take bai‘at, he wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra and some other companions. Thus,

Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra reached Ludhiana with other friends and was able to pledge his devotion at the hand of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmad’sra handwriting was very clean and beautiful. When in Qadian, he would write replies on behalf of Hazrat Ahmadas to letters Huzooras would receive.

21 August 1924: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra approached France during his tour of Europe. He left Rome, Italy, by train on the evening of 20 August, and arrived in Paris on 21 August at 9 o’clock in the morning. From there, Huzoorra changed trains and arrived at the French city of Calais at 1:30 in the afternoon.

Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Qadiani has ra

written in his diary of this journey: “The green and lush scenery during the route from Rome to Paris and from Paris to Calais is one that I cannot describe. […] Along the way, tunnels came in abundance; however, on the border of Italy and France came a huge tunnel that was 11 miles long and was dug beneath a mountain, half of which was in Italy and the other half in France.

21 August 1949: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra addressed a large gathering of members of the public about Islam and contemporary Western philosophies.

The lecture lasted for an hour and a half. In addition to the Ahmadis present, approximately 600 listeners were also present.

In this lecture, Huzoorra explained some aspects and teachings of Islam about

monotheism, divorce, the prohibition of alcohol, polygamy, gambling and the death penalty. Huzoorra said that the teachings and philosophies of Islam defeated the theories and philosophies of the West in modern times, in religious, political and economic aspects.

22 August 1921: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was in Kashmir. On this date, Al Fazl reported that on 1 August, Huzoorra went to Srinagar’s locality of Khanyar.

There, he visited the tomb of Prophet Jesusas and prayed.

Huzoorra also gave some money to the caretaker of the tomb to help with its repair. On his return, Huzoorra said that it would be very good if members of the Jamaat, upon visiting this tomb, spared some money to help towards its repair and care.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

22 August 1924: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra reached London’s Victoria Station.

Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Qadiani’sra diary states that Huzoorra, accompanied by his entourage, crossed the English Channel from Paris on this day.

He explained that the sea was raging, due to which friends and passengers suffered from seasickness. After arriving at Dover, Huzoorra took a train which left at four o’clock and reached London at six o’clock.

A large crowd was gathered to welcome Huzoorra. After arriving, Huzoorra prayed at the station and made his way to Ludgate Hill.

This was the first visit of a Khalifatul Masih to London.

22 August 1933: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra received an invitation from the USA. World Fellowship of Faiths from Chicago was organising its second international conference between 27 August and 17 September. Huzoorra instructed the missionaries in America, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali Sahib and Mian Muhammad Yusuf Sahib, to attend the convention.

Huzoorra graciously penned a powerful message for the forum. This message was sent by telegram on Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib this date.

Bengali Sufi Muti-urRahman Sahib conveyed this message as a representative of Huzoorra. This [message] impressed the audience and many people openly admitted that it was the highest quality article. In addition, Bishop Francis Macronal, the president of the conference, wrote a letter of thanks to Huzoorra “Your letter was received by sea. It was read out at the opening of the meeting on Sunday, 27 August at two o’clock, which was the climax of our meeting. All the listeners loved your words of purity.”

23 August 1932: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra set off on a journey towards Lahore. The visit was to attend a reception in honour of Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, acting governor of Punjab.

24 August 1941: The foundation stone of a mosque in Quetta was laid.

The Companions of the Promised Messiahas who were in Quetta placed

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra leading Salat. This photo was taken during his tour to Europe, 1955. Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh can be seen on the left

two bricks of Mubarak Mosque, Qadian on a handkerchief and carried them to the base of the mihrab of the mosque, where they were then installed. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra prayed on these bricks and had them sent to Quetta.

Jamaat members of Quetta earlier had a mosque in this city – the largest city in Balochistan – which caved in during the earthquake of 1935. The new construction was completed by the end of November of the same year. Part of the construction of the mosque was completed through volunteers.

25 August 1934: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra inaugurated the Star Hosiery Works in Qadian.

Huzoorra visited the factory where members of the public were also invited. On this occasion, Huzoorra also gave a short speech in which he gave instructions to the workers and directors of the factory. Huzoorra also said that members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat should use the socks made by this factory. After, Huzoorra led everyone in silent prayer.

25 August 1962: Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra, revered daughter of the Promised Messiahas, blessed the ceremony of the foundation of Mahmood Mosque in Zurich. It was the first purpose-built mosque in Switzerland.

Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra

visited Copenhagen from West Germany, addressed everyone and said: after a short stay at the mission house.

“This is the [inevitable] end of man, yet She made her way to Zurich where she he adopts jealousy, hatred, malice, lies was warmly welcomed. and deception.”

On 25 August, at 10:30am, a special She, was the eldest daughter of Hazrat ceremony was held. Hazrat Nawab ra Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra, wife of Amatul Hafeez Begum placed a brick Maulvi Abdul Wahid Ghaznavi Sahib, of Masjid Mubarak, Qadian, on which and daughter-in-law of Maulvi Abdullah Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra prayed, near Ghaznavi. the mihrab of the Mahmood Mosque, which was still under construction.

26 August 1921: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra addressed the Jalsa of Jamaat Muslims from all over the world also Asnoor in Kashmir. attended, as detailed in Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat. The Swiss Press In fact, on August 26 and 27 August, expressed keen interest in the event. this Jalsa was held at the behest of Representatives of newspapers and ra radio were present in large numbers on Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud . Ahmadis of the Kashmir region gathered and various the occasion. In addition to covering the entire proceedings of the ceremony, other representatives of the Jamaat the radio station also recorded a special came from far and wide. The total attendance was close to 500. On 26 message of Hazrat Nawab Amatul August, Huzoor’sra lecture lasted for four Hafeez Begumra, which was translated and a half hours and the following day, into German by Chaudhry Abdul Latif he spoke for two hours.

Sahib, Imam Baitul Zikr Hamburg.

26 August 1898: Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra daughter, Imama, passed away. She passed away on Friday at the age of 26-27. She left behind two daughters and two sons.

Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra showed great patience at her demise. The Promised Messiahas also attended the funeral prayer. Upon reaching the grave, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra

26 August 1955: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra started his journey back home from London.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stayed in London for one month and 24 days.

On his return journey, he travelled to Zurich from London and then to Karachi. His son, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh stayed behind to pursue his studies there. He would return to Pakistan on 4 October 1957.

8

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

The basic principle of Islam’s beautiful teachings is that one should

not focus on fighting for their own rights; rather, in society, if we wish to create an environment of peace and tranquillity, then we must also focus on fulfilling the rights of others and pay heed to fulfilling the rights that are assigned to each and every one of us. Only then can a spirit of true peace and harmony be established, which covers the rights of every group of people, while also addressing their responsibilities.

— Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021

Ask An Imam initiative by alislam.org Dr Nasim Rehmatullah In-Charge alislam.org

In 1995, alislam.org began as the first Jamaat venture into cyberspace and since then has had an orchestrated progression consistent with the directions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. We were the first to initiate streaming services which primarily streamed Khalifatul Masih’s Friday Sermons. This allowed people without access to satellite dishes to watch the Friday Sermon online. Later, Alislam launched an MTA app, which is now managed by MTA International.

Under further guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, we have been blessed with the rapid growth of Alislam through the digitisation of Islamic content to include books, articles and audio-video content on various digital platforms. Alislam.org has become a reference library and our mission is to be the leading provider of authentic Islamic content to the world by helping people understand the unity of Allah and the unification of man under the banner of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas Qadiani.

To arouse awareness about alislam. org and its vast library of materials, the initial thought was to use marketing via advertisements. However, we realised the better way to showcase alisam.org was to present it piece-by-piece through short discussion formats via various social media outlets.

So, the “Ask An Imam” programme was

launched in 2012. Its primary purpose is to introduce viewers to alislam.org, showcase its content and to entice viewers to visit and utilise alislam.org. Different formats of the show are utilised such as showcasing a brief overview of alislam.org, introducing a feature or a book on the website, discussing a topic or two, and then taking a few questions from viewers.

Another format is covering the latest Friday Sermon of Khalifatul Masih Vaa where viewers are shown how to access the Friday Sermon, a brief talk is given about it and finally a few questions are answered.

A third format is to introduce a book such as Invitation to Ahmadiyyat, by Khalifatul Masih IIra, where small portions of the book are shown, discussed and questions answered.

Each “Ask an Imam” segment is about 30 minutes in length where the addition of thumbnails with titles and tags allows for easy searchability and accessibility.

Additionally, using Restream, a professional platform that allows multi-streams to 30+ platforms, “Ask an Imam’” is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube simultaneously.

Initially, the start of the Ask an Imam programme was slow with only one or two missionaries making recordings. By the grace of God, we are now recording programmes in three languages (English, Urdu and Spanish) in multiple time zones by murabbis around the world in Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, Philippines and the United States.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has directed murabbis to exercise caution when

answering questions on fiqh and that they should defer responding to those questions if there is a concern about information accuracy. Murabbis can later check for accuracy from Jamaat resources and elders and then provide answers to those fiqh questions in future segments, ensuring accuracy holds true for all other topics as well.

One positive aspect of the pandemic is that it has propelled more people online and therefore, Alislam viewership has doubled and the websites digital traffic has increased.

Our Holy Quran applications are particularly popular with people contacting us more frequently and asking more about the website and Ahmadiyya Muslim beliefs.

The complementary benefit is that murabbis are getting better at using alislam.org and answering questions more accurately which is attracting a wider and larger audience.

Alislam.org is a markaz (central) site which is based in the USA and is predominantly run almost entirely by volunteers from Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, the Philippines, the UK and the USA. The team consists of one full-time waqif-e-zindagi (life-devotee), a few murabbis who work part time and an incredible team of female volunteers.

As we’re always looking to make improvements, I would encourage you and your friends to check out “Ask an Imam” and provide your feedback. I would also request you to set alerts on the digital platforms of your choice so you don’t miss out on any of the “Ask an Imam” programmes.

The Alislam team is humbly committed

to continuing its work by following the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community motto “Love for all, hatred for none” and as stated in Holy Quran chapter 19, verse 97: ً ّٰ ‫ِا َّن الَّ ِذیۡ َن ٰا َم ُنوۡا َو َعم ُلوا‬ ّ ‫الصل ِٰح ِت َس َی ۡج َع ُل ل َ ُہ ُم‬ ‫الرَ ۡح ٰم ُن ُو ّدا‬ ِ “Those who believe and do good deeds – the Gracious [God] will create love in their [hearts].”

Below are links to access the “Ask an Islam” initiative.

English • Facebook: alislaminternational - www. facebook.com/alislaminternational/ • Twitter: @alislam - https://twitter.com/ alislam • YouTube: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - www.youtube.com/channel/ UC6YAKW3p7RYFaRUv_cDHupA • Twitch: www.twitch.tv/askanimam Urdu • Twitter/Periscope: @islam_urdu - https:// twitter.com/islamurdu • YouTube: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat - www.youtube.com/channel/ UCnMPp5IzDsSK930uvVPu5zw Spanish • Facebook: Preguntenalimam - https:// www.facebook.com/Preguntenalimam/ • YouTube: Pregunten Al Imam www.youtube.com/channel/ UCcNKA4CKspt5u7tfkFFtgyw • Twitter/Periscope: @preguntenalimam - https://www.periscope.tv/ preguntenalimam/1MnxnlkozdYGO

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

Taliban Resurgence: The Anglo-Afghan roots of global terrorism Asif M Basit Curator Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre

The Taliban are back again. Most of Afghanistan is now under their control and the mantra of Islamic state, Khilafat and the-rule-of-Islam is being chanted once again – in tones that continue to grow louder.

While the media deal with the issue as one of current affairs, a quest for its historical roots is completely ignored; hence blocking off one of the most plausible routes towards resolving it.

The Indian mutiny in 1857 had a long history as well as long-lasting implications that have spanned over all the years and decades that have so far followed. While Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims all fought against the British, Muslims alone were singled out as “violent” and “militant” in their outlook about the British colonial rule. Not often mentioned is the role the British press played in fashioning Muslims as such.

One of the malicious outcomes of the 1857 mutiny was a vicious cycle where the British press would brand Muslims as rebellious and violent, and certain Muslim circles would retaliate to this allegation in, ironically, a “rebellious” and “violent” manner; hence providing the British press more ammunition to attack Islam and its notion of jihad. This then went on in cycles, becoming more aggressive with every rotation.

Serving the colonial agenda, the British press employed a systematic approach (typical to the Western press and media even in this day) in branding Muslims as more of a race than a religion and one with an extremely rebellious approach. WW Hunter’s book, Indian Musalmans works as a good example of this approach with even the title suggesting the marginalising approach adopted therein. Hunter’s conclusion could be summed up as: The majority of Indian Muslims are not “good Muslims”, are fanatically violent and thrive on their belief in “Jihad” which is incumbent upon them.

Muslims, on the other hand, adopted the approach (typical to the Muslim world to this day) of violent retaliation.

The British, who were mostly Christians, did not have to do much to further vilify Islam as ample proof was dished out by the

fanatic response of Muslims themselves.

Unfortunately, the Muslims had very few among them who could counter the British propaganda on the same battlefield with similar weapons i.e. through the press by using words.

The one person usually seen as the Muslim protagonist in such testing times is Sir Syed Ahmad Khan who wrote a detailed review of Hunter’s work. Despite being a good attempt at refuting Hunter’s generalised vilification of Islam, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s review remained a piece aimed at the British government and did no good to reforming the Muslim understanding of jihad.

Christian missionaries found Hunter’s work as a great tool to incite Muslims on carrying out their religious duty of “jihad” which Muslims responded to in a manner favourable to the former.

The only remedy to the situation could come through a double-edged approach: to reform the Muslim understanding of jihad in the given situation and, also,

to inform the government and Christian missionaries that their approach of vilifying Islam was the primary motive behind the violent Muslim reaction.

This was to come through the works of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, who took upon himself to reconfigure the concept of jihad in the Muslim psyche and also to warn the government that provocative works of Christian missionaries were equally responsible for the insurgency witnessed in certain Muslim circles.

This approach of Hazrat Ahmadas makes his work “Jihad and the British Government” one of immense importance in getting to the roots of what we now see as global terrorism. To get an idea of this doubleremedy, I quote two short passages from the above-mentioned work: “It should be remembered that today’s Islamic scholars (who are called maulavis) completely misunderstand jihad and misrepresent it to the general public. The public’s violent instincts are inflamed as a result and they are stripped of all noble

human virtues. This is in fact what has happened […]”

“O Muslim scholars and maulavis!

Listen to me. I tell you truly that this is not the time for jihad. Do not disobey God’s Holy Prophet.”

“At this point I must with great regret say that although ignorant maulavis have instructed the ordinary public in plunder and killing by calling these actions jihad, Christian clerics have also done something similar. They have, in Urdu, Pashto and other languages, produced thousands of publications, journals and flyers alleging that Islam was spread by the sword. This literature has been distributed by them in India, Punjab and the Frontier Region, wrongly claims that Islam is synonymous with violence. The people’s penchant for violence has increased as a result of the combined testimony of the maulavis and Christian clerics. The dangerous lies of the Christian clerics create unrest and Continued on next page >>

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Correspondence between Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and Sir Francis Cunningham, the commissioner and superintendent of Peshawar Ahmadiyya ARC

<< Continued from previous page

rebellion and, in my view, it is essential that our government prohibit them.”

Hazrat Ahmadas identified the North-Western frontier of India and its neighbouring Afghanistan as the epicentre of the fanaticism exhibited in the name of Islamic jihad. Tapping on the root cause, he saw Muslim maulavis and Christian clerics equally responsible for it as both highlighted jihad as being incumbent upon every Muslim against every disbeliever.

Hazrat Ahmadas wrote a letter to Francis Cunningham (the commissioner of Peshawar) informing him that the treatise, Jihad and the British Government had been written in Urdu for the general population to understand and had been distributed free of charge. He offered Cunningham more copies at his own expense to distribute in Peshawar, the frontier region and Afghanistan.

With the situation laid bare before the British government by Hazrat Ahmadas, one is left thinking whether the government even wanted the violence in the name of jihad to end; just as one is left thinking today whether the West actually wants the ongoing violence in the name

of Islam end. It seems as if it suits some greater agenda of the West against Islam.

Very closely linked to the notion of jihad against disbelievers was the punishment for apostasy; the latter practised equally brutally by Muslims of the Frontier region and Afghanistan in the days of the British raj.

Abdul Latifra of Khost, who had remained a confidant of the Amir’s court in Kabul, happened to travel to India.

He had remained instrumental in the Afghan delegation that held negotiations with the Durand commission during the demarcation of the Afghan border.

While in India, he met Hazrat Ahmadas and accepted his teachings. Upon return, he was charged with apostasy, imprisoned and finally stoned to death at the orders of the Amir of Kabul.

Hazrat Ahmadas was deeply hurt at this barbaric act and wrote a detailed treatise titled, Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain.

He pointed out the fact that Kabul had turned into a place where the worst form of atrocity had been carried out in the name of Islam. He saw this act of violence as one that could be understood in isolated form and was to have greater implications

in times to come. The warning, once again, was ignored by the authorities.

That the British government ignored clear and plain warnings by Hazrat Ahmadas is not a claim without proof.

After the publication of TadhkiratushShahadatain, newspapers like Akhbari-Aam and the Civil and Military Gazette published excerpts in their publications. The Amir of Kabul took notice and urged the British government that the account published by Hazrat Ahmadas was libellous and that charges of defamation be brought against him.

The lengthy correspondence between British-Indian government officials that entailed the Amir’s complaint sits in its original form in the Indian National Archives. Every piece of communication between the bureaucrats only seeks ways of how the Amir’s request can be politely declined. Attempts were also made to see if any steps could be taken against Hazrat Ahmadas so as to harbour diplomatic goodwill with the Amir. For instance, a letter from DE McCracken (assistant at headquarters to the general superintendent) to SE Wallace (assistant to the inspector-general of Police, Punjab),

dated 14 January, 1904, states: “I shall be much obliged if you can send me urgently any papers you may have on record relating to discussion of the point whether legal action could be taken against Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Kadian […]”

After much deliberation, the government could not find good reason to prosecute Hazrat Ahmadas, with Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, writing to his officials the following on 2 February 1904: “I should have thought that the best course was to say frankly to the Envoy [of the Amir] that the Amir had laid himself open to violent attacks by the murder of Abdul Latif […]”

The viceroy, being head of the BritishIndian government, knew well about the fate that had struck Abdul Latif, yet no communication with the Amir of Kabul was made in this regard. To further confirm that the British government was aware of the atrocity carried out in the name of Islam, the aforementioned record – marked “SECRET” on almost every folio – has an extract from the “Diary of the British Agent at Kabul” (dated 15 July 1903): “Mulla Abdul Latif having obtained

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 permission had started on a pilgrimage to Mecca from Khost. But on his arrival in India he became a follower of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Kadiani. Thereupon he altered his mind and returned to his province, and effected a change in the minds of the people of the province to a certain extent as to their religious creed.

This matter was reported to the Kabul authorities. By order of the Amir he was arrested and brought in to the Darbar, in which all the Maulvis gave a unanimous opinion that both the Mulla and Ghulam Ahmad, Kadiani, were infidels. Under the orders of the Amir, Mulla Abdul Latif was stoned to death below the gallows. His remains were buried in that very place.”

The silence exhibited by the British government on the brutality of the Amir of Kabul in the name of Islam speaks volumes about where things initially went wrong.

Historians can better decide whether the British diplomacy in the days of the Raj was correct or incorrect (politically and otherwise), but the statement uttered by Hazrat Ahmadas seems to have proven itself true – all along and to this very day: “O land of Kabul, stay witness to the heinous crime committed on your soil.

O unfortunate land, you have fallen in the estimation of God for being home to this extreme brutality.” (TazkiratushShahadatain) Fast-forward the tape of history and pause it at 1924: The same act of brutality was repeated with two other believers of Hazrat Ahmadas, again under direct orders of the Amir of Kabul.

India Office records have a file titled Afghanistan: Persecution of Ahmadiyya Sect (Political, 3607, 1924).

It holds numerous cuttings from British mainstream newspapers that reported a protest meeting held at the Essex Hall in London. We present, as sample, a report published by The Times, London, on 4 September 1924. Headlined “Priest stoned to death” and “sacrifice for his faith”, the column-long story states: “His Holiness the Khalifa-tul-Masih, head of the Ahmadia movement, who is in London, received news yesterday that Niamatullah Khan, the chief priest of the movement in Afghanistan, had been stoned to death by order of the Amir on Saturday […]

“His Holiness stated that the outrage was the culmination of a series of atrocious and barbarous acts directed by the Afghans against the Ahmadia movement owing to its opposition to the preaching of the Holy War. “He added that he intended to appeal to the British Government and the League of Nations to protest against the action of the Amir.”

The Times, London, on 6 September 1924, published a detailed note on how the Amir of Kabul had ordered the execution by stoning of an Ahmadi as a punishment for apostasy, stating clearly: “The execution by the Ameer’s orders of Maulvi Nimatulla Khan, who was stoned to death after months of torture, is regarded as significant of the seriousness of the position in Afghanistan”.

The British bureaucracy, in Simla and Continued on next page >>

11

Telegram from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to the League of Nations League of Nations Records, UNO Archives – This image cannot be reproduced, copied or transmitted without the written permission of the League of Nations Records, UNO Archives

Acknowledgement by the League of Nations League of Nations Records, UNO Archives – This image cannot be reproduced, copied or transmitted without the written permission of the League of Nations Records, UNO Archives

Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

12 << Continued from previous page

A leaf from history Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in Paris

Photos courtesy of © Roger-Viollet

Whitehall both, could not ignore the protest meeting widely reported by the British press. The highlight was the resolution passed during the protest meeting that had been presided by Dr Walter Walsh and signed by not only Muslim dignitaries but

by English intelligentsia as well. Among the English signatories were the likes of HG Wells, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sir Francis Younghusband.

This resolution, sent to the prime minister of the United Kingdom and to the president of the League of Nations, called for stopping the growing religious extremism in Afghanistan in its tracks, before things got out of hand.

There is evidence that the president of the League of Nations received it – and thanked for it – but no further action can be found in the League of Nations records (now part of the UNO records in Geneva).

Whitehall and Westminster can be seen, through the aforementioned India Office records, grappling with the situation. The records reveal shocking facts.

Ministers from the Home and Foreign Offices are seen seeking advice from Scotland Yard as to whether they should honour the invitation and attend the protest meeting.

Titled An Extract from Report by New Scotland Yard, a report was sent back to the ministers by an Arthur Field. The report opens with the following words: “Regarding a meeting called for Wednesday, 17th September, 1924, at 8.15 at Essex Hall, when ‘His Holiness the Khalifat ul Masih’ will speak at a meeting to protest against the Muslim populace stoning one of the Ahmadi schismatics to death, I unhesitatingly ask you not to attend.”

Letters are sent to and fro by ministers – their bureaucrats scribble notes in the margins – and then, finally, the Foreign and Political Department, India, writes back to LD Wakely (Secretary, Political Department, India Office, London), on 25 November 1924: “The Government of India consider that it would be dangerous to make any representation, however informal, to the Afghan Government in the matter […]”

(India Office Records, Political/Secret P4828, 1924) While religious extremism in Afghanistan was in its formative phases, the British government was fully aware of it and also, possibly, of what it could grow into. The Amir of Kabul was a puppet with his strings tied to the British diplomats in India (proof of which will be provided in a separate article); presenting the best opportunity for the British to mould the extremist mindset that prevailed the Afghan Muslim scene.

Yet, the British government turned a blind eye to the menace in the making and let it grow into the monster that now embraces the whole world.

The Taliban insurgence is worrying.

Their plans are extremely disturbing.

But while the West looks at resolving the situation, they might want to take a quick jog down the annals of history. Clues to the solution could still be lying around covered in the dust of time.

It was raining heavily and in this rain of blessings, Huzoor[ra] entered the Grand Mosque of Paris. The architect showed Huzoor[ra] around the mosque and led him to the mihrab. Huzoor[ra], standing in the mihrab, asked Hafiz Roshan

Ali Sahib to call the Azan. This Azan was the first Azan ever to be called in this mosque and the Salat that followed – led by Hazrat Khaifatul Masih II[ra] – was the first ever salat to be offered in this mosque.

(Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Qadiani’sra account of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra visit to France in 1924, taken from his diary, published as Safar-e-Europe)

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

The blessed countenance that calls to the true Islam: How the photo of the Promised Messiah has changed the lives of many Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam View from the Window at Le Gras, the first-ever photograph – or at least first ever surviving photo – was taken by French scientist and inventor, Nicéphore Niépce.

Since then, the art of photography and capturing moments came into existence.

In this day and age, many are awestruck after seeing a spectacular, striking and stunning photo; a moment, as some would describe, “too good to be true.”

In the 10 August 1899 issue of Al Hakam, an announcement was published with regard to a group photo and a portrait photo of the Promised Messiahas. This was, quite rightly, the first time in history where a photo of a prophet of God was taken. This moment in history proves to be so powerful that its effects are still being manifested to this day.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra, in his book, Zikr-e-Habib, writes: “The Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, intended to write a book for publication in Europe, which was to be translated into English by Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib. It was suggested that since there are physiognomists and sketch artists in Europe, who can judge a person’s moral condition just by looking at their picture, it would be necessary to attach pictures of the author and translator to the book. A photographer was called from Lahore for this purpose, who took the required pictures separately. But later, at the request of others, a group photo was also taken.” (Zikr-e-Habib, p. 299) This moment in history has played a huge role in changing one’s fate for the better.

When a portrait of the Promised Messiahas was published in The Review of Religions and sent to Western countries, letters came pouring in from many people addressed to Hazrat Ahmadas. Huzoor’sas photo had had a great impact on people who saw it. In the letters, many people said, “The person in this photo is not a liar.”

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 58) Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra writes, “Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib used to say that when we showed the picture of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, to some great men of Europe, they said, ‘He is a great thinker.’” (Zikr-e-Habib, p. 300) He further writes, “Dr Qazi Karam Ilahi Sahib […] used to say that during the days when he was a doctor in a psychiatric hospital, in Lahore, an Englishman came who claimed to have physiognomic skills by merely looking at pictures. Many people

The first photograph taken of the Hazrat Ahmadas after his claim

would show him some pictures just for amusement. [Looking at the photos] he would state what kind of a person was in the photo. “[Dr Qazi Karam Ilahi Sahib states] ‘I also put a picture of the Promised Messiahas in front of him and asked, “What is your view about this person?” He looked at the photo for a considerable amount of time. Finally, he said, “This is a picture of an Israeli prophet.” “‘I think the word “Israeli” was said because Jews and Christians, in general, do not believe that anyone had received prophethood after the Israelite prophets.”’”

(Zikr-e-Habib, p. 300) It is recorded in the history of Ahmadiyyat that once, an American lady, after seeing Huzoor’sas photo, expressed her desire to continue to observe Huzoor’sas countenance. She said, “[The person in this photo] looks exactly like Jesus Christ.”

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 58)

There is no way of finding how and why this lady said this; however, what is certain is the impact the photo of the Promised Messiahas can have on a person.

It is also recorded that a lady who was a physiognomist, after seeing Hazrat Ahmad’sas photo, said, “His face resembles that of prophets.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 58) Whilst serving as a missionary in America, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra recalls: “When I was in the United States, I received a letter from a lady who resided in another city, wherein she stated, ‘I was met by a pious Indian gentleman in a vision who guided me through my difficulties.

Can you tell me who he is?’ I sent her a few photos [for her to identify the person in her dream], one of which was of the Promised Messiahas. Marking the photo [of Hazrat Ahmadas], the lady sent me a letter saying, ‘This is the pious man [I saw in a

vision].’” (Zikr-e-Habib, p. 300) Prior to the spread of the coronavirus, each year, after completing the Shahid exams, newly qualified missionaries of Jamia Ahmadiyya UK were sent to various parts of Africa.

I was sent to Ghana for a month. I had heard much about Ghana from the previous missionaries who were also sent there. Personally, I was very excited to see the country where Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa had served for over eight years.

Among the things I took with me, I made sure to include a few photographs of the Promised Messiahas so that I could show to the people of Ghana, a photo of the Messiah who was promised by the Holy Founder of Islam, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

One day, after the Fajr prayer, a young man, in his early 20s, came to the mosque where I was based. As is customary in Ghana – at least where I was – after each prayer, members of the Jamaat remain seated and recite the centenary prayers prescribed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Seeing this, the young man was perplexed.

After the prayer, when all members had left, this young man began asking me questions rather aggressively and said, “When did the Holy Prophetsa ever say to recite these prayers after Salat.”

I could understand this young man’s reaction; however, what I couldn’t understand was why he was so aggressive.

I explained to him the purpose of the prayers and why we recited them. I even explained that the Holy Prophetsa had prescribed some prayers for certain stages and periods in life.

We remained seated in the mosque and talked for over an hour. I had provided him a reasonable answer to which he felt some satisfaction. However, his behaviour remained the same.

As we walked outside, the sun had already risen quite high. I had my diary in one hand. Inside my diary were some photos of the Promised Messiahas. As we made our way towards the mosque’s gate, I started flicking through my diary. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the photo of Hazrat Ahmadas. Seeing the photo, his entire body language, voice and character changed.

He asked, “Who is this?”

I explained to him that the person in the photo was the Messiah and Imam Mahdi who was foretold to come in the Latter Days. I handed the photo to him and he observed it for quite some time.

This was my first experience of seeing someone view the photo of the Promised Messiahas for the first time. Since then, he regularly started attending the Fajr prayer in the Jamaat’s mosque.

A recent example of how people are accepting and entering Islam Ahmadiyyat after seeing the photo of the blessed countenance of Hazrat Ahmadas was mentioned by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa whilst delivering the faith-inspiring second-day address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021. Huzooraa said: “Our missionary in Argentina, Marwan Sarwar Gill Sahib, writes that [a Continued on next page >>

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Two historical group photos of the Promised Messiahas along with his companions. Both photos were taken on the same day in 1899 << Continued from previous page

young man named] Juan Sahib has done bai‘at this year. He is from Buenos Aires.

He had dedicated his life to become a Christian priest, but during his studies, he started having doubts and suspicions regarding the Christian teachings to such a degree that after four years, he had to leave the seminary course. He could not find satisfactory answers in the Christian doctrine, so he started studying different religions.

“He became interested more and more in Islam and Holy Quran. […] He first came into contact with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. He was invited to come to the mission house.

“When he reached the mission house and saw the picture of the Promised Messiahas for the first time, he immediately started asking questions. [The missionary, Marwan Sarwar Gill Sahib, thought] ‘First of all, I should inform him of the basic teachings of Islam’, but he [Juan] insisted, ‘First, introduce me to the Promised Messiahas.’ “‘So, I [Marwan Sarwar Gill Sahib] explained to him in detail that he is the same Messiah and Mahdi who has been prophesied to come by all major religions.

Upon this, the young man expressed nothing else and left. “‘Then, a few weeks later, he contacted me again and said that he was now a Muslim for the last two weeks and now he wanted to do bai‘at. I suggested to him to study [Islam Ahmadiyyat] a bit more but he responded, “I became satisfied on the day I saw the picture of the Promised Messiahas because I already had a connection with that photograph before and when I saw this photograph, I came to realise that I have found a way to reach Allah through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”’

“He then said that two years ago, when he was in deep search for the truth, he saw in a dream that there was an individual who was explaining to him the ways to find peace and security and he was explaining to him repeatedly, ‘If you want peace, follow my advice.’ “[Juan said] ‘At this time, I did not have any familiarity with Islam, nor could I find anything more about the individual I saw in my dream because he was a stranger

to me, but when I came to your mission house and saw the picture of the Promised Messiahas, I was immediately reminded of the dream that I saw two years ago.’”

Hundreds and thousands of people have experienced God and have entered Islam Ahmadiyyat through dreams and visions.

Many people have accepted Ahmadiyyat after seeing the photo of the Promised

Messiahas on MTA. Several people, after seeing MTA, remembered that they had seen Huzooras in a dream, inviting them to accept the true Islam; others had been visited by the Holy Prophetsa in a dream in which he testified to the truthfulness of Hazrat Ahmadas.

Such occurrences and incidents further increase one’s faith and reaffirm one’s belief

in Allah the Almighty.

Readers of Al Hakam are invited to share their own experience of tabligh and how others, or maybe even yourselves, entered the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat after observing the blessed photo of the Imam Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

The Promised Messiah’s love for Hazrat Imam Husain inside.” (Qala‘idul-Jawahir fi Manaqib, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, published in Egypt, p. 57) The leading scholar of the Deobandis, Ashraf Ali Thanvi, writes:

‫ا� دہعف ب ی�ار وہےئگ مہ وک رمےن ےس تہب ڈر اتگل ےہ مہ‬ ‫مہ ی‬ ‫ی‬ ‫د� اوہنں ےن‬ ‫ےن وخاب م رضحت افہمط ریض اہلل اہنع وک ی ا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫س ےس اٹمچ یلا مہ اےھچ وہ ےئگ‬ ‫مہ وک اےنپ ی‬

Raziullah Noman Canada

10 Muharram marked the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husainra, the blessed grandson of the Holy Prophetsa and many Muslims are remembering the tragic incident that took place in Karbala.

An allegation which is raised against Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas is that he, God forbid, spoke ill about Hazrat Imam Husainra.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the LatterDay Messiah and Imam Mahdi, deeply loved and honoured Hazrat Imam Husainra and believed him to be among the chosen servants of Allah. It is narrated: “Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas rested on a charpoy as his children played in the garden, still unaware of the grand status of their beloved father. It was the first ashra [10 days] of Muharram and the Promised Messiahas called upon his children – Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begumra and Hazrat Mirza Mubarak Ahmadra – and narrated the story of Hazrat Imam Husainra.

As he began narrating the story, deep emotions set in. With tears flowing from his blessed eyes, he recounted how the grandchild of his beloved master, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa, was martyred in the plains of Karbala; how the ahl-ebait – members of the house of the Holy Prophetsa – were deprived of food and water before the massacre took place of 10 Muharram. (Tahrirat-e-Mubaraka, p. 22) “The anguish was visible from his face as he ended the story and expressed, ‘Yazid the wicked carried out this injustice on the grandchild of the Holy Prophetsa, but God rapidly brought His wrath upon them.’”

(Sirat-e-Tayyiba, narration no. 9, pp. 31-32) In praise of Hazrat Imam Husainra, Hazrat Ahmadas wrote:

“Without a doubt, he [Imam Husainra] is from the chieftains of Paradise and harbouring an iota’s worth of rancour against him is a means of being deprived of faith. And this Imam’s righteousness, love for God, patience, steadfastness, devotion and worship is a perfect example for us.”

(Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 3, p. 545) The Promised Messiahas also wrote: “Hazrat Imam Husainra was a pious, God-fearing person […]”. (Majmu‘ah-eIshtiharat, Vol. 3, p. 844) In one of his poems, Hazrat Ahmadas writes: “I am ready to offer my heart and soul for the beauty of Muhammadsa; My body is merely the dust of the lane treaded by the progeny of Muhammadsa.

“I have seen with my heart’s eye and heard with perceptive ears; The trumpet of the beauty of Muhammadsa echoes everywhere.

“This ever-flowing water which I distribute freely among God’s creatures, is but a drop from the ocean of the excellences of Muhammadsa.

“The fire that burns within me is the fire of the love of Muhammadsa; The water that I possess is from the sweet and pure water of Muhammadsa. (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 97; Essence of Islam, Vol. 1, pp. 328-329) Even the visions of the Promised Messiahas testify to the love he had for the family of Prophet Muhammadsa. It is narrated: “At this point, I recall a very clear vision which was as follows: After Maghrib prayer, while I was fully awake, I was overtaken by a slight numbing of my faculties […] and had a wonderful experience. First, there was a sound of some people walking fast […] and then five very dignified, holy and handsome personages came into my vision. They were the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Hazrat Ali, Hasan,

Husain and Fatimah al-Zahra, may Allah be pleased with all of them. One of them, and I think it was Hazrat Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her, out of great affection and kindness, like a loving mother, placed this humble one’s head upon her thigh.

Then I was given a book concerning which I was told, ‘It is a commentary on the Holy Quran, which has been compiled by Ali and ّٰ now Ali bestows it upon you.’‫فالحمد لله على ذلك‬ [Allah be praised for all this].” (Barahin-eAhmadiyya, Part 4, p. 503 sub-footnote 3, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 1, p. 598-599, taken from Tadhkirah [English], pp. 26-27) Some ignorant Muslims raise allegations on this vision and say that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas dishonoured Hazrat Fatimahra.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa beautifully answered this allegation in his Friday Sermon on 28 August 2020: “The maulvis [clerics] who have polluted minds raise allegations against this extract where the Promised Messiahas has written that Hazrat Fatimahra placed his head on her thigh. The Promised Messiahas is saying this in context to how a mother shows affection to her child; however, how can one explain this to these people whose minds are polluted? When ordinary Muslims hear their statements, they think that Hazrat Fatimahra has been dishonoured, God forbid. Even though the Promised Messiahas clarifies it further by saying just how affectionate she was to him just like that of a mother [to her child].” (Friday Sermon, 28 August 2020) The non-Ahmadi Muslims have absolutely no right to raise any allegation on this beautiful vision showing the love Allah had for the Messiahas. Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jilanirh states: “And that I saw in the dream that I was in the lap of Hazrat Aishara and she suckled me from the right side and then the left. At the same time, Hazrat Muhammadsa came

“Once, I was very ill and I was extremely afraid of dying. I then saw Hazrat Fatimahra in a dream and she embraced me to her chest, and I got well.” (Malfuzat by Ashraf Ali Thanvi, Vol. 8, p. 65) The belief of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was that anyone who mocks Hazrat Jesusas or Imam Husainra cannot even survive for a night. He said: “What I have written in the qaseedah about Imam Husain, may Allah be pleased with him, or about Hazrat Isa [Jesus], peace be upon him, is not based on human understanding. Evil indeed is he who speaks foul of God’s perfect and righteous servants based on his own selfish notions. I believe firmly that no one can survive even for a night after having spoken impertinently about such righteous people like Husain and Hazrat Isa […] (Miracle of Ahmad, p. 66) We see the love for Hazrat Imam Husainra in the Khulafa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat as well. For example, in his Friday sermon on 10 December 2010, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: “The month of Muharram teaches us to always invoke blessings and salutations on the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, and his family and bring about pure changes in ourselves to play our role. We should display steadfastness in front of people with Yazid-like nature and be resolute. Only the Husain-like will be successful. God has commanded prayer and patience. Patience does not only signify enduring cruelty, but also entails doing pious works with resolve. To express the truth without any fear is also patience. We should always abide by the model of Hazrat Husainra to partake of a measure of the triumph that is destined with the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace.” (Friday Sermon, 10 December 2010) The Promised Messiahas had deep love for Hazrat Imam Husainra and all of the progeny of the Holy Prophetsa. So too is the case of the Khulafa of the Promised Messiahas.

Many allegations are raised on the writings of Hazrat Ahmadas with regard to Hazrat Imam Husainra; however, these allegations are a result of deep-rooted misunderstandings and the mischief of some Muslim scholars. In a future article, these allegations will be responded to.

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Praying at Prophet Jesus’ tomb Al Fazl, 22 August 1921

The tomb of Prophet Jesusas in Srinagar, Kashmir.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra can be seen standing in the middle

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in Kashmir On 1 August [1921], Huzoor[ra] was a bit unwell. After the Asr prayer, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] along with his family visited the tomb of Prophet Jesusas of Nazareth located in Mohalla Khanyar [Srinagar, Kashmir]. There, Huzoor[ra] spent a significant amount of time praying and then gave five rupees to the guard of the shrine for its repairment.

On his return, Huzoor[ra] said that it would be very good if the people of our Jamaat, when they come to visit this tomb, donate something for its repair and protection. This practice would increase its greatness in the hearts of the people and thus it will be protected.

Thereafter, Huzoor[ra] visited the Jami‘ Masjid. It is a very large and spacious mosque and some parts of it are still under construction. This mosque is built in the style of the Ka‘bah. The mosque covers all four sides and in the middle there is a hujra [small room] instead of the Baitullah [the house of Allah]. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] expressed his displeasure over this replication.

On 2 [August 1921], Huzoor[ra] went to Naseem Bagh and Hazratbal on a boat at 3 o’clock and returned from there at 10:30pm. Huzoor’s[ra] health remained well by the grace of Allah the Almighty.

On 3 [August 1921], Huzoor[ra] suffered from weakness. After the Maghrib prayer, Hafiz Nuruddin Sahib continued to

deliberate over the issue of prophethood for a long time.

On 4 [August 1921], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] left for Islamabad in two big boats with his family and companions.

Huzoor’s[ra] health was not well throughout the day.

On 5 and 6 [August 1921], Huzoor[ra] continued to travel. He was well by the grace of Allah the Almighty.

On 7 [August 1921], at around 3 o’clock, Huzoor[ra] reached Islamabad with his caravan. At a distance of four miles from Islamabad, there is a Mauza Bijbehara.

There, some Ahmadi friends had come to pay a visit to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

Huzoor[ra] stayed there for about an hour and four men performed bai‘at.

On the morning of 8 [August 1921], another three friends performed bai‘at at Huzoor’s[ra] hand. At around eight o’clock, along with his family, Huzoor[ra] went on a tour of Chashma Achabal. It rained all day. This place is very pleasant and scenic.

By the grace of God Almighty, Huzoor’s[ra] health remained good.

On 9 [August 1921], Huzoor[ra], along with his family and other companions, went to Verinag. This place is a long way from Islamabad, so we reached there around four o’clock. Consequently, we had to spend the night at that place. Huzoor[ra] had fever because of fatigue and tiredness.

On 10 [August 1921], Huzoor[ra] visited Chashma Verinag and [adjacent] garden, and returning at 8 o’clock, reached

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

“

While Islam has instructed women to practice purdah and to keep their gazes lowered, men have been given this instruction first. If a truly Islamic society existed and men kept their gazes lowered, even in such circumstances, women are told to keep their gazes lowered too and to practice purdah.

— Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021

Islamabad at around 2 o’clock.

After Maghrib prayer, another person took bai‘at at the blessed hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. Huzoor[ra] kept advising this person for about half an hour. Huzoor[ra] explained the reality of bai‘at and its in-depth meaning. He said that one should take bai‘at after fully understanding [its true concept] and immense praying because bai‘at was not a trivial pledge. It means the complete submission of oneself to someone else.

After taking bai‘at, the one who swears allegiance has no control over their life, wealth or anything else, as they sell everything for the sake of God Almighty in return for which they are granted Paradise.

Then Huzoor[ra] said that some people invalidate their bai‘at over time after listening to the words of opponents and then after realising their mistake they take bai‘at again. Such people always remain in doubt and their condition is in danger at all times. At the end, they are deprived of faith and continue to grow in disbelief.

Then Huzoor[ra] recited the following verse and gave its interpretation: َّ َ ُ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ َُ َ​َ​َُ ُ َُ َ​َ​َُ ُ ‫ِا ّن ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا ث ّم کف ُر ۡوا ث ّم ٰا َمنوۡا ث ّم کف ُر ۡوا ث ّم از َد ُاد ۡوا کف ًرا ل ۡم یَک ِن‬ ۡ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ ل َِیغ ِف َر ل َ ُہ ۡم َو لَا ل َِی ۡہ ِدیَ ُہ ۡم َس ِب ۡیلًا‬ [“Those who believe, then disbelieve, then again believe, then disbelieve, and then increase in disbelief, Allah will never forgive them nor will He guide them to

the way.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.138)] After the Fajr prayer on 11 [August 1921], a friend took bai‘at at the blessed hand of Huzoor[ra] and at around 8:30am, riding on horses and carriages, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] left for Asnoor along with the whole caravan.

Huzoor’s[ra] meals and the arrangements for the speech were overseen

by Ahmadi friends of Mauza Kunjpura, so Huzoor[ra] stopped for around two and a half hours on the way. Huzoor[ra] spoke for more than an hour after the meal. A significant number of non-Ahmadis were gathered there. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] explained the purpose and reality of man’s creation and laid out a sketch of the plight of the Muslims and explained the reasons behind their pitiable state.

Huzoor[ra] said that since the Muslims had neglected Islam and the shariah [divine law], they had started to fall into a pit of humiliation. God Alimghty Himself has taken the responsibility of protecting the Holy Quran and Islam and has said very clearly: َّ ُ ‫َو ِانا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰح ِفظوۡ َن‬ [“And most surely We will be its Guardian.” (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.10)], He thus sent the Promised Messiahas in this age to revive the faith and guide the Muslims.

Then, addressing the members of Jamaat, Huzoor[ra] said that the people of Kashmir were very neglectful with respect

to coming to Qadian. He said, if they could not come after one year, they should try to come after at least two or three years. He added that they should make a significant change in their state so that there was a clear difference between them and others.

It was not enough to just offer regular prayers and fast; rather, all of their actions, character and speech should be proof that they are true and real Ahmadis. Hence, Huzoor[ra] guided them about their duties in a very clear manner. This entire speech will be sent for publication in a few days, insha-Allah.

The Ahmadi friends from Asnoor had come with daandian [a type of sedan chair swung on poles and borne on the shoulders and are used in the mountains] around eight miles out of [Asnoor]. Abdul Qadir Sahib Butt Zeldar, a respected non-Ahmadi friend of Mauza Kaapran which is about six miles from Asnoor, arranged sumptuous tea for Huzoor[ra] and all of his companions. After tea, he requested Huzoor[ra] to pray for him and so, Huzoor[ra] prayed for him.

From there, Huzoor[ra] left on horses at around eight o’clock in the evening.

Asnoor Jamaat welcomed Huzoor[ra] with great enthusiasm, sincerity and love.

A short distance away, Ahmadis had gathered in groups and eagerly awaited him. Many friends were standing with lamps and expressing their love and devotion. About two miles from Asnoor,

in Mauza Deshi Nagri, there was a twoway line of Ahmadi children and youths and each of them presented the gift of salaam to Huzoor[ra].

In terms of apparent beauty, Asnoor is one of the best areas of Kashmir and God Almighty has blessed it with the ability to manifest itself and respond to the voice of its prophet by endowing it with inner beauty as well. Huzoor[ra] had started praying at a distance of two or three miles from Asnoor, but at the time of entrance, along with all others, he carried out a long prayer with such humility and submission that a state of deep emotions prevailed over all and tears flowed from their eyes.

After around 11 o’clock, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] entered safely in the house with the entire caravan.

On 12 August [1921], Huzoor[ra] led the Jumuah prayer in the Ahmadiyya Mosque and gave some advice to the Jamaat. The health of Huzoor[ra] remained well by the grace of God Almighty.

The letters written to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] should be sent through Postmaster Srinagar. The letters will reach Huzoor[ra] wherever he will be staying.

Humbly yours, Syed Mahmood, Asnoor.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 22 August 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

18

“

If one observes the time before Islam, one learns that wherever parents decided for a girl to be married, it would be settled there.

Even today, in underprivileged and developing countries, girls are pressured by their parents to marry certain boys. Even after migrating to the developed world, some parents follow such ignorant practices and say that only with their consent and in their family can the girl be married, otherwise she has to endure extremely harsh treatment. The correct method is for parents to pray and then express their desire; however, they cannot force their daughter.

If someone says that Muslims practice this, then this is the fault of those who impose their decision and not the fault of Islam’s teachings. Islam has gone so far as to say that if a marriage is settled against the will of the girl, then it is invalid and improper.

— Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021

Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Islam is the of un

Official Engl add Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa recited tashahud, ta‘awuz, Surah al-Fatihah and then said: As I mentioned during my address to the Lajna, today, I shall speak on the rights of the various sections of society, in continuation of my concluding address at Jalsa Salana 2019.

Islam has established the rights for various sections of society. I will present my discourse on these rights in light of the Holy Quran, the ahadith and the sayings of the Promised Messiahas. In fact, it is by acting upon these teachings alone that one can truly establish the rights of the various sections of society.

We have firm faith that the Holy Quran’s teaching is perfect and complete and that it offers solutions to the challenges of every era. Without acting upon it, neither can the problems of the world be solved, nor can the rights of the various sections of society be established.

Thus, there is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed, or show any reluctance or have an inferiority complex when presenting this teaching to the outside world. We do not need to adopt the principles devised by the worldly people, nor do we need to adopt a defensive stance in this regard.

On the contrary, in light of the teachings of the Holy Quran, we need to invite the secular people and the people who claim to be the standard-bearers of the rights of the various sections of society to follow us so that the rights of every section of society can be secured from every angle and so that an atmosphere of true peace and security may be created and established the world over.

Most certainly, the rights of the various sections of society cannot be established until we believe that we have a Creator and we fulfil the rights of that Creator. The Promised Messiahas said: “What is the right of Allah? It is to worship Him, not to include anyone else in His worship, to remain engaged in His remembrance, to follow His commandments and to avoid what He has prohibited and made unlawful.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 10, p. 319 [1984 edition])

If an individual has this concept of Allah the Almighty, then he or she would also be

mindful to act upon His commandments, a vast majority of which relate to the fulfilment of the rights of His creation.

Allah the Almighty possesses all power; He is the Provider of all things. It is incumbent upon mankind that we show gratitude to Him for how wonderfully He manifests His rububiyyat [the divine attribute of creating and nurturing], rahmaniyyat [graciousness] and rahimiyyat [mercy].

However, the Holy Prophetsa has also said that if a person treats you well but you are not grateful to them, then you are also ungrateful to God. (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-birri was-silati ‘an Rasulillahsa, Bab ma ja‘a fil-shukri li-man ahsana ilaika) Thus, Allah the Exalted has commanded us to fulfil the rights owed to each other on every occasion and that it was only then that we would be counted among those who fulfil the rights of God. By giving this commandment regarding gratefulness, Allah the Exalted has made the fulfilment of the rights of people a condition for fulfilling His rights. This is the beautiful teaching of Islam and this is the God of Islam, who admonishes us to fulfil the rights owed to each other in this manner.

Now, I shall mention some of the rights.

The rights that I have previously spoken on in addition to the rights of Allah include the rights of parents, the rights of children, the rights of sons and daughters, the rights of spouses, the rights of siblings, the rights of relatives, the rights of neighbours, the rights of widows, the rights of the elderly, the rights of enemies, the rights of slaves and the rights of non-Muslims. The detail of what these rights entail is such that the worldly people do not even come close to it.

And that is not all.

As I said earlier, there are other rights as well, some of which I will speak on today for Islam admonishes its followers to establish these rights and declares that you can only be considered true believers and Muslims if you fulfil these rights.

When we look into the details of these rights, we find that Islam has even established the rights of animals. Moreover, it is not that Islam has only given a theory; rather, those who followed Islamic teachings have also shown practical examples.

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e true standard-bearer niversal rights

lish translation of Huzoor’s concluding dress at Jalsa Salana UK 2021 the Day of Judgement when the people will have fear, and they shall not grieve.’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Ijarah, Bab fil-rahn)

Thus, this is the result of mutual friendship and love. This is the favour of Allah the Exalted upon such friends.

Then, Hazrat Abu Dardara narrates that the Prophetsa of Allah said: “Whenever a Muslim supplicates for his [Muslim] brother in his absence, an angel [supplicates in his favour] by saying, ‘May you receive the like.’” (Riyad al-Salihin, Kitab alDa‘waat, Bab fadl al-du‘ai bi-zahr il-ghaib)

Here, not only are real brothers meant; generally, one prays for them anyway. This brotherhood also entails non-relatives and friends. Islam has laid the foundation of such a love that is unique. It is this brotherhood and friendship that encourages one to pray for each other and becomes the means of attaining the blessings of the angels’ supplications.

Then, Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Do not hate one another, do not be jealous of one another, do not backbite against one another […] and O, Allah’s servants! Become brothers to each other.

Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert his brother for more than three days.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab, Bab maa yunha ‘an

Nevertheless, among the rights I have chosen to speak on today are the rights of friends or the rights related to friendship.

1. What are the rights of friends in Islam?

In this regard, Allah the Exalted has guided us in great detail and said that your true friends can only be those whose hearts are pure. What kind of friendship would that be, if the hearts were not pure? And once you befriend those whose hearts are pure, then you must also fulfil their rights. Allah the Exalted states:

َّ ُ َ ً َ َ ُ َّ َ ُ َ َُ ُۡ ُ ‫ٰۤیا ّی َہا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا لَا تت ِخذ ۡوا ِبطانۃ ِّم ۡن ُد ۡونِک ۡم لَا یَالوۡنک ۡم خ َبالًا‬ ۡ َ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُّ َ َ ۡ ُّ َ ُۡ ‫آء ِم ۡن افوَا ِہ ِہ ۡم ۚ َو َما تخ ِف ۡی‬ ‫ؕ ودوا ما ع ِنتم ۚ قد بد ِت البغض‬ َ‫ُص ُد ۡو ُر ُہ ۡم اَکۡب َ ُر ؕ َق ۡد بَ َّی َّنا ل َ ُک ُم ال ۡ ٰا ٰی ِت ِا ۡن ُک ۡن ُت ۡم تَ ۡع ِق ُلوۡن‬

“O ye who believe! take not others than your own people as intimate friends; they will not fail to corrupt you. They love to see you in trouble. Hatred has already

shown itself through the utterances of their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater still. We have made clear to you Our commandments, if you will understand.”

(Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.119)

Then, Allah the Exalted has, by including friends among our close relatives, created such an atmosphere of fraternity, which further intensifies the feeling of closeness.

Hence, what should the standards of friendship be?

Once such a friendship has been established, then it is incumbent to maintain it. In this regard, it is narrated by Hazrat Abu Umamahra that the Holy Prophetsa said: “If anyone loves for Allah’s sake, hates for Allah’s sake, gives for Allah’s sake and withholds for Allah’s sake, they will certainly have perfected their faith.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Sunnah, Bab al-dalili ala ziyadatil-imani wa nuqsanihi)

Thus, maintaining a friendship for the sake of God is the only thing that can sustain a true friendship; that is, a friendship that is not temporary or prone to any cracks. A friendship that is devoid of the love of Allah is but a temporary friendship.

Then, Hazrat Umarra bin al-Khattab narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Verily, there will be people from the servants of Allah who will neither be prophets, nor martyrs. However, even the prophets and martyrs will be praising their rank in front of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The Companions asked, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Please tell us, who are they?’ He replied, ‘They are people who love one another for the sake of Allah, without having any mutual kinship or trade relations. I swear by Allah, their faces shall glow with nur [divine light] and they shall be full of nur. They shall have no fear on

al-tahaasudi wa al-tadaabur)

This is the meaning of fulfilling the rights of brotherhood and friendship.

Hazrat Abu Usaid Malik ibn Rabi‘ah alSa‘idira narrates: “While we were with the Prophetsa of Allah, a man from the tribe of Banu Salamah came to Him and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Is there any kindness left that I can do for my parents after their death?’ He replied, ‘Yes, you can supplicate for them, seek forgiveness for them, honour and fulfil the promises and contracts they made, join ties of relationship which are dependent on them, and honour their friends.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-adab, Baab fi birr al-walidain)

Here, not only are those friends mentioned who are of the same religion, but rather, friends have been mentioned in general. Again, this is the meaning of fulfilling the rights of friendship, namely to Continued on next page >>

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expand its scope to include the friends of the parents.

Hazrat Ibn Umarra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Among the most virtuous of deeds is that a man should serve and nurture relations with the friends of one’s father (after his demise).” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab alBirri wa al-Silati ‘an Rasulillahsa, Bab ma ja‘a fi ikraami sadiq al-waalid)

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa expanded the scope even further and extended the right of friendship even to the next generations.

The Promised Messiahas states: “The fact of the matter is that my friends are a part of me, as are my limbs. We observe in our daily lives that even the smallest of parts, such as a finger for example, if subject to pain, agitates and distresses the entire body. Allah the Exalted is well aware that in exactly the same way, constantly at every moment, I forever remain anxious and concerned about whether my friends are in a state of ease and comfort.

“This sympathy and compassion which I feel is not the result of any artificial effort, nor does it occur unnaturally. In fact, just as a mother is incessantly absorbed in ensuring that each and every one of her children is in peace and comfort, no matter their number, I find my heart replete, in the way of Allah, with the same tenderness and compassion for my friends.

“This sympathy is so burning that when I receive a letter from any one of my friends alluding to grief or illness with which they are suffering, my disposition becomes restless and disturbed, and I am taken aback by grief.

“And as the number of our dear ones [who are in pain] increases, this grief increases in equal proportion. There is no hour in which I am free from some form of worry and grief because from among the vast number of my friends, one or the other is afflicted by some form of grief or pain.

When they inform me of their worries, my heart becomes perturbed and restless. I

cannot describe the amount of time that I suffer from worries. Since there is no being other than Allah the Almighty who can deliver one from such worries and concerns, I engage myself constantly in prayers.

“The foremost prayer that I offer is for my friends to be saved from grief and worry because the thought of them overwhelms me with anguish and agony. Then, I pray in the general sense that if there is anyone who suffers from some form of grief and hardship, may Allah the Almighty grant them deliverance.

“My entire effort and every ounce of my passion moves me to supplicate before Allah the Exalted. Much hope can be gained from the acceptance of prayer.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p.

101)

This is what the Promised Messiahas has stated about the members of the Jamaat in general as well. Likewise, he further states about his friends: “I hold such a close relationship with friends that they all of my friends and their families are, as if, my own. When any of these dear ones depart this world, I feel as much grief as one who loses their most beloved child.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 1, p. 435

[1988 edition])

He further states with regard to the standard of friendship, as to what it should be. Huzooras explains this by giving an example and states: “Stealing is a bad trait, but it is not considered a bad thing to use something that belongs to one’s friends without their permission (provided they are such friends).” This is what we generally also observe among the worldly people that if the friendship is strong, then it is not considered a bad thing or a theft when one of the friends uses the other’s things without their permission.

Huzooras further narrates: “Two men had an extremely strong friendship. Both were very charitable to each other. Once, one of them happened to be travelling. The other one came to his house and asked his maid, ‘Where is my friend?’ She said, ‘He is on a tour.’ Then he

asked, ‘Do you have the key to his money box?’ The maid said, ‘I do.’ He then had her bring the box and the key and opened it himself and took some money out of it.

“When the owner of the house returned from the trip, the maid said, ‘Your friend was here.’ On hearing this, the owner of the house became as white as a sheet and asked, ‘What was he saying?’ The maid said, ‘He asked me for the box and the key. He opened your money box, took the money out of it and left.’ Upon hearing this, the owner of the house was so pleased with the maid that he was as though on top of the world.

In return for the slave girl’s obedience to his friend and for not displeasing him (i.e. not returning him with disappointment), the master set her free and said, ‘As a reward for this good deed that you did, I set you free on this very day.’” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 3, Edition 1988, pp. 198-199)

Thus, this is how one ought to fulfil the rights of friendship. While mentioning the rights of friendship and how beautifully he fulfilled them, the Promised Messiahas said: “It is my belief that any individual who makes a vow of friendship with me even once, I have such regard for this vow, that irrespective of their nature and no matter what they become, I cannot sever my ties with them. If the individual cuts off their ties with me themselves, in that case, I am helpless. Otherwise, my belief is that if one of my friends had collapsed in the market after consuming alcohol and there was a crowd of people around him, I would pick him up and take him away without fear of reproach by any critic.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 184) The Promised Messiahas also said: “The bond of friendship is a most valuable gem. One must not waste it away easily. No matter how unpleasant a friend may be to you, one ought to forgive and forget.” (Ibid) Now, here, the Promised Messiahas is obviously not talking about any of his Companionsra. He is talking about the covenant of friendship in general. This is the standard of friendship – to stay with a person till the end, after calling him a friend.

Furthermore, the Holy Prophetsa has said that children should even treat their parents’ friends well and should fulfil the rights owed to them.

2. What are the rights of the sick in Islam?

Islam has prescribed fasting on Muslims but at the same time, it has also established the right of the sick. A sick person is excused from fasting until their health is restored.

Allah the Exalted states:

ٌَ َ َ َ ً ۡ َ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َّ ً َّ َ ‫ان ِمنک ۡم ّمرِیضا ا ۡو َع ٰلی َسف ٍر ف ِع ّدۃ ِّم ۡن‬ ‫ایاما معدود ٍت ؕ فمن ک‬ َّ َ َ‫ام اُ َخر‬ ٍ ‫ای‬

“[The prescribed fasting is] for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 184)

Thus, this is the right of a sick person, they be given some respite. Islam does not say that even a sick person must fast.

Some people force themselves and impose it upon themselves. They act wrongfully.

The Promised Messiahas said that Islam has exempted you, but if a sick person still keeps a fast while being sick or on a journey, they will still have to fast the same number of other days. (Badr, 17 October 1907, p. 7) Moreover, Islam commands that in order to establish the rights of the sick in an Islamic society, their minor wishes also have to be respected. Hence, Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates: “The Holy Prophetsa visited a man [who was sick] and said to him: ‘What do you desire?’ He said, ‘I want wheat bread.’

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Whoever has wheat bread, let him send it to his brother.’

Then the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘When a sick person among you desires something, give it to him.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Tibb, Bab almareedi yashtahi shai‘an)

This was the financial and material state of the Companionsra in the beginning; not even wheat bread was available to them.

Having a piece of wheat bread was all that he longed for, but it was not readily available.

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that

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Allah’s Prophetsa said: “Whoever visits the sick, a caller calls out from Heaven, saying, ‘You are most excellent and so is your conduct, and you have built an abode in Paradise for yourself.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Jana‘iz, Bab ma ja‘a fi thawabi man ‘ada mareedan)

This is how Allah the Exalted blesses one upon visiting the sick. Praying for a sick person is also one of the rights owed to them.

What was the own blessed example of the Holy Prophetsa in this regard? Hazrat Aisha bint Saadra narrates that her father, Hazrat Saadra said: “I fell ill at Mecca. Allah’s Messengersa came to pay a visit to me. He put his hand on my forehead, wiped my chest and abdomen, and then said, ‘O our Allah! Grant recovery to Saad and complete his migration?.’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jana‘iz, Bab al-du‘a lil-maridi bilshifa‘i indal-iyadah)

Thus, he prayed for a long life for him.

How great is the reward for visiting the sick and doing justice to it? In this regard, Hazrat Alira states that he heard the Holy Prophetsa say: “If a man visits his Muslim brother when he is sick, [it is as if] he is walking in Paradise at the time of harvesting of its fruits until he sits down, and when he sits down, he is covered with mercy. If it is morning, seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until the evening, and if it is evening, seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until the morning.”

(Musnad Ahmad, Musnadu Alira bin Abi Talib)

This is the reward for visiting the sick.

Then, while teaching the way to visit the sick, the Holy Prophetsa said, as narrated by Hazrat Abu Umamahra: “A wholesome and complete visit of a sick person is that you place your hand on his forehead”, or he said, “on his hand, and ask him how he is. And shaking hands completes your greetings among each other.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Isti‘zaani wal-

Adaabi ‘an Rasulillahsa, Bab ma ja‘a fil-musahafah)

How did the Promised Messiahas fulfil the rights of the sick? In this regard, there are the following narrations: “A certain Qureshi Sahib had been ill for several days and had come to Qadian to seek treatment from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi

Nuruddinra. He repeatedly requested the Promised Messiahas for prayers, who replied, ‘We shall pray.’

“In the evening, he requested through Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra that he wanted to have the privilege of visiting the Promised Messiahas, but he could not attend due to swollen feet. Huzooras promised to pay him a visit the next day [at his house]. So, in order to fulfil his promise, Huzooras, along with the entourage of his Companions, reached the house where he was staying, he sat with him and, for some time, asked him some general questions about the ailment.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 2, p. 241 [1988 edition]) Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira narrates that the Promised Messiahas also undertook some travels in order to visit the sick.

There was a certain Mir Abbas Ali Sufi Sahib from Ludhiana, who was initially very sincere and had a great love for the Promised Messiahas. The Promised Messiahas came to know about his illness through a letter and despite being ill and busy himself, he had so much regard for the rights of friendship and fraternity that he considered it incumbent to travel to Ludhiana himself. Thus, he went to Ludhiana on 14 October 1884, paid a visit to Mir Sahib and then came back.

God Almighty also granted recovery to Mir Sahib. (Sirat Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas by Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira, Vol. 2, pp. 183-184)

How did the Promised Messiahas fulfil the rights of the sick? In this regard, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira narrates: “Sometimes rural women would knock hard on the door to get medicine. They used to say in plain and unsophisticated language, ‘Mirza Ji, open the door!’ Huzooras would get up as if a great ruler was standing outside and would immediately open the door and speak with open-heartedness and provide them with the medicine. In our country, even the educated section of the society does not know the value of time, let alone the unsophisticated rural women; a woman starts talking about something meaningless and starts complaining about her household and about the tension between her and her mother-in-law. An hour is wasted in that.

However the Promised Messiahas keeps listening with dignity and patience. Neither by his tongue nor by any gesture does he

indicate to her, ‘Just go. You have asked for medicine. What’s the matter now? You are wasting my time.’ Not at all.” Sialkoti Sahib writes that the Promised Messiahas did not say these things to her. “She finally gets up on her own and clears the house of her presence.

“Once, many rural women came to have their children assessed. In the meantime, some women also came out from inside to get some syrup. At that time, Huzooras had to write a very important article for religious needs and he had to write it urgently. I happened to be there too.

“What I saw is this: Huzooras is standing there, alert and vigilant as a European stands at his worldly duty and he has five or six boxes opened in front of him and is giving some of them some medicine and others some syrup in small bottles.

This ‘market’ went on for three hours and Huzooras continued running this ‘hospital’.

“After he finished, I said, ‘Huzoor, this is a very burdensome task and a lot of precious time is wasted in this way.’ Praise be to Allah! Huzooras replied with utmost calmness and dignity and said, ‘This too is a similar religious duty.’” Serving the people, giving them medicines, assessing the sick and treating them “‘is a similar religious duty. These are poor people and there is no hospital here. I have gathered all kinds of English and Yunani [traditional] medicines for these people and they turn out to be useful […] This is the work of great reward.

A believer should not be slothful and careless about these matters.’” (Sirat Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas by Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira [Urdu], pp. 34-35)

Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira narrates: “When Lala Malawa Mal Sahib was 22 years old, he fell ill with sciatica. It was the custom of the Promised Messiahas to get an update about his health in the morning and evening through a servant named Jamal. He also used to visit him daily.

“It is obvious that Lala Malawa Mal Sahib was not of the same nation or religion.

However, since he used to have regular contact with the Promised Messiahas, he was thus one of his friends. The Promised Messiahas had so much human sympathy and cared for a friendship to such an extent

that he would visit his house and treat his illness himself.

“Lala Malawa Mal Sahib narrates that once, he was given some medicine which resulted in Lala Malawa Mal Sahib having to tend to the call of nature 19 times during the night. Finally, he started bleeding and fell very weak.

“Early in the morning, as usual, when Huzoor’sas servant came to enquire, he told of his experience at night and asked Huzooras to come himself. The Promised Messiahas immediately went to his house and seeing the condition of Lala Malawa Mal Sahib, he was upset and said, ‘The quantity was slightly too high.’ However, he immediately had some psyllium mucilage brought and gave it to Lala Malawa Mal Sahib, which stopped the inflammation and bleeding and also relieved his pain.”

(Sirat Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas by Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira [Urdu], pp. 170-171)

This incident is not only about a sick individual; he was also a friend and the Promised Messiahas honoured this friendship. Despite the person being of a different religion, he cared for him as a friend as well as a sick person. These are the rights of friendship and of the sick. Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira also narrates: “Once Lala Sharampat Rai Sahib fell ill.

An abscess appeared on his stomach and this furuncle took a very dangerous shape.

The Promised Messiahas was informed. He himself visited Lala Sharampat Rai Sahib’s house which was very narrow and dark. He went and saw Lala Sharampat Rai Sahib, who was terrified and sure of his death. He was talking restlessly like a troubled man does. The Promised Messiahas reassured him and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I shall appoint Dr Abdullah Sahib who will treat you properly.’

“At that time, he was the only and the most competent doctor in Qadian. So, the next day, the Promised Messiahas came along with Dr Sahib and especially tasked him to treat Lala Sharampat Rai Sahib. No expenses were incurred by Lala Sharampat Rai Sahib for this treatment. The Promised Messiahas used to visit him daily without fail. When the wound began to heal and Continued on next page >>

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the critical condition improved, he began to visit at intervals. Nevertheless, the Promised Messiahas continued to visit him until he fully recovered.” (Sirat Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas by Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira [Urdu], pp. 161)

This was his great example of maintaining friendship and of visiting and showing sympathy to the sick.

Among the five things, which the Holy Prophetsa declared to be the rights of a Muslim owed by other Muslims, is visiting the sick.

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates: “Allah’s Messengersa said, ‘Every Muslim has five rights over another Muslim; to return the greetings, to reply to his call, to accompany funeral processions, to visit the sick and to respond to the one who sneezes [i.e. to say: yarhamukallah, when the sneezer praises Allah]” (Riyad al-Salihin, Kitab Iyadatilmaridi wa tash-yi‘il-maiyyiti wa al-salaati ‘alaihi wa hudoori dafanihi, Bab ayadatil-mareed)

3. What are the rights of orphans in Islam?

The next topic that I will take up is related to the rights of orphans. What are Allah’s commandments with regard to the rights of orphans? He says: َّ َّ َ َُ​َُ َ ۡ َ َ ََُۡۡ َ​َ ّٰ ‫ال ال َیت ِۡی ِم ِالا ِبالت ِۡی ِہ َی ا ۡح َس ُن َحتی یَ ۡبلغ اش ّد ٗہ‬ ‫و لا تقربوا م‬ “And approach not the property of the orphan, except in a way which is best, till he attains his maturity.” (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.153)

It means that if you are tasked with looking after orphans, do not usurp their wealth and property under the pretence of caring for them. If the guardian has an abundance of means, they can spend on them from their own wealth, which would be the ideal scenario. However, if that is not available, then they should spend carefully, according to what is only essential.

Moreover, Allah the Exalted states:

َّ َّ َ َُ​َُ َ ۡ َ َ ََُۡۡ َ​َ ّٰ ‫ال ال َی ِت ۡی ِم ِالا ِبال ِت ۡی ِہ َی ا ۡح َس ُن َحتی یَ ۡبلغ اش ّد ٗہ ۪ َو‬ ‫و لا تقربوا م‬ ً‫ان َم ۡسـُٔوۡلا‬ َ َ ‫اَ ۡو ُفوۡا بال ۡ َع ۡہد ۚ ِا َّن ال ۡ َع ۡہ َد ک‬ ِ ِ

And come not near the property of the orphan, except in the best way, until he attains his maturity, and fulfil the covenant; for the covenant shall be questioned about.

(Surah Bani Israil, Ch. 17: V. 35)

Here, the matter has been explained further, that not only should you desist usurping the wealth of the orphan, you should also ensure its protection. Once the orphan has reached an age of wisdom and maturity, then return their wealth.

Protection also means that you may invest an orphan’s wealth in some profitable business. That is the right way of looking after an orphan.

Then, Allah the Exalted further states: َ

ّ َ ُۡ ُۡ َ َ ً ۡ َ​َ َ ‫الط َع‬ ‫ام َع ٰلی ُح ِّب ٖہ ِم ۡس ِک ۡینا ّو یَ ِت ۡی ًما ّو ا ِسی ًرا‬ ‫و یط ِعمون‬

“And they feed, for love of Him, the poor, the orphan, and the prisoner.” (Surah al-Dahr, Ch.76: V.9)

َۡ َ ۡ َ​َ​َ ‫فا ّما ال َی ِت ۡی َم فلَا تق َہ ۡر‬

“So the orphan, oppress not.” (Surah alDuha, Ch.93: V.10) How beautifully has Allah the Exalted drawn our attention towards fulfilling the rights of orphans, who are a vulnerable or perhaps the most vulnerable section of society! It is incumbent upon a believer to protect an orphan and all of their interests and rights until they reach maturity.

Moreover, it is briefly mentioned in various narrations as to how the Holy Prophetsa admonished with regard to orphans in light of the teachings of the Holy Quran. Hence, [it is narrated by Amr bin alHarith]: “Hazrat Zainabra, the wife of Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘udra, said, ‘I was in the Mosque and saw the Holy Prophetsa, who was saying, ‘O women! Give alms even from your ornaments.’ Hazrat Zainabra used to provide for Hazrat Abdullah and those orphans who were under her protection.

So, she said to Hazrat Abdullah, ‘Will you ask Allah’s Messengersa whether it will be sufficient for me to spend part of the charity on you and the orphans who are under my protection?’ He replied, ‘Will you yourself ask Allah’s Messengersa?’ [Hazrat Zainabra added,] ‘So, I went to the Prophetsa and I saw there a woman of the Ansar who was standing at the door with a similar issue as mine. Hazrat Bilalra passed by us and we asked him, ‘Ask the Prophetsa whether it is permissible for me to spend on my husband and the orphans under my protection.’

And we requested Bilal not to inform the Prophetsa about us. So, Hazrat Bilalra went inside and asked the Prophetsa regarding our issue. The Holy Prophetsa asked, ‘Who are those two women, who are asking the question?’ Hazrat Bilalra replied that she was Zainab. The Prophetsa said, ‘Which Zainab?’

Hazrat Bilalra replied, ‘The wife of ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, [it is sufficient for her] and she will receive two rewards [for that]; one for helping relatives, and the other for giving charity.’” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Zakat, Bab al-zakati ala al-zawji wa al-aitaami fil-hajr)

This is the beautiful nature of believers.

Whenever required, they offer sacrifices and fulfil their responsibilities.

Then, Allah the Exalted further states:

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that Allah’s Messengersa said: “He who takes care of an orphan will be in Paradise with me like these two”. The narrator, Malik, raised his forefinger and middle finger for illustration. (Sahih Muslim,

“Nay, but you honour not the orphan.”

Kitab al-Zuhdi wa al-Raqa‘iq, Bab al-igssani alal-

ۡ ُ َّ َّ َ ۡ ‫کلا بَ ۡل لا تک ِر ُموۡ َن ال َی ِت ۡی َم‬

(Surah al-Fajr, Ch.89: V.18)

It means that if you do not fulfil the rights owed to orphans, you will be punished.

Hence, you should be mindful.

Allah the Exalted further states:

armalati wal-miskini wal-yatimi)

This was not only a theory; rather, we find practical examples of this. Hence, Awn bin Abi Juhaifah narrated from his father: “The charity collector of the Holy

Prophetsa came to us. So, he took the charity from our rich to our poor. I was an orphaned boy, so he came to me and gave me a young she-camel from it.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-

motive. The purpose of all our services is only the countenance and pleasure of God.”’ [Surah al-Dahr, Ch.76: V.9]

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Allah’s Messengersa said: “O Allah, bear witness that I have issued a warning concerning [failure to fulfil] the rights of the two vulnerable ones; orphans and women.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Adab, Bab

“It is worth pondering how clearly one can learn from all these verses that the Holy Quran has declared the desire for divine love and divine pleasure that stems from a sincere heart as the highest degree of worship and good deeds […]

“God Almighty has named this religion Islam for the purpose that man should worship God Almighty not for material purposes but with natural fervour because Islam is the name of being content with God’s Will after giving up all personal desires. There is no religion in the world other than Islam that has these goals. Of course, God Almighty has promised the believers all kinds of blessings in order to show His mercy, but He has taught the believers who aspire to a higher rank to worship God Almighty out of personal love [alone].” (Nur-ul-Quran No. 2 [Urdu], Ruhani

haqqil-yatimi)

Khazain, Vol. 9, pp. 440-441)

Zakat ‘an Rasulillahsa, Bab ma ja‘a anna al-sadaqata tukhazu min al-aghniyaai fa turaddu fil-fuqaraa)

This was not an ordinary thing in that era, that a she-camel be given, and that too to an orphaned boy.

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates that the Prophetsa said: “Whoever takes in an orphan among the Muslims to raise, to feed him and give him drink, Allah admits him into Paradise without a doubt.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Birri

wa al-Silati an Rasulillahsa, Baab ma ja‘a fi rahmatilyatimi wa kafalatihi)

It means that if one does not fulfil their rights, then one will be seized by Allah the Exalted.

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Allah’s Messengersa said: “The best house among the Muslims is a house in which there is an orphan who is treated well. And the worst house among the Muslims is a house in which there is an orphan who is treated badly.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Adab, Bab haqqil-yatimi)

This is how much resentment the Holy Prophetsa has expressed against those who mistreat orphans and he has greatly warned them. On the other hand, the Holy Prophetsa has given glad tidings to those who look after the orphans. Hence, Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbasra narrates that Allah’s Messengersa said: “Whoever raises three orphans, is like the one who spends his nights in prayer and fasts during the day, and goes out morning and evening drawing his sword in the cause of Allah. In Paradise, he and I will be brothers like these two fingers.” He then held up his forefinger and middle finger together.

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Adab, Bab haqqil-yatimi)

There is great reward.

The Promised Messiahas stated at an occasion: “Allah the Exalted has stated:

َّ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ُ ْ ُ َّ ْ َ َ َ ً َ ‫الط َع‬ ٰ ‫ام َع‬ ‫لی ُح ِّب ٖہ ِم ْس ِک ْینا ّو یَ ِت ْی ًما ّو ا ِسی ًرا ِان َما نط ِع ُمک ْم‬ ‫یط ِعمون‬ ّٰ ْ َ ً‫آء َّو لَا َش ُکوْرا‬ ً ‫الل ِہ لَا نُریْ ُد ِم ْن ُک ْم َج َز‬ ‫ل ِوج ِہ‬ ِ

“It means that ‘believers are those who, out of love for God, feed the poor and the orphans and the captives, and say that, ‘We do not want any reward or gratitude from you for this bread, nor do we have any other

In order to attain that love of Allah, it is incumbent to fulfil the rights owed to orphans and the poor.

There is another incident from the era of the Holy Prophetsa when a child was left orphaned. The Companions started to argue, everyone, expressing the desire to take the child under his care and raise him up. The matter was brought before Allah’s Messengersa. He said, bring the child and let him choose who he wants to go to. Then, hand him over to that person.

This is how the Companions tried to excel each other in fulfilling the rights of orphans.

4. What are the rights of confederates and those under a treaty according to Islam?

Islam lays great emphasis on honouring covenants and teaches how to fulfil the rights with regard to the covenants Muslims have made. It admonishes to honour them under all circumstances. Sometimes, even if the opponents cunningly signed a contract, which benefitted them more, the then Khalifa of the Muslims ordered that the covenant still be honoured by Muslims.

Hence, we find the following incident recorded in history: During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra, an Abyssinian slave made a contract with some people that they would be granted certain concessions. When the Muslim army went there, the people said there was a covenant between them. When, the commander of the army showed some hesitation, and the matter was brought before Hazrat Umarra, he said that a Muslim must not dishonour

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

commanded me not to commit treachery, so go with them.’

“He went away with the two men but on the way, he killed one of them and came back again and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah!

You have fulfilled your promise to them.

However, I am under no obligation to them that I would go with them, so I came again.’

“The other man also arrived again to pick him up. The Messengersa of Allah said, ‘We cannot keep you with us.’ He sent him back again. However, the man did not manage to take him along on his own. So, he remained.” According to another narration, he went to another place instead of Medina.

“The Messengersa kept repeating, that, ‘I will not break my promise.’ So, he fulfilled his promise to the disbelievers even though a Muslim was in great distress.” (Khutbat-e-

his word, even if a slave had made the contract. Once a contract had been signed, it had to be honoured. (Sair-e-Ruhani 7 [Urdu], Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 24, pp. 293-294)

The Holy Quran states about honouring contracts: ُ ُ َ َ ُ

َ َ ً َ ّ ُۡ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ ّ ّ ‫ِالا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰع َہ ۡدت ۡم ِّم َن ال ُمش ِرک ِی َن ث ّم ل َ ۡم یَنق ُصوۡک ۡم ش ۡیئا ّو ل َ ۡم یُظا ِہرُ ۡوا‬ َ ُ ّٰ َ ُۤ َ​َ َ ُ َ ‫َعل ۡیک ۡم ا َح ًدا فا ِت ّموۡا ِال َ ۡی ِہ ۡم َع ۡہ َد ُہ ۡم ِالٰی ُم ّد ِت ِہ ۡم ؕ ِا ّن الل َہ یُ ِح ّب‬ ۡ َّ ۡ ‫ال ُمت ِقی َن‬

“Excepting those of the idolaters with whom you have entered into a treaty and who have not [subsequently] failed you in anything nor aided anyone against you. So fulfil to these the treaty [you have made] with them till their term. Surely, Allah loves those who are righteous.” (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.4)

Thus, a condition for those who follow taqwa is also the honouring of contracts and fulfilling their rights.

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Amr narrates that the Prophetsa said: “Whoever killed a person under a treaty with the Muslims, shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance is such that it can be perceived from a distance of forty years.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jizyati

Mahmud [Urdu], Vol. 5, No. 31, 29 September 1916, pp. 275-276)

wal-Mawada‘ah, Bab ithmi man qatala mu‘ahadan

bighairi jurm) This is how far the fragrance of Paradise is spread. However, one who breaks a promise or treaty, will be deprived of it.

It is narrated by some of the sons of the Companions that they heard their forefathers, who were related to each other, say that Allah’s Messengersa said: “On the Day of Resurrection, I shall be the adversary of the one who oppresses a dhimmi [a non-Muslim who lives under Muslim rule] or violates his right or puts a responsibility on him which is beyond his capacity or takes something from him against his will.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Khiraji wal-Imarati wal-Fay, Bab fi ta‘shiri ahli z-zimmati iza-khatalafu bil-tijaraat)

This is so because there is a contract with the dhimmi and it is the responsibility of a Muslim to protect their rights.

To what extent did the Holy Prophetsa honour covenants? In this regard, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Al-Bailamani narrates: “Allah’s Messengersa gave a Muslim the capital punishment, who had killed a dhimmi who had made a covenant with the Muslims, and said, ‘I am closest to the ones who honour their covenants of protection.’”

(Bulugh al-Maram Fi Adillat al-Ahkam, Dar Arqam [Beirut, 2016], p. 248)

As a Muslim had killed someone, so he was given the same punishment.

It is narrated by Hazrat al-Irbad ibn Sariyah al-Sulamira: “We alighted with the Holy Prophetsa at Khaybar, and he had his Companions with him. The chief of Khaybar was a mischievous and evil man. He came to the Prophetsa and said, ‘O Muhammad! Is it lawful for you that you slaughter our donkeys, eat our fruit and beat our women?’ The Prophetsa became extremely upset upon hearing that and said to Ibn Awf, ‘Mount your horse and call loudly, “Beware that Paradise is lawful only for a believer and that they [the people] should gather for prayer.”’

“They gathered and the Holy Prophetsa led them in prayer, stood up and said, ‘Does any of you while reclining on his couch, imagine that Allah has prohibited only that which is to be explicitly found in this

Quran? Listen! By Allah, I have preached, commanded and prohibited various matters as numerous as that which is found in the Quran, or more numerous. Verily, Allah has not permitted you to enter the houses of the People of the Book without permission, or beat their women, or eat their fruits when they give you that jizyah which is imposed on them.’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Khiraji wal-Imarati wal-Fay, Bab fi ta‘shiri ahli z-zimmati izakhatalafu bil-tijaraat)

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa gave blood money for two of the men of Banu Amir equal to that of Muslims because both of them were under a treaty with the Holy Prophetsa. (The Life &

Character of the Seal of Prophetssa – Vol. II, pp. 378)

Thus, it is also compulsory to honour the contracts made with non-Muslims. This is their right.

At the time of the treaty of Hudaibiyyah, an incident occurred, which is famous and has been recorded in history. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also mentioned it as follows: “The Holy Prophetsa commanded that it was not permissible to dishonour a treaty even with a disbeliever. In the peace treaty of Hudaibiyyah, there was a condition from the disbelievers that if a Muslim came and joined them, they would be allowed to keep him, but if one of their men went and joined the Muslims, they would have to return him to them.” It was a very severe condition and

not based on just terms at all.

“This condition had been written in the contract which had not yet been signed.

Meanwhile, a man named Abu Jandal, who was kept in iron chains and who had already suffered a lot, came to the Holy Prophetsa.

He came and described his plight and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Please take me with you. These people inflict a lot of pain on me because I am a Muslim.’ The Companions also said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! He should be taken along. He has suffered enough at the hands of the disbelievers.’ However, his father came and said, ‘If you take him with you, it would be tantamount to treachery.’

“The Companions pointed out that the treaty had not been signed yet, but he said, ‘The treaty has been written down. What does it matter, if it has not been signed yet?’

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Return him. We cannot keep him with us according to the covenant.’

“The Companions trembled at this but he returned him and they took him away.

However, when the Holy Prophetsa came to Medina, he somehow released himself and came to him again. Two men followed him to take him back. They came and said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘You have made a promise that you will return our man.’ He said, ‘Yes, there is a promise. Take him away.’ He said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! These people inflict pain on me and harass me. Don’t send me with them.’ He replied, ‘God has

At Hudaibiyyah, it was agreed between Muslims and disbelievers that Arab tribes would be free to join either the disbelievers or the Holy Prophetsa. It was also agreed that both parties would ensure they wouldn’t fight either, nor those who joined them.

The Meccans [disbelievers] breached the contract by attacking a tribe that was allied with Muslims. That tribe complained to the Holy Prophetsa, who decided to attack Mecca in support of his allied tribe.

This was the tribe’s right according to the contract that they are helped. And it was now the responsibility of the Muslims to honour this contract and establish their right and punish the Meccans for breaching the contract.

Anyway, when the Meccans came to know about this. They sent Abu Sufyan, who came, arrived at the mosque of the Prophetsa and announced that the treaty would now be renewed since he was not part of the original treaty. The Muslims told him to stop behaving like a child and said to him that a contract was signed and then breached by them. Abu Sufyan was extremely embarrassed and went back.

Eventually, Mecca was conquered by the Muslims. (Life of Muhammad, pp. 152-154) 5. What are the rights of enemy combatants in Islam?

Usually, wars including modern-day wars are fought to establish superiority and to expand one’s territory. Moreover, in the modern era, wars have been fought to take control over the resources of other countries by any means possible. Then, they talk about ‘rights’, while usurping the rights of other nations. However, the permission to fight that has been granted in Islam, is in order to establish peace and religious freedom and to fight against the oppressors. Alongside that, Islam also establishes the rights of the enemy combatants. Hence, when the first commandment to fight was revealed, Allah the Exalted also clarified the reason as to why the permission to fight was being granted. It states:

َّ ُ ُ َّ َ ُ ٰ ُ َ ّٰ َ َ – ُ‫ا ِذ َن ل ِل ِذیۡ َن یق َتلوۡ َن ِبان ُہ ۡم ظ ِل ُموۡا ؕ َو ِا ّن الل َہ َع ٰلی ن ۡص ِر ِہ ۡم لَق ِدیۡر‬ ۡ ُ َّ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ُ َّ َ ۤ َّ َۡ ‫ال ِذیۡ َن اخ ِر ُجوۡا ِم ۡن ِدیَارِ ِہ ۡم بِغیرِ َح ّ ٍق ِالا ا ۡن یقوۡلوۡا َر ّبنا الل ُہ ؕ َولَوۡلَا‬ َّ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َّ ّٰ ُ ۡ َ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ‫ض ل ُہ ِّد َم ۡت َصوَا ِمع َو ِب َیع ّو َصل ٰوت‬ ٍ ‫دفع الل ِہ الناس بعضہم ِببع‬ َّ ٗ ُ ُ ۡ َّ ۡ َ ُ ّٰ َّ َ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ً ۡ َ ّٰ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ ُ ٰ َ َّ ‫ومس ِجد یذکر فِیہا اسم الل ِہ ک ِثیرا ؕ ولینصرن اللہ من ینصرہ ؕ ِان‬ َ ٌ َ ّٰ ‫الل َہ لَق ِو ّی ع ِزیۡ ٌز‬

“Permission [to fight] is given to those Continued on next page >>

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

against whom war is made because they have been wronged – and Allah indeed has power to help them – Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ – And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty. (Surah alHajj, Ch.22: V.40-41)

Its means that if such people were left completely unchecked, then no place of worship would be left. These people would attack them and destroy all of them.

Then, the following permission was granted, keeping in view the objective to establish justice:

ُ َّ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ّٰ َ ۡ ّٰ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ‫آء ِبال ِق ۡس ِط ۫ َو لَا یَ ۡجرِ َمنک ۡم‬ ‫یایہا ال ِذین امنوا کونوا قو ِمین لِل ِہ شہد‬ ّٰ ُ َّ َ ٰ ۡ َّ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َّ َ ٰۤ َ ۡ َ ُ ٰ َ َ َؕ ‫اللہ‬ ‫شنان قو ٍم علی الا تع ِدلوا ؕ ِاع ِدلوا ۟ ہو اقرب ل ِلتقوی ۫ و اتقوا‬ ُ َ ۢ ۡ َ ّٰ َ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ خ ِبی ٌر ِب َما ت ۡع َملوۡ َن‬

“O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be [always] just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.9) How did the Holy Prophetsa establish the rights with regard to those fighting a war? In this regard, Hazrat Sulaimanra bin Buraidah narrates from his father: “When the Messengersa of Allah appointed a commander over an army or a detachment, he would especially instruct him to fear Allah and consider the welfare of the Muslims who were with him. He would then say, ‘Fight in the Name of Allah and in the cause of Allah, those who disbelieve in Allah, and do not steal from the spoils of war or be treacherous, nor mutilate, and do not kill any child. When you meet your enemy from among the idolaters, then call them to one of the three options or choices, whichever of them they respond to, then

accept it from them, and refrain from them: Call them to Islam, and if they agree, accept it from them and refrain from them. Demand from them to relocate from their land to the land of Emigrants. Inform them that if they do that, then they will have similar to what those who emigrated have, and from them will be required similar to what is required from those who have emigrated. And if they refuse to relocate, then inform them that they will be treated like the bedouins among the Muslims, and the Judgement of Allah will be applied to them as it is applied to the believers. They will not receive anything from the spoils or fay‘, unless they fight along with the Muslims. If they refuse, then demand jizyah from them, and if they agree, accept it from them and refrain from them. However, if they refuse then seek help from Allah against them and fight them.

And if you lay siege to a fortress and they want you to grant them a covenant from Allah and a covenant of His Prophet, then do not grant them the covenant of Allah nor the covenant of His Prophet; rather, grant them your own covenant and the covenant of your companions, it will be better than breaking Allah’s covenant and the covenant of His Messenger.” Otherwise, if you fail honour your commitment, then you would be committing a greater sin. “And if you lay siege to the people of a fortress and they want you to lift the siege for negotiating upon the judgement of Allah, then do not stop, but rather make them surrender to your judgement, for you do not know if you will come upon the judgement of Allah regarding them or not.’” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Siyar an Rasulillahsa, Bab ma ja‘a fi wasiyyatihi filqitaal) (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab fi du‘a al-mushrikin)

Thus, as much leniency as possible was granted to them.

Then, it is narrated by Hazrat Abdullah [bin Yazid al-Ansari]: “The Holy Prophetsa forbade robbery, and also forbade mutilation of bodies.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Mazalim, Bab al-nuhba bighairi izni sahibihi)

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Aiz narrates: “Whenever the Messengersa of Allah sent an expedition, he would say to them, ‘Familiarise yourself with the people and do not attack them, until you have preached to them for it is dearer to me with regard to all mankind, whether they live in houses or tents, that they return as Muslims than that you capture their women and children as prisoners and kill their men.’” (Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 4, Muassasah ar-Risalah: Beirut, p. 469, Hadith 11396)

Hazrat Anas bin Malik narrates that Allah’s Messengersa said: “Depart in Allah’s name and adhering to the religion of Allah and His Messengersa.

Do not kill a decrepit old man, or a young infant, or a child, or a woman. Do not be dishonest and keep the spoils of war together. Rectify your actions and do good, for surely, Allah loves those who do good.”

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab fi du‘a almushrikeen)

Hazrat al-Aswadra bin Sari‘ narrates: “The Messengersa of Allah sent an expedition on the day of the Battle of Hunain. They fought the polytheists to the extent that the scope of the killing reached their children. When they returned, Allah’s Messengersa asked them, ‘What forced you to kill the children?’” You had no right to do that. “‘They replied, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa! They were merely the children of the polytheists.’ He said, ‘Are the best among you not the children of polytheists?

By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, no soul is born except on the pure primordial nature until its tongue gains the ability to express itself properly.’”

(Musnad Ahmad, Musnad al-muqillin, alAswad bin Sari‘) Hazrat Rabahra ibn Rabi‘ narrates: “When we were with the Messengersa of Allah on an expedition, he saw some people gathered together over something and sent a man and said, ‘See, what are these people gathered around?’ He then came back and said, ‘They are around a woman who has

been killed.’ He said, ‘Why was she killed?

She was not a combatant.’” People said that, “‘Khalid ibn Walid is in charge of the van.’

So, he sent a man and said, ‘Tell Khalid not to kill a woman or a hired servant.’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab fi qatlin-nisaa)

At the occasion of the conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa had ordered Khalid bin Walidra to enter Mecca from the lower part of it and to finally meet up with him at Safa.

He ordered Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra bin alJarrah to enter from Batn Al-Wadi, advance to a certain point and then wait for him.

The Holy Prophetsa emphatically instructed all of them not to take up arms against anyone unless someone initiated an attack.

He conveyed this instruction to everyone in general and to Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid in particular.

According to these instructions, the Muslim army began to advance into Mecca from every side. The part of the town which Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid entered had not heard the conditions of peace. Hence, some from among the Quraish started to fight against him. Since Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl, Safwan bin Umayyah and Sahl bin Amr had all attacked him along with their associates, he was forced to take up arms in defence.

Although the skirmish at Khandamah was brief, still 12 of the enemies were killed.

Upon seeing their end, the rest of them fled away and nobody else dared to launch another attack. Before Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid could come back, the Holy Prophetsa was informed of the incident and he was requested to stop Hazrat Khalidra from fighting. If Hazrat Khalidra did not stop, they said, all of Mecca would be massacred.

The Holy Prophetsa sent for Khalidra at once and said, “Did I not stop you from fighting?” He replied, “Yes, you did, O Prophetsa of God, but these people attacked us first and began to shoot arrows at us. We showed patience at this too, I did nothing and told them we did not want to fight. But they did not listen and continued shooting arrows at us. So, we were forced to fight as a result of which God Almighty dispersed them.”

The Holy Prophetsa accepted his explanation.

This was the only untoward incident that took place on this occasion. All the appointed commanders came from different directions and met up with the Holy Prophetsa at the appointed places.

Mecca was fully conquered before the break of dawn. (Life of Muhammad, p. 161) These days, critics raise allegations against Islam but at the same time they themselves launch indiscriminate attacks and air raids on hospitals and schools, completely destroy [civilian] buildings and kill women, children and the sick sheltering in homes. No one is ready to accept their rights and yet they decide to attack the right that Islam has granted.

Who is it, apart from the Holy Prophetsa and his Khulafa-e-Rashideen, that upheld these rights to such a degree?

How has Islam upheld the rights of enemies even in a state of war? I will present a summary of this. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “1. Muslims are forbidden altogether to mutilate the dead. (Sahih Muslim) 2. Muslims are forbidden to resort to cheating. (Sahih Muslim)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 3. Children are not to be killed, nor women. (Sahih Muslim) 4. Priests and religious functionaries and religious leaders are not to be interfered with. (Tahavi) 5. The old and decrepit and women and children are not to be killed. The possibility of peace should always be kept in view. (Abu Dawud)

6. When Muslims enter enemy territory, they should not strike terror into the general population. They should permit no ill-treatment of common folk. (Sahih Muslim) (They should not scare the population for no reason, like these people carry out air-raids.)

7. A Muslim army should not camp in a place where it causes inconvenience to the general public. When it marches it should take care not to block the road, nor cause discomfort to other wayfarers.

8. No disfigurement of the face is to be permitted. (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) 9. The least possible losses should be inflicted upon the enemy. (Abu Dawud) 10. When prisoners of war are put under guard, those closely related should be placed together. (Abu Dawud) 11. Prisoners should live in comfort.

Muslims should care more for the comfort of their prisoners than for their own.

(Tirmidhi)

12. Emissaries and delegates from other countries should be held in great respect.

Any mistakes or discourtesies they commit should be ignored. (Abu Dawud, Kitab al-jihad) 13. If a Muslim commits the sin of illtreating a prisoner of war, atonement is to be made by releasing the prisoner without ransom.

14. When a Muslim takes charge of a prisoner of war, the latter is to be fed and clothed in the same way as the Muslim himself. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Hazrat Abu Bakrra, the First Khalifa of Islam, supplemented these commands of the Prophetsa with some of his own. One of these commands appended here also constitutes part of the Muslim teaching: 15. Public buildings and fruit-bearing trees (and food crops) are not to be damaged.

(Al-Muwatta)” (Life of Muhammad, pp. 117-118) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra described one hallmark of the true servants of the Gracious God [ibad-ur-Rahman] as those who do not kill anyone unjustly. He states: “Similarly, another hallmark of ibadur-Rahman is that they do not kill anyone unjustly. This hallmark also appears in all its glory in the holy personages of the Companionsra. They obeyed this order so strictly that despite their fighting against a nation that wanted to change their religion by force of the sword, their sword was only ever raised against those who were practically involved in the war as combatants. Their sword did not rise against a woman, a child, an old man, a monk, a pandit or a priest because they knew that Islam only allowed fighting against combatants. Killing other people, even if they are from an enemy nation, is declared unlawful.

“Today, the world’s great governments, which claim to be the guardians of justice and whose existence is considered a guarantee for world peace, are such that they keep threatening to destroy enemy nations with nuclear weapons. In fact, in the last World War, millions of innocent Japanese men, women and children were killed as a

result of their dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and it was hailed as a great achievement for world peace.”

Even now, when attacks are carried out against different towns during the various wars that are going on, what happens there?

What happened in Iraq? What happened in Palestine? What happened in Syria? What is happening in Yemen? The same cruelties are being repeated. Then, these actions are hailed as great achievements towards world peace.

“On the contrary, nowhere during the time of the Holy Prophetsa and his Rightly Guided Caliphsra do we see any such cruelty where they killed any innocent men, women and children in a war. However, those who paint their hands with the innocent blood of millions of people are hailed as the epitomes of justice and those Muslims who never even trampled an ant under their feet

are called dacoits and looters.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir

[Urdu], Vol. 6, pp. 575-576)

The Promised Messiahas states: “One should also bear this condition in mind that Islam has permitted the raising of the sword only against those who take up the sword first and has commanded to kill only those who kill you first.” (Anjam-e-Atham

[Urdu], Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 11, p. 37)

These were a few more rights that I have expounded upon. These are the rights, by establishing which, we can spread a spirit of peace and security in the society and the world. Otherwise, there is no guarantee of peace in the world. In particular, the rights of combatants that I have mentioned, if governments do not understand their responsibilities in this regard and do not fulfil the rights owed to others, then they should be ready for a World War, the destruction of which is beyond any

imagination.

May Allah the Exalted grant wisdom to these worldly governments and instead of feeding their egos, they may work towards saving humanity.

In this regard, it is the duty of every Ahmadi to pray that the world may be saved from destruction and catastrophe.

That they may accept the One Lord Who has no partner. May they understand the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa and tread upon this path. This is the guarantee of their sustenance and the sustenance of their future generations.

May Allah grant them wisdom. May Allah give every Ahmadi every kind of security. Pray for Ahmadis as well; may every Ahmadi and every oppressed individual be safe from every evil.

(Translated by Al Hakam)

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Brief report of one year’s Moslem missionary work in America The Moslem Sunrise, July 1921

imperial majesty Queen, Empress Mary of England, in reply to my correspondence: Indian office, Whitehall, London, SWI, 5 August 1920.

P. 5673.

Sir: I am directed by the secretary of state for India to inform you that your letter of 7 July to the Queen has been laid before her majesty, who has graciously expressed her thanks for the congratulations of the Ahmadia community in America on the escape his royal highness, the prince of Wales, from injury in a railway accident.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, (Sd.) LD Dunlop.

To: Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, 1897 Madison Ave, New York city USA. A letter of sympathy on behalf of Ahmadia Brotherhood was written to Mr. Deschanel, ex-president of France, on the occasion of his railway accident in acknowledgement of which he sent me his autographed thanks on his personal card and his ambassador in Washington sent a letter of thanks.

Letter from the king of Belgium: No. 4824.

Palias de Bruselles, le 29 decembre, 1920.

Le cabinet du Roi a ete charge d’avoir l’honneur d’exprimer a Monsieur Muhammad Sadiq les vifs revoeux qu’il Lui a adresse’s a l’occasion du renouvellenment do l’annee.

Translation: The cabinet of king has been requested to have the honor to express to Mr. Muhammad Sadiq the best thanks of the king for the good wishes which he sent him for the New Year.

Cablegram from the president of Brazil: 1 ch gs 16 75 o am, Rio De Janiro— an 17-21, Mahmm Sadiq, 4334 Ellis Ave., Chicago: Agredeco retirbito votos boas festas felicidade ano novo. Epitacia Pessoa.

Card from the president of Panama: To: M. Muhammad Sadiq.

El Presidente de la Republica , y la senora de Porras. Le desean unas felices pascuas y un prospero ano nuevo.

Panama, Deciembre de 1920.

Sacred messages were also epistled to Prince Casimir Lubomirski of Poland and Prince Michael of Saxony and the commander-in-chief of the British armies.

Celebrities

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

Missionary Epistles Royalties and rulers Letters of congratulations with the message of Islam were written to Dr. Sun of China and Dr. Alfred Zayas of Cuba, respectively, for their being elected as presidents of their Republic, and HH the Sultan of Egypt.

King Alfonso and Queen Victoria of

Spain were congratulated on behalf of the Ahmadia Community in America for the lucky escape from injuries when their automobile overturned.

In reply to my letter and literature sent to HM the Sultan Shareef Hussain of Hedjaz (Arabia), the following has been received: El Dewan-el Hashimee, Casr Gaza Mecca, 24-III-1921.

Sir: His majesty wishes me to inform you

that he has been very pleased to receive your letter and greetings and thinks that the sacred mission you are so courageous serving would certainly receive retributions it merits from Heaven.

(Sd.) Mezher-Nedim, Private Secretary of his majesty.

To: Prof. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, Muslim missionary, Chicago, USA.

Letters and literature were sent to the many famous person in and out of United States taking advantage of events and occurrences about them – including Thomas A Edison, the famous inventor; Rev. Russell H Beady who is considered to be the most popular minister.

A letter of appreciation with Moslem literature was sent to attorney Silas B Axtell for representing some poor Indian sailors in the court on charity basis.

Empress Mary The following letter was received from her

Continued on page 29

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and the Arab Muslim community of America

Ghulam Misbah Lecturer, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

The arrival of Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) in America not only propagated the message of Islam in North America under the divine institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, but it also caused a religious awakening among the Muslim immigrants living in America.

A large number of Arab Muslims (Syrians, Lebanese, Jordanians, Palestinians and others) were residing in Detroit (Michigan) and New York City and their suburbs. They were divided along ethnic and racial lines. Religiously, they were inactive and thus unable to spread Islam. Having heard and read about Hazrat Mufti Sadiq’sra appointment as an Islamic missionary, the Muslims of the Midwest and Northeast invited him and arranged his lectures on Islam.

After spending a few weeks in Philadelphia where he landed, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra stationed himself in New York in 1920. It was only after the fourth month that the Arab immigrant Muslims of Detroit, Michigan invited him for a lecture, so he travelled from New York to Detroit in June 1920. An Arabic newspaper of New York, Al-Bayan reported his visit in its edition of 26 June, 1920 as follows: [Translation] “The Islamic Community in Detroit, Michigan has held a general body meeting on 14 June for the reception of Mr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, one of the best men of India. He has come all the way from New York especially just to visit the Islamic community here in this city.

“Mr Mufti began this meeting with the following words: ‘In the name of Allah, and blessings be sent upon the Holy Arab

Prophet’; then he delivered his address in both English and Arabic. He expressed how the Muslims of India were highly determined and dedicated to uplift the pride of Islam again, and how supportive they were towards their brothers in the East and the West. His address left a noble impact in the hearts of attendees.” (Al-Bayan, 26 June, 1920, p. 3, 26 Court St. Brooklyn, N. Y.) Considering Chicago to be a suitable place for an Islamic centre, he moved there in August/September 1920 and carried on his missionary work.

In February 1921, he was invited again to Detroit for lectures, so he arrived there on 5 February 1921. With the characteristic hospitality of Arab Muslims, he was offered a friendly and generous reception and

accommodation. He stayed for more than a month in Detroit and its suburb Highland Park with these Arab Muslim friends and delivered a series of lectures on Islam.

The Detroit Free Press, the largest newspaper of Detroit, gave full coverage to his activities in several of its editions. For example, it reported under the heading “Moslems Avow Loyalty To U.S.”: “Islam set before big businessmen and governmental heads of the neighbour city Sunday the most savory of Eastern dishes in a dinner tendered to Professor Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of India, missionary of the Ahmadia movement […]”. (The Detroit Free Press, Monday, 14 February 1921, p. 3) Reporting the same event, the Arabic newspaper Al-Bayan stated under the heading: ‫( ا�اﺑﺮ ا��ﻣ���ان على ﻣاﺋدة ﻋﺮﺑى‬i.e., American dignitaries on the Arab dining table): [Translation] “What Muslims generally and Syrian Arabs especially have witnessed during the last three weeks, they have neither seen such a magnificent time since their migration to America, nor have they attained such popularity. You will not find any morning or evening newspaper that is not filled with the joyous mention of their praise, their qualities, their religion, morals and lifestyle. And I swear that the sincere American journalists would never have mentioned them if the beauties of this noble ummah had not been made apparent to them […]

“Furthermore, we can say that due to the coming of Allama Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of India, and as a result of his eloquent speeches and interviews with all the journalists, the name of Muslims and especially Arabs has spread like fragrance […]” . (Al-Bayan, 19 February, 1921, p. 3)

On 21 February, two Arab brothers, Ahmad Afandi Hamza and Ahmad Afandi Osman, also arranged another big lunch in honour of Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra, followed by his address and other speeches. (Al-Bayan, 26 February 1921, p. 3) Thanking Arab brethern for their kind hospitality, Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra later wrote: “Arabians have a world-wide reputation for hospitality […] Thanks Allah, I have met examples of this hospitality right here in America in the venerable personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Restum, Mr. Shamee of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs Karroub, Mr. S. A. Zehra of Highland Park […]” (The Moslem Sunrise, No. 1 July 1921, p. 16) His detailed report about this tour of Detroit and its neighbouring cities is published in the 7 April 1921 issue of the official newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Al Fazl Qadian. In it, he gives a brief introduction of Detroit City and then highlights his activities during this tour.

These were truly days of grace in Detroit, Continued on next page >>

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Missionary Review of The World, October 1921

<< Continued from previous page

when Hazrat Sadiqra presented the true picture of Islam and its founder in front of the West on such a large scale. He also advised the Muslim community in the following words: “A democracy in republic such as we find in the United States today is exactly according to the spirit of Moslem government that was established in the beginning by the Moslem caliphs, which was a government of the people, for the people, by the people. When my Moslem brethren try to be good citizens in this country, they perform one of the first great religious duties of their faith. Be honest to the country and people where you are, be loyal to their flag, try to take your best part in the patriotic, social benevolent and charitable works, learn the American language thoroughly, this is my advice.

“Last but not least, I advise my brethren to spread the faith of their forefathers, not in any aggressive way but by the good example of right thinking, right speaking and right acting […] hating no one and loving all, and thus proving to be good followers of the great master prophet.” (The Detroit Free Press, 14 February 1921, p. 3) One of his hosts, Muhammed Karoub, a Syrian immigrant real state agent, had intentions to build a mosque. Hazrat Sadiqra left for Chicago, planning to return at the completion of the mosque. On the way to Chicago, he was given a warm welcome by the Syrian community of Michigan City, Indiana. A banquet was also held in his honour where he delivered a lecture (AlBayan, 29 March, 1921, p. 3). The whole programme was announced earlier in The Michigan City News on 8 March, 1921.

While he was in Chicago performing his missionary duties, internal controversy began about the construction of the mosque.

Apart from the rivalry of the factions within the community, there was the question of the mosque: Would it serve as a mere place of worship or a community and cultural place as well?

Both parties used the Al-Bayan newspaper as their platform for arguments.

Nevertheless, Karoub carried on the construction and the mosque – though not fully completed – held Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan in June 1921. Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra was back in Highland Park, and he led Eid prayer followed by the sermon delivered by

Hussain Karoub, the brother of Muhammad Karoub. The Eid celebration continued after the Eid prayer as a parade was arranged on Victor Ave. Ahmad Badar, a representative of the Arab American United Association reported the whole ceremony in Al-Bayan starting with these words: [Translation] “The Islamic community of Detroit has neither seen such a magnificent day, nor has it observed such an influential scene of gathering as the one that took place at noon. It was the first of its kind and importance, not only in the city of Detroit, but in the United States or even in the whole American continent.” (Al-Bayan, 14 June 1921, p. 2) Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra made Highland Park his missionary centre. Soon after, he

profound scholar of Islam. He defends Islam with such strength of knowledge and bravery that he has made the popularity of Muslims among the Americans like a fragrance. I cannot imagine that any person who has religious consciousness and holds honour for Islam would not attest to what we say. […]

“If some people had not asked us to testify in favour of Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of India, we would not have gone through the trouble to write on this topic […] Thus, we are deeply saddened by the defamatory remarks about Mufti, and we are really surprised at how we could deny his fearless defence of Islam which he does even in churches. And we people of Palestine were introduced to Hazrat Mufti only through the leaders of Detroit, who welcomed him and honoured him and proudly invited him to their dinners. So we are really surprised how things changed and now some people want to defame him in newspapers […]”

(Al-Bayan, 9 July, 1921, pp. 4-5) Another friend, Ahmad Badr, stated: [Translation] “So, among the things

(Advertisement in Arabic of The Moslem Sunrise in the Al-Bayan newspaper)

published his well-known periodical, The Moslem Sunrise from 74 Victor Ave., The Detroit Free Press again gave the heading of “See Highland Park As Islamic Center” (25 June 1921, p. 11).

The rival group did not give up; besides other arguments, they also blamed Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra of being a follower of a new prophet and new religion. Before Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra said something in response to this false propaganda, his staunch advocates arose from among the Arab brethren. Aql Ali Al-Muqaddasi, an Arab friend from Detoit, wrote in his letter to the editor: [Translation] “It is not our intention to respond to the allegations of Mahmood Nasir except for one thing, and that is because he has mentioned us in a matter in which he has insulted a man who is a

which really hurt a proud Muslim is to involve respectable Mufti Muhammad Sadiq in this matter, and to blame him for collecting donations on behalf of Mr Karoub and his mosque. We know that he [Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra] never indulged himself in such people; rather, he constantly engages himself in defending Islam in gatherings, churches and newspapers […] So any fabrication which hurts the feelings of Mufti

Muhammad Sadiq also injures the Muslims’ hearts and this is not only insulting to him but this is an insult to all Muslims.” (AlBayan, 16 July 1921, p. 5) Despite all this, Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra carried on with his work and visited

Arab Muslims in neighbouring cities. For example, The Toledo News-Bee of Toledo, Ohio reports his visit of two weeks among “Toledo Mohammedans”. (The Toledo NewsBee, 12 July, 1921, p. 1) For other missionary works, The Moslem Sunrise contains enough details. Under “My Advice to the Muhammadans in America”, one of the points he made is: “Build a Mosque in every town to worship one God, however small and simple it be, but there must be one. If you cannot build a Mosque, then fix up a room in the house of one of you to meet there every day to say prayers together, read the Quran and Tradition and talk on religious subjects.”

(The Moslem Sunrise, Issue 2, 1921, p. 29) Months of controversy and conflict about the mosque finally forced Karoub to abandon the project and he announced his intentions to put the building up for sale. There are various reasons given for abandoning this project. According to The Detroit Free Press, “[…] in the whole year, not one cent was returned to Karoub. So two months ago he let out the secret that the mosque was to be torn down.” (The Detroit Free Press, 24 September, 1922, p. 75) Carl Muller, a representative of The Detroit Free Press visited a frequented coffee house of Turks and Syrians and enquired about the reason of the mosque falling into disrepair. He wrote: “[…] there are almost as many explanations as there are men.” (The Detroit Free Press, 20 April 1924, p. 52) Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra moved back to Chicago to avoid any hurdle in his missionary work; nevertheless, he was a key figure of the congregation of Highland Park mosque. The famous Christian scholar, Samuel Marinus Zwemer wrote a note in his periodical The Moslem World and stated: “[…] the mufti took leave of his group of followers here, and left for Chicago to continue his missionary work. With his departure, the attendance at the mosque services fell off until none came to the mosque on Holy Days […] Mr. Karoub said: ‘I am greatly disappointed that the mosque I built and gave to the people of my faith here is not appreciated; and since I have spent a large sum of money on it, and my purse is bearing the burden of its upkeep and taxes, and there are none to worship in it, I can see no other logical thing to do but tear the mosque down and sell the lots on which it is built […] I have no word of censure for my people. If they differ with me as to the interpretations of the doctrine

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 of Mohammed, that is their affair and their right. I believe fully in the liberty of conscience.” (The Moslem World, Vol. XIII, 1923, p. 83) Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra himself has not given any reason for his departure from Detroit. However, he still had sincere friends in Detroit who offered him arrangements of his permanent stay in Detroit. He gratefully declined their offers and instead preferred Chicago considering it more suitable for the propagation of Islam. Without any delay, he built a mosque in Chicago and published his next issue of The Moslem Sunrise on time.

This was all possible due to funding from the Ahmadiyya headquarter in Qadian, India, and thus removes the misunderstanding created by Detroit Free Press that his missionary efforts were financed by Karoub.

(Detroit Free Press, 24 Sep, 1922, p. 75) Arab and other Muslims living in the Midwest and Northeast expressed their desire to Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra, asking him to visit them. By the end of 1922, Hazrat Mufti Sadiqra travelled to Ross and Stanley, North Dakota. This journey was undertaken at the invitation of some Arab or Turk Muslims residing near Ross. In his lecture, he thanked brothers Hessen Husain Jaha, Farhat, Omar and others. On his way back, he spent some days conveying the message of Islam in both Continued from page 26

Message to president nominates During the election days following letter with some pamphlets was sent to all those who were nominated by their admirers to be elected as president. Their number was more than one hundred.

Sir, I congratulate for your being nominated and voted for the candidacy of presidency in this country. All the candidates cannot secure the post, but it is plain that even being nominated by a number of people is an honour in itself and shows your popularity and ability of administration. To elect a ruler with so great powers as the United States’ president has, shows the great confidence in their abilities and ruling capacities of the nation, and if a nation has no such men in it and then it is not worthy of its name. It is quite natural for humanity to have a head, a chief, a supreme ruler over it. The best of such chiefs have been those appointed by the very Creator of the Universe. Such were the prophets, the holy messengers and avatars as name in East India.

Thanks to God, this age has also seen one great prophet and messenger of God, “Ahmad,” the righteous of the east, some particulars of whose mission are given in the literature enclosed for your perusal.

Next to the prophet come the successors of the prophets who thought apparently elected by the majority of the believers are the supported and helped by the Almighty in such a way that no one can doubt their authority. Such is the present leader of the Ahmadia movement “His Hazrat Muhmud.”

Wishing you good luck, I am, yours sincerely, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq.

Courtesy of The Moslem World Vol. XI, No.3

(Highland Park Mosque, Courtesy http://biid.lsa.umich.edu/ )

Crookston and St Paul, Minnesota. (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue I, 1923, pp 166-167) In The Moslem Sunrise, Issue II, 1923, p. 190, he mentions his tour of New York, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The Buffalo Times under the heading “Islam Missioner Visits Buffalo” reported: “Mohammadans of this city are rejoicing

for Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, first and only missionary of Islam to come to America, is here this week. Although he has been in America for three years, this is the doctor’s first visit to Buffalo […]”. (The Buffalo Times, 13 February, 1923, p. 15) While he was preparing to depart for India, he arranged a short visit to West

Virginia and met Muslims working as coal miners in Williamson and Logan. (Al Fazl, 4 September, 1923) Having reached Qadian, he still received letters from some of the Muslim brothers of America for years.

New year’s card

doing a wonderful work and many in Detroit are waiting to get your message.

The future for your looms bright in my somewhat limited vision.” (d) Mr. R Sheibe (London): “Your religion must appeal, especially when one sees the miserable failure of others.” (e) Mrs. Maudling: “Perhaps they (the Americans) overlooked, or they do not realise, that they are entertaining angels unaware.” (f) Mrs. Probsthaine: “If the authorities (in America) only had known what an acquisition you are to any country they would have welcomed you as a citizen to practice your deeds of mercy and charity.” (g) Attorney Wilcox, founder of the mission of Love church, writes: Dr. M Sadiq, Chicago, 7 February 1921.

My Dear Brother Sadiq, I cannot tell you how delighted I have been and how pleased the mission of Love Church has been the lectures that you have delivered with me Sunday mornings.

Your presence and work have given a great stimulus to this movement for worldwide human brotherhood, and I do not know where we could have obtained such assistance had you not so kindly, freely and cheerfully rendered it.

We will always be pleased to have you with us whenever you feel inclined.

Very sincerely yours, (Sd.) Henry S Wilcox. (h) From: Miss Mary Amelia Hunt, Aurora Poet Laureate and author of “The Universal Bible”, “Scientific Life”, etc.

To: The editor of Review of Religions, Qadian, India.

Dear Sir: Having attended some of the lectures delivered in Chicago by the learned and eloquent Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, on

the religion of Islam, the great Prophet Muhammad[sa], and the famous champion of Mohammadanism, the Prophet Ahmad of blessed memory; I feel it is my duty to send my thanks to the Indian Moslems for sending so brilliant and able missionary to our land. Dr. Sadiq explains the faith of Islam in such a reasonable way, and is so lucid and forceful language, that an intellectual person feels well satisfied and quiet enjoys his talk. In writing this I am expressing the feelings of gratitude from the American literary public who has had the opportunity of hearing the Doctor. In his several speeches I did not hear a single word with which I could not fully agree.

Some of the titles of his popular lectures and sermons are: Unity of Allah; Universal Spirit of Islam; Mohammad[sa], the Master Prophet; Zoroaster of Persia; Confucius of China; Krishna of India; Ahmad[as], the Prophet of the Day; Quran, the Complete and Final Law; No Religious Wars; Continuance of Revelation; Live and let Live; Serve God and Humanity; Be Broad-Minded; Practical and Practicable Religion; Jesus Christ’s Tomb in India; No exclusive son of God. Hoping that you will kindly publish this letter in your valuable Journal – I am, Sincerely yours, Sd. Miss Mary Amelia Hunt, Kimbark Ave., Chicago, 1 March 1921. (i) Mrs. Zeineb Eldeen, Dowagiac: “Your letters are always very welcome, as from them your own excellent personality enmates. You are on a glorious mission and Allah will not let you fail.”

To keep in New Year’s day is no Moslem ceremony, but just to respect the feelings of the people in which we have to work, I wrote New Year’s greetings which were turned into verse is by the learned Madam Rahatullah (Mrs Garber), and printed in green colour, it was sent along with some literature on Islam to all the kings and presidents in the world, the officials and noted men and women in United States, specially in Chicago. Following is a copy of the message: I wish you all happiness in the New Year; And may you attain all the blessings, my dear, Which Allah the Gracious has ordained to send Through Ahmad, the guide, the prophet, the friend And his master and teacher Muhammad[sa], the elect Who was the prophet, the most perfect.

Miss Wolf of Montmorency, France, whose prophecy that Jesus Christ will be reborn in the present year has suddenly aroused the greatest interest among religious workers all over France, has been informed by me that the promised one has already appeared in India.

Some appreciation (a) Mme. LM Barbour, lecturer of New York City, writes from Switzerland, “I love your beautiful religion, I hope to find teachers in India. I will never find another like you.” (b) Mrs. Billings (California): “I have read those booklets on Islam—it is a very good teaching and would tend to make people better.” (c) Mrs. Beasley (Detroit): “You are

(To be continued…)

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Moslem Sunrise, July 1921)

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah Part IV

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:10-11) “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth, the nations will be in distress, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.” (Luke 21-25) “Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” (Mathew 24-29) Referring to the above verses of the Bible, Christian opponents of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, suggest that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat could not be the Messiah of this age because the said signs were to be fulfilled before the second coming of the Messiah.

The history of previous civilisations where prophets were sent by God Almighty shows quite the contrary. It is a universal fact that punishment always comes after breaking the divine law, and not before.

Torments and widespread catastrophes always appear in the world after the arrival of God’s prophets as a result of their denial.

As in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty says:

َ َ ّٰ ۡ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما کنا ُم َع ِذ ِبی َن َحتی ن ۡب َعث َر ُسوۡلًا‬

“We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.” (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17: V.16) The Bible also supports this fact and says: “And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.” (Acts 3:23) “And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My [God’s] words that the prophet speaks in My name.” (Deuteronomy 18:19) Regarding the said extraordinary signs, the Promised Messiahas received the following revelation from Allah the Almighty: “A warner came unto the world, but the world accepted him not; yet God shall accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with mighty assaults.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV, p. 435 [English translation]) The prophecy of appearing “like a thief in the night” (I Thessalonians 5:2) about the

second coming of Messiah also goes against the narrative of Christians because if the outof-ordinary signs of plague, earthquakes, wars, etc., mentioned at the outset were to be fulfilled before his appearance, then it was impossible for the Latter-Day Messiah to “come like a thief ” (II Peter 3:9-10).

Moreover, the torments and catastrophes befall when people transgress in denial and mockery of God’s prophet. The Promised Messiahas said: “How is it that some disbelieving people were afflicted with torment in this world and God Almighty destroyed them with stones and storms and plagues?

“The answer is that these torments were not inflicted merely on account of disbelief, but because those people who were so afflicted and ruined had transgressed grievously in their denial of divine messengers and their mockery, jesting and persecution; and in the estimation of God Almighty, their mischief, wickedness, cruelty and persecution had reached extreme limits and thus, they themselves created the causes of their ruin.

“Thereupon God’s wrath was roused and they were destroyed through diverse types

of chastisement. This shows that disbelief is (peace be upon him) not the cause of punishment in this world; its cause is extreme wickedness and arrogance.

Such a one, even if he is a believer, when he transgresses the limits in wrongdoing, persecution and arrogance, and forgets altogether the majesty of God, would draw upon himself divine chastisement.” (Anwarul-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 9, pp. 14-15; The Review of Religions, 20 March 2021) Hence, the punishment and afflictions were destined to come after the appearance and persistent denial of a prophet of God. Regarding earthquakes and other catastrophes, the Promised Messiahas said: “Bear in mind that God has informed me about the coming of earthquakes in general.

Thus, know it with certainty that just as, in keeping with the prophecy, there have been earthquakes in America and also in Europe, so will they occur in different parts of Asia, and some of them will be like Doomsday.

There will be death on such a large scale that streams of blood will flow. Even birds and grazing animals will not escape this death.

Such destruction will overtake the earth as has not happened since man was created.

Most places will be turned upside down as if they had never been inhabited.

“There will also be other terrible afflictions, both in heaven and earth to the extent that every sensible person will realise that they are not ordinary phenomena, and no trace of them will be found in books of physics or philosophy. Then people will be seized by anxiety and they will wonder what is going to happen? Many will be delivered, and many will perish. Those days are near, indeed they are at the door, when the world shall witness the spectacle of a doomsday.

“Not only earthquakes, but other terrible calamities will also appear, some from Heaven and some from earth. This will occur because mankind has abandoned the worship of their God, and have fallen upon materialism with all their heart, all their resolve, and all their thoughts. Had I not come, these calamities might have been delayed a little, but with my coming, the hidden designs of God’s wrath that had remained hidden for a long time, have been manifested as God said:

َ َ ّٰ ۡ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما کنا ُم َع ِذ ِبی َن َحتی ن ۡب َعث َر ُسوۡلًا‬

“[‘We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.’ (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch. 17: V.16)] “And those who repent shall find security, and those who fear before the calamity overtakes them will be shown mercy.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 “Do you reckon that you will be safe from these earthquakes, or that you can save yourselves by your own machinations?

Absolutely not. All human works will come to an end that day. Do not imagine that America etc. were hit hard by severe earthquakes while your country remains safe from them. Rather, I see that perhaps you will encounter greater adversity than them.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, pp. 326-27) On the other hand, the fulfilment of the said prophecies of the Bible in the time of the Promised Messiahas proves his truthfulness.

Referring to the sign of plague, the Promised Messiahas states: “Let it also be borne in mind that both the Holy Quran and even certain books of the Torah foretell that plague will break out in the time of the Promised Messiah. In fact, the Messiah, peace be upon him, also spoke of this in the Gospel. It is impossible for the prophecies of the Messengers to be revoked.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 7-8) Below is the list of deaths that occurred due to the outbreak of plague in India between the years 1896 to 1906, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica: In the year 1896: 2,219 deaths occurred; 1897: 47,974 deaths; 1898: 89,265 deaths; 1899: 102,369 deaths; 1900: 73,576 deaths; 1901: 236,433 deaths; 1902: 452,655 deaths; 1903: 684,445 deaths; 1904: 938,010 deaths; 1905: 940,881 deaths and in 1906: 300,355 deaths were recorded. (Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. xxi, p. 700 [edition 1911]) The above numbers show that the plague killed 3,868,182 people in India alone in the span of almost 11 years.

The New Encyclopaedia Britannica states: “An outbreak in Canton and Hong Kong in 1894 left 80,000 to 100,000 dead, and within 20 years the disease spread from the southern Chinese ports throughout the whole world, resulting in more than 10,000,000 deaths.” (The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 9, p.493 [15th edition, 2010]) The prophecy of “nations will rise against nations” was also fulfilled with the arrival of the Promised Messiahas and the world saw a sudden increase in wars and conflicts in the 19th century.

A brief list of wars that took place only in the 19th century is as follows: Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia fought a war against France in 1815. The war of 1818 between America and Britain.

The Crimean War in 1853; The Civil War in America in 1861; Britain against China in 1860; the Sepoy Mutiny in India in 1857; Russia against Turkey in 1870; China against Korea in 1894; the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900, Great Britain against the Boer Republic in 1899 and America against Spain in 1898. (The Review of Religions, June 2006) Likewise, the prophecy of “strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars” was also fulfilled in the age of the Promised Messiahas.

The sign of kasuf-o-khusuf (solar and lunar eclipse) occurred on Friday, 28 Ramadan 1311 AH (6 April 1894) and 13 Ramadan 1311 AH (21 March 1894), respectively.

A sudden increase in the activities of celestial bodies was also witnessed in the 19th century. Below is a brief description of the extraordinary heavenly signs: “In 1811, a comet appeared with a head 1,125,000 miles in diameter, larger than the

sun. The tail was 100 million miles in length.

“Bielids Comet was first discovered in 1772, but was not found to be periodical until 1826. In 1832, the comet passed very close to the earth. In 1845, the comet was observed to break in two, and in 1852, at the time of its expected return, it was found that the two parts of the comet were both very faint and separated by over one million miles. It did not return in 1866.

“On November 27 of 1885, a spectacular meteor shower originating from Von Nostrands Comet was observed. 39,546 meteors were observed in four hours and eight minutes. Since 1899, very few showers from this comet have been observed.

“Records of Leonids Comet are found as far back as 585 A.D. In 1799, 1833 and 186667 this comet caused the most spectacular shower of modern times.

“The great comet of 1843, which has not been named, was a periodical comet with an orbit of 400 years. It had the longest tail of any comet, 200 million miles long, making it a sight of grandeur. Donati’s comet lit the sky in 1858.

“Yet another comet appeared in 1861. At one time the comet was brighter than any star in the sky, except Venus, and a peculiar glow suffused the entire sky. It could easily be seen in broad daylight.

“Another great comet, one of the brightest of modern times, passed within a third of a million miles of the sun in 1882.

“The head of Holmes comet had a diameter in excess of a million miles. It is one of the largest on record and appeared in 1892, 1899 and 1906. Since then, it has not been seen.

“On June 30, 1908, the greatest meteor fall in modern history took place in Siberia.

Scientists still study this phenomenon because of its great destructive power.” (The Review of Religions, June 2006) Regarding the appearance of meteors and comet, the Promised Messiahas says: “On the night before 28 November 1885, there was such a display of meteors in the sky, the like of which I had not witnessed in my whole life before and so many thousands of flames were traversing the atmosphere in the skies that there is no other spectacle in the world which I can cite to describe it. I recall that at that time, the following revelation was vouchsafed to me repeatedly:

ّٰ َّ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ٰ ‫الل َہ َر‬ ‫می‬ ‫وما رمیت ِإذ رمیت ول ِکن‬

“‘It was not you who let loose but it was Allah Who let loose.’ This pelting had great affinity to the pelting of the stars in the sky.

“This exhibition of the pelting of stars that occurred on the night of 28 November

1885 was so vast that it was visible all over and was described in great wonder in the papers of Europe, America and Asia. People might have thought that it was purposeless, yet God, the Noble, knows that I was the one who watched this spectacle with the greatest attention and derived the greatest delight from it. My eyes continued to be regaled by this spectacle for a long time. This display of the pelting of the stars started early in the evening. Because of divine glad-tidings, I derived great pleasure from it, for it was revealed upon my heart that it had appeared as a sign in my support.

“Thereafter, the people of Europe saw the comet which had been observed in the time of the Messiahas [Prophet Jesusas] and it was conveyed to me that this comet was another sign in support of my truth.” (Ainae-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. 110-111; Tadhkirah, pp. 166-197) Hence, the said signs and prophecies of the Bible were fulfilled to the letter in the age of the Promised Messiahas. This unique fulfilment of God’s promises and out-ofthe-ordinary divine happenings are enough to substantiate that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was the true Messiah of God Almighty.

(To be continued…)

“

[...] Paradise lies under the feet of mothers” – that is, the impeccable tarbiyat and education of children will not only be a means of attaining Paradise for mothers, but can also become a means of her children attaining Paradise. How great an honour and how high a status is this that has been afforded to women and not men!

— Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021

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Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 23 July 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Umarra ibn al-Khattab After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

These days, I am narrating accounts from the life of Hazrat Umarra and some of the battles that took place during his era were being mentioned. I will continue to narrate accounts with reference to these today as well.

The Battle of Buwaib took place in 13 AH, and according to some historians, it was 16 AH. On the occasion of the Battle of Jisr, which I have mentioned in the previous sermon as well, Hazrat Musannara informed Hazrat Umarra regarding the defeat of the Muslims during this battle. Hazrat Umarra said to the emissary, “Return to your companions and tell them that the Muslim army should remain where it is and that reinforcements would soon be on its way.”

(Al-Akhbar Al-Tiwal, Abu Hanifa Dinawari, pp. 166167, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Hazrat Umarra was greatly affected by the defeat during the Battle of Jisr. He sent orators across all of Arabia, who delivered passionate speeches, thereby inspiring the Arab people. Subsequently, the various Arab tribes started arriving in droves in order to participate in this national battle, which included Christian tribes as well. This was not limited to Muslim tribes alone, as Christian tribes also joined and participated.

Hazrat Umarra sent a Muslim army towards Iraq and Hazrat Musannara also gathered an army at the border of Iraq.

When Rustam learnt of this, he sent an army under the command of Mehran in order to fight against the Muslims. Hirah is a city at a distance of three miles from Kufa and Buwaib is located close by. Buwaib is a stream which comes out from the Euphrates River

and is also near Kufa. Both armies formed their positions at this place. This battle was fought during the month of Ramadan. The city of Kufa was later populated near this area.

The Persian army’s general, Mehran, stated, “Should we cross the river or will you cross it and come here?” Hazrat Musannara replied, “You should cross it.” In the previous battle, the Muslims had crossed the river, therefore, this time, they were wise and told the Persian army to cross it.

Hazrat Musannara organised his army, formed its ranks and appointed experienced leaders to each of its divisions. He then mounted his famous horse, Shamus, and inspected the ranks of the Muslim army. He stopped at each flag and gave them instructions regarding the battle

and passionately encouraged them in the following words, “I am hopeful that today, [the honour of] the Arabs will not be tarnished at your hands. By God! Today, I desire for myself whatever I consider desirous for an ordinary man from among you.” In other words, they were all equal.

The courageous [army of] Muslims passionately hearkened to the call of their beloved leader. And why would they not?

He always treated them fairly, whether through his words or actions and always supported them, whether in times of ease or difficulty. It was impossible for anyone to criticise anything he did. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 372, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Tarikhe-e-Islam Bi Ahde Hazrat Umarra, Thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 23-24) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 376) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 607)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 Hazrat Musannara instructed the army that he would say “Allahu Akbar” [Allah is the greatest] three times and they should remain ready and prepared to attack the enemy as soon as they heard him repeat it a fourth time.

When Hazrat Musannara raised the first slogan of “Allahu Akbar”, the Persian army quickly launched an attack. As a result of this, the Muslims were also quick in launching their attack and some individuals from the tribe of Banu Ijal left their ranks and advanced for battle after only the first call of “Allahu Akbar”. This caused disorder in the ranks.

Hazrat Musannara sent a person to them with the message that “the leader of the army conveys his greetings, and says that today, do not humiliate the Muslims.” Thereafter, that tribe returned to its position.

Then, after an intense battle, the Persians began clamouring. It is stated that the number of Persians killed in this battle was 100,000. Mehran, who was a general of the Persian army, was also killed in this battle. This battle is also known as “Yaum alAashaar” because in this battle, there were a hundred such people who killed 10 people each.

Upon suffering defeat, the Persian army retreated to the bridge in order to cross the river and return to their safe area.

However, Hazrat Musannara took his envoy and chased after them and surrounded them before they could cross the bridge.

He broke the bridge, killing many Persian soldiers. Later, Hazrat Musannara would express regret saying, “Why did I chase after those who were already defeated? I should not have done so.” He would say, “I made a great mistake, it did not behove me to attack those who could not defend themselves. I will never do this again.”

Then he advised the Muslims, “O Muslims, you too should never commit such a deed. Do not follow me in this regard.”

He stated that he had made the mistake of chasing after those who were fleeing; and this should not have happened. These are true Islamic morals.

During this battle, many great stalwarts of the Muslim army, such as Khalid bin Hilal and Mas‘ud bin Haritha were also martyred.

Hazrat Musannara led the funeral prayers of the martyrs and said, “By God, my sadness and grief are lightened by the fact that these people took part in this battle and they conducted themselves with great bravery and courage and they remained steadfast.

They were never frightened or worried in any way whatsoever. This fact also lightens [the burden of] my grief that martyrdom acts as an expiation for sins.”

While mentioning this battle, historians record an incident which shines light on the bravery and courage of Muslim women.

At a distance from the battleground in Qawadis, there was a camp for women and children. Upon the conclusion of the battle, when a division of the Muslim army reached the camp on their speeding horses, the Muslim women mistook them to be from the enemy’s army which had come to attack them. They quickly surrounded the children and furiously began striking them with stones and sticks. When the soldiers drew nearer, they realised that these were Muslims.

The leader of this group of soldiers was Amr bin Abd al-Masih and upon this, he

stated, “This action behoves the women of Allah’s army.” The Battle of Buwaib came to an end; however, it left behind a deep-rooted impact. Iran had never before faced such loss of life. One of the results of this battle was that most Muslims in the surrounding areas of Iraq gained firm footing. Their hold from southern Iraq to the Tigris River became firm and after a few smaller battles, the Muslims once again took hold of the surrounding areas which they previously had to leave. The Persian army saw strength in them, which is why they retreated to the far end of the Tigris River. After this victory, the Muslims spread to various parts of Iraq.

(Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 373-374, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Sirat Al-Amir-ul-Momineen Umar bin Khattab, Salabi, pp. 361-363, Dar-ul-Marifah, Beirut, 2007) (Al-Farooq, Shibli Naumani, pp. 82-84, Idaarah Islamiyyat, 2004) (Al-Kamil Fi Al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 288-291, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 237-238, 240-241, Nafees Academy, Karachi 2004) (Tarikh-e-Islam Bi Ahde Hazrat Umarra, Thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 28-29)

Then, there was the Battle of Qadisiyyah, which took place in 14 AH. Qadisiyyah is located in present-day Iraq, and is located 45 miles from Kufa. In 14 AH, during the era of Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat, a decisive war was fought between the Muslims and the Persians at Qadisiyyah. As a result, the Persian rule fell into the hands of the Muslims. When the Persians learnt of the success of the Muslims, it was said to Rustam and Ferozan, two leaders of theirs, “You had been at odds with each other, and thus weakened the Persians and gave confidence to their enemy. Now, the situation is such that if we remain as we are, Iran shall be destroyed, because Baghdad, Sabaat”, which is a place near Madain, “Tikrit”, a wellknown city between Baghdad and Mosul and which is 30 farsakh, or 90 miles from Baghdad. “Now, Madain [Ctesiphon] is the only city that remains intact. If the two of you do not find an agreement we will kill you ourselves and finally find tranquillity as we perish ourselves”, i.e. they will commence battle themselves. Rustam and Ferozan deposed Boran and placed Yazdegerd on the throne, who was 21 years of age at the time.

All the fortresses and military bases were fortified.

When Hazrat Musannara informed Hazrat Umarra of all these activities of the Persians, Hazrat Umarra said, “By God, I shall make the kings of the non-Arabs compete with the commanders and kings of the Arabs.” Thus, all the chiefs, great thinkers, honourable men and speakers and poets were sent forth to contest them.

Hazrat Musannara was directed to leave the non-Arab land and to come to the coastal area close to the border between them. The tribesmen of Rabi‘ah and Muzar were also commanded to take part. (Al-Kamil Fi Al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 294-295, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Furhang-e-Sirat, p. 229) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 187) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 45),

Hazrat Umarra sent leaders to all four corners of the Arab lands and instructed the chiefs and those in authority to gather in Mecca. As the time for the Hajj had approached, Hazrat Umarra had departed to perform the Hajj. During the Hajj, Arab tribes had come from every direction.

When Hazrat Umarra returned from the Hajj to Medina, he found a large army had assembled. Hazrat Umarra personally took

lead of this army and appointed Hazrat Alira as the governor in Medina and set forth and set up camp in Sirar. Sirar is also a spring situated three miles from Madinah. Hazrat Umarra had not yet made a clear decision regarding his physical participation in the battle. (Al-Farooq, Shibli Naumani, pp. 85-86, Idaarah Islamiyyat, 2004) (Furhang-e-Sirat, p. 172)

Though he had departed with the army, he had not yet decided if he would go to battle himself, or appoint someone else as the commander along the way.

In any case, it is mentioned in Tarikh alTabari that Hazrat Umarra took counsel from the people and they all advised him to go to Persia. They told him to take the whole army under his leadership. Before reaching Sirar, Hazrat Umarra had not discussed this matter with anyone, but Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra was among those who advised him not to go. When the others advised him to go with the army, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra advised against it. Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra said, “To this day, I have not sacrificed my mother and father for anyone except the Holy Prophetsa, nor will I ever do so after him.” He then said to Hazrat Umarra, “However, today I shall say, ‘O ye for whom my mother and father be sacrificed, leave the final decision in this matter with me.’” He then told Hazrat Umarra, “You should stop at Sirar and send forth a large army from there.” He continued, “You have witnessed from the beginning up till now what Allah the Almighty has decreed in relation to your armies. The impact of losing you is far greater than if your army suffers a defeat. In other words, if you are martyred or are defeated in the beginning, I fear that the Muslims will no longer be able to glorify God, nor bear witness that there is no god but Allah.”

After a meeting of consultation with the selected and learned companions, Hazrat Umarra held a general assembly. When he had received the advice of Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra, he took counsel from the select companions, and then he held a general meeting, in which Hazrat Umarra delivered an address. He said, “Allah the Almighty has brought the people together in Islam, placed love between their hearts and made them all brothers. Muslims are like one body; when one part ails, the rest of it cannot but feel the pain. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Muslims to decide their matters between them in consultation, and advice should be taken especially from those possessing wisdom and understanding. Furthermore, once the people have agreed upon a matter and are pleased with it, they must follow and obey it. The amirs must accept the suggestions of the people of sound opinion in relation to their judgement about the people, and their plans with regards to battles.”

Hazrat Umarra then said, “O people, I desired to be with you in person during the battle, but the wise ones among you have stopped me from doing so. Therefore, I have decided to not go ahead and to send someone else instead.” (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p.

381, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Tarikhe-Islam Bi Ahde Hazrat Umarra, Thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 35-37)

Hazrat Umarra then began searching for someone, and at the same time, a letter from Hazrat Saadra was received. At the time, Hazrat Saadra was appointed to collect the donations from the people of Najd.

Hazrat Umarra said, “Tell me of a person

who I should appoint as the commander.”

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra replied, “You have just found the person.” Hazrat Umarra asked, “Who is this person?” Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra answered, “The brave lion Saad bin Malik, i.e. Saad bin Abi Waqas.” The rest of the people also agreed with this suggestion. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 382, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1987)

In Tarikh al-Tabari it is written that when Hazrat Umarra appointed Hazrat Saadra as the commander, he said, “O Saad! Do not think about the fact that you are the uncle of the Holy Prophetsa and also a companion.

Allah the Almighty does not remove evil with evil, in fact He removes evil with virtue. There is no other relation between man and God aside from obedience.” This is the advice Hazrat Umarra imparted to Hazrat Saadra.

When Hazrat Saadra was about to depart, again Hazrat Umarra advised him saying, “Remember my advice! You have vowed to undertake an extremely difficult and arduous task. Thus ensure that you yourself and your companions with you instil the habit of piety and seek victory by means of this. Remember, in order to adopt a certain habit there are certain means to do it, and the means to adopt piety is patience.” If one shows patience they will instil the habit of piety. “Thus, exhibit patience for every trial and difficulty that may befall you, as a result of this the fear of Allah will develop within you.” (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 253-254, Nafees Academy, Karachi, 2004)

Hazrat Umarra then said, “Take your Muslim comrades and march from Sharaf to Iran.” Sharaf was the name of a spring in Najd. He ordered the army to gather there and to advance from there. “Place your trust in Allah and seek help from Him alone in all your affairs. Remember, you are heading towards a people who are vast in number; they have provisions and are a formidable military strength; the terrain towards which you are heading is extremely difficult and protected; despite being an excellent terrain owing to its lush greenery. Thus, be vigilant and do not be deceived because they [i.e. the enemy] are cunning and devious. When you reach Qadisiyyah, you will stop where the mountainous area finishes and the plains begin. Set up camp there and do not move from there.” Hazrat Umarra even designated the place for them to setup camp.

“When the enemy becomes aware of your arrival, they will be making preparations.

Their infantry and cavalry will launch a full out attack. In such an instance if you remain steadfast and resolute against the enemy, and at the same time your intention to fight the enemy is pure and to attain Allah’s reward, then I am sure you will be victorious. After this point they will never be able to gather together to attack you, and even if they do join forces, their hearts will be divided.” They will be fearful if they fight.

“And if another situation arises, then move away from the Persian lands” i.e. if they have to retreat or if they face defeat, “move closer to your own elevated area. In this case, you will have more strength fighting in your own area as you know the area well and the Persians will be fearful of fighting against you in your own territory; they will be unaware of the terrain, and Allah the Almighty will grant you victory over them again.”

Hazrat Umarra was convinced that

34 they would be granted victory, even if temporarily the situation changed, but eventually victory would be theirs. Thus, all the movements and arrangements of this army was in accordance with the detailed instructions received from Hazrat Umarra whilst he was still in Medina.

In Tabari, it is written that Hazrat Umarra even set the date of the army’s departure from Sharaf and stated, “When reaching Qadisiyyah, ensure the army camps between Uzaib-ul-Hijanat and Uzaib-ul-Qawadis and the army ought to spread out to the east and west.” Uzaib is a waterhole between Qadisiyyah and Mughithah; it is situated four miles from Qadisiyyah and 32 miles from Mughithah. In historical accounts, we know from the letter of Hazrat Umarra to Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas that there were two places called Uzaib. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 386-287, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Tarikh-e-Islam Bi Ahde Hazrat Umarra, Thesis

by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 48-50) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 131) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 304),

Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas to Persia with 4,000 Mujahidin.

Along the way, 2,000 Yemenis and 2,000 Najadis joined them. Also 3,000 men from the Banu Asad joined as well as Ash‘ath bin Qais Kindi along with 1,700 Yemeni soldiers.

Including the existing army, the Muslim army increased to over 30,000 soldiers. The significance of this army can be determined from the fact that among this army were 99 companions who took part in the Battle of Badr alongside the Holy Prophetsa. Tabari has stated this number to be more than 70; there were 310 such companions who had the honour to remain in the company of the Holy Prophetsa from the early years of Islam up until Bai‘at-e-Rizwan; 300 companions who were present during the conquest of Mecca; 700 men who were not companions themselves but had the honour of being children of companions.

Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas set up camp upon reaching Sharaf. Musannara was waiting at Dhu Qa‘r – a waterhole near Kufa – with reinforcements of 8,000 men and it was during this time that he passed away.

He appointed Bashir bin Khasasiyyah in his place. (Al-Kamil Fi Al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 299-302, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Mu‘jam-ulBuldan, Vol. 4, p. 333)

Musannara passed away there.

Upon reaching Sharaf, Hazrat Saadra sent a detailed report about the developments of the army. Hazrat Umarra then arranged the army himself and wrote a letter stating: “Split the army into groups of 10 Mujahidin and appoint a leader over them, and then appoint a senior commander over each of these units. Then estimate the size of the army and send them to Qadisiyyah.

Keep the unit consisting of Mughirah bin Shu‘bah under your command. Then inform me in detail about the subsequent events.

Also update me about the developments each day.”

Hazrat Saadra arranged the army according to these instructions and sent a detailed report to Hazrat Umarra. Appointing a leader over a unit of 10 Mujahidin was in accordance with the system that existed from the time of the Holy Prophetsa. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 115-116, Dar-ul-Fikr, 2002)

In another letter, Hazrat Umarra advised Hazrat Saadra saying: “Counsel your heart, and also guide your

Friday 20 August 2021 | AL HAKAM army and advise them; be patient because Allah the Almighty rewards people on their intentions. Show the utmost caution with regards to the responsibility placed upon you and for the task you have been sent for.

Be very careful; seek protection from God and constantly recite:

ّٰ َّ َ ُ َ َ‫ل‬ ‫احوْ َل َولَا ق ّوَۃ ِالا ِبالل ِہ‬

“[There is no might nor power save with Allah alone.] Inform me about where your army has reached and who the rival commander-in-chief is; there are certain instructions I wish to impart to you, and the only reason I refrain from doing so is because I am unaware of certain details about the enemy. Send me all the information and I will send further instructions.

“Thus, inform me in depth regarding the Muslim army as well as the conditions of the terrain between you and Madain, the capital of the Iranians. Outline it in such a way as if the entire situation is before me”, i.e. to send him every minute detail. “Explain to me your situation clearly. Fear God Almighty and place your hopes in Him. Place your trust in God with all your matters and fear Him, lest He removes you and chooses another nation to fulfil this task.” (Tarikh alTabari, Vol. 2, p. 387, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Tarikh-e-Islam Bi Ahde Hazrat Umarra, Thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 50-51)

That is, that they ought to always remain fearful of Allah regarding this. It was not the case that they had been appointed as sole custodians to fulfil this mission. If they did not act responsibly, then Allah would remove them and would assign some other people to complete this task because this was certainly going to be fulfilled.

Upon reaching Qadisiyyah, Hazrat Saadra sent a detailed report about the army and also the surrounding areas to Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umarra wrote back saying to stay in their place until the enemy themselves launch an attack. If they are defeated, then they should march towards Madain. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 117-118, Darul-Fikr, 2002)

The following had previously been mentioned in reference to Hazrat Saad’s account, but it is necessary to mention this also in reference to Hazrat Umarra. In light of the guidance of the Khalifa, Hazrat Saad camped in Qadisiyyah for one month but no one from among the Persians confronted them. Upon this, the local residents wrote to Yazdegerd, the Persian king, stating, “The Arabs have been residing in Qadisiyyah for some time now and you have not done anything about it. They have destroyed the land up to the Euphrates River and looted cattle etc. If we do not receive any help we will have to hand everything over to them.”

Upon receiving this letter, Yazdegerd called over Rustam, who used different excuses to avoid taking part in the battle and instead suggested making Jalinus the commander-in-chief of the army. However, Rustam’s suggestion was rejected and he had to depart with the army. Hazrat Umarra wrote to Hazrat Saadra and instructed him to send an invitation to Rustam to accept Islam through someone who was noble, wise and courageous. That is, he was not to begin the war unnecessarily, instead the enemy ought to be invited towards Islam.

And through this Allah will bring about the enemy’s defeat and success to the Muslims. Also that he ought to send a letter to Hazrat Umarra every day. Upon this, Hazrat

Saadra selected 14 esteemed individuals and sent them as emissaries to the royal court of the Persian king, Yazdegerd, in order to invite him towards Islam. The Muslims were on horseback, wearing cloaks and with whips in hand. The first to speak to the king was Hazrat Nu‘manra bin Muqarrin, after which Mughirah bin Dararah spoke to him.

Mughira said to the king: “Either we will fight against you or you pay the jizya. You now have the choice to either accept to live under our rule and pay the jizya or then prepare for battle against us. However, there is a third option as well and that is if you accept Islam then you will safeguard yourselves from everything.”

Upon this, Yazdegerd stated: “If the killing of the emissaries was not prohibited, I would have killed you all! I have nothing to offer to you; be gone from here.”

He then asked for a basket of soil and said, “Take this from me!” He then instructed for these emissaries to be expelled from the gates of Madain. Asim bin Amr took hold of the basket of soil and handed it to Hazrat Saadra and stated, “Glad tidings be upon you for Allah the Almighty has granted us the keys to this land.”

After this incident, both armies remained as they were and no further action took place for many months. Rustam took his army and remained in Sabaat and refrained from engaging in any battle despite Yazdegerd pushing for it. The people repeatedly sought protection from Yazdegerd otherwise they would fall under the Muslim rule and thus Rustam was compelled to advance forth for battle and the Persian army left Sabaat and camped in the plains of Qadisiyyah.

When Rustam departed from Sabaat, his army consisted of 120,000 soldiers and they had 33 elephants. It took Rustam four months to reach Qadisiyyah. After setting camp in Qadisiyyah, the next morning Rustam took an assessment of the Muslim army and wished to make peace with the Muslims and for them to return back.

Hence, Rustam asked the Muslims to make peace and for them to return.

The response from the Muslim army was that they had not come with the intention of any worldly objective, rather their sole purpose was the hereafter.

Rustam then asked the Muslim army to send their representatives to his royal court so they could negotiate on the matter.

Subsequently, very precious and expensive carpets were laid out in the royal court of Rustam and various other arrangements of adornments and embellishments were done.

A royal seat made of gold was placed for Rustam and a cloth laid upon it and it was adorned with cushions embroidered with thread made of gold.

From among the Muslims, Hazrat Rib‘ira bin Amir was the first to go there [as a representative of the Muslims]. He walked taking small steps with the support of his spear and the tip of the spear would cause the soft layer of the carpet to rip. He reached Rustam and planted his spear into the carpet.

Hazrat Rib‘ira proposed three options before him. Firstly, that if they accepted Islam, they would leave them alone and let them be in their land; they could govern the land as they willed. Or, if they paid the jizya, they would grant them protection. And if they did not wish to take either option, then they would enter into a battle against them

on the fourth day. He further stated the Muslims would not initiate the battle in the three days prior to that but if they started the battle, then they would have no choice but to respond.

The next day, Hazrat Saadra sent Huzayfa bin Mihsan. He also presented the same three options as Hazrat Rib‘ira. On the third day, Hazrat Mughirara bin Shu‘ba went and at the end of his conversation, just like his two companions, he also mentioned the three options of either accepting Islam, paying the jizyah or then entering into battle. Upon this, Rustam stated, “Now you people will certainly be destroyed.”

Hazrat Mughirara replied, “Whoever among us is killed, will enter Heaven and whoever among you is killed will enter the Hellfire. And whoever remains alive among us will have victory over you.”

Upon hearing these words of Hazrat Mughirara, Rustam became furious and taking an oath stated, “I swear by the sun that tomorrow the sun will not have fully risen and we will have completely destroyed you.” Even after Hazrat Mughirara, Hazrat Saadra sent a few more wise Muslims to the royal court of Rustam and they all returned the same evening.

Hazrat Saadra instructed the Muslims to prepare for battle and sent a message to the Persians that they would have to cross the river [to get to them]. The Muslims had taken control over the bridge and so the entire night the Persians had to construct a bridge over the River Ateeq. Whilst crossing over the bridge, Rustam stated, “Tomorrow we shall completely annihilate the Muslims.”

In response to this, a person from one of his men from ahead stated, “If Allah so wills.”

Perhaps he had belief in Allah. However, Rustam replied, “Even if Allah does not will for it to happen, we shall still destroy them”, God-forbid.

The Muslims by now had prepared their ranks for battle; however, Hazrat Saadra developed a boil on his body and was suffering from sciatica and as a result, he could not even sit down and would lie on his chest. A cushion was placed under his chest, so that with its help he could look upon the army from the top of the fort or the platform that had been constructed above the tree.

Hazrat Saadra appointed Khalid bin Arfata as his deputy. Hazrat Saadra addressed the Muslims and encouraged them to perform the jihad and reminded them of Allah’s promise of victory.

The Persian army was at the edge of the River Ateeq. The River Ateeq flows out from the Euphrates River. The Muslim army was next to the wall of Kudais and a trench. Kudais is an area next to Qadisiyyah and situated at a distance of one mile from the River Ateeq. 30,000 from among the Persian army were joined in chains with one another so that no one was able to flee from the battlefield.

Hazrat Saadra instructed the Muslims to recite Surah Al-Anfal and upon its recitation, the Muslims felt at ease. After offering the Zuhr prayer, the battle between the Muslims and the Persian army began.

The Persian army caused the Muslims to suffer a lot of losses. Hazrat Asimra called for the expert archers from the Banu Tamim and ordered them to attack those mounted on the elephants with their arrows and he also instructed some of the brave soldiers on foot to go from the back of the elephants and

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 August 2021 cut loose their saddles. Subsequently, there did not remain a single elephant which did have a saddle or a rider mounted upon it.

The battle continued even after the sun had set.

On the first day, 500 Muslims from among the Banu Asad tribe were martyred.

This day is known as Yaum-e-Armas. The next day in the morning, Hazrat Saadra buried all those who had been martyred and sent the injured to the women so they may tend to them. Also, the next day a reinforcement for the Muslim army was sent from Syria.

Hazrat Hashimra bin Utbah bin Abi Waqas was the commander of this contingent sent as reinforcement and the commander of the contingent of the army at the front was Qa‘qa bin Amrra. Qa‘qara swiftly completed the journey and reached the army in Iraq in the early morning at Aghwas. Qa‘qara very intelligently divided the vanguard of the army into groups of 10 and each group was at a short distance from one another. Each group consisting of 10 soldiers would gradually join the Muslim army one after the other.

Upon the arrival of each group, the Muslim army would raise the slogan of “Allah is the Greatest!” and thus it seemed as if the Muslim army was continuously receiving reinforcements. Hazrat Qa‘qara himself was in the front part of the army and as soon as he reached the Muslim army, he conveyed his greetings of peace and gave them the glad-tidings of the arrival of the Muslim army. He then said, “O people!

Do as I am doing.” He then went forth and called out the enemy to engage in a battle duel.

Upon hearing his call, Bahman Jazaviyyah went forth to engage in the duel and they both began to fight and Hazrat Qa‘qara killed him. Owing to the death of Bahman Jazaviyyah and the arrival of the reinforcement, the Muslims were extremely happy. Regarding Hazrat Qa‘qara, Hazrat Abu Bakrra had stated that it was not possible to overcome an army which had people like him in it.

That day, the Persian army was not able to fight with their elephants because their saddles had been broken the previous day. Therefore, they had spent the entire morning trying to repair them.

On the other hand, the Muslims devised a plan whereby they put clothes on the camels, covering their entire body and necks and subsequently they began to appear as if they were elephants. Wherever these camels would go, the horses of the Persian army would begin to jump uncontrollably just like the previous day the horses belonging to the Muslims were reacting upon seeing the elephants.

From morning till the afternoon, the soldiers on horseback continued to fight.

When more than half of the day had passed, the general battle began and this day is known as “Yaum-e-Aghwas” and this day belonged to the Muslims; in other words, they were victorious.

On the morning of the third day, both armies were in their respective trenches and a very fierce battle was fought on this day. There were 2,000 Muslims who were martyred and 10,000 soldiers of the Persian army were killed. The Muslims would bury their dead and would send their injured men to the women who would tend to their

injuries; however, the dead soldiers from the Persian army were left on the battlefield.

That night, the Persians repaired the saddles of their elephants and the soldiers on foot were guarding the elephants and thus the elephants were unable to wreak as much havoc as they did on the first day.

Hazrat Saadra sent a message to Hazrat Qa‘qara and Hazrat Asimra and stated that put an end to the white elephant of the Persian army. Following this, Hazrat Qa‘qara and Hazrat Asimra attacked the elephant and dug their spears in its eyes and as a result, it became uncontrollable and threw off its rider. The elephant’s trunk was then cut off and it was then put to the ground by attacking it with arrows. After this, the Muslims dug their spears into the eyes of another elephant. The elephant would at times rush towards the Muslim army and they would pierce it with their spears or it would then rush towards the Persian army and they would also pierce it with their spears. Eventually, the elephant which was known as Ajrab ran towards the River Ateeq and upon seeing this all the other elephants followed suit and fell into the river and died along with their riders. The fighting continued till the sun had set and this day is known as “Yaum-e-Ammaas”.

Another fierce battle broke out after Isha prayer. It is said that at the time, the noise of swords was like the noise of iron being cut at an ironsmith’s workshop. Hazrat Saadra also remained awake the entire night and was occupied in supplicating before Allah the Almighty. Such an incident was never before witnessed by an Arab or a non-Arab.

When morning came, the zeal and passion of the Muslims remained resolute and they prevailed. After that night when morning came, everyone was fatigued as they had remained awake the entire night. That night is known as “Laylatul Hareer”. The reason which has been recorded for naming it this is that during the night, the Muslims did not speak to one another, rather they merely whispered. This is also the meaning given for “Hareer”; the slight sound that comes from a bow after an arrow has been shot from it, or the slight sound of a mill turning.

Tabari has also written that the reason for naming it “Laylatul Hareer” is that from the outset of the evening until the morning, the Muslims fought with great valour. They were not speaking out loud; rather, they whispered to one another, thus that night became known as “Laylatul Hareer”.

In any case, on the fourth day, the fighting continued until the afternoon and the Persian army continued to retreat.

Afterwards, an attack was made on Rustam and he fled to the River Ateeq. When he jumped into the river, a Muslim by the name of Hilal captured him, dragged him to shore, and killed him. Afterwards, the Muslim man who killed Rustam announced, “I have killed Rustam. Come here!” Upon this, the Muslims surrounded him from all sides and loudly raised the slogan glorifying Allah.

The news of Rustam’s death rendered the Persians defeated and thus, they retreated.

The Muslims chased after them and killed them and also imprisoned a large number of their soldiers. That day is known as the “Yaum-e-Qadisiyyah”. Every morning, Hazrat Umarra would ask the riders coming from the battleground regarding the Battle of Qadisiyyah.

When a messenger brought good news

about the battle and informed that Allah had caused the disbelievers to suffer defeat, Hazrat Umarra at the time was running ahead in order to gather information while the messenger was riding on his camel, and he did not even recognise Hazrat Umarra.

When the messenger arrived in Medina and people were calling Hazrat Umarra “Amir-ul-Momineen” [Leader of the Faithful] and greeting him, the messenger said to Hazrat Umarra, “Why didn’t you tell me that you are the Amir-ul-Momineen?”

Hazrat Umarra replied, “My brother, do not worry about it.”

After being informed of this victory, Hazrat Umarra read the news out to a gathering after which he delivered a moving speech. He sent an instruction that the army should stay where they were and that the army ranks should be reassembled, and other matters which required to be sorted out should be tended to.

Hazrat Saadra had sought guidance from the Khalifa that in the Battle of Qadisiyyah, there were those from among the Persians who before this, had made treaties with Muslims, and there were some who had been called to battle against their will as the Persian government had forced them to join. They had not come willingly, but were compelled to do so, and many of these claims proved to be true. There were many who left their land and fled to enemy territories due to the battle and were returning. In order to make decisions regarding these matters, Hazrat Umarra held a consultative meeting in Medina and after consultation, he sent his guidance that “those who had agreements with Muslims and fulfilled these agreements did not flee their land and did not go towards the enemy, then those agreements should be honoured and upheld. And those who did not have any prior agreements with the Muslims but remained in their area and did not join the enemy in the battle against the Muslims, then they should be treated in the same manner as those who did have treaties with the Muslims. Those who claimed that the Persian government forced them to join the army and their claim seems to be true, then they too should not be treated any less by the Muslims and should be left alone. As for those who falsely claimed that they were forced, and instead they fought against the Muslims alongside the enemy of their own will, then their initial agreement should be voided because they supported the enemy.

Either a new agreement should be made with them, or they should be taken to their place of security”, meaning that upon a new agreement, they should be taken out from there and they should be left free to go wherever they choose.

“Then, those who did not have agreements and they left their area to join the enemy and fought against you, then if you deem appropriate, they too should be invited and they should pay the jizya.” In other words, to show leniency as much as possible regarding their matter, “and they should live in your area. And if you do not deem it appropriate then do not call them.

If they continue to remain at war with you, then fight back against them”. If they continue fighting, then the Muslims have the right to fight as well. “But if they desist, then despite having joined the enemy, let them go.”

These instructions proved beneficial and the surrounding people returned to

their lands and inhabited them. This is an excellent example of showing their resolve.

It was a great resolve shown by the Muslims when they invited the same people to reinhabit their land, who, at such a delicate time, had disregarded their agreements and had joined the enemy. Though the consultation held in Medina had given the option of either calling these Persians back or not, and instead distribute their lands amongst the Muslims, yet historians write that in this dangerous time, those who had broken their pacts were called back and their lands were taxed more than the usual rate. This was the only condition, that since they had broken their agreements, they could return to their lands but the land tax that they paid would have to be more than that paid by others; but in any case, they could continue to own their land.

In the series of victories in Iraq, this battle was quite decisive. Muslim soldiers were steadfast and bold in facing extremely hostile conditions. Historians have written that when stipends were being appointed for people by the Khalifa, having taken part in the Battle of Qadisiyyah was considered to be a distinguishing factor. Hazrat Umarra determined a higher amount of stipend for those who had taken part in the Battle of Qadisiyyah. (Tarikh-e-Islam Bi Ahde Hazrat Umarra, Thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 91-95) (Al-Kamil Fi Al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 301-333, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Al-Farooq, Shibli Naumani, pp. 84-89, Idaarah Islamiyyat, 2004) (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 435-436, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 263, Nafees Academy Karachi, 2004) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 4, p. 94, 356) (Mu‘jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 267)

I will present a portion of what Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated regarding the Battle of Qadisiyyah: “During the time of Hazrat Umarra, Yazdegerd, the grandson of Khosrow Parviz ascended to the throne and began to make extensive preparations to fight against the Muslims. In response to this, Hazrat Umarra sent an army under the command of Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas. Hazrat Saadra chose Qadisiyyah as the location for battle and also sent a map of the area to Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umarra expressed his approval of the location but along with this, instructed that it was his duty to first send a delegation to the King of Iran and invite him to accept Islam. And so, upon receiving this instruction, he sent a delegation to meet Yazdegerd.

“When this delegation arrived at the royal court of the King of Iran, he asked his translator to enquire why they had come and why had they created so much disorder in their land. When he asked them this question, Hazrat Nu‘manra bin Muqarrin, who was the leader of the delegation, stood up and after mentioning the advent of the Holy Prophetsa, said, ‘The Holy Prophetsa has commanded us to spread the message of Islam and invite the entire world to the true faith. In accordance with this commandment, we are here before you and invite you to Islam.’

“Yazdegerd became infuriated at this reply of his and said, ‘You are a nation that are like wild beasts and who eat carrion. If it is owing to hunger and scarcity of provisions that has compelled you to fight then I am willing to grant all of you enough provisions of food and drink that you will be able to comfortably live for the rest of your lives. I

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shall also provide you with clothes and you can take all of these provisions and return to your country. Why would you want to endanger your lives by engaging in a battle with us?’

“When he finished saying what he had to say, Hazrat Mughirahra bin Zurrarah stood up on behalf of the Muslim delegation and said, ‘Whatever you have said about us is absolutely true. Indeed, we were a nation like wild beasts and would eat carrion. We would even eat snakes, scorpions, locusts and lizards. However, Allah the Almighty bestowed His blessings upon us and sent His Messengersa to guide us. We accepted him and acted in accordance with what he said and as a result, a revolutionary change has taken place within us. Thus, those ills which you have spoken of no longer remain in us and we are not going to be tempted by anything you offer. The battle between you and us has now commenced and the matter will be settled in the battlefield.’”

That is, if he failed to listen to what they had to say and did not wish to accept their invitation and wanted to fight against them, then it would be fine and they would fight against them. “‘However, the temptation of offering worldly wealth and material cannot deter us from our objective.’

“When Yazdegerd heard this, he became extremely angry and told one of his servants to go and bring a sack of soil. When the sack of soil arrived, he called the leader of the Muslim delegation to step forward and said that since they had rejected his offer, therefore they would receive nothing except for a sack of soil. The companion earnestly stepped forward and lowered his head” as has been mentioned once before as well but this is more detailed “and had the sack of soil placed on his back. He then sharply stood up and they all swiftly made their way out from the royal court. Whilst departing from there, he loudly said to the fellow members of the delegation, ‘Today, the king of Iran has handed us the soil of his land with his own hands.’ They then mounted their horses and raced off.

“When the king heard this, he was shocked and ordered the servants of his royal court to go after them and bring back the sack of soil because giving them the soil of his land with his own hands was a bad omen. However, by then they had travelled far off into the distance.

“In the end, it turned out exactly as they had said and within a few years, Iran came under Muslim rule.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: “How did this extraordinary change come about within the Muslims? This is because the Quranic teachings brought about a revolutionary change in their morals and conduct. It brought an end to their lowly way of life and instead, elevated them to possess the most excellent morals and character.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pp. 204-205) This is why they were able to bring about a revolutionary change. Thus, true revolution can only come about by adhering to the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Insha-Allah these accounts will continue to be narrated in the future as well.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 13 August 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Professor Clement Wragge’s first meeting with the Promised Messiah

Prof Wragge’s introduction to the Promised Messiahas was through Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra, who had heard about the professor’s famous lectures on meteorology, his love for science and Christianity. Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra once went to listen to a speech of Prof Wragge in Lahore. Hearing what he had to say, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra said he realised the professor did not blindly follow Christianity and was a rational and fair-minded person. www.alhakam.org/professor-clement-wragges-first-meeting-with-the-promised-messiah/

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