Al Hakam - 1 October 2021

From the Markaz

From the Markaz

Members of Nasirat from Nigeria seek guidance from Huzoor

Ahmadi women student association Nigeria meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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Hazrat Nawab Syed Mahdi Hassan’s visit to Qadian

Ahmadis of Belize support venerable youth by restoring Basketball courts

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 | Issue CLXXXV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Remember why you have this freedom and never forget who you are Huzoor delivers concluding address at national Ijtema 2021 of Lajna Imaillah UK

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

Building a mosque for the sake of Allah َ َ ّٰ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ َ َ َ ْ َ �ُ ��‫ أ ّن َر ُﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا‬،�ِ ��‫ﻋﻦ ﺟﺎﺑِ ِﺮ ﺑْ ِﻦ ﻋ ْﺒ ِﺪ ا‬ َ َ ْ َ َ ّٰ ً ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ﺺ‬ ِ ‫ ﻣﻦ ﺑﻨﻰ ﻣﺴ ِﺠﺪا �ِ� ِ� ﻛﻤﻔﺤ‬، ‫�ﻠﻴ ِﻪ وﺳﻠ َﻢ َﻗﺎل‬ َ َ ّٰ َ ْ َ​َ ‫ﻗﻄﺎ ٍة أ ْو أ ْﺻ� َ� ﺑ َ َﻨﻰ ا�� ُ� � ُ� ﺑ َ ْﻴ ًﺘﺎ �ِ� ا��َ ّﻨ ِﺔ‬ Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, like a sparrow’s nest or even smaller, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Masajid wal Jamaah, Hadith 738)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Those who are mindful of the Hereafter are forever blessed

Islamabad, UK, 26 September 2021: At 3:48 pm, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived in the MTA studio that is based in Islamabad for the concluding

session of the national Lajna Imaillah UK Ijtema of 2021.

Upon arrival, after conveying salaam, Sabeeha Khan Sahiba was invited to recite

a portion of the Holy Quran and its English translation (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.106113).

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I observe that despite the appearance of calamity upon calamity and the emergence of danger on all fronts, the hearts of the people are as hard as stone, and they continue in pride and conceit. How long will these foolish people go on in this heedlessness?

Until the people give up their obstinacy, refrain from their evil activities and do not reconcile with God Almighty, these calamities and afflictions will go nowhere.

I have observed and closely reflected that in the days of famine, the people did not feel the burden of this tribulation. Drinking houses were teeming just as before and evil and immorality was rampant just as before. Previously, when edicts attributed to Mecca or Medina were issued, the people would become afraid, and the mosques would become full, but in the present time Continued on page 2

Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Editorial

Petrol panic, energy prices and CO₂ shortages: UK suffers tremors of “dark and bleak future”

The UK continues its journey through an epoch of endless social, economic and political tremors shaking the world.

Earlier last month, CO₂ shortages in the UK– used to keep food fresh, especially meat – left the government to pay high amounts to acquire CO₂ outside the European Single Market; a market the UK left.

A global surge of wholesale gas prices then came knocking, causing seven UK energy suppliers to collapse last month alone: PfP Energy, MoneyPlus Energy, Utility Point, People’s Energy, Green and Avro Energy. And this isn’t the end of the energy crisis.

Now, with “closed” signs outside petrol stations, long queues and caps on how much fuel you can put in your vehicle, the UK faces its latest panic-buying episode due to a shortage of HGV – heavy goods vehicle – drivers.

It’s not just petrol and diesel; food and other goods are not reaching shops and supermarkets, leaving isles completely empty. The biggest supermarkets in the UK – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – have been affected by supply issues due to the lack of lorry drivers.

Estimates put the UK short of 100,000 HGV drivers.

Though many hate to admit it, Brexit has been a driving force behind the oft-repeated

“supply chain issues”. The pandemic has had a significant influence too, of course; however, the UK’s rash decision to leave the EU – that was fuelled by a hateful and decisive campaign – left foreign workers heading towards the exit and businesses in turmoil.

According to the UK’s Road Haulage Association (RHA), the HGV industry lost 20,000 European drivers due to Brexit. In fact, of 616 hauliers, “retiring colleagues and Brexit topped the list of reasons behind the driver shortages.” (www.bbc.co.uk/news/ business-58670792) Immigration rules and self-isolation requirements (due to the pandemic) add to the mix of problems foreign workers face when trying to enter the UK. The government has reneged a little on its Brexit visa clampdown and plans to dish out temporary visas to European lorry drivers to enter the UK and end the fuel panic.

Had Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa advice been heeded, this chaos could have been largely avoided: “The formation of the European Union has been a great achievement on the part of the European countries, for it has been a means of uniting this Continent. And so you should make all possible efforts to preserve this unity […] Remember that the strength

of Europe lies in it remaining united and together as one. Such unity will not only benefit you here in Europe but at a global level will be the means for this Continent to maintain its strength and influence.”

Huzooraa did not limit the importance of unity and social cohesion to Europe. He said: “[…] we should strive for the entire world to unite together. In terms of currency, the world should be united. In terms of business and trade the world should be united. And in terms of freedom of movement and

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insolence and imprudence has exceeded all bounds. May Allah have mercy.

A wise person is heedful of punishment before it descends and a far-sighted person is one who remains concerned to save themselves from an affliction before it appears.

It is incumbent upon all people to be mindful of the Hereafter and repent from evil actions because true happiness and pleasure lies in this. It is a matter of certainty that no evil deed and sinful act can give a person true happiness, even for a moment. A sinful person of ill conduct is always haunted by the fear of his secret being exposed. How then can such a person find a means of comfort in wicked actions? Those who have their sights set on the Hereafter are forever blessed.

�‫�د آ� � ی� �رك �ہ ا‬

“A man who keeps their sights set on the hereafter is fortunate.”

Observe the state of those nations who were faced with chastisement from time to time. Everyone must ensure that even if their hearts are hard, they should rebuke them to teach them a lesson of humility and meekness. If you do not know how to weep, then make a weeping face, and ultimately tears will follow themselves.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp.

245-246) Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

immigration, cohesive and practical policies should be developed, so that the world can become united.” (www.pressahmadiyya.com/ press-releases/2012/12/khalifa-islam-makeshistoric-address-european-parliament/) As the UK faces real and serious repercussions of disuniting and the extra load of the pandemic, we are witnessing crises the world over. Countries like Lebanon, Venezuela and Afghanistan suffer severe economic breakdowns leading to horrific scenes of human suffering. Conflicts and immoral political rivalries across the world continue to spread and world powers are toiling in building alliances with other nations, based on vested interests.

Recently, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa made the statement that we were heading towards “a very dark and bleak end of this world” – it would be naïve to say this prediction was far from reality. The tremors can be felt already.

Huzooraa, however, did not say this would be the certain end; there was a clause of hope: “This is why I have been telling, all the time, to the people of the world – to politicians, to leaders – that they ought to change themselves and try to establish true justice, absolute justice in the world and discharge their duties to their Creator and their fellow beings.”

This was not the only statement of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa in recent times – for well over a decade, when things weren’t so bad, at least for the public, Huzooraa warned of the bleak future ahead if humanity did not reform itself. Ever since, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa has been urging the world to take action and steer the ship of humanity away from a catastrophe that our future generations will not forgive us for.

This warning comes from a heart that is inspired by Allah the Almighty Himself and as the Holy Quran puts it: “He admonished you that you may take heed.” (Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.91) (By Ataul Fatir Tahir, Al Hakam)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 Continued from page 1

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then instructed all Lajna members present and watching via MTA to stand for the Lajna pledge, which everyone repeated.

Thereafter, Rizwana Ahmad Sahiba was invited to the stage to recite a nazm (Urdu poem) written by the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas in honour of the Holy Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK was then asked to deliver the Ijtema report. Sadr Sahiba reported that various events were held at this year’s Ijtema, including discussions on the importance of women in Islam and how the Holy Prophetsa was seen in the eyes of nonMuslims. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Research Association also held informative discussions and exhibitions. There were also events highlighting the importance of physical health.

3,794 Lajna and Nasirat attended the Ijtema and about 1,500 were present in the final session.

Sadr Sahiba then expressed her gratitude to her teams and especially to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for gracing the concluding session and requested prayers.

She then requested Huzoor’s permission to play a short video clip, highlighting some of the activities of the Ijtema, which was shown on the screen.

Thereafter, Huzooraa took to the podium to deliver the concluding address of the 2021 national UK Lajna Imaillah Ijtema.

After reciting tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Huzooraa said that it was a grace of Allah that after two years, Lajna Imaillah once again had the opportunity to hold its Ijtema. The primary purpose of Jalsas and Ijtemas was to improve the spiritual and moral standards – to increase moral standards and strengthen faith. If these were not the objectives, there was no point holding Ijtemas and similar events.

In today’s world, human knowledge and understanding has rapidly progressed in all secular fields and as a result, communication is now extremely advanced. Distances have eroded through modern means of travel and through electronic and digital communication, e.g. the television, Internet and radio.

“This technological revolution that has taken place would not have seemed plausible even half a century ago.”

This advancement in technology could not have been envisaged even 10-15 years ago. This is something that has never been seen before in the history of mankind. It is now possible to speak to people thousands of miles away at the same time.

This has enabled the Western nations to flaunt their way of life, so much so that the developing nations are learning about the lifestyle of the richer nations and their luxuries. This leads to feelings of restlessness and more awareness of their desperate plight. Social media and the Internet has turned the world into a global village, but this cannot always be deemed to be for the good.

A large part of the world lives on the baseline of poverty, all the while observing the lifestyles of richer countries. Instead of bridging the gap in society, technology has only highlighted the inequality and injustice that exist in society. This has fermented feelings of anguish and discontent in society.

“

If you want to rise to this challenge, and bring about a spiritual revolution in the world, we must first start by reforming ourselves.

“So where, on the one hand, rich governments and their people reassure themselves that satellite television and the Internet is providing people living in poor countries with entertainment, the reality is that technology has served to drive an even greater wedge between the haves and havenots. Whilst many living in the developed world may prefer to turn a blind eye to this inequality, they should realise there is also a grave crisis taking place on their doorsteps and its potential ramifications are no less destructive”.

Huzooraa explained that worldliness and materialism was rampant, wherein most people were living a life of spiritual blindness. People “fail to realise how superficial they have become” and remain ignorant of the far-reaching consequences of materialism.

“I am sure there will come a time when they will recognise that constant exposure to material things on the TV, on the Internet and on social media and the pursuit of vain desires has been to their profound detriment. They will see how all that they have considered as good and progressive has actually triggered a spiritual and moral malaise, the like of which perhaps the world has never seen before. They will be forced to admit that the riches of the world have left them spiritually penniless and morally bankrupt.”

There has been a rise in anxiousness and mental health issues as a result of social media and technological advancement, regarding which Huzooraa said: “It is my firm belief that the root cause of this is that they have been trapped by

their materialistic pursuits and cravings and above all, because they have abandoned faith in God Almighty.”

Huzooraa said that we lived in a world where it did not matter what a person had; rather, what mattered was what a person did not have. This serves only to increase frustrations and anxiety and is leading mankind to darkness.

If people living in the underdeveloped world were being subjected to such complex consequences, then there is no knowing how far the outcome of such things is in the epicentre of materialism – the West.

Children are being exposed to masses of content, on the Internet, on Youtube and other social media platforms. Children are viewing content on their phones, laptops and tablets, often hidden from their parents’ view and they themselves are not in control of what they are seeing.

“If they are streaming a video or playing an online game, pop-up adverts will frequently appear, often promoting harmful products or showing lewd content that is morally destructive and not at all ageappropriate. It is an extremely harrowing state of affairs.”

Huzooraa said caution must be exercised as parents were struggling to keep up.

Research has shown that thousands, if not millions of children, have been affected by the negative consequences of social media.

The Wall Street Journal recently suggested that Instagram was leading to anxiety and mental health issues in children and teenagers. 13% of children who had suicidal thoughts in the UK admitted that it was a result of their use of Instagram. Now,

other prominent organisations have realised the harms of social media. The 5Rights Foundation has stated that Facebook’s own research is a devastating indictment of the carelessness with which the technological sector treats children. These companies are stealing children’s time, mental health and tragically, their lives. Ahmadi parents should guide their children as to what is appropriate and what is not so that they may be saved from such harms.

“I also wish to remind all of you that even whilst living in the comfort of the West, you must never forget your roots and your true objectives. Certainly, most Ahmadis living in the Western world, especially those who originate from Pakistan, came here to escape religious persecution, irrespective of their place in society. Whether working as businessmen, professionals, labourers or if they are in education, Ahmadis in Pakistan continue to be the victims of grave persecution and injustice. Even very small Ahmadi children in year one or two are being harassed by other children or their teachers and this is having a damaging effect on them. In terms of higher education, certain professors and members of faculty at Pakistan universities are filled with venomous anti-Ahmadi prejudice and bigotry.

“Thus, where there is an ever-present fear of physical terrorist and extremist attacks, targeting Ahmadis in Pakistan, at the same time, there is a constant stream of psychological terrorism and extremism that is being waged against our members,” as a Continued on next page >>

Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

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result of which many Ahmadis have been forced to flee their homeland.

Huzooraa said that many Ahmadis had been subjected to harsh conditions, but they endured them in the hope of providing their children with the freedom to practice their faith.

Thus, “it is incumbent upon you” to practice faith and appreciate all the opportunities offered in the West, e.g.

Ahmadi girls in the UK are studying in very good schools, colleges and universities and have the opportunity to advance and progress, all the while Ahmadis girls in Pakistan are either denied such opportunities or face daily discrimination and intimidation whilst in education.

“So remember why you have this chance and never forget who you are; rather, take pride in your faith and religion.”

Huzooraa then provided advice to Lajna and nasirat on how to be better citizens and integrate in a pragmatic fashion in society.

Huzooraa highlighted various vices that the West offered as so-called “freedoms” and liberations. Huzooraa said that Ahmadi men, women and children should remember that loyalty to a nation meant to uphold the highest moral standards and to follow their religion in the best manner possible.

Modern-day men and women fail to understand how immorality destroys the fabric of society.

“God knows better when, but one day, they will surely realise the error of their ways and will admit that liberalism has gone too far, but by then it will be extremely difficult for them to establish higher morals in society.

“Thus, it is the duty of all Ahmadi Muslims to ensure that they stand up for what is right and have the courage of their convictions. If we are successful in achieving this, then when others come to realise their mistakes, we will be ready to guide them and to present them an alternative and better system of morals.

“Certainly, I hope and pray that our Jamaat will be there to protect society and to arrest moral decline before it reaches the point of no return. So as Ahmadis living in the West, if you truly want to contribute to society and wish to manifest genuine gratitude to this country for letting you live here with freedom of religion and for granting you opportunities to progress, the best way is to give priority to your faith over all worldly matters.”

True gratitude demands faithfulness to God and shunning everything vain and useless.

The changes in society we witness today are being imposed upon society and instead of strengthening society, they are confusing large parts of it. Many people are now beginning to question the ways that are being adopted and fair-minded people are writing on the decay in society and how values are being compromised. Goodnatured people, irrespective of belief or religion, cannot tolerate morals plummeting to such a low. It now, unfortunately, becomes difficult to distinguish the morals of humans and animals.

We, Ahmadi Muslims, must adopt the highest moral standards. As members of the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas, we must convey the message of the true Islam to others.

“It is my firm belief and conviction, that if we hold aloft the lantern of spiritual light entrusted to us by the Promised Messiahas, we will find that the help of Allah the Almighty will be with us every step of the way, insha-Allah.”

In chapter 13, verse 29 of the Holy Quran, Allah states, “It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find comfort.” This is a lived experience of the God-fearing and righteous members of our community that true contentment is gained through the worship of Allah and not through superficial means of entertainment.

“Here, I should clarify that there are some very good and beneficial forms of recreation that should be pursued, for example, regular exercise and physical activity are very important for a person’s physical and mental health. However, those forms of recreation or games that place a barrier between a person and God Almighty and which increase a person’s lust for material things must be avoided. Such activities are neither good for your health, nor for your spirituality and instead, increase a person’s anxieties.”

All Ahmadis living in the Western world should focus on their priorities and realise that the freedoms that encourage vice and deception can lead to nothing good and can only increase anxiety and cause rifts in society.

Some youngsters suggest that the limits imposed by the Jamaat curtail their freedom; but Huzooraa said it should be borne in mind: “If they carefully analyse whatever limits are prescribed by the Jamaat, they will realise they are all entirely based upon true Islamic principles; they do not diminish a person’s rights, but to the contrary, firmly entrench them and are the means of true freedom a liberation.

“There have been cases of a few Ahmadi youth – male and female – who were extremely influenced by Western society and chose to discard their faith and beliefs; however, they came to regret their decision.

They admit that they had, in the name of freedom, fallen blindly into a spiritual abyss. They express their sorrow and embarrassment and some eventually return to the Jamaat.

“Remember, a wise person always

evaluates the benefits and harms before undertaking any action or reaching any decision. Moreover, a true momin, or mominah – a true believer – is he or she who acts with wisdom and calculates not only the practical consequences of any action but who focuses principally upon the religious benefits or harms.”

Huzooraa said that in free time, one could even watch light-hearted comedies, but one should also watch educational programmes.

One should watch things that do not take one away from Allah. In the name of fashion and trends, Ahmadi girls and women should not compromise their modesty.

“Some Lajna members say they have covered part of their head and consider that enough. Similarly, some ladies wear overcoats in the name of observing purdah but with sleeves rolled all the way up their arms.

Yet Allah the Almighty has already stated that hijab requires a woman to fully cover her hair in public and to wear loose-fitting garments and ensure that her collar and chest area is not exposed.

“So, Ahmadi women should pay careful attention to protecting their modesty and chastity. Failing to do so is to violate the commands of Allah and those limits established by Islam for the sake of protecting the dignity and virtue of Muslim women. Keep in mind that any limits placed upon you by Islam are a means of guarding your honour and protecting you from the everyday risks that exist in society where women are constantly harassed, abused and exploited.

“In terms of your education, you should seek to excel”, but at the same time, Huzooraa said to avoid contact with boys on social media, or other means. Women and girls should not let the freedoms offered in society to exploit their modesty.

Ahmadi Muslim men and women should respect the honour of their family and society, which should always be safeguarded.

Huzooraa said some women wrote to Huzooraa that they or their daughters deemed purdah to be a state of one’s heart and so they queried the physical need for purdah in clothing. Huzooraa said such a notion was “entirely wrong” and were, in fact, societal influences that sought to take one away from God.

“What I am saying is not based on Pakistani or Asian culture; rather, these are the universal teachings of Islam, applicable to all Muslims, regardless of where they hail from.”

Ahmadi women everywhere in the world, should live according to Islamic teachings and protect their modesty at all times.

Huzooraa said that if a person was free from all complexes regarding their religion and faith, then it would open up doors to tabligh and welcoming others to the fold of the true Islam. Such people were now, by the grace of Allah, entering the Jamaat from the West that one is left amazed at their level of modesty and righteousness. This was a moment to reflect for all Ahmadi Muslim women.

“Without a shadow of doubt, our Jamaat is destined to progress”; however, if we do not follow through on our promises and oaths, then others would come to take our place to honour the pledge of bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas.

Huzooraa then prayed that Allah enabled everyone to act upon what he had said and that Lajna were able to fulfil the rights of worship and the rights of Allah.

At the end, Huzooraa reminded everyone that they ought to remember their responsibility of conveying the true message of Islam to all of society. This is a great task entrusted by Allah to the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas.

“If you want to rise to this challenge, and bring about a spiritual revolution in the world, we must first start by reforming ourselves.”

We must increase our religious knowledge and increase in spirituality by worshipping Allah. We must never forget that Allah sees all, so when we are alone, Allah is always watching us, and we must act upon His commands all the time.

“It is up to us to bring about a moral and spiritual revolution in the world, so train your children so that they grow to be ready to take up the mantle of serving the mission of the Promised Messiahas.”

Huzooraa prayed that Allah enabled all Lajna members to do so.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

From the Markaz

My advice to you all is that you should try to excel in your studies Members of Nasirat from Nigeria seek guidance from Huzoor

On 25 September 2021, Nasirat from Nigeria had the opportunity to have a virtual meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

The meeting commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Firdous Sahiba and its English translation by Atiyatur Rahman Sahiba. Following this, a hadith of the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa, was presented by Hafiza Sahiba.

After the hadith, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that one should also recite the Durood Sharif before narrating a hadith. Then, Animashaun Mutmainnah Sahiba presented an extract, which she had memorised, from the writings of the Promised Messiahas. Thereafter, a qaseedah of the Promised Messiahas, in praise of the Holy Prophetsa, was recited.

An Urdu tarana (choral poem) was presented by two Nasirat members, Atiyatul Hadi Sahiba and Khalidah Sahiba. Then, an English poem was recited by Atiyatul

Mueed Sahiba.

During the mulaqat, the Nasirat members had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa questions on an array of matters and seek guidance on various things related to religion, Islam and studies.

Huzooraa was asked which portion of the Holy Quran he liked to recite the most.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Among the ayaat of the Holy Quran, Ayat-ul-Kursi. You should recite this very frequently. And even the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, is reported to have said that before going to bed, one should recite Ayat-ul-Kursi three times. And then the last three Surahs of the Holy Quran, one should also recite before sleeping. These surahs contain some meaning which is very much important for the present-day life”.

Next, a young nasirat girl asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa what his favourite food

was. Huzooraa answered: “Any food which is well-cooked and tasty.” Huzooraa then asked the young nasirah what food she liked. Huzooraa asked if she liked “rice and fish,” to which she replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa smiled and said, “I also like rice and fish.”

A Nasirat member said that in today’s world, Muslim women could feel shy to observe hijab due to fear of being mocked by their non-Muslim colleagues. She asked how a Muslim woman could remain in this Islamic mode of dressing.

Huzooraa said: “You see, you are living in a country which is a Muslim-dominating country; most of [the people] in Nigeria are Muslims, yes? So why should you feel shy? It is Allah’s commandment in the Holy Quran that when the girls reach the age of maturity, they should cover their heads and bosoms

and dress modestly […] So, you can tell the people, and be confident [when you tell them], that this is the Islamic dress, and this injunction and commandment has been given to us in the Holy Quran.

Allah the Almighty says that women should cover themselves, their head, their cheeks, their chin, and their chest, and also dress modestly. So, this is why we wear it, and we are following the commandment of Allah the Almighty. And without any fear of any person, we will keep on doing it. Be confident. Never lose your confidence. As long as you claim yourself to be an Ahmadi Muslim, then you should not fear the people.”

Upon being asked how one could be saved from the challenges of civilisation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Actually, those people who say that religion is keeping you away from civilisation, are wrong, and we are right. It is religion which has brought civilisation into the world. Even these people accept that had there not been any prophet [sent to the world] there would not have been any civilisation in the world. On the one side, they claim that religion brought civilisation, and on the other side, they say that ‘you should not practice religion because it is taking you away from the modern-day civilisation.’

“Modern-day civilisation is nothing but immorality and freedom of everything, which is not giving you something good, but rather spoiling your life. So, do not fear these people. You are the civilised people who follow the religion and who follow the teachings of the Holy Quran […] There is no need to indulge yourself in any complex.”

A Nasirat member asked Huzooraa to narrate an incident of the acceptance of prayer when he was in Africa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “There were quite a lot of incidents.

Once, we did not have milk for our young children; and then we prayed, and Allah Almighty accepted those prayers. And after some time, a person brought a carton of Ideal milk – there used to be Ideal milk at that time, I don’t know if you still have that there [in Africa] now, or not – and we used [to give] that to our children. Only after one or two hours, our prayer was accepted, my Continued on next page >>

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and my wife’s prayers. And we were happy that somebody brought the milk not only for that day, but [it lasted] for one full month.

This is how we can see that God listens to prayers.”

A young Nasirat member asked which course one can study that would also be of benefit to the Jamaat.

Huzooraa answered: “From among the girls, we need more doctors, more teachers. If you are good in science subjects, then try to become a doctor or [go into] medicine […] we need doctors for our hospitals and then teachers for our schools. And apart from that, if you have any specific interest in a particular subject, then you can write to me, and I will let you know whether you should study this one or any other alternative of that subject which you are thinking is of your interest and which can be beneficial for the Jamaat as well.”

Upon being asked if it was permissible for a Muslim woman to apply henna or tattoos on one’s body, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “You see, henna is just some designs you make on your hands or on the arms, and after some time, as time passes, it vanishes. It will not remain there for a longer period. But tattooing is something which is permanent and that is not permitted in Islam.” Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that a Muslim girl may apply henna, but getting tattoos was not permissible.

Next, a Nasirat member expressed that she wanted to become a surgeon but had hemophobia, a fear of seeing blood.

She requested Huzooraa to pray for her to overcome this fear.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa replied: “You can try to be a doctor. If not a surgeon, you can be a general practitioner.

This will also be useful for the community and for humanity. I shall also pray, you should also pray, that Allah Almighty may free you from this phobia”.

Upon being asked if it was permissible for a lady or a girl to join the army to become a soldier, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “At present, there is no need. When there was a time when it was needed, the Muslim ladies [at the time of the Holy Prophetsa] joined and helped the men in the battlefields; but nowadays, there are enough people, men, who can fight on the battlefield. The environment is not good for the girls in the army, nowadays. So, I don’t permit for Ahmadi girls to join the army or become soldiers”.

A young Nasirat member asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how he was coping with the pressure of leading all Ahmadis worldwide.

Huzooraa said: “Which type of pressure? They write to me for prayers, and I pray for them. I seek Allah’s help to remove their problems, to solve their problems, to help them. And whenever I see any pressure, I just pray to Allah Almighty, bow before him, and then Allah Almighty gives me comfort, and to my heart, and then the pressure is released.

Whenever you are under pressure, you should also pray to Allah Almighty in your prayer, very fervently.”

The young nasirah further asked which prayer she should recite to be safeguarded from all harms.

“

Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

There are quite a number of lessons in the history of

Hazrat Umarra. So those which are of benefit for the girls, you should try to adopt those qualities. And even during

these narrations, I have also mentioned how the Muslim women [of that time] played their role in the battlefields and otherwise. So, you should also try to adopt those qualities.

Huzooraa answered: “In your Salat, you should pray to Allah Almighty whatever you want to pray, and whatever is your requirement; but apart from that, you should recite Durood Sharif as much as you can, and say istighfar”.

Following this, a Nasirat member said to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa that she desired to be a virtuous person just as Huzooraa was.

She asked how she could achieve this.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa answered: “You should pray to Allah Almighty in your five daily prayers that Allah Almighty saves you from Satan the Accursed, and you should also do istighfar, as I have already said”.

Upon being asked if Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa ever got angry, Huzooraa said: “Being a human being – every human being can get angry – but not very often. If I see something bad, if I have to get angry, then I will; but it does not mean that I keep that anger in my heart and mind all the time. After some time, I just forget it.”

Next, a Nasirat member stated that

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was currently mentioning the qualities of Hazrat Umarra in Friday Sermons. She asked Huzooraa what his expectations were for Nasirat-ulAhmadiyya.

Huzooraa said: “There are quite a number of lessons in the life of Hazrat Umarra. So those which are of benefit for the girls, you should try to adopt those qualities. And even during these narrations, I have also mentioned how the Muslim women [of that time] played their role in the battlefields and otherwise. So, you should also try to adopt those qualities.”

Lastly, a nasirah asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa how a child could assist in a situation where parents were always fighting.

Huzooraa said: “One should pray for them first that Allah Almighty gives them sense [that] they should not fight with each other because it is leaving a bad effect on the minds of the children as well”. Secondly, Huzooraa said that one should tell the mother or father – with whom one has a stronger or closer

relation – not to fight like that as it was against the teachings of Islam.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then spoke with the Nasirat secretary, and asked about the total tajnid (membership) for Nasirat in Nigeria. The secretary replied that there were 3,786 nasirat. Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “You have to update your tajnid … I don’t think your nasirat should be less than 100,000.”

In the end, whilst advising all Nasirat members, Huzooraa said: “My advice to you all is that you should try to excel in your studies. And all of you should try to learn as much as you can and complete your studies. If you are interested in medicine, do medicine; [there is also] engineering, law, teaching, or if you want, you can go into research. So, try to excel in your education and try to gain as much education as you can.”

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

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

“

In addition, all khuddam should focus upon the pledge you have made to be ready for every possible sacrifice for the sake of your faith, country and nation. It should not be that you proclaim these words aloud but that your actions remain silent.

(Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at the concluding session of Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK Ijtema 2021)

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

From the Markaz

Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Student Association Nigeria meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Student Association of Nigeria were blessed with an opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting on 26 September 2021.

The meeting started off with a recitation from the Holy Quran. At the completion of the recitation, Huzooraa said the reference of the verses recited should also be given, which was Surah al-Baqarah, verses 154158.

A hadith of the Holy Prophetsa was then read out, followed by an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas.

A qaseedah (in Arabic) of the Promised Messiahas was also recited along with its English translation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many students were present and their current level of education. Huzooraa was informed there were 28 students, and they were studying in college and university.

Huzooraa then permitted the students to ask any questions they had.

The first question asked was, “How can one save herself from sins that one is addicted to?”

Huzooraa said: “The first thing is that you pray to Allah the Almighty in your five daily prayers that Allah the Almighty save you from all satanic attacks […]

“We are surrounded by so many bad things in the present-day world. Today, the Internet, television and other social media actually attract us in a way which is not the right way. Quite a number of programmes shown on the television, or that are available on Internet and social media, are actually trying to deviate us from the right path – from the true teachings of Islam. And because of the lust and charm, we are attracted towards these things.

“So, the first thing is to seek Allah’s help.

Only Allah can save us from Satan. This is َ َّ ّٰ ُ ُ َ ّ ‫ان‬ why we say ‫الﺮَ ِج ْی ِﻢ‬ ِ ‫ اﻋوْذ ِﺑالل ِہ ِﻣ َﻦ الﺸ ْیﻄ‬- ‘Allah the Almighty, save us from Satan the accursed’.

“Then, in the five daily prayers, you fervently pray for yourself, that Allah saves you; for your siblings; for your family members; for the Jamaat members; and this is how you can broaden your prayers so that you may not only be saving yourself but your atmosphere as well, your environment as well.

“Then say istighfar – make it compulsory that you recite istighfar daily, as much as you can. Also try to avoid seeing bad programmes shown on the television, or

available on the Internet, or social media.

So, this is how you can save yourself.

“And then, at the same time, try to increase your religious knowledge by reading the Quran and see what the commandments given in the Holy Quran are; write them down – what you have to do and what you have to avoid, and refrain from those bad things.

“In the present day, Allah the Almighty has sent the Promised Messiahas to revive the religion of Islam, to tell us the true teachings of the Quran and the practices of the Holy Prophetsa, the hadith. So, for this, he [the Promised Messiahas] has explained to us so many things in detail in his books.

Whichever book is available in English – which has been translated in English – you should try to read a part of those books every day so that in this way, you can increase your religious knowledge as well.

“We have to work hard to save ourselves from the bad things and the sins of today.

Otherwise, the attacks of Satan are to such an extent that with our own effort, we cannot save ourselves. We have to seek Allah’s guidance, Allah’s help in this regard.”

Before the next questioner asked her question, Huzooraa asked what she studied.

She said she was currently studying microbiology and in the future desired to study medicine. Huzooraa also asked Lajna member who asked the previous question what she was studying, to which she replied that she had recently completed her BSc in mass communication. Huzooraa said: “You have completed your degree in mass communication, then you should also try to find out the ways and means [of] how can you save yourself and your atmosphere, your environment, your surroundings from the harms of present-day media; since you are doing mass communication.”

The Lajna student said she would do so, “Insha-Allah”.

Huzooraa then returned to the Lajna member who was about to ask her question.

She asked, “With the increase of divorce rates in our society, what does His Holiness advise for young couples?”

“You have to increase your tolerance threshold; boys and girls both. You cannot say the divorce rate is increasing only because of the fault of one person – the boy,

or the girl; both have some shortcomings in them.”

Huzooraa said the best way to live a good married life was to “increase your tolerance level and ignore all the shortcomings you see in your spouse. Men should ignore them, women should also ignore them.”

And instead, try to see the positives in one another.

Huzooraa said: “You cannot say that a person has only bad qualities – you have good qualities and bad qualities both. Men also have good qualities; women also have good qualities.

Men have some shortcomings; women also have some shortcomings.

“If you realise this fact and understand that we have to ignore the shortcomings of each other, then the divorce rate will reduce, and you will live a very happy married life.”

Talking about education and marriage, Huzooraa said: “An educated person should have very high tolerance level.”

Advising married couples who have Continued on next page >>

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

children, Huzoor said: “For the sake of your children, you should bear all the shortcomings of the other person. This is how a couple can have a good, happy married life. Now your responsibility is to bring up your children in a peaceful manner, offer your children an atmosphere that is good for them, provide that environment for your children which can be helpful for their growth. And that can only be given if husband and wife are living amicably and living a happy life.”

The next question asked was, “Can a Muslim lady study engineering considering the nature of work and mode of dressing?”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “If there is no restriction in wearing a modest dress, then you can. You can do engineering. You can be an architect, you can be a civil engineer, you can be a mechanical engineer, you can be an electric engineer – there are so many lines of engineering, you can choose whatever you like.

“But make it a point that you should wear a modest dress and you should observe your purdah by wearing the hijab etc. So, if that is not restraining you from doing your work, then you can do the work. If there are restrictions that there’s some particular dress you have to wear, and that dress is not very modest, then you should not [work].

If you are doing your work with a modest dress, yes, you can, with a hijab”.

The next question asked, “What is the best way, or approach to encourage inactive members of the Jamaat, as this is the major challenge we face in most institutions?”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that it was integral to practice what we preach and “if you claim [to be] something different and you practice something different, that is hypocrisy.”

Huzooraa emphasised: “But don’t be harsh; talk to whom you’re going to advise politely and with love and care.”

The next student to speak was asked aa

by Huzooraa what she studied. She told Huzooraa she was studying botany. Huzooraa said, “So you like plants, masha-Allah.”

The Lajna student asked, “My question is on time management. To me, Your Holiness, you are the busiest person I know, yet you still manage your time so wisely. Please can you tell us how you are able to manage your time, and can you also advise us how we can manage our time as students as well.”

Huzooraa advised: “You are a student, so try to get up in early in the morning […] ‘Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise’ […] Then you should also seek Allah’s help that Allah the Almighty may help you in regulating your life, in organising yourself.

“Six hours of sleep [are enough] – as a student, you should take at least six hours of sleep. And then after that, you ought to keep yourself busy in studies and other activities.”

Advising on time management and reviewing the day, Huzooraa said: “Right from the beginning of your day, when you start your day, you should write down what you have done. So, if you wake up at six o’clock for Fajr time, then write down, ‘I woke up at this time, then offered my prayer and did some tilawat, read some verses of the Holy Quran or part of the Holy Quran and then did this work, took my breakfast, got myself ready for school, for university. I went to the university; it took me one hour to reach to the university.’ If you are living in a hostel, then it is a different thing. ‘Then I studied at university from this time to this time, came back home and revised my lessons, offered my prayer, did this, did that’.

“Everything you have done during the day, you must write it down and at the end of the day to see what you have done; what are the productive things you have done, and what are the things you wasted your time on.

“In this way you will know that ‘this is my daily plan, I spent so many hours in

doing good work, or productive work, and this time, I just wasted in seeing films or on social media or this and that’. So, in this way, you will know that what are the good things you have done, what are the things which were not necessary for your daily routine [that] you have done, and how you can manage it.

“For one week, you must write down your programme, [your] plan, from morning to evening. You will find out what the productive things are and what the unproductive things are. This way, you will try to manage your time accordingly later on.”

The next Lajna member introduced herself and informed Huzooraa that she had completed her degree in Islamic law. She asked for advice for Lajna members who were married, yet they were studying. She wanted to know how to balance the two.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “You have to look after your house.

You have to fulfil the requirement of your husband and also the requirements of your children. So, you will have to see whether you have that much potential that you can discharge both of these duties – can you do justice to your domestic commitments with your studies at the same time? If yes, then spend at least 6-7 hours on your studies and the remaining time you should give to your family.

“And take your husband also in confidence. Your husband should also be cooperative – if he is not cooperating, then you cannot manage […]”

“If you have children, then your main responsibility is of bringing up your children, taking care of your children. Try to make a good asset for the community and the nation. This is your main responsibility; that you are trying to make your children a good asset for the nation and for the community.

“If you think you have that much potential and capability to manage both things, then you should continue your

studies. Otherwise, leave your studies, concentrate on your domestic commitments, and give more emphasis on your domestic commitments. And later on, when you are free to some extent, then you can continue your studies later on.

“But if your husband is cooperative and he says, ‘Yes, you can complete your studies and I will help you’, then well and good.

Without the cooperation of the husband, the wife cannot continue the study and without the cooperation of the wife, the husband cannot continue his studies. So both of you have to be very kind and caring towards each other. This is how you can do justice to both things.”

The next question was by a medicine student in her fifth year. She asked how Ahmadis could protect themselves from the surge in depression and other mental challenges amongst the youth.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Actually, the charms of the presentday world – to gain everything […] – is increasing. You want to obtain everything, all the facilities available. The media has also contributed to this. So, the best thing is you should have contentment. If you are content, then you will be saved from these things.

“And Allah the Almighty says,

ُ​ُۡ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ َ ‫ا�َ� ِﺑ ِﺬ� ِ� الل ِہ ﺗﻄ َﻤ ِ� ُّﻦ الﻘﻠوۡ ُب‬

“That the remembrance of Allah the Almighty will give satisfaction to your heart. So, you should also remember Allah the Almighty.

“If you are offering the five daily prayers, remembering Allah the Almighty, reading the Holy Quran, seeing His commandments and practising what Allah the Almighty has asked us to do, then you will be satisfied.”

Huzooraa said that later in the day, he would address the Ijtema of Lajna Imaillah UK and said that a detailed answer to this question would be given in that address along with other contemporary questions being raised. Huzooraa asked the Lajna to listen to the address when it would be aired.

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 The next question was, “Is it permissible for female Ahmadi students to participate in school politics?”

“Are you not a student in university?

Since you are a student, you are permitted to be involved in all the good activities of the university […]

“What is ‘the politics’? If it is the debating society or the university union, then you can take part in that. You can stand for the university union’s president, general secretary, or councillor, or whatever it is.

“But if politics means pulling the leg of each other, then you should not involve yourself. Yes, you can stand for the presidential elections of the student union if you wish.”

The next question asked was, “Which of the Jamaat’s literature will you recommend for us students that will serve as guidance?”

Huzooraa responded by saying: “I don’t know which of the books have been translated and available there in Nigeria.

“As a student, you are a university student, you should read The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam – that will give you a detailed concept of the Islamic teachings and you can easily understand that […]

“Then there is the collection of passages on different topics of the Promised Messiahas from his various books. That has been consolidated in a few volumes and is called Essence of Islam. So, you can read those books. I think five volumes have been printed till today and they are very useful.

They are covering different topics, so you should read Essence of Islam […]

“Each volume contains different topics and you can just choose the topic of your interest. This is how you will develop an interest in religious knowledge.”

Another student asked about being involved in cultural practices at weddings, especially when one side of the family were not Ahmadi Muslims.

Huzooraa said cultural practices which were totally un-Islamic should not be followed. “But if there are some cultural practices that are not keeping you away from the oneness of God and not involving you in shirk – making partners with Allah – then that practice can be done. There is no harm in it.

“You can perform your nikah in the mosque and later on, you can do your cultural practice, provided they are not against the clear-cut teachings of Islam and they are not keeping you away from the commandments of Allah the Almighty, and it is not giving you the concept of associating partners with Allah the Almighty.

“If the traditional things are not against the Islamic teachings, then you can perform those traditional practices, there is no harm.

Otherwise, you can tell your parents that ‘my religion says that this is un-Islamic’.

“If your parents are Muslim – the majority of the Nigerians are Muslims – you can tell them even Islam does not allow it […]” and it was not whether Ahmadi Muslims allowed it or not.

The next question was what advice Huzooraa would give to Lajna members, especially with respect to purdah and considering the pressures of modern-day society.

Seeing the purdah of the Lajna member who asked the question, Huzooraa remarked: “The purdah you are observing at present

9 is an excellent example of it.”

Huzooraa then described the minimum purdah requirement while also using his hands to point towards the areas that were to be covered around the face and head.

Huzooraa said: “The Promised Messiahas has said the minimum standard of purdah is that you cover your hair, your forehead – half of your forehead – and then your cheeks and chin […]

“And, as I already said, wear a modest dress. So that is the minimum requirement of purdah. And even if your students are observing that purdah, that is enough for them, provided they are not doing any make-up or something of that sort. If you are wearing make-up, then you should cover your face, as you are covering.”

Huzooraa said: “Your purdah is an excellent example of the purdah and the purdah of [the] other [students] is also very good; the minimum requirement of purdah.”

Huzooraa then asked the Lajna member what she was studying, to which she said she was a law student. Huzooraa asked if she observed the same purdah she was observing during the meeting, in university as well. To this, she said she did.

The next question was, “What is the important attribute of a successful leader and how can you continue to grow and develop as a leader?”

Hearing the question, Huzooraa added, “and follower”. Huzooraa then asked the Lajna member what she was studying, to which she said counselling psychology.

Answering her question, Huzooraa said: “If you mean a political leader or a leader of your country, then they should be honest. They should feel the pain of the people, of the public. And instead of just feeding themselves from the public money and increasing their bank balances here in the country and abroad, then they are not good leaders.

“If you are a true leader, a good leader, you have to be very honest and be caring of your people. These are the best qualities.

“And do justice as well. So, a good leader should be honest and should be showing absolute justice in every respect, hardworking, sincere to the country and the public and the nation.

“These are the qualities, which, if your leader has them, then he is a good leader.

“If not, then I hope that Ahmadis should emerge as good leaders in future so that you can run your country in the best way. Otherwise, the leaders of third world countries are trying to spoil our countries.

“Even if it is a spiritual leader, a spiritual leader should also have the same qualities. If it is the leader within the Jamaat, your amir, your president, they should also have the same qualities.”

At this, Huzooraa said the time was over and those who were not able to ask their questions could do so at the next opportunity.

Turning to Sadr Lajna Imaillah Nigeria, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “I think there were quite a number of questions asked and I hope your girls are now satisfied to some extent, if not fully.” Sadr Sahiba thanked Huzooraa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then conveyed his salaam to all the students present and the meeting came to an end.

“

On your banners, you proudly display the slogan bestowed to Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that ‘nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth’; however, these are not just words or a motto to take pride in, but should be a wake-up call for the members of Khuddam and should motivate and inspire you.

(Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at the concluding session of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK Ijtema 2021)

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

Nigerian Ahmadi Lajna students thankful after meeting Huzoor Abbas O Iromini General Secretary Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria

Lajna Imaillah Nigeria had a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on 21 February 2021. After the mulaqat, members of Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya, and AMWSA also indicated their interest in having such a session with Huzooraa.

A letter of request for mulaqat was thereafter written to Huzooraa through Sadr Sahiba Lajna Imaillah Nigeria on 15 June 2021. Alhamdulillah, the request was graciously approved by Huzooraa. The dates of 25 and 26 September 2021 were approved for the mulaqat with Nasirat and AMWSA, respectively.

Immediately after the approval, a planning committee was formed, which comprised of members of the MTA crew, sadr Lajna Imaillah, secretary Nasirat, president AMWSA, secretary umur-etalibat and members of the Lajna Imaillah planning committee.

The MTA crew handled the technical aspect of the preparation, while the Lajna Imaillah planning committee and the others handled the content of the programme.

Representatives of AMWSA were drawn from higher institutions of learning across the country.

28 AMWSA members had the opportunity to attend the mulaqat.

Following the virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, we share some of the sentiments of the Lajna students who had the blessed opportunity to meet Huzooraa.

Abdul Razaq Yekinni Khadijah, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Students Association Nigeria, expressed: “Alhamdulillah, having the mulaqat with Huzooraa was such a great opportunity for members of the association. Huzooraa shared with us great words of wisdom that will help us navigate our activities on campus”.

Odeyemi-Aliu Lateefat, General Secretary, said: “The mulaqat was great and a smooth one. May Allah continue to strengthen the hand of beloved Huzooraa.”

Amatul Mujeeb Ahmad, Secretary Talim, said:

“I feel so elated. It is like I got an upgrade in my level of spirituality. Having a one-onone talk with Huzooraa felt so unreal”.

Adeniran Hibatul-Muizz, Secretary Tarbiyat, expressed: “Alhamdulillah, having beloved Huzooraa speak to us is a blessing to be forever remembered. His smiles illuminated my heart”.

Aisha Akinreti, Project Secretary, said: “Alhamdulillah, I am so happy and delighted with this mulaqat with our beloved Huzooraa. It also strengthened my faith and belief in the Imam of the Age as he shares with us words, encouragement and advice on all our matters. I feel so blessed to be part of this wonderful programme. I look forward to attending more of this.”

Ajijola Zainab B, Public Relations Officer, said: “Before the session, I had lots of worries and my heart was really troubled. Though my question was not asked, all the answers Huzooraa gave to other questions was as if he was reading through my mind and responding to my worries. The joy and contentment I feel in my heart and soul, after the session, is indescribable”.

Sanni Bushrah, Secretary Welfare, said: “I feel so blessed and honoured to have witnessed the mulaqat with Huzooraa”.

Adeosun-Bello Khadeejah Adenike,

Secretary Finance, said: “The mulaqat was a successful one. It was spiritual as I saw Huzoor’s face, and that gave me an assurance that my prayers have been accepted.”

Abdullah Raqeebah Anuoluwa said: “It was a great opportunity to be part of the mulaqat. It was very inspiring”.

Abdul Hameed Nimotallah, Assistant Ogun State President, said: “I feel so blessed seeing my beloved Huzooraa, alhamdulillah.”

Bello Fatimah A, Secretary Talim and Tarbiyat Ogun State, expressed: “Alhamdulillah, it was really a beautiful and a memorable session with Huzooraa.

The feeling I had having set my eyes on him cannot be defined”.

Balogun Rodiyah Abike, Lagos Polytechnic Sister Coordinator, said: “It was a very special, calm and cool moment. I was very happy seeing Huzooraa answering our questions. I will greatly appreciate if we can be given the opportunity again to witness a virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa.”

Adeola Monsurah, Coordinator Lagos State, said: “I am impressed as my aim for coming was to hear His Holiness speak directly to us, one-on-one, without a barrier, and I

hope we have more sessions like this.”

Abdullah Hibbat-ur-Rahman, General Secretary Oyo State, said: “I feel so elated having this virtual session with Huzooraa. He granted us many valuable advices such as continuous istighfar for protection and shielding against any harmful thoughts. He also stressed that we have to be good and proud ambassadors of Islam Ahmadiyyat.”

Adegbola Naimah Modupe, General Secretary III, said: “Alhamdulillah upon the success of the mulaqat. I am also grateful to Huzooraa for the knowledge imparted”.

Abdul Razaq Aminah Abisola said: “Alhamdulillah for the success of the mulaqat. It was indeed insightful and educational”.

Adeoye Aa’ishah Adeola said: “Speaking to Huzooraa is one of the greatest opportunities I have ever had in my life. Having spoken to him felt like all my unspoken prayers were answered”.

Hazat Munzirat A said: “The programme was an impressive one.

Huzooraa answered our questions to our satisfaction. He also gave a lot of words of advice which will really help us.”

Abdul Azeez Haleemah Fadeke said: “Alhamdulillah, I felt so blessed seeing my dearest, spiritual father”.

Oladipupo Aminat said: “Alhamdulillah, the session with Huzooraa was a successful one. It was a special and memorable one. I was enlightened about some things I have no knowledge about. I look forward to more sessions like this with our beloved Huzooraa.”

Hamidah Akinpelu-Adeyemi said: “I really appreciate the organisers of this programme. I never had the opportunity to speak with a highly spiritual person before, but with this, I am delighted and which I am sure that all my prayers have been answered.”

Adebanjo Toyyibah said: “Alhamdulillah, it was really a nice moment with His Holiness. I felt so blessed to be among those who attended this mulaqat. I learnt a lot from beloved Huzooraa and I pray Allah may make it easy for me to put the lessons into practice. Amin.”

Ligali Basirat Adesewa said: “I felt so happy because God gave us a wonderful day and I really enjoyed the replies of Huzooraa.”

Balogun Sumayah Morenikeji said: “I felt blessed to be part of the mulaqat because I gained a lot from Huzooraa, and learnt something that will be beneficial to me, alhamdulillah.”

Nigerian Nasirat share sentiments following meeting with Huzoor Abbas O Iromini,

General Secretary Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria

Lajna Imaillah Nigeria had a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on 21 February 2021. After the mulaqat, members of Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya, and AMWSA also indicated their interest in

having such a session with Huzooraa.

A letter of request for a mulaqat was thereafter written to Huzooraa through Sadr Lajna Imaillah Nigeria on 15 June 2021. Alhamdulillah, the request was graciously approved by Huzooraa. The dates of 25 and 26 September 2021 were approved for the mulaqat with Nasirat

and AMWSA, respectively.

Immediately after the approval, a planning committee was formed, which comprised of members of the MTA crew, sadr Lajna Imaillah, secretary Nasirat, president AMWSA, secretary umur-etalibat and members of the Lajna Imaillah planning committee.

Representatives of Nasirat-ulAhmadiyya were drawn from all regions of the country.

60 Nasirat had the opportunity to attend the mulaqat.

Following the mulaqat (meeting) with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa we share some Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 << Continued from previous page

sentiments of our members.

Daudu Qawiyyah said: “This was a blessed opportunity to see Huzooraa, alhamdulillah. It felt so good. I have gained more confidence and learnt a lot.”

Olagunju Sheriffat said: “It was a great opportunity to attend this blessed event. I have gained more confidence in my ability to improve in my field of science.”

Abdul Razaq Aishat Olajumoke said: “I felt happy with this mulaqat, and excited to see Huzooraa for the first time, alhamdulillah. I wish this mulaqat could be done more often.”

Munirudeen Bushor said: “I felt very happy, and hope to meet with Huzooraa physically someday.”

Abidoye Faheedah said: “I felt excited and delighted to see Huzooraa. Unfortunately, I was unable to ask my question, but I pray to see him next time, insha-Allah, so that I may ask my question.”

Ajimoti Muminat said: “I felt overwhelmed because this was the first time I met with Huzooraa.”

Busari Taofeeqah said: “Prior to the mulaqat, I felt a bit nervous and amazed about what to say and how to talk to Huzooraa. But after the mulaqat, I feel so fulfilled and happy that I have some knowledge to take home.”

Lawal Bushroh said: “I felt happy because finally I had the opportunity to speak to Huzooraa. I felt comfortable, happy and satisfied because almost all the questions bothering me in my mind had been answered.”

Odegbo Atiyatur-Rahman said: “I was relieved and happy after the mulaqat. My beloved Huzooraa is a patient man”.

Akinwunmi Nafeezah said: “Prior to the mulaqat, I felt a bit nervous […] but after the mulaqat, I felt happy that I had the opportunity to speak with Huzooraa for the very first time.”

Oyebo Hasbiyallah M said: “I was very happy after attending this mulaqat. I wish I was able to present my handicraft and I want this mulaqat to be an annual one, insha-Allah.”

Adesokan Maryam said: “I feel happy and extremely joyous because I learned directly from Huzooraa”.

Hamzat Nasrat Kehinde said: “I felt very happy to attend this mulaqat. I hope Huzooraa comes to Nigeria very soon, insha-Allah”.

Abimbola Ziyaadah said: “I felt happy and relieved after speaking to Huzooraa”.

Odutola Rahmat said: “I was happy because it was a privilege of meeting Huzooraa for the first time.

I am very sure that God Almighty has answered my prayers.”

Sulaiman Nayeemah said: “I was very happy because I had the privilege of meeting Huzooraa for the first time. I was happy because I felt as if Allah the Almighty had answered my prayers.”

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Germany Ansarullah recall Huzoor’s affection during virtual mulaqat Mubarak Ahmed Shahid Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Germany

On 19 September 2021, the national amila of Majlis Ansarullah Germany had a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

Below are the impressions of the participants of this blessed mulaqat: Mubarak Ahmed Shahid, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, said: “[Before the mulaqat] I was anxious about explaining my responsibilities, bearing in mind my personal shortcomings.

I was constantly occupied in prayers and also wrote letters to Huzooraa.

“Huzooraa spoke with the amila members and granted valuable advice to all departments. My heart was filled with praise of Allah the Almighty. It is a great blessing of Allah that He has granted us the blessing of Khilafat.”

Khawaja Rafiq Ahmad, Qaid Isaar, said, “I especially liked the way Huzooraa motivated all the departments.”

Syed Mudassar Ahmad Shah, Additional Qaid Isaar, said: “When Huzooraa appeared on the screen with a smile, my heart felt as if Huzooraa

was present amongst us. I cannot describe in words the way I felt seeing Huzooraa granting guidance and instructions with great love and affection.”

Basharat Nurullah, Muawin Sadr for 100 Mosques, said, “Alhamdulillah, it felt very nice to see Huzooraa directly speaking to us”.

Waseem Ahmad Tahir, Honourary Member, said: “It was surely a very fortunate day for us.

Each and every word, answer and guidance was apt and filled with nur [divine light].

This day will remain a historic day for Majlis Ansarullah Germany.”

Tahir Ahmad Ghumman, Regional Nazim-e-Ala, expressed, “I felt immense joy upon seeing Huzoor’saa smiling face, and my heart praised Allah the Almighty”.

Tayyab Shahzad, Qaid Tarbiyat NauMubai‘een, said: “Prior to the meeting, I felt that although we were going to have a virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa, a physical mulaqat would have given us more blessings. But during the meeting, it felt as if Huzooraa was present amongst us.”

Raja Muhammad Afzal, Regional Nazim-e-Ala, said:

22 DEER PARK ROAD, SW19 3TL. UK

“Although, Huzooraa was speaking to us virtually, but it was as though he was present amongst us. I will always remember Huzoor’saa smile.”

Dr Rashid Nawaz, Qaid Ishaat, said: “This day was a blessed day of my life. I was very concerned for the success of this mulaqat prior to it happening and remained engaged in prayers. The moment Huzoor’saa blessed face appeared on the screen, my heart felt immense peace.”

Munawar Akmal Fani, Additional Qaid Maal Amad, said: “Alhamdulillah, I had the opportunity to meet Huzooraa. This meeting was surely a historic day for Majlis Ansarullah Germany to get direct guidance from the Khalifa of the time”.

Rafi Ahmad Khan, Honourary Member, said, “After meeting Huzooraa, one gets to know how fortunate a servant can be after meeting his master.”

Zaheer Ahmad Tahir, Naib Sadr, said: “During the meeting, Huzooraa encouraged the amila members by saying, ‘You have done well [Aap ne to kamaal kar dia]’. I really appreciated this affectionate way of Huzooraa”.

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 1-7 October 1 October 1942: Maulvi Muhammad Sharif Sahib, a missionary, reached Syria from Palestine to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Maulvi Muhammad Sharif Sahib says: “When I had spent two or three years in Arabia, I prayed to Allah the Almighty to grant me such a long period of service here that no other missionary before me had.

“Therefore, God Almighty accepted my prayer and gave me the ability to serve for a longer period than Hazrat Syed Zainul Abidin Waliullah Shah, Hazrat Jalaluddin Shams and Hazrat Maulvi Abul Ata, may Allah be pleased with them all.” (Tash-heezul -Azhan, January 1978, p. 11) 1 October 1946: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra delivered a short address to Ahmadi ladies of Delhi. He urged the Lajna members to preach and follow in the footsteps of the female Companions of the Holy Prophetsa.

In this speech, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, whilst mentioning the great sacrifices of the female Companions of the Holy Prophetsa, said: “These were women whose sacrifices the Islamic world is proud of. You also claim that you have believed in the Promised Messiahas, who is the spiritual manifestation of the Holy Prophetsa.

In other words, you are the spiritual manifestation of the Companionsra; however, [ask yourselves] whether you possess the same nur [divine light] that was found in the Companionsra. Are your children as pious as the Companions’ children? If you contemplate upon this matter, you will find yourselves far behind the Companions […].”

“I ask you, have you ever felt a strong urge in your heart for preaching [Islam Ahmadiyyat] and have you ever tried to understand what responsibilities you have after accepting Ahmadiyyat?

[Simply accepting] Ahmadiyyat does not mean to simply donate a few rupees as chanda [financial sacrifice] or pour a few drops of water on your face and perform ablution and offer two or four prostrations; rather, Ahmadiyyat means to establish a relationship with God Almighty that connects the servant to

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Bradford

God Almighty and the servant becomes one of God Almighty’s beloveds.”

(Tarikh-e-Lajna, Vol. 1, p. 666)

also called a special session of shura (consultation) to discuss The Review of Religions magazine and the selection of topics and various other matters regarding it. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4)

2 October 1924: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra travelled to the shores of England where William the Conqueror landed. This was to fulfil a divine vision 3 October 1971: Hazrat Khalifatul he had seen some years ago, wherein he Masih IIIrh inaugurated the Khilafat was called “William the Conqueror”.

Library in Rabwah.

2 October 1928: Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad, son of the Promised Messiahas, announced his allegiance with Jamaat-eAhmadiyya through an announcement in Al Fazl. He joined the Jamaat at the hand of his brother, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in 1930.

attend to a patient, Hazrat Muhammad Khanra. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra also delivered a sermon during his short stay there. In this address, he preached to people of all schools of thought in a new way and quenched the spiritual thirst of the people by citing events and examples from his life. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 163)

4 October 1924: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, along with members With the initiative of Jamaat-e-Islami, of his entourage a conspiracy was hatched against Dr - including the Rashid Ahmad Sahib, and a false rumour new missionary of was spread that he had burnt the Holy London, Hazrat Quran. On 3 October, a rally was held Maulvi Abdur Rahim in opposition to the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Dardra - went to the which was attended by students and city house in Putney, thugs. This was backed by Jamaat-eLondon which Islami and the police. Dr Rashid Sahib’s was to be opened clinic was attacked and destroyed, and in the proposed his cattle pen was set on fire. (Let it mosque. Huzoorra be known that having and looking after went to the room cattle is a norm in Pakistan.) where prayers were offered in When Abdul Hameed Sahib proceeded to those days and led rescue the cattle, one of the mobs shot everyone in a silent at him. He was martyred on the spot. prayer. After that, (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Babat Shuhada, p. he handed the key 165, Friday Sermon, 25 June 1999) to Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim 4 October 1903: Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Dardra and gave ra Nuruddin travelled to Kapurthala to 3 October 1974: Abdul Hameed Sahib was martyred in Kunri, Sindh.

Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad

2 October 1980: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh inaugurated the Bradford Mission House in the United Kingdom.

3 October 1924: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra addressed the concluding session of the Conference of World Religions in London. On the same evening, he

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dardra

Hazrat Malik Ghulam Faridra

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

13 of Al Fazl that contained the transcript of his weekly Friday Sermon to all Muslim scholars. He also instructed for 1,000 copies of The Moslem Sunrise to be sent to them. Secondly, he urged for constant tabligh to influential personalities of the country. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 349)

Gujarat. He was born on 1 November 1948. He was Ahmadi by birth. After completing his studies in 1966, he joined the army. In 1974, riots and opposition against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya were fierce. In the holy month of Ramadan, he was martyred after being attacked by an armed group of thugs.

7 October 1915: Hazrat Mir Qasim Alira started publication of his newspaper, Faruq from Qadian. This powerful medium of tabligh continued rendering its services until the sad demise of Hazrat Mir Sahibra in April 1942.

(Khutbat-e-Tahir, Babat Shuhada, p.

165, Friday Sermon, 25 June 1999)

For further details, please visit: www. ahmadipedia.org/content/periodical/27

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra leading prayer at 6 Chesham Place in Belgravia, London where the first UK Shura took place

detailed instructions to Hazrat Malik Ghulam Faridra, who served as Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dard’sra deputy.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 455) 4 October 1947: While in Lahore, as it was early days of the partition of the Indian subcontinent, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra penned a powerful article about the intense and terrifying state of affairs. This inspirational piece was published in Al Fazl and raised the morale of members of the Jamaat to bravely face the coming hardships.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had the great ability to safely deliver members of the Jamaat from dangerous areas to safety during the partition.

However, back in Qadian, villagers who lived just outside of Qadian and were forced to seek refuge in Qadian, made the dangerous decision of travelling by foot to Lahore. They decided this without consultation from the Jamaat. Without proper leadership and organisation, this caravan of around 40,000 people came under brutal attack as soon they stepped out of Qadian’s boundaries. This sudden ambush saw many causalities and devastation.

5 October 1952: Indonesia’s Armed Forces Day was organised. An Ahmadi missionary, Syed Shah Muhammad Sahib, was also invited to attend this national event. Ahmadi Muslims had been part of the struggle for the independence of Indonesia and always remained loyal to the country. (Al Fazl, 7 December 1952, p. 5) 5 October 1974: Carnage in Sargodha, Pakistan remained rampant all day. An Ahmadiyya mosque was demolished. 38 houses and shops belonging to Ahmadi Muslims were set on fire after being looted and five Ahmadis were seriously injured, all whilst the Punjab Chief

Minister was present in the city. (Al Fazl, 6 October 1974, p. 4) 6 October 1942: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra announced an exclusive scheme for tabligh in India. The first objective of the scheme was to send 1,000 issues

7 October 1927: A companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Munshi Abdullah Sanaurira passed away. He will always be remembered for his presence when the sign of the red ink drops was shown to the Promised Messiahas. As per his will, the sacred shirt that bore marks of the red ink was buried with him. This was a precautionary measure to prevent any possible element of shirk [association of partners with Allah].

For further details, please visit: www. ahmadipedia.org/content/personality/4 7 October 1974: Basharat Ahmed Sahib was martyred in Tahal district of

Hazrat Munshi Abdullah Sanaurira

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New Ahmadi mosque and mission inaugurated, Taveta Town, Kenya

Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

On 13 June 2021, Majlis Ansarullah Kenya had laid the foundation of a mosque and Ahmadiyya mission house in Taveta town, Kenya. This project was completely funded

by Majlis Ansarullah Kenya.

The construction work was completed on 11 September 2021, and the contractor handed over the keys to the Jamaat.

The presence of this newly built mosque and mission house in Taveta town has been received with quite a number of reactions from the opponents of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. At the same time wellwishers have expressed their happiness.

The regional missionary visited the offices of the deputy county commissioner, the assistant sub–county commissioner, the OCPD, the OCS, the DCIO and refuted the allegations that the mosque and mission house will be used to radicalise the youth as alleged by some non-Ahmadi clerics.

The deputy county commissioner reiterated that, “anything good in one way or the other faces opposition.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has graciously named the mosque as Baitul

Naseer Mosque.

Baitul Naseer Mosque and mission house was officially inaugurated by Amir and Missionary-in-charge Kenya, Tariq Mahmood Zafar Sahib on 19 September 2021.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem.

After this, short speeches and remarks from the invited guests were delivered, followed by the concluding address by amir sahib Kenya.

After the inauguration ceremony, Amir Sahib led the attendees in silent prayer and announced that the Baitul Naseer Mosque and the mission house are now officially opened. The azan was called and Zuhr and Asr prayers offered.

After the prayers, all the attendees were served food and refreshments.

The total attendance was 74, which included Jamaat office bearers, local Ansar members from seven majalis, two representatives from Mombasa and Voi Regions, deputy county commissioner Taveta and a prominent Lawyer, Mr John Bwire.

Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

“

I also wish to say to the younger khuddam that they should not think that because they are young, they do not need to be concerned about their religion or spiritual state and that theirs is an age merely of leisure and fun. Certainly, at your age, you should be involved in positive forms of recreation and other good activities, but at the same time, you should recognise that you are now reaching the age of full maturity. In fact, in the olden days, people would often get married in their teenage years and they would take on the associated responsibilities.

(Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at the concluding session of Khuddam UK Ijtema 2021)

28th Jalsa Salana Denmark Naimatullah Basharat Denmark Correspondent Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Denmark held its 28th Jalsa Salana on 18 and 19 September 2021, at the Nusrat Jehan Complex in Copenhagen.

As per the instructions of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, children under the age of twelve were not allowed to attend this year’s Jalsa.

The Jalsa Salana could not be held last year due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

The opening session of the Jalsa commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its Danish translation.

Amir and Missionary-in-charge Denmark, Muhammad Zakaria Khan Sahib then read out the special message of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for all attendees.

After Huzoor’s message, a poem was presented, followed by the inaugural address by amir and missionary-in-charge Denmark.

After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the

second session of the Jalsa commenced at 3pm.

In this session, the Danish translation of Huzoor’s special message for Jalsa Salana Denmark was read out by Naimatullah Basharat Sahib.

During this session, three speeches were delivered in Danish language, followed by another poem.

The proceedings of the second day of Jalsa Salana Denmark 2021 commenced at 11:30 am. In this session four speeches were delivered.

After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the proceedings of the closing session of the Jalsa began.

After the tilawat and poem, amir and missionary-in-charge Denmark delivered the closing address.

The Jalsa was attended by members of the Jamaat from Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Canada as well. The Jalsa was also streamed live so that those members who could not attend, benefited from the blessings of the Jalsa.

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

100 Years Ago...

15

Correction of misinformation spread

by Paighamis Al Fazl, 26 and 29 September 1921

Eid-ul-Adha of Ahmadis in London Sitting in the darkness of enmity and hatred, it has been reported by the Paigham newspaper that “there was not a single English new convert Muslim, man or woman” among those who offered Eid in the garden at Southfields. However, The Times, London’s highly reputable daily newspaper, in its issue of 17 August 1921, referring to the Ahmadiyya Mission in London, under the heading, “The Islamic Festival in London”, writes: “Iduz Zuha, or the Moslem festival of sacrifice, was celebrated at the Ahmadia Mosque, Melrose-road, Southfields, London, last Sunday.

“Moslems of India, England, Turkey, East and West Africa were present, as well as a number of non-Moslems. Prayers were offered in the garden of the mosque.

After the prayers, Maulvi Mubarak Ali, the Imam, gave a sermon in English.

“Among those present were Professor Mustafa Leon, L.L.D., Mme. Leon (England), Mr. and Mrs. St. Nihal Singh, Yumni Bey (Turkey), Mr. Jiwanji, Mr. Varman (East Africa), Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rosher (England), Mr. Agusto (Nigeria), and Mr. M. H. Malik (India).”

After presenting the above lines [from The Times], we leave it to the readers to decide whether the London Times’ report is correct or that of the Lahori Paigham. […]

The Paighami preacher’s level of honesty In this [29 September 1921] issue of our newspaper, there is mention of those speeches that were made against the divinity of Jesus by priests. These speeches were delivered in the churches of London on Sunday, 14 August [1921].

Coincidentally, the ceremony of Eid-ulAdha happened to be on the same day.

The Daily Graphic newspaper published a picture of the occasion of

Eid prayer along with the listeners of the sermon at the Ahmadiyya mosque in London on one side and a picture of people leaving the church on the other side and wrote: “It was an interesting coincidence that the great Muhammadan festival should have coincided with the sensation created in the Christian Church by the speeches of

the Dean of Carlyle and other clergymen at Cambridge, throwing doubt on the divinity of Christ.”

The Paighami preacher, Mian Dost Muhammad, has surprisingly attributed the above words of The Daily Graphic newspaper to the Eid ceremonies held at Woking. In his article published in the newspaper Wakil, 23 September [1921],

he first writes: “On 14 August [1921], it was the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha that was celebrated as usual in the Woking Mosque.”

He then goes on to write: “It has been mentioned above [i.e.

Continued on next page >>

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

in his article] that the day the Dean of Carlyle’s speech was being criticised in the churches was the same day that the Muslims celebrated the Eid festival. The Daily Graphic newspaper has published a picture of the Muslims’ Eid [festival] and the picture of churchgoers side by side.”

However, the said picture published by The Daily Graphic is not that of Woking, but in fact, it clearly contains the following words below it: “A sermon followed the prayers at ‘the mosque’ at Southfields.”

The Paighami preacher completely omitted the said words and translated the rest of the text and attributed the words of The Daily Graphic to themselves. He may have thought that the said newspaper would not go to India and so no one would become aware of this misinformation.

Although this is a trivial matter, where it sheds light on the level of honesty and integrity of a person working as a missionary [for Woking mission], it is also clear that the enmity of the said people against the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has reached a very low point. Apart from repeating the words of others about our mission, they have gone on to attribute them to themselves.

In contrast to them, have a look at our conduct. In the previous issue [of Al Fazl], the article that was published with the extracts of The Daily Graphic contained a sentence about Lord Headley. We translated it as it is [into Urdu]. However, it had nothing to do with the actual subject of the said article and if it had been omitted, there would have been no defect in the coherence of the article. May Allah make it so that these people learn to act fairly and honestly when it comes to our [Jamaat].

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 26 and 29 September 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

First National Academic and Sports Rally, Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Czech Republic Uzair Ahmed Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Czech Republic From 17 to 19 September 2021, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Czech Republic held its first National Academic and Sports Rally.

Khuddam from across the country gathered in Prague on Friday, some travelling for up to four hours. After offering Jumuah prayer and listening to the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, khuddam wrote individual letters to Huzooraa, requesting prayers for the rally.

Khuddam then stepped out to do leafleting for a few hours in the heart of Prague. These leaflets, printed for the first time in the Czech language, contained introductory information about Islam’s teachings on peace, loyalty to one’s nation and freedom.

In the evening, they headed to the grounds rented for the rally, where they made a campfire, ate pizza and held an informal discussion.

In a recent personal mulaqat, Sadr Sahib Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Czech Republic had requested Huzooraa for a message to convey at the rally, and Huzooraa graciously said to convey his prayers and his salaam to the Czech Khuddam.

During the rally, khuddam also discussed the life of Syed Taalay Ahmed Sahib Shaheed.

On Saturday, khuddam and atfal participated in academic and sports competitions, and Ansar helped out with judging.

For Hifz-e-Quran, khuddam are continuously being encouraged to learn those portions of the Holy Quran that Huzooraa regularly recites aloud in congregational prayers, according to Huzoor’s tilawat schedule originally published in Al Fazl.

Khuddam and atfal enjoyed the experience and gained insight into love for Khilafat and bonds of brotherhood.

They stayed together, prayed together

and formed many memories during the various events of the rally. They are eager to continuously work on establishing Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Czech Republic by holding such events in the future.

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

100 Years Ago...

17

Ahmadiyyat continues to spread in Colombo, Ceylon Al Fazl, 29 September 1921

Dear Editor Al Fazl, assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

Sardar Abdur Rahman Sahib BA has recently come here [to Ceylon]. Every day, he gives lectures in English after Maghrib prayers, which are translated into Tamil and conveyed [to the audience]. The people are benefiting a lot [from the lectures].

It was the first time that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Ceylon, held a public lecture in the town hall and all the audience was welleducated, including people who were BA, MA, pleaders, barristers, priests etc. The total number of attendees was around six to seven hundred. Previously, no Muslim has ever given a public lecture over here. The lecture was in English and lasted for an hour and 25 minutes.

It was announced in our newspaper and other English newspapers through advertisements that Sardar Sahib would give a lecture in English on the issue of reincarnation from an Islamic point of view.

This [topic was selected because the issues of] rebirth and reincarnation were being hotly debated in newspapers and lectures in Ceylon for about a month, or at least 20 days. The people participating [in the said debates] included Buddhists, Christians and agnostic Americans. Hence, people were keenly interested in this issue.

Islam and reincarnation Sardar Sahib explained that Islam, according

Consequently, it would be impossible for anyone to become human again.

4. On the other hand, if soul and matter – which are considered to be uncreated [i.e. they are eternal] – are not dependent on God for their creation, then why would they rely on God for their existence, transmission and reincarnation?

to the views of Hindus and present-day Buddhism, neither agreed with this view that human beings are punished after death by being reincarnated from one animal to another, nor did it believe that man’s sorrow and happiness are the fruit of the sin and goodness of the previous birth.

1. The [first] reason for [not agreeing to] this viewpoint is that such a punishment cannot lead to the reformation of a person by becoming aware of his sins and wrongdoings, because the wrongdoer [according to this concept] is not given knowledge of his past sins.

2. Moreover, God cannot be so unmerciful that He snatches away the previously acquired knowledge and experiences after death, and re-creates someone ignorant [of prior knowledge] and puts them in the process of a second birth, and due to their ignorance, leads them to do more sins.

3. Furthermore, as it is considered a sin to kill even an ant, so when taking one life results in being reincarnated to various animals for a cycle of million years, then the sins of a dog, lion or goat would continue to expand the cycle of their reincarnation.

Ahmadis of Penang, Malaysia present Islamic teachings in World Peace Day event Abdul Aziz Bin Mohd Ibrahim President Jamaat Penang, Malaysia

The International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, is observed every year on 21 September. This day is celebrated around the world to strengthen the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Various events and seminars are held to reassure us that we are fully committed to playing our part in building a peaceful world.

This year, the theme of International Day of Peace was “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. It focused on how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into a place that is more equal,

more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable and healthier.

A peace dialogue and prayer ceremony was held in Penang Peace Children Care Centre (PCCC) to commemorate this day.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Penang, Malaysia was also invited to present the Islamic principles for establishing lasting peace in the world.

I had the privilege of presenting a brief, yet comprehensive noble model and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in regard to establishing peace.

Following this, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, a compilation of speeches and letters to world leaders by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was presented to Alagesan Ayaru, the chairman of PCCC and to the audience as a gift.

This peace dialogue was attended by 40 guests. It concluded with a prayer ceremony where everyone prayed for the ending of wars taking place in various parts of the world.

Buddhism and reincarnation Due to being distant from the prophets, this concept [of reincarnation] has become common among Hindus and Buddhists.

However, the actual teaching that Buddha gave in Mahavagga is against the current Buddhism and in accordance with the law of nature and universal events.

It clearly says that as long as Buddha followed the Vedas, he had a spiritual likeness to a snake, a lion, a rabbit, a woman, a monkey etc. in this very life. Although the body was apparently human, in terms of attributes, weaknesses and sins, he was an embodiment of the characteristics and habits of the above-mentioned animals.

However, when he abandoned the Vedas and received enlightenment from divine revelation, he never again confessed to being the manifestation of animal tendencies and never said, “I become a slave to carnal desires like animals.”

These are the actual facts. Some books contain references in support of reincarnation, but it is unwise to confuse the earlier sayings of Gautama Buddha with his final teaching.

The arrival of the Promised Messiah He [Sardar Sahib] then went on to say that Islam strongly denied reincarnation and strongly opposed the idea that a human soul could enter another body in this very world.

However, Islam agrees to the fact that the attributes of one human being can be found in another. Hence, in this age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani was sent with the attributes of the previous prophets. Now, by believing in him, man can achieve nearness of God. The impact of the lecture [on the people of] Colombo There was a great, positive impact [on the people of] the city. An American agnostic, or seeker of truth, who has been embittering the Colombo clergy for two weeks, said in the lecture hall, “What I have acquired in this one hour and 25 minutes, I could not have learned during my three years in Egypt.”

He expressed his desire for an opportunity to meet [the lecturer] and the public also wished for more, similar lectures.

AP Ibrahim, Malabar, Colombo.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 29 September 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

Coming from every distant track

Hazrat Nawab Syed Mahdi Hassan’s visit to Qadian A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra, also known as Nawab Fateh Nawaz Jang, was a barrister and former chief justice and home secretary at Hyderabad Deccan. He is buried in Lucknow. He was a trustee of the Aligarh Muslim University, a renowned academic institution of the Indian subcontinent and an eminent and distinguished member of the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference.

Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra arrived in Qadian on 26 December 1900.

Since he had gained academic recognition in his respectable field, it was not possible for him to reach Qadian without enduring the hardships of his journey. His travel to Qadian indicates his sincerity and the level of attraction Qadian had for him. This was also a sign of the great prophecy: ‫ﻳﺎﺗﻮن ﻣﻦ �ﻞ ﻓﺞ ﻋﻤﻴﻖ‬ “Coming from every distant track.”

The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas expressed his happiness at his arrival and said: “There is great reward for every step that is taken for seeking the truth, but the world of reward is hidden and cannot be witnessed by the eyes of a worldly person. […] Enduring hardships in the way of God and being fully prepared to endure misfortunes and difficulties [in His way] is possible through faith. Faith is a force that gives a person true courage and fortitude.

An example of this can be seen in the life of the Companions [of the Holy Prophetsa], may Allah be pleased with them all.”

Then Hazrat Ahmadas presented an example that explained the strength of faith of the Companionsra and made it clear that progress was not in adopting the European way of life blindly, but in fact in following the Holy Quran.

After this, the Promised Messiahas, addressing Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra, said: “That Allah the Almighty granted you the opportunity to travel so far and endure the difficulty of this journey, had it not been for the staunch faith [you possess], I do not think you would have taken up [this journey and endured] so much.

“May Allah reward you and increase this faith [you have] so that you may be bestowed the sight to recognise the light which Allah the Almighty has sent down to the world, by His grace, in this age.

“Sometimes a person has a condition where they visit a place and then leave quickly; but after leaving, the soul becomes disturbed as to why they left [so quickly].

Our friends visit and leave early due to some obligations; however, they later regret as to why they had left so fast.”

On this occasion, Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra said: “The same will surely happen to me.

And if I had not sent a telegram to Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk Sahib [a well-known Indian Muslim politician at the time] and other friends, I would have stayed longer.”

The Promised Messiahas accepted his apology and said: “In any case, I do not want you to break your promise. As you have already informed them, you must go.”

Regarding the participation of Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra in the Jalsa Salana of 1900, on its front page of the 31 January 1901 issue, Al Hakam wrote that Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra was in Qadian for Jalsa Salana.

Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra had studied Arabic. His interest in visiting Hazrat Ahmadas arose when he read about the bishop of Lahore in the newspaper, The Pioneer, and read about Huzoor’sas engagements with him. It was at this moment that Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra realised Hazrat Ahmadas was no ordinary person as he engaged with the bishop of Lahore.

After this, he had the chance to read about the Promised Messiahas and then corresponded with Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira and with the Promised Messiahas himself. When Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra met Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddinra, his good manners left a deep impression on him. He continued to read and study Al Hakam.

Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra was making his way to attend an educational conference at Aligarh University which was organised by the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference. This was an organisation that promoted modern and

liberal education for the Muslims of India.

On his way, difficulties arose due to rainfall. Thus, in sight of the circumstances, he gave priority to journeying towards Qadian.

After listening to the Promised Messiah’sas address of 26 December 1900, no doubts with regard to the truthfulness of Ahmadiyyat remained in his heart.

In Qadian, Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra also met Hazrat Syed Abdullah Baghdadira. Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra was very happy to hear that Hazrat Syed Abdullah Baghdadira had abandoned the Shia order and accepted Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Syed Abdullah Baghdadira asked Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra what he thought of Hazrat Ahmadas. Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra, replying in Arabic, said, “He is like a prophet, and his words are like the prophets, and he is undoubtedly truthful.”

Since he had to attend the conference, he left Qadian early. His yearning to someday return to Qadian grew, as he remained looking for opportunities to visit; however, unfortunately, this desire was left unfulfilled and he could not visit Qadian again in his lifetime.

After returning from Qadian, the intention and devotion of Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra had increased a lot. He formally participated in some of the needs of Qadian. For example, the 7 August 1903 issue of Al Badr newspaper shows that in the very early days of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya, the expenses of Madrasa Talim-ul-Islam were barely being met.

Even the salaries of the teachers appointed there were difficult to pay; and then, when Talim-ul-Islam College was established along with the Madrasa Talim-ul-Islam, the worries of expenses of the college became even more daunting.

Therefore, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra appealed to Ahmadis of each city to set aside some money to help for the scholarships of students of madrasas and colleges.

Whilst mentioning three people who made generous contributions, he wrote that Nawab Fateh Nawaz Jang (Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra) had contributed towards this noble cause by sending funds on a monthly basis.

It is found in the pages of history that he was very fond of the Jamaat’s newspaper, Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 << Continued from previous page

Al Hakam, and also enjoyed reading the commentary of the Holy Quran. He would praise and talk about Al Hakam among respected and influential people. In short, he became active in the service of religion in Lucknow.

Before he passed away, he was able to do a great noble deed for his country.

When the All India Muhammadan Educational Conference was announced in 1904, it was met with fierce opposition in Lucknow and, according to the late Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, it was not surprising that the lamp of the conference would die out.

This opposition was not insignificant, and it was not easy to suppress because it was started by a group that was considered sacred by the people and whose rule was called “divine”. Shia leaders and Ulama-eFarangi Mahal, who were considered to be the imams of the Sunnis, both merged and issued fatwas of apostasy and disbelief on the participants of the conference.

They distributed announcements, held meetings and said in their speeches that the participants of this conference would be deprived of their Islamic rights, and no one would offer their funeral prayers after their death. Hazrat Nawab Sahibra was at the forefront among the elders who were credited for the reconciliation of Muslim sects and the success of the conference.

Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra passed away on 13 January 1904, shortly after the aforementioned conference.

On his demise, the famous Allahabad newspaper, The Pioneer, wrote that the demise of Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra was a matter of great sadness. He had only been sick for three weeks. He was diagnosed with high levels of toxins in his blood. He served in Hyderabad with great excellence and became the first chief justice for which he was very suitable in terms of his English language skills and legal knowledge.

Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra was a learned scholar and a man of great insight. Some of his works are listed below: 1. Murqqa Ibrat: This is the autobiography of Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra 2. Salana Judicial Report 1885: This was a judicial report that was first compiled when he was in the court of trustees and public affairs 3. Hindustani Zindagi 4. Gulgasht Farang: A few pages of his personal diary while in Europe Also, in the fifth volume of Maktubat-eAhmad (pp. 316-323) there are three letters copied from Al Hakam that were sent by Hazrat Ahmadas to Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra. At the beginning of these, Huzooras wrote: ‫یبحم رکمیم زع�ی �زی ی‬ �‫اوخ‬ (My beloved, respectable, dear brother).

These words are enough to appreciate the high position Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra occupied.

(In preparation of the above material, detailed information on Hazrat Syed Maulvi Mahdi Hassanra, found in the 15 February 2007 issue of Al Fazl, was utilised.)

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Ahmadis of Belize support vulnerable youth by restoring Basketball courts Maham Warraich Belize This past month Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize partook in a youth engagement effort by sponsoring basketball backboards and rims at one of the busiest courts in Belize. This well-known court is located in Buttonwood Bay Park and is populated by youth of all ages that play basketball there regularly. This location also holds historical significance to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya of Belize as the first mission of the Jamaat in Belize was established here. Once the Jamaat began to increase in size, the original mission became small for the members and therefore the mosque was relocated.

Over the years, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize has worked towards fostering their relationship with the citizens of Belize, especially the youth, through various avenues such as sports, pantry bags, workshops and training sessions. Through these efforts, a level of trust and comfort has developed between Ahmadis and citizens of Belize.

It is with this relationship that the youth approached our Jamaat and requested for help to repair the damaged basketball equipment. The Jamaat was pleased and grateful for the opportunity to help enhance the quality of the court by installing new rims and backboards.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize has now sponsored a total of four backboards and rims.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize is a wellrecognized community amongst both the public and the media. All major media outlets also covered this installation and have expressed their appreciation for the

ongoing efforts of the Jamaat to work towards building a better Belize together.

For some, this task may seem insignificant or unnecessary but for the youth of Belize, where children are battling the pressure of drugs and violence from a very young age, basketball becomes a means of hope. In an area riddled with social vices, basketball unites the youth regardless of their differences and promotes healthy community building. The youth in the community look to this court as more than a meeting ground and instead as a peaceful escape where they can feel safe and play the game they love. The cost in such a project is insignificant in comparison to

the betterment it promotes amongst the community.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize is striving to engage the youth through sports and healthy activities while still working under the restrictions posed by the government due to Covid-19.

The mayor of the city, and area representative who is also the minister of home affairs and new growth industries, both expressed their appreciation for the effort.

These initiatives have been received very positively and have become the steppingstone for further projects.

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

The beauties of Islam: A poetic description The Moslem Sunrise, October 1921

I stood upon the threshold of despair.

Hope had taken flight I knew not where; When lo! a door was opened wide to me.

I entered – and Islam made me see The truth behind the clouded veil.

And now upon her waves I sail, Guided by the Prophet’s sacred hand Under Heaven’s canopy to that Holy Land.

The word Islam means – The pure unadulterated divine intelligent existence.

This intelligence is embedded within the heart of each and all. It is the true spark of life which naught can extinguish. Islam conveys a message to us through the Holy Prophets. If we will open our hearts to their words of wisdom as they drop from on high, they are filled with beauty which will awaken the smoldering spark wherein lies the destiny of mankind. If you will attach yourself to the chain of illumined souls, you will find the beauties of Islam, you will soar beyond the struggles and pains; true

life will reveal itself to you wherein you shall see beauty in action in its most refined form – the beauty in wisdom as it guides you on through life’s journey. The beauty in faith which ever holds you aloof from the destroying elements.

O Faith thou art my friend My cause thou doeth defend.

Islam will bring – Peace, Bliss, and Wisdom to those who seek it in truth.

One writer says: “Thou canst measure out thousands of

Charity Walk for Peace Scotland 2021

by Ansarullah – cheque presentation event Arshad Mehmood Khan Scotland Correspondent

Majlis Ansarullah Scotland organised its “Charity Walk for Peace” cheque presentation event virtually on 19 September 2021.

The programme started with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by its English translation. After a welcome address by Ahmed Owusu-Konadu Sahib, Chairman Charity Walk for Peace Scotland, a brief introductory video was shown about the Charity Walk for Peace project.

The event was streamed live on YouTube and Facebook along with a social media campaign which attracted hundreds of people.

After this, Naeem Sattar Sahib, Deputy Chairman of Charity Walk for Peace Scotland, presented a slideshow detailing

activities of Majlis Ansarullah Scotland during the pandemic period which included food donations, cash donations and other humanitarian services to members of the public.

A video message from Hon Kaukab Stewart MSP, Member of Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Kelvin, where she spoke about the community’s services to humanity, was played.

Rt Hon Kirsten Oswald MP, Member of the UK Parliament for East Renfrewshire started the announcement of the cheque presentation on behalf of Majlis Ansarullah Scotland. She presented a cheque of £700 to Erskine Charity Scotland, which was acknowledged by Colin McPhail, the community fundraiser. She presented the second cheque of £1,000 to Ronald MacDonald House, which was received and acknowledged by Pamela Easton, the

fundraising assistant.

Both charity representatives spoke briefly about their charities and thanked Majlis Ansarullah Scotland for the kind donation.

Rt Hon Kirsten Oswald MP then addressed the event. In her address she stated: “It is a real pleasure to join this fantastic event online and help present virtual cheques to charities including Erskine Charity and Ronald MacDonald House, thanks to the brilliant fundraising undertaken by participants in the Charity Walk for Peace, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Scotland.”

Hon Linda Fabiani, Former Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Member of Scottish Parliament for East Kilbride then virtually presented the third cheque of £800 to Aberlour Children’s Charity Scotland. She then presented the fourth cheque to Beatson Cancer Charity, an amount of £1,000 which was received and acknowledged by Calum McNair, the challenges and community fundraiser.

The charity representatives spoke briefly about their charity and thanked Majlis Ansarullah Scotland for the kind donation.

Hon Linda Fabiani addressed the audience in which she stated: “It is an honour to be asked by AMEA Scotland to recognise such excellent charities and thanks to the AMEA Scotland for their fundraising work in Scotland”.

Rt Hon Alison Thewliss MP, Member of the UK Parliament for Glasgow Central then presented the remaining three cheques of £500 to the BJO Amara Association, which was acknowledged by Karen Amara, the Founder and CEO, £1000 to Glasgow

measures of wine.

But till thou drink it no joy is thine.”

Rahatullah (Mrs Garber), New York City. August, 1921.

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

Children’s Hospital Charity, which was acknowledged by Rod MacCowan and £5,455 to Poppy Scotland.

During her speech, Rt Hon Alison Thewliss MP said: “I have been attending events held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Scotland for many years and I am deeply impressed by the work you are doing for the local community. Today, AMEA Scotland donated thousands of pounds to Scottish charities through CWFP which is great”.

This was followed by the video message sent by the Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow City, Councillor Philip Braat in which he praised AMEA Scotland in the words: “Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Glasgow is doing a wonderful job by helping local charities, donating food and money to the needy. I can’t name all charities which are benefiting, among them are, Beatson Charity, Aberlour Children’s Charity, BJO Amara, Poppy Scotland, Glasgow Children Hospital Charity, Ronald McDonald House Glasgow and Erskine Charity.”

Mr Mo-Az Ahmad, President Majlis Ansarullah Glasgow South then gave a presentation on the ongoing projects of Majlis Ansarullah UK in Africa, particularly the Masroor Eye Hospital Institute in Burkina Faso, for which Majlis Ansarullah Scotland have so far contributed more than £15,000 and are hoping to complete a target of £20,000 by the end of the year 2021.

Zaheer Ahmad Sahib, Chairman Charity Walk for Peace UK, delivered the concluding address of the virtual event. He spoke from the Baiul Futuh Mosque premises in London, He expressed his appreciation of the Charity Walk for Peace Scotland team and thanked all the attendees of the virtual cheque presentation in Scotland.

Tahir Naseem Sahib, President Majlis Ansarullah Scotland delivered the vote of thanks at the end, in which he expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries, speakers and representatives of the charities and all those who joined the event on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube.

The programme can be listened to at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWeocNM2dj8

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

100 Years Ago...

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Tabligh of Islam in West Africa, a chief converts to Islam and donations of Lagos Jamaat Al Fazl, 3 October 1921 Jalalain and other similar commentaries and did not touch any other book except for the Holy Quran. It is for this reason that these people were called Ahl-e-Quran, or Shakiti.

Friends are requested to offer the funeral of the late Alpha Abdul Qadir in absentia.

He sincerely took bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih at my hand. Regardless of the fact that heavy tears fell from the sky [on the day of his funeral], it was attended by a large number of Muslims of the city, which especially included the upper class as well.

I led the funeral prayer and for the first time in Lagos, the funeral was performed with the Ahmadiyya simplicity.

Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Lectures at the Ahmadiyya Hall and their impact The last lecture of the series of lectures, (which was initiated for Christians), was held on 30 July [1921] at the Ahmadiyya Hall. Its topic was The Three Stages of Spiritual Progress. It was the fifth lecture of the series. Earlier, four detailed lectures were delivered in English on the following topics: 1. The Holy Prophetsa in the Bible 2. Jesus, Son of Mary, Did Not Die on the Cross 3. The Second Coming of the Messiah 4. The Way to Salvation from Sin There was an extraordinary turnout in all these lectures and their impact by the grace of Allah the Almighty was as follows: 1. The weak and non-religious Muslims, who were previously turning towards Christianity, became stronger in their faith, as one of them told me, “But for you, we would have become Christians.”

2. The knowledge of new and old members of the Jamaat has increased and even students of schools are overwhelming the Christians of their circles by presenting verses of the Bible. Everyone has written down in their notebooks the summary and references presented in the said lecture and previous speeches.

3. An elderly educated Christian woman told me, “Many Christians are ready to convert to Islam. They are only waiting for an established system by you, so that they may not face problems in social relations.”

The effect of the dars of the Holy Quran The dars [sermon] of the Holy Quran for men and women and the Yoruba classes for teaching Salat and the translation of prayers have, by the grace of God, instilled a new spirit and fervour in the Jamaat. The people want me to help them go through the complete translation of the Holy Quran and also to help purify [the ideas] of Ahmadi sermonisers from the old stories and tales.

On returning to Lagos, insha-Allah, I would like to pay close attention to this matter. People are getting used to contemplating on the Word [the Holy Quran] of God. Women in particular have been affected positively and are rapidly reforming themselves.

Nikah There is divine providence in every work of Allah the Almighty and there is a

distinctive significance in every single one of His actions. Since it was [His] intention to teach the new Jamaat about the practices on the occasion of marriage and death, so coincidently, a week before my departure, there came an occasion of a marriage ceremony of the girls of new Ahmadis.

As the father of the girls is an influential person of the Jamaat and is an English scholar, whose name is also Durr-e-Sameen [precious pearl], he requested the chief imam that, “Our white alpha [i.e. Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib Nayyarra] should announce the nikah of my girls.”

I considered this opportunity as a blessing and announced their nikah at the magnificent Ahmadiyya Mosque in the neighbourhood. The girls’ Christian relatives (as there are some Christians, some idolators and some Muslims in every family) were also present.

The [nikah] sermon, by the grace of God, had such a positive effect that the present Christians are now determined to convert to Islam. They will soon join the Jamaat, insha-Allah.

Funeral of Ahmadi mufassir It is an occasion of sorrow that the mufassire-Quran bil-Quran [who did commentary of the Holy Quran with the help of other verses of the Holy Quran] of our new [Lagos] Jamaat, i.e. the elder who used to present the translation of the Holy Quran to the people in the month of Ramadan, has passed away. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬ [“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]

I have stated the words “bil-Quran” because the new [Lagos] Jamaat was disgusted with the stories of Tafsir Al-

“I have nothing to do with comfort” I had to stay in Lagos for four months, during which I never got spare time except for two days of high fever and I only had partial time off for 12 days in these days.

During the rest of the time, I was completely occupied for which I thank Allah the Almighty very much, because I am his [the Promised Messiah’sas] servant who aptly said, “I have nothing to do with comfort,” when Sadiq asked him, “Hazrat, may I wave the [hand] fan for you.”

Eventually, the day of rest will come and on that day, I will get plenty of rest, inshaAllah. Now is the time to work and spread the message of Islam and the name of one God at all times, every hour and every moment with all the strength of my body, mind and spirit. My doctor, John, thinks I am crazy about religion and he gets angry every day when he sees people sitting outside.

Hence, I had to pass a very busy life in the capital, Nigeria, and often spent more than eight hours in speeches. I thank God very much for that opportunity, alhamdulillah, thumma alhamdulillah!

An invitation from Abeokuta Four days before my departure, the following telegram came from a town [Abeokuta] which is located in the interior of Africa and is the capital of Igbo nation: “Respectfully request your divine service urgently and oblige. Suraqa Egberonighi Abeokuta, Ansarudin.”

Since this telegram was from the brother (paternal first cousin) of the ruler and there was an invitation from a society called Ansaruddin, I immediately accepted it.

The next day, I, along with Brother Ajose (interpreter) and Aziz Mashhood Demala, went to the said town. [On our way] many

sincere friends went with us, station after station. May Allah reward them. Some people even accompanied us to Abeokuta. I will write all the details about that in another letter, insha-Allah. For the time being, I only submit that: 1. We comprehensively preached to the chief ruler, His Royal Highness Akele Dimala II and His Highness Ashtile Ede Dimala 2. I gave two lectures 3. Prince Ali Egberonighi, the chief of 15,000 Muslims, took bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih at my hand, alhamdulillah.

Nigeria to Gold Coast I will write about the journey to Abeokuta and the departure from Lagos in the next letter, insha-Allah. Mail is being sent on a regular basis, but time is very short.

As for now, I only submit that I have established the following [local chapters] and left all the administration in their hands, and I have now come back [to Saltpond] to look after the 4,000 Fante [new converts]: 1. Majlis Nazim which has 25 members 2. Majlis Akabir which has 21 members 3. Majlis Maulvis which has 12 members After 8 April [1921], staying in Nigeria for four months, I came to the Gold Coast [Ghana] on 8 August [1921] and started working. I am writing this letter from Saltpond and I am very happy with the work in Nigeria.

My postal address Friends should keep sending their letters to the Nigerian address, which is, “P.O. Box 341 Lagos, Nigeria”, because I cannot say how long I will have to stay here and where I will have to travel in the future.

Pray for me I need prayers. I am weak. My “boat” is encountering strong opposing winds. There are many needs. A lot of missionaries are required and the expenses are immense.

Nayyar the traveller needs your prayers.

Lagos Jamaat’s chanda Some members of the old [Lagos] Jamaat have donated 51 pounds and 2 shillings for the lamps of Minarat-ul-Masih [the white minaret of Qadian] and the newly formed [Lagos] Jamaat has presented 50 pounds of chanda for the spread of Islam.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 3 October 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 3 September 2021 Syed Taalay Ahmed: A man true to his commitment After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

Recently, a most beloved child of ours and a life-devotee, respected Syed Taalay Ahmed, son of Syed Hashim Akber, was martyred in Ghana. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]

On the night between 23 and 24 August, the MTA team was travelling towards Kumasi after finishing filming in the Northern Region of Ghana. At approximately a quarter past seven, they were attacked by robbers who fired at them and two of the three team members – respected Syed Taalay Ahmed and Umar Farooq – were injured. He was first given

medical treatment at a polyclinic and approximately four and a half hours later, whilst they were taking him to a bigger hospital in Tamale, Syed Taalay Ahmed passed away.

Although members of MTA International may have been martyred in other countries, he was the first martyr from here [UK] and I believe that this was the first martyrdom of a waqf-e-nau from the UK. Syed Taalay Ahmed was the paternal grandson of respected Amatul Latif Begum Sahiba and Syed Mir Muhammad Ahmad Sahib. He was the maternal greatgrandson of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad

Sahibra. He was also the paternal greatgrandson of Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra. Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra was the younger brother of Hazrat Amma Jan [respected wife of the Promised Messiahas], Hazrat Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahibara and in this way, he was a direct descendant of Hazrat Amma Janra and through Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra, he was directly descended from the Promised Messiahas as well as being a descendant of Hazrat Amma Janra through this chain as well. He was also the son-inlaw of Mirza Ghulam Qadir Shaheed. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he was a musi [part of the scheme of Wasiyyat] and

as I have mentioned, he was also a part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme.

He attained a biomedical sciences degree, and then completed his masters in journalism. In 2013, he dedicated his life [to work for the Jamaat – waqf], and after working in different departments, he was appointed to the Press & Media Department. Previously, Syed Taalay had served the Community at the local level.

He served in the tabligh [outreach], ta‘lim [education], isha‘at [publication] and Atfal [children under the age of fifteen] departments for Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya [Ahmadiyya Youth Association] in Hartlepool. In 2016, he was appointed full-

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 time to MTA News. Before that, he served as the head of the Indexing and Tagging department in The Review of Religions.

He produced several documentaries for MTA News and was currently working on an additional three or four documentaries.

He was the one who initiated This Week with Huzoor, a weekly programme about my activities; he started it and right to the end, he continued to work enthusiastically on editing it, completing each episode.

This programme has become very popular with viewers of MTA. Aside from serving as the editor of Tahir Magazine, he also served in the isha‘at department of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. He wrote articles for various Jamaat publications such as The Review of Religions, Tahir Magazine and others. Under the Press & Media Office, he went on many tours with me and on other tours as well.

Respected Taalay possessed an extraordinary passion and desire to not only complete his work, but to do so to the highest standard, which is why he was not afraid of any dangers. It is evident from the incident of his martyrdom that he did not worry even for a moment about the dangers. The only concern he had was that he was able to fulfil the task he had come to do in the most excellent and timely manner. For this reason, he set off at a time when there was a greater potential risk of danger.

The zonal missionary of Tamale, Abu Bakr Ibrahim Sahib, explaining the details of this incident, reports that on 23 August, when the MTA team was about to depart for Salaga, he saw Taalay packing his things and said to him, “You’re checking out of the hotel, but you will have to come back and stay here when you’re back from Salaga.” Taalay replied, “As there is very little time, I must return to Kumasi.”

Maulvi Sahib said to him, “When you return from Salaga, it will be late and it is not suitable to travel at night.” [Taalay] told him, “Fine, we will see,” but also said, “I also have to travel to Sierra Leone and I only have two more days here and there is still a lot of work to do in Kumasi and in Accra. I do have to go, but because you are telling me [to stay], I will think about it.”

In any case, when they returned, he decided to travel on and they set off for Tamale. At 6:45 pm, Taalay said to Umar Farooq Sahib that they should offer their prayers. They all offered the Maghrib and Isha prayers in congregation. He was then concerned lest the files from the recording in Salaga be corrupted, so he began trying to save the files onto the laptop while on the journey. This was the work he was doing during the journey, as he could not bear for any time to be wasted. Likewise, he would always be concerned about the equipment of the Jamaat as it was expensive and he did not want it to get lost or damaged.

Nonetheless, according to the police report, when the MTA vehicle was approaching the Mpaha junction, the robbers started firing at them, which, as I mentioned earlier, resulted in two members of the team getting injured.

The driver says: “There was another vehicle that had

Even in his last words, when he was at the brink of death, he was mindful of his love and devotion to the Khalifa of the time. Everyone thinks of their children and family at such a time, but there are very few who would think about their love for Khilafat again and again, even before their children and family, or along with them. passed in front of us and had indicated that there was danger ahead, but I couldn’t understand them. When the robbers suddenly ambushed us and I saw them in the light of the headlights, I loudly proclaimed the Kalima [the Islamic creed] and at the same time, the robbers began shooting at us. Syed Taalay was sitting at the back of the van and upon hearing the gunshots, he also realised that they were facing an attack by armed robbers.”

Umar Farooq Sahib says: “During the firing, I was struck in the hip by a bullet but I did not even realise it at the time.” After spraying them with bullets, the robbers fell silent, and they [the MTA team] stayed there for a short while. Then he says, “After some time, the robbers advanced with their torches and took the driver and myself out of the car. We handed over our phones and any money that we had. Then, they laid us down on the road and attacked us.”

He says, “They also struck me on the head with a stick which caused it to start bleeding.” Despite this, he says that he was more concerned for Taalay.

He too [Umar Farooq] is currently ill as he was struck by a bullet and also sustained a head injury; may Allah the Almighty grant him good health. Pray for him as well.

Later, after everything had happened, the driver, Abdur Rahman Sahib, says that when the robbers left after looting them, he and Umar Farooq Sahib managed to get themselves up and immediately went towards the car in order to check on Taalay. They found that a bullet had struck him in the back on the right side and had lodged itself there, as a result of which he had already lost a lot of blood in the car.

According to the medical report, this is what proved to be fatal.

After this incident, they used a bus that was passing by to reach the Buipe Polyclinic. He received some treatment there, and then it was decided that he should be taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. However, while en route, he passed away and was pronounced dead upon his arrival at the hospital.

Umar Farooq Sahib says: “Taalay’s head was resting on my leg and he kept asking me, ‘Has Huzoor been told about what has happened? Have we asked him for prayers?’” He says, “This incident had greatly affected us and various concerns and doubts were gripping us with fear.” He says, “As we were taking him to the hospital, Syed Taalay told me that during the shooting, he quickly hid the laptop and other equipment under the back seats, and that they were still there

and should be retrieved. He asked us to ensure that the cameras, phone and laptop were all safe, because he wanted to ensure that none of the records went to waste. I informed him that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, all the equipment was safe.”

His only concern was for the property and equipment of the Jamaat and to preserve the Jamaat’s history, which he had worked to capture. [Umar Farooq] says that at around 9:00 or 9:30 pm, his condition started deteriorating, due to which those at the polyclinic decided to immediately move him to the hospital.

As I mentioned before, he passed away while on the way to the hospital in Tamale.

The ambulance did not have all the necessary equipment, as is sometimes the case in such countries. It had also initially taken some time to find an ambulance and he was also bleeding a great deal.

Eventually, Allah the Almighty’s decree came to pass.

Umar Farooq Sahib says: “During this time, as we were travelling with our injuries, Taalay said to me, ‘Tell Huzoor that I love him, and tell my family that I love them.’”

Umar Farooq Sahib says: “Whenever he would regain consciousness, he would repeat this over and over again”. He did not say this only

24 once but multiple times. “He also said, ‘You have taken great care of me and helped me in every possible way, for which I am thankful from the bottom of my heart.’ I tried to keep his spirits up, but he was losing strength. His condition deteriorated so much that whenever I asked him a question, instead of speaking, he would give me a thumbs up to indicate that everything was fine, which caused me to worry. Then he began breathing quickly, after which there was a long silence, and I understood that the very thing we had feared had come to pass.”

[Umar Farooq] continues: “The driver and male nurse were speaking with one another in the local language, from which I gathered that they did not wish to tell us, but that Syed Taalay Ahmed had passed away.”

As I stated, when they reached Tamale, he was pronounced dead by the hospital at

Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM 1:49 am. He says, “The people of Tamale were saddened upon this news, because only a short while ago, they had seen him off smiling and in good spirits.”

These were some details regarding his martyrdom.

He was a diamond which has now departed from us. May Allah the Almighty continue to grant the Jamaat such people who are loyal, have a sincere and dedicated relationship with Khilafat, and give precedence to their faith over worldly matters.

This loss is so profound that it has shaken us. This beautiful person understood the spirit of devotion and truly fulfilled the oath he had made.

Seeing him, I was amazed, and am still to this day amazed, at how, despite being a child who grew up in this materialistic environment, he understood the essence of his devotion and not only fulfilled his

mission, but fulfilled it to the highest degree.

He used to read stories of the elders not just to learn about history or to simply wonder at their sacrifices, but instead in order to make them a part of his own life.

His understanding of devotion and sincerity to Khilafat was to such a degree that is found in very few people. In fact, I would say that this level is not found even in some who possess deep knowledge of the faith; sometimes, the knowledge of such people comes with the stench of arrogance. In fact, I would even say that this level is not even understood by some of those who think that they understand the rank of Khilafat and the standards of devotion that are required.

He demonstrated his utmost loyalty to Khilafat in such a way that even in his last words, when he was at the brink of death, he was mindful of his love and devotion to the Khalifa of the time. Everyone thinks of their children and family at such a time, but there are very few who would think about their love for Khilafat again and again, even before their children and family, or along with them.

About two or three years ago, he wrote a poem about his relationship and love for Khilafat and gave it to a friend, and told him not to show it to anyone. He began the poem by saying, “I love my Caliph more than the others” and ended it by saying, “I love my Caliph, but he’ll never know”.

O my beloved Taalay! I tell you that even before your final words, I knew that you loved and adored Khilafat. This love was evident from your every deed, your every moment, when you stood before me with a camera in your hand and even when you met me without your camera, whether in a personal meeting or with regard to official work. This love was clear from the sparkle in your eyes and from the unique expression of joy on your face.

In short, your every action demonstrated how you always expressed this love for the Khalifa of the time.

I have hardly ever seen this level of love and devotion in anyone else. I was discussing at home that amongst the youth of the Promised Messiah’sas family, I have not seen this level of devotion being expressed by anyone more than Taalay – Allah the Almighty knows the state of people’s hearts – indeed, it is extremely rare even amongst elders to find this level of devotion. I pray that after this tragedy, Allah the Almighty will grant us more people of this standard.

Taalay’s spirit was such, as he himself described in his poem, that he wished to hide his expressions of love, but he was unable to conceal them. In some form or the other, Allah the Almighty caused his devotion to me to manifest and this is why he was so dear to me.

His ever-present thought was to eagerly await any instruction from the Khalifa of the time so he could immediately act upon it. And he did not simply want to act upon it; rather, he also wanted to avail every opportunity to inform the world of the status of Khilafat. He was waiting for the opportunity to give up his life if needed.

Further, there are very few people who have so much devotion to their work. This

immense devotion to his work was not simply because he enjoyed doing it. There are many others who thoroughly enjoy carrying out their work. His enthusiasm for his work stemmed from a passion to want to defend the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophetsa and thus, he wanted to spread this message to the world and convey the message of the Promised Messiahas to the corners of the earth. This is why he strove to be a helper of Khilafat.

During the burial of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, when I was standing near the grave and before I [had started to] cover the grave with sand, he was standing to my right side. At the time, I was unaware of who he was, but when I saw the pictures now, I realised who [he was] and on which occasion it was. This 13-year-old child must have pledged at the time that, as he was a waqf-e-nau, he would now become the helping hand of the Khalifa of the time.

Many years later, after completing his education, he fulfilled this pledge and fulfilled it completely and brilliantly.

Upon my advice, he studied journalism.

By doing this and becoming a shaheed (martyr), he truly demonstrated that he was the helping hand of Khilafat.

O beloved Taalay! I testify that you certainly attained the very highest levels of fulfilling your pledge to devote your life [waqf].

How much he constantly strove to fulfil every word of the Khalifa of the time can be demonstrated through the fact that in some meetings with missionaries, I advised them to offer the Tahajud prayer [pre-dawn optional prayer] for around an hour. Taalay did not, like certain missionaries, question how they could possibly wake up during the short nights of the summer and offer Tahajud prayer for an hour; instead he strove to act upon this guidance.

One of his friends who is a missionary, one day, noticed that he was tired and asked him why. Taalay replied that the Khalifa of the time had advised the missionaries to offer Tahajud for an hour, and he said as he was a life-devotee, therefore this instruction was also applicable to him. He said because he had offered Tahajud, he had not been able to sleep fully and this was why he felt tired.

This missionary wrote to me that this made him very ashamed and embarrassed that, whilst he was the one who had been directly addressed, he could not fulfil the guidance of the Khalifa of the time. On the other hand, Taalay, in order to fulfil his pledge as a life-devotee, acted upon this guidance.

This was his elevated status of fulfilling his pledge. He is, therefore, an example for life-devotees to follow. And as a member of the family of the Promised Messiahas, he is also an example in loyalty and devotion for other members of the family of the Promised Messiahas. Now it rests on the family members of the Promised Messiahas as to what extent they strive to live up to this and do justice to being related to the Promised Messiahas.

The honour of the family [of the Promised Messiahas] or being physically related to them does not give a person status. If anyone respects them, it is not

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021

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because of any worldly achievements and never will anyone respect them for those; rather, it is in them being servants of the faith and giving precedence to their religion over worldly matters [that will garner them respect]. Otherwise, there are tens of millions of people in the world better off than them financially. Even those who are not better off financially do not consider them to be of a higher rank or status.

Thus, I also say to the members of the family of the Promised Messiahas to derive lessons from this departed soul and increase your levels of devotion and sincerity. Just as this personification of loyalty fulfilled his pledge and gave precedence to his faith over materialistic desires, the members of the family of the Promised Messiahas should emulate his example. This is what will confer respect and grant the blessings of Allah the Almighty to them. Otherwise, materialistic gains and worldly desires will not give members of the family of the Promised Messiahas even the smallest degree of honour and respect. To be the son or daughter of a revered person is not a source of pride if your actions do not make you worthy of that honour.

As I have said, he was also an extraordinary model for life-devotees [waqif-e-zindagi]. He never complained about his minimal allowance [salary]. He was grateful for whatever he received and made ends meet with it. If he happened to obtain some additional money from somewhere, it would fill him with sentiments of gratitude. He had prayed to Allah the Almighty to prevent him from ever falling into straitened circumstances and Allah the Almighty always answered this prayer.

He fasted regularly and he possessed uncountable virtues. Many who are writing letters of condolences to me are mentioning these numerous qualities, including his relatives and close friends.

These are qualities which are astonishing even to me. To an extent, I knew how loyal he was, but his standards of piety and righteousness were very elevated. This is why I deem it appropriate to present to you aspects of his life in the words of others. These are sentiments of his wife, parents, siblings as well as friends, and include various details and incidents.

Amer Safir Sahib, Editor of The Review of Religions, says: “Taalay was enabled to serve The Review of Religions for four years as head of the Indexing & Tagging Archiving project. This was a huge responsibility that he fulfilled. He prepared an index for 100 years of The Review of Religions, a list of various categories and the different tags for articles. This was a very large-scale project that he worked on with great dedication and determination. There was a team of 11 people who had to carry out a task requiring immense efforts. With the grace of Allah the Almighty, they completed this task and Taalay supervised and led all of this.”

He continues: “I witnessed with my own eyes Taalay’s immense qualities. He had brilliant organisational and administrative skills, immense passion and dedication to serve

The Atfal really enjoyed the incidents he related. (Taalay then messaged Sadr Majlis stating) ‘I considered myself in need of reform and unable to advise others and relate my experiences. I thought I would relate these when I was reformed or old and near death. In the meantime, I hoped to spend my time quietly hidden away; however, you have managed to extract these accounts from me.’” However, Allah the Almighty was aware that this was the right time for him to share his incidents.

Respected Satwat Sahiba, Talaay’s wife relates: “He was very loving and affectionate.

He was very compassionate and kind both with our children and towards me. He was so caring that he appreciated even the smallest of things. He never complained about food he was given, regardless of how it was. After my father’s martyrdom, I became quite worried and soon after, I was engaged. I was very sad because of the loss of my father. However, Taalay took great care of me and ensured I did not remain sad. After my engagement, I would think, ‘How much Taalay loves the Holy Prophetsa.’ Although he was an adult, he cried like a child when he discussed the Holy Prophetsa. He would relate stories to our son Talal about the Holy Prophetsa and when doing so, he would cry and sob intensely. He was familiar with a great deal of accounts relating to the Holy Prophetsa and had even memorised many of them” – many others have also written that he possessed a deep knowledge of history and of the life of the Holy Prophetsa.

“He would say to me, ‘Talal goes to a Christian school, so on the way there, I recite Surah Al-Ikhlas so he can repeat it after me.’ He was greatly devoted to Khilafat and had a sense of great honour for defending it.”

There are some things which seem to be trivial, but which actually demonstrate a person’s sincerity.

“He would become so overjoyed whenever he found out that you were happy with him or with our son. He always treated us after any mulaqat or he would give Talal some chocolates, saying to him that he had been a really good boy; or sometimes he would treat us to ice cream.

He would express his happiness at small things because he felt that our son had behaved really well or that we had such a good mulaqat.

“Sometimes, he felt that I [Huzoor] was displeased with him about something” – this must have just been something he thought because I do not remember any time where I was displeased with him – “whenever he thought you were upset with him, he would weep immensely in his Tahajud [pre-dawn optional prayer] and beg Allah the Almighty for forgiveness. He would weep and cry so much that it was like a child wailing.

“After producing documentaries, he would have the same concern as he waited in anticipation for a positive response and approval from the Khalifa of the time.

When he started This Week… he was elated that he would get the greatest possible opportunities to be in my [Huzoor’s] office and record me.

“A great quality he possessed was that

He would say that in his childhood, he read an incident of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira about how Allah the Almighty assisted him in financial matters. He said, ‘I immediately raised my hands and prayed, “O Allah! Treat me in the same way.”’ He was fully convinced that Allah the Almighty had accepted this prayer. and unflinching loyalty and love with Khilafat.”

Then he says: “One quality I witnessed of Taalay’s was his ability to take a project from ground zero – from nothing – build it with his own initiative, and with his passion and his drive, make it into something huge and exemplary. He would never wait to be ‘pushed’; he would never wait to be reminded; rather, he would leap forward like a person who was obsessed and utterly devoted to something. He was like those people regarding whom the Promised Messiahas said they serve the religion so passionately like one who becomes zealous and utterly devoted with sincerity. Taalay cared not for the world. Whenever he had the opportunity to serve, all that mattered to him was the Jamaat and Khilafat – for him, that was everything.”

Then, he says: “I can describe all I observed in him in a nutshell by the following: for him, everything revolved around Khilafat.

Although he had a personal connection with the Khalifa of the time, whenever I relayed any guidance of yours to him, he would freeze, his eyes would open up and he would listen like a child getting candy.

Then he would thank me for conveying your guidance.”

Then, he says: “He would not work on just one, but several documentaries at a time. I would be astonished that how was he able to work on several documentaries at the same time? Many times, we had no idea that he was working on certain documentaries as he wanted to surprise us.

“Taalay also had excellent research abilities. Another quality of Taalay’s is that he always wanted to ensure his family and relatives served and were attached to the Jamaat. Whenever I told him that suchand-such of his family or relatives has served The Review of Religions in this way, he would be delighted.”

Quddus Arif Sahib, Sadr Khuddam-ul-

Ahmadiyya says: “I knew him from childhood. I witnessed that Taalay had studied the short commentary by Hazrat Malik Ghulam Farid Sahibra as well as the five-volume commentary. In fact, he highlighted various parts in the short commentary and had also studied the fivevolume commentary in great detail and had highlighted various verses and added small notes in it.”

I will share some details with regard to him reading the five-volume commentary.

He took a gap year after his BSc. It is after this, or perhaps during a mulaqat in the office that I told him to read the five-volume commentary. I thought he would take many years to complete it, yet within a few months, he returned and told me that he had finished reading it. I was astonished when I heard this at the time.

“He produced documentaries which the youth enjoyed. For example he made a documentary on football in which he kept in view the points of moral and spiritual training.” Then he says, “Each documentary he produced for MTA was better than the last. I remember when Brutality and Injustice, Two Trials in a Time was broadcast, I sent a message to Taalay saying that the documentary was very faith-inspiring. He replied with utmost humility to ‘please pray for us; all of this is the blessings of Allah.’ On Twitter someone objected to the name of the documentary and Taalay replied and when I mentioned this to him, he said that ‘because the Khalifa of the time has approved the name, I defended it. If either Abid or I had named it, I would never have replied, but since the Khalifa of the time has approved it, I must explain and defend it.’”

He further says: “In the first virtual Atfal Rally, I asked Taalay through the Mohtamim Atfal to relate some of his experiences with you.

At first, he did not agree, but when I asked him directly as Sadr Majlis, he agreed.

26 he always gave precedence to his faith over worldly matters. He was completely averse to materialistic things and he never coveted anything worldly. He never harboured greed for material things. He had no desire for worldly pursuits. He would be anxious whenever he was gifted with something expensive. He was happy and entirely content with what he had and he would thank Allah the Almighty profusely for it.

“He would say that in his childhood, he read an incident of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira about how Allah the Almighty assisted him in financial matters. He said, ‘I immediately raised my hands and prayed, “O Allah! Treat me in the same way.”’

He was fully convinced that Allah the Almighty had accepted this prayer of his and that Allah the Almighty would treat him the same as Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra. Indeed, this came true.”

She further says: “I, myself, saw that whenever he would be in need of money, he would instantly receive it from somewhere.” She says, “Recently, after a time period of 10 years, a loan company phoned him to say that they owed him £1,000. He was overjoyed and said that he could use that to pay his car insurance and also pay towards the necessary maintenance of the car” – and not that he would ask the Jamaat for it.

She states: “I am a witness to the manner in which Allah the Almighty afforded him with His love. He would narrate an incident about this treatment and said, ‘When I was a student in university’”, which is approximately 10 years ago, “‘I was extremely hungry, but I did not have any money left. I offered my prayers and when I had finished, I saw £10 lying under my bed.’ He was surprised and said that Allah the Almighty had given this money to him.

“He had absolute trust in Allah. I would say to him that some people would make financial provisions etc., but he was convinced that Allah the Almighty would provide for him, therefore he did not need to chase after the world and instead, focused on fulfilling his waqf.”

She then says: “When we lived in our previous rental home and the tenancy agreement came to an end, the council wrote to us saying that due to the council [tax] bill or electricity bill, we had some surplus money, £200 or £300. He immediately said that he would return it to the Jamaat, even though the Jamaat did not ask for it and did not follow up strictly saying that he must return the amount. He said that he wanted to return the amount to the Jamaat and did not wish to be a burden on the Jamaat.

“He would say that if it was possible, he would pay for everything himself; he did not like being a burden upon the Jamaat or request anything from the Jamaat. Even in the last days, his only worry was that as he was taking expensive equipment of the Jamaat to Africa, how would he look after it. He did not worry about himself at all.

He was very hospitable. He would always look after his family and my family. He always wore simple clothes.”

His wife says:

Friday 1 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

O my beloved Taalay! I tell you that even before your final words, I knew that you loved and adored Khilafat. This love was evident from your every deed, your every moment, when you stood before me with a camera in your hand and even when you met me without your camera, whether in a personal meeting or with regard to official work.

“I have a feeling that some people may have misunderstood him, or thought that perhaps he was arrogant or spoke bluntly.

However, his confidence was such that he would say things in a loving manner. He did not have the slightest bit of arrogance in him. Taalay was very forgiving and would cover the faults of others. He would never hold a grudge against anyone.”

His father writes: “All praise belongs to Allah; through His special grace and benevolence, Allah the Almighty has bestowed our son with the rank of martyrdom.”

He further says: “Owing to a dream I had seen, I began preparing my wife and Taalay. When I narrated the dream to Taalay, he said, ‘Have you seen a dream whereby you were martyred?’ I was surprised and asked him how he knew, to which he replied that he had also seen a dream in which he saw that I had been martyred.”

He further says: “Taalay had the utmost love and reverence as is permitted by Allah the Almighty between a father and a son. I think it was for this reason that perhaps he prayed to be granted the station of martyrdom instead of his father, and since he was worthy enough for Allah the Almighty to bestow upon him the rank of martyrdom, He thus bestowed him with this honour.

“After he was shot, he said to missionary sahib, ‘Whether I survive this or not, I have completed my mission.’”

He further says: “From an early age, Allah the Almighty had placed in his heart that although he was born into a certain family, he ought to understand his responsibilities and fulfil them; and that he should know that his life did not belong to him, but in fact belonged to Allah, and that he must live his life by Allah’s command alone. Through his life and death, Taalay proved that he fulfilled this responsibility.”

He further says: “He possessed a soul whereby every fibre of his being was engrained with the love of Allah and Allah’s loved ones. From his childhood, he possessed such a heart that upon hearing the name of the Holy Prophetsa and the mere mention of him,

his innocent lips would quiver and his eyes would be filled with tears. He had a pure soul which was free from any evil.”

He then says: “He was beautiful inside and out, and if I was to make a comparison, it would be with Prophet Josephas for he also possessed a resolute character. Owing to his love for the Holy Prophetsa, his soul would wander among the streets of Mecca and Medina of 1,400 years ago. His body was infused with love in its entirety. His livelihood, food and drink and every breath was for the sake of Khalifatul Masih.”

His mother, Amtushakoor Sahiba, writes: “I am very blessed and very fortunate that Allah the Almighty granted me such an extraordinary child. The 31 years of Taalay’s life that I spent with him was one of the greatest blessings of this world.”

She then mentioned a dream seen by a woman, who saw a child in a cradle whose arms extended outside [the cradle]. “[In the dream] this lady heard the child say, ‘Peace be upon you’. Next to the child was a blue-coloured card which contained the word ‘Allah’ in Arabic, and ‘God’ in English. This lady said that she thought that the colour blue meant a boy.”

This woman saw this dream before Taalay’s birth and related it to his mother and stated that she thought that she would be bestowed with a boy and that wherever the boy would go, he would spread peace and tranquillity.

She further says: “I was bestowed a beautiful and handsome child. In 2005, when he was 15 years old, we did Wasiyyat at the same time. He was very mindful of matters related to faith.”

She then says: “When he was three years old, he memorised certain chapters of the Qur’an and when I told my mother, she was very surprised.” She further says, “I also remember that when he was three years old, I would share matters of tabligh with him, and he would attentively discuss them with me.

“He was very good in his studies and would pass with good grades. I wanted him to become a doctor, but Allah the Almighty had planned something else.

After obtaining a degree in biomedical sciences, Allah the Almighty enabled him to complete a masters in journalism. After his demise, I have come to realise, even more than before, just how much love he had for you”.

She says, “When you instructed him to make documentaries capturing the historical aspects [of the Jamaat] for MTA, you also gave him permission to work independently on these projects and this is something that greatly inspired him.”

She says: “His wife, Satwat told me that he had sent her an email in 2019 which consisted of a list of eight programmes and said that if something happened to him, to pass on this list to the relevant people for its completion.”

His sister, Nudrat says: “Having lived with Taalay, I saw his dedication to Jamaat work. He would often return home late due to his work. I came to stay with them during my time in university. He would return home sometimes after 10 pm and at times, after midnight. He would eat his dinner and then continue his work. For him, even his days off were not really a holiday until his Jamaat work was complete. He worked with passion and enthusiasm.

“In his spare time, he would watch documentaries and certain videos; I have never seen anyone study and analyse a programme in such depth as if it were a textbook. Upon being asked, he would reply that to be the best at his craft, he had to study lots of different documentaries and videos. He had an extraordinary talent for preparing exceptional documentaries about the history of the Jamaat.

“He had extensive knowledge of Islam.

He was often the first person I went to if I had any in-depth questions about Islamic teachings. He had studied the ahadith carefully. In the answer, he would often present a hadith that most people would not know of and would give its reference.

He would reference verses of the Holy Quran on various topics. He was able to talk about any given topic. He could explain concepts and debate so powerfully that you would be left with no option but to accept his point. He also began learning the Arabic language and had a good grasp

27

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 October 2021 of Arabic grammar. This is because he desired to understand the Word of Allah first hand. I asked him how he had studied Arabic in such depth and he sent me a comprehensive list of instructions and guided me. There were 26 lessons in the list which contained many points and tips.

He used all his intellectual capabilities to attain the nearness of God and to serve the Jamaat.”

She further says: “There are two dreams that I know of which Taalay directly discussed with me and which pointed to his martyrdom. The first dream was narrated to me by Taalay during a discussion about his son, Talal, and that was that Talal had an extreme fear of one of his parents passing away and this was because he knew about the martyrdom of Chacha [Uncle] Qadir.

Taalay then became a little serious and lowered his tone.”

She then says, “I do not remember all the details of the dream, but I do know the overall message. Taalay said, ‘I do not claim to be anything like my father-in-law, but I had a dream.’”

In this dream a similar incident took place. In the dream, Taalay was wearing the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya colours and while holding the flag, he was entering Paradise. Everyone was calling him by his father-in-law’s name saying, “Mirza Ghulam Qadir has come.”

“The second dream which I have an account of is in the form of a message [from Taalay]. I fell ill during my pregnancy and my situation became quite serious. I was admitted to hospital several times and he would regularly phone me and enquire about my health and try to reassure me.

“During this time, he mentioned one of his dreams that indicated that his sisters would live on after his demise. He stated that a few years earlier, he saw a dream wherein he was entering Paradise and his relatives had organised a welcoming party for him. He stated that in his dream, he was shocked upon learning of his demise and was worried lest his younger sisters had passed away before him and so he looked around but could not find them anywhere.”

He stated to his sister that if this dream was true, then she need not worry – even though she had to go into hospital and the doctors had said that it was a very serious situation – but he told her that she should not worry because if this dream of his was true, then she would get better. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, everything returned to normal thereafter.

She further states that she was very proud of his intelligence and that his love for Khilafat was unparalleled.

His younger sister says: “He was an excellent role model and I had the opportunity to learn many things from him.” She further stated, “When I was 13 or 14 years of age, at home, Taalay once wished to recite one of his most favourite chapters of the Holy Quran and thus, he recited Surah Yusuf in a very beautiful and melodious manner. He would also say that he would often listen to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh dars-ul-Quran.” He would listen to the dars whilst travelling to and

from the office.

“Once, I shared a joke with him which mentioned Christianity and slightly mocked the faith. Upon this, he stated that they should not mock any faith because in this way, people would also speak against us as well.”

Abid Waheed, who is serving as the central press secretary and is also his maternal uncle, states: “I had a very special relation with Taalay. We did not just share one relationship, but our bond consisted of many different [kinds of] relationships. I was his maternal uncle, but there was not much of a difference in our age and he was like a younger brother and a friend.”

There was only a difference of seven years.

“I always felt and witnessed as well that Taalay had immense love for the family of the Promised Messiahas. If anyone from among the family of the Promised Messiahas had done something wrong, he would feel great pain and sadness due to it because it would cause dishonour to the Promised Messiahas and the Khalifa of the time.”

He loved his family members, but did not love them blindly; rather, he would be sad and pained and could not tolerate it if one of them had committed an act which would bring disrepute to the name of Promised Messiahas, his family and the Khalifa of the time.

He further states: “He would often speak to me on such issues and there would always be a sense of pain in his voice. Although he was very proud to be a member of the Promised Messiah’sas family, he would not go around mentioning this to anyone or try to take advantage of it. Many people did not even know of his relation [with the family of the Promised Messiahas].”

He further states: “After a few months of working in MTA News, Taalay came to me and said, ‘It seems to me that MTA News is considered a very mediocre section in MTA and people in MTA, either openly or through their attitude towards it, say that MTA News is one of the weakest departments within MTA. However, Taalay took this weakness and made it his mission [to correct it] and very confidently stated that when the various projects would be completed, then, insha-Allah, people would watch MTA News with great interest and would say that the best programmes on MTA were those produced by MTA News. He stated that this was his challenge and that he had accepted it.

“Thereafter, Taalay produced some documentaries and various other programmes. I saw that for the preparation of these documentaries, he would often spend 18 to 19 hours in the day.”

His recent trip to Africa was based on my instruction in which I directed that MTA News should go to Africa and produce a documentary on the Nusrat Jehan Scheme. According to the programme, he was to first travel to Ghana, Sierra Leone and then, the Gambia. Hence, he had gone for this purpose in order to produce a documentary on the Nusrat Jehan Scheme.

I am hopeful that Allah the Almighty has granted him the nearness of the Holy Prophetsa. In fact, after his demise, someone saw in a dream that the Holy Prophetsa was standing in one place and Taalay went running towards him and embraced him, and the Holy Prophetsa also embraced him closely and said, “Welcome, my son!”

“Before travelling to Africa, Taalay very diligently made preparations for everything. He prepared a detailed travel plan with a full schedule of daily activities so that no time was wasted. He made all the plans very carefully.”

He further states: “There would often be a difference of opinion between me and Taalay and often, after a few minutes of debate, I would accept defeat because I knew that until I accepted his argument, he would continue to debate and give his opinion. However, one thing I noticed was that if, during the discussion, I stated that the opinion of the Khalifa of the time was such-and-such, then he would say, ‘If Huzoor’s opinion is even slightly different from mine, then I will openly accept the fact that I am completely wrong.’”

He was preparing a documentary on Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra and his cousin told him: “Make a really good documentary on Abba Jaan” – the cousin was the greatgranddaughter of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra – “because it is not every day that such documentaries are made.”

Upon this, Taalay stated, “I don’t think it will be as good because it is not directly about a Khalifa, but may Allah enable people to like it.” This was his relationship with Khilafat.

Mirza Talha Ahmad has also written: “He had planned to produce a documentary on Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahibra and for this, he had also assigned me some work. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he would produce very good documentaries. He had great skill in scriptwriting and storytelling.”

Adam Walker Sahib – I believe it is Adam Walker Sahib – writes:

“I knew Taalay from childhood and later we both worked together in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, the Central Press Office and MTA. “Particularly in relation to MTA work, I noticed that Taalay would always very meticulously assess the work and would delve into the depth of the matters. If ever he had an idea of spreading the message of the Promised Messiahas or the instructions and guidance of the Khalifa of the time to other people, he would, without any hesitation, discuss it with me and express his thoughts. He would always be thinking of the different ways of spreading the message online.

“From this, it is evident that he would deeply ponder over your instructions and would strive towards its implementation.

He would always give precedence to speaking the truth. Whenever he wished to present a suggestion or express his opinion, he would always do it honestly and with no ambiguity. He would always give honest feedback to those who we worked with.”

Naseem Bajwa Sahib writes: “I was serving as a missionary in Bradford between 2001 and 2009 and during this time, I would also travel to the Hartlepool Jamaat. I always saw him passionately taking part in the programmes as a tifl. He was a tifl who was punctual, disciplined, intelligent, passionate about increasing his religious knowledge, offered prayers very calmly, obedient, hospitable, respectful towards his elders, possessed great love for Khilafat and would intently listen to the words of the Khalifa.

“He would fulfil his responsibilities in an extremely well manner; he would carefully ponder over matters, occupy himself in the remembrance of Allah,

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passionately take part in tabligh and would recite the Holy Quran very beautifully.

Later, in his youth, his qualities manifested even more.”

One of his cousins, Mubaraka Rehman, states: “One of Taalay’s qualities, which I always noticed, was his sense of contentment and simplicity as a lifedevotee [waqf]. Many times, he would recount the blessings Allah the Almighty had bestowed upon him. I never noticed him having any interest in material things.

In fact, if ever any worldly matter was discussed in front of him, he would laugh in his own distinctive way and express his gratitude to Allah the Almighty that He had enabled him to be a life-devotee [waqf] and had so freed him of such matters and that God Himself granted him all his needs. He was a true life-devotee.”

One of his friends and a missionary, Nohsherwan Rashid, states: “I had the opportunity to serve alongside brother Taalay in MTA News for the past three years. In these three years, Taalay was not only my colleague, but also my teacher and above all, a friend and brother.”

He further states: “In the past three years, I saw Taalay regularly fast on Thursdays and be very watchful over his five daily prayers. He would go to the mosque ahead of the prayer time and I also saw that he would pay his chanda well in time.”

There are many accounts and many people have written to me and I have mentioned only a few in view of the time.

He did true justice to being a member of the Holy Prophetsa and Promised Messiah’sas physical and spiritual progeny.

He was from among the progeny of the Holy Prophetsa and Allah the Almighty chose him for this sacrifice in the month of Muharram.

As I mentioned earlier, he was a diamond among life-devotees. May Allah the Almighty continue to elevate his rank.

I am hopeful that Allah the Almighty has granted him the nearness of the Holy Prophetsa. In fact, after his demise, someone saw in a dream that the Holy Prophetsa was standing in one place and Taalay went running towards him and embraced him, and the Holy Prophetsa also embraced him closely and said, “Welcome, my son!”

How fortunate are those who sacrifice for the sake of their faith and attain such a lofty rank. May Allah the Almighty be the Protector and Helper of his wife and children and grant them patience and strength. May He also grant patience and strength to his parents and siblings and enable his children and siblings to continue his virtuous deeds.

Insha-Allah, after the prayers today, I will lead his funeral prayer. The funeral has arrived.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 24 September 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Recommended order for studying books of the Promised Messiahas, by Hazrat ra Khalifatul Masih II

Someone wrote a letter to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and sought guidance about the order in which the books of the Promised Messiahas should be studied.

To read Huzoor’sra reply, visit: www.alhakam.org

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