Al Hakam - 29 October 2021

From the Markaz National Amila of Ireland meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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Misogyny and sexual harassment – the holistic Islamic antidote

Answers to Everyday Issues Part XXII

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100 Years Ago...

Nayyar’s experiences in Africa and Sadiq’s letter from America

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 | Issue CLXXXIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

It is quite possible that we may see this prophecy of the Sun rising from the West fulfilled in our lifetime Students of Western Canada meet with Huzoor

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

The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and hoping to get rewards from Allah َّ َ َ ْ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ّٰ َ ْ �ِ ��‫اص أﻧه أﺧ� َ�ه أ ّن َر ُﺳ ْول ا‬ ٍ ‫عن ﺳع ِﺪ ب ِن أ�ِ� وﻗ‬ ً َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ‫ﺻلى ا��� عل ْي ِه و َﺳل َم ﻗال ِإﻧﻚ ل ْن ﺗ ْﻨ ِﻔﻖ ﻧﻔﻘة‬ َ َ ُ َّ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ‫ﺗ ْب َﺘ ِ� ْ� بِ َﻬا َو ْﺟه ا�� ِ� ِإل� أ ِﺟ ْرت َعل ْي َﻬا َﺣ ّﺘى َما‬ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ‫� ْ� َعل �ِ� ف ِم ا� َ�أﺗِﻚ‬ Hazrat Saadra ibn Abi Waqas relates that the Holy Prophetsa said to him: “Whatever you might spend seeking thereby the pleasure of Allah will have its reward, even that which you put in the mouth of your wife.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Iman, Hadith 56)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The meaning of a “loss of fruits”

On 23 October 2021, students from Western Canada were given the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting.

The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mudasar Sahib, after which Ali Sahib presented the English translation.

Sameer Sahib recited a poem composed

by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the

Promised Messiahas. Saaib Sahib then read out its translation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then turned to Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Canada, Zubair Afzal Sahib, and asked what the programme was.

Sadr Sahib stated that 115 students from Western Canada were present in the mulaqat, of which some students had questions they wished to ask Huzooraa

and seek guidance on.

The first question was asked by Faiz Sahib who said that it had been observed that some students who graduated were not paying chanda at its prescribed rate.

He asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa how this problem could be addressed and how they could be motivated to pay the prescribed rate.

Continued on next page >>

Books of exegesis explain that a “loss of fruits” [as outlined in Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.156] also implies a person’s children and the loss of one’s efforts. For example, one’s effort to acquire knowledge; one’s effort to succeed in business; the efforts of a farmer. The loss of such efforts is a terrible misfortune. Man is forever concerned with attaining success.

However, ultimately, the knowledge of God and His wisdom demands at times that people fail, or that their crops do not bring harvest, or that they are unsuccessful in business.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 250)

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<< Continued from previous page

God Almighty did not only enable the members of the Jamaat during the time of the Promised Messiahas to excel in terms of their sacrifices, sincerity and loyalty, rather, according to His promise, God Almighty has continuously granted, and is granting even today to this Jamaat [...] such sincere individuals, who have always and continue to render sacrifices for the sake of their religion according to their capacities, and at times even beyond that [...]

By the grace of God Almighty, these standards can only be observed among this Jamaat of God Almighty, which was established through the Promised Messiahas.

(Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Friday Sermon, 9 November 2019)

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Huzooraa said: “If they are working, or are getting any stipend, or any scholarship, or any pocket money, they should pay according to that – on that money which they are earning regularly […] Some university students are doing research, and they also earn a small amount – some stipend, or some money – then they should pay according to that. So, you can just tell them, ‘If you are earning, it is better to give your chanda according to the prescribed rate. After all, you are not giving your chanda to sadr Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, or to the Jamaat. You are paying chanda – membership chanda – for the sake of earning Allah’s love.’”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa added that if they found it difficult to pay the prescribed rate of chanda due to other expenses, or they could not afford to pay it, “then they can ask Sadr Sahib, if it is Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya chanda, or if it is Jamaat chanda, they can ask the Jamaat’s administration, that ‘because of this reason, I am unable to pay chanda according to the prescribed rate.’”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that one can only advise them, and not force them.

Ibtisam Sahib said that morally, humans knew that stealing and killing was a sin.

Likewise, he said, Ahmadi Muslims know that we must fast, when we are healthy and able to do so, and offer our prayers. He asked Huzooraa if it was considered a sin if one was not regular in these things.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa answered: “You see, killing someone or stealing something is a sin, and that [act of stealing and killing] affects people. It is a matter of usurping the rights of others or committing brutality against other human beings.

“As far as missing your Salat, or not keeping fast, despite the fact there is no general reason for missing it, is concerned, you are not practising one of the commandments of Allah Almighty and something that is an obligatory commandment for a true Muslim. Allah Almighty says that ‘I can forgive some of your sins which concerns Me, or with regard to Me, or which is not affecting other people; but I will not forgive your sins which you are committing against other fellow beings.’ […]

So, killing somebody or stealing somebody’s wealth etc. is a greater sin than not praying sometimes; but prayer is also an obligatory commandment for a true Muslim. So, this is why we always say that we have to fulfil both rights – huququllah, the rights of Allah, and huquq-ul-ibad, the rights of human beings – these go hand in hand”.

Sejeel Sahib asked that at times, one hears people say negative things against office-bearers or against the administrative system of the Jamaat. He asked what one should do in this case.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Office-bearers should reform themselves and observe their inner-self; [they should ask themselves] whatever they are doing, is it according to the teachings of the Quran, the teaching of Allah Almighty, the teaching of the Holy Prophetsa. If officebearers are right and performing their duties with the fear of Allah, then yes, they can be excused and the blame will be on those people who are saying negative things against office-bearers”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that

one should try to explain and advise those people who speak against office-bearers and the system of the Jamaat. If they persist in such actions, then one should leave their company and pray for them that may “Allah Almighty save them from going astray.”

Mowhidullah Sahib stated that in Canada, religion was a very sensitive topic which most people did not like to discuss.

He asked how one could approach nonAhmadis and Muslims in schools and teach them about Islam.

Huzooraa said: “If [religion] is a sensitive topic for your friends and fellow students, and they do not want to hear you or they do not want to talk to you on this topic, then you can pray for them that Allah Almighty changes their hearts. So, out of sympathy, out of love for human beings, you should pray for them, then Allah Almighty will accept your prayers.

“The thing is that it is not a matter of religion. Now, quite a number of people do not believe in God. They are becoming atheists. So, the first thing is to make them realise that God does exist. When they know who God is and [believe] in the existence of God, then they will learn about religion. And if your own behaviour, your own attitude is pro-religion and they see something different in you which is not present in them, then they will be attracted [to religion]. So, your personal behaviour, your personal portrayal is also very useful and the main thing for spreading the message of Islam and bringing people closer to Allah Almighty”.

Tanzil Sahib stated that during the coronavirus pandemic, a great transformation occurred in everyone’s lives.

Some positive things like the virtual classes with Huzooraa had also happened. He asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa when the personal, physical mulaqats with Huzooraa would start again.

Huzooraa said: “You see, you are sitting in Calgary, Canada, 8,000 miles or so from here – so whenever you come here, you can meet me. I have started personal mulaqats with people already; but, apart from that, this is another avenue which has been opened for us by Allah Almighty. So, we are utilising it”.

Fahad Sahib said that sometimes, officebearers hold strong views against decisions that have been made in amila meetings. He asked Huzooraa what his guidance was for such a situation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered: “In the present-day world, we believe in democracy. Once a decision is made, by the majority of the amila members, we should try to follow it, obey it. Any decision taken in the Shura, its recommendation is given to Khalifatul Masih. All your recommendations come to me here. After my approval, then they are sent back to the respective jamaat, or the concerned authorities, for implementation.

“So, it means that if they are holding a strong opinion against a decision of the Shura, they are refusing to accept the decision made by Khalifatul Masih. If they refuse to accept the decision made by Khalifatul Masih, what is the use of their being an Ahmadi? On the one side they say, ‘We shall obey you in all your advice and orders’.

“Sometimes people say [that the

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AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021

decision] was not a ma‘ruf decision.

Ma‘ruf decision means any decision that is according to the Holy Quran, which is according to the Islamic teachings, which is according to the sunnah [practice of the Holy Prophetsa]. Even the term ‘ma‘ruf decision’ has been used in the Holy Quran […] Those people who do not follow the decision, or speak against the decision and hold a strong opinion against the decision of the Shura, actually refuse to accept the decision of Khalifatul Masih”.

Next, Mueez Sahib had the opportunity to ask a question. He asked what Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa guidance was for students who were newly married and were still completing their studies. He asked how one could balance married life with studies.

Answering his question, Huzooraa said: “If you are a student, or you are living with your parents, or you are totally relying on your parents, your parents are bearing the cost of your livelihood and your wife’s as

well. The first thing is that you should try to get married when you are earning your own income. And now, since you are married and a student at the same time, then your focus should be on your studies first; complete your degree and whatever education you are trying to get so that ultimately, you will have a better position and a better job to satisfy the demands of your wife. So, if your wife realises that whatever time you are spending on studies is ultimately going to be for her benefit, then she’ll give you time [to focus on your studies]”.

Qasim Sahib said that there were a lot of negative sentiments in the public, including those of Jamaat members, regarding the Covid vaccine. He said that some officebearers were not vaccinated also. He asked Huzooraa for guidance on this matter and asked how one could encourage others to follow government guidelines.

Huzooraa answered: “Whatever the government is doing is for

Photo courtesy of MKA Canada

our betterment; and we should acknowledge it by accepting the vaccine. So, if an officebearer is not doing it, they are doing wrong […] My advice is that they should get the vaccine”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that people should also wear masks too.

Huzooraa said that even those members of the Jamaat who entered Islamabad were required to show that they have been vaccinated. Then they have to undergo a test for Covid, and even then, when they enter, they are told to wear masks. “Even in the mosque, during Jumuah prayer, you must have seen that those sitting in front of me are all wearing masks”.

Hassan Sahib, after mentioning the prophecy, “The Sun will rise from the West”, asked Huzooraa what the timeframe was for this and what the responsibility of Ahmadi Muslims was.

Huzooraa said: “We cannot give you the timeframe precisely. It is a prophecy and it will be fulfilled, insha-Allah, when the time comes; but our duty is that with prayers, with our own actions and deeds, with our knowledge, we should try to achieve this target as early as possible, even during our age. It is quite possible that we may see this prophecy fulfilled during our time”.

Shehzad Sahib stated that in Western countries, most businesses and other aspects of life have a connection with interest, like banking and the insurance system. He asked how one could avoid this situation.

Huzooraa explained: “Nowadays, you cannot avoid this system. Even the shirt you are wearing, it is quite possible that some interest is involved in it […] So, you cannot totally avoid this.

This is why the Promised Messiahas has said that in this present-day banking system, there is too much up and down. It is not the

same type of interest that was being charged in the olden days”.

Thus, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained: “Interest is when you give some amount to somebody with the intention of getting some extra amount – that is the clear interest which is prohibited in Islam; or if you invest some amount somewhere, with the intention of getting only profit, not loss, then that is also wrong […] Even the bread you eat, there is some interest involved in it.

Would you [rather prefer to] die of hunger?

Whereas the Quran says that if you are dying, even pork is permitted, the flesh of a dead animal is also permitted, if you are dying of hunger. So, if these things are permissible for the bigger purpose, which is your life, then this type of interest is also permissible, but we should not intentionally try to give money to somebody with the intention of getting interest only, or take some money from somebody with the intention of paying it back [with interest]”.

Muneeb Sahib asked that in the Jamaat, there has always been a special focus on producing doctors and lawyers; however, we have seen technological advancement change the dynamic of the world. He asked what other fields Huzooraa recommended Ahmadi students to pursue.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “I never said these are the only two fields which our students should pursue. Even to the waqifeen-e-nau, I have given 6, 7, 8 different types of professions”.

Huzooraa said that as the world of technology was advancing, one could also go into this field.

After this, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the meeting drew to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

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From the Markaz

The world has not yet learned its lesson National amila of Ireland meets Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

On 24 October 2021, the national amila of Ireland Jamaat met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

After conveying his salaam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked the amila where they were seated; to which Dr Muhammad Anwar Sahib, National Sadr (President) Ireland replied that they were seated in Masjid Maryam. He said that there were 19 members in the national amila and all were present in the mosque for the mulaqat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then started the meeting with a silent prayer.

During the mulaqat, members of the national amila had the opportunity to introduce the departments and tasks they were given and provided a brief background of what had been accomplished.

Speaking with Ibrahim Noonan Sahib, Missionary In-Charge Ireland, Huzooraa asked how long he had been serving as a missionary in the field; to which Ibrahim Sahib replied that he had been serving for 19 years. Hearing this, Huzooraa smiled and said, “I hope after 19 years, you must have learned some Urdu; or not yet?”

Huzooraa then asked that if he spoke in Urdu, whether Ibrahim Sahib would be able to reply in Urdu; to this Ibrahim Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he could understand Urdu only a little bit.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then asked if he had any other assignments given to him, apart from serving as missionary in-charge of Ireland. Dr Muhammad Anwar Sahib, National Sadr Ireland said that Ibrahim Sahib was serving as a naib sadr.

Next, Shehzad Ahmad Sahib, General Secretary and Naib Sadr II, presented his report. Huzooraa asked how long he had been living in Ireland; to which he said he had been living in Ireland for 15 years.

Shehzad Ahmad Sahib said that Ireland consisted of five jamaats, with a total of 467 Ahmadis living in Ireland.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked if all jamaats were regular in sending their reports. Shehzad Ahmad Sahib said that some sent their reports very regularly and others needed to be reminded.

Huzooraa stated that as there were only a few jamaats in Ireland, there should be no issue or delay in sending or receiving reports.

Dr Hamid Ahmad Khan Sahib, Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and National Secretary Tabligh (Preaching) reported that this year, only one person in Ireland joined Ahmadiyyat, who was Irish and worked as a lecturer. Huzooraa then asked what the bai‘at target was for the year; to which Dr Hamid Ahmad Khan Sahib stated that the target was 10 bai‘ats. Hearing this,

Huzooraa said: “You have accomplished one [bai‘at] out of the 10-bai‘at target. If you had set a big target, you would probably have worked with more effort. You have set a small target, so the effort was less too.”

Dr Hamid Ahmad Khan Sahib said that they would increase the target next time.

Huzooraa then asked how they conducted and carried out tabligh. The National Secretary Tabligh, Dr Hamid Ahmad Khan Sahib answered that they usually organised leafleting and tabligh stalls. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then said that one-to-one meetings should also be held, and more relations should be built.

Huzooraa explained that leafleting was one way and more avenues of tabligh should be explored.

Dr Hamid Ahmad Khan Sahib said that they had displayed a photo of the Promised Messiahas on buses with the message, “The Promised Messiah has come”. He said that this helped in tabligh and the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat reached thousands of people this way. Another bus campaign was planned.

Atta-ur-Rahman Khalid Sahib, a missionary who has recently been posted in Dublin, was next to present his report. Seeing him, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Yes, Maulvi Sahib? Have you adjusted yourself in Ireland?” Atta-ur-Rahman Khalid Sahib replied in the affirmative.

Huzooraa laid emphasis on tabligh and the need to expand tabligh efforts. Attaur-Rahman Sahib reported that when he

conducted tabligh, he tried to establish a relationship with those interested and who wished to learn more. He said that he had joined a local cycling club to broaden his contacts with people in Ireland, and to create more opportunities for preaching.

Mehmood Mirza Sahib, National Secretary Talim (Education), was next to present his report. Huzooraa asked where he was born and when he came to Ireland.

Mehmood Mirza Sahib replied that he was born in Pakistan and moved to Canada when he was five years old. He said he then shifted to Ireland 10 years ago.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked him how many Ahmadi students were attending schools, high schools and universities in Ireland. Mehmood Mirza Sahib reported that he had a list of 59 students, out of which 35 students were in university and 24 were in the last two years of high school, also known as The Leaving Certificate in Ireland.

On this, Huzooraa asked if any measures were taken to guide and counsel the students. Mehmood Mirza Sahib replied that they had started a one-to-one session last year where they helped, guided and had discussions with students.

Next, Muhib Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Ishaat (Publications) reported that they were working on publishing Huzoor’saa book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace in Irish. Huzooraa asked Muhib Ahmad Sahib if he was born in Ireland. He replied that he was born in Pakistan and moved to Ireland in 2001.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked if

there was any regular magazine that was published in Ireland; to which he replied that the Al-Noor magazine was published once a year. Hearing this, Huzooraa said to try and make this a quarterly magazine.

Huzooraa added, “You are a healthy young man, only 30 years of age; so, you should work with the enthusiasm and passion that young men have. Young men should be ambitious in their work.”

Nasir Ali Usman Sahib, Secretary Ishaat Sami-o-Basri (Audio and Video) was next to present his report. Huzooraa smiled and asked if he was there to recite a nazm; to which he replied that he would if Huzooraa wished.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and said, alluding to two nazms Nasir Ali Usman Sahib had recited a few weeks ago, “The two nazms you recited, which were written by Asif Basit Sahib, were recited very well.”

Huzooraa then asked for a report on his work. Nasir Ali Usman Sahib stated that all the programmes that took place in Ireland were recorded and then a report was made and sent to MTA which was then shown on MTA News.

Speaking with Aleem-ud-Din Sahib, Secretary Rishta Nata (Marriages) Huzooraa said that counselling and guidance should be given to those who wished to get married.

Next, Dr Humayon Malik Sahib, Secretary Umur-e-Kharija (External Affairs) stated that he was in contact with members of parliament and added that five state ministers sent their recorded messages for the 19th Jalsa Salana of Ireland.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 He said that regular contact and meetings were held with IHREC Ireland (The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission) about the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan.

Fazl-ur-Rehman Butt Sahib, serving in the department of umur-e-ama (general affairs) was next to report. He said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, medicines Huzooraa prescribed were sent to families in Ireland and various other help was offered to those who needed assistance in various capacities. He added that winter clothes were distributed to the homeless after collaborating with local charities.

Speaking with Rafiq Ahmad Khan Sahib, Secretary Ziafat (Food Preperation) Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked what food was cooked and prepared for the amila members; in response, he said that lamb biryani had been made.

Speaking with Malik Mansoor Sahib, Secretary Maal (Finance), Huzooraa discussed various budgetary matters and asked how many members had done Wasiyyat. Malik Mansoor Sahib replied that there were a total of 99 musis in Ireland, and of the 99, around 72 were earning members. He added that 126 members of the Jamaat were earning members.

Rizwan Mehmood Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Jadid stated that the collection for Waqf-e-Jadid was going smoothly and stated that every year, the target was always being accomplished. He added that the target was increasing year by year.

Habib Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Tahrik-eJadid, whilst giving his report, said that the collection for this year was still undergoing and that the budget target was accomplished for the year. He said 439 members were partaking in this blessed scheme.

Whilst speaking with Ijaz Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Wasaya (Wills) Ireland, Huzooraa asked if any student had done Wasiyyat. Ijaz Ahmad Sahib replied that no student had done so. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Encourage students who are 19-20 years of age to also do Wasiyyat. Perhaps in this way, they will be able to fix their habits.”

Yusuf Pender Sahib, Secretary Tarbiyat Nau Mubai‘een (Training of New Converts) was next to report. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many converts there were in the last three years and wanted to know whether they were in contact with the Jamaat. Yusuf Sahib said there were five converts and all of them were in contact with the Jamaat through missionaries and local nau mubai‘een secretaries. Huzooraa asked what the plan of the department was for the year. Yusuf Sahib said that since the lockdown period, they had held many online programmes for all the new converts.

With restrictions easing, the next plan was to hold an Ijtema for the new converts.

Huzooraa asked Yusuf Sahib about the latest restrictions of Covid-19 in Ireland, the number of cases and the rates of vaccinations. Huzooraa also asked Yusuf Sahib if he had been vaccinated, to which Yusuf Sahib said he had been.

Enquiring more about the new converts in Ireland, Huzooraa asked whether they were strong in their faith, or at least trying to grow. Yusuf Sahib said he was positive about their progress and that they were striving to increase their knowledge about

Ahmadiyyat.

Dr Mashood Ahmad, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Ireland was next to report.

Huzooraa asked how many ansar there were.

Dr Mashood Sahib reported there were 76 Ansar and five majalis. In his plans, Dr Mashood Sahib said Majlis Ansarullah had planned to start paid video advertisements on YouTube. Addressing Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, Dr Mashood Sahib also said: “Huzoor, I wanted to say that last time you visited [Ireland] in 2014, you instructed me to learn how to make chai. I wanted to tell you that I have learned how to make it and we are now awaiting your arrival.”

In response, Huzooraa lovingly said: “Masha-Allah. Okay, until then, keep on practising.”

Dr Mamun-ur-Rashid Sahib, Secretary Jaidad (Properties) was next to report.

Huzooraa asked what properties had been acquired so far. Dr Mamun-ur-Rashid Sahib reported there were six properties, including Bait-ul-Ahad. Huzooraa enquired about further details about the properties and their developments, and gave advice.

At this, all the national amila members had reported to Huzooraa. Dr Muhammad Anwar Sahib, National Sadr Ireland thanked Huzooraa for the meeting and blessing them with his time and guidance. He expressed how they were waiting for Huzoor’s arrival in Ireland.

In a light-hearted and loving response, Huzooraa said that in the meantime, the chai Dr Mashood Sahib had practiced preparing should be sent to Huzooraa or that the amila members should test his tea first and if it was good enough, they should inform Huzooraa.

Huzooraa then gave further advice on the developments of Jamaat properties in Ireland.

Sadr Sahib requested Huzooraa to allow some amila members to ask questions they had – Huzooraa permitted.

Dr Mashood Ahmad Sahib asked, “In your opinion, due to the current pandemic, do you believe the world has learned any lessons?”

Huzooraa responded: “Does it look like anyone has learned a lesson in Ireland? […] Everything continues,

materialism continues in the same way, they are continuing with their same systems – they have not returned to God, and they don’t want to either. There is only talk.

“Now the floods which came, or continue to come – there were lots of floods in Germany – did they learn any lesson?

They thought of Allah for a moment, and they joined the queues for food and began to cry and thereafter forgot everything when conditions improved.

“So, as Allah the Almighty has said in the Holy Quran, that ‘when they fall into any trouble, they bow towards Me and ask for My help’”, when they are trapped at sea, “but when they reach dry land, they return to their previous sins and forget who Allah was etc.

“It seems forceful onslaughts are yet to come for them to learn a lesson – one or two won’t suffice.”

Yusuf Pender Sahib then thanked Huzooraa for the opportunity of meeting them through a virtual mulaqat and expressed his love for Huzooraa. He asked, “My experience on the tabligh stall is that sometimes people say that they like the spiritual teachings of Islam, but they would find it difficult to follow the Shariah of Islam – the dos and don’ts of Islam. Is it ever permissible to say to someone that ‘you should accept Islam and then later you begin to work on those things that are not allowed’, or should we say in the beginning that ‘if you’re going to accept Islam, from the beginning, you should leave those things which are not permissible’?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “You see, we do not do tabligh just for the sake of increasing our number. What is the use of asking somebody to join Ahmadiyyat and Islam without his determination of reforming himself?

“What is Islam and what is religion?

Religion wants you to reform yourself – to bow before Allah, to discharge your duties you owe to Allah the Almighty. And you have some other moral duties as well – these duties are with regard to the creation of Allah the Almighty. So, you should tell them, ‘These are the Islamic teachings […] and don’t only think that this is the only life […]

you will have to face another life which is an eternal life and here you will be answerable to Allah the Almighty for all of your deeds.

If you have done something good, you will be rewarded; if you have done wrong, you will be punished. So, you’ll have to realise this fact that this life is not the permanent life, and you should always think of the life which is yet to come, and that is life after death. And there, you will be answerable for all your deeds.’

“If they come to realise [this], then of course they should accept Ahmadiyyat, they should accept Islam and should try to reform themselves. Otherwise, what will be the use of getting more people in the fold of Ahmadiyyat and Islam and they are just useless. They will rather spoil your own system – they will be doing whatever they like: They will go to clubs, they will go to casinos, they will drink alcohol, they will commit fornication and adultery, right?

And there are so many other sins which are not sins according to their moral code – that is part of [their] life. But in the Shariah of Islam, Allah the Almighty says, ‘You have to leave all those bad things’. Allah the Almighty’s moral code is different from that of human beings, made by human beings.

So, we can tell them, ‘[You] must realise that there is another life which is after death and that is an eternal life.’

“If they come to realise it, well and good; otherwise [there is] no need in increasing your number.”

A final question to Huzooraa was whether one could offer their sunnah prayers after Fajr prayer, if they had missed them. Huzooraa said: “Yes, one can most definitely offer them.

They are necessary. Ensure not to offer Fajr prayer at such a time that when you perform the salaam of fardh, the light of the sun immediately begins to manifest. [If this is the case] then wait for the sun to rise fully, and then after it has risen offer [the missed sunnah]. […]”

Huzooraa then conveyed his salaam to all the amila members and the meeting came to an end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

6

Answers to Everyday Issues Part XXII

Stillbirths, predestination, studying the Promised Messiah’s books and Huzoor’s schedule Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Vol. 1, p. 365, Narration No. 410) “This narration also carries the same meaning as I have stated above, namely that reading only worldly books while leaving aside religious books and acquiring only worldly knowledge while neglecting religious knowledge reflects the existence of arrogance in a person. Therefore, every Ahmadi ought to take maximum benefit from these spiritual treasures.”

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

Stillbirths Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa and asked some questions concerning the stillbirth of their daughter. In a letter dated 20 February 2020, Huzooraa gave the following reply to those questions: “Placing a picture of a stillborn baby girl at home is likely to cause you more pain.

Moreover, since the girl is stillborn, it may be that her photo is not that clear and may even frighten other children. Thus, there is no need to hang up a picture of the girl at home or to keep it on you.

“Stillborn babies are usually not given a ghusl [bath], nor is a janazah [funeral prayer] performed for them. However, there is nothing wrong with a parent doing so for the satisfaction of their own hearts.

“As far as visiting the grave every day is concerned, if you can maintain your patience as you visit the grave of the baby girl and visiting the graveyard does not cause any discomfort to you or the rest of your family, then there is no harm in visiting the graveyard to pray for a few days.

However, if going there has a bad effect on your health and causes you to lose patience, then instead of visiting the graveyard every day, stay at home and pray.

“Remember that the girl was actually a trust from Allah the Exalted which He had given you for a certain amount of time and when that time was over, He took it back.

Therefore, you should consider this to be the will of Allah the Exalted and show patience.”

Reading the Promised Messiah’sas books: An allegation Someone wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa that non-Ahmadi Muslims, including some of their family members, raised the allegation that the Promised Messiahas had written that one who had not read all of his books three times, had not understood his claim. Such people asked if all Ahmadis had read these books three times. The questioner asked what the reply to this allegation was.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 20 February 2020, gave the following reply to this question: “The Promised Messiahas has not written anywhere that anyone who had not read all of his books three times did not understand his claim; rather, the Promised Messiahas has stated, ‘And he who does not listen to the words of God’s Appointed One and Messenger attentively and does not read his writings carefully, has also partaken of arrogance. So, endeavour and let there be no arrogance in you, so that you may not perish and you be saved along with all of your family.’ (Nuzul-ul-Masih [Urdu], Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 403) “This statement of the Promised Messiahas means that those who only remain occupied with worldly books and sciences and do not pay attention to religious books and knowledge have a kind of arrogance in them because they consider worldly knowledge to be sufficient.

However, acquiring religious knowledge is very important for man’s deliverance. And religious knowledge comes from the study of religious books.

“At one place, the Promised Messiahas said, while emphasising about his book Haqiqatul Wahi [The Philosophy of Divine Revelation]: “‘Our friends should read Haqiqatul Wahi from beginning to end with great attention — in fact, they should memorise it. No maulvi will be able to stand before them because all the necessary matters have been elucidated in it and replies have been given to the objections.’ (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 5. p. 235, 1988) “Thus, if it were true that a person who did not read all of the books of the Promised Messiahas three times could not understand his claim, then the Promised Messiahas would not have emphasised on carefully reading Haqiqatul Wahi once, but would have instructed that we read it three times like the rest of the books.

“The Promised Messiahas himself has not stated this anywhere in his writings.

Nevertheless, there is a narration from Siratul Mahdi which reads that ‘the Promised Messiahas used to say that one who did not read his books at least three times had a kind of arrogance in him.’ (Siratul Mahdi [Urdu],

Pause between the two Friday sermons Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked as to why, at the end of the first Friday sermon, the imam sits down and then gets up to deliver the second sermon [khutbah thania].

In a letter dated 23 February 2020, Huzooraa gave the following guidance on this issue: “This is the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hence, in the books of hadith, the method of delivering the Friday sermon of the Holy Prophetsa is described as follows – that he would stand up and deliver his sermon and upon completing his preaching, he would sit down quietly for a few moments. He would then get up again and deliver the khutbah thania. The purpose of this, as some scholars have written, may be to clearly distinguish between the two sermons.

“However, it should also be kept in mind that if an imam is unable to sit down due to some difficulty, he can deliver the first sermon and stand in silence for a few moments and then deliver the second sermon as was the practice of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, when he could not sit down because of having fallen from a horse. At that time, after delivering the first sermon, he would stand quietly for a few moments and then deliver the second sermon. In the same way, during the sermon on the first Friday after I had a gallbladder operation, I also followed the same practice of standing in silence for a few moments and then delivering the khutbah thania.”

Ahmadis being permitted to marry outside the Jamaat A Jamaat official expressed his concerns to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa over Ahmadi girls being permitted to marry non-Ahmadi or non-Muslim men and sought guidance

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 on the issue.

In a letter dated 29 February 2020, Huzooraa gave the following guidance on this issue: “Some of the commandments of Islam are of an administrative nature regarding which God Almighty has not given any authority to the general Muslims to change them but has given the authority to the Prophet and his successors to modify them and to make a judgement according to the circumstances.

“In my view, the issue of marriage of Muslim men and women with nonMuslims is one of such administrative matters. Therefore, whether an Ahmadi man or a woman is allowed to marry a nonAhmadi or a non-Muslim is a matter for the discretion of the caliph of the time [Khalifae-Waqt]. Nobody else has this authority.

The Khalifa-e-Waqt decides in each case according to the circumstances. Therefore, whenever I am contacted for permission, your job is only to send me a report with references etc. and sends them to me.

“However, for the general sermons I deliver on various topics such as Tahrike-Jadid, Waqf-e-Jadid or in relation to tarbiyat, I take a verse of the Holy Quran and prepare all the citations myself by hand in order to further explain and elaborate it.

The research team assists me in this as well if I need any references. Sometimes I extract all the references myself, at other times I tell my research team to find me such and such reference and then I prepare the Friday Sermon.” your opinion. Your job does not extend beyond that.”

Huzoor’s busy schedule During a virtual mulaqat of Majlis Atfalul-Ahmadiyya Germany with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, which was held on 29 November 2020, a tifl asked how Huzooraa was able to complete so many tasks.

Huzooraa gave the following reply: “Firstly, one should get in the habit of completing their work on a daily basis as soon as time becomes available.

“Secondly, at certain times, two tasks can be carried out simultaneously. If I am listening to someone, at the same time, I may also be reading a letter; I can manage to do both tasks simultaneously. In this way, a lot of work can be completed in a short amount of time.

“Moreover, if one has the determination to finish a particular task, they will devote their attention to that task and in this way, it will be completed. If you also strive and endeavour to work hard, your work will also be completed. Develop the habit of working hard and you too can work in this manner.

It is not difficult.”

Huzoor’s preparation of Friday sermons During the same virtual mulaqat [of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa which was held on 29 November 2020], a tifl asked as to how Huzooraa prepared his Friday sermons.

Huzooraa replied: “There are certain topics which are research-based. For example, nowadays I am narrating the historical accounts of [the lives of] some of the Companionsra. The research team working with me find the

Predestination During the same virtual mulaqat [of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany with Hazrat Amirul Mumineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa which was held on 29 November 2020], a tifl asked Huzooraa, “Does Allah the Exalted already know if we will go to Heaven or Hell? If He knows, then what is the purpose of our lives?”

Huzooraa replied: “You see, on the one hand, there is the knowledge of Allah the Exalted, and then there are our deeds and actions. Indeed, Allah the Exalted has the knowledge of whether or not someone will go to Hell.

However, He shows everyone the path whereby if they do good deeds, they will go to Heaven, and if they commit evil deeds, they will go to Hell.

“This is why a person should pray for a good end, i.e. when our end comes, when it is time for us to pass, [we pray] that at that time we are amongst those who obey the commandments of Allah, so that we may enter Paradise. The Holy Quran has also taught us the prayer in which we pray that Allah the Exalted may cause us to die in a state whereby He is pleased with us and so that we may enter Paradise and attain the pleasure of Allah the Exalted.

“Other than that, there is the Rahmaniyyah [grace] of Allah the Exalted which grants forgiveness to a person.

“There is a narration about a man who was very sinful and had committed numerous murders; a total of 99 murders.

He realised that he was a very evil person and that he should now reform himself so that Allah the Exalted may be pleased with him and allow him to enter Paradise. So he went to a religious cleric and told him

about his sins and how many murders he had committed in his life, and asked him whether he would still be permitted to enter Paradise. He responded by saying, ‘No! There is absolutely no chance of you entering Paradise. You will most certainly be sent to Hell.’ So the man killed the cleric as well, thinking that since he had already committed 99 murders, he may as well reach a total of 100 murders.

“After committing 100 murders, he then asked someone else if there was any way he could please God. The person responded by saying that he should go and see so and so who lived in a particular town as he would be able to tell him the right method by which he could please Allah. Whilst on his journey there, he passed away.

“Upon his death, Allah the Exalted moved the town, from where he had come out after killing a person, away from him and brought the place to which he was going closer to him. This account is in metaphorical terms. Allah the Almighty then commanded the angels to go and give their verdict in relation to him. Thus, both angels went before God; the one assigned to take people to Paradise, as well as the one assigned to take people to the Hellfire.

Subsequently, there was a dispute between both the angels. The one who wanted to take him to the Hellfire was adamant about taking him there by stating that the person had committed 100 murders and therefore he was going to request God to send him to the Hellfire. However, the other one was adamant to take him to Paradise and said that Allah the Exalted had sent him to measure the distance he had covered in his journey.

“Eventually, it was agreed between the two that they should measure the distance, and if he was closer to the town of where he was journeying towards, to seek to have his sins forgiven, then he would enter Paradise.

However, if he was closer to the town from which he left having committed a murder, then he would go to Hell.

“As I already explained, the distance to his destination was already made shorter

by God. Hence, when they measured the distance, he was closer to the town where he was travelling to in order to seek to have his sins forgiven.”

(Huzooraa then indicated the length of a

span with his hand to the children.)

“It was just by a span of one hand like this that he was closer to the town he was heading towards and Allah the Exalted granted him His forgiveness and granted him Paradise. Thus, this was the mercy of Allah the Almighty.

“Similarly, there is another narration in which a man once asked someone if he would be forgiven. The person whom he posed this question to responded by saying that he would not be forgiven because he was a very sinful person. Upon this, Allah the Exalted asked the individual who deemed himself to be very pious and offered a lot of prayers, ‘Who are you to decide who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell?’

“It so happened that both individuals died at the same time and were presented before Allah the Exalted. Subsequently, the one who deemed himself to be pious as if he had been granted a guarantee to enter Paradise, and had told the other individual that he would go to Hell, was told by Allah the Exalted that he had no such guarantee and instead would be sent to the Hellfire, and the other individual regarding whom he said that he would go to hell would enter Paradise. So this is the mercy of Allah the Exalted.

“Therefore, it is our duty to continue to strive in seeking the pleasure of Allah the Exalted. Allah has knowledge of all things, and at the same time, He is also Omnipotent and All-Powerful. Allah is Gracious, that is He manifests His Ramaniyyat. He is also Al-Ghafoor, the Most Forgiving. Therefore, ultimately if He wills He can change His decision and one’s destiny. If He has the power to do everything then He also has the power to change His decision.

“So, one should not think that since Allah the Exalted has already decreed that they will go to Hell, therefore they may as well continue committing sins and eating unlawful things such as the flesh of swine, drinking alcohol and committing other sins and assume that since they have already committed so many sins, it was unlikely that God would forgive them. In fact, Allah the Exalted states that this is not the case.

“In fact, one should continue to strive to do good and He can grant His forgiveness even in one’s final stages of life. Therefore you should try to seek the forgiveness of Allah the Exalted from the very start, and then pray to Him throughout one’s life to have a good end and to continue performing virtuous deeds. This is why we should continue to make efforts in this regard.

“Does Allah the Exalted not have the authority to do whatever He wills? He is Al-Maalik, the Master. He indeed has the authority to do whatever He wills. He can also forgive someone at the very last stage of their life. If you think that you are sinful and therefore Allah the Exalted may not forgive you, but remember if He can forgive the one who had committed 100 murders, then He can also forgive you.”

Life after Covid During the same virtual mulaqat [of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa which was held on 29 November 2020], a tifl asked Huzooraa, “Would life ever become normal again after Covid?”

Continued on page 9

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Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 29 October - 4 November 29 October 1938: Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Abul-Hasan Buzdarra passed away. He was among the pioneering Ahmadis of Dera Ghazi Khan. He also established jamaats in many villages through his tabligh.

away in Qadian, while serving as a Darvesh. He entered the fold of the Jamaat in 1894. He was among the 313 Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas.

2 November 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started the next phase of his journey back to Qadian as he boarded his ship from Venice, in the northeast of Italy. Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra had sent this news to Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira who was in Qadian serving as amire-muqami. (Al Fazl, 6 November 1924, p. 1)

His real name was Abdur Rauf; however, he was well-known as Abul-Hasan. His father’s name was Maulvi Abdul Qadir.

He had the opportunity to study books such as Izala-e-Auham and Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, which dispelled all his doubts and thereby helped in swearing allegiance to Hazrat Ahmadas through a letter.

In 1900, he had the opportunity to meet Hazrat Ahmadas and do bai‘at.

He faced strong opposition after accepting Ahmadiyyat.

2 November 1931: Hazrat Syed Iradat Hussain Orenvira passed away. He was born in 1880 and in 1903, he was blessed with the opportunity to do bai‘at. Within his family, fortunate souls such as Hazrat Syed Wazarat Hussain Shahra and others had already joined the Jamaat.

29 October 1963: Al Fazl published a special issue paying tribute to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra. This valuable issue of about 50 pages contains a lot of historical material and pictures.

Hazrat Syed Iradat Hussain Orenvira was a highly intellectual individual.

He was the author of many books.

3 November 1963: Usman Ghani Sahib and Abdur Rahim Sahib were martyred in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Opponents of the Jamaat pelted stones at Ahmadi Muslims who were attending a meeting. Many Ahmadis were severely injured, and both of the aforementioned Ahmadis succumbed to their injuries in the hospital the next morning.

The issue is available at this link: www.alislam.org/alfazl/rabwah/ A19631029.pdf 30 October 1913: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira graciously laid the foundation stone of Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali’sra house.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira laid two bricks with his own hand and then the third brick was placed by Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 468) 30 October 1978: A missionary and scholar, Hazrat Sufi Abdul Qadir Niazra passed away. He was ill for five months. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh led the funeral prayer.

Hazrat Sufi Sahibra was the son of Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira, a sincere companion.

Hazrat Sufi Abdul Qadir Niazra was born in 1899. The Promised Messiahas arranged for his aqeeqah [Islamic tradition of sacrifice on the occa-

sion of a child’s birth]. In addition to serving as an Ahmadi missionary in Japan and London, as well as being part of the Kashmir Committee, he served as private secretary to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and the editor of The Review of Religions.

(Al Fazl, 1 November 1978, p. 6) 31 October 1980: The annual Ijtema of Majlis Ansarullah was inaugurated which continued until 2 November. The live English translation of the speeches of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was available

to listen to via headphones for the first time.. (Tarikh Ansarullah, Vol. 2, p. 119) 1 November 1926: Hazrat Master Muhammad Ali Azharra, son of Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Qadirra, passed away. He was born in 1886 and was a resident of Jalandhar. In April 1906, he visited Qadian and was able to do bai‘at with his brother, Hazrat Muhammad Ismailra.

1 November 1951: Hazrat Mian Muhammaduddin Balanira passed

Usman Ghani Shaheed was 35 years old, unmarried and the first Ahmadi of his family, while Abdur Rahim Shaheed had five children.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 22, p.

189) 4 November 1927: On this date, in his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained to the Jamaat that members should avoid undue love for anyone and should also avoid undue enmity for anyone.

The sermon is available at this link: www.alislam.org/urdu/khm/KM1130.pdf

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 Continued from page 7

Huzooraa replied: “Allah the Exalted knows best. Even though it may return to normal, the economic state that has developed after the coronavirus pandemic will have consequences for the world. Even if there is no physical warfare or major conflict, it will still take years for the global economic situation to stabilise. However, usually, we observe that the economic situation worsens under such circumstances which more often than not leads to warfare.

“By looking at the current situation of the world, it does seem that it could eventually lead to wars. If a war is ignited after the coronavirus then the situation of the world will become even more perilous and it will take many years for the situation of the world to return to normal.

“So, we must pray that may Allah the Exalted grant the people of the world sense

9 and wisdom so that instead of bowing before materialism and usurping the rights of one another, the world’s leaders and nations are able to see sense and strive for peace and harmony. If they try to work together so that the world becomes more united, they will be able to return the situation to normal much faster. If such efforts

are not made, then the situation will not return to normal and it may take many years for the situation to return to normal and a very dire situation will unfold.

“However, I feel that it is quite possible that a war or a conflict could break out after this pandemic of coronavirus ends and its ruinous effects could last for many years before it returns to normality.

Thus, we must pray that such circumstances may not arise, that may lead to wars and that world leaders act with sense so that the global situation can stabilise as quickly as possible and return to normal.

“To achieve this, it is necessary that mankind turns towards God. Otherwise, we will see more pandemics or other trials etc. in the future and then they will get punished.

“Thus, the situation will not return to normal until mankind bows down before its Creator and fulfils His rights and the rights of His Creation. Therefore, Ahmadis should strive more than ever for this and carry out tabligh [propagate the message of Islam]. We should inform people that there is only one solution to help the situation of the world return to normal and that is for mankind to turn to Allah the Exalted and to fulfil His rights and the rights of His creation.”

(Translated by Al Hakam)

4th Charity Walk, Majlis Ansarullah the Netherlands Safeer Ahmed Siddiqui The Netherlands Correspondent

Majlis Ansarullah the Netherlands organised its 4th Charity Walk on 10 October 2021, at Bait-ul-Mahmood Mosque in Amsterdam.

Allah the Almighty blessed us with good weather conditions, and we were able to hold the charity walk successfully.

This year, we supported only a single charity: Humanity First Netherlands. This was owing to Covid-19 restrictions, due to which we could not host a bigger event.

Members were invited to the event at 9:30 am and at about 11 am, most of the participants were present and enjoyed meeting each other alongside refreshments.

The formal part of the programme began at 11:15 am with a recitation from the Holy Quran, and after that Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Netherlands, Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib welcomed all present members and explained the importance and purpose of the charity walk.

The Chairman of Humanity First

Netherlands, Wase Mubashir Sahib was also present, and he outlined the projects Humanity First Netherlands were involved in and motivated participants to raise money for these projects as much as possible.

Before the start of the walk, important instructions were conveyed to all, and then the missionary, Hamid Kareem Mahmood Sahib led the silent prayer.

The walk started at about 11:45 am and

the fastest walkers were able to complete the 10 km route in under two hours. All participants were given medals by Hamid Kareem Mahmood Sahib.

Immediately after the walk, all present members enjoyed a barbeque lunch together. After the lunch, Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered.

This year, we had a hundred participants in total for the event from which 68 Ansar, 29 Khuddam and 3 Atfal were present. From the total, about 60 Ansar and Khuddam walked the 10 km in and around the Baitul-Mahmood area. It was a beautiful area with green fields along the route, with lots of farms.

This year we aimed to collect €5000 and the fundraising scheme was organised under the instructions and guidance of Sadr Sahib.

We collected about €3000 before the event and it is hoped that more than the target will be collected by the end of October.

All participants fully enjoyed the day and Majlis Ansarullah Netherlands was able to hold another successful Charity Walk.

10

Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Appreciation of The Moslem Sunrise and the Ahmadiyya Jamaat The Moslem Sunrise, October 1921

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) I do not blame the Bible Dr AH Warner of New York addressing the sessions of the Allied Medical Associations of America proclaimed that the secret of longevity lies in psychology and not in medicine.

“Because the Bible says that a life shall be three-score years and ten, the people expect to die when they reach that age,” he asserted, blaming the Christian Holy Book for putting the people to a wrong thought.

“It’s all wrong. They have just hypnotized themselves into the belief because it’s in the Bible. Given a sound constitution and clear record, there is no reason why a man or woman should not reach 150 years.”

There is no such verse in the Holy Quran which limits the age of man. But I do not even blame the Bible which has passed through many hands of interpolators and translators before appearing in the present form. Maybe that three-score and ten is not to limit the age of man but it is rather a prophecy about the age of some great man to appear in the world. The Bible is full of prophecies and symbolic talks no doubt. We get convinced to this suggestion especially when we see that a great man has really appeared whose age according to other prophecies was also about 70. He is Ahmad of India, the Muslim Christ of the present age. This may be taken as one of the prophecies about him in the Bible.

A surprise for the Christian missionaries Legions of American missionaries have been working in India for scores of years spending millions of dollars (bulk of which goes to the personal expenses and luxuries enjoyed by the worthy missionary himself) to convert Hindus to Christianity.

On the other side, Hindus never sent any mission to this country, but I see that the number of such Americans, who believe in Hindu philosophy consider Christ only an avatar like Krishana and Budha and have firm faith in the doctrine of transmigration of souls, is far more than the number of Hindu converts to Christianity in India.

Another thing noticeable is this, that the majority of these American Hindus belong to the respectable, learned class, while the Christian missionary’s converts in India chiefly come out of outcasts and illiterates who never understand what a religion is. Not being able to argue with those who can read and write and who have some knowledge of

religious thought, some missionaries remain contented to work among the scavenger and sweeper class only.

Indian sailors in trouble Mr Dulli Gulshair Khan, the famous Indian chutney maker in this country, has shown an admirable spirit sympathizing with his fellow-countrymen (33 Hindoo sailors who had trouble with their officers and were driven off the ship as they say at New York) in allowing them to use the factory at 44 St. Felix St., Brooklyn, as their lodgingplace. The United States court has given the judgement in favor of the sailors to be awarded the amount of $20,235 for wages, maintenance and passage back to India by the Steamship Company, who are going to appeal against the decree.

We thank the good-hearted attorney, Mr Silas B. Axtell, on behalf of Indian Brotherhood for pleading the case of the poor sailors without charging them any fees.

May Allah grant him and Mr DG Khan their rewards. […]

Appreciations Mrs Zeinab F El Deen, Dowagiac, Mich.: “In my morning mail was a large envelope, containing two copies of a new magazine. When I drew forth the booklet, its artistic beauty, in shape and coloring, caused most pleasurable sensations. So, I continued to look and admire it.

“I noticed first the US outlined in the attractive shade of blue matching that used in the lettering and outlining. Then the pictured emblem of a rising sun. How appropriate, how very beautiful; light after darkness is its mission. The cover contains an actual ‘Greeting’, after which it would be impossible not to peruse the contents.

Once inside, the pages continue to attract and interest the reader, as the cover promised. I anticipated something fine; The Moslem Sunrise surpasses my expectations.

I congratulate you upon its beauty and excellence. Your subscribers will surely be gratified.”

Miss Kealing, Indianapolis, Ind.: “The Moslem Sunrise – I enjoyed reading it very much. I wish you great success with it. The readers will have a genuine appreciation of the message written by Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, as coming from the pen of a sincere interior and faithful teacher chosen to be a leader by his own folk in India, from whence she comes to America.

“The Moslem Sunrise will no doubt

elicit a surprising correspondence of congratulation. Let us welcome Dr Sadiq in our own America and wish him God-speed in his studies. You have accomplished very much since you left India. I hope you may continue with success.”

Mr N McConwell, Darby, Pa.: “You appear to have had a very successful pilgrimage in this great country and reflects great credit in you.”

Mrs Gregson, South Africa: “Your religion is nice to read about and seems very true.”

Mr Ralph Totten (Bashir), writes from New York: “Through you, dear doctor, and Ahmadia Movement in Islam, have I received new hope for the future, new courage and strength with which to meet worldly trials which confront me daily.”

This young man had met me first in New York, when I was staying in that city last year. As he is fond of visiting Orient, no wonder Indian Brethren will some day see him there.

Shaikh Abdullah Din Muhammad (Mr JL Mott) has been busy in distributing literature among the people to arouse their interest in Islam. He writes to me in some of his recent letters: “Literature is well distributed. It has gone from one end of Louisiana to the other and will eventually bear fruit; not all of it, of course, but enough to prove to you that I have not been idle. The hardest part of this work is to induce people to read up on the subject. The masses of the people have a very crude idea, some no idea at all, of what Islam really is and many appear to be afraid of it. It is a blessed thing that the Ahmadia Movement was started and sent out its Missioners to explain in plain, simple language – the Western mind would never have accepted the old methods.

“Your splendid work in this country is beginning to tell; thinking men and women are beginning to sit up and ask, ‘What about this Muhammadan religion? What is this Ahmadia Movement?’ Many of them will be sufficiently interested to read on the subject and a good percentage of these people will come to us.

“I cannot praise Moslem Sunrise too highly; it is clean-cut exposition of your mission in this country; it is nicely printed,

attractive, convenient size, and should interest any fair-minded person. I predict for it a long, useful and prosperous existence. It will remain as a monument to your splendid efforts in this Western World long after you and I have crossed to the ‘Great Beyond.’ So be it.”

Brother Abd-al-Haqq (Mr CF Sievwright) writes: “Greeting you will fraternal regard, let me also compliment you upon your zeal in ‘carrying on’ the Ahmadia Movement in the successful way which you have pictured in the first issue of ‘The Moslem Sunrise’. Its arrangement betokens are very newsy periodical of doings of yourself and followers in America and elsewhere and

if this is the future plan of conducting the contents of the following issues I am sure your objective in publishing the journal as a literary messenger or ‘go-between’ to all souls interested in the welfare and mission of your own good self will obtain a consensus of opinion tantamount to an oftquoted quotation you deserve also, e.g. ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 “I accept with much appreciation the greeting on the third page from His Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Ahmad. The quotations on pages 4 and 5 from Al-Quran and the sayings of the Master-Prophet could never be bettered. To strangers these words will create profound respect and conversion of mind towards Islamism. You and I feel that within these quotations we have everything to be proud of in having accepted them and holding to them during the best years of our lifetime when reason causes men to want to know the truth above all other influences, even as ‘Doubting Thomases’. A page from the writings ‘Ahmad,’ on page 6, will give all of us a lasting direction on the highway of Allah or whilst sailing across the ocean of life or along the great river with all its tributaries and outlets. It is fitting contribution to the other two quotations already referred to by me herein.

“The poems on pages 7 and 8 [published in the 30 July 2021 issue of Al Hakam (English)], as translated by yourself and Madame Rahatullah from the original Urdu of Mirza Mahmud Ahmad, are a proverbial philosophy equal to the best efforts of the greatest philosophers of the age, whose words I have read through and deeply studied.

“In regard to these several departments of the Moslem Sunrise I, with hundreds of others, will be full of expectancy three months hence, of getting something as good (if it be impossible) to read, learn and inwardly digest in the next issue of the periodical. The testimonies printed on the social work you have already performed in ‘Fighting the Good Fight’ against almost overwhelming forces in America, inspire in your readers greater faith in you and yours than even the expected to obtain earlier in your career since coming into the great battleground of the USA, the first severe conflict in which you took part alone being so pitifully and effectively related in the article on page 9, entitled, ‘No Polygamy’.”

Rev. V Cooper-Mathieson writes from Australia: “Yes, Teachers and Priests after God’s own heart we do not expect to arise in the

11 world to instruct the New Humanity, and I am willing to recognize your Prophet Ahmad one such, for it is stated in our Bible, ‘In the latter days, I will give you Teachers and Ministers after my own heart.’ The advent of Ahmad is only confirming this promise of the Lord God Almighty to the New Israel or the New Humanity who shall rise after the Great Spiritual Armageddon, those who shall come out of the great tribulation having made their robes white by true thinking, pure living and holy actions.

“We thank the Reverend Sister for her kind thoughts and beg to draw attention to the decision given by Jesus Christ as regards the advent of Elias (or Elijah). Was not the blessed Jesus at the same time explaining how his own second advent is to be? He used to speak in parables.”

Mrs Beassley, Detroit: “I note that your good work is progressing and I rejoice. Several have asked me about and want to study the Ahmadia teachings.”

Mr EA Bovshover, the Founder of the Universal Messianic Brotherhood, Oceanside, Cal.: “Your magazine, Moslem Sunrise, is fine.

Keep up the good work of education and enlightenment. This is to be a wonderful spiritual age.”

Lady Mary Amelia Hunt, the Aurora Poet-Laureate, writes from Chicago: “Your magazine is a grand Sunrise to America that will dispel the darkness, eliminate the prejudice that exists in the underdeveloped and unenlightened and awaken the spiritual forces to the realization of Brotherhood: The Eternal Principle of Unity.”

Mrs Mary Beasley: “Moslem Sunrise has a splendid beginning and I am sure it will take the message to many who can not get it otherwise. It is a beautiful book of life.”

(To be continued…)

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

Qiadat Tarbiyat, Majlis Ansarullah UK’s virtual meeting with muntazimeen Tarbiyat Mansoor Ahmad Naib Qaid Tarbiyat, Majlis Ansarullah UK

A virtual meeting with muntazimeen tarbiyat organised by the Qiadat Tarbiyat, Majlis Ansarullah UK was held on 18 October 2021.

Presided over by Fazl Ur Rahman Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat, Majlis Ansarullah UK, the meeting started with a recitation from the Holy Quran.

After the pledge and silent prayer, a video clip was played from the virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa which contained beautiful direction and guidance on how members of Ansarullah could attend congregational prayers at mosques and Salat centres.

Naib qaideen delivered four different speeches.

Colonel Shahed Ahmad

Sahib spoke on reporting of daily and congregational prayers.

Mansoor Ahmad Sahib delivered a speech on the importance of the Salat committee.

Abdur Rafey Sahib spoke about Wasiyyat, from the writings of the Promised Messiahas.

Dawood Abid Sahib mentioned faith inspiring incidents of the companions of the Promised Messiahas, on acceptance of prayers and highlighted the need for developing a relationship with the Khalifa of the time.

Fazl Ur Rahman Sahib reminded the muntazimeen to discharge the duties and responsibilities with zeal and enthusiasm, as per the expectations of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

Humanity First Denmark visits Hviding Asylum Centre, Ribe Naimatullah Basharat Denmark Correspondent

Humanity First Denmark arranged a “Family Fun Event” at The Hviding Asylum Centre at Ribe, Denmark on 10 October 2021.

Ribe is one of the oldest towns of Denmark located in the south-western part of the Jutland peninsula. It is located at a distance of around 300 kilometers from Copenhagen where Nusrat Jahan Mosque is located.

One of our Jamaat members, Kamran Ahmad Sahib who lived with his family in this asylum centre, sought permission to hold this event.

With the guidance of Muhammad Zakaria Khan Sahib, Amir and Missionaryin-charge Denmark, Umair Ahmad Nasir Sahib organised the event, with the help of the presidents of auxiliary organisations.

Waqar-e-amal was done by the members of the Jamaat during the week leading up to the event.

Posters were placed at prominent places in the centre a few days before the planned event.

On 10 October, Khuddam, Ansar and Lajna members, gathered at the Nusrat Jahan Mosque at 6 am. Travel started to the centre after silent prayer at around 7 am and after about three hours members reached Ribe.

Two tents, one for food and another for gifts were set up as well as a tabligh stall.

Lajna members interacted with the female members of families at the asylum centre and presented refreshments to children and ladies.

Khuddam and Ansar played cricket with the male members which they thoroughly enjoyed, and expressed their delight as they had been deprived of such activities for a long time. Everyone at the centre was also

served food. The management of the centre which consisted of some Danish individuals, equally liked the food.

Congregational Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered inside the hall.

Gift items were distributed among the families present which consisted of T-shirts which had Humanity First’s logo and the slogan “Love for All, Hatred for None”, masks, chocolates and scarves.

A tabligh stall was also organised in which pamphlets were displayed. Some organisers of the event took a lot of interest in the pamphlets and the background and activities of the Jamaat. The purpose and charitable activities of the Jamaat – including the charity work of Humanity First International – were explained to them in detail which the Danish individuals were fascinated to hear about. They were surprised to know that Humanity First has an association with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

The various charitable activities of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Denmark were presented to them which greatly interested them.

The event was highly appreciated by the families and the management of the asylum centre and they expressed their gratitude and hope that such events are repeated in the future.

A few members of the management got their views about the event recorded in the form of a video.

A journalist from a magazine, UgeAvis Esbjerg contacted us after four days and expressed his interest in the event and asked the Jamaat to arrange a similar event in Esbjerg and contact the magazine a few days before the date of the event so they could cover the event in more detail. This magazine is based in Esbjerg which is the fifth-largest city in Denmark, and the largest in West Jutland.

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Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

Misogyny and sexual harassment – the holistic Islamic antidote

Melissa Ahmedi Religious Education Teacher, UK

“Let me know when you get home”, is probably one of the most used phrases between women when they part each other’s company; not out of paranoia but the real and fact-based statistics, not reserved for horror films or thrillers but real life; abduction, sexual harassment and murder.

In the wake of the conviction of Sarah Everard’s (33) murder – a victim of “deception, kidnap, rape, strangulation, fire” at the hands of the then serving MET police officer, Wayne Couzens – it’s now come to light the officer had a history of indecent exposure (in which he was under investigation by the police at the time) (www.met.police.uk/notices/met/ourresponse-to-issues-raised-by-the-crimes-ofwayne-couzens/). The phrase “never again” comes to mind, but how and what promises this?

This, however, is not just a police issue; it reflects the moral decline and unravelling of the moral fabric of society at large.

Sabina Nessa’s (28) tragic death – who was another recent victim in the UK of heinous male violence – clearly demonstrates that the age-old epidemic of violence against women is running rife through what’s considered to be one of the most progressive cities of the world; London. It’s happening everywhere. From primary schools all the way up to the seat of power, where one-fifth of parliamentary staff have experienced sexual violence and harassment, some at the hands of MPs themselves. There is an epidemic of indecent exposure through screens; 90% of surveyed British schoolgirls had been sent unwanted unsolicited sexual photos. A harrowing list of schools in the UK is ever being added,

with young children sharing testimonies of being survivors of harassment, violence and abuse.

So where does this leave us and what does a safe society for women and girls actually look like in 2021?

The Holy Quran simply lays down a societal blueprint for effective safeguarding, which places the individual at the heart of one’s own accountability: “O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, [and be] witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or [against] parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both [than you] are. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal [the truth] or evade it, then [remember] that Allah is well aware of what you do.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.136) In essence, being honest and truthful with yourself first is paramount and holding oneself accountable – asking, am I acting justly? Am I holding those around me to account? My Family? Friends? Colleagues?

Following vain, base desires does not achieve societal equality or peace. Even if you think something is seemingly harmless as it’s in private; you are never alone, Allah is always watching, and everyone is ultimately held to account. The truth, therefore, always makes its way to light. Lying, deception and ill intention are the roots of countless crimes and thus the qualities of honesty and speaking truthfully, Islam places a huge emphasis on.

“O ye who believe! fear Allah, and say the right word.” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.71) Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa emphasised this at the recent Khuddam Ijtema in the UK, saying:

“As you leave the Ijtema today, you should do so with a firm and sincere intention to always speak the truth and to act with honesty at all times and in all circumstances.”

The Holy Quran addresses male behaviour in the first instance: “Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do.” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.31) The “restrain” ُّ ُ Arabic word used for ّ َ – ‫ – یَغض ْوا‬is derived from ‫ غض‬meaning to lower (one’s eyes). So, the Holy Quran teaches men that they should not so much as look twice at a non-relative woman. This applies to real, day-to-day life or online and on social media. The second instruction is to guard one’s private parts, which also has a plethora of meanings; guarding and covering in modest clothing and not revealing one’s chastity save to their married partner, but also guarding oneself against evil and impurity of all kinds. This includes not succumbing to indecent content including pornography and the over-sexualisation of the sexes on social media and the internet; essentially protecting one’s senses (eyes and one’s body) from anything impure.

To get to the deep-rooted issues, it begins with what is considered harmful or indecent and how this leads to moral destruction in society. Indecent exposure or “flashing” involves revealing oneself in public with the intention of someone seeing them and being alarmed or distressed. For the aggressor, when one’s senses and body are exposed to harmful and morally degrading content e.g., pornography, violent content, harmful images, it rewires one’s brain into a different state of what is “normal” and also releases hormones in your brain which make the behaviour addictive and repeated.

An insightful article on how society is ultimately damaged by the misogynistic culture of pornography was written by the Rational Religion team and can be read at: https://rationalreligion.co.uk/as-long-aspornography-is-normalised-we-will-alwayshave-harvey-weinsteins-among-us/ During Lajna Imaillah UK’s national Ijtema 2021, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa heavily emphasised the dangers of harmful online content: “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 was speaking about parents protecting and safeguarding their children, but of course Huzoor’s guidance extends to

all, men included.

The culture of misogyny and male ego and privilege in society is clear. It is something that Islam recognises that men wrongly have tendencies to abuse their power. On the topic being “man enough” or displaying one’s ego and strength, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was at the forefront in his private and social life in readdressing the balance of the sexes and ensuring modesty of character was a requirement for both men and women: Hazrat Salimra bin Abdillah narrated from his father, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra, who said: “Once Allah’s Messengersa passed by an Ansari man who was admonishing his brother for being too modest and shy. On that, Allah’s Messengersa said: ْ ْ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫دعه ف ِإن الح َياء ِمن ال ِإي َم‬ “Leave him, for indeed modesty and shyness is a part of faith.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, The Book of Belief) In the Holy Prophet’s private life, this was also true. It is noted that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said: “He had the greatest control over his want, desire or sexual desire [Bukhari].”

(Five-Volume Commentary, Ch.4: V.32) This is an important point in refutation of the allegations raised against Prophet Muhammadsa and is an important example in the modern day on restraint on personal desire. In a world which constantly urges individuals to self-serving instantaneous gratification of the senses, Islam is a holistic faith that enjoins both men and women to modesty of actions, demeanour and attire.

What is the pathway out of misogyny and sexual harassment and male violence?

Islam provides the antidote: men must strive to reform themselves and address the root causes of such egotistical, power-thirsty behaviour which endangers women and puts them at risk of harassment and worse.

Holding oneself to a higher standard than what society promotes consistently.

Male or female violence happened long before the existence of pornography; however, now, widespread nudity and graphic content have been made easily accessible for all. It has proved massively damaging to women’s safety, security and modesty.

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa is a timeless example of modesty and upholding purity and modesty of men in his personal and public spheres.

Huzoor’s wisdom leads people firmly to reform themselves as individuals first, whilst providing the pathway to peace for the collective.

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021

100 Years Ago...

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Nayyar’s experiences in Africa and Sadiq’s letter from America Al Fazl, 20 & 24 October 1921

Regular dars of the Holy Quran and lectures are held there. Efforts are being made to civilise ignorant Muslims and convert savage idolaters to Islam.

As the language there is also Yoruba, preaching is easy. Brother Ismail writes that, “A party of educated youth is only waiting for the elder’s group to make a decision, so that the intensity of opposition may come down to the fullest possible extent.”

Several copies of the Arabic magazine “Ahmad Al-Masih Al-Maud”, English magazines and [The Philosophy of the] Teachings of Islam in French, have been sent there. By the grace of Allah, it is hoped that the Muslims who are fighting against each other will, insha-Allah, drink the cup of unity and submit themselves to one Imam.

A newspaper’s view

They are ready to accept the message of the Promised Messiahas. I only considered the bai‘at of the chief of the Muslims, Prince Alpha Ali Egberonighi, who is the paternal uncle of the ruler and the brother of the former ruler. Finding him inclined towards truth and ready to accept Ahmadiyyat after comprehensive preaching, and observing his frail, old age, I took his bai‘at [on behalf of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih]. I was told that it should be considered as the bai‘at of the entire city, that is 15,000 people had entered the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. However, I still consider it as the bai‘at of only one very important person. Expressing the blessings of Allah before the entire city formally takes bai‘at, I cautiously say that 15,000 people are ready [to enter the Ahmadiyya Jamaat], insha-Allah.

Work in Nigeria Abeokuta, 1929 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

A king seeks blessings from the Promised Messiah’sas garments I received an invitation from Prince Suraqa Egberonighi via telegram, so I went to Abeokuta. The town is bigger than Lagos and has a population of 551,490. It has electricity and excellent roads. The state of Abeokuta, whose ruling nation is Egba, is the capital city. The Muslim population here is over 15,000.

I gave two public lectures there and gave the message of Islam to the Christian governor of the state, who came to the palace in his royal robe and crown. I informed him about the second appearance of the Messiah, read out prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa from the Bible and requested him to pay more attention to Muslims.

The said chief is open-minded, has visited Europe and speaks fluent English.

All praise belongs to Allah that His Royal Highness, King Alake Ademola II, was positively influenced by my preaching. He sent me a wonderful turkey as a gift. He called the person in-charge of the residence and had a meeting with me at his residential place and honoured me with a photograph with him.

The most pleasing thing is that after hearing the revelation of the Promised Messiahas that [kings] would seek blessings

from his clothes, the said king immediately requested, “I seek blessings from [the Promised Messiah’sas] clothes. Please provide me with it.”

The whole town is ready for Ahmadiyyat The opponents in Abeokuta had spread various rumours before I reached there.

They tried to instil doubts in the public about me. However, after listening to two speeches and hearing the message of the Promised Messiah’sas arrival, an affectionate enthusiasm spread across the city.

Some hajis [Muslims who have performed Hajj] came and shared their divine dreams. Haji Hassan said, “Four days ago, I saw [in a dream that] you are giving a sermon here.”

Haji Muhammad Bawamas said, “On my return from Hajj-e-Baitullah [pilgrimage to the House of Allah, the Ka‘bah], I saw [in a dream that] a jamaat was engaged in the dars [religious sermon] of the Holy Quran and I was told that this was the jamaat of the Mahdi.”

The Muslim member of the ruling family said, “Last night, I saw [in a dream that] you were teaching us.”

An honorable alpha (maulvi) shared a divine vision that, “I saw [in a dream that] a white man came and said, ‘I am the Mahdi.’”

Owing to all the said divine visions, a large group of people, in fact, the whole town, is ready to accept the truth [Ahmadiyyat].

All praise be to my living God and peace and blessings be upon my beloved Prophet Muhammadsa Al-Mustafa and on his reflection, Ahmadas of Qadian, for accepting the trivial services of this weak one. The city that I found in a state of discomfort when I first came here and observed the relationship between the ruler and the subject to be unpleasant, now I see it in peace when I am about to leave it after four months.

Where there were around 100 Ahmadis at first and at the time when I reached here, only 30 regular members [of the Jamaat] remained, after a meager effort of three months, by the grace of Allah the Almighty alone, I am leaving behind a sincere jamaat of 10,000 people. Where there was only one Ahmadiyya mosque or place of worship at a rented place, there are now 10 beautifully decorated Ahmadiyya mosques. Where the name “Muhammadan” was an insult, now “Ahmadi Muslim” is a respected name. Where people were hateful towards Ahmadiyyat, now not only are they close, but it is quite possible that another group of 39,000 people may soon join the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

This is only the situation in Lagos. By the grace of Allah, established jamaats have also been formed in Abeokuta and Port Harcourt.

Mission in Dahomey A mission has been set up in the French colony of Dahomey. Honourable Brother Ismail Sheta Sahib is doing preaching work there along with trade. His first report has been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

Out of half a dozen newspapers and magazines in Lagos, there is only one credible and proper newspaper, and it is The African Messenger. The said newspaper, in its issue of 4 August 1921, under the heading “The annual conference of Ahmadiyya Jamaat will be held in Lagos next December”, gave the following note: “It is a moment of sadness for the Muslims that Maulvi AR Nayyar is about to leave Lagos for the Gold Coast soon, so that he may fulfil his promise of return which he made with the Muslims there. As there is no other missionary in Lagos, his absence will be very much felt in days to come.

“Maulvi Sahib is an excellent example of Islamic simplicity and within his short stay, he has received tributes from various sections of the local Muslims. During his stay in Lagos, Maulvi Sahib remained very busy. He was sometimes seen sitting on a mat with the Muslim elders of the city, and sometimes he was seen addressing Muslims and Christians in English from a high pulpit.

During his proposed tour, Maulvi hopes to travel not only to the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone, but also to Liberia and the Gambia if possible, and to return to Lagos for the West African Ahmadiyya Conference later this year.

“We congratulate Maulvi Sahib on the success of his mission and say goodbye.”

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s sincerity and hundred-pound chanda I thank Allah the Almighty very much that the Nigeria Jamaat is very sincere. They do not hesitate to spend in the way of God. Their local expenses are so much that they have not yet been able to pay attention towards the markaz [centre of Ahmadiyyat, Qadian]. However, at my request, the following old members of the Jamaat have sent a sum of 51 pounds and two shillings for the lamps of Minaratul-Masih [The White Minaret] to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: 1. Mr Muhammad Yaqub (President of majlis-e-muntazim): £7 2. Mr Qasim Ajose (Imam of the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Bangjosi St): £7 3. Mr Gabriel Martin (Secretary General): £7 4. Mr Mashhood Demala (trader): £7 5. Mr Ashmo Ibrahim (clerk): £7 6. Mr Badruddin Qabi Sukun (Assistant Secretary): £7 Continued on next page >>

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Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

7. Mr Pologen (Vice President): £3 and 10 shillings 8. Mr Shodande (clerk): £3 and 10 shillings 9. Mr Egbaji (clerk): £2 and 2 shillings Total amount: £51 and 2 shillings This amount was collected after one of my Friday sermons and this is the sermon of the time when the number of sincere members of the Jamaat was only 30 and all the said contributors were the old Ahmadi members.

As the completion of Minaratul-Masih will be a source of the downpour of sheer blessings, so my eager heart yearned for the completion of the light of Minaratul-Masih before December. The Messiah of God had appealed to present 400 rupees for the clock [of the minaret] and 100 rupees for its lamps, but instead of 500 rupees, today his humble Nigerian servants present 766 rupees and 14 annas [a unit of currency formerly used in the subcontinent, equal to 1/16 of a rupee] for only lamps. If the lamps can be purchased in 500 rupees, then the remaining amount will be deposited in the contribution for the clock [of the minaret], for which the Nigeria Jamaat will present another reasonable amount, insha-Allah.

In addition to the said donation, the newly formed jamaat has contributed 50 pounds to the expenses of the missionary.

Structure of the Jamaat By the grace of Allah, the Jamaat is being brought under an administrative structure.

Before I came here, the three majalis [local administrative bodies] that I had established, i.e. Majlis Muntazim, Majlis Kubra and Majlis Peshwayan-e-Mazahib, have now started working on a regular basis. Although I am writing this letter from Saltpond, but the latest mail received from Nigeria has this good news that the work is well underway. Speeches are held regularly, dars are being delivered, meetings of Majlis Nazim and Majlis Kubra are taking place and funds are being raised.

The tarbiyat [moral training] of the newly formed jamaat is being carried out as per the instructions of this humble one.

There is great passion among the men and women. Members of the Jamaat offered Eid-ul-Adha prayer with impressive glory.

For the first time in the history of Lagos,

women wore purdah-daar [veiling or covering] clothes and went in large numbers to offer prayer. Everyone is convinced of the truth of Ahmadiyyat because of the said extraordinary change, alhamdulillah, thumma alhamdulillah.

Departure from Lagos At the time of my departure from Lagos, I had a surge of emotions in my heart and observing the sincerity of the new and old members of the Jamaat, I continuously prayed for them and kept recalling the beneficence of my beloved Messiah and his followers.

A great multitude of people was spread left to right for this stranger from the city to the seashore. Everyone wanted a handshake.

The women wanted to go to the port to bid me farewell, but I took leave of them from the mosque. May Allah be with them.

Insha-Allah, the said women will efficiently train the next generation for Ahmadiyyat.

The boats continued to bring people on board the ship until 10 pm and I left that city after a stay of four months with great happiness, delight and being grateful to Allah the Almighty, alhamdulillah, thumma alhamdulillah.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Niger was able to conduct a refresher course at the national level for the purpose of education and training Khuddam. It was held in the city of Birni Koni.

The goal of this refresher course was to strengthen Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Niger in accordance with the expectations of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and to make the national amila and qaideen fully active at the national and regional level.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning

Al Fazl, 24 October 1921 Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

Dear Brothers, assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

It has come to my attention through some letters from India that it has been suggested for this humble one to return to India and be replaced by another person.

If God wills, my intention is to tour across this whole country once and sow the seed of tabligh.

As there is no regular delivery of mail

and no opportunity to write a letter while travelling, so if friends do not receive replies to their letters, I should be considered pardoned.

The magazine, The Moslem Sunrise, will be regularly printed here and will continue to reach the subscribers from this country [America], provided that a sufficient amount of money reaches us in the form of financial assistance and subscription.

The postal address for correspondence will remain the same and wherever I will go, the letters will continue to reach me.

Muhammad Sadiq, 27 La Bella Ave, Highland Park, Mich., USA. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 20 and 24 October 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Ahmadiyyat in Belize: Sports with distance during Covid-19

Miscellaneous I am currently touring the shores of the Gold Coast. The jamaat here is very widespread.

There are four to five thousand Ahmadis in an area of several ​​ hundred miles. Their number is two to three in some villages, around 10 in some areas and more in other regions. I tour with the help of a car, but there are many places where motor vehicles cannot go, so I will go there on foot, inshaAllah.

I will write the accounts and details of this tour in the next letter, insha-Allah. I returned from the interior of the country on the evening of 8 August [1921]. I am leaving again tomorrow. I am writing this letter at night, so friends should not wait for my replies. However, it will be very kind of my friends if they will keep writing letters to this humble traveller to inform him about the situation of his homeland and dear friends. Rest assured, I remember everyone and pray for all of you.

Seeker of prayers, Abdur Rahim Nayyar, Saltpond. 29 August 1921.

Refresher course of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Niger Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

Sadiq’s letter

that recently, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa had sent the approval of Yousuf Aero Sahib as Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Niger.

Khuddam from all regions participated in this blessed programme. Everyone arrived on 11 October 2021, and the next day the refresher course continued from morning till noon, and after lunch, all Khuddam returned to their regions.

On the morning of 12 October 2021, the session was presided over by Asad Majeeb Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-charge Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger. The Khuddam pledge was read out followed by an Urdu

Maham Warraich Belize

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize was fortunate to form ties with the National Belize Table Tennis Association. Tux Vasques, the president and chairman of the committee visited the Noor Mosque and presented a gift of an indoor table tennis table to the Jamaat. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize was very grateful for this cordial gesture as it initiates positive ties with organisations that are already established in Belize.

Due to the increase in numbers of Covid-19 cases and subsequent restrictions in the area, it has become increasingly difficult to conduct contact sports in person.

Table tennis is a sport that allows citizens of Belize to engage in healthy competitive games without posing a risk to their own health and the health of others. It is also a means of engaging in healthy physical activity on a regular basis. Furthermore, the consistency of physical activity has aided those struggling with mental health

poem.

Later, Yousuf Aero Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Niger, delivered a speech about the establishment of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and the responsibilities of its members.

After this, keeping in mind that some Khuddam were still new in the Jamaat’s system, Amir Sahib Jamaat Niger explained the organisational and administrative structure of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

During the concluding session, Naib Amir Jamaat Niger, Jibo Tchemago Sahib gave some advice to Khuddam and the refresher course came to an

concerns and has proven to be a delightful new avenue for relief and happiness. Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Belize now invites citizens to come to the Noor Mosque and have friendly matches with others. This draws the community to feel welcome at the mosque and offers an opportunity to socialise with both Jamaat members and other citizens in a harmonious environment.

It is with the sheer grace of Allah that the Jamaat has been blessed with yet another means of engaging with the people of Belize and conducting active tabligh through sport.

end with silent prayer led by amir sahib.

At the end of the programme, waqar-eamal was performed by all the Khuddam.

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021

15

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul 100 Years Masih II: The affairs of India, Success Ago...

of Ahmadiyyat in Africa and research about the catacombs of Rome Al Fazl, 20 October 1921 published in The Review [of Religions].

Didn’t you read that issue?”

Malik Sahib said, “No, I did not read it.

Have you completed that research?”

8 October 1921 National affairs On the mention of national affairs, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Those who are in favour of the government can be successful if they have the courage and are not afraid of abuse, stoning, etc. However, supporters of the government are generally those people who are well-wishers of the government for personal gain and not as a matter of principle.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “Some of the moderate leaders showed courage. For example, Mr Shastri, despite facing abuse by non-cooperators in Bombay [now Mumbai], continued to voice his ideas.

“I consider Mr Shastri to be more honest and principled. Look, in spite of hailing abuse, where he got the opportunity, he openly expressed his views. He did not give up the idea of the betterment ​​ of the country for the sake of his own honour”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “If the supporters of government work honestly and without any fear of reproach of a fault-finder, then they will eventually succeed. They should not care about what people say. They should work with courage.

They will surely succeed.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “It is only the greatness of prophets that they are alone and no matter what people do, they do not abandon their principles.

Eventually, the world obeys them.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “People are against us, but often our words are effective because we speak the truth.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “The method adopted by noncooperators is not right. If they even achieve Swaraj in this way, these people will not be satisfied. The actual need of the hour is to eliminate crimes from the country. First of all, whether the crime is committed by a Hindu or a Muslim, both nations should look at it with spite. It should not be that if Muslims commit a crime, Hindus request to let them go, or if Hindus commit a crime, Muslims request to forgive them. In this way, the fear of punishment for crime is diminishing and people are beginning to consider crime as a trivial matter.

“Secondly, satisfaction and wisdom

Research about Kahf [catacombs]

should be imparted in people, which is less in this age. The methods used to restore peace [these days] are wrong. Materialism is so high that even we are lacking in selfsacrifice. There was a time when people came here to work for free and they were happy and proud of it. Nowadays, when they are being paid, it is considered minimum wage. The current method of impatience is a source of anxiety. It cannot be resolved with the help of any kind of government, unless spirituality is produced.”

Bai‘at The following three persons performed bai‘at: 1. Abdur Rahim Khan Sahib of Kanithan, District Hoshiarpur 2. Akbar Ali Sahib of Subhanpur, District Gurdaspur 3. Sheikh Ahmad Sahib Huzoor[ra] said, “Practical Islam cannot enter the European nations until they get out of the current situation.”

Ahmadis in Africa Khan Sahib Munshi Farzand Ali Sahib, who had come to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, said that there was an objection from the ghair mubai‘een [those who refused the Second Khalifa, the Paighami group] that nobody had converted to Ahmadiyyat in

Africa.

Huzoor[ra] said: “There are pictures of them [Ahmadis of Africa] attending dars [religious sermons], offering Salat and especially Eid prayer. In the picture of Eid, the size of their gathering is equal to our Jalsa. Master Abdur Rahim Sahib [can be seen in the picture] offering Salat behind [the imam]. If he had been the imam, it could have been objected that he became an imam on his own and pretended that those people had joined the Jamaat at his hand and converted to Ahmadiyyat.

However, the imam [in the picture] is the alpha from their people and Master Sahib is offering Salat [behind him].”

Huzoor[ra] said: “If those photographs received [from Africa] are shown in the cinema, they can be a good source of tabligh.”

Mr Fazal Karim BA, Law College, Aligarh, said, “Last year, I saw in a cinema in Bombay that a clip of Salat being offered in Woking [mosque] was shown, in which people were in prostration, but Lord Headley was looking here and there with bottles in his pockets.”

Malik Maula Bakhsh Sahib (court inspector) of Gurdaspur met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. Huzoor[ra] said: “Your letter about Surah al-Kahf was received. My last year’s dars’ notes were

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Yes, I think the research is complete.

These kahf [catacombs] are located deep underground in the city of Rome and are spread on an area of 300 ​​ miles. They are called catacombs. They are like a city, but if they are stretched out [in a straight line], they are estimated to be at least 300 miles and at most, 900 miles. Many books have been published about them. The matter published by the researchers and the pictures, etc., given by them show that the religion of the early Christians was the exact opposite of modern-day Christianity. They had faith in tawhid [unity of Allah] and did not believe in the trinity.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “Wherever Christians have gone, they have built such caves. Apart from Rome, the same pattern was followed in Alexandria, Sicily, etc. Perhaps the said cave-making practice was carried out in memory of Prophet Jesusas being placed in a tomb.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “They [the Christians of catacombs] used to make many secret passages and there were special signs on the [entrance] of each passage that would not be understood by everyone and only the people living there would understand it. The police would get surprised because if they would manage to locate a passageway after a struggle, they would see many different other signs ahead and it would be difficult for them to decide which of those signs pointed correctly.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “Many of the stories that were famous in our country are mostly historically proven facts. We are told here that the incident of the ‘Ashab al-Kahf’ [the people of the catacombs] happened in the time of King Decius. History also testifies with regard to the said king.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The pictorial literature on this subject is not available in India. Therefore, I intend for it to be delivered from abroad.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 20 October 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 1 October 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Umarra ibn al-Khattab After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

On one occasion, whilst speaking on the subject of tabligh in one of his addresses, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned accounts from the life of Hazrat Umarra. He stated: “In the battles that were fought after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the Muslims were mostly outnumbered. During the battle in Syria, there was a great shortage of soldiers. Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra sent a letter to Hazrat Umarra saying that the enemy was in far greater numbers and requested reinforcement. Hazrat Umarra took an assessment of the situation and found it impossible to form another battalion as the young men of the tribes in and around Arabia had either been killed or were already part of the army.

“Subsequently, Hazrat Umarra organised a gathering to seek consultation. People from various tribes were invited and this matter was put before them. They suggested

that there was one tribe where some men could be found. Hazrat Umarra instructed one of his officers to immediately go there and gather the young men of that tribe. He also wrote to Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra stating that he was going to send 6,000 men to support him and they would reach him in a few days. Hazrat Umarra stated that 3,000 men would reach him from such and such tribe and he was sending Amr bin Ma‘di Karib as an equivalent of the remaining 3,000.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “If one of our youths was sent to confront 3,000 men, he would say that this was a completely illogical thing and would ask whether the Khalifa had lost his senses.

Can a single person confront 3,000 men?

However, observe how strong the faith of those individuals was! When Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra received the letter from Hazrat Umarra, he read it and told his soldiers to

rejoice as Amr bin Ma‘di Karib would be reaching them the following day.

“The following day, the soldiers welcomed Amr bin Ma‘di Karib with great passion and raised slogans. The enemy thought that the Muslims were perhaps reinforced by an army of 100,000 or 200,000 men and that is why they were rejoicing so much. However, it was only Amr bin Ma‘di Karib by himself. Following this, the contingent of 3,000 men reached them as well and the Muslims defeated the enemy.

For a single person to confront 3,000 men in a battle with swords is virtually impossible.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “During a debate, a single man can convey his message to several thousand.

However, these people gave such importance to the words of the Khalifa of the time that when Hazrat Umarra sent Amr bin Ma‘di Karib as an equivalent of 3,000 soldiers, the soldiers did not raise any objection

as to how a single person could confront 3,000 men; rather, they considered him to be equivalent to 3,000 men and welcomed him in an excellent manner. As a result of this welcome of the Muslims, the hearts of the enemy were filled with fear and they believed that perhaps an army of 100,000 or 200,000 men came as reinforcement for the Muslims. As such, the enemy was defeated during the battle and fled.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says, “At present, we must reassure our hearts in this manner as well.” (Spain Aur Sicily mein tabligh-eIslam aur Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 18, pp. 359-260)

This incident was narrated by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in relation to how to do tabligh in Europe; for example in Spain and Sicily etc.

Now I shall mention the conquests that took place in Egypt. Among those was the Battle of Farama [Pelusium]. Farama

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 was a well-known city of Egypt which was situated to the east of the Mediterranean Sea and Paluzi, which was one of the seven tributaries of the River Nile and the city of Farama was situated on the mountain.

(Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, pp. 556-557, Islami Kutub Khana, Lahore)

According to Allama Shibli Nomani, after the victory at Baitul Maqdis [Jerusalem], upon the insistence of Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas, Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas with an army of 4,000 towards Egypt, but with the instruction that they must return if they received his letter prior to reaching Egypt.

They reached Arish when the letter from Hazrat Umarra was received in which he instructed them not to advance any further.

However, seeing as the instruction was conditional, Hazrat Amrra said that since they were within the confines of Egypt, therefore they would advance from Arish to Farama. (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, p. 160, Dar alIsha‘ah, Karach, 1991)

There is a book called Al-Iktifa which covers the Muslim battles. It is written therein that Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas received the letter of Hazrat Umarra having reached a place called Rafah, but he did not take the letter from the messenger out of fear that it would contain the instruction from Hazrat Umarra to return. So instead, he continued marching forth until he reached a small village between Rafah and Arish, and enquired about the village. He was told that this was within the confines of Egypt.

He then asked for the letter to be brought and read it. It was written that he and the Muslims accompanying him should all return.

And so he asked his companions, “Do you not see that this is Egypt?” They replied in the affirmative. He then said, “The Leader of the Faithful [Hazrat Umarra] instructed that if I receive the letter prior to reaching Egypt I should return, but I have received it having entered the land of Egypt. So let us go forth in the name of Allah.”

It is also mentioned in another narration that Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas was in Palestine and he advanced with his companions to Egypt without permission. Hazrat Umarra was displeased with this, so he wrote a letter to Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas and he received this letter when he was close to Arish, but did not read it until he had reached Arish.

The letter read as follows: “Umar bin al-Khattab to Amr bin al-Aas: “Thereafter, indeed you are travelling to Egypt with your companions. There is a large army of the Byzantines there whilst you are few in number. I swear that it would have been better had you not taken them with you, therefore if you have not yet reached Egypt, you must return.” (AlIktifa bima Tadmanuhu min Maghazi Rasul Allah wa al-Thalathah al-Khulafa, Vol. 2, Chapter 1, pp. 324325, Umarra bin al-Khattab, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1420 AH)

On the way to Farama, the Muslim army did not encounter a single Byzantine soldier, and in fact, the Egyptians welcomed them in various places, and it was in Farama that the very first confrontation took place.

There are various narrations [with reference to Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas], but the one that seems correct is that letter was received after having reached Arish, which is situated within the border of Egypt.

It cannot be that he continued to make

17 excuses in order to only open the letter after reaching Egypt. Nevertheless, since they had already reached Egypt, the only option was to advance forward as the believers do not retreat.

The Byzantines received news that Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas was coming with a small army with insufficient preparation and could not lay a siege for too long. The Byzantines thought that since they were better prepared and in a greater number, therefore they would easily defeat them.

The Byzantines secured themselves in their fortress. Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas had come to know of the military power of the Byzantines and that they were much greater in weapons and in number. He, therefore, made plans to either seize Farama whereby they would launch a surprise attack, have the rampart doors opened, or to then remain patient in their besiegement until the residents ran out of food and come forth out of desperation. Thus, they laid siege [to the city].

On the one hand, the Muslims were tightening their siege, and on the other, the Byzantines were stubborn in their persistence. As such, the siege continued for many months. Sometimes the Byzantine forces would emerge for a few skirmishes but would then retreat. The Muslims would always prevail in these skirmishes.

One day, some Byzantine forces came forth in combat against the Muslims and the Muslims prevailed over them. When the Byzantines retreated to their fort in defeat, the Muslims swiftly pursued them. Some Muslims beat the Byzantines to the rampart gates and opened them, clearing the path to a clear victory. (Al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra translated [Khangarh, Pakistan: Al-Furqan Trust], pp. 756-757)

The conquest of Bilbeis and the circumstances in which it occurred are as follows: After the conquest of Farama, as Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas was setting out for Bilbeis, he was intercepted by Byzantine forces. Bilbeis is a city located approximately 30 miles from Fustat, en route to Syria. The Muslims were intercepted to prevent them from reaching the fort of Babylon. In ancient terminology, the land of Egypt was referred to as Babylon, particularly the region where Fustat was located. The Byzantines intended to fight there. Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas told them not to be hasty and to hold off until they had heard his proposal so that there would be no excuses or evasions later. Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas also said for them to send Abu Maryaam as an emissary to represent them. Thus, they deferred the battle and sent the two emissaries. Both these delegates were priests from Bilbeis. Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas presented them with the options of accepting Islam or paying jizya, and along with this, recounted the words of the Holy Prophetsa about the people of Egypt. The Holy Prophetsa said, “You will conquer Egypt, a land where the unit of qir‘at is used [to measure]. When you conquer that land, treat its people kindly because they have a right over you and are among your kin.” Or he stated, “They have a right over you and you share ancestral fathers.”

Upon hearing this, the two emissaries said that this was a very distant relationship that could only be fulfilled by prophets and asked to leave and deliberate on their decision, upon which they would return. Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas told them that he would

not be fooled and that he would give them a period of three days to carefully contemplate on the matter. Both the emissaries asked for an additional day for deliberation, so they were given one additional day. The two of them then returned to Muqawqis, the leader of the Copts, and Artabun [Aretion], the governor of Egypt appointed by the Byzantine Emperor, and presented them with the proposal from the Muslims.

Artabun denied the proposal and was bent on war, and he launched an assault on the Muslims overnight. The forces of Artabun are recorded to have been 12,000 in number.

A great deal of Muslims was martyred in this conflict, while the Byzantines lost 1,000 soldiers to the battle and another 3,000 were imprisoned. Artabun fled the battlefield, while some say that he was slain in this very battle. The Muslims continued to prevail over Artabun’s forces until they reached Alexandria. Historians agree that the Muslims remained in Bilbeis for a month, during which time the battle continued and, ultimately, the Muslims were victorious.

Historians, however, debate over whether or not this was an intense battle. (Al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra translated [Khangarh, Pakistan: Al-Furqan Trust], pp. 757-758) (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, translated

by Habib Ash’ar, pp. 564-565, Islami Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore) (Al-Iktifa bima Tadmanuhu min Maghazi Rasul Allah wa al-Thalathah al-Khulafa, Vol. 2, p. 346, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1420 AH) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1, Bilbeis [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah], p. 567) (Atlas Futuhat Islamiyyah, Vol. 2, p.

225, Dar al-Salam, Al-Riyad, 1428 AH)

During this battle, an incident took place that is a testament to the sagacity and moral superiority of the Muslims. When Allah the Almighty granted Muslims victory in Bilbeis, the daughter of Muqawqis was imprisoned, whose name was Armanoosah. She was his favourite and beloved daughter whom he planned to marry off to Constantine, the son of Heraclius. She was not content with this marriage and took an excursion to Bilbeis with her maid. When the Muslims had imprisoned her, Hazrat Amrra bin alAas gathered the noble Companionsra and recited the following words of Allah the Almighty:

ُ ‫ٓاء الۡا ۡح َسان الَّا الۡا ۡح َس‬ َ ‫ان‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ُ ‫ہ ۡل َج َز‬

“Is the reward of goodness anything but goodness?” (Ch.55: V.61) Then, in reference to this verse, he reminded them by stating, “Muqawqis sent a gift to our Holy Prophetsa. I am of the opinion that his daughter should be returned to him along with her entourage and servants and all the wealth that was seized.”

Everyone was in agreement with Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas. Accordingly, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas sent Armanoosah to her father with great honour and dignity; along with all her jewellery and accompanying women and servants. On their journey back, one of Armanoosah’s maids remarked that they were protected in every direction by Arabs.

Armanoosah replied to her, saying that she felt safe for her life and honour in the tents of the Arabs, but did not consider her life to be safe in her father’s fortress. When she reached her father, he was very pleased with how the Muslims had treated her. (Al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra translated [Khangarh, Pakistan: Al-Furqan Trust], pp. 758-759)

Then, there is mention of the conquest

of Umm Dunayn [Tendunyas]. After the conquest of Bilbeis, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas was advancing along the desert’s perimeter when he reached a place close to Umm Dunayn, which was located on the Nile River at the source of Trajan’s Canal. This canal was close to Suez and joined Egypt City and the Mediterranean Sea, where Azbakeya, a district in Cairo, is located today. Umm Dunayn was located at this very place during that time, which the Byzantines had fortified. In the near vicinity were the riverbanks of the Nile, where many boats were docked. This area was to the north of Babylon, which was the largest fort of Egypt City. In this way, Umm Dunayn could be considered the foremost defensive outpost for guarding this precious region, which the Egyptians cherished as the centre of operations for many past pharaohs. The Muslims set up camp near Umm Dunayn.

The Byzantines sent their finest soldiers to their fort in Babylon and heavily reinforced their fort in Umm Dunayn as they prepared for battle. According to information received from the reconnaissance, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas estimated that his forces were not enough to conquer Fort Babylon or to besiege it. He sent a messenger with a letter to Medina detailing the circumstances of his journey to Egypt, intelligence on the enemy forts and the need for reinforcements in order to attack them. He also announced to his forces that reinforcements would join them shortly.

Following this, he advanced towards Umm Dunayn and laid siege, cutting the fort’s supply of food and military equipment.

The Byzantines in Fort Babylon didn’t even consider coming out because they had witnessed Artabun’s outcome in Bilbeis and realised that they could not combat the Arabs on an open battlefield. The forces of Umm Dunayn would periodically emerge for a skirmish but would retreat in failure. Many weeks passed like this. At the same time, news arrived that the first reinforcements from the Khalifa were on their way and would arrive very soon. This news greatly supplemented the strength and resolve of the Muslims. (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, translated by Habib Ash‘ar, pp. 567-570, Islami Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore)

Hazrat Umarra had sent 4,000 soldiers as reinforcements for the Muslim forces.

He also appointed a leader for every 1,000 soldiers. Those leaders were, Hazrat Zubairra bin al-Awam, Hazrat Miqdadra bin Aswad, Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit and Hazrat Maslamahra bin Mukhallad.

According to one narration, Kharijah bin Huzayfa was made the amir in place of Hazrat Maslamahra bin Mukhallad. Along with sending reinforcements, Hazrat Umarra wrote a letter to Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas saying, “Now you have 12,000 soldiers with you. They will never be defeated on account of being fewer in number.”

The Byzantines set out along with the Copts to fight the Muslims. A fierce battle ensued between the two sides. Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas devised a strategy whereby he divided the army into three parts; one was near Jabal-e-Ahmar, the second was by the Nile River at a place called Umm Dunayn, and the remainder of the army set out to battle the enemy.

As the two armies were engaged in fierce battle, the army hiding by Jabal-e-Ahmar

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Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

came out and attacked from behind, which scattered the ranks of the opposing army and they fled towards Umm Dunayn. There, the second part of the Islamic army was waiting and stopped their path. Thus, the Byzantine army was trapped between the three Muslim armies as a result of which the opponents suffered defeat. (Al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra translated [Khangarh, Pakistan: AlFurqan Trust], p. 759)

It is mentioned regarding various other conquests that after the victory at Umm Dunayn, the first place Hazrat Amrra bin alAas conquered was Fayum and the chief of that area was killed in this battle. (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, translated

by Habib Ash‘ar, pp. 571-572, Islami Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore)

Then, the Muslims faced the Byzantines in Ain al-Shams. Before this, reinforcements of 8,000 soldiers came and met Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas. Hazrat Zubairra bin al-Awwam was the commander and Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit, Hazrat Miqdadra bin Aswad and Hazrat Maslamahra bin Mukhallad were also part of this. The Muslims were also victorious in this battle. Later, the Muslims gained victory over the entire area of Fayum.

One part of the Muslim army gained victory in two cities of the Manoofiya region; Ithreeb and Manuf. (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, translated by Habib Ash‘ar, pp. 573, 579, Islami Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore) (Atlas Futuhat Islamiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 229, Dar al-Salam, Al-Riyad, 1428 AH)

It is recorded regarding the victory over the Babylon Fort or Fustat that after gaining victory at Umm Dunayn, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas marched towards the Babylon Fort and laid siege to it. Now this area is known as Fustat. The reason for it being called this is that in Arabic, tents are called “Fustat”.

After successfully conquering the fort, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas commanded to leave, and it so happened that a pigeon made a nest in Hazrat Amr’sra tent. When he saw it, he instructed that the tent should remain there and upon returning from Alexandria, he had a city established near the tent; and it subsequently became known as Fustat.

(Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, pp. 150-151, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 2004)

It is estimated that the protective forces inside the fort were around 5,000 to 6,000 and they were armed in every way. Hazrat Amrra began the siege of the Babylon Fort. After Alexandria, this was one of the strongest forts and had been built with cement blocks. It was surrounded by water from the Nile River. Since it was located on the Nile River, boats and ships would go straight to the door of the fort, and so it was essential for important work. The Arabs were not properly equipped to attack such a fort nor were they ready for this. (Sirat Umar

Faruqra, Muhammad Raza, pp. 264-265, Maktabah Islamiyyah, 2010)

And so, first and foremost, Hazrat Amrra began making preparations to lay siege.

Muqawqis, the ruler of Egypt, had already reached the fort before Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas and was preparing for battle. Hazrat Zubairra rode his horse around all four sides of the ditch and would appoint the necessary number of soldiers to a given area. This siege continued for seven months straight, and the determination of victory or defeat could not be made. (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, p.

150, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 2004)

During

this

time,

sometimes

the

Byzantines would come out of the fort to fight but then would go back inside. All the while, Muqawqis would send his envoys to Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas in attempts to reconcile and strike fear.

Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas sent Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit for reconciliation with three conditions; either accept Islam or pay jizya, otherwise there would be a war. He said that a treaty should not be reached based on any other condition apart from these.

Muqawqis agreed to pay jizya, and went himself to Heraclius to seek permission.

However, Heraclius did not accept this and in fact became quite angry and expelled him from the land as a result. (Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra – Shakhsiyyat aur karnamey, Ali Muhammad Salabi, Urdu translation, p. 760, Al-Furqan Trust, Khangarh, Pakistan) (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, translated by Habib Ash‘ar, pp. 582, 584, 590, Islami Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore)

When victory at the Babylon Fort seemed to be delayed, Hazrat Zubairra bin al-Awam said, “I am going to present my life as an offering in the way of Allah. I am hopeful that this will allow the Muslims to become victorious.”

Upon saying this, he took an unsheathed sword, and using a ladder, scaled the wall of the fort. Some other companions supported him as well.

Once they had scaled the wall, they raised slogans along with which the entire army raised slogans, causing the floor of the fort to vibrate, as it were. The Christians realised that the Muslims had entered the fort, upon which they aimlessly ran. Upon coming down from the wall, Hazrat Zubairra opened the door to the fort, and the entire army came inside, and after some fighting, they conquered the fort. (Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra – Shakhsiyyat aur karname, Ali Muhammad Salabi, Urdu translation, p. 760, Al-Furqan Trust, Khangarh, Pakistan) (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, p. 150, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 2004)

Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas assured them security on the condition that the Byzantine army would take some provisions with them that will last them a few days, and that they would leave the treasures and armour in the Babylon Fort untouched as they were the spoils of the Muslims. Afterwards, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas broke the domes and fortified walls of the fort. (Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra – Shakhsiyyat aur karname, Ali Muhammad Salabi, Urdu translation, p.

760, Al-Furqan Trust, Khangarh, Pakistan) After conquering the Babylon Fort, the Muslims gained various victories in different places and forts in Egypt, of which, the most prominent was Tarnut, Naqyus, Sultais, Kiryon. (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, translated by Habib Ash‘ar, p. 602, 603, 605, 608, Islami Kutub Khana, Urdu Bazar, Lahore)

As for the conquest of Alexandria, it is stated that after the conquest of Fustat, Hazrat Umarra granted permission for the conquest of Alexandria. There was a large battle with the Byzantines at a place between Alexandria and Fustat called Kiryon, which the Muslims eventually won. After that, the Byzantines did not come forward until Alexandria. Muqawqis wished to pay the jizya and establish peace; however, the Byzantines pressured him, as a result of which Muqawqis sent a message to Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas saying that he and the Copts would not be taking part in the battle, and so they should be left unharmed. The

Copts remained separate from this and instead supported the Muslim army and began clearing paths and fixing bridges for the Muslims. During the siege of Alexandria, the Copts would provide the Muslims with provisions.

The significance of Alexandria can be gauged by the fact that when the Muslims conquered Alexandria, the city was considered its capital city. After Constantinople, this was known as the second largest city of Byzantine rule.

Furthermore, this was also the world’s first trading city. The Byzantines knew very well that if the Muslims were to conquer this city, it would pose dire consequences. It was out of this fear that Heraclius said that if the Arabs overtook Alexandria, the Byzantines would be ruined.

Heraclius started preparing to fight the Muslims himself but died during his preparations, and his son Constantine succeeded him as the ruler. Alexandria was unique to its prominent structures, large forts, location and a large number of guards.

The siege of Alexandria continued for nine months. Hazrat Umarra was worried and wrote a letter saying, “Perhaps you have become driven by luxuries there otherwise obtaining victory should not have taken this long. Along with this message, deliver a speech to the Muslims about jihad and then level an attack.”

After reading out this letter from Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas called Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit and handed him the flag. The Muslims carried out an intense attack and thus conquered the city.

Hazrat Amrra dispatched a messenger to Medina with instructions for him to ride as fast as he possibly could to convey this good news to the leader of the faithful.

The messenger mounted the she-camel and traversed the landscape until finally arriving in Medina. It was afternoon and the messenger, thinking it was resting time, avoided going straight to the Khalifa’s residence and instead headed to the Prophet’s Mosque [Masjid al-Nabawi].

Coincidentally, a female servant of Hazrat Umarra was passing by and asked the messenger who he was and where he had travelled from.

“From Alexandria”, replied the messenger. The servant rushed and immediately informed Hazrat Umarra and on returning said, “Come, the Leader of the Faithful calls for you.” Hazrat Umarra was already about to head there himself and was arranging his shawl, when the messenger arrived. Hazrat Umarra received news of the victory and fell down into prostration in gratitude to Allah. He then got up and went to the mosque and made an announcement: “Al-Salat-ul-Jami”.

All of Medina heeded this call and arrived. The messenger informed all of the details of the victory. Thereafter, the messenger went with Hazrat Umarra to his residence and the messenger was presented with a meal. Hazrat Umarra enquired from the messenger, “Why did you not come directly to me?” The messenger explained, “I thought you would be resting at the time.” Hazrat Umarra said, “How did you misconceive this about me? If I rest during the day then who would bear the responsibility of the station of Khilafat?”

With the conquest of Alexandria, all of Egypt was conquered. Through these

battles a large number of prisoners of war were captured. Hazrat Umarra gave the following directives in a letter to Hazrat Amrra regarding these prisoners: “Summon all of them and tell them they may choose to become Muslim should they wish to, or they may choose to remain upon their existing religion. If they accept Islam, they will be granted all those rights the Muslims have been afforded. Otherwise, they will have to give the jizya, which is given by all nonMuslim subjects.”

When this announcement was read before the prisoners, many chose to become Muslim, whilst many others chose to remain on their existing faith. Whenever anyone amongst them decided to embrace Islam, the other Muslims would all raise slogans of “Allah is the Greatest.” Whenever anyone amongst the prisoners professed to continue their belief in Christianity, the other Christians would sing tributes of praise, leaving the Muslims feeling sorrowful. (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, pp. 162-165, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 1991) (Al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra translated [Khangarh, Pakistan: AlFurqan Trust], pp. 760-764)

The incident of the burning of the Library of Alexandria is often cited with fervour by various orientalists. But what really occurred? An allegation is raised regarding the victory of Alexandria by the opponents of Islam, in particular by Christians, that Hazrat Umarra allegedly ordered for the great library in Alexandria to be burnt down. This allegation is an attempt to create the perception that the Muslims, God forbid, were opposed to literacy, education and knowledge. It is alleged that the Library of Alexandria burned for six months continuously. In truth, from a logical standpoint and on the basis of the narrations, this allegation is entirely false and fictional. Indeed, this is a religion whose founder taught: ُّ َ ٌ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ ‫طل ُب ال ِعل ِم ف ِريضة َعلى ك ِل ُم ْس ِل ٍم‬ That is, “It is obligatory for every Muslim to seek knowledge.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Iftitah alKitab fi al-Iman wa Fada‘il al-Sahabah wa al-‘Ilm, Bab Fadl al-Ulama wa al-Hath ala Talab al-Ilm, Hadith 224)

And he also stated: ْ ّ َْ َ َ ْ ْ ْ ُ​ُ ُْ ‫الصي ِن‬ ِ ِ‫أطلبوا ال ِعلم ولو ب‬ That is, “Seek knowledge even if you have to travel to China.” (Kanz al-Ummal, Part

10, p. 138, Kitab al-Bab al-Awwal fi al-Targhib fih, Hadith 28697, Mu‘assisat al-Risalah, Beirut, 1985)

Further, the Holy Quran in numerous verses teaches Muslims to ponder, reflect and study. To allege against a religion with the aforementioned teachings that it advocates the burning of libraries and books, is clearly contrary to logic and reason. Aside from this, many academics and researchers, including European and Christian researchers, disprove this allegation and provide evidence that supports the notion that the allegation of Muslims burning the Library of Alexandria is nothing more than a fabricated and false account. Thus, an Egyptian academic, Muhammad Raza, has written in his biography of Hazrat Umar Farooqra that the Library of Alexandria being burned is an allegation cited by Abul Farj Malati, in a book, Mukhtasir Al-Duwal.

The author was born in 1226 CE and passed away in 1286 CE. He writes: “A person by the name of Yuhanna AlNahwi, known by the Muslims as Yahya,

AL HAKAM | Friday 29 October 2021 was a Coptic priest from the Jacobite sect of Christianity and later on moved away from the concept of trinity. He had requested Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas for some books of medicine from ‘Khazain-e-Malukiyyat’ [the Library of Alexandria].

“Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas responded that he would give an answer only after seeking guidance from Hazrat Umarra.”

This is a completely made-up account, but I am relating it so that its rebuttal can also be presented. “Hazrat Umarra [according to this account] wrote back, ‘If the contents of the books you have requested are in concordance with the Book of Allah, then the Book of Allah is sufficient and the books requested serve no purpose. And if the contents of the books you have asked for are contradictory to the Book of Allah, then such literature is useless to us. Thus, you should get rid of such books.’ :Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas sorted these books in Alexandria and burnt them in a furnace. Over the course of six months, they were fully burned.

“This account is neither found in the history by Al-Tabari, nor in Ibn al-Athir, nor by Yaqubi and Al-Kindi, nor Ibn Abdul Hakam, nor Al-Baladhuri, nor Ibn Khaldun. This has only been cited by Abul Farj without any source, in the middle of the 13th century CE, corresponding to the beginning of the 7th century AH. “Professor Butler has carried out research with regard to Yuhanna Nahvi and has written that he was not even alive in 642 CE, when the incident relating to the burning of the Library of Alexandria is mentioned. Encyclopaedia Britannica has written that Yuhanna lived at the end of the 5th century and the beginning of the 6th century, whereas we know that the conquest of Egypt occurred at the outset of the 7th century.

“On this basis, Professor Butler is correct to state that Yuhanna had already passed away by then. Further, the person whose reference is being given to support this fabricated incident”, even if, for argument’s sake, it is taken as true although it is false, “this individual in question passed away well before the alleged incident. Further, Dr Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, on the authority of Professor Ismail, in his book, The History of Amr bin al-Aas, writes, ‘The Library of Alexandria did not even exist at the time, because in 47 BC, the armies of Julius Caesar had, without reason, burned down one of two major parts of it. The second part of the library had also disappeared soon after.

This occurred on the behest of the bishop Theophilus in the 4th century AD.’ “Professor Butler writes that the narrations of Abul Farj, from a historical standpoint, are mere conjecture and absurd.

If the books really had to be burned [by the Muslims] they would have burned it at one time or in one go. If it had taken six months, then many of the books would have been stolen during this time. The Arabs were not known to let such material go to ruin.

Gibbon has asserted that Islamic teachings prove contrary to this account for Islam teaches to not burn the books of Jews and Christians obtained during wartime.

In terms of Islam’s stance on knowledge, philosophy, poetry, sciences and other branches of wisdom separate from religious teachings, Islam encourages to avail these.

In the lands conquered by the Muslims,

19 they never harmed the Churches and associated artefacts, and in fact allowed the non-Muslim subjects to continue practising their faith. On the basis of all of this, can logic or reason conclude that the leader of the faithful would ever have instructed the Library of Alexandria to be burnt down?”

(Sirat Umar Faruqra, Muhammad Raza, pp. 294-297, Maktabah Islamiyyah, 2010)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira has replied to this allegation in his book, Tasdiq Barahine-Ahmadiyya by stating: “[It is alleged that] Upon the request of Philoponus Hakeem and Fazal Ajal, the Muslim commander-in-chief, Amrra bin al-Aas enquired about what to do with the library to the Second Khalifa, Leader of the Faithful, so the Khalifa replied stating it ought to be burned down immediately and that this furnace burnt continuously for six months.”

This is what the people allege.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira continues: “This allegation is as a result of spite on part of the priests and has no truth behind it. If people ponder over this, firstly, if this was part of the Islamic injunction [i.e. to burn books] then during the blessed era of Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat, he ought to have ordered the burning of Christian and Jewish holy books, because it was these two religions with holy scriptures that were the primary addressee of Islam. Then, Islam ruled over the Magians, but there is not a single instance in history that mentions the burning of their books. If this was the practice of the Khalifas of Islam, then the means of this act ought to have been found in Islam, and also nothing would stop Islam from doing this.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira further states: “Secondly, if the burning of religious books was the practice of Muslim sovereigns and the Muslim people, then it would be impossible to find books on Greek philosophy, Greek medicine, and Greek sciences in the Arabic language. Thirdly, if the burning of books was the habit of Muslims, then the one refuting Barahine-Ahmadiyya ought to have presented an example from his own country.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihra in this book was replying to a person who was refuting Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. [He continues,] “He would not need to cross the sea to Alexandria to find an example. Which books were burned in India? Fourthly, Islam ruled in India for over 700 years; during this time and even until today the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other renowned religious books such as Linga Puran and Markandeya still exist today and are considered to be their holy scriptures.

Has anyone ever heard about the burning of any of them? In fact, some of these books have even been translated. It is a wonder therefore, just how did the Hindus assume that the Muslims would burn their holy books? Ponder over this with justice.” (Tasdiq Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 1, pp. 203-204)

In Tasdiq Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Karim Sahibra has also written a note in reply to this allegation. He writes: “It is true that until a time when this incident had not been investigated and the actual events had not come to light, this allegation was levelled against the Muslims.

However, today, there are very few scholars who are just and adhere to the truth and still

level this allegation against the Muslims.

This allegation is mainly levelled owing to prejudice or being ignorant of the events.

And even when this allegation was raised, they had no proof, i.e. regarding the ones who fabricated this incident were two historians born some 580 years after this alleged incident took place, who did not have any previous source. Saint Croix, who has written countless books about the libraries of Alexandria, has outright rejected this incident to be false. It seems that these books were burnt during a battle with Julius Caesar. Thus, Plutarch writes in Life of Caesar, that fearing being captured by the enemy, Julius Caesar burnt his boats. This fire spread to the extent that it burnt down the great library of Alexandria.”

In his book, Dictionary Relating to All Ages, Haydn has not only rejected this incident, but has also written a note: “This incident is highly doubtful. The Muslims have not accepted this narration in which Hazrat Umarra is reported to have ordered the burning of all books that were contrary to Islam. Some have attributed this incident to Theophilus of Alexandria, who lived around 391 C.E. and others have attributed this to Cardinal Jimenez, who lived around the 15th century CE”.

Haydn further writes, “Our distinguished personality, Dr Leitner has mentioned this erroneous account in his book Sinnin Al-Islam, and regrettably the honourable doctor has erred in his research.”

In his famous book, John William Draper has mentioned this incident with the false narrators, but later he accepts that this incident was fabricated. He writes: “In truth, these books were burnt during a battle with Julius Caesar. Now it can be said with full conviction that this incident is baseless and a mere tale. If there is an incident worth lamenting over, then that would be the true incident in which the bigoted Cardinal Jimenez, burnt 80,000 Arabic manuscripts in the plains of Granada.” When the Christians took control of Spain from the Muslims, they burned 80,000 books from the Library of Granada.

This is something to truly lament over, as opposed to raising allegations against Islam. “See [History of the] Conflict Between Religion & Science where this reference can be found”. (Tasdiq Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 1, p.

203, footnote)

Nonetheless, this was the incident about the burning of the library on which allegations are raised.

Then, there is the conquest of Barqa [Cyrenaica]] and Tripoli. After conquering Egypt and establishing law and order there, Amrra bin al-Aas headed west so that the conquered lands would be safe from threat from that side. There were some Byzantine forces based in Barqa and Tripoli and were seizing an opportunity so that they could incite the people and subsequently attack the Muslims in Egypt. The area between Alexandria and Morocco was known as Barqa. Many towns and settlements existed in this region.

Thus, in 22 AH, Amrra bin al-Aas marched with his army towards Barqa. The land from Alexandria to Barqa was very lush and fertile and was densely populated.

For this reason, until they reached there, they did not face any schemes of the enemy.

When they reached there, the people agreed to a treaty on the condition of paying the

jizya. Subsequently, the people of Barqa would themselves go to the governor of Egypt and pay the Kharaj and the Muslims would not need to go to collect it themselves.

Among the people in this region, they were the most simple. They did not instigate any discord or rebellion. Amrra bin al-Aas left here and headed towards Tripoli, which was a city protected by forts. A large Byzantine army was stationed there.

When they learnt of the approaching Muslim army, they retreated to the forts and were forced to put up with the siege by the Muslims. This siege lasted for one month, but the Muslims did not attain much success. From the rear, the sea was connected to Tripoli and there was no wall between the sea and the city. The Muslims became aware of this secret and a few Muslims entered the city via the sea. They loudly raised the slogans of “Allah is the Greatest”. The opposing army was left with no other option but to take shelter in their boats. When they ran, Amrra bin al-Aas launched an attack and killed most of them, except the ones that had escaped on their boats. The equipment and wealth in the city were captured by the Muslims as spoils of the battle. After this, Amrra bin al-Aas spread his army in the surrounding areas.

His intention was that after attaining victories in the direction towards the West to then head towards Tunisia and Africa.

And so, he wrote a letter to Hazrat Umarra; however, Hazrat Umarra, at the time, was reluctant to send the Muslim army to any new battlefront, particularly at a time when he was not convinced [of complete peace and security] in the lands which had been conquered from Syria to Tripoli in such a short space of time. And so, he instructed the army to remain stationed in Tripoli.

During the era of Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat, the Islamic empire expanded far and wide. The Islamic empire established itself on the world map in the form of a single country, stretching from the River Gihon and the Indus River in the east to the Sahara desert of Africa in the West and similarly stretched from the Northern Anatolian Mountains and Armenia in the North to the Pacific Ocean and Nubia in the south. Nubia is an expansive and vast area of land which is situated in the south of Egypt.

People of various nations, religions and cultures all lived in peace and security under the shade of justice and mercy established by the Muslims in the entire land that was under their control. Islam granted people their full rights and honoured the sanctity of their lives despite those people greatly opposing their beliefs, manner of worship, culture and way of life. (Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattabra – Shakhsiyyat aur karname, Ali Muhammad Salabi, Urdu translation, pp. 765-766, Al-Furqan Trust, Khangarh, Pakistan) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1, Barqa [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah], p. 462) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1, Nubah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-’Ilmiyyah], p. 357)

What was the standard of worship of the Muslims during the battles? Regarding this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Everything in the world attains progress gradually. Even the greatest of feats are never accomplished in a single moment.

Even in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, not everyone observed the Tahajud prayer; rather, this habit was being instilled in them gradually and even though it is proven

20

Friday 29 October 2021 | AL HAKAM

that sometimes the Holy Prophetsa would not offer the Tahajud prayer during battle; however, in the era of Hazrat Umarra, the Muslims would offer the Tahajud prayer even in the days of battle. It is possible that the Holy Prophetsa would also wake up for the Tahajud prayer during the days of battle, but it is proven that on certain occasions, he would not offer Tahajud [during the days of battle].

“However, in the era of Hazrat Umarra, the Muslims would offer the Tahajud prayer even in battle. Once, Heraclius decided to launch a sudden attack on the Muslims; however, after much discussion, it was ultimately decided that there was no point to launch a sudden attack because the Muslims did not sleep at night and instead would offer Tahajud. This is another hallmark of their progression which was not found in them in the early days and thus the Holy Prophetsa would have to greatly urge and exhort them to offer this but later even those who were weak had developed the habit to offer the Tahajjud prayer.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 13, p. 189)

Whilst mentioning the battles that took place during the era of the Khulafa-eRashideen [The Rightly Guided Caliphs], Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Islam has not only given the command to challenge [the aggressors] but owing to certain wisdom and reasons it has also commanded to endure the injustices. Hence, Allah the Almighty grants permission that if one receives a slap, he can slap in return; however, if one feels that it would be wise not to retaliate, then one ought to remain

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quiet and not retaliate in the same manner.

Thus, this argument which is generally presented in these instances [of battle] refutes the allegation levelled by the enemy against Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra.

“It is clear that Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not commit any injustice; rather, it was the Byzantine Emperor who committed injustice. Hazrat Umarra did not commit any injustice; rather, it was Chosroes who committed injustice. Hazrat Usmanra did not commit any injustice; rather, it was the tribes dwelling in Afghanistan and Bukhara and the Kurds etc. who committed injustice.

However, we do not find any argument or reason as to why Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra did not forgive them.

“When [Hazrat Abu Bakrra] left for battle, he could have said to the Byzantine Emperor that a certain commander had committed an error and if their government apologised for it then they would forgive them and if not then they would proceed for battle. He did not say to the Byzantine Emperor that he or one section of his army had committed injustice on a certain occasion, but since their teaching also states that one can forgive their enemy, therefore if they sought an apology then they were ready to forgive. In fact, as soon as he committed an injustice, the Muslims were ready to challenge them in battle and continued to challenge them.

“Similarly, when the soldiers of Chosroes attacked at the border of Iraq, a battle between the companions and Chosroes

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was politically justified and lawful, but nonetheless Hazrat Umarra could have said to Chosroes that he himself may have not given an instruction to attack, but the soldiers did this of their own accord, therefore the Muslims were willing to overlook this attack providing they apologise and show remorse over their action; however, Hazrat Umarra did not do this.

“Again, in the era of Hazrat Uthmanra, he did not say to the enemy that though they had committed an injustice, since their religion also taught to forgive one’s injustices, therefore they would forgive them. In fact, he immediately stood to challenge them and sent his armies and fought against them and continued to battle against them. After all, what was the reason for this?”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further continues: “If we ponder over this, we find that there was no other reason for this except for the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakrra knew that whenever the external danger subsides, internal conflict will begin. He felt that it wasn’t the Byzantine emperor who launched an attack but it was in fact God, so that through this trial, the Muslims would reform themselves and instil in them a new life and bring about a transformation in themselves.

Hazrat Umarra knew that it wasn’t Chosroes who launched the attack, but it was in fact God Who did so lest the Muslims became neglectful and indolent and immersed themselves in material pursuits; rather, they should always remain vigilant and ready.

Hazrat Uthmanra knew that it wasn’t the

various tribes who launched an attack on the Muslims, in fact it was God so that the Muslims became vigilant and instilled a new life and spirit within themselves.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 30, pp. 175-176)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned this in one of his sermons. On the basis of this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then advised the Jamaat that one had to go through trials and difficulties so that they could progress in spirituality.

If we wish to uphold this principle even today, then remember that these trials and difficulties ought to bring us closer to God Almighty and it is this that then becomes a means of attaining success and victories.

If, out of fear, we show reluctance in these matters and do not pay focus towards our reformation, then success cannot be attained. And when success is achieved and difficulties come to an end, even then we should continue to maintain our bond with Allah the Almighty.

However, these days particularly, we ought to pay greater attention towards Allah the Almighty and towards our spiritual betterment and progress.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated that if we fail to grasp this point, then we have not understood anything at all. Hence, this is a point that every Ahmadi must try and understand these days.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International [Sirat-un-Nabi Number], 26 October 2021, pp. 5-10.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 16 July 2021 | Issue CLXXIV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

$EUDKDP DQG KLV IDPLO\ 7KUHH OHVVRQV IRU WKH 21st FHQWXU\ Eid-ul-Adha recalls the successful sacrifice of a father’s protection, a mother’s inherent love and a child’s life, for the will of Allah.

It is a story that meanders through trust, even when all odds are against you; belief, despite nothing tangible to hold onto; and sacrifice, whether it made sense or not.

Hazrat Abraham, Hazrat Hajirah and Hazrat Ishmael, peace be on them all, set the stage for the future Muslim ummah and taught us that without utter obedience and sacrifice, we cannot attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.

Ours is an interesting age – rigorous scientific methods and

endless technological advancements have brought boundless good and development; however, this “new age” also comes with hidden price tags for believers.

In a world where everything is questioned, the logic and reason Continued on next page >>

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

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Á Ä Ì ÁÄ Á ÁÄ Â Å Á Á Á Á Á Å Á à «Å ɑ Á õ ö´ £ n Á ƍÄ Ʊà I ÃȮȯ ,C º à ǀDŽ à ~ Á Á Á  ŠÁ ÁÄ ,C E wǡǧ Á fÁ 0 Á Á Ä Â N ºƑÁ Ä ƷoÁ  .Å Á _Á Á C Á ɐ¡Å Á ª ÃÅ Â ]Á GÅ Á C Á ,Á 0ÁÄ Á .ÁÄ Ã Ã Ã Á Á Á Á Å Á Á Á Á Á Å ÁÁ Á Á Å Á Á Á ÅÁ C Á KÁ Ä f  C n ] Ȫȫ ºadzǺ ɗRà a Hazrat Al-Barara narrates, “I heard the Holy Prophetsa delivering a sermon in which he said, ‘The first thing to be done on this day [first day of Eid-ulAdha] is to pray; and after returning from the prayer, we slaughter our sacrifices [in the name of Allah] and whoever does so, has acted according to our sunnah.’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Eidain, Hadith 951)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A prayer of the 3URPLVHG 0HVVLDK Here are the holy words of a prayer by the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, as expressed by his own blessed lips: “O Lord of all the worlds! It is beyond me to offer You gratitude for all Your favours. You are most Merciful and Compassionate, and the bounties that You have conferred upon me are countless. Forgive me my sins, lest I am ruined. Fill my heart with sincere love for You, so that I may receive life. Cover my faults and allow me to perform such deeds which become the source of Your pleasure. I seek refuge in Your noble countenance lest your punishment befalls me. Have mercy and save me from the calamities of this world and the Hereafter. For all grace and compassion is in Your hand. Amin, and again, amin.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 241)

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