Al Hakam - 5 November 2021

From the Markaz Nasirat from Northern Region, United Kingdom meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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Ahmadis in Bulgaria build “Blue Room” for children who experience violence in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Three effective habits of Prophet Muhammad

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100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Kashmir famine, Prophet Muhammad and Moses beholding Allah and nature of revelations Page 11

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 | Issue CXC Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

“Never rest easy or feel satisfied with what has gone in the past; rather, look to the future” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V addresses concluding session of Humanity First Conference 2021 Sunday, 31 October 2021, Islamabad, UK: The concluding session of Humanity First International’s 2021 Conference was presided by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa earlier today.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa arrived in the Masroor Hall in Islamabad at 17:34 GMT and the concluding session immediately commenced.

Huzooraa invited Raheel Ahmad Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran, who recited a few verses from Surah al-Balad (Ch.90: V.5-21) before presenting their English translation.

Syed Ahmad Yahya Sahib was then invited to present a report of the conference.

Ahmad Yahya Sahib first thanked Huzooraa for gracing the event with his attendance. Due to Covid-19, the conference was not possible in 2020, but for the first time, a hybrid conference, with 65 countries and a total of 1,229 delegates and members from various countries participating, the conference was held this year. In this conference, Humanity First also celebrated 25 years since its inception.

Continued on next page >>

CELEBRATING �� YEARS

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

The virtue of seeking knowledge

َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ّٰ ُ ‫ قال َر ُس ْﻮل الل ِہ َﺻلی الل ُہ َ�ل ْي ِﻪ‬،‫ع ْﻦ أ� ِ ْي ﻫ َریْ َرة قال‬ َّ َ ْ ْ ً َ َ َ َ َ ‫و َسل َم َﻣ ْﻦ َسلک ﻃ ِریْﻘا یَل َت ِﻤ ُﺲ ِف ْي ِﻪ �ِ ل ًﻤا َس ّﻬﻞ‬ َ ْ َ ً َ َ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ � ُ� ﻃ ِریْﻘا ِإﻟی ا��َ ّن ِﺔ‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa said to him: “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for them.”

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

To make use of apparent means is not forbidden Seeking recourse to apparent means is not forbidden by the Shariah. Someone asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, whether they should make use of medicine. The Holy Prophetsa responded by saying: “Yes, use medicine; there is no illness for which a remedy does not exist.”

Indeed, this is absolutely true. No physician or doctor can claim that a certain medicine will definitely cure an illness, for if this was the case, why would anyone die? Physicians and doctors ought to become righteous.

They must have recourse to medicine, but pray as well. They ought to supplicate in seclusion. Those who were consumed by their pride were the first to be disgraced. It is said that Galen prided himself on being able to cure cases of diarrhoea. Yet, the power of God is astonishing. Galen died of this very disease himself. In the same manner, certain physicians develop fever or tuberculosis and then pass on from this temporal world.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 255)

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<< Continued from previous page

The theme for this year’s conference was “Poverty Elimination Through Empowerment”.

After this report, Huzooraa then announced that a video, summarising the first 25 years of Humanity First, would be shown. The video presentation detailed highlights from the charity organisation’s journey and what it has achieved so far in this quarter of a century.

Following the video presentation, Huzooraa took to the podium to deliver the concluding address.

After reciting tashahud and ta‘awuz, Huzooraa said that although the event could not be held last year due to Covid-19, some people were able to attend this year while most were participating from other countries, live.

Huzooraa said that it had now been 26 years since the charity was first registered formally and since then, it had achieved a lot. Huzooraa said that in some countries, Humanity First had provided rapid relief to struggling countries, while in other places, it had provided solid infrastructures to provide the basic needs to the local people.

Humanity First has set up food banks in various places and has provided meat to less privileged members of society. The homeless and orphans have also been extended help by Humanity First. Humanity First is providing farming and agriculture support, medical training and teaching a range of skills for the advantage of locals in various places. Through its Water for Life programme, Humanity First has provided clean drinking water in various places. In some places, it has established schools, care shelters etc. for the betterment of the local populace.

With the grace of Allah, Humanity First is now a very well-established and respected

charity organisation. Humanity First has now reached a stage where external NGOs and similar humanitarian organisations are seeking to collaborate to achieve their own objectives.

One International NGO of a certain country expressed its desire and intention to provide funds to Humanity First so that it may carry out projects on its behalf.

This demonstrates that with Allah’s grace, Humanity First has earned the trust of other humanitarian organisations, including those associated with the United Nations.

This was, of course, destined to happen as the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that if one’s etiquettes and conduct were good, then people would appreciate it and they could consider that they had contributed to society in a positive way.

Although we desire no reward from people and only from Allah, certain organisations and government agencies have lauded Humanity First, which testifies to the beneficial works that have been conducted by Humanity First. It reflects the fact that Humanity First has earnestly strived to fulfil the objective which the Holy Quran has instructed us to pursue, which is to serve humanity and fulfil the needs of anyone facing adversity.

In the Holy Quran, Allah has instructed us to help our fellow men and women, irrespective of caste, creed or colour. There are a number of examples from the life of the Holy Prophetsa, how he served mankind.

The Holy Prophetsa is an everlasting source of mercy and through his blessed words and deeds, he shone an everlasting light on the magnificent teachings of Islam. He showed that serving mankind is a fundamental teaching of Islam.

Islam teaches us to protect the orphans and provide for the needy and look after those who are suffering from ill health. Also,

that one’s neighbours have a great right over them.

In one well-known tradition, the Holy Prophetsa said that the angel Gabriel had emphasised the rights of neighbours so much that he thought that perhaps they would be included in a Muslim’s rightful heirs.

The definition of a neighbour in Islam is vast. It not only includes those who live in one’s close proximity; rather, it includes many, for example, work colleagues, travel companions, subordinates etc. In reality, the scope of one’s neighbours in Islam is so vast that all members of humanity can be included in it. Thus, it is the duty of an Ahmadi Muslim to serve mankind.

Through Humanity First, Ahmadi Muslims have had the opportunity to serve mankind, whether in their own areas or further away.

Islam teaches us to alleviate the pain of those who are suffering ill health and tenderly care for them and regularly enquire after their health. In this regard, the Holy Prophetsa said that whosever visited a sick person, a heavenly caller would announce, “May your every step be blessed and may you be rewarded with an abode in Paradise.”

Not only has the Holy Prophetsa instructed Muslims to provide relief and treatment to those who are unwell, but he also gave the glad tiding that those who made extra efforts to serve the sick would be rewarded in the Hereafter.

Consequently, those who spend out of what Allah has provided them to build hospitals, clinics etc. are those who are building their homes in Paradise. In light of this, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has built many hospitals and schools in different countries. However, where it is not possible, due to religious opposition, Humanity First has provided an excellent avenue to fulfil our obligations and ardent

desire to serve others.

The Holy Quran says that those who protect and feed orphans are those who gain the nearness of Allah. Those who ignore their rights are recipients of His wrath. The Holy Prophetsa also repeatedly emphasised the importance of serving orphans and other vulnerable members of society.

The Holy Prophetsa once said, “Find me among the poor.” Here, he proclaims that he stands shoulder to shoulder with those who are weak and defenceless and that if a person desired to attain his love and the love of Allah, then one should seek to help those who are helpless or victims of misfortune. Unquestionably, the blessed and noble teachings and practice of the Holy Prophetsa stand as a timeless example for the Muslim community and the world at large.

“Thus, never let any opportunity to serve those who are mired in poverty or subjected to hardship slip through your fingers and never, God forbid, allow even a trace of pride to enter your mind, thinking that you are doing such people a favour; rather, it is they who are doing you a favour because they are providing you with an opportunity to gain the pleasure of God and to reap His blessings in both this world and the next.”

Huzooraa said that Ahmadis were blessed to spend their wealth to help the less fortunate and needy and it was for this reason that Humanity First was established.

Islam teaches us to serve the hungry and so, food banks have been introduced, most notably in Canada, the UK and USA. In terms of giving generously, it is narrated that the Holy Prophetsa once said: “Each day two angels descend, one of them says, ‘O Allah, grant even more to the one who spends in charity and may there be many others who follow in his steps.’

Thereupon other angels say, ‘O Allah, may he who withholds charity and is miserly be destroyed and may all his wealth and riches

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AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 come to an end.’”

It is purely with this intention that Humanity First raises funds and serves humanity and for this reason, many Ahmadis donate towards this. They have seen how Humanity First uses its “volunteer army” to ensure that maximum amount of money is spent on those who need it the most.

Huzooraa said: “Always, the primary focus and desire of every member of Humanity First should be to serve the interest of the weakest members of society, rather than to serve their own self-interest in any way whatsoever. Rest assured that if you serve Allah’s creation selflessly and for His sake alone, then surely He will reward you in this world and in the Hereafter.

“The fact that Humanity First is administratively independent of our religious administration ensures that no one can question our motivations or suggest that we gain some religious benefit or other advantage through our humanitarian service.

“Nonetheless, never forget that your true inspiration is and always will be the benevolent teachings of Islam. Do not shy away from the fact that it is your religion and belief in Allah the Almighty that motivates you to serve the cause of humanity.

“Accordingly, wherever Humanity First provides and serves, or wherever it invites donations, strive to ensure that the people know that you are inspired by Islam’s beautiful teachings and it is your religion that obligates you to serve others with empathy and a spirit of generosity.”

The Holy Prophetsa taught to cater for those who struggle with hardships and difficult circumstances. In this era, the Promised Messiahas constantly emphasised and instructed his followers to serve the poor and underprivileged. It is for this reason that there is a special passion and desire to serve mankind.

On one occasion, while speaking about fulfilling the rights of mankind, the Promised Messiahas said: “The most perilous and arduous challenge is to fulfil the rights of mankind because this is a test and trial that one is faced with at all times and remains constantly before a person. Therefore, one ought to tread very carefully and be mindful when taking any step in this regard.”

The Promised Messiahas further said: “It is my firm conviction that even with one’s enemy, one should never act with undue severity.”

At another occasion, the Promised Messiahas said: “To love mankind and to show compassion to others is an immense form of worship of God Almighty and an outstanding means of attaining His pleasure and rewards.”

In another instance, the Promised Messiahas said: “Allah the Almighty repeatedly commands that irrespective of religion or ethnicity, you should show love and compassion to all people. Allah commands us to feed the hungry, free those shackled in bondage, pay off the arrears of those mired in debt, shoulder the burden of others and truly fulfil the duties owed to mankind.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then said, “It was to fulfil these objectives that Humanity

First was founded.”

On one occasion, while instructing to show true sympathy to mankind, the Promised Messiahas said: “Each day every person should analyse himself and see to what extent he is concerned for others and to what extent he shows love and compassion to his brothers.

Compassion for others is a huge demand and responsibility that weighs heavy on mankind.”

In reference to a hadith that portrays the true magnitude to serve others, the Promised Messiahas said: “In one hadith, it is narrated that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will say, ‘I was hungry and you did not feed Me; I was thirsty and you did not give Me water; I was sick and you did not meet or comfort Me.’ Upon this, those being addressed will ask, ‘O our Lord, when was it that You were hungry, and we did not feed you? When was it that You were thirsty, and we did not quench Your thirst? And when was it that You were sick, and we did not comfort You.’ In reply, God Almighty will say, ‘A person dear to Me was suffering in this way and you did not show any compassion or kindness to him. To show love to him would actually have been to show love to Me.’ “Similarly, to another community, Allah the Almighty will say, ‘I thank you as you showed love and compassion to Me; when I was hungry, you fed Me; when I was thirsty, you quenched My thirst.’ The members of that community will then ask, ‘O our Lord, when did we serve You in this way? We do not know ourselves.’ In response, Allah will say, ‘When you showed love and compassion to a person dear to Me, you were actually manifesting your love for Me.’” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then said: “Hence, it is up to the members of Humanity First to strive earnestly, seeking the betterment and wellbeing of mankind.

Never rest easy or feel satisfied with what has gone in the past; rather, look to the future and see how and where you can increase the

scope of your service to humanity.”

Huzooraa said that Humanity First had earned a very decent reputation and organisations and NGOs now lauded Humanity First’s efforts.

Huzooraa carried on to say: “It is my prayer that this spirit never diminishes, but only ever increases. I also wish to reiterate that you must never entertain even a trace of arrogance in your hearts to think that you have done great work or that you have done a favour to those who benefit from the various Humanity First projects; rather at all times, absolute humility and gratitude to Allah the Almighty should course through your veins.”

Towards the end, Huzooraa said: “At the end, I also wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the volunteers and team members of Humanity First because, during its first quartercentury, they have served in an exemplary way, with great sincerity and loyalty to the cause of serving humanity. The passion of its volunteers has enabled Humanity First to live up to its name and become a wellestablished and renowned charity and disaster relief agency.

“Alhamdulillah, each year, the scope of work of Humanity First has continued to expand and I pray that this always remains the case. May its members and volunteers be those who stand ever ready to wipe away the tears of those who are in distress or hurting in any way. May you always be ready to help those blameless souls who are the victims of their circumstances to overcome their grief, desperation and heartache. May you always stand up for the rights of the weak, deprived and vulnerable. May Allah enable all of you to play your role in serving the cause of humanity and helping those tormented by abject poverty and deprivation to stand upon their own two feet.

“May Allah the Almighty bless the efforts of Humanity First and may it never take a backward step; rather, I pray it always marches forward in its efforts to humanity. Amin. Jazakallah.”

Thereafter, Huzooraa led everyone in dua (silent prayer), after which the conference formally came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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From the Markaz

Ahmadi girls should pursue education in medicine, teaching, human rights law, global warming and anything else that benefits mankind Nasirat from north of the UK meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

On 30 October 2021, nasirat from the north of the United Kingdom were given the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting.

Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Fatiha Sahiba, followed by its English translation. Atiya Amini Sahiba recited an Urdu poem.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then turned to Mateen Bhatti Sahiba, Secretary Nasirat UK, and asked what the programme was.

She replied that the nasirat had some questions they wished to ask Huzooraa.

The first to ask a question was Areesha from Glasgow. She said that depression and anxiety were becoming common these days and requested Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for guidance in this regard and his views on mental health.

Huzooraa said: “It is because we [as a society] are involved in materialistic things. The preference order of our [society’s] desires and wishes has changed. Instead of seeking

Allah’s love and Allah’s closeness, we are running after worldly things. This is the main cause of it. And when your desires are not fulfilled, or you cannot get what you want, then you become frustrated, and then that frustration leads to anxiety. So, this is why Allah Almighty has said, in the Holy Quran:

ُ​ُۡ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ َ ‫ا�َ� ِب ِﺬ� ِر الل ِه تﻄ َم ِ� ُّن القلوۡ ُب‬

[“Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Surah al-Ra‘d Ch.13: V.29)] “That is, the remembrance of Allah is the best way for the satisfaction of your heart.

So, if you remember Allah whenever you have any problem – you bow before Allah, you offer your five daily prayers fervently, sincerely – then Allah will give comfort and satisfy your heart. And resultantly you will feel comfortable and better. Most of the patients, nowadays, who are having anxiety problems are suffering because they are too much inclined towards worldly things. So, if you try to get closer to Allah Almighty, then at least 80% of your anxiety will finish”.

Inarah from Sheffield said that nonAhmadi Muslims in her school had told her that listening to songs was haram in Islam.

She asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what his view on this issue was and if there were any verses of the Holy Quran or any ahadith regarding this topic.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa replied: “It is not haram; it is just a wastage of time. As far as some musical instruments are concerned, and drumming is concerned, and some other instruments, they used to be used during the time of the Holy Prophetsa. And even on one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Aishara, when she was sitting with her friends – or I think it was on an occasion when a girl’s marriage was to be celebrated – and the Holy Prophetsa asked, when the marriage was going to be performed, to use some musical instruments because that girl was from that tribe where these things were very common.

So, this is why, in honouring the sentiments of that girl, the Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Aishara even to ask some girls to use those

musical instruments. But there are some instruments which are prohibited, or even it is prohibited because nowadays, we [as a society] are using musical instruments at a time when it incites one to dance at the same time, and that is prohibited. Dancing is prohibited. So, using drums and some other instruments of that sort are not prohibited, but at the same time you should also remember that it is a wastage of time”.

Huzooraa said that instead of wasting one’s time on music, it was better to read a book and seek knowledge or involve oneself in something that was beneficial for human beings.

With regard to music, Huzooraa further said, “Listening to the voice of na-mehram [a person whom a Muslim is allowed to marry] is prohibited, and when you are listening to songs – and those songs which incite you emotionally – they are [prohibited], especially for men. Men have been asked to not listen to the voice of women when they are singing and that can take one to the wrong path or one feels something wrong

“

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AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 about those women or girls who are singing.

That is prohibited. That is the logic behind it, otherwise only [listening to] music is not [prohibited]”.

Maimoona Asifa from Bradford North asked Huzooraa if it was permissible to offer Salat with painted nails.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered: “Yes, what is the harm in it? […] When you use nail polish, it seals your nail. And when you perform wudhu [ablution], it is to clean yourself. And when your nails are painted with nail polish, then there is no space [between the nail and the applied polish] in it and no dirt or any filth can go inside […] the only thing which the Holy Prophetsa has said is that you should cut your nails”.

Next, Fatima Sahiba had the opportunity to ask a question. She said that religion stopped one from doing bad and encouraged one to do good, but one could also do good deeds and stop oneself from doing bad things without religion. She asked Huzooraa what the need for religion was.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered: “You see, as far as morals are concerned, an atheist can have good morals. He can have the quality of speaking the truth all the time, whereas some believers or the followers of religion do not speak the truth.

They are sometimes liars. So, in that way, that atheist is better than those believers.

But at the same time, these atheists believe that all good morals came to this world, or were introduced to humanity, through messengers of God, through the Prophets.

So, they admit that good morals were given to us by prophets. So, that shows that it is religion that has brought good morals in this world before human beings.

“Now, the question is, if a non-believer or an atheist who does not believe in Allah Almighty has good morals and does good deeds, why should we believe in religion?

Allah Almighty says that this life, this worldly life, is not the only life. There is life after death. And that is what all the Prophets told us that after this life, there is an eternal life. Allah Almighty says when you do good deeds in this world, you are performing your duties, discharging your duties you owe to your Creator, Allah Almighty, and you are discharging your duties you owe to your fellow human beings, then Allah Almighty will reward you in the Hereafter. This is why we say that not only good morals, but a true believer – a follower of the religion – should also discharge his duties towards Allah Almighty”.

Huzooraa explained that religion was there to benefit mankind. Huzooraa added that an atheist received their reward in this world; however, a believer “gets his reward here, and in the Hereafter. That is the benefit of following religion.”

Romana from Edinburgh Jamaat said that she was covering terrorism in her social studies class and said that a lot of the time, terrorism was associated with Islam. She asked Huzooraa how one could explain that terrorism did not originate from religion, but mostly from political agendas.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered: “If you read the book of my addresses, [World Crisis and the] Pathway to Peace, it will give you the answer. It has covered all the answers. And you can give that book to your teachers, and keep that book in your school library, and ask your fellow students

Sometimes, some vision; sometimes in a dream, I can see how Allah Almighty wants me to do something

to read it. And if you read it yourself, you will also get the answer.

“You see, Islamic teachings have nothing to do with terrorism. Allah Almighty says very clearly, categorically, in the Holy Quran that the killing of a person is akin to killing the whole of mankind; and saving a life of one person is as if you have saved the life of the whole of mankind. Then, the Holy Quran says that killing a person, without reason, will take you to Hell. The Holy Quran says killing a believer will lead you to Hell”.

Madiha from Sheffield asked Huzooraa which field Ahmadi girls should go into to best serve the Jamaat and humanity.

Speaking with her, Huzooraa asked, “What is your opinion?”, to which she responded by saying medicine. Huzooraa then said, “Then the first preference should be in medicine; second, teaching; third, human rights law; fourth, engineering. Then, with regard to this present-day problem, global warming.

So, you can study this subject as well. Any field which is beneficial for human beings, Ahmadi girls should follow that field. So, for Waqf-e-Nau girls, the first preference should be medicine, teaching. That is what I prefer. Otherwise, there are so many fields which are beneficial for human beings that can be taken up by Ahmadi girls as well.”

Sabah from Bradford North asked how girls could become more like Syed Taalay Ahmed Shaheed.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “You [should] work hard for the cause of the Jamaat, spread the message of Allah Almighty, show your example as a good believer and good Ahmadi Muslim girl so that people see you and say that these are the girls who are a true portrayal of the Islamic teaching. So, as far as shahadat is concerned, Allah knows better whom He is going to give this status to. But at least we should perform our duty by practising the Islamic teaching and portraying ourselves as good believers and good Muslims.”

Mahnoor of Bolton said that the Holy Quran had stated that Allah spoke and connected with Prophets and holy people through means of dialogue, visions and angels. She asked Huzooraa how he connected with Allah.

Huzooraa smiled and said: “You have already explained it.

Sometimes, some vision; sometimes in a dream, I can see how Allah Almighty wants me to do something, and some signs are there. There are not always clear-cut dreams.

Sometimes, when I am praying, during the prayer, something comes into my mind about some issue, some problem; and then, when I do according to that, the solution also comes at the same time, and I know that this is from Allah Almighty. Then, whenever I act according to that, then the work is beautifully done, and satisfactory results come. So, this is how Allah guides; sometimes through dreams and sometimes during prayers, some strong feeling comes to my mind and that ‘this is the solution, and this should be solved in this way.’”

Meerab from Glasgow asked Huzooraa what the Jews believed regarding the ascension of Prophet Jesusas, as believed by Christians and non-Ahmadi Muslims.

Huzooraa said: “They do not believe what the Christians believe […] They say that Elia [Elijah] was to come before Jesus Christ, and it is also the Jewish belief that Elia ascended to Heaven, and he will return. And after he comes from Heaven, then they will believe that Jesus has come. But now they say since that prophet [Elijah] has not come, they do not believe that Jesus is the right person”.

Huzooraa explained that this was similar to how the Muslims were today who awaited the physical descent of Prophet Jesusas and mocked and ridiculed Hazrat Ahmadas.

Zoya asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa when Allah would connect human life to extraterrestrial species and how the world would react to this meeting.

Huzooraa said when and if it happened, the religion, even at that time, would be Islam, as long as this Earth is in the universe.

Atiya Amini was next to ask a question.

Seeing her, Huzooraa asked if she was the daughter of Nadeem Amini Sahib; to which she replied in the affirmative. She asked how one could tell the difference between a dream from Allah and a normal dream.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained: “Every person sees a dream during the night; if you have sound sleep, at least four or five dreams […] If the dream is from Allah, it has its own majesty. Then, you feel in your heart that it is from Allah, and it has some meaning”.

Maheen from Manchester West asked how many battles took place between the Muslims and the non-Muslims during the time of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered: “There are quite a number of battles – Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhud, Battle of Ahzab and the Battle of Hunain. Even I have

explained in my khutbahs [sermons] there were quite a number of battles. Although, there were some battles where Muslims had to bear great loss, ultimately they were victorious because it was the promise of Allah Almighty that ‘whenever you are fighting in the cause of Allah, you will win’”.

Shamama from Huddersfield North asked which career paths Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa did not recommend for women to take.

Huzoor replied: “Music, sports, police, army […] otherwise all other careers are good for women. Girls should choose those careers – even boys – which are useful for human beings, for humanity”.

Muneeba from Bradford North asked Huzooraa why one who was under the age of 15 should not fast during Ramadan.

Huzooraa explained: “This age is the age of your nourishment, your growth. So, this is why it is said it is not obligatory on you to keep fasts regularly for 30 days; but off and on, you can keep fasts”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained that it was not obligatory for a person of 15 years of age to fast; however, when one reached the age of maturity and was well grown and strong enough, fasting becomes obligatory.

Next, Hiba from Bolton asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa what a member of Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya should do if one of her parents was taking her away from the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that the person would have to decide whether she wanted to follow her religion or the order of her parents.

“If you believe in Allah Almighty and have firm faith in Allah, then He says that you can tell your parents that ‘I will follow the teaching of my religion and whatever Allah Almighty says to me’”.

Sabeekah from Glasgow Jamaat asked Huzooraa how one could create a balance between need and want.

Huzooraa explained: “You don’t know your preferences?

What do you truly need? You truly need some clothing to cover yourself. If your parents are well-off, you can ask them to get you good clothing. If they are well-off, they can get you good food […] there should be contentment in your heart”.

Huzooraa further explained that if one “demands something which is beyond the capacity of the parents, then that is wrong.”

Aliya from Sheffield asked that when reciting Durood Sharif upon passing by the grave of a Muslim, where other nonMuslims were buried, did non-Muslims also benefit from the durood recited?

Huzooraa said: “If it does not benefit them, at least it will benefit you. Allah Almighty will return that Durood Sharif to you for your benefit”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further said that “reciting Durood Sharif is always beneficial.”

In the end, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “It seems the girls today were very much prepared. They are from Manchester, right? They are always like this.”

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

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in Histo 5-11 November 5 November 1926: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra initiated the organisation of Ansarullah for the purpose of looking after the upbringing of Ahmadi children and youth. In its inaugural session, on this day, Huzoorra made it obligatory for its members to learn Ayat-ulKursi (Surah al-Baqarah Ch2: V.256) and the last three chapters of the Holy Quran. Moreover, every member was to keep the following three books with them as a personal copy: the Holy Quran, Noah’s Ark and Riyadh-usSaliheen.

Through this body, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra endeavoured to uplift the standards of members of the Jamaat.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, p. 565)

5 November 1968: Hazrat Chaudhry Ghulam Hussain Bhattira passed away.

He did bai‘at in 1905 through a letter and travelled personally to Qadian in 1907. Almost half of the population of his village in Sargodha accepted Ahmadiyyat through his tabligh (preaching).

His son, Chaudhry Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib, was a missionary, who had the opportunity to serve in the UK as a missionary and as the deputy imam of the London Mosque.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh leading silent prayer after being elected as Khalifatul Masih; Rabwah, Pakistan, 8 November 1965

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh as Khalifatul Masih III. Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh led the funeral prayer the very next day at around 4:30 pm, which was attended by thousands of people.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh made a short speech, which was followed by the funeral prayer.

Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib, along with Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyarra, represented the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in the annual session of the Muslim League on 23 March 1940, in which the Lahore Resolution, also called the Pakistan Resolution, was passed. Thus, this was a historic moment which they had the honour to be a part of. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 24, p. 689)

6 November 1932: The Jamaat arranged a worldwide series of jalsas to highlight the high standards of the life of the Holy Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

A jalsa was organised in Qadian. Its third and final session was presided over by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was buried in Bahishti Maqbarah in Rabwah next to his mother, Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begumra.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh at Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema, Rabwah

7 November 1939: Hazrat Hakim Abdul Khaliqra passed away. He belonged to Dera Ghazi Khan and had the opportunity to perform Hajj in 1937.

Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya annual ijtema was held in Rabwah. This was the last ijtema of the 14th century AH. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered speeches on all three days. Huzoor’srh speech on the last day was also conveyed live to the Lajna ijtema arena. The Lajna ijtema was also taking place. (Al Fazl, 20 November 1980)

7 November 1980: The 36th Majlis

8 November 1965: Owing to

an assassination attempt and his unyielding struggle for the Jamaat and nation, over the years, Hazrat Muslehe-Maud’sra health continued a prolonged process of decline. On this date, at 2:20 am, this great leader passed away in Rabwah, Pakistan.

On the same day, after Isha prayer, the electoral college held its proceedings and announced the election of

9 November 1936: Hazrat Haji Abdul Azizra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away at the age of 71 in Aligarh. He did bai‘at and accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat in 1893 at the hand of the Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Haji Sahibra was the father of Dr Ata Ullah Butt, Principal Tibbiya College Aligarh.

When he passed away, his body was brought to Qadian to be buried in Bahishti Maqbarah. Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra led his funeral prayer. (Al Fazl, 12 November 1936, p. 1) 9 November 1939: Hazrat Baba Shabrat Alira of Bhagalpur passed away at the age of 95. He used to serve as a guard at the entrance of Hazrat

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AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021

Amir Jamaat Kababir meets presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Israel

tory

Imaduddin Al-Masri Missionary, Kababir

Muhammad Sharif Odeh Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir received an invitation to participate in the reception of His Excellency Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of Democratic Republic of the Congo at the house of Mr Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel.

The visit happened on the morning of 27 October 2021.

Once he saw Amir Jamaat Kababir, the Israeli president started introducing him to his Congolese counterpart, and he talked

about Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

While talking about the Jamaat, it was obvious that the Israeli president knew about the Jamaat, and its concepts and beliefs.

The Congolese president repeatedly used the word “tolerant” to describe the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

Before the meeting ended, Amir Sahib presented a souvenir to the Congolese president, which included a summary of the activities and humanitarian works done by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and Humanity First Congo.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh at Ansarullah Ijtema, Rabwah

Musleh-e-Maud’sra residence. (Tarikh-eAhamdiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 572)

9 November 1973: Ansarullah’s ijtema was held in which 4,500 ansar from 535 majalis participated. This ijtema continued till 11 November.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered two speeches and announced the establishment of the saf-e-awal (55 years and above) and saf-e-daum (aged 40-54) ansar. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 29, p. 290) 10 November 1936: Hazrat Baba Allah Dittara, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away.

His funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra and he was buried in Bahishti Maqbarah.

(Tarikh-eAhmadiyat, Vol. 7, p. 232) Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Mananra

10 November 1968: Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Mananra of Kathgarh, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away.

Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Mananra was born in 1885 and he did bai‘at in 1903.

Concerned for the education of Muslims in his area, he started a primary school for Muslim children at his own expense,

which developed into a high school.

Up until the partition of the country in 1947, he ran this school so well that Hindu children also started attending it. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 24, p.

693)

11 November 1915: Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Haye, son of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, passed away at the age of 18.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said about him: “I had such love for him as there should be for one’s real brother.” (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 179)

11 November 1949: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra visited Sargodha, a city located to the north-west of Rabwah and at a distance of around 50 kilometres, upon the invitation of Malik Sahib Khan Noon, retired deputy commissioner. After delivering the Friday Sermon and leading the Jumuah prayer, Huzoorra proceeded towards the Company Bagh to address a large crowd gathered to listen to him.

Huzoor’sra two-hour talk was listened to carefully. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 12, p. 41) An eyewitness account of this speech can be read here: www.alhakam.org/the-musleh-e-maudeye-witness-account-of-a-waqif-ezindagi/

Ashra Tahrik-e-Jadid in Sri Lanka A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka had the opportunity to hold “Ashra Tahrike-Jadid” from 8 to 17 October 2021 in Colombo, Negombo, Pasyala, Puttalam and Polonnaruwa.

Local jamaat presidents, secretaries and missionaries tried their best to make this programme a success by urging members to pay their Tahrik-e-Jadid promises.

During these 10 days, approximately 1/3 of the Sri Lankan Jamaat took part in paying their Tahrik-e-Jadid promises.

Posters of quotations from the writings of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra about the Tahrik-e-Jadid scheme were prepared and sent via social media to Jamaat members.

During these 10 days, four dars sessions were held in Colombo and one in Negombo via YouTube and Zoom.

Moreover, there was one national gathering arranged via YouTube as well, in which speeches were delivered by Missionary-in-Charge, AB Mushtaq Ahmad Sahib, Missionary MT Tahir Ahmad Sahib and Missionary Javed Raheem Sahib.

A documentary about Tahrik-e-Jadid was also part of the event.

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Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Opinion

Three effective practices of Prophet Muhammad “Whosoever has two daughters and gives them proper education and good moral training will have his abode in Paradise.” (Ibid) Children were taught that they must respect and honour their mothers and refrain from the slightest disrespect. The Holy Prophetsa said, “Paradise is under the feet of mothers.” (Sunan al-Nasa‘i, The Book of Jihad) In short, the Prophetsa emancipated all these depressed classes because “grievous to him is that you should fall into trouble.”

Principle 2: Show respect for the other person’s opinions.

Qasim Choudhary Missionary, Austin, Texas, USA Regardless of one’s belief in the self-help industry, self-help content is here to stay and growing in popularity. This genre is dominating the bookshelves and is placed front and centre at bookstores and libraries. I would be lying to you if I told you that I didn’t get caught up in the storm.

The self-help industry consists of countless books and videos that claim to contain hundreds of secrets for achieving success through changing personal habits and behaviour. Considered the staple of self-help content, one book in particular that caught my attention was Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. Sieving through this timeless work, I couldn’t help but notice that the advice mentioned in this twentieth-century book had already been put into practice nearly 1,500 years ago.

No wonder Prophet Muhammadsa leads the list on the world’s most influential person chosen by Michael Hart in The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History.

A lot is said about the psychology of influence and becoming a more agreeable and effective leader. For this purpose, we must delve into the life and character of

the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa, regarding whom Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa most aptly said: “Even prominent expert psychologists could not come close to the way the Holy Prophetsa understood human psychology.”

(Domestic Issues and Their Solutions, p. 26) As I present some of the brilliant principles in Dale Carnegie’s best-selling book, we will observe how the Holy Prophetsa exhibited these qualities in his exceptional character which remains our best guide and whose model the world is catching up to now.

Principle 1: Become genuinely interested in others “A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.” (Thomas Carlyle) Alluding to the compassion and sympathy of the Holy Prophetsa, the Holy Quran states: “[…] grievous to him is that you should fall into trouble; [he is] ardently desirous of your [welfare; and] to the believers [he is] compassionate [and] merciful (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.128) At the advent of the Holy Prophetsa the “little men” of that time were dealt with in a deplorable and degrading manner.

Namely, the slaves and women, who were subject to longstanding maltreatment.

Seeing the everyday abuse these classes of society had to endure, the Holy Prophetsa rose as their beacon of hope and saviour. He started by establishing common humanity by stating, “Feed them [the slaves] with the same food that you eat, clothe them with the same clothes you wear and do not burden them with so much that they are overwhelmed, if you do burden them, then help them.” (Ibn Majah, The book of morals) He further taught his followers to set the slaves free as an act of benevolence or let them off in return for compensation.

In this way, the Prophetsa curtailed by a stroke, as it were, the miseries of slavery.

(Mohammad the Kindred to Humanity,

by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, p. 24) Unfortunately, the conduct towards women was even more pitiful and wretched in his time. From some burying newborn girls out of shame, to treating them as mere possessions. Enter Prophet Muhammadsa who liberated women of their plight and unearthed for them their honour and respect. Statements such as, “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife” swiftly made husbands heedful in their marriages (Ibn Majah, The Book of Nikah). Fathers began to hold their heads high after the Prophetsa declared:

Are you that person who itches at the opportunity to chastise someone’s apparent mistake? Do you find yourself telling people they are wrong? According to Dale Carnegie, telling someone outright they are wrong rarely makes them want to agree with you. As Carnegie puts it, “For you have struck a direct blow at their intelligence, judgement, pride, and selfrespect. That will make them want to strike back. But it will never make them want to change their minds. You may then hurl at them all the logic of a Plato or an Immanuel Kant, but you will not alter their opinions, for you have hurt their feelings.”

(How to Win Friends and Influence People, p. 118) Let’s face it, it can be difficult to change the minds of even your loved ones, let alone trying to convince those who vehemently oppose your very existence.

The pages of history record an event during the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa which stands out as a timeless lesson for personal relations as well as international relations. As the story goes, the draft of the treaty of Hudaibiya was being dictated by the Holy Prophetsa, and Hazrat Alira, the scribe, wrote, “The conditions of peace between Muhammad the Prophet of God, and […]”. But the disbelievers took exception to the words, “Prophet of God”.

The Holy Prophetsa, accordingly, ordered Hazrat Alira to cross out the words.

Owing to his deep reverence and loyalty to the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Alira could not bring himself to cross out the words. Whereupon, the Prophetsa himself took the pen and crossed out the words, objectionable [to the disbelievers]. The Prophetsa could have easily objected but was mindful of the enemy’s feelings and wanted peace before everything else.

(Mohammad the Kindred to Humanity,

by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, p. 23) Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 << Continued from previous page

Principle 3: Let the other person do a great deal of the talking Are you guilty of brazenly interrupting someone as soon as they say something you disagree with? Or perhaps someone is venting to you about their issues at work or home and you interject repeatedly without giving them a chance to properly express themselves. Dale Carnegie commenting on this conduct states, “Let the other people talk themselves out. They know more about their business and problems than you do. So ask them questions. Let them tell you a few things.”

Furthermore, he states, “So listen patiently and with an open mind. Be sincere about it. Encourage them to express their ideas fully.”

Once again we can observe the implementation of this principle in the Holy Prophetsa who was the exemplar of high moral conduct.

As was previously mentioned, he was personable to friend and foe alike. It is narrated that when Utbah bin Rabiah came to the Prophetsa to negotiate with him on behalf of the Quraish, the Prophetsa patiently listened to him, even though he did not agree to what was being

said. Once Utbah had stopped speaking, Prophet Muhammadsa asked him, “Is this all that you intended to say?” Utbah replied in the affirmative and this is when the Holy Prophetsa gave his response. (Ibn Hisham) From these few examples, it is glaringly evident that the Holy Prophet’ssa understanding of human nature stands levels above any leader, researcher, or psychologist. As Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh stated: “The Holy Prophetsa has already divulged to us all profound facts of human nature. The greatest psychologist ever born, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa knew God the best, and God – Creator of human nature – taught him everything about human nature. The Holy Prophetsa is the only true source of understanding human nature. It becomes easy to learn man’s nature if one looks at man, free from all prejudice, through the eyes of God. Therefore, I am saying with perfect certainty and guidance, that there is none more knowledgeable than the Holy Prophetsa in understanding human nature.

No one before or after him can attain the height of his knowledge.” (The Detroit Address, pp. 31-32) As we analysed a few principles

9 in becoming a more influential and congenial person. You may have had the inkling that perhaps discharging these ideas is borderline manipulation and disingenuous. A case can be made that some people adopt these methods to fuel their sycophancy. However, the Holy Prophetsa cannot be categorised with such conniving people. A great quality of the Holy Prophetsa was that he was an apostle. The Arabic word rasul means one who has been sent. This one word points to an aspect of the life of the Prophetsa which ordinarily remains hidden from many observers. A rasul being one who is sent points to the fact that the Prophetsa himself had no ambition for greatness or vested interest. He never aspired to other people’s admiration; rather, he took care to remain in the background, so that worldly greatness should not come to him except if it was the express purpose of God. (Mohammad the Kindred to Humanity

by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, pp. 1-2) “It is the very highest pinnacle of spiritual greatness, and only he can reach it who care not for personal greatness, who is an apostle, a messenger who stands up not on his own account but on account of the compelling message he receives from on high.” (Ibid)

Ahmadis in Penang, Malaysia distribute leaflets about Prophet Muhammad

Abdul Aziz Bin Mohd Ibrahim President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Penang, Malaysia

On 19 October 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Penang distributed leaflets to the people of Penang to inform them about the blessed life and character of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Ahmadis in Bulgaria build “Blue Room” for children who experience violence in Plovdiv, Bulgaria Asad Hameed Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA Bulgaria

On 15 October 2021, the mayor of Plovdiv, Mr Zdravko Dimitrov officially opened the second “Blue Room” in Plovdiv, which was established in the municipal complex for social and health services.

According to a UNICEF study, one in two children in Bulgaria experiences some form of violence by the age of 18. The Blue Room is a specially designed room for the purpose of interviewing or consulting children who are victims of violence.

In one of the two rooms the child is interviewed by a therapist, and in the

other room behind the one-way mirror sit representatives of the court, police or other representatives of state or municipal institutions, as well as others related to the case.

In this “Blue Room”, children in the adoption procedure will also be able to meet with their adoptive candidates.

The project for the construction of the “Blue Room” was implemented by Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria, and the funds were provided by Humanity First.

The five participating volunteers, including medical students, performed all repairs and furnishing according to all requirements and standards, and finally,

the decoration implemented by them gave a favourable and friendly atmosphere.

At the opening, the mayor of Plovdiv, Mr Zdravko Dimitrov, as well as the director of the complex for social and health services, Mrs Petya Valcheva thanked Humanity First and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya for the donation.

The opening event was also attended by the deputy mayor for social activities, the chairpersons of the district court, the director of the regional directorate ministry of internal affairs, the director of regional health institute Plovdiv, the director of regional directorate social assistance and the director of the social assistance directorate.

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Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Expressions of love from friends abroad and facts the Americans must know The Moslem Sunrise, October 1921

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

Expressions of love From friends abroad To keep the spirit alive Encouraged 1. Mr Muhammad Amin (Sagar Chand), Bar-at-Law: “I love you very much and whenever I hear or read of you I always long to see you again.”

2. Hamid Hussian Khan: “Allah knows I have been getting up in the night to offer prayers for you.”

3. Hakeem Muhmmad Hussian Quraishi: “You being always in my heart and in my memory, I often forget to write to you because I find you ever so close to me.”

4. Babu Muhmmad Shafi Quraishi: “Your letter gives me such pleasure as a lover gets from a message from his beloved one.”

5. Mirza Kabir-ud-Din Ahmad: “The words of your letters give me life.”

6. Babu Muhammad Ali Khan: “You are the spiritual Columbus for America.”

7. Qazi Habibullah: “You have established the existence of God, God will establish your existence.”

8. Mrs Akbar Ali: “My first prayers always go up for Mufti Sahib.”

9. Hajee Muhammad Omar Din: “I constantly pray for you and your converts in America.”

10. Mr Thomas: “It was only your prayer that had made my business prosper.”

The occult circle The Master Key – The Master Mind, Universal Mind, Members circles the Globe.

Particulars free from 211 Curry Bldg., Tampa, Fla. Rainbow club As suggested by a respected learned friend, we start a “Rainbow Correspondence Club” to introduce people of different nationalities and countries to each other. Keeping aside the racial prejudices and considering all as children of God, the members of this club will correspond on the subjects in which they are interested. A number will be given to each member and name will be published without address, which will be reserved in this office. Membership Fee first year, $1.00, 4/- (England), 4/- (India); afterwards, 50 cents per annum. Having already been

requested by some friends for such a service, we are glad to give their names below: 1. A young lady (England) – Literary, Travels, Foreign Sceneries, Oriental Literature.

2. A gentleman (India) – Social Questions and Engineering Interest.

3. Mirza KD Ahmad (India) will be glad to answer all the letters.

List of the books to be lent and for sale Holy Quran, Part 1. Arabic Text and English Translation of the Sacred Book of Islam original and exhaustive notes, Commentary, etc., edited by a committee of Muslim scholars in India.

• Claims and Teachings of Muslim scholars in India.

• Mighty Signs of the Living God. • Ahmad the World Reformer.

• Confutation of Atheism (by a Muslims Saint).

• Islam versus Civilization.

• Teachings of Islam.

• Les Ensegnements de Islam (French).

• Call to Truth.

• Review of Religions (a monthly magazine).

• Bismillah, Islam Ahmadia Movement.

• Qadian and Ahmadees.

• Islamic Mode of Worship.

Review of Religions The only magazine of its kind published in India every month dealing with important religious questions, offering a fair and impartial review of the prominent religions of the world and removing misunderstandings about Islam. Subscription, $2.00 per annum; for free sample copy write to The Manager, Review of Religions, Qadian, Punjab, India.

A Hindu naturalized An East-Indian in America is called a “Hindu,” probably to distinguish him from the Red-Indian. So a Hindu named Jan Muhammad Ali, who had applied to be naturalized, was objected to by the Government Examiner on the ground of his brown skin and thus not coming from the white race. On appeal, Judge Arthur J Tuttle has decided that what the naturalization law means by “white persons” is not persons whose skins are actually white, but who are of the Caucasian race. As high caste Hindus (Indians) are members of the Aryan branch of Caucasian race, they are entitled to naturalization if they enter the United States legally. Thus, JM Ali is made a United States citizen and this example may help other East-Indian Hindus and Muhammadans in

this country.

Wash hands All the Muslims wash their hands before and after their meals. In the Banquets, wash bowls are passed through before they begin eating and after they finish it. It is clean and sanitary. Now we are glad to hear that the French Minister of public instruction has issued a circular to all school masters of Government Schools that all pupils must wash their hands before going to meals.

Another adoption of an Islamic system.

Ten facts the Americans must know 1. Muhammadans do not take Muhammad[sa] as a God, but consider him a man, a Prophet – the Master-Prophet.

2. The Muhammadans do not call themselves Muhammadans – this is not their right name. Their right name, as given to them by God, is “Moslem,” which means submissive to God’s commandments.

3. In the same way, our religion is named Islam and not Muhammadanism. Islam means Peace, submission to the will of God. 4. A Moslem never worships Muhammad[sa], but worships the God of Muhammad – the One and same God of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, David and Jesus. The Arabic word for God is Allah.

5. A Moslem believes that Allah is one – and there being none equal to Him, He had

no father, mother or sister. He does not need to have any son, daughter or brother.

6. A Moslem trusts in the boundless treasures of Allah’s forgiveness, who does not want to crucify one to save others. But His powers are infinite. Forgiveness and Salvation comes direct from him as a gift.

7. Islam was never spread by sword. The wars waged by the Master-Prophet were only defensive.

8. Islam is for men as for women. They both equally can soar up to attain to the highest spiritual conditions. There have been saints in Islam out of men and out of women.

9. Jesus Christ was never cursed – neither for his sins nor for others. Blessed he was when born and blessed he was when he died. He never died the accursed death on the cross, but was taken down alive, while fainting – revived – ate and drank with his friends forty days – left that country, traveled to the East – lived to a good old age of 120 years and his body lies buried in Cashmere [now Kashmir]– a Northern State of India.

10. The second advent of Jesus is not in his old body and person of 1900 years ago, but as Elijah came again in spirit and power as John the Baptist, so Jesus has appeared again in spirit and power as “AHMAD” of India. He that hath ears to hear let him hear.

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

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021

Coming from every distant track

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Professor Muhammad Aslam visits Qadian – Part II A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

Our readers should know that in this article, with regard to the way Prof Muhammad Aslam has described Qadian, the people of Qadian and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, we shall simply cite his words, without answering and commenting on the satire he adopted.

The reason for this is that Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra once explained:

� ��� � ‫� � � � � ی�ارو �ی‬

� ��� ‫�ا‬ ‫ی‬ � � ‫ا� دن �رے �ں‬ �‫ی‬ �‫ی‬ � ‫�م � � و �اوت یک � �وا‬

� �� � ‫ �ِ �ا‬،� �� � ‫و� �ی‬

“Alluding to [Qadian], you say, ‘Friends!

This place will perish.’ But it shall one day be the leader and guide for the whole world.

We care not about the hatred and enmity of a nation, for this time shall pass, and God’s grace shall become manifest.”

With regard to his visit to Qadian, Prof Muhammad Aslam writes: “When I finished the visit of Masjid Aqsa, Abdur Rahim Aajiz asked his son, Abdul Hafeez, to take us to Bahishti Maqbarah and tell the doorkeeper there that we were given special permission to see Bahishti Maqbarah at this time. On the way, Abdul Hafeez told us that only women were allowed to go there from Asr to Maghrib.

That is why we got special permission.

“As we entered through the gate, women in burqas saw us and stood facing the walls.

Accompanied by Abdul Hafeez, we reached the qitta-e-khas [the area of Bahishti Maqbarah where the Promised Messiahas, his close relatives and some companions are buried]. Apart from Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (d. 1908) and the first Khalifa, Hakim Nuruddin of Bhera (d. 1914), there were graves of Mirza Sahib’s relatives in this area. Near the feet of Mirza Sahib were the graves of his three daughters-in-law, Sara Bhagalpuri, Umm-e-Tahir and Amatul Haye. Sara was a resident of Puraini, a town in Bhagalpur district in Bihar province.

She was the sister of Abdul Qadir, the headmaster of Talim-ul-Islam High School Qadian and the aunt of Abbas bin Abdul Qadir, one of my teachers. Her tombstone stated that she was married to Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad based on a revelation of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Umme-Tahir was the mother of Tahir Ahmad, the current Khalifa [this was written in the time of the Fourth Khilafat] of the Qadianis.

“In this graveyard, there is an area surrounded by four walls [qitta-e-khas].

Iron rods had been placed there [around

the grave] so that people could visit the grave whilst keeping their distance. Buried in rows, outside [the four walls] are the graves of Mirza Sahib’s companions. Each of them had their outstanding services written on the tombstones. On one tombstone, it was inscribed that the person buried here was present with Mirza Sahib in the debate that took place in Ludhiana. On another tombstone, it was written that the deceased buried here partook in Mirza Sahib’s burial.

A companion had bequeathed that it should be written on his tombstone that he was Mirza Sahib’s personal assistant.

“One of these graves belonged to Bhai Abdur Rahman. Abdul Hafeez told me that he [Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahmanra] was a Sikh by birth and by profession, he was a granthi [a person one who recited the Granth (a sacred book of the Sikhs which contains hymns, poetry and the teachings of gurus) to people. Among the Sikhs, a granthi is called Bhai Ji [brother]. Therefore, ‘Bhai’ became a part of his name. As he [Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahmanra] studied different religions, he saw the truth in Qadianiyat [Islam Ahmadiyyat] and thus, he became a Qadiani [Ahmadi].

“After the establishment of Pakistan, he came to Pakistan. He said in his will to be buried in Bahishti Maqbarah. Thus, his will was carried out and it was the only Mirzai [Ahmadi] whose body was taken from Pakistan to India and buried in Qadian.

“Akhtar Orenvi (Syed Akhtar Ahmad) was a professor of Urdu at Patna University.

He has done a great service to the Urdu language and literature. He was a very truthful person and was a Qadiani. He died on 31 March 1977, at Kurji hospital, Patna.

According to his will, his body was taken to Qadian from Patna and buried in Bahishti Maqbarah. His wife, Shakila Akhtar, passed away on 2 February 1994. She was a good novelist. She must have been buried there too.

“Syed Barakat Ahmad belonged to the family of Khawaja Mir Dardrh. He was employed in the Indian Foreign Service.

He wrote a book entitled Muhammad and the Jews, which was translated into Urdu

by Prof Mushir-ul-Haq (d.1990) under the title Rasul-e-Akramsa aur Yahood-e-Hajjaz.

After retirement, Barakat Ahmad had taken up residence in Indore with his daughter.

According to his will, his body was also taken to Qadian and buried in Bahishti Maqbarah.

“Abdul Hafeez also showed us the place where Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s janazah prayer was offered. He said that there were seven rows of worshipers at Mirza Sahib’s funeral, and thus, for this reason, it has now become a tradition that seven rows are formed at the time of funeral prayers.

“Abdul Hafeez took us to his house where his father had prepared tea. He offered us tea and then saw us off. He told me to stay the night [for rest]; however, I apologised and left.

“After two years, I happened to go to Amritsar, Batala and Qadian again. This time, I walked around Qadian alone and visited the town, which, at that time, was inhabited by 1,300 Qadianis. The majority of the population were Biharis who had started a little work for a living. Someone was repairing a radio, another had opened an electrical appliance store, someone else

was running a small tea restaurant, a man was sitting in the market selling ice cream.

One Mirzai was repairing bicycles. Poverty was reflected in their faces. Their only achievement was that they had settled in Qadian.

“The population of Qadian is 15,000, of which 1,300 are Mirzais [Ahmadis] who, all together, live in a corner of Qadian. The streets and shops were empty, a desolate place. Mirza Sahib had written, based on a revelation [he received], that the population of Qadian would increase and would expand to Lahore. It would develop into a magnificent city. In this vast city, he was shown a vision in which was shown a bazaar that was packed with people, so much so that pedestrians found it difficult to make their way through the traffic; buggies, carriages, the Victoria [an elegant carriage] and God knows what types of modes of transport were there in motion [in the vision]. Gold and silver were being traded in this market by rather large and well-fed bankers and jewellers who graced the market with their presence.

“Mirza Sahib had said, based on his revelation, that there would come a time when people would enquire about Lahore, and they would be told that it was now a part of the mahalla [locality] of Qadian. I [Prof Muhammad Aslam] was contemplating on this revelation while standing in the deserted market of Qadian. This revelation seemed as weak as a spider web that sways away in the air. Here, instead of rather large and well-fed businessmen and jewellers, there were empty-bellied [people], withered-face shopkeepers who had gathered in a corner of Qadian. Instead of spreading, Qadian had now become a small place.

“When I returned [from Qadian], I published two articles titled Mein ne Qadian mein Kya Dekha [What I saw in Qadian] and Bahishti Maqbarah Mein Chand Lamhey [A few moments in Bahishti Maqbarah] in Khatam-e-Nubuwwat magazine in Karachi.” (Prof Muhammad Aslam, Safarnama-e-Hind) We said that we would not comment on these words. Suffice to say, Qadian has now spread not only to Lahore, but to Sydney, Washington DC, Tokyo, London, Paris, Lagos, Buenos Aires and many, many other parts of the world. Mockery, or using satirical expressions, against a prophet of God or his revelations is a repetitive theme in history that no prophet is free from.

It must be remembered that almost all the information given above by Prof Muhammad Aslam suffers historical or factual inaccuracies. (Editor)

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Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Baitur Raheem: Third mosque funded by Lajna Kenya Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

10 October 2021 marked the inaugural ceremony of the third mosque in Kenya, funded by Lajna Imaillah Kenya.

The uniqueness of this mosque is that Lajna Imaillah Kenya constructed it with the intention of presenting it as a gift to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in commemoration of the Lajna Imaillah Centenary – 1922-2022.

The mosque has been constructed in Majengo Jamaat, in Voi region. This Jamaat is situated in Nyika village stretching from a junction which is six kilometres from the main Mombasa-Nairobi highway at Maungu bus stop. This road extends to Buguta where there is a boundary that separates Kenya and Tanzania through some thick reserved forests.

The message of Islam Ahmadiyyat first reached this area in the year 2005 through our local missionary, Rashid Lomba Sahib. Through his efforts of door-todoor preaching, by 2007, he was blessed to convert a handful of members from the Shia sect, Christianity and other cultural religions, to the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

This progress raised a need of having a permanent place for a mosque and continuous progress of other Jamaat activities to strengthen the new converts as well as inviting more community members to Islam Ahmadiyyat.

For this purpose, a meeting was organised and a village member, Rashid Ndeka temporarily gave out part of his land for a temporary mosque construction.

By 15 August 2008, the Jamaat had permanently started its activities on the given land.

On 8 October 2009, Rashid Ndeka wrote an official letter to the Jamaat allowing a temporary mosque to be built on his land until the Jamaat acquired permanent land.

In 2010, the first Ahmadiyya mosque was constructed on that land in Majengo village and religious activities began. Since the village was known as Majengo then, it was also called Majengo Jamaat.

On 3 April 2013, the Jamaat officially bought this land from Rashid Ndeka and due to the increase in the Jamaat members in the area, in 2014, Abdul Nasir Bakari Sahib, the current Zaeem Ansarullah reconstructed that mosque with his own sacrifices.

In 2014, when Lajna Imaillah Kenya received approval of a mosque construction from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, they decided to build the mosque in Voi region.

Since the land purchased earlier was some kilometres away from the roadside and the mosque constructed was also temporary, they decided to buy another piece of land on the roadside. Plans were made and they eventually acquired this prime-location land of 1.5 acres just at the roadside in Nyika village, six kilometres from the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

Lajna Imaillah Kenya fully settled the payments of the land on 7 October 2015.

Due to the transfer of ownership and other governmental land protocols, they were able to receive the official ownership under the name of “Ahmadiyya Muslim Community” on 7 February 2020. Lajna Imaillah Kenya had been tirelessly contributing to the construction of this mosque since its approval in 2014.

Back in 2019, on completing the payments of the land they again requested

for the approval of Huzooraa for the construction as well as his prayers for the project.

Yet after finishing all the protocols, waiting for the construction to begin, the Covid-19 pandemic arrived due to which the rules and regulations put in place by the government to curb the virus delayed the construction.

Later, in 2021, when the pandemic

somewhat curbed, the foundation stone laying ceremony took place on 12 June 2021.

Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Kenya, Tariq Mahmood Zafar Sahib laid the first brick followed by some missionaries, other office bearers, Sadr Lajna Imaillah Kenya, Khadija Juma Sahiba and some members of Lajna Imaillah Kenya.

The construction of this mosque moved successfully. However, some local nonAhmadis smashed the walls of the newly built mosque for two nights consecutively.

The issue was addressed to the village chairman and also strict night security was deployed at the construction area.

On 24 September 2021, Huzooraa officially named this beautiful mosque “Baitul Raheem”.

The construction took approximately four months and the size of the mosque accumulates a maximum number of 100 worshippers. The inauguration ceremony was held on 10 October 2021.

The mosque was inaugurated by Amir Jamaat Kenya, Tariq Mahmood Zafar Sahib.

The event was also attended by naib amir Jamaat Kenya, regional missionary of Voi region, regional missionary of South Coast region (Mombasa), Sadr Lajna Imaillah Kenya, Khadija Juma Sahiba, Lajna Imaillah amila members and other regional amila members from various regions.

49th National Ijtema MKA Bangladesh Muhammad Golam Rabbi Mohtamim Tahrik-e-Jadid, MKA Bangladesh

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh held its 49th annual Ijtema on 20-22 October 2021 at Darut Tabligh Mosque Complex, Bakshibazar, Dhaka.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only a limited number of Khuddam were allowed to attend this year’s Ijtema. From 88 local majalis, 681 members attended the National Ijtema of whom 83 were waqifeen-e-nau and 17 were guests.

This year’s Ijtema theme was “Brotherhood”. We started working on this topic well before the Ijtema and banners were made on different verses of the Holy Quran, and sayings of the Promised Messiahas on brotherhood. On the second day of the Ijtema, a tarbiyati session was held on the topic of brotherhood followed by a question and answer session.

The highlight of the Ijtema were the academic competitions, single and group sports events, the wall magazine exhibition and career guideline programmes, etc. The representative of Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh was present during the opening and closing ceremonies.

On the evening of 22 October 2021, the Ijtema concluded with a prize distribution ceremony and silent prayer.

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021

100 Years Ago...

13

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Kashmir famine, Prophet Muhammad and Moses beholding Allah and nature of revelations Al Fazl, 24 and 31 October 1921

10 October 1921 Kashmir famine Regarding the famine in Kashmir, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “It was so harsh that there was no end to it. Before it, the price of 18 saar [equal to around one kilogram] rice was one rupee and now the cost of only three saar rice is one rupee. Flour was not available. People used to go around wandering with money in their hands, but they could not get any grain. As our caravan was very large, the necessities were provided by walking around up to 10 kos [a distance of around two miles]. After leaving Srinagar, there was a possibility of being starved. Eventually, government officials forcibly supplied the withheld grain to the markets. The famine was so severe that people used to fry corn flour and put it in rice and drink it. This upset their stomach and they also suffered from intestinal worms.”

A baseless objection of ghair mubai‘een Huzoor[ra] said: “When we got there, the ghair mubai‘een [those who refused to take bai‘at of the Second Khalifa] objected to our arrival as to how bad it was [for Kashmir] that the cost of rice had gone up to one rupee per three saar. The people of our Jamaat responded [to them] that, ‘It is not their fault because the said rise in price happened before their arrival. However, after their arrival, there was an increase in the yields of crops.’”

Signs for progressing in faith Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “God Almighty provides for the faith of every person. There was so much rainfall in Kashmir that all the crops fell in danger.

The [catastrophe] was only one rainfall away and the clouds were ready, but the people [of Kashmir] came in a group with written requests for prayer. The prayer was carried out and Allah the Almighty, by His sheer grace, tore the clouds apart and the sky became clear. Thereafter, as long as we stayed, it did not rain for a single day. This strengthened their faith. Now, where there are our Ahmadis, there is an increase in the yields of crops. For example, in Nasnoor, etc. Maize crop is grown there and it is also in good condition.”

The beauty of Ganderbal While talking about the sights of Ganderbal,

its atmosphere, the flow of its river, the amazing effect of its cool water and bathing in it, Huzoor[ra] turned to Maulana Sarwar Shah Sahib and said: “We visited Ganderbal with you as well. However, it was different from this Ganderbal because the fact of the matter is that our guide at that time brought us back half way through.” Huzoor[ra] said, “Due to the healthy climate of Ganderbal, sick people from all over India come there and since all these people are ill, they meet each other with great love, whether they are British or Desi.”

Divine vision about the apostasy of three men Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “I had seen a divine vision in Ganderbal regarding the apostasy of Sagar Chand. I saw that there were three stains on the hem of my turban and the rest of the turban was clean, (while narrating this divine vision, Huzoor[ra] took off his turban, saw it and put it back on his head again). The next day,

letters arrived about the apostasy of [the following] three men: 1. Sagar Chand 2. Hakim Saifuddin 3. Abdullah Laliani

11 October 1921 Jalsas are not necessary for preaching Hazrat Khalifatul Masih asked Sheikh Ghulam Nabi Sahib (a car parts trader) of Dehradun about preaching. Sheikh Sahib submitted that, “Till now, no arrangement has been made for any jalsa, etc., but apart from that, preaching continues.” On hearing this, Huzoor[ra] said: “People do not convert to Ahmadiyyat through jalsas and not many have become Ahmadis in jalsas. The people with an interest in Ahmadiyyat should be looked for and then preached to. They will convert to Ahmadiyyat.”

Abdul Hameed Sahib, a resident of Aujla, District Gurdaspur, renewed his bai‘at. At first, he was an Ahmadi, then he separated from the Jamaat and started opposing it.

Allah the Almighty again provided means for his guidance and blessed him with a chance to return.

Should the funeral not be offered after Asr prayer?

Someone mentioned that at a certain place, a person objected to the performing of funeral prayer after Asr. When the said person was told that people perform the funeral prayer after Asr in Qadian, he said that it was wrong.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “This is not wrong. In fact, it is right.

The Promised Messiahas has led funeral prayer [after Asr].” Huzoor[ra] said, “It is the opinion of ignorant women that it is forbidden to offer funeral prayers after Asr or not to bury the dead at night. An African died in the mosque at the time of the Holy Prophetsa. The Companionsra buried him at night. The next day, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Why was I not informed? I would also have taken part in his funeral.’”

Continued on next page >>

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Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

Mention of Mr Gandhi Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Mr Gandhi has now started saying that the reason why Swaraj had not been achieved by 30 September [1921] was that the people did not practically act on the boycott, etc., movements.”

The veracity of our viewpoints based on events Huzoor[ra] then said: “Muslims will now know that government is not attained with such tactics.” Huzoor[ra] said, “At every step, they will have to accept our viewpoints, insha-Allah, as it happened in the cases of migration and non-cooperation”.

The impact of the current insurgency on our progress Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “At the moment, there is a state of insanity among the people and in the said conditions, our progress in India has come to a standstill because people’s attention has been almost completely diverted from religion.”

Huzoor[ra] then said: “There is a revelation of the Promised Messiahas: َ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ ّٰ َ ‫یَا ن ِب َّی الل ِہ ک ْنت لا اع ِرفک‬ “[(The earth will say), ‘O Prophet of Allah, I did not recognise you.’] This [revelation] shows that the people of the earth will suffer misfortunes and then ultimately cry out again, ‘O Prophet of Allah, we did not recognise you.”

Furthermore, Huzoor[ra] said: “There is another revelation of the Promised Messiahas:

‫الغم ادمح یک ےج‬

[Victory to Ghulam Ahmad.]

“This [revelation] also shows that there will be a time when there will be a movement of ‘victory’ in every part of the country and the result of this ‘victory’ movement will be that it will have an impact on the progress of our Jamaat. However, the time of the “Victory to Ghulam Ahmad” will ultimately come and there will be strong progress of the Promised Messiah’s Jamaat after the stalemate.”

Real Swaraj Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “The real Swaraj is to rule over one’s self.

People say that they had been enslaved by the government. We do not believe that. We take a look at our state that if we are given an order that is against the command of God, then no force can compel us to obey such an order. At the most, what the government can do is to execute us, but for a believer, dying in the way of God is [to be granted a new] life, and slavery is that a person is forced to do against his will.”

Slavery of one’s self is the worst kind of slavery Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Whatever the British teach, no matter how much they benefit from it, we also benefit from it. To say that it is done to enslave us is high handedness. I say that whatever the inner self makes them do and they act on it, it is very bad and absolute slavery. If the

slavery of one’s self can be embodied, then it would have been observed as to what a horrible appearance is that of man; as to how many low desires they have and how many minor moral weaknesses are committed by them. If different moral sins are considered as a chain, then it would seem as if man is bound in yokes and shackles. Thus, the most important and foremost thing is to reform one’s self and free it from all moral weaknesses and sins. What will Swaraj do if there will be no self-improvement?”

14 October 1921 List of books of the Promised Messiahas Addressing Chaudhry Nasrullah Khan Sahib (lawyer), Huzoor[ra] said: “You had started compiling the list of the books of the Promised Messiahas. It should be like the key to the Holy Quran, only then can it be really beneficial. Its format should be such that the main word from a phrase should be selected and then all of its related references should be given in one place.”

Bai‘at The following two persons took bai‘at: 1. Mistri Faiz Sahib, Sri Gobindpur, District Gurdaspur 2. Mistri Muhammad Din Sahib, Sri Gobindpur, Gurdaspur District

Al Fazl, 31 October 1921 20 October 1921 Prophet Moses’ communion with God Maulvi Ghulam Rasul Sahib Rajeki asked that the Holy Quran mentions about Prophet Mosesas:

َُۡ َ َ ‫َر ِّب ارِنِ ۡۤی انظ ۡر ِال َ ۡیک‬

[“(Prophet Moses said), ‘My Lord, show Thyself to me that I may look at Thee.’”]

And from [God’s] side, the answer was:

َ ‫ل َ ۡن ت ٰرنِ ۡی‬

[“Thou shalt not see Me.”] And then come the following words:

Promised Messiahas caused him to progress in divine wisdom and knowledge, and for the enemies, the same manifestation came as an earthquake in Bhagsu. Otherwise, it does not mean that the phenomenon of Prophet Moses’as unconsciousness was a torment for him.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “The same revelation can be received, but it is not compulsory that the same state must come upon both the recipients. For example, the Holy Prophetsa is Yusuf, but it was not necessary for him to fall in a well or go to Egypt. However, the Holy Prophetsa experienced similar circumstances. In the same way, the manifestation that occurred for Prophet Mosesas happened on the mountain and the manifestation that happened for the Promised Messiahas occurred on the heights of wisdom, which led him to great progress in various sciences and divine wisdom.”

The difference between the Holy Prophetsa and Prophet Mosesas in witnessing [God’s manifestation] Maulvi Sahib asked that manifestation [of God] occurred for the Holy Prophetsa and also for Prophet Mosesas. However, when the Holy Prophetsa witnessed [God’s manifestation], it was said:

َٰ ۡ َ َ ‫َما زاغ ال َب َص ُر َو َما طغی‬

[“The eye deviated not, nor did it wander.”]

On the other hand, about Prophet Mosesas, it was said:

ً َ​َ ‫خ ّر ُموۡ ٰسی َص ِعقا‬

[“Moses fell down unconscious.”]

That is, Prophet Mosessa lost his consciousness and the Holy Prophetsa remained in his senses.

Huzoor[ra] said: “There was a difference in the states of the two. The Holy Prophetsa did not ask for witnessing [God’s manifestation], but Prophet Mosesas asked for it. The Holy

Prophetsa waited patiently and stood firmly on the place where he was asked to stand, but Prophet Mosesas acted impatiently. As a result, when the Holy Prophetsa witnessed [God’s manifestation], he remained there where he was firmly standing before it.

On the contrary, as Prophet Mosesas had requested impatiently, he could not bear [God’s manifestation] when his request was fulfilled. The perseverance with which the Holy Prophetsa bore [God’s] absence, the same perseverance remained when he witnessed Him, but just as Prophet Mosesas could not bear absence [of God], so he could not bear presence.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “It is necessary to be in a state of sa‘iqa [unconsciousness] for witnessing [God].

Prophet Moses[as] experienced more of it at that time. The same thing used to happen to the Holy Prophetsa. As one of the Companionsra says, ‘Once the Holy Prophet was lying with his head on my thigh when he experienced the state of revelation. He became drowsy.’ The Companionra said, ‘At that time, such a burden fell on my thigh that I feared that my bone was going to break.’ However, this was not always the case with the Holy Prophetsa. Many times, the Holy Prophetsa used to receive revelation while sitting. There are some weak traditions which say that he used to fall down [in a state of revelation], but in my view, those traditions are not reliable. Opponents have also taken advantage of such traditions and said that, God forbid, the Holy Prophetsa had epilepsy. However, that never happened to the Holy Prophetsa in state of revelation.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “In a state of divine vision or revelation, there comes a delay in the external senses and the soul separates from the body to a certain extent. And all the muscles of the body go loose and all the senses become ready to receive the divine revelation. The same thing was experienced by Prophet Mosesas at the time of [God’s] manifestation.”

ۡ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ً َ َ َ ًّ َ ‫فل ّما ت َجلی َر ّب ٗہ ل ِل َج َب ِل َج َعل ٗہ َدکا ّو خ ّر ُموۡ ٰسی َص ِعقا‬

[“And when his Lord manifested Himself on the mountain, He broke it into pieces and Moses fell down unconscious.”]

In what kind of state did [Mosesas] witness [God’s manifestation]?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “In my view, when [God’s] manifestation occurred on the mountain, [Mosesas] witnessed it and after seeing the manifestation, he fell down unconscious.

This view is also supported by that saying of the Holy Prophetsa in which he says, ‘On the Day of Judgment, all the people will fall unconscious, and I will be the first of them to rise up. Prophet Moses will stand up at that time and his standing at that moment was probably because he had already fainted on the mountain.’”

Maulvi Sahib submitted that the Promised Messiahas received another revelation that:

ًّ َ ۡ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ‫فل ّما ت َجلی َر ّب ٗہ ل ِل َج َب ِل َج َعل ٗہ َدکا‬

[“And when his Lord manifested Himself on the mountain.”]

It is said that this revelation refers to the earthquakes of Bhagsu, etc.

Huzoor[ra] said: “This is also true. The manifestation which happened as a result of this on the

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AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 Is Khutba Ilhamiyah [the Revealed Sermon] a divine revelation?

Maulvi Sahib asked if Khutba Ilhamiyah [the Revealed Sermon] was a divine revelation.

Huzoor[ra] said: “No, because if that was the case, then the Promised Messiahas would not have made changes to it in some places or added more chapters to it; rather, it is such a work that was supported [by God Almighty]. Its subjects were revealed by divine revelation.

Yes, there is a difference between this [Khutba Ilhamiyah] and other books that have been written with corroboration. There is no ijtihadi [the process of making a legal decision in Islamic law by independent interpretation of legal sources] error in its [Khutba Ilhamiyah’s] subjects and there may be ijtihadi error in other books. Although other books have been written with corroboration, their magnificence is not like that of Khutba Ilhamiyah.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “A revelation is that which the Promised Messiahas has considered as a revelation.

There are many types of revelations. Many times, the voice of a holy conscience can also be called a revelation and it comes inside a pure heart with a special state and its manifestation is the heart itself. There are two kinds of revelations. The first kind of revelations descends for the progress of divine wisdom and for the purification and cleansing of the heart of the recipient. The second kind of revelations are related to other people. It is not necessary to narrate the first type of revelations, and the second type of revelations are revealed no matter what their state.”

15 Meaning of receiving revelation like rain

Maulvi Sahib submitted that, “A Paighami [one of those who did not take bai‘at of the Second Khalifa] had objected to me that where had the Promised Messiahas written that revelation was revealed to him like rain. I showed him a passage in which the Promised Messiahas wrote that a revelation was revealed to him countless times. Is this the meaning of receiving revelation like rain?”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “This is certainly the meaning. I have heard from the Promised Messiahas himself that he used to say: َُ َّ َ َ ْ ّ ‫ا�� ُس ْﻮ ِل اق ْﻮ ُم‬ �� ‫اِنِی‬ ‘[I shall respond along with the Messenger], and: َ َْ َ َ ّ ‫اِنِ ْی َﻣ َﻌک َو َ�� اﻫلِک‬ [I am with you and with the members of your family]. These two revelations descended on me thousands of times in one night.’ The Promised Messiahas further said, ‘It often happens that I put my head on the pillow and the series of these revelations starts, and when I wake up for the Fajr prayer, the revelations were still being received.’

This used to happen in order to assure him that he was certainly a prophet [of God].

Consequently, when that revelation was sent to him which assured him about his prophethood, it also descended on him with the said intensity and repeatedly.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 24 and 31 October 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Ahmadiyyat in Paraguay: Arabic and Islam classes resume after lockdowns

Mishaal Baten Paraguay Correspondent

After many months of lockdown and quarantine, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Paraguay was able to resume Arabic and Islam classes in the mission house.

As the students started entering the room to participate in the class; many of them seemed reserved and a little nervous to be in a mosque and to meet Muslims for the first time. 29 students signed up for the course and the mission house was packed.

The local missionary of Asuncion,

Abdun Nur Ghalib Baten Sahib taught the class.

It started with an icebreaker and introductions, followed by learning some basic phrases in Arabic and letters.

Following the Arabic class, an introduction to Islam was presented and the students had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers about Islam.

The students were a bit cold before the class began. However, after the dialogue, they learned that Islam really is a beautiful, tolerant and respectful religion and many misconceptions were removed.

The local Paraguayans are curious about Islam more than ever, and Jamaate-Ahmadiyya is the biggest source of information for them, alhamdulillah.

WORLD CRISIS and the Pathway to

PEACE MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD

“

In the last century, two world wars

were fought. Whatever the causes were,

if we look deeply, only one cause stands

out; and it is that justice was not properly administered in the first instance. As a reaction, what was considered to be an extinguished fire turned out to be cinders that kept on burning slowly, eventually bursting into flames and enveloping the whole world a second time.

(Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, p. 16)

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Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Autumns and winters in the lives of Holy personages Fezia Haq UK “Winter blues” is a recognised condition, and there’s a general perception that the colder, shorter and darker days are a miserable time of the year. In light of this, below are some incidents from the autumn and winter seasons experienced in the time of Prophet Muhammadsa and the Promised Messiahas to warm our hearts and souls.

The famous Battle of the Ditch took place in February or March, 627 AD. Medina was bitterly cold during this season. Many did not have the means to guard themselves against freezing temperatures. On top of the severity of the weather, an army of over 10,000 was looming. Sensing danger, the Muslims decided on digging a ditch – a foreign strategy suggested by Salmanra the Persian. The Companionsra dug with their bare hands, whilst another group bore baskets of sand and rocks on their backs to dispense. At the sight of his devoted followers’ endurance, the Holy Prophetsa began reciting poetic couplets. The sound of his voice transformed the atmosphere, and the Companionsra reverberated melodically after him, his words lifting their spirits.

All the while, the Prophetsa was

himself covered in dirt from labouring in this expansive task. The Companionsra, too, felt sorrow seeing the state of the Prophetsa, who had tied a rock against his abdomen to contain the hunger. At this trying hour, Allah the Almighty sent divine help to His beloved servant. Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah and his wife, pained by his suffering, prepared what they had and discreetly invited the Prophetsa to their modest home for a hot meal.

Unbeknownst to him, a miracle was about to take place: the Prophetsa called out to the hunger-stricken Companionsra that they were all invited over for food. Hazrat Jabirra, worried about how one goat and some flour would feed a thousand, was instructed by the Prophetsa to hurry home and tell his wife not to take the meat off the fire, and to not start baking the bread until he arrived. The Prophetsa came and prayed over the steaming pot and dough.

Allah blessed this food, and astonishingly everyone present ate their fill on that cool day, with some still left over.

On the enemy’s arrival, another phenomenal scene was about to be witnessed. Not knowing how to cross the trench surrounding Medina, the confederates set camp on the outskirts.

It was a daunting time, as they could attack the Muslims from a weaker point.

So, the Prophetsa and his Companions

would stay awake, exhausted, guarding the ditch whilst supplicating to their Lord.

The extreme cold had started to kill the enemy’s animals, but they waited for an opportunity to attack.

It so happened that one night, rain clouds had formed and fierce, stormy winds took over the enemy tents. Their campfires were extinguished, resources damaged, and the scent of smoke filled the air. During this episode, the Prophet asked; “Is there anyone about?” The Companions were so numb from the cold, that none other than Hazrat Huzayfara bin Yaman managed to mistily reply. The Holy Prophetsa called a shivering Huzayfara up, stroked his head and prayed for him. The love of the Prophetsa radiated so much warmth that it benefited those around him and this Companion felt as if the cold had left him. His anxieties also went away, and he was able to go and see the enemy camps preparing to leave, reporting this back to the Prophetsa. The Muslims were bestowed with another victory. (The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets, Vol. 2) Regarding the season where green leaves change their colour and become crisp, we find the Holy Prophetsa sharing an observation, relevant to all ages. Hazrat Anasra bin Malik reports that the Prophetsa passed by a tree whose leaves were drying, and struck its branch with his staff, and

stated: “Praise be to God; Glory be to God; there is no god but God; and God is most great, who causes a man’s sins to fall away just as the leaves of that tree were falling.”

In this way, the Messenger of Allah taught us to renew ourselves and seek forgiveness.

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi) Closer to our time, we find the same humility in the Promised Messiahas, inspired by his Master, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

On a wet winter evening, a devoted companion, Hazrat Seith Ghulam Nabira came to Qadian. As it was quite late, he went straight to bed after dinner. He heard a knock at his door, only to find Huzooras there, holding a lantern in one hand, and a cup in the other! The Promised Messiahas apologised for the inconvenience, and stated: “Somebody brought some milk, and it occurred to me that you might be in the habit of drinking hot milk before going to bed; so I have brought a cup for you.” In this benevolent way, the Promised Messiahas comforted his guest, brightening an otherwise dim and frosty night. (Stories from Early Ahmadiyyat, p. 45) Now that this season is approaching in the northern hemisphere, these stories of the past teach us valuable lessons on righteousness, and how to make the most even when times get gloomy.

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021

100 Years Ago...

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Tabligh tour in Gold Coast, Africa, and downpour of God’s blessings Al Fazl, 31 October & 3 November 1921

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

My programme Below is my programme for the Gold Coast: 1. Establishing a permanent mission in Saltpond 2. Establishment of a Markazi [central] Ahmadiyya Middle School in Saltpond 3. Establishment of Primary Schools in different Ahmadiyya marakiz [centres] 4. [Establishment of the] Jamaat’s administrative structure 5. Launch of a Missionary Training School 6. A tour of all the Ahmadiyya marakiz

From Lagos to Accra I have previously informed our readers that I had boarded the RMS Appam at Lagos, the capital city of Nigeria, and reached Accra, a central city of the Gold Coast. However, I did not mention what I did during my two days of sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and living in waters after leaving the dry land.

The readers of Al Fazl are well aware that by the grace of God, I never idle by, even from the deck of the ship. However, I suffer from such weakness that a slight movement of the ship makes me severely ill. It was due to this state that throughout the said two days, I had to spend the majority of my journey in bed.

During the small window of opportunity, I managed to preach to two dozen African travellers in first class who were eating at the same table as me. Among those were a native African Christian lady doctor who said to me in astonishment: “Do you think you will be able to convert Christians to Mohammadanism?” I replied: “Yes, madam. I will, I am sure I will convert all thinking Christians.” This woman was left in awe for some time and then she said: “It is a hard job.” In response, I presented the message of the Promised Messiahas and told her that if fisherman could once become a source of guidance for mankind, then why can’t those missionaries who are much higher in faith from them attain success.

The noteworthy among the European travellers is Mr KM Leslie (commissioner police for trade). He has previously lived in India and is able to make small conversations in the Indian language. He has an interest in Islam. I had a lengthy conversation with him and his wife. Their views are very noble and close to Islam. Apart from them, I presented the true message of Ahmadiyyat to the ship’s accountant and other official workers whenever the time and opportunity presented itself.

Meeting with the officers As the Jami‘ Masjid [central mosque] had been sealed for over six years due to ignorance and infighting of the local Muslims, I am trying to re-open it for carrying out God’s worship and end Muslims’ dispute. In this regard, I met with the authorities and also informed them about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s fundamental issues. I presented a copy of the Holy Quran to his excellency, the governor, which he ordered to be placed

Struggles during the programme’s fulfilment

in the government house library. He also assured me that the matter of the mosque would soon be resolved.

India in Accra A poet once said:

‫بح ونط از کلم سل�یم�ان وخرتش‬ ‫اخر ونط از لبنس و ی‬ ‫ر�اں وخرتش‬

“The love of the homeland is better than the kingdom of Solomon. The thorns of the homeland are better than hyacinths and basil (fragrant plants).”

However, the true meanings of this proverb cannot be comprehended unless one leaves their country. Moreover, the pen does not have enough power to explain that delight which one gets after meeting a compatriot in a foreign country.

I sent a telegram from Lagos regarding my arrival. Respected Lala Tara Chand (manager of Darul Tijarat Dayaldas) and Lala Narain Das (manager of Darul Tijarat Molchand) were present for me at the seashore. They kept waiting for three hours at the coast. May God grant them the best of rewards. They brought me with great happiness and utmost comfort to the house of Dayaldas and Company. They show great hospitality in every possible way and served me puri [puffy Indian bread], karah [a type of pudding made from an equal portion of whole wheat flour, milk and sugar], daal

[lentil curry], bhat [white rice] and every possible Indian food that they could make themselves.

They accompanied me to Aburi Botanical Gardens, Gold Coast, which is about 24 miles away, located on a mountain top. This is the only elevated place on the shore of West African that is conducive to good health. At the time of leaving, they made and presented puris to me, (ghee is not available here, but olive oil is available).

Hence, both of these gentlemen and their workers treated me with great affection and showed eastern hospitality. May Allah grant them the best of rewards.

During my stay in Accra, the sight of the recitation of bhajan [Hindus’ hymn or religious song] in Gujarati, Sindhi, Punjabi and Urdu languages and the singing of the choral of Sant Attar Singh took me to India and in fact Punjab. Consequently, the picture of Tarn Taran Khalsa Conference was drawn before my eyes, which I had once attended.

I had a friendly exchange of discourse with the said associates on the religion of Shri Krishna Chandra and Shri Nanak Dev. Lala Naraian Das’s tendency is towards Vedanta and Lala Tara Chand is interested in the Sikh religion. In the company of [Indian] friends, my acquaintance with both the said religions came to work in Africa and helped me serve my esteemed hosts as well.

I have begun to put forth all my efforts in order to give a practical shape to the above programme. Even though I had to face some difficulties, the work is being done at a good pace by the grace of Allah. The work that has been done till now is as follows: (1) I have acquired a two-story house with two halls and 4 rooms in the middle of Saltpond on the commercial road for the needs of the mission. A board is being prepared. Since this house belongs to an Ahmadi, the rent is only 45 rupees per month.

(2-3) The jamaats are holding gatherings all over the place in order to collect funds for the establishment of schools. Moreover, apart from Markazi Middle School, a suggestion of establishing 10 Primary Schools is under consideration.

(4) (a) The whole jamaat has been divided into two circles. Their names are Accrafol circle and Saraha circle. (b) Each of the two circles has been given the authority to make divisions under them, so that all the people of the surrounding areas can easily gather together. (c) Two Majlis Akabir [gathering of elders] of the whole jamaat will be held in Saltpond every year and if need be, more gatherings will be held.

(5) On 17 September [1921], two students from each markaz [jamaat] who know Arabic or English will come to Saltpond for a one-month training period, insha-Allah.

(6) At the time of writing this letter, I have so far travelled 543 miles, the majority of which was covered on motor and some by foot. I held 27 jalsas at 22 different places during this tour and my speeches were always focused on the subject of preaching the message of Islam and the reformation Continued on next page >>

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Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

of the Muslims. Now, only a 180-mile long tour is left to be completed, which includes an arduous journey of travelling by foot because the motor cannot reach that place.

The outcome of the tour This tour has strengthened the Jamaat.

Thousands of individuals have heard the true message of Ahmadiyyat. Hundreds of disbelievers are ready to accept Islam [and soon join it], insha-Allah. All praise belongs to Allah, more than two dozen men and women converted to Islam. Praise be to Allah! A few chiefs are simply waiting for the right time to make the announcement of their conversion [to Islam].

It is difficult to accept Islam Every place I visit, I find a lot of admirers of Islam. However, they are only hesitant [to accept Islam] because they cannot let go of drinking. The eating restrictions are also unpalatable for them. A Muslim in a village said, “People are quick to convert to Christianity as there are no major restrictions in it, but because of the very many restrictions, it is difficult for people to convert to Islam.” I have no idea how and on what grounds do Christian preachers tell the world that Africans because of their ignorance are quick to convert to Islam. However, it is very easy for Africans to convert to Christianity and difficult to convert to Islam. It is only the work of a courageous, God-fearing and pious man to leave idolatry and man-worship and convert to Islam by giving up his luxuries, comforts and servitude of his inner desires.

Al Fazl, 3 November 1921 God’s grace When a man witnesses the seed sown by him has fully grown and observes its fruits with his own eyes, then surely his heart fills with happiness. He sings the hymns of God, Who is worthy of all praise. My heart is in the said state.

Seven months ago, I arrived as a newcomer to the inhospitable shores of Saltpond and disembarked the ship that was being thumped by the cruel waves. At that time, only one man was standing at the shore with a heartfelt welcome and another man in Khaki uniform was also standing there, following government orders.

There were Muslims in the country, but very few as compared to the idol worshipers. However, due to God’s grace, the reformations I had introduced are being quickly acted upon.

(1) The women have started wearing clothes and covering their chests (2) Newborns’ faces are not marked with a cross (3) Circumcision is being done (4) None of the Muslims drink alcohol made out of palm juice (5) Greetings by placing the knees on the ground have been stopped They are not only acting upon these reforms, but their sincerity had reached a level where they are taking my word as the true interpretation of the divine commandments. Everywhere I go, I am told that they will do whatever I will teach

them. They have started to fold their arms in Salat as I do. The sincere hearts of these simple new Ahmadis are such that, once I was offering the sunnah prayers in the mosque, suddenly the entire jamaat stood next to me. Although I was not saying the takbir, they followed my movements and preformed proper ruku and sujud as if they were offering congregational prayer.

Achieving these results in seven months is possible through the blessings of God Almighty.

Two examples (1) There was a gathering at a village and a question and answer session was being held after the conclusion of the speech. A man complained that women did not offer prayers, so they should be reminded of it. I gave a sermon and the women listened to it very attentively. They expressed happiness on my arrival by placing a yellow wild flower on their heads. When I advised them that women should cover their heads, they immediately complied and covered their heads after dropping their flowers. Once I had finished the sermon, a young woman with her child on her back, (it is a custom over here to have your child on your back instead of in your lap), requested permission to ask a question. I gave her permission and then she told me, “I am representing the women. We have a complaint against the men, as we want to follow your command but the men do not provide us clothes, please advise them.” Their courage brought me happiness and I advised the men that providing clothes and food is their responsibility. After the sermon, the women proclaimed that, “We won today.”

(2) I was told that there had been a debate between an Ahmadi and a nonAhmadi. The latter said, “Your white man is deceiving you.” The former said in response, “If our white man takes us to hell, we will still follow him, but we will never listen to you.”

I have mentioned these two incidents

simply to inform our friends that people are ready for reformation. They want to become true Muslims. Many students are present but there is only one teacher and that too for three countries making it 1/3. However, Allah the Almighty has all by Himself placed love in their hearts for a lowly slave of Ghulam Ahmad and a servant of Mahmud.

Downpour of blessings I always consider my ability, conduct, capacity, status and then witness the downpour of Allah’s blessings on a daily basis. Allah knows that I say, all praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, with a heart filled with love and sincerity.

(1) I left Accra on 13 September [1921], halfway through there were crossroads and the gateway to Saltpond road was closed.

“Road closed no permits,” was written there.

Eid was on 15 September [1921] and I was supposed to be at a location 90 miles from there. I had no acquaintances there, nor there was any sign of transportation. I had barely spent five minutes worrying when a person approached me and told me he had gained permission after requesting [officials] countless times. He said that he will take me with him. This was the very first lorry to gain permission for that entire week.

(2) As I arrived at Saltpond, I saw that the road going to my destination was closed. I prayed to Allah and then I booked a motor, having absolute belief in Allah and completed all my preparations. The motor driver arrived at 7:15 am on 15 September [1921] whilst laughing at my silliness. I got into the motor and went along towards the destination. Just three furlongs from the gateway, we met the road engineer who was on his way back after opening up the gate and was going to announce the opening of the road. The first motor to cross that gate was mine and I returned on 16 September [1921] afternoon. The last motor to cross on that day was also mine, after which the road was closed again.

(3) I was supposed to go on a tour on 25 September [1921] to Cape Coast Castle. The road was opened and I went there. When I returned three days later during the rain, the road was closed and the police constable had left with the keys. I began worrying about what to do next, but my God did not let me worry for too long. Soon after the road engineer himself came, saw me and began speaking to me in Indian. The rest is history, we became friends. Not only the gate was opened, but I also made a white friend and the biggest difficulty that one comes across while travelling in Gold Coast was solved.

(4) My motor broke down on the way and I was scheduled to arrive at the village of Saraha. It began to rain, crushing all hopes for a ride. Suddenly, a lorry came and I boarded it. This lorry dropped me off 8 miles from my destination. I had just decided to walk the rest of the way on the lorry road but unexpectedly, another lorry arrived from the very village [I was going to] and so I got in it reached there. Hence, all this was arranged for me well before the scheduled time.

The sincerity of people, daily rise in new converts, progress of the Jamaat and [God’s] support through apparent means increase a believer’s faith. I have said it many times and will say it again that: Am I the one who made up these coincidences? Allah did and surely Allah, Who sent the Promised Messiahas, in order to bring people towards Islam and increase my faith by showing me signs of his existence, created all these circumstances.

Alas! There are some people, who at the time of the Promised Messiahas used to make a mockery of these matters when they were considered as signs. Ultimately, Allah has made a mockery of them. Will they now understand this sign?

From, Abdur Rahim Nayyar.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 31 October and 3 November 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021

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Friday Sermon 8 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:

Accounts in relation to the conquests that took place in the time of Hazrat Umarra are currently being narrated.

Allama Shibli Nomani was a biographer who has written on the life and character of Hazrat Umarra. Whilst mentioning the circumstances and reasons for the campaigns led by Hazrat Umarra, he writes: “Any historian would wonder how a handful of desert dwellers managed

to overthrow the Persian and Byzantine empires. Was this an exceptional event in the history of the world? And what were the circumstances surrounding it? Can these events be likened to the conquests of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan?

How much influence did the guidance of Khilafat have in what was accomplished?

“I wish to answer these questions at this time, but prior to this, it is necessary to

summarise the magnitude and breadth of the Farooqi conquests [conquests of Hazrat Umar Farooqra].

“The total area of the land conquered

by Hazrat Umarra amounted to 2,251,030 square miles; extending 1,036 miles to the north of Mecca, 1,087 miles to the east and 483 miles to the south. These are the results of the conquests of Hazrat Umarra alone, which span a period of just over 10

years. This brief historical background just mentioned is necessary to understand these conquests.

“Nonetheless, I will mention the thoughts of European historians about these conquests. For the answer to the first question, European historians say that both the Persian and Byzantine empires had already begun to decline and were past the pinnacle of what they had already achieved.

20 As the law of nature dictates, they were bound to fall.”

Allama Shibli Nomani further states: “After the rule of Khosrow II, the system of governance in Persia fell apart because there was no one competent enough to lead. High ranking officials and members of the government began to conspire, due to which there was a continuous change in leadership. In a span of three to four years, the throne changed hands between six to seven different rulers.

“Another reason [for the success of Hazrat Umarra], as presented by European historians, is that before the rule of King Nausherwan, the Mazdakite sect, which was inclined towards atheism and disbelief, was exerting great influence. Their ideology was that all hearts should be purged of selfishness and other animosities and all possessions, in which they included women, should be considered as mutual property – all for the sake of purifying religion.” In other words, there was no respect and regard given to women.

“This was the viewpoint of this faction.

And for some, this was a collective scheme aimed at reforming and purifying the Zoroastrian faith. King Nausherwan did manage to suppress this rising faction by the use of the sword but was unable to eliminate it.

“When the Muslims came to conquer Persia, this sect considered the Muslims as their supporters because the Muslims did not interfere with any religion.” This is the viewpoint of European historians.

He further writes: “Among the Christians [Byzantines], there was the Nestorian sect which had trouble finding refuge under any other ruling government. They too took refuge under Muslim rule from the cruelty of their opposition. As a result, the Muslims effortlessly gained the cooperation and understanding of two large sects. Byzantine rule was already withering and there were many internal disputes among the Christians in those days. Because their system of governance was heavily influenced by religion, those internal disputes did not only affect religious ideology, but also weakened the empire.”

Refuting these views held by the European historians, Allama Shibli Nomani writes: “Although the answers offered by European historians are not completely devoid of truth, it is an attempt to paper over the cracks – which is a distinct trait of the European writers.

“Undoubtedly, the Persian and Byzantine empires had fallen from the peak of their power, but that simply meant that they would not be able to withstand the opposition of a powerful and forceful nation. It did not at all mean that they would crumble against the unorganised and ill-equipped Arabs.

“The Byzantines and Persians were experts in the art of war. Many books written on the art of war in Greece, which are still present today, were under practice for a long time among the Byzantines. Their provisions were abundant, their equipment was superfluous, their weapons for war had great variety, the sheer size of their army would not lessen in number – and most of all – they did not have to cross any borders to fight, but had to stay in their homeland, in their own forts and trenches and defend

Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM their nation.

“Just prior to the Muslim occupation and during the rule of Khosrow Parvez [Khosrow II], Iran was at the zenith of its glory. At that time, Caesar attacked and conquered swathes of land with every attack, ultimately penetrating all the way to Isfahan (Ispahan). The regions of Syria conquered by the Persians were taken back and governance was given new order and organisation.

“It is commonly acknowledged that the Persian Empire held great power until the reign of Khosrow Parvez. There are only three to four years that separate the death of Khosrow Parvez and the Muslim invasion.

How is it possible for such an old and powerful nation to become so weak in such a short amount of time?

“Naturally, there would be some disruption in organisation due to the frequent change in leadership; however, because there was no decrease in the treasury, military and revenue sectors, when Yazdegerd came into power, he was able to restore the empire to its former glory along with the help of those officials who desired reform. The Mazdakite sect was present in Iran at that time, but there is no historical record of any aid received from them at all”, i.e. the Muslims did not receive any help from them.

“Likewise, there was no help received from the Nestorian sect either. The Nestorian sect of Christianity believed that Jesusas embodied both human and divine nature separately. European historians themselves have not indicated the impact that religious differences in Christianity had on any occurrences [related to this].

“Now, examine the condition of the Arabs in contrast to this. The Muslim forces that were fighting in Egypt, Iran and in the wars against the Byzantines never totalled 100,000. They were so unfamiliar with the art of war that Yarmouk was the first battlefield where the Arabs lined their forces using the tabi‘a formation.

Tabi‘a was a battle formation in which the commander-in-chief or king leading the army would be in the centre of all of his forces. This is known as the tabi‘a formation.

The essential equipment necessary for each Persian soldier to wear in combat included a helmet, chainmail, chilta (iron or steel garments), Joshan or plated armour (a type of armour), baktar (set of four iron or steel plates worn on the chest, back and thighs), steel gauntlets, a metal visor (a face covering or visor made out of metal rings, attached to the helmet) and footwear.

“In comparison, the Arabs only dressed in armour, most of which was made out of leather. The opposition had all their protective equipment made from metal, while whatever little the Arabs did possess was made of leather. Even their saddle stirrups were made of wood as opposed to metal.

“From among the weapons used in warfare, the Arabs were completely unaware of a ‘gurz’ or ‘kamand’.”

Gurz is the name of a weapon which is round from the top and has a handle at the bottom. It is used to strike the heads of the enemy. Kamand is a lasso or a net or a noose.

“The Arabs used arrows, but they were so small and inferior that during the Battle of Qadisiyyah, when the Iranians saw the arrows of the Arabs for the first time,

they thought they were a large needle or a spindle.”

Then explaining the actual reasons, the Allama Sahib [Shibli Nomani] writes: “In my view, the real answer to this question is that in those days, owing to the blessings of the Holy Prophetsa the Muslims had developed a sense of passion, resolve, determination, spirit and courage, which Hazrat Umarra further strengthened and sharpened. It reached such a level that even at the peak of their power, the Byzantine and Persian empires could not contend with them.

“However, there are additional factors which did not aid in the conquests, but assisted in establishing the government.

The primary factor is the truthfulness and honesty of the Muslims. Whichever place was conquered by the Muslims, the people were so impressed by the honesty and truthfulness of the Muslims that despite the difference in religion, they did not want the Muslim rule to end. Prior to the Battle of Yarmouk, when the Muslims retreated

from the provinces of Syria, the Christian population cried out, ‘May God bring you back to these lands’. The Jews grabbed hold of the Torah and stated, ‘Whilst we are alive, the Caesar can never rule here.’

“The Byzantine rule in the Levant and Egypt was oppressive. For this reason, when the Byzantine faced the Muslims, they did so on the basis of the strength of their army and state, their subjects were not with them.

When the Muslims crushed the power of the state, the road ahead was clear and there was nothing stopping them”, i.e. there was no opposition from the Byzantine subjects.

“The condition of Persia was somewhat different, however. Beneath the King, there were powerful governors who ruled over large regions and provinces. They did not fight for their empire; rather, they would fight for their own rule. This was the reason that despite defeating the throne of the empire, the Muslims faced obstacles at each step in Persia. But the general population there also became greatly influenced by the Muslims and after conquering the lands,

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 they would assist greatly in establishing the government.

“Another great factor was that the Muslims first invaded Syria and Iraq, and both regions contained a large population of Arabs. In Syria, the governor of Damascus was the Ghassanids, they were loosely under the rule of Caesar. In actuality, the ruling family in Iraq were the Lakhmi tribe, but they would pay land tax to the Chosroes. Although these Arabs had become Christians and initially opposed the Muslims, the bond of being the same nation is something that cannot be ignored. The prominent chiefs of Iraq quickly became Muslim and after accepting Islam, they became the support and aid of the Muslims.

In Syria, the Arabs eventually accepted Islam and freed themselves of Byzantine occupation.

“To make mention of Alexander [the Great] and Genghis [Khan] etc. would be highly inappropriate. Undoubtedly, both of them accomplished great victories, but how?

They did so through [imposed] famine, brutality and mass killings. Everyone knows about Genghis Khan.

“If we compare [the Muslim conquest] with the conquests of Alexander, when Alexander conquered Sur, a city of Syria, because the people resisted for a long time, he granted blanket permission to kill everyone.

The heads of 1,000 residents were hung on the outer wall of the city. Along with this, he sold 30,000 men and women that lived there into slavery. Not a single person from the old residents or those who wished to live in freedom were spared. Similarly, when he conquered Istakhr in Persia” – Istakhr was an ancient city of Persia – “he killed all the men. There were similar other merciless acts committed by him”, i.e. by Alexander the Great, “how then can one ever compare these conquests to that of the Muslims?

“It is well known that oppression and injustice can bring down an empire. This is true because oppression and brutality cannot last forever. In the same way, the empires of Alexander and Genghis did not last long. However, such merciless killings have proven effective to gain immediate results as a result of which entire countries have been subdued.

“Since a large part of the population is killed, therefore there is no danger of revolt or rebellion. It is for this reason Genghis, Nebuchadnezzar, Tamerlane, Nadir Shah and other great conquerors were all brutal and cruel. However, in the conquests of Hazrat Umarra, never was the law contravened nor any injustice committed.

Let alone a blanket permission to kill the men, even a tree was not permitted to be cut.

Children or the elderly were never harmed.

Apart from in the battlefield, nobody was to be killed”, i.e. a person could only be killed on the battlefield and not otherwise.

“A breach of trust or deception was not permitted against the enemy. The commanders were given strict instructions that when they engaged in battle, they were not to use deception, not to mutilate the bodies of the dead, children were not to be harmed and they were to fight openly.

Furthermore, the people who accepted Muslim rule but then revolted, they were reminded of their treaty and forgiven; to the extent that the people of Arbasus recanted from their treaties three times.” Arbasus was a town near the frontiers of Syria which

bordered Asia Minor. “So the most he did was to exile them, but they were paid in exchange for the wealth they lost.”

Maulana Shibli Nomani further writes: “If the Jews of Khaibar were exiled owing to their instigations and rebellion, they were compensated for the land they lost and it was written to all the provinces that wherever the Jews pass by, they ought to be assisted. Wherever they settle in a town, Jizya should not be taken from them for one year.”

He then writes: “Those people who say that in history, there were many other conquerors who achieved similar great feats as Hazrat Umarra should demonstrate which ruler conquered even an inch of enemy land with the same level of precautions and benevolence.

Furthermore, Alexander, Genghis etc. were physically present in every battle and would lead the army as commander-in-chief at every stage. This meant that aside from having an experienced commander-inchief at hand, it would give courage to the army and they would have a natural zeal to sacrifice themselves for their master. But for the entire span of his caliphate, not once did Hazrat Umarra set foot on the battlefield. His armies were engaged on several fronts, but the reins of the army were in the grips of Hazrat Umarra.

“Another notable and substantial difference was that the conquests of Alexander and others were like that of a passing cloud; it came all of a sudden and then departed. They never established an organised government. However, the distinction of the lands conquered by Hazrat Umarra is that even after the passing of 1,300 years, they are still under Islamic rule today.

And from the time of Hazrat Umarra, all structure and organisation of the country was established.”

Then mentioning Hazrat Umar’sra role in these conquests, Shibli Nomani writes: “The answer to the last question is that according to popular belief, the Caliph [Hazrat Umarra] supposedly did not play much of a role in the conquests, in fact, it was the passion and resolve of the people at the time.”

He further writes: “This is an opinion which in my view is completely incorrect”, i.e. the claim that the Caliph had nothing to do with the conquests.

“The same Muslims were present in the time of Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira, but what was the result? Undoubtedly, passion and power are captivating qualities, but these qualities can only be useful when the person commanding them is equally powerful and mighty.

“There is no need for speculation or conjecture; the facts are enough to decide the matter. After analysing the details of the conquests [in Hazrat Umar’sra time], it becomes evidently clear that the Muslim army was like a marionette, that would move and strike according to the instructions of Hazrat Umarra. And the order and arrangement of the army was due to the special administration and planning of Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umarra himself supervised all matters, such as arranging the army, training exercises of the army, formation of barracks, training of horses, protection of forts, ordering to attack according to the warm or cold

21 weather, organising a system of surveillance, choosing the commanders for the army and using weapons that could break forts.

Establishing them with such power and authority was an attribute of Hazrat Umarra.

“In the conquest of Iraq, Hazrat Umarra himself discharged duties as if he was the commander-in-chief. When the army would depart from Medina, he would highlight each step of the way, in fact he would outline the entire route, which way they were to take and what to do at which place; he would send written instructions in accordance with this.

“When the army reached Qadisiyyah, he asked for a map of the area and arranged the army ranks according to it. Every commander would act according to the special instructions issued by Hazrat Umarra. If one studies the details of the Muslim campaigns in Iraq from Tarikh AlTabari, it will become evidently clear that an expert commander-in-chief was sat far away directing the army in battle and everything that transpired did so due to his instructions.

“Among the wars – that were fought over a 10-year span – the most dangerous occurrence was either in the Battle of Nahavand, when the Iranians sent their chiefs throughout the provinces of Persia in order to incite them [for war] and gathered a mighty army of over a hundred thousand to confront the Muslims.

“The second instance was when the Byzantine Emperor attacked Homs again with the help of the people of Jazirah. In both these battles, it was only the excellent strategy of Hazrat Umarra that crushed a rising storm on the one hand and demolished a mighty mountain on the other.

“After reading the details of these incidents, the claim becomes clear; that throughout all of history that we know of, there has not been a conqueror equal to Hazrat Umar Farooqra, the Great, who was a personification of both a victor and justice”, i.e. that they attained conquests and upheld justice as well. (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, pp. 170177, 287, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 1991) (Urdu Da‘irah Ma‘arif Islamiyyah, Vol. 20, Under the word Muzdak, pp. 529-530, Shu‘bah Urdu Punjab University, Lahore) (Urdu Lughat, Under the word Nasturit, Vol. 19, p. 932, Urdu Lughat Board, Karachi) (Urdu Lughat, Under the word Ta‘biyah, Vol. 5, pp. 281-282, Urdu Lughat Board, Karachi) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah], 249-240)

With regard to the Holy Prophetsa giving tidings to Hazrat Umarra about his martyrdom, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar narrates that on one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa saw Hazrat Umarra wearing white clothes and asked him, “Are these clothes new or have they been washed?” Hazrat Ibn Umarra states, “I do not remember what Hazrat Umar’s reply was, but the Holy Prophetsa prayed for him in the following way, ‘Wear new clothes and live an exemplary life; may you attain the death of a martyr.’” Hazrat Ibn Umarra states, “I believe the Holy Prophetsa also said, ‘May you attain delight in this world and in the Hereafter.’”

(Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Abdullah bin Umar bin al-Khattabra, Vol. 2, p. 429, Hadith 5620, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1998)

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik relates that the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra climbed onto mount Uhud and it began to tremble. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “O Uhud!

Stand still for there is a prophet, siddiq [truthful] and two shaheeds [martyrs] standing upon it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Hadith 3675) Hazrat Ubayra bin Kaab narrates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Gabriel has informed me that the entire Muslim world shall mourn the death of Hazrat Umarra.”

(Al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir li al-Tabarani, Vol. 1, pp. 67-68, Riwayah 61, San Amr wa Wafatih fi Sanah Ikhtilaf, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-‘Arabi, Beirut, 2002)

There is a narration from the noble wife of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Hafsara, with regard to Hazrat Umar’sra desire to attain martyrdom. She states that she heard her father say: ً ُ ْ ُ ْ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ً َ َ ‫ارزق ِن ْي ق ْتلا ف ِ ْي َس ِب ْيلِك َو َوفاة ف ِ ْي بَل ِد ن ِب ِّيك‬ ‫اللهم‬ “O Allah! Grant me the station of martyrdom in Your path and cause me to die in the city of the Holy Prophetsa.” Upon this, she asked, “How is this possible?” and Hazrat Umarra stated: ٰ َ ْ ٰ َّ َ ‫اللّ َه يَأت ْي بأ ْمر ِه أَن ّي َش‬ ‫اء‬ ‫ِإن‬ ِ ِ ِ ٰ َ ْ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّ َ َ ‫إن الله يَأت ْي بأمر ِه أني ش‬ ‫اء‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ “Verily, Allah the Almighty bestows His decree as He wills.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 252)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned the prayer offered by Hazrat Umarra to attain the station of martyrdom. He states: “How strong was Hazrat Umar’sra bond with Allah the Almighty! The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘If there were a prophet after me, it would have been Umar.’ ‘After me’ here means if there were to be a prophet immediately after him. Thus, if in that era owing to the needs of the time, Allah the Almighty wanted to elevate someone from the rank of shaheed to the lofty station of prophethood, then the Holy Prophetsa deemed Hazrat Umarra to be worthy of this.

“Upon witnessing his immense sacrifices, even the staunchest opponents of Europe acknowledge the fact that seldom does one find a person who has rendered such sacrifices and who possesses such a selfless spirit. And regarding his services [for Islam] they go to such extreme lengths in their estimation that they attribute the success of Islam entirely to him. This is the same Umarra who would supplicate, ‘O Allah! Cause me to die in Madinah as a martyr.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “This supplication was born out of his intense love, otherwise it was a very dangerous prayer to seek. In other words, this prayer meant that there be such a ferocious assailant, who defeats the entire Muslim army and ultimately reaches Medina and then martyrs Hazrat Umarra there. Allah the Almighty, Who is well aware of everyone’s true intentions, fulfilled this desire of Hazrat Umarra and also safeguarded Medina from the afflictions which were discreet in this prayer and it was ultimately carried out by a Kafir [non-Muslim], who martyred him in Medina. In any case, it is evident from Hazrat Umar’sra prayer that according to him, to sacrifice one’s life in the way of God Almighty was a hallmark of those who enjoy His nearness.”

Whilst advising the Ahmadi members, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues: “However, today it is considered that to have one’s life saved by Allah the Almighty is a sign of His closeness.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 17, pp. 474-475)

22

Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM reached a mountain and saw that the Holy Prophetsa was stood on the mountain and Hazrat Abu Bakrra was standing beside him.

The Holy Prophetsa was indicating for him to come and join them. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘arira exclaimed in his heart, “Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. By God, the Leader of the Faithful has passed away.”

Hazrat Anasra relates that he enquired from Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘arira whether he would inform Hazrat Umarra of this dream and he replied that he did not want to disclose the news of his demise to him. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], pp. 252-253)

Saeed bin Abi Hilal narrates that Hazrat Umarra bin al-Khattab addressed the people on a Friday. He praised Allah the Almighty which He is indeed worthy of and then stated, “O ye people! I have seen a dream whereby I feel that the time of my demise is near. I saw a red cockerel which bit me twice.

I related this dream to Asma bint Umais and she interpreted this to mean that someone from among the non-Arabs will kill me.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 255)

On another occasion, whilst mentioning the incident of Hazrat Umar’sra martyrdom and his prayer, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “With regard to Hazrat Umarra, it is written that he would always pray that his demise took place in Medina and in the form of martyrdom. How terrifying is the concept of death? At the time of death, even one’s closest relations abandon them.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then mentioned an incident in relation to how people fear death: “It is said that once, a lady’s daughter fell ill and she would pray, ‘O Allah, save my daughter and instead take my life.’ She was expressing great affection for her daughter.

“Incidentally, one night, it so happened that the rope of the lady’s cow loosened and it put its head in a utensil causing its head to get stuck inside it. The cow became distressed and started running uncontrollably with its head stuck in the utensil. Upon witnessing the cow in this state whereby it had something else in place of its face, the lady became frightened. She thought that perhaps her prayer was granted acceptance and the angel Azrael [angel of death] had come to take her soul and she immediately exclaimed, ‘O Azrael! I am not the one who is ill, she is ill and is lying over there.’”

In other words, she pointed towards her daughter. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: “One’s life is very precious and one would adopt all possible measures to save it.”

On the one hand, the lady was praying [for her daughter] but the moment she felt there was a real sense of danger, she immediately indicated towards her daughter and asked for her life to be taken.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “A person employs all possible measures to safeguard their life and exhausts themselves in trying all kinds of cures. However, the example of the noble Companionsra was such that they greatly

desired to sacrifice their very lives in the way of God Almighty. Hazrat Umarra would pray that he attain the station of martyrdom in Medina.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues: “I often ponder how dangerous this prayer was, because what it meant, in other words, was that the enemy takes control of Medina and martyrs Hazrat Umarra in the streets of Medina. However, Allah the Almighty accepted his prayer in such a manner that he was martyred by a person in Medina who claimed to be a Muslim.”

It is generally stated that the person who martyred Hazrat Umarra was a nonMuslim, but there are also some narrations which state that he perhaps claimed to be a Muslim. However, the majority are of the opinion that he was a non-Muslim.

In one reference, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated that he was a non-Muslim, but in another reference, he mentioned that this person claimed to be a Muslim. Hence, he was also not completely certain in regard to whether he was a Muslim or not.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: “According to some, he was not a Muslim. In any case, he was a slave through whom Allah the Almighty granted Hazrat Umarra martyrdom. When a person desires for something himself then it cannot be considered as an affliction for them.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 1, pp. 166-167)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned this in one of his sermons.

Then, what was the condition of the companions upon the martyrdom of Hazrat Umarra?

Hazrat Abu Burdahra relates from his father that Hazrat Aufra bin Malik saw a dream whereby people had been gathered in an open plain and there was one individual among them who was elevated from the rest by a span of three hand widths. He asked who this person was and was informed that it was Umarra bin al-Khattab. Upon this, he asked as to why this person had been elevated from the rest and he was informed that the reason for this was because he possessed

three qualities: he did not fear the reproach of anyone in matters relating to Allah the Almighty; he would attain martyrdom in the way of Allah the Almighty and he would be made a Khalifa.

Upon hearing this, Hazrat Aufra went to Hazrat Abu Bakrra to relate his dream, who was the Khalifa at the time, and informed him of his dream. Hazrat Abu Bakrra called Hazrat Umarra and gave him glad-tidings and then told Hazrat Aufra to relate his dream.

The narrator states that when he mentioned that he would become the Khalifa, Hazrat Umarra told him off because Hazrat Abu Bakrra was still alive. Later, when Hazrat Umarra became the Khalifa, he travelled to Syria and whilst delivering a sermon, he looked towards Hazrat Aufra and called him to come at the pulpit. Hazrat Umarra then asked him to relate his dream.

Hazrat Aufra mentioned his dream and upon this, Hazrat Umarra stated: “As far as those people are concerned who do not fear the reproach of any faultfinder, I am hopeful that Allah the Almighty will enable me to become one of those people.

With regard to me becoming the Khalifa, I have already been appointed as the Khalifa and I now pray that may Allah the Almighty grant me help to fulfil the responsibility which I have been entrusted with. And with regard to me being martyred, how can I be martyred when I live in the Arab land and do not fight against the neighbouring people.”

He then stated, “But if Allah wills then he will bring about the means of my martyrdom.”

Though it was not possible in light of the apparent circumstances, if Allah willed, then he would enable it to happen in some way.

It is related from Hazrat Anasra bin Malik that Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘arira related that he saw a dream in which he setoff to travel upon various routes, but they all disappeared apart from one. Hence, he setoff on that particular route and eventually

There are varying opinions as to the martyrdom of Hazrat Umarra; which day he was martyred and when he was buried.

According to Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Hazrat Umarra was attacked on a Wednesday and he passed away on Thursday. Hazrat Umarra was attacked and injured on 26 Dhul Hijjah in 23 AH and he was buried in the morning on the first of Muharram 24 AH. Uthman Akhnas states that Hazrat Umarra passed away on Wednesday, 26 Dhul Hijjah.

According to Abu Ma‘shar, Hazrat Umarra was martyred on 27 Dhul Hijjah. (Ibn Saad, AlTabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, San 23 A.H. [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], 278) (Ibn Kathir, AlBidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4 [Matbu‘ah li al-Tiba‘ah wa al-Nashr wa al-Tauzi‘ wa al-I‘lan, 1997] p. 134)

In addition to Tarikh Al-Tabari and Tarikh ibn Al-Athir, the majority of the historian’s state that Hazrat Umarra was injured on 26 Dhul Hijjah in 23 AH and he passed away on the first of Muharram 24 AH and was buried the same day. (Muhammad Ibn

Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Dhikr Khabr ‘an Wafat Umarra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr], p. 54) (Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 448, Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nu’mani, p. 154, Idarah Islamiyyat, 2004)

The detailed account of Hazrat Umar’sra martyrdom has been narrated in Sahih Bukhari as follows: Amr bin Maimoon relates that he saw Hazrat Umarra in Medina a few days prior to him being attacked. Hazrat Umarra went to Huzayfa bin Yamman and Uthman bin Hunaif and enquired what they had done with regard to the taxation of the land in Iraq as this was a responsibility entrusted to them from the Khalifa. He also asked whether they felt that they had imposed a tax on the land which was beyond the means of the people. They both stated that they had fixed a tax which was in accordance with their means. In other words, there was enough potential in the land to produce a certain amount of crop and that they did not set the tax too high.

Hazrat Umarra said, “See as to whether or not you have set a tax upon it which the people cannot bear.” The narrator says that both of them replied, “No.” Hazrat Umarra then said, “If Allah keeps me in good health,

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 November 2021 I would indeed go to the widows of Iraq and leave them in a state whereby they would be in no need of anyone after me.” The narrator says that four nights had not passed after this conversation when Hazrat Umarra was wounded.

The narrator also says that on the day that he was wounded, he was stood there and only Hazrat Abdullahra bin Abbas was between Hazrat Umarra and himself. He had a habit when passing through two rows to tell the people to straighten the rows, and when there was no longer any gap, he would step forward and recite “Allahu Akbar” [Allah is the Greatest]. At times, he would recite Surah Yusuf or Surah al-Nahl or a similar chapter in the first rak‘ah [unit of prayer] of the Fajr prayer, so that people could gather.

He had only just recited “Allahu Akbar” when I heard him say, ‘I have been killed’ or, “I have been bitten by a dog. When the nonArab assailant had attacked him, he took his double-edged knife and fled. He continued to wound whoever he passed by to his left and right, (i.e. out of fear of being caught, he would wound all those who tried to seize him with his knife), to the extent that he injured 13 people, among whom seven died.

When one of the Muslims witnessed this, he used his coat (in Sahih Bukhari the word “burnus” has been used which refers to a cloth which has a hood that covers the head, i.e. a long cloak with a sort of hat attached. It also refers to a tall hat. Nonetheless, he threw his coat on him.) When he was certain that he had been caught, he cut his own neck.

Hazrat Umarra took the hand of Hazrat Abdurra Rahman bin Auf and ushered him forward.”

The narrator says that those close by Hazrat Umarra also witnessed what he had witnessed but those at the sides of the mosque only knew that they no longer heard the voice of Hazrat Umarra, so they were reciting “Subhanallah, Subhanallah!”

[Holy is Allah]. Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf therefore led the people in a short prayer.

When Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf completed the prayer, Hazrat Umarra asked Hazrat Ibn Abbasra to go see who had attacked him. Hazrat Ibn Abbasra circled around for a while then came back and said it was the slave of Mughirah. Hazrat Umarra asked, “The one who is a carpenter?” Hazrat Ibn Abbasra replied in the affirmative, upon which Hazrat Umarra stated, “May Allah destroy him, I had decided to afford him good treatment. I thank Allah that I did not die at the hands of one who professes Islam.”

(It is evident here too that the man was not a Muslim.)

Hazrat Umarra further stated, “O Ibn Abbas, you and your father enjoyed having as many non-Arab slaves in Medina and Hazrat Abbasra had the most slaves.” Hazrat Ibn Abbasra answered, “If you so wish, we can rid them all” that is, “If you desire, we can kill all the non-Arab slaves in Medina.”

Hazrat Umarra replied, “That is not right, especially as they speak your language, face in the direction of your qiblah to pray, and they make the same pilgrimage as you do” – there were many slaves who had also accepted Islam.

He narrates that they then lifted Hazrat Umarra and took him back to his home and they also entered his house with him.

It felt as though such an affliction had not befallen the Muslims before. Some would

say nothing would happen [to Hazrat Umarra, whilst others would say they feared he would pass away. Eventually, he was brought some Nabidh [a drink made from raisins or dates] which he drank but it flowed out of his stomach. He was then brought some milk which he drank, but that too flowed out from his wound. The people then realised that his demise was nigh.

Amr bin Maimun states: “We then went to him and others came too, and began praising him. A young man came and said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful!

Be pleased with the glad tiding of Allah which you have received on account of being a companion of the Holy Prophetsa and of accepting Islam at the beginning, as you know full well. Then you were elected as the Khalifa and you did justice, and then attained martyrdom.’ Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘I hope these affairs of mine remain balanced, whereby nothing is held against me, and nothing in my favour.’ When he was about to turn away to leave, his lower garment was touching the ground. Hazrat Umarra asked for the young man to be brought to him and said, ‘My nephew, keep your cloth up, that way it will last longer and not tear from dragging on the ground and this action is closer to righteousness in the sight of your Lord.’”

In that era, people would also unnecessarily show their pride by wearing long clothes and it was a sign of their wealth, so this is why Hazrat Umarra said that he should not develop any pride and it was closer to righteousness by doing so.

“He then asked Abdullahra bin Umar, ‘How much am I in debt?’ He calculated it and found it to be approximately 86,000 dirhams. Hazrat Umarra said, ‘If my family property can pay it off then pay from it, but if not then you should request it from Banu Adiyy bin Kaab. If their property too does not pay it off, then you should request it from the Quraish, but do not approach anyone else. You must pay this debt off on my behalf. Go to Hazrat Aishara and tell her that Umar conveys his greetings of peace.

Do not say I am the leader of the faithful, for today I am not the leader of the believers. So tell her that Umar bin al-Khattab requests permission to be buried beside his two companions [i.e. the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abu Bakrra].’”

It is mentioned in Umdatul-Qari, the commentary of Sahih al-Bukhari, that Hazrat Umarra said this when he was certain of his impending demise, and there was an indication in this for Hazrat Aishara that her decision should not be impacted from the title of ‘Leader of the Faithful’.

“Subsequently, Hazrat Abdullahra conveyed his greetings and asked permission to enter. He then entered the house and saw that Hazrat Aishara was sat weeping. Hazrat Abdullahra said, ‘Umar bin al-Khattab conveys greetings of peace to you and requests your permission for him to be buried by the side of his two companions.’ Hazrat Aishara replied, ‘I had reserved this space for myself, but today I shall give him precedence over myself.’

When Hazrat Abdullahra returned, Hazrat Umarra was told that Hazrat Abdullahra had arrived. He therefore asked to be lifted up and one person supported him up. Hazrat Umarra asked, ‘What news do you bring me?’ Hazrat Abdullahra answered, ‘O Leader of the Faithful, it is that which you desired.

23 Hazrat Aishara has granted permission.’

Hazrat Umarra said, ‘All praise belongs to Allah! Nothing concerned me more than this. When I pass away, carry me there. Then convey my greetings and say that Umar bin al-Khattab requests permission. If she gives permission, you should enter the room to bury me, but if she turns me back, take me to the cemetery of the Muslims.’

“Hazrat Abudullahra stated that Hazrat Hafsah, Ummul Momineenra then came along with other women. They left when they saw them. They entered and wept there for some time. When some men had asked to enter the room, and came inside, the women went into another room and they could hear them crying from inside.

“The people said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Appoint a successor after you as part of your will.’ Hazrat Umarra said, ‘I do not find anyone more suitable for the station of Khilafat than the following persons whom the Holy Prophetsa had been pleased with before he passed away’. Then Hazrat Umarra mentioned the names of Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Uthmanra, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Saadra and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf. Hazrat Umarra also stated,’ Abdullahra bin Umar will be a witness to you, but he will not be entitled to the station of Khilafat.’ Hazrat Umarra then said, ‘If Khilafat is granted to Saadra, then he will be Khalifa, otherwise whoever becomes the Khalifa should continue to seek assistance from Saadra because I have not removed him from his office owing to any incompetence or dishonesty on his part.’

“Hazrat Umarra further stated, ‘I first and foremost recommend that my successor takes care of the Muhajireen; to know their rights and to protect their honour. I also urge to show kindness to the Ansar, for they allowed faith to enter their homes in Medina even before the arrival of the Muhajireen. I recommend that he should accept the good deeds from among them and whoso is at fault from among them, they ought to be forgiven. I recommend that he should do good to all the people of the towns, as they are the protectors of Islam and the source of wealth and a means of frustrating the enemy. I also recommend that nothing be taken from them except from their surplus with their consent.

“I also recommend that he (i.e. the next Khalifa) do good to the Arab Bedouins, as they are the natives of Arabia and they make up the core following of Islam. He should take that from among their possessions which they are not in need of and distribute it amongst their needy. I also recommend him concerning those people who are under the protection of Allah and His Messengersa, to fulfil the covenants that have been established with them and to defend them and not to overburden them with what is beyond their ability.’

“When Hazrat Umarra passed away, we took him and set out on foot. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar greeted Hazrat Aishara and said that Umar bin al-Khattab sought permission to enter. Hazrat Aishara said he should be brought in, and so he was taken in and laid beside his two friends. After his burial, the men who had been named

by Hazrat Umarra gathered for the election of the next Khalifah and thus that process commenced.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Qissat al-Bai‘ah wa al-Ittifaq ala Uthman bin Affan, Hadith 3700) (Umdat al-Qari

Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 16, p. 292, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 1, p.

137, Barnas, Nu‘mani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005)

These accounts are ongoing and I will continue to narrate them in the future.

Germany’s Jalsa Salana is starting today.

May Allah the Almighty make it blessed.

May as many German Ahmadis as possible take benefit from it.

The Jalsa will be for two days. Insha-Allah, I will deliver an address at the concluding session tomorrow which will be broadcast on MTA at about 3:30pm according to the time here [in the UK]. The remainder of the Jalsa proceedings in Germany beginning from today will be live-streamed for the Germans to watch. As such, they should take maximum benefit.

After the prayers, I will offer two funeral prayers in absentia, which I will mention now. The first funeral is of Qamaruddin Sahib, a missionary from Indonesia, who recently passed away at the age of 65.

َ ‫وإنَّا إل َ ۡي ِه َراج ُع‬ َ ‫ل ِ ّٰل ِه‬ ‫إنَّا‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

[“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]

He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1972 at the age of 15. After his primary education, he dedicated himself to the service of the Jamaat. Then he went to Pakistan to obtain his religious education.

On 30 June 1986, he obtained his Shahid degree and then in July 1986, he was appointed as a missionary. He used to recite the Holy Quran in a beautiful and melodious voice. He was a sincere and passionate servant of the Jamaat.

His tenure of service spanned about 35 years. His wife says: “He used to tell me that I was not just the wife of a missionary; rather, I should be at the forefront of service to the Community.”

With regard to his obedience and love for Khilafat, she writes: “His obedience and love for Khilafat were exceptional. He treated young and old with respect. Whenever speaking to another Ahmadi, he always enjoined love and loyalty for the Community and would encourage others to serve the Community as much as they could. Whenever he met a nonAhmadi, he would make sure to propagate the message [of Islam Ahmadiyyat] to them and would speak to them with great love and from the heart which would make others happy. During his illness, he would wake up an hour and-a-half before Fajr [the prayer right before dawn] and would offer Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers] and would recite the Holy Quran. He would also walk to the mosque as long as he was able to.”

His son Umar Farooq Sahib, who is a missionary and professor at Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia, says: “Both at home and outside, at times he would be walking and beautifully reciting some portion of the Holy Quran. He also translated and revised translations of the books of the Promised Messiahas. Especially while doing this translation work, he would often recite the qasidah [Arabic poem in praise of the Holy Prophetsa]. Whenever he related incidents from the life of the Holy Prophetsa his eyes would brim with tears.” He says, “He would often relate to me incidents of the trials, hardships and sacrifices of other Ahmadis and would also relate his own incidents of enduring hardships.”

His younger son Zafarullah says, “He

24

Friday 5 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

was a very forbearing and brave person. He led a life of simplicity and would remain content with what he had.”

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

The next funeral is of Sabiha Haroon Sahiba, wife of late Sultan Haroon Khan Sahib. She recently passed away at the age of 73.

َ ‫إنَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِه َوإنَّا إل َ ۡی ِہ َراج ُع‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

[“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]

Sabiha Haroon Sahiba’s family was introduced to Ahmadiyyat through her father’s acceptance, who did bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra at the age of 18 after doing his own research. Then her paternal grandfather accepted Ahmadiyyat after his son. Allah the Almighty granted her three sons and three daughters. One of her sons is the son-in-law of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Her elder son Sultan Muhammad Khan says: “My mother’s oldest son tragically passed away at the age of two. At the funeral, the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said that Allah the Almighty would grant her a son in his stead who would be beautiful and would live a long life. He also said to her husband, Malik Sultan that he could see their son becoming a young man standing shoulder to shoulder with him.”

Then, her son Sultan Ahmad Khan says: “From my childhood till now, I have been very fortunate to spend a great deal of time with my mother. She was extremely loving and forgiving of mistakes. She never spoke behind anyone’s back.”

Her daughter Mahmooda Sultana says: “My mother was pious and had a quiet disposition. She possessed many great qualities. She truly loved the Community and had a high level of love and obedience for Khilafat, and she would advise the same to others. She possessed good morals and cared for her relatives. Her hospitality was renowned in her family. She never hurt anyone’s sentiments; she had a strong aversion to backbiting and always advised us to abstain from it. If ever there was a gathering in which people were backbiting, she would leave that gathering and her displeasure would be visible from her expression. She was always forgiving.”

She says, “She never even prayed against the person who fatally attacked my father and would always say that she prayed for Allah to guide him. She had a special place in her heart for the ill who were impoverished and would help them in a very discrete manner.”

Her other daughter Wajiha Sahiba says, “She was quiet by nature and gave a great deal in alms. She would give alms discretely and did not like to mention anything about it.”

May Allah the Almighty bestow her with forgiveness and mercy and enable her children to carry on her virtuous qualities.

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

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

The “Holy” Bible or the “Whole” Bible?

A brief study in the Apocrypha Controversy

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The books that contain prophecies about the advent of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam have also been classed in the Apocrypha. Why these books have remained doubtful and kept away from being included in the Bible is an interesting story.

Read this article at www.alhakam.org

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