Al Hakam - 19 November 2021

From the Markaz National amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Finland’s meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineen Page 5

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Islam and the pursuit of happiness

A group of young men from Lahore, including Sir Muhammad Iqbal, visits Qadian

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The devastating 1979 siege of Mecca and the blood-thirsty Mahdi

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021 | Issue CXCII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Convince your own about God and religion first Germany Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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

The supplication of a Muslim is answered

َ ّ ٰ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ ‫ قال � ِ� ْعت َر ُسول الل ِہ َصلی الل ُہ َعل ْی ِﻪ‬،‫ع ْﻦ َجابِ ٍر‬ َ ُ ُ َّ ّ ٰ ُ َ َّ ُ ُ ْ ‫َو َسل َﻢ یَﻘ ْول َما ِم ْﻦ أ َح ٍد یَدع ْو بِد َعا ٍء ِإلا آﺗاه الل ُہ‬ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُّ ‫َما َسﺄ َل أ َ ْو َﻛ َّف َع ْﻨ ُﻪ م َﻦ‬ ‫الس ْو ِء ِمﺜ� ُه َما ل ْﻢ یَد ُع‬ ِ َ َ ْ ‫بِ ِﺈﺛ ٍﻢ أ ْو ق ِﻄ ْی َع ِﺔ َر ِح ٍﻢ‬ Hazrat Jabirra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “There is none who utters a supplication, except that Allah gives him what he asked, or prevents evil from him that is equal to it – as long as he does not supplicate for something evil, or the cutting of ties of the womb.”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Dawat an Rasulillahas, Hadith 3381)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Prophecies warning of divine punishment can be averted through repentance and seeking forgiveness

Photo courtesy of Solid-Engineering

On 14 November 2021, 535 Ahmadi girls (nasirat) aged 13-14 from Germany met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

As the live stream started, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa conveyed his salaam and called Naila Sheikh to recite a portion from the Holy Quran and its German translation. Maliha Shakil read the Urdu translation of the verses. Baria Ahmad then recited an Urdu poem written by the

Promised Messiahas.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa turned to the auxiliary leaders of Lajna Imaillah Germany who were present with the nasirat. Addressing Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany, Huzooraa said, “Have you become the new sadr Lajna, masha-Allah?”

Huzooraa then asked where everyone was seated, to which Sadr Sahiba said they were in Mannheim, where Jalsa Salana Germany used to be held. On this Huzooraa said, “In

Mannheim? You have gone there? I thought maybe it was your jamaat’s property. I thought, ‘What a beautiful place the jamaat has made’.”

Huzooraa then asked Sadr Sahiba for the agenda. Sadr Sahiba sought permission for the nasirat to ask Huzooraa their questions.

The first question was by Fiza Rabbani who quoted the Holy Quran in which Allah Continued on next page >>

Similarly, I have already stated that prophecies that warn of imminent punishment from God can be averted through repentance and seeking forgiveness. This is to the extent that even if one is written off by God as Hellbound, this verdict may be reverted. If the people turn and incline towards repentance and forgiveness, Allah the Exalted will protect this land and country. God does as He pleases, ُ ُ​ُ ُ َ but he says: ‫ ﻗ ۡﻞ َما � ۡع َب ُﺆا ِﺑﻜ ۡﻢ َر ِّﺑ ۡی لَوۡ �َ� ُد َعٓاؤ� ۡﻢ‬i.e. tell the people that if you do not devote yourselves to Me, what do I care for you?

Certain people say that there are Continued on page 2

Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

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physicians on every street, doctors are present and hospitals are in operation, so if required, they can be treated immediately and restored to health.

However, such people are unaware that in Bombay and Karachi many renowned doctors themselves contracted the disease and passed on. Those who were appointed and went to serve in this difficult time have fallen prey themselves. This is how God Almighty manifests His power and control, and tells us that it is unwise to depend merely on doctors or treatment.

God desires for the people to develop faith in the next world as well. Let us see how people fare with the will of God. Man writhes over even a few inches of land; he conspires and bears the burden of cases in court, but does he feel within himself the same pain and distress if he does not fulfil a certain commandment of God Almighty? Not in the least. Man is foolish and calls upon God when he is struck by severe illnesses and when he is granted respite in the form of a trial, he returns to his artifices and follows such a course of action as though he will never die. Even death caused by minor illnesses rarely moves the hearts of people. They are emotionally affected only superficially for two or three days, but then they return to the same mockery, jest and nonsense, just as they were indulged before. They go to graveyards and bury the dead but do not stop to think that ultimately, one day, they too will be presented before God. Therefore, God Almighty sees that normal death does not affect the people any longer. In Amritsar and Lahore, there is perhaps a daily death rate of about sixty to seventy. The number of deaths in Kolkata and Bombay is even larger. << Continued from previous page

the Almighty said the Holy Quran was “made easy” (Surah al-Qamar, Ch.54: V.33).

She asked why then tafasir (commentaries) of the Holy Quran were needed when it was meant to be “easy”.

Huzooraa said: “‘[We] have made it easy’ – it means the things mentioned in it [the Holy Quran] have been made easy to practice […] The

CORRECTION Part of an answer given by Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa was left out by mistake in last week’s “Answers to everyday issues” article. The missing portion of that answer is below: “What has been said about a selfwriting pen is wrong. Neither did the Promised Messiahas, nor do I have any such pen. However, Allah the Exalted has such a relationship with His loved ones that He Himself guides them in every matter. That has been the relationship of Allah the Exalted with the Promised Messiahas as well as his Khulafa.”

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

In itself though this is a fearful sight, but who notices this? Those who are bereft of foresight will say that these deaths are proportionately normal in view of the entire population; such people do not care and are unable to benefit from the death of others. It is for this reason that God Almighty has employed another method and has sought to warn the people by means of the plague.

In any case, I advise you that now what is destined to happen will surely come to pass. But do not entertain thoughts that will further displease God Almighty and deem the government to be deserving of blame. What will you achieve by denigrating the government? The plague has come due to your own evil actions; in fact, the government is confronted by calamity because of you.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 256-257)

clear commandments that have been given [by Allah] are very easy. And Allah the Almighty has said that these commandments are not difficult for mankind. According to human abilities, strengths and the human mind, understanding and acting on these [commandments] is not difficult. That is why saying that ‘Allah the Almighty has given us extremely difficult commandments’ is wrong.

“Yes, if you do not understand something and you find it difficult, then the tafasir are available. The mufassirin, by writing an easy-to-understand commentary, have enabled you to comprehend [the meanings]. However, Allah the Almighty has also taught that pure and pious people are the ones who understand [the Holy Quran]. Allah the Almighty has also said that the transgressors are harmed by it, they don’t understand it – whereas it benefits a believer. Transgressors don’t understand it and will be harmed by reading it. On the one hand, Allah the Almighty says there is benefit in reading the Holy Quran, and on the other, He says it is harmful. Then who benefits? A believer. Who is harmed? The kafir [disbeliever] – the ones who don’t want to believe, who don’t want to understand.

“So, Allah the Almighty has given such commandments in it [the Holy Quran]

that a person can abide by and achieve the purpose of their life. Allah the Almighty has said the purpose of mankind is to worship.

And the manner of worship which Allah the Almighty has taught is not such that a person cannot do. Allah the Almighty started with 50 prayers [for mankind to offer a day] and then, by making it easier gradually, ended on five prayers [a day]. So it has become easy for you, hasn’t it? [...]

“This is what is meant by making it ‘easy’. It means that acting on it [the Quran] is not difficult […] for a believer, it is not difficult, and for a kafir, it is very difficult.

It benefits a believer, it harms a disbeliever.”

Next, Tahmina Ahmad said she wrote “bismillah …” (In the name of Allah …) on every exam paper. She asked what to do if a teacher cut out the words of “bismillah ...”.

Huzooraa noted that firstly, her teacher was not a Muslim. He continued: “You can read ‘bismillah ...’ in your heart and Allah the Almighty will give its reward to you even if you don’t write it. And if you have written it and the teacher tells you not to write it, then there is no point in clashing with the teacher for no reason.”

Huzooraa said as long as her heart was full of faith and she used the name of Allah in her heart and mind, then she would gain its blessings.

“Allah the Almighty has not said that we must write [bismillah ...] before beginning every task”, Huzooraa said. Rather, the commandment was of saying ‘bismillah ...’ on ones lips and in one’s heart. It did not matter if one was not able to write it. The intention mattered, Huzooraa said.

Giving further advice on prayers and exams, Huzooraa said: “In fact, before starting each exam, read the whole of Surah al-Fatihah […]”.

Sabiqa Bilal asked whether one should offer the prayer for entering graveyards for non-Muslims too.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “These days, your graveyards are all in the same area. Where there are Christian graves, in the same area, Muslims have been given some space too. After entering the main gate, if you read the prayer, you will be reading it for Ahmadis.

“Apart from this, the mushrik – those who don’t believe in Allah the Almighty – and whose bodies are not cremated but are buried, are buried there too. What need is there for you to send Allah the Almighty’s salutations to them? They are mushrik [and] how Allah the Almighty deals with a mushrik, Allah knows better. [Allah] has told us, ‘I will not forgive the mushrik’.

“You should offer a general prayer as you enter the main gate and it is up to Allah the Almighty how far He conveys those prayers.It is not up to you, is it? Your intention is that your salaam reaches the pious people who are buried there.”

Huzooraa said when approaching the graveyard, for Ahmadis or other Muslims the prayer could be read again.

Attiyatul Wakil asked whether women could become imams during Salat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Women can become imams for women, not for men. This is what the Holy Prophetsa taught us. If we are strong Muslims – we act by the Quran and the sunnah and listen to what the Holy Prophetsa said – then we should do what Allah the Almighty and His

Messenger, the Holy Prophetsa instructed us.

“They said that a man should become the imam and if there was some extraordinary situation, then women could become imams for other women only. For this reason, in our community too, when there are some events [for women], then women lead the prayers too.

“I recall that in the early days of Rabwah, when the sound system was not fully operational, when Jalsa Salana used to take place, the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the Lajna side were led by women in congregation – the voice from the men’s side could not reach there.”

Hadiqa Nasir said that in the Jamaat, there were three auxiliaries for men: Atfalul-Ahmadiyya, Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Ansarullah. She asked why women only had two auxiliaries: Nasirat and Lajna.

In a light-hearted manner, Huzooraa started by saying: “[…] Women say they don’t want to get older than 40, so how can we make another auxiliary [for them]? They cannot tolerate someone telling them they have aged. If you tell a woman that she is old, would she accept it? She would defend herself. So, according to the psychology of women, their auxiliaries have been made.”

Huzooraa continued by saying that the day-to-day activities and roles of men and women were different and that was a reason to have this division. With regard to women, Huzooraa said: “In general, a time comes when women have the same type of activities – taking care of the home. Yes, there are women who work too – they are doctors, engineers and do other work as well. However, in general, they marry, take care of the home.

Whether that woman is 20, 25 or 50, her work is generally the same. For this reason, according to their activities, they have been accounted within one group.” On the contrary, in general, men had different activities according to their ages, Huzooraa said.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said there were differences in mindsets too; women matured quicker and therefore, there were no huge differences between the ages. On the hand, men differed hugely in their mindsets, especially when in old age.

“So, three categories [for men] were made to draw the attention of men towards doing more work. Another reason could be that there is also an expectation from women that whether they are 25 or 50, they will work in the same active manner.”

“When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra made these auxiliaries, he made them for this reason too that in men, the youth are separated and more work is taken from them. And some tasks are taken from men that are tough – one who reaches Ansar cannot perform them. This could be a reason for the difference too. The tasks of women are of one kind, which they can perform whether they are 25 years old, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 years old. So these could be the reasons.”

With a smile, Huzooraa said: “This is a good thing, that your ages are not known. Otherwise, it would be known what lady has turned 40 and they will get worried.”

Sabikah Ahmad said that homosexuality

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AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

was discussed a lot at her school and students asked about her beliefs and thoughts in this regard. She sought Huzoor’s advice on how to respond to those who had no religion and asked about the morals of homosexuality.

Huzooraa said: “Those who do not have a religion, they possess human nature right? What is the law of nature? What has Allah the Almighty instilled in nature? In nature – apart from some exceptions – every animal has the natural inclination to have relations with the opposite sex, right? [...] The nature of animals tells us too that the nature of humans which Allah the Almighty has instilled is this, that relationships are established with the opposite sex.

“Secondly, say to them, ‘You don’t believe in religion, you don’t believe in God, that is why according to you, sex is just fulfilling a worldly desire. Whereas Allah the Almighty has told us – we are Muslims – that ‘your purpose is not to merely eat, drink and sleep and fulfil sexual urges like animals; rather, your purpose is much greater. Allah has given you a brain to use, to think and by using it, you must work for the benefit of mankind and other creatures too.’ Now, it is from humans that doctors emerge who are doctors for other humans and also veterinary doctors – doctors for animals. It is humans who think for the benefit of mankind and for animals too. No animal does this. So, when humans have been given so much intelligence and understanding by Allah the Almighty, then humans should also adopt the right way given by Allah the Almighty. And the law of nature tells us this.

“Say to them that ‘we have a purpose; you just desire worldly lust […] you want to fulfil worldly pleasures. However, if this is the purpose of life for a person, then what difference is left between them and animals?’”

Huzooraa said to inform them: “Your desires have merely become worldly desires. Now, if you don’t want to accept this, then we cannot force you;

however, we believe there is a life after death – there, you will have to answer to Allah the Almighty. And in the sight of Allah the Almighty, this is a sin, it is wrong in the sight of Allah”.

Shireen Shah asked what the consequences would be – in this world and the next – if someone did not act according to the commandments of Allah.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Allah the Almighty gave commandments […] And Allah says that ‘If you act according to them, then I will give you blessings and […] in the afterlife you will be rewarded for it’. And sometimes reward is given in this life too. However, ‘If you do not abide by them, then you can be punished’. But Allah the Almighty is Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim, He is the Compassionate and Merciful, He is AlGhafur [Forgiving] too […] So, Allah the Almighty knows better how He will deal with each person after their death.

“It could be that Allah the Almighty liked a good deed of someone, and due to that deed, even though they did not carry out all His commandments, Allah the Almighty forgives them and says ‘because of that good deed, I have forgiven you.

I have forgiven your previous sins.’ And sometimes a person does a major sin that Allah the Almighty does not forgive. So, this depends on Allah the Almighty – who He forgives, and who He is merciful towards and who He punishes.

“Our job is to try and act on the commandments of Allah the Almighty and try to save ourselves from what Allah has forbidden […] We do not know when Allah is angry with us or will punish us for something. We should try to do good deeds by acting according to the commandments of Allah and should stay away from sin.

“Apart from this, what will be the result? How will Allah the Almighty treat [us]? This, Allah knows better. Allah is the Forgiver; He can forgive and He can punish.”

Abida Mahmood asked if there was any

information about those humans who lived with Prophet Adamas.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa answered by saying that we knew Allah the Almighty gave them instructions to live on the earth and accept and listen to the prophets that He would send. Apart from this, the history of religion did not tell us much more.

Huzooraa said: “We know that Adam was not alone; there was a nation and that nation inhabited the earth.”

Afia Masood said that non-Muslim youth were drawing further away from God due to the influence of social media and no matter what she told them, they did not listen. She asked how one could convince them about the existence of God. Huzooraa responded by saying: “Firstly, take care of your own – that our boys and girls do not come under their influence. Our first task is to protect our own and to convince them that God exists.

And for proof of the existence of God, telling them accounts, telling them about our own stories and incidents – this is the task for the elders too, telling them about the fulfilment of our prayers, telling them about a good dream that came true and through these, telling them that God exists. “[…] We have to take care of ourselves first – our own children. We will need to look at ourselves and see to what extent we are familiar with Allah the Almighty […]

“These people go on social media and talk against Allah or talk about such things that draw one away from religion […]

These are satanic ploys. Satan said, when Adam was created, ‘I will try to corrupt them’. In every age, Satan has used various means – in this age, Satan has used social media too. Social media can be used for good works and for evil as well. On social media, by posting good things, you can bring people towards piety and goodness.

However, today, such things are posted on social media that corrupt morals, take one away from religion – that draw people away from Allah the Almighty.

“In response to this, when you see such things, those girls who are educated and knowledgeable amongst you should reply” to anything against God Almighty or religion that comes on social media. They should quote what came on social media against God and religion and then reply to it.

“Form a team of young girls who should give replies on social media”. These teams should come from Lajna as well as “Khuddam and other auxiliaries and organisations within the Jamaat.”

Huzooraa said: “They should give replies on social media – where it comes on social media, there is a column for comments, and you can write what you have to say in the comments section.” Huzooraa instructed for answers to be given exactly where the allegations were raised on social media and in this way, “those who can be easily influenced” by the original post against God or religion will ponder over the replies that Ahmadis give. Huzooraa said others would read the replies given by Jamaat members and in this way, they would think about the matter more deeply.

Huzooraa said that the best manner to respond to satanic attacks on social media was through prayers and also to respond to social media posts that were against religion and Allah the Almighty.

Next, Bisma Zafar said that it was recommended to write short and concise letters when writing to Huzooraa. She asked how one should write to Huzooraa when the matter was more detailed and required a longer letter.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “If there is an issue or the matter is detailed, you can write it. However, you can write in points – one, two, three, four, five [points etc.]. If you write it in points, then it will be processed quicker. If you write a 10page letter, I will tell my office to prepare a summary of it and they will then summarise it. Through this method, however, it could be that some important points that were in your mind are inadvertently omitted. That is why it is better for you – if the matter is very detailed – to write the letter in points yourself and [tell me], ‘These are the main points and matters, and if you desire for me to expand on them further, then I will write to you in further detail if you didn’t understand my points’.”

Huzooraa said the first letter could be sent in a more concise way through writing the letter in a numbered format, highlighting the main points of the matter.

Later, if further details were required, people could write a more detailed letter.

Huzooraa said it was okay to read two pages; however, reading a “10-page letter gets difficult.”

The next question was by Noor Afshan Ahmad who raised the issue of racism at school. She asked Huzooraa what response one should give to students who did not even want to include them in group projects or talk to them due to racism.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa advised: “In such a situation, if there is racism, then firstly you should inform the school’s administration that there is racism and it should end.

“Secondly, not all the girls are racist, right? […] The rest of the girls who are

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good, or the good students, you can keep company with them. Say to them, ‘Look, we came to Germany, we are speaking the German language, we are also loyal to Germany. This is what our religion has taught us and we are working for your betterment too. I am studying in school so that when I get older, I can do something productive and benefit the country – whether I become a doctor, or engineer or something else.’ Many [Ahmadi] girls have such professions. ‘If there is racism like this, then only fights will occur, that is why we shouldn’t do this.’ And say, ‘Islam teaches us that racism should not exist. So, when we are loyal to the country, why are we treated like this?’

“The decent girls who do not agree with racism, befriend them and speak to them about these aspects – in turn, they will respond to racists themselves. This happens in lots of places – in Germany and other places too – where lots of the locals support foreigners, the Asians living there etc., and say, ‘What our people are doing is wrong’.

And they respond to them on your behalf.

So befriend good girls and students, they will reply to racists themselves. However, you will have to integrate with them – you will have to mix with them; adopt their good practices and teach them your good values.”

Shafia Qazi said schools trips in Germany were organised which included overnight stays. Those students who did not attend them would be marked absent by the school and this would affect their grades too. She asked Huzooraa about schools trips and what to do in such situations.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Firstly, there are some [overnight] trips that are purely for leisure. In my view, one should most definitely not go to those. They are just for fun and in the name of ‘fun’, immoral things take place on those trips in these [Western] countries.

“Then, there are those trips that are related to your studies, where you go for research. For example, in biology, when studying science, they sometimes take you to zoos, or to show wildlife, they take you on trips to forests etc. If you have to go to those, you should. Usually, they are not for two or three nights, they are usually for one day or so.”

Huzooraa said that in general, overnight trips should be avoided; however, if there was no choice, then going rarely did not make much difference. However, Huzooraa emphasised that there were plenty of Ahmadi women in Germany who gained places in university to study medicine and engineers etc. who did not attend such trips during their school days. This was because they were bright students and had good grades.

“If you perform well and your exam results are good, then they will be forced to give you a place [in higher education]. That is why you should not make this an excuse, that ‘our grades are reduced, that is why we have to go on [trips].’ Grades are not reduced and if they are, then it’s a minor reduction because you can get some points for extracurricular activities”, but they were minor, Huzooraa said. “To say all our grades are reduced” for not attending overnight trips, was not accurate.

Huzooraa said that one-day educational

Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Our job is to try and act on the commandments of Allah the

Almighty and try to save ourselves from what Allah has forbidden […] We do not know when Allah is angry with us or will punish us for something. We should try to do good deeds by acting according to the commandments of Allah and stay away from sin.

trips were fine; however, “residential trips should be avoided”.

Next, Raheen Malik asked about the reality of someone’s nazar, or the ‘evil-eye’.

Huzooraa responded: “The thing is, when a person develops arrogance, their own nazar affects them – what is the significance of someone else’s nazar?

Huzooraa continued: “In one place, there is a narration that says a mother’s nazar can affect her child.

Now, a mother loves her child, so how can her nazar affect the child? Her nazar happens when she says, ‘Look how good I am at raising my child, and I give him milk, care for him, give him good food and drink – look how healthy he is – and this is due to my hard work.’ She causes her own nazar to affect the child. Allah the Almighty says, ‘I am the One who does everything’.”

Huzooraa said if someone was envious and jealous, then one should save oneself from the evil of their envy. Allah the Almighty taught us the prayer to be protected from them.

Huzooraa continued to say that those who believed in nazar too much were affected by their own superstitions and would fall into psychological imaginations and believe others to be affecting them negatively. “There is not such nazar”, Huzooraa stressed and said that the reality was that those who were envious and jealous could affect another in ways the person was not fully aware of. Huzooraa said one should recite the prayers for protection against such people; for example, reading the last three chapters of the Holy Quran and Ayat-ul-Kursi before sleeping.

“Those who don’t believe in nazar are not affected by it at all. Those who have superstitions are affected by nazar. Don’t worry at all, you won’t ٰ be َ affected by َ ّ ّ َ َُ َ َ ‘nazar’. You can just read ‫لا َح ْول َو لا ق ّوۃ اِلا بِاللہ‬ [‘There is no power or might, save Allah’]”,

Huzooraa advised.

Atiyatul Umar Khan asked whether it was a bad thing to now wear a headscarf.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Allah the Almighty, in the Holy Quran, commanded women, ‘When you mature, when you grow, then keep your head and bosom covered’. This is a commandment of the Holy Quran, right? It doesn’t come from somewhere else, does it? We are Muslims, correct? […] It is written in the Holy Quran to ‘keep your heads covered and keep your bosom covered, so that you are protected from the evil sight of others and the sanctity of a woman is upheld.’ When a girl matures – at 13 or 14 years old – then covering her head and wearing a coat and covering her bosom is a good thing. And this is the commandment of Allah the Almighty too and we are going to do what Allah the Almighty has commanded us, right? If we are Muslims, then we should fully act accordingly, but if we are not Muslims, then we may do whatever.”

Next, Atial-tul-Kayoom Ahmad asked Huzooraa why the status of martyrdom was so high and whether Allah had previously ordained who would get this status.

Huzooraa said: “Allah the Almighty knows better who will attain martyrdom and who will not.

And whether He had ordained this from the beginning or not, Allah knows better […]

Or Allah has the knowledge – as Allah has knowledge of all things – and so He knows the person would, in the end, be martyred.

Therefore, as far as the knowledge [of someone being martyred] is concerned, Allah the Almighty possesses it.

“Yes, Allah the Almighty knows that if a person does certain deeds, they will achieve martyrdom.”

On why the status of martyrdom was so high, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained: “It is high because through martyrdom, a person sacrifices [their] life for Allah. The

one who sacrifices their life for Allah, Allah treats them with more love. And a Muslim who makes sacrifices for Allah [during his life], Allah will reward them.

“You see, if you have a close friend and she is making every sacrifice for you and is ready for any sacrifice, and she says ‘I am ready to sacrifice my life for you’ – your love for that friend will increase, right? And if she ever sacrificed her life to save your life, then you will love her more? You will pray for her more, correct? Thus, those who sacrifice for Allah the Almighty, He loves them more and then gives them greater reward.”

Hania Ahmad asked what one could do for prayers to be accepted quicker. Huzooraa said: “You see, it is up to Allah when He wants to accept it. Is Allah our servant? […]

Our duty is to ask Allah the Almighty. Keep in your mind that there is no other being besides Allah who can give. And it is Allah Who has all powers, and that it is Allah Who says ‘pray to Me and I will answer your prayers’. However, at the same time, Allah also said ‘Believe in Me too’ [...] ‘your belief in Me should be strong. You should firmly believe that I listen to your prayers.

You should believe that what I have said is correct and you are abiding by them.’

“What is belief in Allah? Belief in Allah is that what Allah has commanded us, we abide by it. Allah has said to offer the compulsory five daily prayers with due attention and pray during them. Now, ponder over whether you are offering the five daily prayers properly and are praying. Allah said not to have bad and immoral thoughts, so reflect on whether your thoughts are pure or not. Allah the Almighty said to stay away from immoral programmes and company, so see whether or not you are protecting yourselves from immoral programmes on TV and the Internet. Allah the Almighty said to show good morals to those who are around you – your brothers and sisters, your friends etc.

– you should not have bad morals. So see whether or not you are abiding by that or not.

“When all of our own deeds will be good, and we believe in the commandments of Allah the Almighty, it is then that Allah the Almighty says that ‘if you do all of these things and pray to Me whilst worshipping, I will accept your prayers’.

“You will have to reform yourself a great deal first; it is then that prayers are accepted”, Huzooraa highlighted. Offering prayers and following the commandments of Allah the Almighty needed to be consistent, Huzooraa said. Praying one day and then forgetting Allah the Almighty would not get prayers answered.

At the end of the meeting, Huzooraa asked Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany how many nasirat were present.

She reported that 535 nasirat from ma‘yare-awal (aged 13-15) were present. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa responded by saying, “Really? Masha-Allah! You have gathered a large number.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then conveyed his salaam to all the nasirat and those present and the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

5

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

From the Markaz

Begin your work with a new passion and zeal, and try to achieve 100% of the targets you have set National amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Finland’s meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineen

The national amila of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Finland met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat, on 13 November 2021.

After conveying his salaam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa led everyone in silent prayer. During the mulaqat, members of the amila had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give Huzooraa a brief report of their departmental work and activities.

Waqar Javed Sahib had the opportunity to speak with Huzooraa first.

Conversing with Huzooraa, Waqar Javed Sahib, who is now serving as rukn-ekhususi, said that he had the opportunity to serve as sadr of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for the last five years. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah!”

Muhammad Shahzad Anwar Sahib, Naib Sadr and Mohtamim Talim

(Education) was next to present his report.

He stated that he had planned to select a book of the Promised Messiahas and have it distributed to all khuddam to read. He added that online classes would also be held.

Muhammad Shahzad Anwar Sahib reported that last year, 100% of khuddam received the selected book. He further said that he had not yet chosen a book for this year. He requested Huzooraa to graciously guide them in this matter. Huzooraa enquired, “Which book [did the khuddam read] last year?” Mohtamim talim replied by saying Jesus in India. Huzooraa asked, “Have you [selected] the book Noah’s Ark before?” He replied that they had not; to which Huzooraa said, “Then, read Noah’s Ark.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then said,

“Before Noah’s Ark, read Al Wasiyyat. That is shorter and will be easy to finish quickly”.

Huzooraa then asked how many had joined the blessed scheme of Wasiyyat, to which Muhammad Shahzad Sahib replied that 61 out of 97 khuddam had done Wasiyyat. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Mashal-Allah! You have done well.”

Huzoor added, “If you read Al Wasiyyat well and comprehend it, a lot of matters will become clear.”

Musawer Ahmed Shahkar Sahib, Mohtamim Tarbiyat (Moral Training) reported that there had been a focus on the attendance at prayers.

Whilst giving guidance to encourage khuddam to come for Salat, Huzooraa said, “If you appoint a supervisor in each area, then the number [of worshippers] will increase.”

Huzooraa added that it was important to greet people with salaam. Whilst establishing a personal relationship with the youth, if the murabbi established a good rapport with the people and greeted everyone he met by saying “Assalamu alaikum”, then they would be more inclined to come to Salat.

Whilst speaking with Shayan Ahmad Khan Sahib, Mo‘tamid (Seneral Secretary), Huzooraa asked how many majalis there were and if they were regular in sending their reports. Shayan Ahmad Khan Sahib replied that there were seven majalis and the majalis were recently established. He expressed his hope that all majalis would be regular in sending reports. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Tell the qaideen every month to prepare and send their reports, regardless if they have done any

6 work or not”.

Rizwanullah Sahib, Mohtamim Tabligh (Preaching), was next to report. Speaking with him, Huzooraa asked about the target they had set for bai‘ats. Rizwanullah Sahib said that they had set a target of five bai‘ats.

Huzooraa asked how many amila members there were. Mohtamim tabligh replied that there were 18 amila members. Huzooraa then said that each amila member should at least convert one person. “Then we will know what the amila members are capable of,” Huzooraa said.

Rizwanullah Sahib reported that various methods were utilised for tabligh, for example setting up stalls in public, the ‘Ask a Muslim’ campaign, Quran exhibitions, distributing pamphlets and spreading Islam through social media etc.

Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that one should explore other means of tabligh that cater to the interests of the people they are preaching to and that one should also see what methods of tabligh could be most effective.

“We must see how we can bring the teachings of Islam to the people […]

Avenues of tabligh will open once people generate interest in religion. First, generate the interest in religion within people.

Tell them about the reality of Islam and tell them about Islam’s point of view on contemporary issues”.

Shaheeq Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Waqar-e-Amal (Dignity of Labour) reported that they did waqar-e-amal in the mosque, an office in the mosque, the jamaat’s kitchen, and whenever any programme was held.

Musa Essuman Sahib, Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq (Service to Mankind) was next to present his report. Speaking with him, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked if he was from Ghana and what he did as a profession. He replied that he was indeed from Ghana and worked in the construction field. Musa Sahib, upon presenting his report, said that he oversaw social services. Hearing this and realising it was difficult for him to pronounce the title khidmat-e-khalq, Huzooraa said, “Mohtamim khidmat-e-khalq,” and asked Musa Essuman Sahib to repeat after him.

Huzooraa then said, “Now, you should know the terminology, and you should be able to pronounce the terminology that we use.

Your title is mohtamim khidmat-e-khalq.

This is your title. This is your portfolio.

And you should remember it.”

Mohtamim khidmat-e-khalq reported that usually, a visit to old people’s homes was made. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Yes, you should visit old people’s homes.

They are, in these [Western] countries, deprived people. And when you go to visit them, they become happy because their own relatives do not come to meet them”.

Speaking with Bilal Ahmad Tahir Sahib, Mohtamim Mal (Finance), Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa discussed some budget matters. Seeing Bilal Sahib, Huzooraa asked when he would become a nasir (member of Ansarullah). Bilal Ahmad Tahir Sahib responded that he still had six to seven years remaining.

Zoraiz Sarm Sahib, Mohtamim Sehate-Jismani (Physical Wellbeing) was next to present his report. Hazrat Amirul

Momineenaa enquired about his profession and where he came from in Pakistan.

Zoraiz Sahib replied that he was currently studying and had a part-time job at a car dealer. He further said that he was from Lahore.

Huzooraa then asked him what sport he played, to which he replied that he used to play football and now he went to the gym occasionally. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and said that he should be regular.

Being mohtamim sehat-e-jismani, Huzooraa said that he should be regular in sports.

Huzooraa said, “Set your example first.”

Shoaib Tahir Sahib, Mohtamim Ishaat (Publications), reported that a monthly newsletter was published and said that soon, they would also add content in the Finnish language. He added that this was an electronic newsletter and it would soon be available in print too. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah!”

Jerry-Ullah Janbah Sahib, Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat (Trade and Industry), stated that he was recently given the opportunity to work in this department.

Whilst outlining his aims, he said that he planned to hold regular stalls at Salat centres and added that all income generated from the stalls would go to other plans of the Jamaat where financial help was needed. He said that a programme was to be made to teach khuddam basic skills, for example driving.

Hannan Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Tahrik-e-Jadid, was next to report.

Huzooraa asked how much was collected for Tahrik-e-Jadid, to which he replied that last year’s target was €7,015, out of which only €6,077 was collected.

Arsalan Muzaffar Sahib, Mohtamim Aftal, was next to speak. Huzooraa asked him how many atfal there were and if they were active. Arsalan Sahib said there were 13 atfal and all were active. He reported that every month, two atfal classes were held in which they were taught Salat and its translation and given religious education.

They were also given the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance.

Huzooraa said, “There should be enough training for the atfal that, even after they become khuddam, they remain attached to the Jamaat and the Majlis.”

Next, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked Kaleem Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Tajnid (Census) if the tajnid was accurate, to which he replied in the affirmative.

Speaking with Rizwan Nasir Sahib, Muhasib (Auditor), Huzooraa enquired about his work and asked if he checked all the receipts. Rizwan Nasir Sahib replied in the affirmative.

Farid Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Umur-e-Tulaba (Student Affairs) reported that there were 19 students studying in universities and six in secondary schools.

Huzooraa asked if any programme was made for them. Farid Ahmad Sahib stated that various seminars were held to help with online courses and CVs. Speaking with Shoaib Ahmad Warraich Sahib, Additional Mohtamim Tarbiyat Rishta Nata (Moral Training and Marriages) Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how many khuddam there were above the age of 25. Shoaib Ahmad Warraich Sahib replied that there were nine above the age of 25.

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

You people contact [khuddam] only when you need to collect chanda, when a report is needed or when there is waqar-e-amal […] Has the thought ever occurred to you to just ask your brothers how they are doing?

Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Get those who are above the age of 25 married first.”

Nafees Ahmad Sahib, Mu‘awin Sadr Sami-o-Basri (Audio and Video) was next to speak. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if he was a technical person, to which he replied that by profession, he was a chemical engineer and that he was learning about sami-o-basri.

After this, Zeerak Ijaz Sahib, Sadr MKA Finland, requested that some amila members had a few questions they wished to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa graciously accepted this request.

The first to ask a question was Mohtamim Talim, Muhammad Shehzad Anwar Sahib. He stated that some khuddam gave preference to their jobs than Jumu‘ah, the Friday prayer. He asked what one should do to make them give preference to Jumuah.

Huzooraa stated that the khuddam should be told about the importance of Jumuah from time to time. “One should explain the true meaning of giving preference to religion over worldly matters as is stated during the [khuddam] pledge,” Huzooraa emphasised.

Shayan Ahmad Sahib, Motamid, asked what could be done when facing difficulties getting in touch with khuddam.

Huzooraa said, “In total, there are only 97 khuddam [in Finland]. It is a small country.” Huzooraa then gave the example of Australia which is a big and spread-out country and said that Finland was a much smaller country and thus, contact should be much easier. “Keep trying. Contacts should be established [with khuddam].”

Huzooraa, alluding to the conversation he had with the missionary, Musawer Ahmed Shahkar Sahib, said, “Greet others with ‘assalum alaikum’. Relations are made in this way, even if you say nothing else.

You people contact [khuddam] only when you need to collect chanda, when a report is needed or when there is waqar-e-amal […] Has the thought ever occurred to you to just ask your brothers how they are doing?”

Rizwanullah Sahib, Mohtamim Tabligh,

stated that when they distributed leaflets for tabligh, which had the name of the Holy Prophetsa and photos of the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa, at times, it was seen that some non-Muslims threw them away. He asked what should be done.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered, “Where extremely necessary, you may publish a photo. Where it is not necessary, there is no need to publish a picture.”

Huzooraa also said that leaflets should only be given to those who seem genuinely interested.

Jariullah Janbah Sahib, Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat, stated that some people did not work as they felt that the benefits they received from the government were equal to the income they would receive if they worked themselves. He asked Huzooraa how one could guide such people into working.

Huzooraa said, “Ask them, ‘Do you like giving sadqa or receiving sadaqa? The Holy Prophetsa said that the upper hand was better than the lower hand’”.

Huzoor explained that a person who was capable of working should not take sadaqa [charity].

Arsalan Muzaffar Sahib, Mohtamim Atfal, asked how one could explain the need for and importance of Salat to the atfal. Answering this, Huzooraa said, “First, you yourself should understand. Tell them that Allah the Almighty created us, and to thank Him, it was necessary that we worshipped Him. And God has Himself stated, ‘I have not created the jinn and the men but that they may worship Me.’ God did not say this because He benefits [from our worship]. We benefit from it”.

In the end, whilst providing guidance to all amila members, Huzooraa said: “Act upon the things I have told you.

Work according to the plan. Begin your work with a new passion and zeal, and try to achieve 100% of the target you have set.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam to all amila members and the mulaqat came to a successful end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

Nasirat of Germany embrace new spiritual fervour after blessed meeting with Huzoor Hamda Soosn Chaudhry Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany

On 14 November 2021, 535 Nasirat aged 13 and 14 from all over Germany were granted the blessed opportunity of a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany and national secretary Nasirat were also present at this blessed occasion.

The mulaqat took place in Mannheim (Maimarkt Gelände). The 535 participants were from 200 different majalis. 388 of them travelled by coaches to this blessed mulaqat.

During the last few months, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nasirat were not able to enjoy Jamaat gatherings. It wasn’t just joyous for the nasirat to gather after a long time, but even more blessed was their mulaqat with beloved Huzooraa.

Alhamdulillah, beloved Huzooraa graciously approved our request for a virtual mulaqat and the preparations for this blessed event started in September.

Upon receiving the good news, nasirat and their parents were very excited and happy. A team of sixty Lajna members planned and organised for the comfort of all nasirat in detail with care and love.

After the mulaqat, the nasirat were overwhelmed and most grateful to Allah the Almighty for being granted this blessed and inspiring opportunity and were empowered by the loving words and gracious advice by Huzooraa and felt an even stronger bond with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, alhamdulillah.

Below are some impressions from the nasirat: Hajra from Heusenstamm said: “I was excited about the mulaqat with Huzooraa. It was really good.”

Musfira Nasir from Aziz Moschee said: “When the mulaqat was coming to an end, I felt sad. But I now feel lucky to have been here. It was really nice to finally see Huzooraa after such a long time and all the nasirat also got to meet one another.”

Sameen Mirza from Viernheim commented: “For me, the mulaqat ended too quickly.

I did not realise it had been an hour already.

Just the thought of having seen Huzooraa made me extremely happy. I am very happy, even though I didn’t ask any question. Just being here was enough for me. It made me really happy the way Huzooraa smiled at each question and answered with love and detail.”

Maria from Aziz Moschee commented: “The mulaqat was great and the organisation was exceptional.”

Attia-tul-Heyy from Pinneberg said: “It was a great feeling to see Huzooraa so closely. I felt very lucky. Today, as a whole, it is a cherished memory for me.”

Sabeeka Amir from Koblenz Moschee commented: “I felt honoured to have seen Huzooraa after such a long time. Every time Huzooraa

smiled, I smiled too. Today was a joyous occasion and exciting. I am looking forward to having this opportunity again.”

Samea Nadeem from Hanau said: “I was very glad to have got this opportunity to see Huzooraa live, not just through the TV on Friday sermons but in real. Additionally, I feel fortunate to have been able to see Huzooraa for one whole hour. The most memorable thing for me were Huzoor’s wise words.”

Maryam Abid Ahmad from GrossGerau Ost commented: “Everything that Huzooraa said will be a special memory for me.”

Hafsah Ghaffar from Hanau said: “During the mulaqat, I was very nervous, but it was great seeing Huzooraa for one full hour, seeing Huzoor’s smile and his subtle jokes and remarks that he makes sometimes. Huzoor’s smile will definitely be my special memory, as well as the tips he gave us to become closer to God.” Maha Ahmad from Hanau said: “It was joyous and felt good being able to communicate with Huzooraa live. It made me really happy and I will remember everything as a special memory.”

Amayla Sajjad said: “Well, I was very excited and the whole time, I imagined what it would be like if Huzooraa was here in real (not through the screen). We felt extremely blessed to get our questions answered by Huzooraa. I will always remember the loving answers Huzooraa gave to our questions.”

Nida Muzaffar from Hessen commented: “I am very happy and look forward to the next mulaqat with Huzooraa. Being able to see beloved Huzooraa made me very happy.”

Rabea Kahlen from Flörsheim said: “It was extremely pleasant. I was super excited, everything was so easy to understand. Receiving answers from Huzooraa made me happy and the wonderful words of Huzooraa will stay with me for as long as I live.”

Afia Masood from Koblenz said: “I am relieved that everything went smoothly. I pray that the coronavirus crisis comes to an end soon so we can see Huzooraa in real life too. Amin. The most exciting thing for me was that I was able to ask Huzooraa a question.”

Aliha Kamal from Koblenz commented: “I was happy about the mulaqat, about seeing Huzooraa and upon hearing the insightful answers.”

Atial-tul-Kayoom Ahmed from Rheinland-Pfalz said: “I found the mulaqat really joyful. It was great to see Huzooraa. I am grateful that I was able to ask Huzooraa a question.

I hope we can have another virtual mulaqat or even a live mulaqat with Huzooraa when coronavirus is over. The whole mulaqat is a special memory for me; the way it was carried out and so perfectly organised.”

Atiya Iqbal from Limburg said:

“I was excited that after two years, we got to see Huzooraa live. After the mulaqat, when Huzooraa bade farewell, I was sad. A special memory for me is that Huzooraa gave us extra time.”

Amatul Waraich from Hanau commented: “Masha-Allah, it was a beautiful mulaqat.

It was wonderful that Huzooraa spared us his time. I am happy that I was allowed to be part of the mulaqat. The beautiful atmosphere amongst the nasirat was special for me.”

Hania T from Heusenstamm said: “I was most excited about being able to see Huzooraa and listen to the others ask their questions.”

Shafia from Langenselbold said: “It was a wonderful mulaqat; everything went well. I am glad that I took part and the question and answer session was the most enjoyable for me.”

Islawa Q from Wiesbaden Ost commented: “The mulaqat with Huzooraa felt surreal.

It was so exciting to see and hear Huzooraa.

I will remember how Huzooraa guided us to do more important things and not focus on the unimportant things.”

Sofia Arif from Flörsheim said: “It was exciting and I was pleased to see Huzooraa.”

Hiba Shahid from Mannheim Ost said: “When Huzooraa said ‘Khuda Hafiz’, I was sad and happy at the same time. I was sad because Huzooraa had to leave, but I was happy that I was able to see him at least. It was special to me that Huzooraa gave us time and answered our questions.”

Tina Ahmad from Koblenz said:

“I can’t express how I feel. It was amazing that Huzooraa gave us time and that we got to see Huzooraa again.”

Ishna Khan said: “I was extremely nervous when I found out that Huzooraa will appear on the screen shortly. Once Huzooraa was on the screen, I was pleased. It was amazing being able to see Huzooraa. I am so grateful that we had this opportunity. The mulaqat was special to me. It was well-organised.”

Areeba from Osnabrück commented: “It was a very exciting day; we were all excited. We were allowed to ask questions.

Huzoor’saa answers were simple and easy to understand. I found that the time passed very quickly.”

National Secretary Nasirat, Jasmin Khokhar Sahiba said: “Alhamdulillah, the nasirat of ma‘yare-awal had the great blessing of this virtual mulaqat. The spiritual atmosphere was felt by every attendee and Huzoor’s words of wisdom and love will forever be in our hearts and minds, insha-Allah. Questions of everyday matters in this society that occur to the nasirat were answered in such a beautiful way that the nasirat could easily understand them.

“May Allah bless our beloved Khalifa and may all nasirat take the true benefit of this blessed opportunity with them and draw from it the strength and confidence to give precedence to their religion over the world. Amin.”

Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany said: “Alhamdulillah, it is indeed the grace of Allah the Almighty that we have been bestowed with these blessed moments. We are all very grateful to Huzooraa that he graciously granted us so much of his precious time. Our hearts were overwhelmed and we felt deeply humbled and honoured to have had the blessed opportunity to watch Huzooraa speak to us live and advise us with so much love and kindness.

“May Allah grant Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa a very long and healthy life and may we, the humble members of Lajna Imaillah and Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya of Germany, always remain loyal and obedient to the institution of Khilafat. Amin.”

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 19-25 November 21 November 1924: While returning from his tour of Europe, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra reached Agra Fort Railway station at 8 o’clock in the morning and was received by a hundred local representatives and dozens of other non-Ahmadi friends. Before reaching this city, Huzoorra showed an interest

22 November 1924: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra was on his return to Qadian after a successful tour of Europe when he reached Delhi on this date. Prior to his arrival in the capital, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also made a short stop at a place called Sandhan and inspected the headquarters of tabligh

in the areas where members of the Jamaat served selflessly during the days of the Shuddhi Movement (a movement dedicated to reverting Muslims and Christians to Hinduism), and while looking from the window of the train carriage, Huzoorra enquired about the details of various villages and sites. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol.4 p. 462)

activities set out by the Jamaat in the midst of the Shuddhi Movement.

A photo of the Holy Ka‘bah in 1979 during the siege of Mecca

19 November 1937: 48 years had passed since the establishment of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, and 29 years since the demise of the Promised Messiahas. During this period, a large number of companions of Hazrat Ahmadas had also passed away. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra called the attention of Jamaat members to record narrations and memories of the companions of the Promised Messiahas. (Al Fazl, 26 November 1937)

purchased by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Sindh. This land was owned by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra) where he resided till 1947. He also mentioned the extraordinary blessings of the harvest from his prayers on the occasion of Majlis-e-Shura 1956 as he used to offer nawafil and pray on the edge of the fields for every new crop. Huzoorra led his funeral prayer and he was buried in Bahishti Maqbarah, Rabwah. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 24, p. 690)

Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, who was nazir tasnif-o-talif at the time, started working on this. Hence, under this project, a handsome number of traditions were recorded in writing in large registers. (Al Fazl, 26 November 1937)

20 November 1924: While returning from his Europe tour and making his way back to Qadian, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra departed Mumbai for Agra via train, boarding BB&CI (Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway). (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 462)

19 November 1968: Hazrat Maulvi Qudratullah Sanaurira, companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away. Hazrat Qudratullah Sahibra was born in 1882 to Hazrat Muhammad Musara and pledged allegiance in 1898.

After his studies, he was employed as a draughtsman and remained employed in Patiala. In 1935, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra appointed Hazrat Maulvi Qudratullah Sanaurira as the first manager of the Nasir Estate in Sindh (an agricultural farm set up on land

20 November 1979: In Saudi Arabia, armed men attacked the holy shrine of Mecca and took pilgrims hostage.

Eventually, Saudi forces overpowered the extremists. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, in his Friday Sermon of 23 November at Masjid Aqsa, Rabwah, expressed his deep concern over the desecration of the Ka‘bah and said, “You [Jamaat members] all know that the last few days have been extremely disturbing and difficult for me, as it has been for you. An unexpected incident has occurred. Miscreants entered Masjid al-Haram and created the conditions for disorder”. (Khutbat-eNasir, Vol. 8, p. 449) 21 November 1940: Hazrat Mian Maula Bakhshra of Banga, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away due to a fever. (Al Fazl, 28 November 1940, p. 2)

21 November 1968: Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Dinra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away. He pledged allegiance in 1907 through a letter and migrated to Qadian in 1918, serving in various Jamaat offices.

His two sons became servants of the Jamaat: Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib propagated the message of Islam to East Africa and Sheikh Noor Ahmad Sahib preached in Arabia. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 24, p. 740)

22 November 1931: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra was in Delhi to attend an important session of the Kashmir Committee. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol 4, p. 462) 23 November 1924: Travelling back to Qadian from England, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reached Batala at night by train.

During the course of this journey, at almost all railway stations, local members of the Jamaat would gather to see a glimpse of their beloved Imam.

Where possible, some receptions were also held, for example in Ludhiana and Amritsar. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 463)

23 November 1932: Hazrat Syeda

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

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I pray that God may bless it and that He may make this very

piece of land the Bahishti Maqbarah; and make it the resting place of such members of the Jama‘at as are pure of heart and who have in reality given precedence to Faith over the world and who have

Begum Sahibara, more commonly known as “nani jan”, passed away.

She was the revered mother of Hazrat Amma Jan, Syeda Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara. She migrated from Delhi to Qadian in 1894 and remained there.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 85)

24 November 1924: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra reached Qadian after his tour of Europe. On this date, he initially arrived in Batala via train and then travelled by car to complete the final phase of this long journey to Qadian.

After meeting with Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra and others, Huzoorra embraced Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and close relatives.

renounced the love of the world and have submitted themselves to God and have brought about in themselves a holy change and, like the companions of the Holy Prophetsa, have set the example of Faithfulness and Truthfulness. Amin, O Lord of the world.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, The Will, [English] p. 23)

Thereafter, Huzoorra performed ablution, headed towards Bahishti Maqbara, and prayed at the grave of the Promised Messiahas.

Before entering his residence, Huzoorra offered two rak‘aat of voluntary prayer in Masjid Mubarak. Then, after Asr prayer, Huzoorra presided over a reception held in connection to the successful tour of Europe. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol.4, p. 463)

24 November 1974: Hazrat Bhai Sher Muhammadra Darwesh (i.e. among the Darweshan-e-Qadian – the 313 Ahmadis who remained in Qadian to protect it after the partition of India) passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas. In 1906, he swore allegiance to the Promised Messiahas and migrated permanently to Qadian where he opened a stationery shop. After the partition of the country in 1947, he migrated to Pakistan; however, on the instruction of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, in 1948, he returned to Qadian. He was a very righteous and noble person. He was a musi and did Wasiyyat of 1/3 of his wealth and property.

25 November 1921: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, whilst advising members of the Jamaat, said in his Friday Sermon: “[…] I strongly advise you to develop such intellect and understanding in yourselves that your mind is not drawn towards irrationality and ignorance, but to direct your mind and intellect towards good things. People of a nation that [desire to] develop are not such that every little thing should be explained to them, and only then will they understand; rather, there is a substance inside them that they automatically understand such things and act accordingly”. (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 7, p. 147)

Malta Book Festival 2021: Ahmadis present Islamic teachings, including to President of Malta Laiq Ahmed Atif President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta

The national annual book festival is the biggest book fair in Malta and is held every year in November for five days – Wednesday to Sunday. Due to the current situation and increase in the exhibitors and visitors, the book festival in 2021 was held at a new and much bigger venue called MFCC (Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre) Ta’Qali, Malta. A record number of 40 exhibitors participated in the book festival which was visited by thousands.

Like previous years, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Malta also participated in the book festival by setting up a bookstall of the Holy Quran and the Jamaat’s English and Maltese literature.

The Jamaat’s literature in Maltese that has been prepared locally, the Holy Quran with English translation and The Review

of Religions were displayed at the bookstall and people were invited to ask questions about Islam Ahmadiyyat. Free copies of the literature in Maltese including World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace were distributed among interested visitors.

Visitors were also interested in having a copy of the Holy Quran with English translation that was also being presented during the book festival.

Malta Jamaat’s monthly magazine IdDawl (The Light) was distributed and visitors showed great interest in the magazine.

Many visitors were engaged in discussions with Jamaat members on different topics such as the existence of God, Islam in the modern world, peace, the status of women in Islam, Jihad, the religious and political situation in the Muslim world and Khilafat as a divine leadership.

His Excellency, Dr George Vella, President of Malta, and Honourable Dr Bernard Grech, Leader of the Opposition of Malta, visited the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s bookstall and had a discussion with Jamaat members. They were presented with literature on Islam. They appreciated the contribution of the Jamaat to the country with its great efforts of building bridges between communities, spreading the message of peace, harmony, brotherhood and hope and services to humanity.

Khuddam, Atfal and Ansar gave their time during these five days and served the Jamaat with passion and zeal.

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Coming from every distant track

A group of young men from Lahore, including Sir Muhammad Iqbal, visits Qadian A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

Hazrat Babu Ghulam Muhammadra (18601946), a companion of the Promised Messiahas, whilst mentioning an incident of March 1897, narrates: “In March 1897, many of us youngsters from Lahore, who were all educated – the exact number I cannot recall – intended to visit Qadian to meet Hazrat Mirza Sahib[as]. We felt that a person could [claim] something by way of fabrication, but if one went to his house and saw him, the truth would become manifest. Thus, we were determined to find out the truth of the claim of the Promised Messiah[as].

“Each of us had noted different allegations which we wanted to ask.

Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib, Dr Muhammad Iqbal Sahib, Maulvi Ghulam Mohyuddin Sahib from Kasur, Chaudhry Shahabuddin Sahib, Maulvi Saaduddin Sahib (BA LLB) [Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Legislative Law] etc. were also in the group [that visited Qadian]. Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib was already part of the Jamaat since 1894 after swearing allegiance; however, since he used to preach to this group [of young men], especially Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, he also came along with us.

“When we reached Qadian, a meeting

was arranged for us in the Gol Kamra [a room which served as a guest house in Qadian]. When Huzoor[as] came, he immediately began answering our objections in the form of a speech and continued until the complete answer to all our objections were given.

“We looked at each other in astonishment and wondered how this happened. When we came out, some of us said that he was really a messenger from Allah, and some said that he was a magician. Chaudhry Shahabuddin Sahib and Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib and others said that he was definitely true [in his claim] and pledged allegiance. So, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, Chaudhry Shahabuddin Sahib, Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal Sahib, Maulvi Ghulam Mohiyuddin Sahib of Kasur and I performed bai‘at.

Some other people also did bai‘at but I do not recall their names. Approximately 12 or 13 men pledged allegiance.

“After dinner, when the charpoys were set up, I chose a strong and big charpoy [to sleep on for the night], but Chaudhry Shahabuddin Sahib (later known as Sir Shahabuddin) removed my blanket and possessions and took [the charpoy] for himself.

“Hazrat Sahib[as] came and asked everyone if they were experiencing any discomforts with the arrangements.

Everyone replied, ‘Huzoor[as], I have no

problem.’ But when he asked me, I was worried because my bed was occupied (peace be upon him)

by Chaudhry Shahabuddin. I replied, ‘Huzoor[as], Chaudhry Shahabuddin has taken my charpoy and I am now wondering where to sleep.’ He replied, ‘Wait a moment.

I will bring you a charpoy.’ So, Hazrat Sahib[as] went.

“Some time had passed and the charpoy did not yet arrive. I peeked through the door of the courtyard of Huzoor’s[as] house and saw that a person was quickly weaving a charpoy and Huzoor[as] was there with a diya [earthen lamp] in his hand, shining light for him. I felt very ashamed to see Huzoor[as] in

this condition. I stepped forward and asked Huzoor[as] to give me the earthen lamp [instead], but Huzoor[as] replied, ‘There is only a little bit left.’ Seeing this conduct of Huzoor[as], I was so moved that tears came flowing out. At that time, looking at the blessed countenance of Huzoor[as], I said to myself that his face could never be that of a liar.

“Earlier, after Maghrib, when we were having dinner with Huzoor[as], I was sat close to him. Huzoor[as] would pick up the cooked quail and would offer it to me. He would pick up the other meat [prepared on the table] and place it before me and would ask me to have it. Thus, I was very impressed with Huzoor’s[as] high morals; however, witnessing the incident of the charpoy at night, [there and then] I became Huzoor’s[as] servant with all my heart and soul.

“Chaudhry Sir Shahabuddin Sahib is now a well-established person [in the worldly sense]; however, he talks to me freely. Whenever our paths cross, he says ‘Look! I still consider Hazrat Sahib[as] a prophet. Although I am not a member of the Jamaat due to my worldly affiliations, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib has refused [to believe in Hazrat Ahmad’sas prophethood].’”

(Lahore Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, edited by: Sheikh Abdul Qadir, First Edition: February 1966. pp. 217 - 218)

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

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The devastating 1979 siege of Mecca and the blood-thirsty Mahdi Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

In a world where violence is an everyday occurrence and news travels around the world faster than the Parker Solar Probe, a person becomes somewhat accustomed to always hearing the terrible news.

Flicking through world events, a common theme found almost in all countries is a gloomy and miserable state of affairs.

From decade-defining moments to unforgettable events, many countries have seen several dark days.

Looking back a hundred years ago, when Muslims around the world were waiting (as some are today) for the coming of a messiah who would spread bloodshed, one becomes astonished at this concept of the Messiah and is deeply hurt by the false propaganda spread by Muslim clerics.

This false, deep-seated notion that a messiah would come solely to spread bloodshed has taken root and has done more harm than good. It has given rise to the notion that one may act out of violence to attain political power, influence and status of any kind. This deception of a cruel messiah has caused much harm to the Muslim ummah.

It was prophesied by the Holy Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that in the Latter Days, Muslims would deviate so far from the teachings of Islam that they would guide others according to principles not practised by the Holy Prophetsa. With

Saudi soldiers during the siege of Mecca, 1979 | Wiki Commons

regard to such people, the Holy Prophetsa said: َ ْ َ َْ ُ ‫ق ْو ٌم ی َ ْﻬد ْو َن بِﻐ� ِر هد ِى‬ “There will be some people who will lead [people] according to principles other than my tradition”. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Munaqib, Hadith 3606) With the rise of false notions, such as the bloodthirsty messiah – a messiah who will go around spreading violence and forcing people to accept him and wage war – some Muslims have created an environment where they have convinced themselves that violence is the answer.

It is such behaviour that causes heretic episodes like the Grand Mosque seizure of 1979. A group of extremists, attempting to overthrow Al Saud (the House of Saud) took over Masjid al-Haram. No matter what one’s agenda may be, creating disorder in Masjid al-Haram cannot be tolerated by any Muslim. In fact, causing any violence in any place of worship is forbidden in Islam.

Alluding to the incident of the Grand Mosque seizure, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih III, may Allah have mercy on him, in his Friday Sermon of 23 November 1979, said: “You [Jamaat members] all know that the last few days have been extremely disturbing and difficult for me, as it has been for you. An unexpected incident has occurred. Miscreants entered Masjid al-Haram and created the conditions for disorder”.

Huzoorrh stated that he spent the last few days praying to Allah the Almighty,

seeking His mercy and imploring that may no incident like this ever occur in the House of Allah and may no one ever have the nerve and audacity to do such a thing again. Throughout his sermon, Huzoorrh explained the special status of Masjid alHaram.

The House of Allah used for political gains On 20 November 1979, a person by the name of Juhayman ibn Muhammad ibn Sayf al-Otaybi led the siege of Mecca and attacked the mosque and worshippers. The long-awaited Mahdi had arrived to restore peace, he said ironically as he invaded the Grand Mosque. He said that his brotherin-law, Muhammad Abdullah al-Qahtani,

was the awaited Messiah. Muhammad Abdullah al-Qahtani was with Juhayman al-Otaybi during the siege, along with 600 other rebels.

These miscreants went to the birthplace of Islam and, in calling Muslims to obey Muhammad Abdullah al-Qahtani, the “self-styled messiah” (as coined by the newspaper The Victoria Advocate), took worshipers hostage, killing many servicemen and other forces who tried to prevent this horrific episode from escalating further.

This incident lasted two weeks and shocked the Islamic world. The House of Allah, the symbol of unity and peace, was being used as a subject for political gains.

With regard to Juhayman al-Otaybi, American professor David Commins, in his book, Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia, wrote that in the 1970s, Juhayman al-Otaybi joined the Islamic University of Medina where he attended courses on religion. In 1976, he attracted “official suspicion” when he issued a pamphlet in which he condemned Al Saud.

“Since the 1950s, anti-monarchy groups had come and gone, so, in that respect, Juhayman fitted a familiar pattern.

But he broke new ground when he blamed the Wahhabi religious establishment for twisting Islam to prop up an illegitimate regime. Two years later, security forces arrested him and about 100 others for interrogation.” (Wahhabi Mission Saudi Arabia, p. 164) The siege The month of Hajj had just finished. One can only imagine how many pilgrims were there preparing for their journey back home. The siege of the Grand Mosque was planned for 1 Muharram, the opening of the year, the first day of the 14th century, Continued on next page >>

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

by Juhayman al-Otaybi.

As every new day and morning brings a feeling of comfort and peace, at around 5:30 in the morning of 20 November 1979, this peace was disturbed.

Juhayman al-Otaybi, with his supporters, entered the mosque equipped with guns and rifles hidden under their garments. Some reports have stated that they made use of a coffin in which they had hidden their weapons. (It was customary for worshipers to bring coffins of their relatives and loved ones who had recently passed away.) 50,000 worshippers were present in the mosque.

As the siege began, rifles and handguns were quickly handed out among the rebels.

Juhayman al-Otaybi, there and then, declared his brother-in-law, Muhammad al-Qahtani, as the long-awaited messiah.

The sound of gunshots echoed, killing some of the guards and worshippers who were caught in the crossfire.

During this mayhem, the imam, who was there for the Fajr prayer, succeeded in escaping and managed to inform the authorities. Not knowing the best method to respond to these extremists, officials were puzzled. During this time, Juhayman al-Otaybi had managed to convince many that the Mahdi had actually arrived.

(Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon, The Age of Sacred Terror) Covering this shocking news, the newspaper, The Victoria Advocate, reported:

“The attack on the mosque occurred in the early hours of last Nov. 20 as the Muslim world was celebrating the advent of the 14th century of the Islamic lunar calendar […] The gunmen sneaked into the mosque during the dawn prayers, held about 50 hostages. Including some Saudi government officials, and demanded at gunpoint that their leader Qahtani be recognized as the messiah.” (The Victoria Advocate, 10 January 1980, p. 47) Professor David Commins, in his book, Wahhabi Mission Saudi Arabia, describing this incident, writes: “In the days before the Muslim New Year, members of Juhayman’s group trickled into Mecca and blended into the throngs as the annual pilgrimage wound down. After taking control of the mosque, Juhayman and his band hunkered down, taking advantage of the Haram’s intricate network of subterranean passages and chambers as well as Al Saud’s reluctance to order a full-scale assault when hundreds of innocent Muslims were caught in the middle.” (Wahhabi Mission Saudi Arabia, p.167) Al Akhbar, a newspaper based in Cairo, reported that 600 people were involved in the takeover.

With rifles and weapons finding their way into the Grand Mosque, one’s mind is compelled to think that just as this siege was a strategic plan, so too was the plan of the announcement of Muhammad alQahtani’s claim. Nobody plans to become a messenger or a messiah. The chosen

ones of God are divinely appointed. Thus, this goes to show how these heretics and fanatics used religion for their own political agenda.

When messengers are sent by Allah, they arrive to bring about peace. Men cannot force a heavenly intervention.

Salvation is not something that can be forced into motion.

The Belfast Telegraph, on 21 November 1979, reported: “The seizure of the mosque, the holiest shrine for the world’s 600 million Moslems, was apparently timed to coincide with yesterday’s opening day of the year 1400 in the Moslem calendar.”

(Belfast Telegraph, 21 November 1979, p.1) On 23 November 1979, Coventry Evening Telegraph, reported: “Saudi Arabia said today that its security forces had taken complete control of the Grand Mosque at Mecca, Islam’s holiest shrine, and were arresting the last of the attackers who stormed it three days ago.” (Coventry Evening Telegraph, 23 November 1979, p. 1) Juhayman al-Otaybi and his supporters remained in the mosque for nearly a week before they finally surrendered. The Belfast Telegraph, on 4 December 1979 reported the surrender of these gunmen who stormed the mosque. The Belfast Telegraph wrote: “The last group of rebel Moslem gunmen who stormed the Grand Mosque in Mecca two weeks ago, have surrendered

to the Saudi security forces”. (Belfast Telegraph, 4 December 1979, p.1) It was reported that among the hajis (pilgrims), there were 26 casualties, from the government security forces, 127 died and 451 were wounded. 75 attackers were killed in battle. Muhammad Abdullah alQahtani, the self-proclaimed Mahdi, was killed during this siege by Saudi troops.

On 9 January 1980, Evening Express, a newspaper based in Aberdeen, under the title, “Saudis behead 63 for attack on mosque”, reported: “Sixty-three people were beheaded in Saudi Arabia today for their part in an attack last November on the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

“The Government announced the executions were carried out at dawn in eight cities under a decree issued by King Khalid.

“The Interior Ministry said 41 of those executed were Saudis.

“The others were 10 Egyptians, six South Yemenis, three Kuwaitis and one person each from North Yemen, Sudan and Iraq.” (Evening Express, 9 January 1980, p. 3) What ignites such events?

What gave rise to such a catastrophic event? Why did Juhayman al-Utaybi and Muhammad al-Qahtani deem it necessary to forcibly and inhumanely attack the House of Allah?

Those who deviate from the essence of Islam give birth to beliefs and doctrines in line with their own nature. Notions of violence and belief in the advent of a “bloodthirsty” messiah only deepen the division within the Muslim ummah and resultantly raise fanatics who act of their own accord for personal interests. Falsely spread beliefs create disorder and fuel gloomy episodes like this.

This page in Islamic history shows how matters can elevate without correct guidance and a moral compass. It further serves as a lesson and a need for unity within the Muslim ummah to ensure that despite sectarian differences or understanding of the right purport of Islamic prophecies and teachings, the holy sites of Islam are safeguarded at any cost. In order to protect the sanctity and glory of Islam, it is necessary for Muslims to unite.

This call of unification was made on many occasions by the Promised Messiahas and is still being made by the Khalifatul Masih.

This incident was not too long ago (42 years) and it just goes to show the need for perfect guidance and correct implementation of the true Islamic teachings. When man drifts away from the true teachings of religion, he often gives way to ideologies based on his own yearnings and hijacks religion to justify his needs.

The perfect teachings of Islam serve to guide mankind. It is like a bright torch handed down to man to guide us. If man continues to focus on the torch, and not the light it emits, he will find himself wandering an endless path, forever lost.

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

100 Years Ago...

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Tabligh tour of the Gold Coast, 80 new converts in one day and news from Nigeria Al Fazl, 14-17 November 1921 were as follows: ‫جاء ما وعد اللہ‬ ً ‫قد‬ ‫موحبا بک یا ضیف اللہ‬ [“Allah the Almighty’s promise has been fulfilled. O, guest of God, we love you.”]

These words drew my attention towards the truthfulness of the promises of Allah the Almighty to the Promised Messiahas and the truthfulness of the prophecies of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and thus, I shed tears of joy.

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

My tour As I have already mentioned in my previous letter, I am carrying out a [tabligh] tour [in Gold Coast – now Ghana] according to plan.

During the days mentioned in this report, I travelled about 110 miles by car and around 10 miles on foot. In the said journey, seven jalsas were held at four different places, and speeches were delivered in them. The Christian people are taking a keen interest in Islam and the hatred present in the educated class of Christians towards Islam is now slowly fading away. Be it the idolater rulers or the general public, everyone’s attitude is friendly. In spite of the demanding rules of Islam, we are hopeful from Allah the Almighty that many people will convert to Islam.

Generally, people convert to Islam every other day, but during the journey under discussion, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, a large number of blessed souls had the honour of accepting Islam after reciting the kalima [‫لا اله الا اللہ محمد رسول اللہ‬: There is none worthy of worship save Allah and Muhammad is His messenger].

One of them who converted to Islam was a chief. He is an influential chief of a village who also has judicial powers. As Fante names are hard to remember and I can’t reproduce them, I will give below a list of Islamic names of the new converts as an illustration. Certain names have been repeated because people can’t remember long names and soon after they are named, some come back to enquire about their new names again and again. Sometimes, they want the name that has been given to another man or woman. Each name has been written on a piece of paper and handed over to the person named so that they can memorise their names. During the said visit, by the grace of Allah, 80 men, women and children converted to Islam.

The list of their names is as follows: 1. Chief David Ahin Essel III (the chief speaks English and is well-acquainted with Christianity) 2. Hassan 3. Hussain 4.

Ibrahim 5. Umar 6. Maryam 7. Salma 8.

Suleiman 9. Ali 10. Kulthum 11. Khadija 12. Mahdi 13. Haqq 14. Fatima 15. Harun 16. Abbas 17. Saleha 18. Amna 19. Zainab 20. Hajira 21. Ismail 22. Tahir 23. Habiba 24. Majeeda 25. Aisha 26. Harun 27.

Abbas 28. Talha 29. Zainab 30. Armina 31. Hajira 32. Aisha 33. Habiba 34. Saeeda

35. Tahira 36. Mubaraka 37. Ishaq 38.

Nusrat 39. Fatima 40. Yunus 41. Nasira 42.

Syeda 43. Safia 44. Maimuna 45. Rahmat 46. Maryam 47. Fatima 48. Suleiman 49.

Siddiqa 50. Hawwa 51. Ameena 52. Amina 53. Asiya 54. Ibrahim 55. Yahya 56. Yusuf 57. Mirza 58. Nayyar 59. Sadiq 60. Musa 61.

Qadian 62. Rasheeda 63. Iqbal 64. Zubair 65. Saeeda 66. Mubarak 67. Haleema 68.

Rashida 69. Ruqayyah 70. Ismat 71. Zainab 72. Yaqub 73. Rabia 74. Isa 75. Saira 76.

Idris 77. Mubaraka 78. Nasira 79. Fatima 80. Yunus Experiences of the journey The only thing worth mentioning about the journey of 110 miles by car is that the car had to be lifted out of the mud twice due to a broken road in one place and Allah the Almighty Himself provided the means for it on both occasions as the engineer, with whom I am on friendly terms, was present there in person and so the villagers helped us in large numbers. A wonderful thing that happened during the journey on foot was that that the half-mile-long caravan passed through the forest saying: َ ُ ٰ ّ ‫َص ِل َعلی محَ ّم ٍد‬ Half of the path was such that due to rainfall, there was water all over the place and the narrow track was like a drain passage. We had to spread our legs and walk over it by placing each foot in either side of it. Sometimes, associates would pick me up and help me cross a difficult trail. It was raining when we were going to that place but on our way back, there was scorching sunlight. On the one hand, I was sweating and on the other, I suffered repeated attacks by the bloodthirsty gadfly

and it did not leave us for a long time. In such situations, only the grace of and belief in Allah the Almighty helps and both of them worked for us to the fullest possible extent, alhamdulillah.

I recall a couple of rivers also came along the way. Crossing one of the rivers, when I observed that a number of friends had to get on and off the boat several times, then contrary to tradition, I preferred to be the last one to get on the boat.

Bai‘at of another chief A chief among our Fante friends had not yet taken bai‘at and efforts were being made in this regard. All praise belongs to Allah that he too, after listening to the claims of the Promised Messiahas and studying the magazine, Ahmad Al-Masih al-Maud, has entered the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. He is carrying out a census of his tribe and writes that after the census, he shall send the correct numbers for presenting them before Khalifatul Masih. Friends are requested to pray for their perseverance.

Delight Everywhere, young people greet me by using Arabic words. The announcement in each village is commenced with the following words: ‫سبحان اللہ و الحمد للہ و اللہ اکبر‬ And everyone understands that the “white asafun” i.e. “white maulvi” has arrived. It should be clear that I was called “alfa” in Nigeria, but I have become “asafun” in the Gold Coast and English people everywhere call me “father”.

Moreover, during the said journey, the words recited by the young man in uniform

Difficulties with respect to interpreters Among the very many difficulties faced in these countries, which also include limited food [options], a great difficulty is the unfamiliarity with the language. There are language interpreters; if they are out of reach, then all work remains unfinished and incomplete. Consequently, at one point during the last tour, the interpreter went out somewhere and a lady came to join Islam. Now, the interpreter was a Christian and he honestly fulfilled his responsibility of interpretation. Hence, the old lady converted to Islam. However, my experience with Christian interpreters is that wherever the words “God” or “prophet” come [in a phrase], they translate them as “Christ” or say “Jesus Christ” because in their view there is no other god and no other prophet. The same is true of other inexpert English-speaking interpreters. Once I said, “I have got a house”, i.e. “I have rented a house”, but the interpreter translated it as, “I have hired a Hausa servant.”

Work, administration and expenses The people here neither live in one place, nor does everyone know about Islam.

According to the last census, only 150 people were Muslims before my arrival and about 50 people are familiar with Salat and the rules of Islam. The rest of the people are only somewhat better than the idolaters.

Now, mosques are being built in several places and a number of young Arabic speaking gentlemen have been invited to join the missionary class. Thus far, three youngsters have joined and lessons have started on the Holy Quran, hadith, fiqh [jurisprudence] and specific issues of Ahmadiyyat. These youngsters are very intelligent and will soon excel, inshaAllah. However, there is a huge question of expenses. The people here are not Continued on next page >>

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Winter relief campaign in Argentina Marwan Sarwar Gill Missionary Argentina

Due to the economic crisis and inflation, many Argentinians are living in poverty and cannot afford the basic essentials to protect themselves against the cold.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Argentina launched, for the first time, a winter relief campaign, and over a period of three months, 600 winter blankets were distributed at eight different places, which included four different cities.

With our motto “Love for all, hatred for none”, we tried to put into practice the teachings of Islam with regard to serving mankind, as Islam teaches that loving your country is part of faith.

Our winter campaign had a very positive impact on society and different media outlets and politicians appreciated our efforts to genuinely serve society. << Continued from previous page

accustomed to giving regular chanda. They can’t even contribute towards the rent of a car. Students are also contributing towards the mission. The mission cannot run for less than five hundred rupees per month.

Anyway, there is a strong hope from Allah the Almighty that the Gold Coast will not need any foreign aid after one year; rather, this mission will help the markaz. There is a need for white missionaries here, i.e. a proper missionary, who should be sent as soon as possible.

Good news from Nigeria The secretary of Lagos Jamaat writes: “The duroos [religious sermons] are being delivered to both men and women on a regular basis. Lectures are being held every day. A large jalsa was also held.

Moreover, it has been decided to expand the mosque and launch a school as well.

People have sincerely presented chanda.

The total chanda was 21 pounds and six pence. Around 21 pounds of chanda have been collected.

“The people love you. You are mentioned in the houses of Lagos. A donation of three guineas was made in your name at the jalsa and a handkerchief, valued at one and a half shillings, was purchased for 30 shillings. Moreover, a woman bought a bar of soap for three shillings and sent it to you (i.e. for the purpose of raising chanda). We are teaching people by our own examples.

“Right now, the question of sending money [chanda] to Qadian is premature.

We will be able to do this in the near future, insha-Allah. In short, the jamaat of Lagos is being brought under administration and till the completion of administration, there is a question of expenses before […]. Moreover, Nigeria needs another missionary, who should be sent soon.”

From Abdur Rahim Nayyar (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 14-17 November 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

“It’s been an experience that we haven’t had before”: Dispelling misconceptions about Islam at the Annual Millicent Show, Australia Atif Ahmed Zahid Missionary, Adelaide, Australia

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Adelaide West had the opportunity to hold a Holy Quran exhibition and bookstall at the 144th Millicent Show on 5 and 6 November 2021. Preparations for the programme started a couple of months in advance. A total of ten Jamaat members participated in this tabligh programme.

On 4 November, after Fajr prayer, members of the Jamaat departed on a 450 km journey towards Millicent. On the way to the Millicent, members distributed pamphlets on peace and how to achieve it, in various small towns.

On 5 November, on the first day of the show, members arrived early at the showground to set up the Quran exhibition and bookstall. The exhibition was set up right at the entrance of the showground making it a very prominent stall for all the visitors.

At 12 pm, the gates of the showground were opened for the general public. The exhibition attracted an abundance of interest from the public.

During the course of the day, the exhibition and the bookstall were visited frequently by both dignitaries and the general public. Atif Ahmed Zahid Sahib, the Ahmadi missionary led the team in fruitful discussions with visitors on various topics including an introduction to Ahmadiyyat, Islam being a peaceful religion, brotherhood and harmony among different religions, women’s rights in Islam, shariah law and integration etc.

Noteworthy dignitaries attended the stall as well, and amongst them were Honourable Des Noll, Mayor of Millicent.

The honourable mayor welcomed the Jamaat

members to the show and said that he was very pleased to see the members promoting the message of peace at the show. He spent quite a few hours interacting with us.

Member of Parliament, the Honourable Nick McBride also attended the stall and spent time interacting with us and appreciated Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s efforts in promoting peace.

The host of the show took an interview of the missionary on the PA system, in which he gave an introduction of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and invited everyone to visit the Holy Quran exhibition.

More than 6,000 people from different parts of that region looked at the Quran exhibition and the books. Detailed discussions were held with more than 200 people on various topics related to Islam.

They were given Jamaat books to read and contact details were exchanged for future contact. The first day ended at 9 pm.

Day two of the show started at 9 am when the gates were open for the general public. Like day one, day two was also very well attended.

The senior vice president of the Millicent show, Ms Sue Vanderheul visited the stall, interacted with Jamaat members and appreciated our efforts in promoting peace.

She mentioned that it was the first time

that any Muslim community organised a Quran exhibition in the show. She further said: “Thank you for coming here. It’s been an experience that we haven’t had before. And it’s good for everybody to know everybody’s interests and religions and things like that.

Knowledge is power, and the more people can get along with everybody else, makes for a better world.”

She was also very impressed with the Jamaat’s motto “Love for all, hatred for none” and said, “If everybody embraces it, there shouldn’t be any hate in the world.”

The Holy Quran exhibition received coverage from the media as well. A regional newspaper The Border Watch with a readership of more than 20,000, published a detailed article about the exhibition and teachings of Islam.

Some of the comments of the visitors are given below: Mr Matt Bubner, the host of the show, said: “It’s great to have these guys here today.

Promoting peace across the lands and just interacting with the people here and answering questions and dispelling myths all about Islam and explaining what it actually means and not what you see on TV. These guys could not be more lovely, they are awesome, and it is great to have them as part of the Millicent show.”

Mr Patrick, a visitor from nearby town Kingston, said: “I know Muslims for a very long time.

They are very peaceful people. Every religion has bad people but that doesn’t mean all the people are wrong. What you are guys are doing is amazing.”

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

15

100 Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Years Biography of the Holy Prophet and questions on Ago... Copernicus, Galileo and philosophy questions Al Fazl, 7 & 10 November 1921 have been written thus far are of two kinds.

Either the enemies have written them or the biographers have just compiled his accounts. And there are also those who have written [about his life] by keeping in view the objections of European contemporaries in their minds. The approach of this class is also limited. What should be done is that the claim of the Holy Prophetsa should first be explained through a strong introduction and then the qualities that must be found within the claimant of such a claim should be presented. Then, one by one, the said attributes should be shown in the personage of the Holy Prophetsa. It is a wrong approach to prove that the Holy Prophetsa was a great king or a good administrator, because the true purpose of his [advent] was not kingship, etc. If his biography is written according to the said principles, then hopefully it will produce a positive impact.”

24 October 1921 Suspicion Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Sometimes, suspicions develop with knowledge. When there were no thermometers, people would hardly care that much. However, now everything is felt immediately. In Kashmir, late Haji Umar Dar’s son Mian Abdul Aziz had a fever of over 104 °F. He still used to serve the guests, and would occasionally sit down for a bit as well.”

23 October 1921 A person wrote a false and baseless article in the issue of 21 October [1921] of Ahl-eHadith [newspaper] about Maulana Mir Muhammad Saeed Sahib of Hyderabad (currently residing in Mecca) and regarding our hajis [Muslims who have performed Hajj].

On the mention of this [article], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “People do not hate Ahmadis as much as they hate Wahhabi over there, according to them, all the faults, if any, are present in the Wahhabis.”

Mistakes during Hajj Whilst the aforesaid subject was being discussed, the mistakes people make during Hajj were mentioned. Huzoor[ra] said: “I saw that a few Indians were carrying a charpoy [Indian bedstead] and were performing tawaf [circuit]. I asked them what that was. One person replied that a man had come for Hajj, but he passed away, so that was his tawaf al-wida [farewell circuit].”

Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib said, “I too saw many charpoys this time around,

but I thought they might be meant for ill people.”

Meeting with non-Ahmadi Hafiz Sahib Maulvi Hafiz Abdul Waris Sahib, who is the brother of Maulvi Abdul Malik Sahib (treasury advisor Bahawalpur), met [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih]. Huzoor[ra] asked, “Hafiz Sahib, what brings you here?” Hafiz Sahib said: “Maulvi Fazluddin Sahib (a lawyer) and I would often talk about the Promised Messiahas. I once intended to pay a visit in the time of the Promised Messiahas as well, but was not able to come. Now, I said to myself that as you are his successor, why not get some benefits from you. I came from Lahore with Mirza Sahib (Sultan Ahmad Khan Bahadur) yesterday. I am also currently staying with him.” Then, pointing towards Maulvi Fazluddin Sahib, he said, “He is my relative and knows full well that I have given up everything. All I want is that God Almighty bestows me His love in His name. I do not want anything else. I only ask of you that you pray for me because if I am not granted [the nearness of] God, then I have gained nothing.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said:

“Surely, I will pray, insha-Allah. In fact, only God is the true; everything else will perish.”

Huzoor[ra] gave a Madrasi Hindu’s English letter to Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib for replying. He had written, “I loved the Holy Prophetsa very much, but then a discussion took place in a meeting. Soon after, I began doubting myself and then God. Then, my love for the Holy Prophetsa also diminished. Therefore, I am in a state of great confusion. Please, give me a satisfactory [answer].”

Chaudhry Sahib submitted about a contemporary English philosopher that he had written in his books that in terms of being a religion, Islam was better not only than Christianity but also than many other religions. However, he has raised more allegations against the Holy Prophetsa as compared to Jesus Christ.

Biography of the Holy Prophetsa Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “I have repeatedly expressed the idea that a biography of the Holy Prophetsa should be written keeping in view the purpose for which he was sent. The biographies that

Arab conveyance Regarding the conveyance in Arabia, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “During the days of Hajj, I saw a Turk fall off a camel and break his bones. People kept walking over him. We were told at the time that in Mecca only the nobles had two horses while the rest of the population had donkeys, mules and camels. Nowadays, the numbers of horses might have increased because the nobles have now become kings.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “Donkeys are well-trained and big in size. They are even faster than the mules. I saw that the mule of a person was bought for 1,500 rupees, and a high-quality donkey can be bought in three hundred rupees.”

Huzoor[ra] said: “At first, I was a bit reluctant to ride a donkey, so I did not ride. However, I injured my leg on the way back from Mina. I still tried my best to walk, but when I could not walk, I got on the donkey and it strolled at a good pace.”

Continued on next page >>

16

Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

The government will not give anything to the Sharif of Mecca Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib submitted that he had read in The Pioneer that the government had announced that they would not give anything to the Sharif [of Mecca].

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “All praise belongs to Allah! I was the first one to suggest that they should not try to subjugate the Arabs in this way.”

Issues of Turkey Regarding the question about the Turkish government, Huzoor[ra] said: “I wrote the solution to Turkey’s question in one of my previous articles that Thrace and Smyrna should come under the rule of Turkey because most of the population there is of Turks. Muslims opposed me on this issue, but the Turks and now even the Muslims have also arrived at the same point.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “If Thrace and Symrna are given to the Turks, their military power would remain intact. If they are handed over to Greece, then Turkey will diminish. Thereafter, the Turks will live under the rule of the Greeks.”

The hair of the Holy Prophetsa Chaudhry Ghulam Muhammad Sahib BA submitted that a Sikh met him who said that Muslims were mistaken, because the Holy Prophetsa and the four Khulafa had kesh [uncut hair].

Huzoor[ra] said: “The Holy Prophetsa had hair but they were not in the form of kesh.”

The hair of the Promised Messiah The deputy editor [of Al Fazl] submitted that he had heard that the Promised Messiahas also had long hair. Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Sahib (a new convert) used to say that when he first saw the Promised Messiahas in Ludhiana in the year 1881 or 1882, then the Promised Messiahas had long hair and a cap on his head similar to the one worn by a faqir [a dervish immersed in God’s love].

Huzoor[ra] said: “Yes, the Promised Messiahas had long hair and also used to wear an Indian cap and a kullah which was not as short as it is today but was rather long. He also used to wear loose trousers.”

Al Fazl, 10 November 1921 Bai‘at On 25 October 1921, after Maghrib prayer, Master Noor Ahmad Sahib of Pakhoke, Dera Baba Nanak, performed bai‘at [at the hands of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra].

Two couplets After the recitation of a few poems after Asr prayer on 26 October 1921, Huzoor[ra] wrote two couplets and gave them to the deputy editor [of Al Fazl] and expressed that he had said those couplets a long time ago. The two couplets are as follows: ‫نت‬

‫��یں یک زہار اسیق یک‬

�‫م‬

‫رپ ہن دی اس ےن وکمہ ابیق یک‬ [I made a thousand requests to my beloved (God) but He has not yet fulfilled my desire.]

‫رس ی‬ ‫مپی‬ ‫�دا ہن رکےت وجش ونجں‬ ‫رگ ہن یھت وکیئ رہ التیق یک‬

[I would not have gotten extremely passionate, but there was no other way to meet (Him).]

Foundation of first Ahmadi mosque in Maradi, Niger

28 October 1921 Change in the speed of the moon News about the moon has been published in the past days that, “Observing the recent ‫�ی ن‬ lunar eclipse, Dr Kremen [�‫ ]رک م�ب‬has made an astonishing discovery at the Greenwich Observatory that on the said occasion, the moon was about 12 miles ahead of its estimated position. He has expressed that the said change has occurred slowly over the last 30 years. Therefore, all the estimated calendars have gone wrong. Consequently, the calendar of 1923 has been revised.”

Mentioning this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “This extraordinary change has taken place in the speed of the moon. The moon also refers to the kingdom of Islam. Hence, it can be said that this rapid change may signify as an apparent sign of the progress of Islam, and the estimation made about the beginning of the occurrence of this change starts from around the time when the lunar eclipse took place as a sign for the Promised Messiahas because that lunar eclipse took place in 1311 AH. “Moreover, perhaps this [sudden change] is the first step towards the shooting of the stars, the falling of which is a sign of the advent of the Promised Messiahas.”

Earth’s movement and Christianity Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Once upon a time, the evaluation of faith and disbelief was based on the aforesaid matters.

“When a person found out that the sun does not move but the earth moves, he wrote books about it and passed away.

Hundreds of years later, his books made an impact, and Galileo, who invented the telescope, said that what that person said was true and no one could deny that. The Christian clergy issued edicts of disbelief against him. He was an influential man, so he could not succumb to the whims of the clergy, but his associates were burned in fire.

The reason given was that they [clergy] said that the primary purpose of all the creation was man and therefore mankind should dwell on the most superior planet and so the earth was the greatest of all the planets.

[They said] that how was it possible for the earth to be on one hand the greatest planet and then also revolve around the sun? If the earth would be considered to be moving, it would become insignificant, and when the earth would be insignificant, man would also be considered insignificant. That was false [in their view]. Therefore, to believe that the earth was moving was disbelief.

On the said basis, the people were seized and burned, and Galileo was imprisoned.

In prison, he wrote a letter of repentance, which was in the form of a dialogue. In it, he raises the question as to why did he change the idea of the ​​ earth being static, what was the reason behind it. Then he answers it that, ‘As observation has proved that the earth moves, so he has changed his mind.’

Then he says that, ‘Since the word of God [Bible] has contradicted it, the observation has no significance before the word of God

Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

On 14 October 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of the first Ahmadi mosque in the city of Maradi. and reason has no part in the word of God. Hence, though it has been proven that the earth moves and this has also been observed through the telescope, I would still say that satan has taken over the telescope and what is being witnessed is against the word of God.’ “The clergy was furious that it was not a letter of repentance, but more of a publicity of his idea.

“The clergy also issued edicts of disbelief against those who believed that the earth was round. They said that the Bible would become invalid if it was accepted, because it [Bible] said that the earth was flat.

“The way in which the clergy unanimously issued edicts of disbelief on such matters, the Muslims did not do so on any particular issue, i.e. all the scholars [of Muslims] never unanimously issued a particular edict.”

Unsolvable matters Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “There are some matters in the world that cannot be solved. For example, the common people have raised the question of whether the chicken came first or the egg. If we keep discussing this matter, we would never come to conclusion. Thus, certain people who were interested in argumentation took up similar issues that were unsolvable and started arguing on them, which was absolutely absurd and nonsensical. This is what philosophical debates are all about.

The same is true of the discussion of soul and matter. It is impossible for the mind to believe that nothing existed at all and then suddenly came into being. In the same way, one cannot believe that something existed eternally, but it had no beginning.

Such matters can never be solved and philosophers get involved in such debates because if their debates are over then who will lend them an ear, because they have nothing to do with constructive work, as the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Enough debate has

Maradi is the second largest city of Niger and the administrative centre of Maradi Region. Maradi is the major transport trade and agricultural hub of Niger’s south-central Hausa region.

It lies on the major east–west paved highway which crosses from Niamey in the west to Diffa in the east.

The ceremony began in the afternoon and was presided over by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger, Asad Majeeb Sahib.

The new convert Ahmadis were specially invited to this event. Four new Ahmadi Muslims from Tchadoua city had the opportunity to lay bricks, followed by Tagaza Jamaat’s president and some missionaries.

At the end, Amir Sahib Jamaat Niger laid a brick and addressed the attendees. The ceremony concluded with a silent prayer. taken place, start working now.’ Hence, they are involved in such debates that are never solved.

The Promised Messiahas had a unique approach towards such matters. It was that those matters which are beyond reason and thought should be asked of God Almighty.

Before doing that, one should understand the reality of His Supreme Being and believe in His attributes. Then, those matters which are under His attributes should be accepted and those which are against them should be left. In this way, there is nothing left unsolved. This could be understood by the example of a patwari [an official who keeps land records in a village]. He declares a centre point for measuring [a piece of land] and then measures [the land] on the basis of it, which then turns out to be accurate.

In the same way, one should make God Almighty the centre [of everything] and observe if the said matters are in accordance with His attributes or not. If they are, then they should accept them and if they are not, then they should let them go.”

Sheikh Abdur Rahman Sahib Misri submitted that there were clear mantar [passages] in the Vedas against the eternal existence of matter.

Huzoor[ra] said: “Certainly, the Promised Messiahas has opted this method too and that is to present the claim and argument from your own religious book. On this basis, there should be a discussion with the Aryans and they should be persuaded through their book.”

Bai‘at The following friends took bai‘at: 1. Imtiazul Hassan Jhanjhanvi, student of Ahmadiyya Madrasa [Qadian] 2. Sher Khan, servant in Tank, Waziristan 3. Chiraghuddin, Talwandi Khajoorwali, District Gujranwala (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 7 and 10 November 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

17

Islam and the pursuit of happiness Melissa Ahmedi Religious Education teacher, UK

“We are living in a world where no matter how rich someone is, they always want more. Instead of being grateful for what they have, they are preoccupied with what they do not.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Concluding address of National Ijtema Lajna Imaillah UK 2021) Many are acquainted with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, centred on the quest for the elixir of life – a potion that would make the villain, Voldemort, immortal.

Perhaps it could be said that in our world of 2021, many are living and searching for that metaphorical tonic; placing so much emphasis on the temporal in the hope that it will give them true everlasting satisfaction and happiness.

The age-old problem of the haves and the have nots, is under a magnifying glass of social media in 2021. More than ever before, we are aware of what each other has (or doesn’t) and this leads to anxiety on both sides.

Speaking on technological advancements and their effects, recently, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at the National Ijtema of Lajna Imaillah UK 2021, said: “The reality is that the majority of people in the world are continuing to live at the base poverty level or even below it. Adding petrol to the fire of their torment is the fact that they are now constantly exposed to images of the affluent lifestyles and immense purchasing power of people in developed countries, whilst buying even the most basic essentials for their families remains a daily struggle for them […] We can only imagine how much harm is being inflicted on people living here at the very epicentre of materialism, greed and consumer culture.”

Perhaps the biggest problem is the power of comparison or in other words, keeping up with the Jones’. The magnifying glass of social media typically shows the world their highlights.

Mo Gawdat – former Chief Business Officer of Google X – speaks of how he became a hamster on what psychologists call the “hedonic treadmill”: The more you get the more you want, the more you strive the more reasons you discover for striving.

In the sudden loss of his adult son, he vowed to keep a project he and his son had been working on alive. In one of the most-watched Channel 4 interviews to date, he shared his development of the equation of happiness = equal to or greater than the difference between the way you see the events in your life and your expectation of the way you think your life should go. In other words; having inappropriate or inaccurate expectations has led a lot of people to feel unhappy. Whilst unmet expectations is certainly a huge factor in unhappiness for so

many, however perhaps a more important principle here has been missed.

Allah the Almighty knew the world would go through these cycles, and so with the advent of every prophet served a reminder: “And worldly life is nothing but a sport and a pastime. And surely the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand?”

(Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.33) “And Allah has favoured some of you above others in [worldly] gifts. But those more favoured will not restore [any part of] their [worldly] gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so that they may be equal [sharers] in them. Will they then deny the favour of Allah?” (Surah al-Jinn, Ch.16: V.72)

bestowed a paradise while still in this world.”

So peace of mind, heart and soul, and thus happiness is attainable in this world.

But how?

As a pragmatic faith, Islam does not teach the complete removal of one from the world to achieve this aim perhaps in the way a monk might. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa had many periods of prayer and divine connection and revelation. He retreated for short periods of solitude to the cave Hira in the Meccan era, and called people to congregational prayer through community in the Medinite era. The idea was both personal reflection and a deep connection with Allah, and his personal example called people to action in the collective. As the Holy Quran declares, true happiness, contentment and satisfaction is

In the commentary of this verse it is written: “The only way to save the world from the tyranny of those in possession of power and privilege and to open the doors of progress and advancement to real merit and talent and thereby to rehabilitate justice and equality among mankind is that God should send His Messengers. Their advent heralds a new era and the dispossessed and the “have-nots” have their rights restored to them.” (Five-Volume Commentary of the Holy Quran, Vol. 3, p. 1693) So, when the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas came, he expanded on finding true happiness and contentment through the lens of the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran speaks of the true and everlasting pursuit of happinessَ as seeking the state of “the soul ُ ّ ۡ ۡ ۡ َّ at rest”, ‫“ – النف ُس ال ُمط َم ِئنۃ‬nafs-e-mutma‘innah”: “[And] thou, O soul at peace! Return to thy Lord well pleased [with Him and] He well pleased [with thee]. So enter thou among My chosen servants. And enter thou My Garden.” (Surah al-Fajr, Ch.89: V.28-31) The Promised Messiahas, in The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam (p.

7) says that the soul “undergoes a great transformation in this very life and is

found with Allah: “Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah.

Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Surah al-Ra‘d.

Ch.13: V.29) It seems more than ever we are hyperaware of our mood and putting our best foot forward in the public eye. In an era of toxic positivity where no matter the event in a person’s life; one must always remain positive, or appear to be to others.

The problem with toxic positivity isn’t necessarily being positive; but it’s the attitude of expectation surrounding happiness itself, when someone goes through an adverse event.

Islam teaches that one can still be happy and content despite going through periods of challenge and adversity. In fact, it is in those periods of adversity, where one’s contentment and happiness is really tested. Take grief, for example. Islam prescribes a period of three days of public mourning following the news of someone’s death. Feelings of shock, disbelief, anguish, helplessness, anger are all natural emotions in times of personal tragedy. Islam recognises that in order for a person to process grief; they require time. These events

call people back to Allah. Such is true of the prophets who faced back-to-back adversity – yet their contentment (and happiness) depended upon Allah alone. Prophet Noahas ۡ َ ُ ۡ َّ prayed ‫“ – انِ ۡی َمغلوۡ ٌب فان َت ِص ۡر‬I am overcome, so [come] Thou [to my] help!” (Surah alQamar, Ch.54: V.11) when he boarded the ship knowing his wife and son refused his message and their fate was sealed. Prophet Mosesas prayed when he thought he needed his brother prophet Aaronas to help him articulate himself to the tyrant Pharaoh in Egypt. Prophet Zechariahas prayed when he feared he would leave this world childless:

ُّ ُ ۡ َ َ َّ ً َ ّ َ ً َّ ّ ُ َ ۡ ُ َّ ۡ ۡ ۡ َ ّ َ ‫الد َعٓا ِء‬ ‫ر ِب ہب ل ِی ِمن لدنک ذرِیۃ ط ِیبۃ ۚ ِانک س ِمیع‬

“My Lord, grant me from Thyself pure offspring; surely, Thou art the Hearer of prayer.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.39) Despite irrefutably difficult hardships, gratitude is an important theme of the Holy Quran and the advent of all of the prophets of Allah. Perhaps one poignant example is Prophet Luqmanas who called his son to the importance of gratitude being intrinsically tied to belief in One God: “And We bestowed wisdom on Luqman, [saying], ‘Be grateful to Allah’ and whoso is grateful, is grateful only for [the good of] his own soul. And whoso is ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.

And [remember] when Luqman said to his son while exhorting him, ‘O my dear son! associate not partners with Allah. Surely, associating partners [with God] is a grievous wrong.’” (Surah Luqman, Ch.31: V.13-14) The humility is recognising that it is us, human beings that have a deep need to feel contentment and happiness. Allah has no desire nor need for happiness – He is َ ّ Himself The Source of Peace – ‫السلا ُم‬ AlSalaam – and wants us to attain peace.

As humans, we fixate our happiness on impermanence – belongings, people, property and children – but the Quran reminds us it’s all temporary, except Allah: “Know that the life of this world is only a sport and a pastime, and an adornment, and [a source of] boasting among yourselves, and [of] rivalry in multiplying riches and children. [This life is] like the rain the vegetation produced whereby rejoices the tillers. Then it dries up and thou seest it turn yellow; then it becomes broken pieces [of straw]. And in the Hereafter there is severe punishment, and [also] forgiveness from Allah, and [His] pleasure. And the life of this world is nothing but [temporary] enjoyment of deceitful things.” (Surah alHadid, Ch.57: V.21) “Mutual rivalry in [seeking worldly] increase diverts you [from God].” (Surah alTakathur, Ch.102: V.2) “The more the people of the world gain the paltry goods of this life, the greater becomes the hunger and the consequent burning of their heart. But as for those who seek God, the more they turn to Him, the greater is their peace of mind […] Would the people of the world had realised this great secret of happiness!” (Five-Volume Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 1508) In keeping with the wizarding theme with which this article began, Harry Potter eventually triumphs and thus, good overcomes evil, and happiness and so contentment is a choice we make by submitting to the One who controls all things – such is the very definition of Muslim.

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Holy Quran exhibition and bookstall, in Uraidla and Summertown Country Show, Australia Saleem Shaukat Secretary Tabligh, Jamaat Adelaide South, Australia

Located 30 minutes away from Adelaide in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, the quiet township of Uraidla is transformed every year into a hub of excitement on the first Sunday in November when the annual horticultural and floricultural show hits town.

The Uraidla and Summertown Country Show is an event for the local and surrounding communities. Featuring an action-packed line-up of entertainment, family activities, rides, market stalls, exhibits, competitions and delicious food options; there will be something for every member of the family.

On 7 November 2021, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Adelaide South also got the opportunity to visit the show and hold – for the first time – a Holy Quran exhibition and bookstall for spreading the true and peaceful teachings of Islam in this town.

After offering the Fajr prayer, a group of 12 Jamaat members, including some young members, began their journey from the Noor Mosque.

Uraidla is a city located in South Australia State, and its total population is about 2,506 and every year around 7,000 to 8,000 people visited the show from different parts of the region, making it a popular attraction.

On the day, the bookstall presented translated copies of the Holy Quran in 10 different languages along with a variety of literature including, Life of Muhammad, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, World

Saint Germain la Charonne college, Paris invites Ahmadi missionary to speak on Islam Mansoor Ahmed Mubashir France Correspondent

A college in Paris, Saint Germain la Charonne organised an interreligious day on 22 October 2021. Different organisations were invited to participate and represent their respective religions. Naseer Ahmed Shahid Sahib, Missionary-in-charge Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya France was invited to represent Islam.

There were two topics given for this year’s interreligious day, “Introduction of your religion and hospitality according to your religion”.

For each class of the college, representatives of different religions were given the opportunity for a lecture and question and answer session. Our missionary had the opportunity to present Islamic teachings to two classes.

After a brief introduction of the meanings of Islam and its three sources, Holy Quran, sunnah and hadith, with reference to these three sources, he elaborated on subjects of discussion in the media about Islam, i.e., freedom of religion and expression, Jihad, blasphemy and apostasy.

The second topic, hospitality in Islam, was also addressed with references from the Holy Quran, Sunnah and hadith. The personal examples of the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra were presented.

Students were amazed to listen to the real teachings of Islam about these issues

Crisis and the Pathway to Peace and Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues.

Pamphlets that were displayed included, ‘Muslim for peace’, ‘Muslim for loyalty’, ‘Muhammad in Bible’ and ‘Messiah has Come’.

Approximately 350 people visited the stall and more than 60 people were engaged in detailed conversations about Islam and the presented books. Visitors were very impressed with the variety of information

MKA Nairobi hold Ijtema after gap due to Covid-19 Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

which were totally different from what was projected in the media or presented by some fanatic Muslims. After the lectures, students asked many questions including questions about women in Islam and hijab.

It is worthy of mention that the Director of CIEUX (Interreligious Committee for Universal Ethics and against Xenophobia) Mr Alexandre Vigne would tell each class about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, its peaceful understanding of Islam and specially the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan and some other countries. He also had an opportunity to meet Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, when he delivered a historic address in UNESCO during his visit to France in 2019.

Through this event, the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat was conveyed to more than 50 students and teachers.

that was displayed.

Through holding this stall, and with the set-up of the marquees with the Jamaat’s motto “Love for all, hatred for none” the peaceful message of Islam reached around 6,000 people.

Hon Marisa Bell, candidate of labour party Mayo also visited our stall and appreciated the Jamaat’s efforts and said: “I am here today at Uraidla show visiting wonderful stalls […] I am here today at the Muslim communities stall, they are sending the message of love and peace.”

Another member, Hon Josh Teague Mp, member for Heysen visited our stall and by appreciating our efforts, he said: “I am here in Adelaide Hills, and we are here today at Uraidla show and you can hear the sound and see the sites around here it’s just wonderful to be together here with this wonderful message of peace and togetherness.”

During the show, we got a chance to discuss many topics in detail with the visitors, such as the concept of Jihad in Islam, the Islamic view about extremism and about the second coming of the Messiah, for which many references were shared from the Bible and the Holy Quran.

After a long period of inactivity due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nairobi region successfully held its regional Ijtema.

Due to the restrictions, the usual threeday event was held in one day, on 24 October 2021, at the Jamaat’s Nairobi headquarters’ mosque.

Members started arriving as early as 6 am with all preparations done prior.

Registration started at 7:30 am where every member was issued with a registration card.

Breakfast was prepared and served at 8:30 am and all members were required to be seated in the Ahmadiyya Hall by 9 am for the opening session.

The opening session was chaired by Regional Qaid Nairobi, Ismail Kishoma Sahib. Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Kenya, Farouq Zaid Sahib was also present.

The session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with Swahili translation, followed by the Khuddam pledge led by the regional qaid, and a nazm.

This was followed by the opening address by Ismail Kishoma Sahib.

Then, Tahir Ahmad Sahib delivered a

speech about the importance of Salat.

Academic and sports competitions were then held, followed by Zuhr and Asr prayers and lunch.

At around 2:30 pm, all members gathered in the Ahmadiyya Hall for a session with Sadr Sahib MKA Kenya.

This was followed by the concluding session, chaired by Sheikh Malik Basharat Sahib, Regional Missionary-in-charge.

The session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with Swahili translation, followed by an Arabic qasida of the Promised Messiahas in praise of the Holy Prophetsa.

Then, Shabir Ombago Sahib delivered a speech about the importance of financial sacrifices in the way of Allah. This was followed by a Swahili poem about “We hear and obey”.

The concluding address was delivered by Sheikh Malik Basharat Sahib, followed by the prize distribution by Tariq Mahmood Zafar Sahib, Amir and Missionary-incharge Kenya.

The Ijtema concluded with silent prayer.

A total of 58 people attended including 46 Khuddam, 9 Atfal and three invited guests. Four of the five majalis in the Nairobi region were represented.

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021

100 Years Ago...

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Rebirth: A lecture at the Tower Hall, Colombo The Review of Religions [English], November 1921

Resume of a public lecture delivered at the Tower Hall, Colombo, on 5 September 1921,

by Mr Abdur Rehman BA. The lecture was addressed to a special audience. (Editor, The Review of Religions) Introduction The doctrine of the transmigration of soul into successive bodily forms, either human or animal, has been owned by various people from early times. It seems to have been recognised by the Egyptians and by Pythagoras in Greece.

Islam recognises three forms of rebirths.

All prophets of God and religious teachers taught the same. The world forgot the true spiritual aspect and development of human nature. In fact, he who does not realise the three sorts of rebirth are certainly without true sight. The three forms of rebirth are: (1) The return of a person in the power and spirit of another (2) New births gained in this life, and (3) Life after death Rebirth from Hindu point of view The Hindus believe that the soul is rewarded and punished in this very world according and in proportion to its merits or demerits.

But this is all a delusion. The blind and the cripple are suffering from unknown deeds they did in their supposed previous births.

They are unable to reform themselves inasmuch as they are unable to know the sins that have been the cause of their being miserable in this life. The unfortunate people are unable to abstain from the deeds which have subjected them to this miserable plight. Most probably they may be doing or committing the same sort of things which

have been ruining them throughout their whole human life. Their propensity or habit of stealing or cutting the throats of their neighbours will naturally lead them to repeat the same line of thoughts and consequently of actions. They say, if one kills an ant, he is guilty of murdering a man, as the soul in an ant is of the same rank and feelings as that of a man. The punishment of killing an ant or taking a man’s life will equally compel the culprit to pass thousands of years in various garbs of lower animals, say a dog, a lion, or a bear. But these animals will kill other animals and will consequently be continuing to add to their already unexpired term of punishment. They cannot, therefore, possibly assume human form but will go on multiplying their sins and crimes in innumerable rebirths of lower animals like worms and germs. That is the goal of the transmigration of the soul from the Hindu point of view. They maintain that God is rigidly just and therefore He does not pardon sins. His kingdom is rather based on the multiplicity of sins, hence calling for sins and crimes.

The greatest injustice on the part of God is this that as soon as a soul enters another body it is bereft of all good knowledge and the vast experience and that it is told to repeat the same tiresome process over again.

The doctrine of the so-called rebirth does in no way contribute to the moral uplift of human society. A man’s daughter or a sister after death may become his or his son’s wife. This doctrine moreover reduces the Almighty God to a mere non-entity from another point of view, for they say that matter and soul are co-existent with God who loves to see us committing sins, as His

Academic and sports competitions in North Macedonia Talha Ahmad North Macedonia

On 7 November 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya North Macedonia had the opportunity to organise a special programme that included academic and sports competitions for the Jamaat members.

A total of 15 members, including Khuddam and Ansar from Berovo and Pehcevo Jamaats attended and participated in various competitions.

The event was held in the newly built

Bait ul Ahad Mosque in Pehcevo.

The academic competitions included recitation of the Holy Quran, nazm, adhan, speeches, and paigham rasani, while the sports competitions included arm-wrestling and tug-of-war.

The programme concluded with the prize distribution ceremony followed by a silent prayer.

At the end, Maghrib and Isha prayers were offered and food was served to all participants.

whole kingdom rests on committing sins, otherwise His Godhead is at stake. A liberalminded man’s conscience revolts at such a foolish conception of God. A wicked life is productive of every good that men enjoy, while a good life will lessen these blessings.

You cannot have a horse or a beast of burden until some wicked man manages to supply you with them by committing horrible deeds, nay, you cannot get a wife until a sinner passes into the form of a woman.

Taking all these points into consideration, the doctrine may safely be condemned, otherwise it will condemn morals, falsify God, and will demoralise human society by inducing its members to outdo Satan in their diabolical actions.

Rebirth from Buddhist point of view There is no doubt that the supporters of the transmigration of soul differ in many respects, viz., from Pythagoras down to the Tibetan Lamas and Northern and Southern schools of philosophy in India.

Buddha it seems believed in three sorts of rebirths. Firstly, that a man’s actions and steady resolve in this life needs new-birth in another’s body. Secondly, that a Buddha’s soul enters the bodies of the Lamas, that is, Buddha’s power and spirit and character affect the soul of the existing Lamas. Thirdly, a man has to pass through several successive stages of spiritual development until with the perfection and purification of his soul he becomes a perfect man who has passed spiritually through the symbolical garbs of a dog, a cow, a wolf, etc, in this very life, though physically he keeps on wearing the same human form.

As to the third stage Buddha is very explicit. He says that he lived symbolically as a monkey for some time, that he became a lion ten times, a cock four times, and as a hare he used to preach to monkeys, jackals, &c. He became a woman once and a dancing satan on another occasion. He speaks of his womanish weakness and of indulging in the satisfaction of his wild passions and becoming a slave of his lower nature. He enjoyed this state symbolically when he was under the influence of the Vedas. But when he got enlightened and condemned the Vedas, he never spoke of passing through the above stages of spiritual growth.

It will be remembered that soul can do nothing without body and that body is a useless lump of clay without soul. When a soul departs from a body, it is still in an invisible spiritual body possessing a certain sort of consciousness. If not, it is nothing and therefore incapable of finding its way to its future habitation. The karma being

lifeless is unable to be its proper guide in its future career. Since man began to think of something which goes out of man when he dies, it appears, that he has met with the problem of an after-death existence. Many theories have been advanced to explain this state after death.

Hindu philosophers have varied in their explanations. Of these philosophers the Vedantists have tried to solve it in a somewhat modified form. They hold that the seeds of the world lie dormant in Brahma during the interval between one age (kalpa) and another, between one creation and the next, and that the effects which our past deeds will produce depend after all on the Creator and Ruler of the world, a more or less the personal Iswara or Lord.

The seeds of good and evil deeds are of our own sowing, their growth in the next world depends on the Lord, just as the growth of natural seeds depend on the rain and sunshine from heaven. This explanation they call as Karma, that is, act or deed.

Rebirth from the Christian point of view It will be remembered that the Jews were expecting the second coming of Elias (Elijah) before the appearance of Jesus.

But they were corrected by Jesus who said that John the Baptist was the one who was to come and he positively denied the socalled rebirth of a person who had died long before. The Jews were mistaken like our Moslem friends in Ceylon and elsewhere.

The time of the second coming of Jesus Jesus said that he would come like a thief when watchers would be asleep. At the same time, he said that his second advent would be marked by four principal events of universal interest, viz., the world will be visited by plague, famines, earthquakes, and tremendous wars. Every fair-minded person will not fail to admit that the time of his second advent has already come and the Promised Messiah appeared in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be with him.

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

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 22 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:

In the previous sermon, I mentioned the dispute between Hazrat Ubaidullah bin Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra in relation to the martyrdom of Hazrat Umarra.

Allah knows best as to how authentic that narration is, but nonetheless it is mentioned therein that they also fought with each other.

I will now mention various details that have come to light after further research on this matter.

At one place, it has been mentioned that Hazrat Uthmanra had not yet been elected as the Khalifa when Hazrat Ubaidullah bin Umarra had a disagreement with him.

It has previously been mentioned that Ubaidullahra intended to kill every slave in Medina. The early Muhajireen came together and confronted him and tried to stop him and also warned him. Upon this, Ubaidullahra said, “By God! I will most

certainly kill them all”, i.e. all the prisoners and slaves. However, Amrra bin Al-Aas continuously reasoned with him, until he handed his sword over to him. Following this, Saadra bin Abi Waqas approached him in order to reason with him, but he fought him as well.

As has previously been mentioned, a fight broke out between Ubaidullah and Hazrat Uthmanra and people tried to settle

the dispute. It is stated that when this incident took place, people had not yet pledged allegiance to Hazrat Uthmanra; that is, he had not yet been elected as the Khalifa, as mentioned earlier. (Muhammad Raza, Sirat Umar Faruqra [translated] [Lahore, Pakistan: Maktabah Islamiyyah, 2010] pp. 342-343)

There are also narrations that state that Hazrat Ubaidullahra was imprisoned after this. After the people pledged allegiance to

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021 Hazrat Uthmanra and he was elected as the Khalifa, Hazrat Ubaidullahra was brought before Hazrat Uthmanra. Hazrat Uthmanra addressed a gathering of Muhajireen and Ansar and asked them, “Give me your opinion with regard to this individual who has caused such disarray within Islam.”

Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib said, “It goes against justice not to hold him accountable and in my opinion, he should be executed”, i.e. referring to Ubaidullah bin Umarra.

However, some Muhajireen considered this view to be intolerable, harsh and extreme and they said, “Umarra was assassinated only yesterday, should his son then be executed today?”

This objection saddened the people that were present and Hazrat Alira also remained silent. Nevertheless, Hazrat Uthmanra desired for someone in the gathering to find a solution to this delicate matter and give a suggestion. Hazrat Amrra bin Al-Aas was among those present in this gathering, he said, “Allah has excused you from this matter. This occurred when you were not yet the leader of the Muslims and as this incident did not take place during your Khilafat, the responsibility of this does not fall upon you.”

However, Hazrat Uthmanra was not satisfied with this opinion and considered it best for some blood money to be paid.

Accordingly, he said, “I am the guardian of those that were killed and as such, I will set an amount of blood money and then pay it from my personal wealth.” (Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam, Muhammad Husain Haikal, pp. 881-882, Islami Kutub Khana, Lahore)

This is one opinion regarding this entire incident.

According to Tarikh al-Tabari, Hazrat Uthmanra handed Hazrat Ubaidullahra over to the son of Hormuzan so that he may avenge his father by killing him; however, the son forgave him.

Whilst addressing the question of whether a Muslim can be punished in retribution for killing a disbeliever who is under the protection of the state, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also made reference to the aforementioned incident. Although I have previously narrated this in one of the sermons, I shall mention it once again to shed further light on the matter. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “In Al-Tabari, Qumazban bin Hormuzan relates the incident of his father’s death as follows: “‘Hormuzan was a Persian leader and was a Magian by faith. He was suspected to be involved in the killing of Hazrat Umarra. Subsequently, without carrying out any investigation and owing to his intense emotions, Ubaidullah bin Umar killed Hormuzan.’”

Qumazban, the son of Hormuzan, further narrates, “‘The people of Persia had developed acquaintances with each other because, as is the case, when one travels to another land, their ethnicity becomes even more distinct. One day, Feroz, who perpetrated the killing of Hazrat Umarra met my father and he had a dagger with him at the time which had been sharpened from both sides.’” The son of Hormuzan is narrating this. “‘My father took hold of the dagger and asked him, “What do you do with this dagger in this land? This is a land where there is peace, therefore there is no need for such a weapon.” Upon this, he stated that he used

it for guiding and pulling the camels along.

Whilst they were both talking to each other, someone happened to see them. Later, when Hazrat Umarra was martyred, the individual [who had seen them together] claimed that he had personally witnessed Hormuzan handing over the dagger to Feroz. Upon this, Ubaidullah, who was the youngest son of Hazrat Umarra, killed my father. “‘When Hazrat Uthmanra became the Khalifa, he called me and handed over Ubaidullah to me. Hazrat Uthmanra stated, “O my son! He is the one who killed your father. Thus, you have a greater right over him than me, so take him and kill him.” And so, I took him and headed out of the city. On the way, whoever would see me would come along with me. None of them challenged my decision, instead all they would do was to request me to let him go. I addressed all the Muslims there and stated, “Do I have the right to kill him?” Everyone replied in the affirmative that to kill him was indeed my right and then they began to reproach Ubaidullah for the wrong he had committed.

Then, I asked, “Do you have the right to free him from me?” They all responded saying, “No! Certainly not.” And again, they began to reproach Ubaidullah for he had killed my father without any evidence. Upon this, I left him for the sake of God and those people.

Out of their happiness, the Muslims raised me up on their shoulders, and by God, I reached my home on top of people’s heads and shoulders as they did not even let my feet touch the ground.

“This narration shows that it was the practice of the Companionsra that they would also give the death penalty to a Muslim who had killed a non-Muslim. It is also proven that no matter the method used, such a person would be killed [in retribution]. Similarly, it is also proven that a murderer could only be detained and given the death penalty by the state. This is because it is evident from this narration that Ubaidullah bin Umar was apprehended by Hazrat Uthmanra and it was he who turned him over to Hormuzan’s son. It was not an heir of Hormuzan’s who launched a case against him or apprehended him.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “Here, it is necessary to clarify the issue whether a murderer should be handed over to the heirs of the one who has been murdered in order to be punished, as was done by Hazrat Uthmanra, or should the state see to the punishment itself? It should be remembered that this is a subsidiary matter and Islam has left it to be determined according to the needs of the time. The country can adopt whatever it deems most effective based on its society and conditions. There is no doubt that these two methods are only beneficial under specific circumstances.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 359-361) After explaining this in further detail, I shall now narrate a few more accounts from the life of Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umar’sra humility and modesty at the time of his demise was such that his son narrates that he instructed him: “Adopt moderation when shrouding my body for burial because if Allah has decreed prosperity for me, then He shall grant a better garment in its place and if that is not the case, then He shall seize this from me, and that too very swiftly.

“Moreover, adopt moderation with regard to my burial. If Allah wishes to grant

21 me prosperity, then He shall expand it as far as the eye can see and if this is not the case, then He shall constrict it to the extent that it will crush my ribs.

“Also, do not allow any woman to accompany my funeral. Do not praise me for a quality which I did not possess for Allah has complete knowledge about me. When you carry me [for the burial] walk swiftly for if Allah has decreed prosperity for me then you will be carrying me towards that which is best for me and if that is not the case, then you will be able to quickly remove the evil which you are carrying.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 1990], p. 273)

Aside from this, it is also mentioned that Hazrat Umarra instructed for them not to wash his body with musk. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 1990] p. 279)

Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan relates that he went to Hazrat Umarra and at the time, he was resting his head on the thigh of his son, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra. Hazrat Umarra told Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra to place his head onto the ground. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra stated, “My thigh and the ground are almost at the same level.” (In other words, there was hardly any distance between the two.)

Hazrat Umarra repeated this two or three times and then stated, “Please, place my head on the ground.” Hazrat Umarra then placed his legs together and the narrator says that he heard Hazrat Umarra say, “My mother and I will be ruined if Allah the Almighty does not grant us His forgiveness.”

Thereafter, Hazrat Umarra passed away. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], pp. 275-276)

Hazrat Simak Hanafi relates that he heard Ibn Abbas say that he once said to Hazrat Umarra, “Allah established new cities through you; many conquests took place through you and such and such achievements were attained through you.”

Upon this, Hazrat Umarra stated, “I desire to attain salvation whereby I neither attain any reward for this, nor carry the burden [of any wrong].”

In other words, he took no pride in these great achievements nor the conquests that took place, instead the fear and awe of Allah the Almighty reigned supreme over him and he was only concerned about the hereafter.

Zaid bin Aslam relates from his father that when Hazrat Umar’sra demise was near, he stated, “You entertain doubts regarding my leadership. By God, I desire to seek salvation in a manner that: َ َ َ ‫لا َعل َّي َولا ل ِ ْي‬ That is, neither should I receive any punishment nor any reward. (Ibn Saad, AlTabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Dhikr Hijrat Umarra bin alKhattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 267)

In relation to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra says: “Hazrat Umarra was someone who spent his entire life worrying and caring for the religion of Islam. At every instance, he offered the most sublime sacrifices. With regard to his sacrifices, they were not of the same level as Hazrat Abu Bakrra; however, in regard to his intentions and motives, they were equal.

“At the time of Abu Bakr’sra demise, tears began to flow from the eyes of Hazrat Umarra and he said, ‘May God Almighty bestow His

blessings upon Abu Bakrra for I tried on many occasions to excel him but I always failed. On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa instructed people to present their wealth and I brought half of my wealth thinking that today I shall excel Abu Bakrra. However, Abu Bakrra was already there before me and since he was related to the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophetsa knew that he would not have left anything at home, he enquired, “Abu Bakr, what did you leave at home?”

Upon this, he replied, “I have left the name of Allah and His Messengersa.”’ After saying this, Hazrat Umarra cried and stated, ‘Even on that occasion, I could not excel him.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: “Such was the level of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra sacrifices. He would offer sacrifices before this as well, but when a particular occasion arose, he presented his entire wealth. On the one hand, we have such people, and on the other hand, there are those who do not even get the opportunity to present 1/10 of their wealth as a sacrifice and claim that should they do so, they would be ruined.

“Hazrat Umarra was close to his demise; his eyes would well up and he would say, ‘O Allah! I am not worthy of any reward, but all I ask for is to be saved from the punishment.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 10, p. 24) Then, there are details in relation to Hazrat Umar’sra funeral and burial. Hazrat Umar’sra son, Hazrat Abdullahra performed the ghusal [washing the body] of Hazrat Umarra. It is related from Ibn Umar that Hazrat Umar’sra funeral prayer was led in Masjid al-Nabawi and the prayer was led

by Hazrat Suhaibra. The funeral prayer took place in the area between the pulpit and the grave of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Jabirra narrates that the people who lowered Hazrat Umarra into the grave were: Uthmanra bin Affan, Saeedra bin Zaid, Suhaibra bin Sinan and Abdullah bin Umarra.

(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Fi Dhikr Isthiklaf Umarra bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990] pp. 261-279) (Ali Ibn alAthir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], p.

166)

In addition to them, the names of Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf, Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqasra, Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra bin Al-Awam are also mentioned. (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Umar Farooq A‘zam [translated] [Lahore, Pakistan: Islami Kutub Khana], pp. 867-868) (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, p. 169, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 1991)

The Promised Messiahas states: “To be buried amongst the company of the righteous is also a blessing. Regarding Hazrat Umarra, it is written that when his demise was imminent, he sent a message to Hazrat Aishara requesting permission to be buried in the space next to the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Aishara sacrificed this for his sake and granted him that space. Hazrat Umarra then stated: َ َ َ ٌَ ‫َما ب َ ِق َي لِي ه ّم ب َ ْعد ذل ِك‬ meaning ‘I no longer have any other worry, for now I will be buried alongside the Holy Prophetsa.’” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, p. 286) In another place, the Promised Messiahas states: “One who develops a bond with God Almighty with utmost devotion is never made to face ruin, even if the entire world were to oppose him. Those who seek to establish a bond with Allah never experience hardship or loss and Allah does not abandon

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

His truthful servants. Allah is the Greatest!

How great was the sincerity and devotion of these two men” i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra. “Both were buried in such a blessed grave that if Mosesas and Jesusas were alive today, they would express their earnest desire to be buried there. However, such a rank is never bestowed owing to one’s heartfelt longing or desire; rather, this is an eternal mercy bestowed from the Lord of Honour. And this mercy is only granted to those who are granted His Divine favours from the very beginning.” (Sirr al-Khilafah, Ruhani Khaza‘in, Vol. 8, p. 346, Urdu translation of Sirr al-Khilafah, p. 78)

On one occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “When Hazrat Umarra was close to his demise, he expressed his heartfelt desire to be buried in the company of the Holy Prophetsa. And so, Hazrat Umarra sent a message to Hazrat Aishara asking whether she would permit him to be buried beside the Holy Prophetsa.

“It was Hazrat Umarra regarding whom Christian historians also write that his governance was such that it is unmatched in the world. They use foul language against the Holy Prophetsa”, i.e. Christian historians, “yet commend Hazrat Umarra. A person who remained in his company at all times”, i.e. in the company of the Holy Prophetsa, “longed during his final moments to be given a place near the feet of the Holy Prophetsa. If any action of the Holy Prophetsa showed that he strove for anything other than attaining the pleasure of God, then after having attained the rank he did, would Hazrat Umarra have desired to be given a place near the feet of the Holy Prophetsa?” (Dunya ka Muhsin, Anwarul-Ulum, Vol. 10, p. 262)

Such was the status of the Holy Prophet as a result of which Hazrat Umarra expressed his desire to be buried near the feet of the Holy Prophetsa.

There are various narrations with regard to Hazrat Umar’sra age at the time of his demise. Also there are differences of opinion regarding his date of birth. According to the various narrations found in Al-Tabari, Usd al-Ghabah, Al-Bidayah wa Al-Nihayah, AlRiyad Al-Nadirah and Tarikh al-Khulafa, Hazrat Umar’sra age is mentioned as: 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 and 65. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir alsa

Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari [translated], Vol. 1 [Karachi, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha‘ah, 2003], p. 211) (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 166) (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 10, [Dar Hijr, 1998] pp. 192-194) (Riyad al-Nadirah, pp. 418419, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Jalaluddin Abd al-Rahman bin Abi Bakr al-Suyuti, Tarikh al-Khulafa [translated], p. 168, Mumtaz Academy, Lahore)

However, according to the narrations in Sahih Muslim and Tirmidhi, Hazrat Umarra was 63 years old [at the time of his demise].

Hazrat Anas bin Malikra narrates that at the time of his demise, the Holy Prophetsa was 63 years old; and at the time of Abu Bakr’sra demise, he was also 63 years old and when Hazrat Umarra passed away, he was also 63 years old. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fada‘il, Bab kam Sanah al-Nabisa Yaum Qabd, Hadith 6091) (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Abwab fi Sunan al-Nabisa kam kana hina mat, Hadith 3563)

There are narrations that detail the sentiments of the companions at the time of Hazrat Umar’sra demise. Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates, “When the body of Hazrat Umarra was placed down for the funeral prayers,

people gathered around. Before the body was taken, the people prayed for him, after which the funeral prayers were offered. I was also present among the people. A person grabbed hold of my shoulder which startled me. I turned to see that it was Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talibra. He prayed for Allah to bestow mercy on Hazrat Umarra and then said, ‘O Umar! You have not left behind anyone whose deeds I would rather have and go before Allah the Almighty. By God! I am certain that Allah will place you beside your companions’”, i.e. that Hazrat Umarra would be with the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abu Bakrra. “‘On many occasions I heard the Holy Prophetsa say: ُ َ​َ ُ ْ َ َ​َ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ​َ ُ َ َ ‫ذه ْبت أنا َوأبُو بَك ٍر َوع َم ُر َو َدخلت أنا َوأبُو بَك ٍر َوع َم ُر فخ َر ْجت‬ ُ ْ َ َ​َ ‫أنا َوأبُو بَك ٍر َوع َم ُر‬ “Abu Bakr, Umar and I went; Abu Bakr, Umar and I entered; Abu Bakr, Umar and I went out.”’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Umarra bin al-Khattab, Hadith 3685)

In other words, the Holy Prophetsa would say this whilst narrating various incidents.

Jafar bin Muhammad narrates on the authority of his father that when the body of Hazrat Umarra was washed and wrapped in the burial clothes, he was placed on a bedstead. Hazrat Alira stood beside him and praised him. Hazrat Alira said, “By Allah!

There is not a single person on this earth whose deeds I would rather have and stand before Allah, than the deeds of the one wrapped in this shroud.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Dhikr Hijrat Umarra bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p.

262)

Abu Makhlad narrates that Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talibra stated, “The Holy Prophetsa had not yet passed away when we realised that after the Holy Prophetsa, the best among us was Abu Bakrra; and Abu Bakrra had not yet passed away when we realised that Umarra was the best among us after Abu Bakrra.” (Sirat Umar bin al-Khattabra, Ibn Juzi, p. 212, Maktabah Misriyyah al-Azhar)

Zaid bin Wahab narrates: “We came to see Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud. Whilst mentioning Hazrat Umarra, he cried so much that the stones on the floor became wet due to his tears. Then regarding Hazrat Umarra, he said, ‘Umar was a strong fortress for Islam. People would enter into it and not leave’”, i.e. he was a solid citadel in which people would enter but not leave. “‘When he passed away, cracks appeared in this fortress and people began leaving Islam.’” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3

[Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p.

283)

Abu Wail narrates that Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud said, “If the knowledge of Umarra was placed on one side of a scale and the knowledge of everyone else was placed on the opposite side, the knowledge of Hazrat Umarra would be heavier.”

Abu Wail said, “I mentioned this to Ibrahim, to which he said, ‘By God! This is the truth. Abdullah bin Ma ‘ud has said something even greater than this.’ I asked what he had said, to which he stated, ‘When Hazrat Umarra passed away, he’”, that is, Abdullah bin Mas‘ud, “‘said that it was as if nine tenths of knowledge had passed away with him.’” (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, Umarra bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], p. 651)

Hazrat Anasra narrates that when Hazrat Umarra was martyred, Hazrat Abu Talhara said, “Among the Arabs or the Bedouins, there is not a single household that is free from the devastating effect of Umar’s martyrdom”. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3,

free. There was another Umm Walad, through whom he had a son called Abdur Rahman Asghar. With Hazrat Umm Hakim bint Harith, he had Fatimah; with Fuqaihah, he had Zainab and with Hazrat Atiqah bint Zaid, he had a son named Iyad. (Al-Khulafa al-

Dhikr Istikhlaf Umarra bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 285)

Rashidun, Muhammad Raza. P. 100, Dar al-Kutub alArabi, Beirut, 2004) (Al-Faruq, Shibli Nomani, p. 404, Dar al-Isha‘ah, Karachi, 1991) (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd alGhabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 7 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 53)

That is, Hazrat Umarra would help everyone and undoubtedly they would feel the effects of this loss.

After the funeral of Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Salam stood by his bedstead and said, “O Umar! Indeed, you were a great brother in Islam! You stood firmly for the truth and were fierce against falsehood. When it was appropriate to give approval, you would do so and you would express anger when the time was right.

Your vision was pure; you were noble; you would not praise excessively, nor would you backbite.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3,

Dhikr Hijrat Umarra bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 282)

In one narration, when Hazrat Umarra passed away, Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid began to cry. A person asked, “O Abul A‘war! Why do you cry?” He replied, “I cry for Islam.

Indeed, the passing of Hazrat Umarra has caused a crack within Islam, which will not be filled until the Day of Judgement.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 284)

Hazrat Ibn Umarra states, “During the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, we would say that after him, the best among them was Abu Bakrra, then Hazrat Umarra and then Hazrat Uthmanra.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-

Sunnah, Bab fi al-Tafdil, Hadith 4628)

Hazrat Huzayfara would say, “During the time of Hazrat Umarra, the case of Islam was like a person who was heading towards the path of success and prosperity. When he was martyred, it was as if that success reversed and went into constant regression.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Dhikr Istikhlaf Umarra bin al-Khattab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 285)

With regard to Hazrat Umar’sra wives and children, it is mentioned that he had a total of 10 wives, from whom he had nine sons and four daughters; one of whom was Hazrat Hafsara, who had the honour of being a wife of the Holy Prophetsa. The first wife of Hazrat Umarra was Hazrat Zainabra bint Maz‘un – she was the sister of Hazrat Uthmanra bin Maz‘un – and with her, he had Abdullah, Abdur Rahman Akbar and Hazrat Hafsa.

[Another wife is] Hazrat Umm Kulthum bint Ali bin Talibra, from whom he had Zaid, Akbar and Ruqayyah.

Mulaika bint Jarwal, who was also known as Umm Kulthum, from whom he had Zaid, Asghar and Ubaidullah.

[Another wife was] Quraibah bint Abi Umayyah Makhzumi. Since Mulaikah and Quraibah did not accept Islam, Hazrat Umarra divorced both of them in 6 AH. [Another wife was] Hazrat Jamilahra bint Thabit – her name was Asiyah, but the Holy Prophetsa gave her the name Jamilah. She was the sister of Hazrat Asimra bin Thabit, who took part in the Battle of Badr. With her, he had a son named Asim.

From Lauhiyah he had a son named Abdur Rahman Ausat. Regarding the former it is said that she was “Umm Walad”, which means when one marries a concubine and has a child from her, and thus she becomes

Edward Gibbon, a famous orientalist, writes in praise of Hazrat Umarra: “The abstinence and humility of Umar were not inferior to the virtues of Abu Bakr: his food consisted of barley bread or dates; his drink was water; he preached in a gown that was torn or tattered in 12 places, and a Persian satrap [Governor of a province in the Persian Empire], who paid his homage as to the conqueror, found him asleep among the beggars on the steps of the mosque of Muslims. Economy is the source of liberality, and the increases of the revenue enabled Umarra to establish a just and perpetual reward for the past and present services of the faithful. Careless of his own emolument, he assigned to Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet, the first and most ample allowance of 25 thousand dirhams of pieces of silver. Five thousand were allotted to each of the aged warriors, the relics of the field of Badr, and the last and the meanest of the companions of Mohammad was distinguished by the annual reward of three thousand pieces [of silver].” (The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon, Vol. 3, Chapter LI. Page 178, London)

Michael H Hart has written a book on the 100 most influential persons in history and ranked the Holy Prophetsa as number one and placed Hazrat Umarra at number 52. He writes: “Umar ibn al-Khattab was the second, and probably the greatest, of the Moslem caliphs. He was a younger contemporary of Muhammad, and like the Prophet, was born in Mecca. The year of his birth is unknown, but was perhaps about 586. Umarra was originally one of the most bitter opponents of Muhammad and his new religion.

Rather suddenly, however, Umarra became converted to Islam, and thereafter was one of its strongest supporters. The parallel with the conversion of St Paul to Christianity is striking. Umarra became one of the closest advisors of the prophet Muhammad, and remained so throughout Muhammad’s life.

“In 632 CE, Muhammad died without having named a successor. Umarra promptly supported the candidacy of Abu Bakr, a close associate and father-in-law of the Prophet. This avoided a power struggle”.

He is writing from his own perspective.

He is not prepared to believe that the people gathered and elected a Khalifa. Nonetheless, from a worldly perspective, he writes: “[…] he pledged allegiance to the father-in-law of the Prophet. This avoided a power struggle and enabled Abu Bakr to be generally recognised as the first caliph – i.e., as the ‘successor’ of Muhammad. Abu Bakr was a successful leader, but he died after serving as caliph for only two years. He had, however, specifically named Umarra – who was also a father-in-law of the Prophet to succeed him, so once again a power struggle was avoided.”

Again, he wishes to give his own worldly perspective on the matter. He is, however,

AL HAKAM | Friday 19 November 2021 praising Hazrat Umar. [He continues:] “Umarra became caliph in 634, and retained power until 644”, i.e. remained the Khalifa, “when he was assassinated in Medina by a Persian slave. On his deathbed, Umarra named a committee of six persons to choose his successor, thereby again averting an armed struggle for power. The committee chose Othman, the third caliph, who ruled from 644 to 656.”

He further writes: “It was during the ten years of Umar’s caliphate that the most important conquests of the Arabs occurred. Not long after Umar’s accession, Arab armies invaded Syria and Palestine, which at that time were part of the Byzantine Empire. At the Battle of the Yarmuk (636), the Arabs won a crushing victory over the Byzantine forces.

Damascus fell the same year, and Jerusalem surrendered two years later. By 641, the Arabs had conquered all of Palestine and Syria, and were advancing into present-day Turkey. In 639, Arab armies invaded Egypt, which had also been under Byzantine rule.

Within three years, the Arab conquest of Egypt was complete.

“Arab attacks upon Iraq, at that time part of the Sassanid Empire of the Persians, had commenced even before Umarra took office. The key Arab victory, at the battle of Qadisiya (637) occurred during Umar’s reign. By 641 CE all of Iraq was under Arab control. Nor was that all: Arab armies invaded Persia itself, and at the battle of Nehavend (642) they decisively defeated the forces of the last Sassanid emperor. By the time Umarra died, in 644, most of western Iran had been overrun. Nor had the Arab armies run out of momentum when Umarra died. In the East, they fairly soon completed the conquest of Persia, while in the West they continued their push across North Africa.”

He [Michael Hart] further writes: “Just as important as the extent of Umar’s conquests is their permanence. Iran, though its population became converted to Islam, eventually regained its independence from Arab rule. But Syria, Iraq, and Egypt never did. Those countries became thoroughly Arabised and remain so to this day.”

He then writes: “Umar, of course, had to devise policies for the rule of the great empire that his armies had conquered. He decided that the Arabs were to be a privileged military caste in the regions they had conquered, and that they should live in garrison cities, apart from the natives. The subject peoples were to pay tribute to their Moslem – largely Arab – conquerors, but were otherwise to be left in peace. In particular, they were not to be forcibly converted to Islam. From the above, it is clear that the Arab conquest was more a nationalist war of conquest than a holy war, although the religious aspect was certainly not lacking.

“Umar’s achievements are impressive indeed. After Muhammad himself, he was the principal figure in the spread of Islam.

Without his rapid conquests, it is doubtful that Islam would be nearly as widespread today as it actually is. Furthermore, most of the territory conquered during his reign has remained Arab ever since. Obviously, of course, Muhammad, who was the prime mover, should receive the bulk of the credit for those developments. But it would be a grave mistake to ignore Umar’s

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contribution. The conquests he made were not an automatic consequence of the inspiration provided by Muhammad. Some expansion was probably bound to occur, but not to the enormous extent that it did under Umar’s brilliant leadership.”

He then adds: “It may occasion some surprise that Umar – a figure virtually unknown in the West – has been ranked higher than such famous men as Charlemagne and Julius Caesar. However, the conquests made by the Arabs under Umar, taking into account both their size and their duration, are substantially more important than those of either Caesar or Charlemagne.” (The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Michael H Hart, pp. 271-275, Golden Book Centre Sdn. Bhd., 2008)

Then Professor Philip K. Hitti writes in his book, History of the Arabs: “Simple and frugal in manner the energetic and talented successor to the Prophet, Umar (634-644) who was of towering height, strong physique and bald-headed, continued at least for some time after becoming the Caliph to support himself by trade and lived throughout his life in a style as unostentatious as that of a Bedouin Sheikh. In fact, Umar, whose name according to Muslim tradition is the greatest in early Islam after that of Mohammad, has been idolised by Muslim writers for his piety, justice and patriarchal simplicity and treated as the personification of all the virtues a Caliph ought to possess.”

He further writes: “His irreproachable character became an exemplar for all conscientious successors to follow. He owned, we are told, one shirt and one mantle only, both conspicuous for their patchwork, slept on a bed of palm leaves, and had no concern other than the maintenance of the purity of the faith, the upholding of justice and the ascendancy and security of Islam and the Arabians.”

(History of the Arabs, K. Hitti, 10th Edition, p. 175, London, 1989)

These accounts are ongoing and, inshaAllah, shall continue in the future sermons.

Now, I will mention the funerals of some deceased members [of the Jamaat]. The first is of respected Sahibzadi Asifa Masood Begum Sahiba, wife of Dr Mirza Mubashar Ahmad Sahib, who was the son of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra. She recently passed away at the age of 92.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

She was the granddaughter of the Promised Messiahas and the youngest daughter of Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahibara and Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahibra. She was the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, she was a musia. She is survived by a son and four daughters.

Her son, Tariq Akbar, says: “My mother always remained loyal to the Community, intuition of Khilafat, and the Khalifa of the time. She always strove to serve the Community and to fulfil her pledge of Wasiyyat. She paid the Hissah Jaidad in her lifetime. Every year, she would offer alms on behalf of the deceased. She was generous in helping the poor, and did so in secret.

“She often told me that the workers are like my brothers and sisters and that I should take care of them. She would always keep good relations with her relatives and tried to ensure that no harm ever befell them. She was regular in offering prayers and fulfilled the rights owed to Allah and the rights owed to His creation.”

Her daughter-in-law, Naeema Sahiba, says: “When our house was built in the USA, she advised that before buying any furniture, we should offer voluntary prayers in every room and corner of the house.” She continues, “After my mother passed away, she said to me, ‘Never consider yourself to be without a mother, because I am like your mother.’ Indeed, her loving, devoted and beautiful personality was such that she showed more love to me than even her own daughters. She would always advise to never cut ties with Khilafat.”

She was related to me in various ways; she was my paternal grandmother’s halfsister and, as such, we referred to her as “dadi” [grandmother]. She was also my maternal and paternal aunt.

Her daughter-in-law further states: “Despite these relationships, she would always say that she was obedient to Khilafat.

This was not a mere claim; rather, she truly did justice to her bond with Khilafat. She gave a great deal in alms, and she would offer contributions for Tahrik-e-Jadid on behalf of elders, teachers and even the workers in Qadian. Whenever a worker would depart, she would send them off with a handsome amount and would ask for their forgiveness if any sort of mistake had been made on her part.”

Her daughter, Shahida, says: “Our mother introduced us to Allah the Almighty from a young age and said that even if we needed something as small as a shoelace, we should ask God Almighty for it. She advised us to focus on prayers and stressed the importance of upholding the honour of Khilafat. Whenever the time came for the election of the Khalifa, she said that no matter who became the Khalifa, we must obey him wholeheartedly. She also told us to pray that we become a fruitful branch of the Promised Messiahas, rather than becoming a dry withered branch and becoming a means for others to falter.”

Then, her daughter, Nusrat Jahan, says: “From our childhood, she always kept our training in mind. If she was reciting the Holy Quran, she would stop at a verse and explain its meaning to us or would give us some advice in light of it, and she always fondly remembered our elders. She remembered many of their unique incidents which were full of guidance and she often recounted them to us.”

Sadr Sahiba Lajna for the District of Lahore, Fauzia Shamim Sahiba, daughter of Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begum Sahiba, says: “She was an extraordinary lady.

Whenever an appeal was made to her for financial contributions, she would be content and give alms generously. She would make pledges for giving alms either verbally or by writing it down on a small piece of paper and would offer large amounts for financial contributions. While doing so, she would ask for it not to be mentioned to anyone. She lived a simple life and adopted simplicity in her personal matters. In fact, some people even thought she was miserly,

but although she lived a simple life herself, she was extremely generous when it came to giving alms. Once, I made an appeal [for contributions] in our area for the building of a mosque. Upon this, she sent a large sum, which was approximately 10,000,000 rupees.”

Her granddaughter, Razia, says: “From our childhood, she always told us about virtues and guided us. She advised us to pray from an early age in order to have a prosperous future, and also advised us to pray that we find a virtuous husband. When we would be a little shy to do so since we were young, she would say that there was nothing to be shy about before Allah the Almighty and that we should be open in beseeching from Him. She read religious literature regularly, and often during journeys, she would recite prayers or couplets containing prayers.”

May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon her, and enable her children and the future generation to follow in her footsteps.

The next mention is of respected Klara Aapa Sahiba, wife of Rolan Seisenbayev Sahib, who was the former amir of the Jamaat in Kazakhstan. She passed away recently:

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

Ataur Rabb Cheema Sahib, the missionary in Kazakhstan writes: “She accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1994/95.

She came from a renowned family of Kazakhstan. Her husband, respected Rolan Seisenbayev Sahib was the first amir of the Jamaat in Kazakhstan. He also used to be an advisor to the country’s president and was also a famous Kazakh writer. Klara Sahiba herself was also a good translator and a writer. Both Klara Sahiba and her husband played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Jamaat in Kazakhstan. Respected Klara Sahiba translated the Holy Quran into Kazakh; although it could not be published, it showed how much she loved the Jamaat and wished to see it thrive in Kazakhstan, and she strove her utmost in order to achieve this. Even in their opposition to the Jamaat, local clerics would always mention that this family were Ahmadis, and that they were responsible for establishing Ahmadiyyat in Kazakhstan.”

Klara Sahiba’s daughter, Marhaba Seisenbayeva, writes: “She was a very good translator. She was multi-talented and had a strong personality and good character. In 1995, she was one of the founders of the Kazakhstan cultural centre called House of Abai.

While in London, she wrote a book titled Kazakhstan and it was at this time that she was introduced to the Community, and she was able to pledge allegiance in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh.” She continues, “She was a mother not only to her children, but to all those who came to her for help or advice as well.”

Nurym Taibek Sahib writes: “She was a motherly figure for the young Ahmadis, as well as for all Jamaat members in Kazakhstan.” He further says, “In the 10 years that I knew Klara Sahiba, in the initial three years, I observed that she was exceedingly passionate and zealous. At times, she would stand like a mountain in

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Friday 19 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

defence of the Jamaat and was very occupied in serving the Jamaat. Later on, however, she was ill for a while and at the same time she spent time in preparation of various books etc. But it was always her constant desire to serve the Jamaat as much as possible and to remain sincere to Khilafat and the Jamaat.

He further says: “Rolan Sahib and Klara Sahiba were recognised as symbols of love for the Kazakh nation and the success and excellent progress of its nation. Klara Sahiba was a huge contributor to the successes of Rolan Sahib, and he is indebted to her. She was not only a very active Sadr Lajna, but was the mentor of the first amir of the jamaat of Kazakhstan.”

He further says, “I recall how from 1996 to 1999, or even after, she would superbly organise a weekly class for Lajna in the mission house and ensure their attendance, in which Lajna would ask the missionary questions and receive their answers.”

He then says, “There was no better translator of Jamaat literature than Klara Sahiba. Klara Sahiba was the best Ahmadi amongst the Ahmadi elders and was a source of spiritual empowerment for the Ahmadi youth. She embodied Jamaat values, or in other words, she embodied the true spirit of Islam. Even during times of hardship, she never lost her strength and led herself and everyone else to success.”

May Allah bestow His mercy and forgiveness on her. May He enable her efforts for the spread of Ahmadiyyat in Kazakhstan to bear fruit and may He accept her prayers.

Next, I will make mention of Wing Commander Abdur Rashid Sahib, who passed away last month.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

By the grace of Allah, he was a musi. His son, Farooq, says: “His father’s name was Babu Sheikh Abdul Aziz, who served as secretary majlis karpardaz, and his paternal uncle’s name is Farzand Ali Khan, who was appointed as the first amir of Lahore in the history

of the Jamaat by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

His father performed bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in his youth.”

He further says about his father, “Rashid Sahib was the only child to his parents. His father married initially, and then accepted Ahmadiyyat, due to which his wife left him and took their two daughters along with her. He then married a second time, from which Rashid sahib was born. He was very obedient to his parents and always served them diligently. Up until the partition, he studied in Qadian. When the partition took place, he arrived in Lahore with the convoys of other families, and then went to Rabwah with his parents and other early settlers.

“Around 1954, he gained commission in the air force and was posted at various airbases. Wherever he lived, he openly stated that he was an Ahmadi. He was sent to Libya by the Pakistani government for a deportation mission, despite the fact that his file clearly stated that he was a ‘Qadiani’ and was not permitted to go, nonetheless, his [senior] officer still sent him and said that there is no other officer of his calibre.”

He continues: “My father once told me that he had to meet the Pakistani ambassador in Libya.

When he entered the ambassador’s office, he saw that there were some books and pamphlets printed in the Arabic language in opposition of the Jamaat. He very courageously asked the ambassador about that literature and why it was present there.

The ambassador replied, saying that it was nothing to worry about and it was all meaningless literature. The government of Zia-ul-Haq had printed it and sent it to be distributed in these countries as well as other Arab embassies.”

He then says, “In 1982, after one of his reports, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was in Spain, Huzoorrh wrote a letter with his own hand appointing him as the amir of Libya, and thus he became the very first amir there. Aside from offering prayers, as that is a duty of a believer, he was very regular in reciting the Holy Quran and giving alms. Even prior to his demise, he made sure to pay off his Hissah Amad. He

“

would donate towards Waqf-e-Jadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid from himself and on behalf of elder members too.”

His son says that he would relate an incident of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra to him, stating that on one occasion, in the early days of Rabwah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra called him during the summer months. He says: “When my father entered the room, His Holinessra was laying down on the straw mat and when he got up, the straw mat had left marks on his body.” He says that from these talks, we developed a strong bond of love and obedience towards Khilafat in our hearts, which had a deep impact on us.

He retired as a squadron leader from the Air Force in 1984 and went to live in Rabwah. He served in the departments of sadr umumi and the qaza office for some time. He took care of the poor and looked after everyone’s needs. His son says that the final advice he gave before departing was to take care of the poor. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy and enable his children to continue his good deeds.

The next funeral is of Zubaidah Begum Sahiba, wife of Karim Ahmad Naeem Sahib of America. She also passed away last month.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

She was the younger daughter-in-law of Dr Hashmatullah Khan Sahib. She was an ardent devotee of Khilafat and a very pious and sincere woman. By the grace of Allah, she was a musia. She is survived by three sons and two daughters. One of her sons is Mun‘im Naeem Sahib, Chairman of Humanity First USA. She was also the mother-in-law of Dr Abdul Mannan Siddiqi Shahid Sahib.

Her daughter, Amatul Shafi, wife of Dr Abdul Mannan Siddiqi Sahib writes: “She had a habit of showing love to everyone, she would pray for them, give them advice and would always take care of the poor. She had a special trait of being very

loving to all relatives, whether they were closely related or distant relatives. She was regular in offering the Tahajud prayers ever since she was young. She spent her life whilst placing her trust in Allah the Almighty.

From our childhood, we observed that she would spend Fridays praying fervently. She always had the concern of giving her alms on time.”

May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon her and enable her children to continue her good deeds.

The next funeral is of Hafeez Ahmad Guman Sahib, who passed away recently.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬

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

He had a special interest in reading the translation and commentary of the Holy Quran and he read all the books of the Promised Messiahas. He had the honour of rendering his services to his faith in Rabwah.

He was very punctual, hospitable, kind to children, extremely modest, and very hardworking. He was always occupied in the remembrance of Allah. A distinct quality of his was his service to Allah’s creation, and he would endure suffering in order to grant others comfort.

He was a musi by the grace of Allah the Almighty. He is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters. One of his sonsin-law, Kashif Hameed Bajwa, is serving here as a missionary in the PS office.

Hafeez Sahib’s daughter, Amatul Quddus, says: “Humility and modesty were his hallmarks. He wore modest clothing, his home was modest, his food was simple, and he would always shun arrogance. He was always concerned about assisting the poor. In spite of his limited means, he would spend less on himself and more on the poor.”

May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon him and enable his children to continue his good deeds.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

When we look at the facts of Crucifixion and consider what happened and why it happened, as well as at Redemption and its related philosophy, we find conflicting answers from various early sources. I have chosen to address this question solely from a logical point of view. I believe that this is the only platform, common to all, which can be used for a fruitful constructive dialogue. Otherwise, any discussion on the basis of what the individual scriptures present, along with their various interpretations, would lead to a tangle of controversy from which it would be difficult to wriggle out.

(Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh)

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