Al Hakam - 26 November 2021

From the Markaz

From the Markaz

Lajna Sweden meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

Lajna Imaillah Sweden’s amila meets with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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Purchased “facts”: Risks of unreliable online resources

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Simon Commission, First Round Table Conference and Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’s valuable guidance Page 16

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021 | Issue CXCIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Huzoor inspects progress of the Baitul Futuh complex

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

Guarding the prayer times

َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫ ﻗالﺖ ُس ِ�ل َر ُس ْول الل ِہ َﺻلى الل ُہ‬،‫ﻋ ْن أ ِ ّم ﻓ ْﺮ َوة‬ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُّ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫�ل أﻓضل ﻗال‬ ِ ���‫علي ِﻪ وسلﻢ أى ال‬ ْ َ َ ُ َ َّ ‫الصلاة فِي أ ّو ِل َوﻗ ِت َﻬا‬ Hazrat Umm Farwah relates, “The Holy Prophetsa was asked, which action is best. He replied, ‘Observing prayer early in its appointed period.’”

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Salat, Hadith 426)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The trial of Abrahamas

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Tuesday, 23 November 2021, Baitul Futuh Mosque, London: Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, arrived in Baitul

Futuh, Morden at around 11:30 am to inspect the progress of the reconstruction project. Huzooraa later led the Zuhr and Asr prayers.

This was the first time Huzooraa visited the Baitul Futuh Mosque since before the Continued on next page >>

Reflect over the trial of Abrahamas, when he was ordered to take his wife and child to a distant land away from Canaan. He took his family to the place where Mecca is now situated – a place where there was neither food nor drink. Upon reaching this land he said: “O Allah! I am leaving my offspring in a place where there is no food or drink.” Sarahra wanted Ishmaelas to die somehow, for she was the one who told Abrahamas to leave them in such a land. Although Abrahamas took offence to this, God instructed him to do as Sarahra had said, but not because He preferred Sarahra. In fact, Sarahra had expelled Hagarra previously as well and at that time, an angel of God spoke to Hagarra. Allah the Exalted speaks to those of His servants as well who are not Prophets. As such, God Almighty spoke to Hagarra twice.

Therefore, Abraham, on whom be peace, did as he was commanded and with a scarce amount of water and dates, he set out with his wife and child, and left them in this land. After a few days, when their small quantity of food and water was exhausted, Ishmaelas Continued on page 2

Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Continued from page 1

began to fall into the clutches of death. In that hour, the mother could not bear to see her child die, and so she ran here and there a few times in the hope of finding a passing caravan. She travelled a distance to climb a small hill and began to scream.

This was a time when she only had one son and she was separated from her husband – as though she were a widow. There was no prospect of her bearing any children in the future. She cried for help. It was then that an angel called out: “Hagar, Hagar.”

She looked here and there but could see no one; but then she noticed that water had begun to flow around her child. It was as though life had been breathed into the dead. The Messenger of Allah, peace and

blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “If the water had not been contained, it would have become a spring that flowed out into the world.”

The purpose in narrating this story is to demonstrate that this is the manner in which God Almighty manifests the marvels of His power in places that are empty of even food and drink. As such, the first wonder of God was the water He provided. This was also a foreshadowing that the grandeur of the water which the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was destined to distribute could be described as follows: ٰ

That is to say, the water given to Hagarra endowed life to Ishmaelas, but the water belonging to the Holy Prophetsa gave life to an entire world. The intent is to elaborate that where no physical means existed, Allah the Almighty provided a means for their deliverance. Allah the Exalted states that the heaven and earth exist by His command. Just reflect upon how God Almighty transformed an intensely hot wilderness, where there was no sign of human life. Now, tens of millions of people flock to this land from all over the world.

The open plain upon which the people gather for the Hajj is precisely where at one time there was neither food nor drink.

“Know that Allah is now quickening the earth after its death.”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 264-265)

َ َ ّ َ​َ ۤ َ ‫ِا ۡعل ُموۡا ا ّن الل َه يُ ۡح ِی الۡا ۡرض �َ ۡع َد َموۡ ِت َها‬

heavy lockdown restrictions in the UK due to Covid-19.

Amir Jamaat UK, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib invited Huzooraa to inspect the developments since his last visit on 10 March 2020 and the halls and rooms on the multiple floors of the complex.

Huzooraa was shown the colonnade, halls, dormitories and individual bedrooms, offices and other aspects that have evolved significantly since March 2020. InshaAllah, it is hoped that this project will see completion by Jalsa Salana 2022.

Al Hakam spoke to Rafiq Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat UK, who said: “John McAslan is a friend of mine and I’ve known him for over 25-30 years, when he was still a budding architect. Now he is a world-famous architect who has worked on major buildings, both in the UK and abroad, for example London’s King’s Cross Station. Fanos Panayides, who was here today, is another architect who is very renowned. Fanos designed this complex and John also had input in the design.

“When this building burned down, in his Friday Sermon, Huzooraa said that our opponents were happy that our building had burned down, but we would, inshaAllah, build such a beautiful building in its place that we will be the ones saying ‘Masha-Allah’ and ‘Alhamdulillah’.

Huzooraa then instructed us to search for architects. I approached John McAslan and his team, who happily took on this project.

“During the design-phase, Huzooraa played a key role towards the architectural plans and he advised us in various aspects of the design.

Throughout the period of the Covid

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021 lockdown, Huzooraa was not able to come to see the developments, and the last time Huzooraa visited was in March 2020. But Huzooraa very kindly approved the visit and today, we were blessed with his presence.”

The new building will serve various purposes, among which is to serve the local community for school exams and other events. The local community is excited for this building to see fruition as it is a positive contribution to the local skyline.

Following the outbreak of a large fire in 2015 across the administrative building within the Baitul Futuh site, plans were made for a much better and larger purpose built complex.

On 4 March 2018, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa laid the foundation stone for the new administrative complex. The main bulk of the construction started in September 2018 and is close to reaching its final stages.

Following the fire, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in his Friday Sermon of 2 October 2015, spoke clearly about how the fire would not stop any Jamaat progress and told the Jamaat that this was not a reason to worry.

Talking about the loss that occurred through the fire, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “It is essential for a true believer to understand the true meaning of patience.

Patience does not mean that a person cannot feel regret or pain over a loss, rather it means that he or she should not be overwhelmed and consumed by despair to such an extent that they lose their senses and any hope.”

Huzooraa continued: “Of course, some regret is normal, but alongside it, a person should seek to recover and to make a firm resolution to attain even greater heights in future. Thus, in the face of this trial, we should pledge and prove from our actions that we will successfully pass through this period with patience and by prostrating before Allah

the Almighty.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “[…] a lot of damage was sustained during the fire. However, God willing, we will soon build an even better and more beautiful building and we will be the ones who sincerely say ‘Subhanallah’ (Holy is Allah) and ‘Masha–Allah’ (With the Will of Allah).”

Amir Sahib told us that the development work is ongoing and all members of the Jamaat who have made promises should see that their promises are fulfilled.

Following the tour of the new complex, Huzooraa led the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the Baitul Futuh Mosque, the first time Huzooraa led Salat in the Baitul Futuh Mosque in over a year.

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Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

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From the Markaz

Ahmadi women should raise their voices against repressive hijab laws Lajna members of Sweden meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

On 21 November 2021, Ahmadi women from Lajna Imaillah Sweden were blessed with a virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in which they had the opportunity to interact with and pose questions to Huzooraa.

The meeting started with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Barira Ahmad Sahiba and the Urdu translation of the verses was read by Jasia Rehman Sahiba while the Swedish translation was read by Kanza Rehman Sahiba. A qasidah written by the Promised Messiahas was then recited

by Sharjeela Chaudhary Sahiba.

Lajna members were then given the opportunity to ask their questions to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

The first question was about the importance of protecting the environment and how Jamaat events should be environmentally friendly.

On this subject, Huzooraa said: “First, generally you should try to use recycled products. At Jamaat events

– ijtemas, jalsas etc. – there are hygiene teams too. It is their duty to keep the area hygienic and they should also take care of the environment and atmosphere of that area too […] They should separate plastics etc. for recycling […]”

Huzooraa said recycling bins that were provided by the government should be used at Jamaat events and the rubbish needed to be sorted accordingly so that it was disposed of in a proper manner. “It is our responsibility to keep the environment clean – not to create rubbish.” However, even some Lajna members at Jamaat events create rubbish by throwing litter onto the floor instead of the dustbin, or by giving children disposable cups etc. to play with from which they create mess by ripping them up and throwing the bits everywhere, Huzooraa noted.

To educate Lajna, Nasirat and children about littering, it was essential to counter these negative habits, Huzooraa said. The litter thrown at Jamaat events should be

collected by allocated teams who pick it up and then dispose of it in a proper manner, including using recycling bins.

Tooba Malik Sahiba’s question was on free will. She asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to what extent humans made decisions without the direct interference of Allah.

Huzooraa said: “Allah the Almighty has given free will. Allah is Aleem – He has knowledge of everything. He has knowledge of what Tooba has done at this moment and what she will do after one hour, one year and after 10 years – this is Allah’s knowledge.”

Huzooraa said that Allah had given instructions in the Holy Quran of the dos and don’ts for humanity and within its free will, humanity was to act on those instructions – whether doing something or avoiding something. Humans had free will in how they acted and the deeds they carried out. Huzooraa highlighted that in developed countries even vices were

seen as positive “morals” and there was a difference between what religion taught and what society accepted as acceptable and moral. The very definition of “morals” had changed.

Allah had the knowledge of how a person would act and knew if the person would repent for their sins in the future, Huzooraa said. However, we do not know if Allah will forgive us – this isn’t something that we can decide and is the will of Allah alone.

Huzooraa continued: “To say, ‘As Allah knows what will ultimately happen to us, that is why we should not do good deeds’, or, ‘We should carry out bad deeds and it will not matter’, is wrong. On the one hand is God Almighty’s knowledge and on the other hand are our actions. We are to take action in order to please Allah. And what actions are we to take? That, Allah has told a Muslim in the Holy Quran – ‘These things are what you should do and these are what you should

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021 avoid.’ You are to believe in Allah, believe in prophets, follow the commandments of Allah, offer Namaz; Allah has given the commandment of fasting and there are lots of other instructions in the Holy Quran.

For example, the commandment of purdah for women – to wear the hijab, to cover your head, chest and to keep your gazes low etc.

“This commandment is for men too – to keep their eyes low and not to stare and look at women. Before women, men are instructed first to ‘keep your gazes low too’ and to develop modesty within yourself and not become immodest.”

If people did not listen to these commandments, then Allah has the power to punish. However, “Allah is the One Who forgives”, and He can forgive anyone He likes in the end, Huzooraa emphasised. And this “knowledge” was Allah’s alone.

Sameen Ahmad Sahiba asked what the Holy Quran meant by the “seven Heavens”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that the visible “sky” we observed was not the only sky; rather, there were layers and these layers also extended to outside the earth’s atmosphere into space. Huzooraa said “Don’t think this is the only ‘space’ – there are lots of other skies. The universe, or universes rather, of Allah the Almighty are spread wide and far.”

Siwa Hayat Sahiba asked how a person could feel they were close to Allah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Pray to Allah. When you begin to sincere humility and fervency in your prayers and feel a connection with Allah the Almighty”, along with prostrating before Him and fearing Him, then “this means your steps towards [a close connection with Allah] are being taken.”

Huzooraa said that with age, a true believer begins to have different experiences with Allah and develops in their relationship and closeness with Him. “First, say your Namaz in such a manner that you begin to enjoy offering Namaz.

If you hastily offer your prayers, then this won’t develop a relationship with God.” Huzooraa gave an example to emphasise the point. Huzooraa said that if someone went to meet a friend but quickly met them without any real conversation or even sitting with them and then hastily left, then such a person would not be considered a good friend. Huzooraa continued: “True friends are those who sit in each other’s company and share joys and sorrows with each other. In the same vein, to develop your relationship with Allah, He has instructed to ‘offer prayers, fulfil the purpose of life – worship’. And the first step for this is to create such a condition within yourself during Namaz that you know your connection with Allah is developing and He is listening to you.”

Addressing Siwa Sahiba, Huzooraa said, “Today, in your Namaz, pray with great humility and fervour.”

Khulood Ahmad Sahiba asked Huzooraa about his view on the possibility of humans living on Mars. She quoted a verse from the Holy Quran (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.26) in which Allah declared the following about the earth, “‘Therein shall you live, and therein shall you die, and therefrom shall you be brought forth.’”

Khulood Sahiba asked if, in light of this verse, humans could still live on Mars.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said the verse meant that human existence depended on the sustenance and atmospheric conditions found on Earth, even if humans went into space. “Even when you go to space, you take food and drink from the earth itself ”. Huzooraa said that those who went into space took provisions from Earth first – oxygen, water, food etc. and were able to live in space due to these provisions. Therefore this verse meant that humans would always need provisions and sustenance that was found on earth for their existence – whether in space or not.

Aisha Rahman Sahiba asked if dentists could do waqf – temporary life sacrifice – for the Jamaat. Huzooraa said it was certainly possible and there was a need too.

Huzooraa said there were Ahmadi dentists who did waqf and were in service. Huzooraa asked Aisha Sahiba if, as a dentist, she would be ready to go to Africa for waqf; Aisha Sahiba said she would, insha-Allah.

Another member said that Islam permitted marrying cousins; however, Swedes considered inter-cousin marriages to be wrong and said they caused children to be born with disabilities and illnesses.

She asked Huzooraa what reply could be given in such a case.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “They don’t have inter-family marriages, right? Then what are the reasons for disabled children born into their families? They give birth to children who are disabled too, right? If, in our inter-cousin marriages, out of hundreds of thousands, there is a child born who is disabled, then these people give birth to even more children who are disabled, comparatively speaking. But they don’t get married within the family, so why are there so many children who are disabled? Ask them to give their proof first and why so many of their children were born disabled [despite not marrying cousins]? […]

“Islam says it is permissible [to marry cousins], but does not say it is mandatory.

And such negative effects come into play after inter-cousin marriages occur [within the same family] generations after generations.”

Huzooraa said that though there was a higher risk within families who married within the same family for generations, there were many families on the other hand who had no number of disabled children being born, even though they married within the same family for generations.

Huzooraa said those who raised allegations against Islam for allowing interfamily marriages should first prove their own marriages to be any safer. There should be accurate data presented, Huzooraa said.

Saliha Mehmood Sahiba said the European Union passed a law through which an employer could fire an employee who wore the hijab, without giving any reason. Saliha Sahiba asked for Huzoor’s advice in such a situation.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa started by saying: “Voices are being raised against this law. If an employer can do this, then it is against human rights. Tomorrow, if they say to a Jewish man that he cannot wear

“

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To say, ‘As Allah knows what will

ultimately happen to us, that is why

we should not do good deeds’, or, ‘We

should carry out bad deeds and it will not matter’, is wrong. On the one hand is God Almighty’s knowledge and on the other hand are our actions. We are to take action in order to please Allah. And what actions are we to take? That, Allah has told a Muslim in the Holy Quran: ‘These things are what you should do and these are what you should avoid.’ the kippah on his head, or to a Sikh that they cannot wear a turban, then they are denying their rights. That is why this law is completely wrong.”

Advising Ahmadi women on what to do if an employer fired them because they wore the hijab, Huzooraa said: “You pledge that ‘I will keep my faith above the world’. If you cannot get a job where the hijab is not allowed – i.e. you cannot get the job until you take off the hijab – then leave that job. A person should keep their faith above the world – this is your pledge, right?”

Huzooraa said voices needed to be raised and legal action and lobbying should take place against laws that banned the hijab.

The laws parliaments passed were not always correct and many laws had later been repealed by governments themselves, Huzooraa said.

“Voices will be raised against this and a time will come when such laws will be repealed.”

Huzooraa said it was the duty of Ahmadis to raise voices against repressive laws against the hijab and, as a result of these voices, if the laws were not repealed today, then in the future they would be and, in turn, benefit future generations.

Huzooraa said: “On the one hand, they talk about ‘human rights’ and on the other, they deny the Islamic rights of women. Write about this in newspapers. Ahmadi women should write about this – write in Swedish newspapers and in other European newspapers too, wherever they [Ahmadi women] are from: I have instructed this before. Write in Swedish newspapers, that

‘you violate human rights yourselves by passing such laws’.”

Huzooraa said that it was an injustice and “waste of potential” when an employer fired a very capable and talented woman who was a scientist or doctor for example, only because she wore the hijab.

“It is the question of stripping away the rights of a very capable mind”, Huzooraa noted.

Therefore, Ahmadi women should write about such laws and “raise their voices” as this was an effective means of creating change in these societies.

Alia Chaudhary Sahiba said she watched the “Moon of the Prophets” documentary (made by Syed Taalay Ahmad Shaheed for MTA News) and that she enjoyed listening to the voices of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra MA. Alia Sahiba said that she came to know that Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra had recorded the voice of Hazrat Amma Janra – the noble wife of the Promised Messiahas – and wanted to know if that recording would ever be available to listen to.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “We don’t know where that recording is – even I haven’t heard that recording, so how can I enable you to listen to it? We don’t know where it went; was the tape lost or not, Allah knows better. However someone else wrote this to me as well and I am getting research done on it – when and where it was recorded, who had it, where it went etc. But to date I haven’t found any trace of it. Nonetheless, we are searching for it.”

Atia Rashid Sahiba asked how a Christian – who had followed Christianity

Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

6 their whole life – could accept that Islam was true. Huzooraa said: “Do you want to forcefully convince them? When have we said to forcefully make them Muslim?

“We are to present the beauties of Islam before them – the religious teachings of Islam – that ‘Christianity says this, and Islam says this’.” Huzooraa said to tell them about the prophecies of Jesusas and Mosesas that Christians believed in and were written in the Torah and the Bible.

Huzooraa said there were lots of practising Christians who accepted the prophecies made about the Holy Prophetsa in the Bible and that they came true.

If someone accepted those prophecies, then well and good. However, the Holy Quran clearly instructed that “there is no compulsion in religion” and never instructed Muslims to forcefully convert anyone to Islam, Huzooraa stressed.

Historically, Islam never forcefully converted people and the wars fought were not for conversions. “Faith is a matter of the heart”, Huzooraa said. “We cannot forcefully change someone’s heart”.

Huzooraa noted there was a large number of practising Christians in Africa – in fact, in Africa, Christians were more practising than those in Europe. Many of these practising Christians in Africa were accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat. Huzooraa said, “Our early Ahmadis in West Africa all became Ahmadis from Christianity.”

That said, Islam never forced someone to convert; rather, the Holy Quran instructed Muslims to protect and defend the churches of Christians and the synagogues of Jews and other places of worship.

“We are to convince others with arguments. If someone accepts due to the arguments given, then that is fine, they will accept Islam. But if they don’t understand the arguments, they can continue to believe in their faith. Allah has said, ‘You can believe in your faith’ […] However, Allah the Almighty has said, and it is written in the Holy Quran, ‘Say to the People of the Book that we should unite on one thing – and that is Allah the Almighty. Unite on the existence of Allah and do not commit shirk [associate partners with Allah] […]”

Huzooraa said there was, however, no compulsion in faith: “It is clear that Islam is most definitely the true religion because every prophet gave prophecies about its advent and the prophecies are coming true and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, is the last law-bearing prophet and the Holy Quran is the last law. This is completely true and the Quran has declared it; however, along with this, the Quran has said that you are not allowed to forcefully make someone a Muslim. Yes, present arguments and as a result, convert them to Islam.”

Naima Iram Sahiba said that in a previous virtual meeting, Huzooraa said all Ahmadis should pray for the prophecy of the sun rising from the West to be fulfilled (Al Hakam, 29 October 2021, p.

1, www.alhakam.org/students-of-westerncanada-meet-with-huzoor/). She wanted to know whether the presence of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya in the West for the last 37 years

was a fulfilment of this prophecy given by the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “It is a fulfilment in one way – Islam’s teachings are spreading in the West and Khilafat is here. This would be a personal view and it is acceptable; there is no harm in believing this. […] However this [prophecy] also points to when huge numbers of Westerners will accept Islam.

And when these people accept Islam – like what happened during the time of the Romans where the king accepted Christianity – then Islam’s teachings will quickly spread across the world.

“Where we should pray for this, we should also preach and show our examples so that these people, those who live in the West, understand religion and accept it.

And when they accept it, then in the East, West, South and North, Islam’s teachings will begin to spread quickly, insha-Allah.

“And the meaning which you have said is also okay; there is no harm in it. You can believe in this meaning too.”

Addressing Naima Sahiba, Huzooraa also said, “Masha-Allah, you have done very good purdah.”

Next, a waqifa-e-nau sought guidance from Huzooraa with regard to what particular subjects waqifaat-e-nau teachers should teach. Huzooraa said: “You can become whatever teacher you like […] We need primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, college teachers, university teachers – you can go into any field that you are interested in. […] The ‘special subject’ should just be that you have a connection with Allah the Almighty. Apart from this, you can study whatever you prefer.”

Maria Shahid Sahiba said that those children who were not in the Waqf-e-Nau scheme would always be told to acquire a good education and then they would be able to serve the Jamaat in the future. She wanted to know how those who could not acquire a good education and were neither in the Waqfe-e-Nau scheme, could serve in the Jamaat.

Huzooraa said: “We do not even take the waqifeen-enau who do not acquire an education”.

Huzooraa said that the Jamaat needed highly educated waqifeen-e-nau. However, those Ahmadis who could not acquire a high education and go on to serve the Jamaat should study religion, offer prayers properly, understand the Holy Quran and when a Lajna member got married, they should carry out a proper upbringing of their children. Huzooraa said: “This is the task of a non-waqif-e-nau and a waqif-e-nau. This is the greatest responsibility.”

If one had not gained high education, then at least there was no obstacle in developing a strong connection with Allah the Almighty and then raising their children as true believers, Huzooraa stressed.

Another Lajna pointed out that society cared about those with physical and apparent illnesses but those with mental disorders were not cared for. Huzooraa said that everyone with mental illnesses or health problems should be taken care of and treated properly. Those who did not

care for such illnesses acted in a completely incorrect manner, Huzoor said.

A Lajna member asked Huzooraa if he could share a childhood memory with them. In response, with a smile, Huzooraa remarked: “I have forgotten my childhood memories. I don’t keep my childhood memories in mind like you people do. […]

“Anyhow, when our elders are mentioned, some memories come back.

For example, going out with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, sitting with him and sometimes listening to him when he spoke with people, the subjects of which I cannot recall.”

Huzooraa said that once, his grandfather, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmadra (who was the youngest son of the Promised Messiahas) took him to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. When they reached the house, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmadra first took permission to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. Huzooraa said they entered and Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra sat on the floor during the conversation and when leaving, out of respect, he exited the room without turning his back to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. Huzooraa said Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra showed this respect to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra even though they were brothers. These aspects of tarbiyat were etched in Huzoor’s mind as a child.

Another memory with Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra was when he would teach Huzooraa how to read the Holy Quran.

Huzooraa said that without looking at the Quran itself, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra would correct his pronunciation etc. This showed how much he knew the Holy Quran, even though Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra had not memorised the Quran.

Huzooraa said that unlike elders today, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, who was his grandfather, would first seek permission from Huzoor’saa mother if he ever wanted to take Huzooraa somewhere. He would not take his grandchild without first seeking the permission of the child’s mother.

Huzooraa said that today, grandfathers and grandmothers just take their grandchildren with them and no one knows where they have gone. “Those elders did not do such things”.

Kashifa Sahiba said there was a debate about the theory of evolution in her class.

Her teacher said that most religious people did not believe in evolution. Kashifa Sahiba wanted to know the Islamic view on evolution and how to explain it to others.

Huzooraa said: “Humans did go through evolution. We do not believe Darwin’s theory, however, that [humans] were insects or monkeys etc. and from them humans came into existence.” Huzooraa said that humans had their own line of development that was completely distinct from that of monkeys and other animals. Humans had different forms in the past but they had their own line of evolution separate from other animals. Huzooraa said that as Muslims, we accepted evolution and that “evolution is still taking place”.

Another Lajna member asked Huzooraa if he had ever experienced Laylat-ul-Qadr

(the night of decree). In response Huzooraa said: “[…] At times it seems Laylat-ul-Qadr has taken place while praying – sometimes Allah the Almighty creates such a condition […] There are many occasions where it seems it took place. Those days in which a special condition for prayer manifests, that is Laylat-ul-Qadr. Sometimes you feel that it is taking place.”

Fiza Iram Sahiba then came to the mic to ask her question. On seeing her, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa remarked, “MashaAllah, you have done very good purdah.”

Fiza Sahiba asked about children being taught about inappropriate subjects at a young age in school and wanted advice in this regard. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Yes, there are topics which they are beginning to teach from childhood now – LGBT etc. These things are wrong and there is no need to teach young children about them either. When children mature, if you want to tell them about it, then do so, but when a child is only 5 or 6, to tell them about” different relationships and choosing their own genders etc. is wrong.

Huzooraa said that Ahmadi parents should befriend their children and openly discuss with them about what they were taught in school and the reality. Huzooraa said: “Children have common sense themselves too and are surprised sometimes to hear what they are told. For example, a mother told me that her 5-yearold daughter was asked by her school teacher to fill a form that asked, ‘Tell me what your gender is’. The girl started to laugh and said, ‘Doesn’t she know I am a girl?’ […]

“Therefore, mothers should befriend their children and from childhood, inform them that ‘some things are wrong and in your age, at the moment, are not suitable to discuss. When your age is right, you will realise yourself or we will tell you’. And the older girls – who are 12-14 – you should openly talk to and inform them [about these matters] so they know what is right and wrong. Parents do not need to be shy with these things. And if the parents are not very educated, then older siblings should explain these matters – sisters should tell sisters and brothers should tell brothers how to stay protected from these things and what is wrong.

“This is how you can counter such things – by forging such a relationship with your children that they share what happened in school with you.” Through dialogue, parents could teach children what was right and wrong and there was no need to shy away from such topics, Huzooraa advised.

At this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said to Sadr AMWSA Sweden, Maria Chaudhary Sahiba that time had finished and that the students had asked a lot of questions. The sadr thanked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for his time and the meeting came to a close.

(Please note that the report prepared above

by Al Hakam is a summary and does not intend to cover every detail of the event)

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021

From the Markaz

The veil is a commandment of the Holy Quran Lajna Imaillah Sweden’s amila meets with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

The national Lajna Imaillah amila of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Sweden met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat on 20 November 2021.

After conveying his salaam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa led everyone in dua (silent prayer). During the mulaqat, all amila members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a brief report on their duties.

The first to report was Huma Zaffar Sahiba, General Secretary. Whilst speaking with her, Huzooraa asked if it was no longer compulsory to wear masks, to which she replied in the affirmative and said that wearing masks was no longer mandatory.

Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “At least you all should [wear masks]. Apply Vicks [a vapour rub that contains eucalyptus oil and camphor] to the nose.”

Whilst presenting her report, Huma Sahiba said that there were 10 majalis, which were divided into three regions. She added that there were 499 Lajna members in total.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked how many majalis sent their reports on a regular basis. The general secretary replied that all majalis sent their reports regularly.

Huzooraa further asked if remarks were sent back to the majalis. “Try to get the reports regularly,” Huzooraa said. “The reports should be truthful, there should be no tall tales, nor should a report or form

be filled merely for the sake of receiving appreciation.”

Amatul Noor Sahiba, Naib General Secretary, was next to report. Huzooraa humorously asked if the general secretary did any work or if she made her do all the work. Amatul Noor Sahiba replied that they both worked together. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah.”

Aneesa Sahiba, Secretary Talim (Education), said that for the past year, they were focusing on Conditions of Bai’at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi, a book by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa then asked what the plan was after that, to which Aneesa Sahiba replied that they were then going to focus on various other important topics such as respecting parents and other timely topics. She stated, for example, when the month of Muharram arrives, they would focus on topics related to Muharram.

Likewise, as the year continued, timely topics would be the main highlight.

Secretary talim stated that various study circles were made to ensure and help other Lajna members to study and learn. She further asked what other method could be utilised. Whilst speaking about encouraging more Lajna members to join talim activities, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “First start with the amila – you must start from home.

You all consider yourselves officers and do not participate whereas everyone should participate, including the sadr.”

Aaliya Sahiba, Secretary Tarbiyat (Moral Training) was next to report. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked her how many, from the age of 15-30, observed purdah properly.

Aaliya Sahiba replied that some people lacked in observing purdah.

Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “This commandment is not mine or anyone else’s, this commandment of the veil is the commandment of the Holy Quran; just as offering Salat is a commandment of the Holy Quran, belief in the unseen is a commandment of the Holy Quran, financial sacrifice is a commandment of the Holy Quran, observing purdah is a commandment of the Holy Quran, fasting is a commandment of the Holy Quran and belief in all Prophets is a commandment of the Holy Quran. The tarbiyat department should ensure that these clear commandments are followed.”

Huzooraa further stated the importance of reading The Will. Huzooraa said, “Read The Will […] Read it many times so that you remember the references. When you remember [the references], then you will act according to it.”

Huzooraa stated that the book, The Will, covered a variety of topics. When one reads the book, one learns about “the purpose of the Promised Messiah’s advent, and the purpose of Khilafat is covered [in the book], the need of Khilafat is covered and its importance, righteousness [is discussed

in the book]”.

Speaking with Mahjabeen Rasheed, Secretary Khidmat-e-Khalq (Service to Humanity) Huzooraa said that funds should be collected for the less fortunate in Africa.

Rashidah Sahiba replied in the affirmative and that the department was able to accomplish raising funds for this purpose last year.

Tayyabah Sahiba, Secretary Mal (Finance) was next to report. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that this was a very important department and further asked how many Lajna members gave chanda. She replied that of the 499 members, 400 gave chanda.

Next, whilst offering guidance to Zara Sahiba, Muhasiba Mal (Auditor), Huzooraa stated that she should look into the budget matters and see what the best method was to spend the money appropriately where needed.

Fazeela Sahiba, Secretary Nasirat, reported that there were 97 nasirat. She stated that there were 36 nasirat aged between 8-10, 40 nasirat between 10-13 years of age, and 11 nasirat between 13-15 years of age.

Huzooraa said, “Between the age 12-15, if you explain to them the Jamaat’s traditions – purdah, hijab, dressing modestly – and explain to them why we are Ahmadis and the traditions of Ahmadiyyat; what religion teaches, what Islam teaches, what the Quran teaches us – and tell them that we must act upon [its commandment], then when they grow up, they will remain firm [in faith]; provided that these matters are thoroughly explained at this age.”

Sultana Sahiba, Secretary Sanato-Dastkari (Industry and Handicraft) reported that a total of 18 online classes and competitions were held. She added that in collaboration with the department of khidmat-e-khalq, food was prepared and distributed to the less fortunate. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Well done.”

Azra Farhat Sahiba, Secretary Tabligh (Preaching) reported that each majlis (10 majalis in total) was given a target of one bai‘at. Azra Sahiba reported that various methods of tabligh were utilised such as holding seminars, coffee mornings and discussions on various topics.

Amatul Quddus Sahiba, Secretary Ishaat (Publications) reported that the Maryam Magazine was regularly printed. Huzooraa asked how many articles were published in the magazine, to which she replied that 1012 were published. She further said that this magazine was in two parts, both in Swedish and Urdu.

Aisha Sahiba, Secretary Tajnid (Census) Continued on next page >>

8 << Continued from previous page

stated that the total tajnid, combining the nasirat, was 598. She reported that there were 499 Lajna members, 97 nasirat and two nau mubai‘aat (new converts). Hearing this, Huzooraa instructed her to add the two nau mubai‘aat to the mainstream of the tajnid as they were Lajna members.

Speaking with Shabana Naseer Sahiba, Secretary Ziafat (Hospitality), Huzooraa asked what dishes were prepared for the amila members, to which she replied that palak gosht, roast chicken, pilau rice and firni were prepared.

Huzooraa advised that one should refrain from eating a lot of garam masala.

Shayeen Sahiba, Secretary Sehat-eJismani (Physical Health) was next to give her report. Whilst speaking with her, Huzooraa asked what sports she played, to which she replied that she used to play basketball and volleyball a lot in Pakistan, prior to coming to Sweden. Huzooraa asked if the Lajna members also did sports and told Shayeen Sahiba to ensure that the amila members also exercised. “If nothing else, they should at least walk for two or three miles,” Huzooraa said.

Mona Virk Sahiba, Secretary Nau Mubai‘aat reported that there were two new converts. She added that sessions to look after their tarbiyat were held and that there were also 13 other non-Urdu speaking members who also joined the class.

Ablah Nikhat Sahiba, Umur-e-Talibat (Student Affairs) was next to report.

Huzooraa asked her if she was also studying, to which she replied that she had completed her studies in electrical engineering. She reported that there were 42 Lajna members currently studying in universities. After asking how many were studying medicine, Huzooraa said, “Encourage girls to become doctors.”

Next, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked Muneera Sahiba, Muawina Sadr and Incharge Rishta Nata (Marriage Department) how many matches were successfully made and had matured. She replied that two were successfully made in the past three years.

Hafiza Sahiba, Muawina Sadr Wasiyyat, reported that there were 168 musis from among Lajna members. Huzooraa emphasised the importance of reading The Will.

Rabia Haseeb Sahiba, Muawina Sadr and In-charge Waqifaat-e-Nau, reported that there were 138 waqifaat-e-nau. There were 42 waqifaat-e-nau under the age of seven, 27 in mayar-e-daum, 24 in mayar-e-awal and 27 nasirat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that the waqifaat-e-nau should be encouraged to study and then do waqf.

Maliha Sahiba, Regional Sadr Gothenburg, reported that there were three majalis in Gothenburg consisting of 216 members.

Speaking with Amatul Haseeb Sahiba, Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid, Huzooraa asked how the Lajna contribution was to Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid, to which she replied that the contribution was good.

After this, the national amila had the opportunity to pose questions to Huzooraa and seek guidance on various matters.

Rakhshanda Tehseen Sahiba, Sadr Lajna Imaillah Sweden stated that during the Covid pandemic, online classes were held.

However, ever since the restrictions were

“

Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Between the age 12-15, if you explain to them the

Jamaat’s traditions – purdah, hijab, dressing modestly – and explain to them why we are Ahmadis and the

traditions of Ahmadiyyat; what religion teaches, what Islam teaches, what the Quran teaches us – and tell them that we must act upon [its commandment], then when they grow up, they will remain firm [in faith]; provided that these matters are thoroughly explained at this age.” eased, the attendance was not as it was for online classes. Hearing this, Huzooraa said that people had been accustomed to staying at home and offering Salat and attending meetings at home. Huzooraa advised that they ought to be encouraged to come to the mosque and slowly they should be helped into attending meetings. Huzooraa also said that they should continue holding the online classes too.

Upon being asked how one could encourage youth to give preference to religion when finding a suitable partner, Huzooraa said that this was the duty of the tarbiyat department. The youth’s tarbiyat should be done in such a manner that they give precedence to religion over worldly matters. This was also the duty of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya to do the khuddam’s tarbiyat in the same manner. Huzooraa said that this was also the duty of the mothers.

Next, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked about suggestions made during a shura and how long they should be implemented for. Answering this, Huzooraa said that some suggestions were temporary,

while some were not. For example, Huzooraa said that if a suggestion was made in a shura to help people offer Salat and recite the Holy Quran regularly, then such things were not just to be done for one or two years.

An amila member informed Huzooraa that on some occasions, when reports were not sent on time by a majlis in Sweden, the collective report that is to be sent to the markaz was delayed. She asked Huzooraa what could be done in this regard. Huzooraa said that once a date had been set for them to send their report to the markaz, one must send it regardless of the one or two majalis that had not sent their reports. It should be stated in the markaz report how many majalis did not send their reports.

Next, an amila member said that she had two children whom she encouraged to play with Muslim children in school.

Hearing this, Huzooraa said that they should play with everyone and not just Muslim children. Huzooraa said that they should interact with everyone. They should be told, ‘You may play with everyone; however, also remember that you are a

Muslim. And we, as Muslims, offer Salat when it is time – this is Allah the Almighty’s commandment and He is pleased when we do this.’”

With regard to nasirat who entered Lajna Imaillah, an amila member said that classes and discussions were held to keep them close and attached to the Jamaat; however, new Lajna members would feel shy and resultantly, a gap would slowly be formed between new Lajna members and previous members. She asked for guidance on this matter.

Answering, Huzooraa said that a naibah should be appointed who was near their age group to help the new Lajna members integrate. Slowly, Huzooraa said, when they reached 18 to 19 years of age, they would feel comfortable to mix freely.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam to everyone and the mulaqat successfully ended.

(Please note that the report prepared above

by Al Hakam is a summary and does not intend to cover every detail of the event)

Ansar tarbiyat classes at Shianda and Ndivisi mosques, Kenya Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

Majis Ansarullah Western-A Region, Kenya successfully conducted two tarbiyat classes at the Shianda mosque and Ndivisi mosque, on 7 and 14 November 2021.

In both places, the programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran along with its Swahili translation.

This was followed by the Ansar pledge.

A number of speeches were delivered on topics such as the importance of congregational prayer, the importance of reading the Holy Quran, the Promised

Messiah’s love for the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in the Bible.

Regional Missionary, Sheikh

Muhammad Ahmed Adnan Hashmi Sahib delivered addresses at both events. The programmes concluded with a silent prayer led by the regional missionary.

After Zuhr and Asr prayers, lunch was served to the attendees. After this, all Ansar went to the playing grounds for sports and games.

A total of 54 Ansar from ten majalis attended the event at the Shianda mosque, while 12 Khuddam and Atfal were also in attendance.

Similarly, a total of 22 Ansar from three majalis and four Khuddam attended the event at the Ndivisi mosque.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021

Islamic literature presented at largest literary event in Croatia by Ahmadiyya Jamaat

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Remembrance Day ceremonies in Slough, UK Atiq Ahmad Bhatti President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Slough

Rana Munawwar Muhammad Khan President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Croatia

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Croatia had the opportunity to participate in a book fair, Interliber, organised in Zagreb, Croatia from 9 to 14 November.

Interliber is the largest literary event in Croatia and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Croatia

has been able to display literature on Islam at Interliber since 2014. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the book fair was not held last year. This year, as previous years, visitors showed great interest in our display which included the Holy Quran, its translations done by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and other literature published by the Jamaat.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Slough, UK had the opportunity to support the local Poppy Appeal in and around the Slough town by volunteering for local poppy stalls from 30 October to 13 November 2021. This year, poppies were sold at supermarkets which included ASDA, Sainsbury’s and TESCO. Slough Jamaat had the opportunity to lay wreaths at two Remembrance Sunday Ceremonies on 14 November 2021.

The first wreath was laid at the Burnham Village Remembrance Sunday Ceremony, which also marked the seventh consecutive year that the Jamaat has had representation at this ceremony.

Cllr Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib represented the Jamaat, along with Anmol Cheema Sahib, Secretary Umur-e-Kharija, Zubayr Bhatti Sahib, Qaid MKA Slough and Umayr Bhatti Sahib, naib Qaid MKA Slough.

The second wreath was laid at the Cippenham Village Remembrance Sunday Ceremony, marking the third consecutive year that the Jamaat has had representation at this ceremony.

The president of Slough Jamaat, Atiq Ahmad Bhatti Sahib laid the wreath, along with Mahmood Mobashir Sahib, General Secretary, Sharf ur Rahman Sahib, Zaeem Majlis Ansarullah Slough and Naeem Tahir Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau Slough.

Atiq Ahmad Bhatti Sahib was asked to say a few words at the ceremony, where he presented Islam’s teaching on loyalty to one’s country, respect and interfaith harmony.

The local poppy appeal organiser said that the speech was truly inspiring, while one Labour councillor commented that the speech was “beautiful”.

This year, our Jamaat also arranged a third wreath to be laid, which was laid by Sharf ur Rahman Sahib, Zaeem Majlis Ansarullah Slough.

Jamaat Belize holds its first-ever Remembrance Day ceremony

Maham Warraich Belize

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize had the opportunity to hold its first-ever Remembrance Day ceremony at Bait-ulNoor Mosque located in Belize City.

Belize is one of the 54 commonwealth countries that traditionally observes Remembrance Day every year.

On 11 November 2021, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Belize joined the observance and held a ceremony to commemorate the

sacrifices of those in the armed forces that fought during the War. The purpose of this event was to inculcate an appreciation for those who served to defend Belize, as well as to acknowledge that as Ahmadi Muslims, we stand with the community and honour their sacrifice.

The esteemed attendees included high ranking military officials and members of the Belize Defence force.

The event was initiated with a traditional march parade presented by the Defence force, followed by a moment of silence and the national anthem. This tradition began in all commonwealth countries to commemorate the end of World War I which ended on 11 November 1918.

All major media outlets were very eager to attend and cover this historic event.

A note of appreciation was presented to thank all the brave men and women across the globe who present themselves in uniform to serve their country.

This event marked a return to in-person Remembrance Day ceremonies a year after the Covid-19 pandemic forced limited gatherings. Invitations were distributed in adherence to the 50% capacity limit at the mosque. Additionally, seating and food arrangements were made with careful consideration to limit physical contact between all attendees.

Members of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Belize worked tirelessly prior to, during and after the event to ensure that all aspects of the programme ran smoothly.

Although Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize is still a young Jamaat, these events serve as an opportunity to help enhance the organisational skills of our members.

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Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 25 November - 2 December advocating the Palestinian cause, Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra stated: “This is a solemn moment, solemn in the history of the world, in the history of this great – let us hope, at least – great organisation. The United Nations is today on trial. The world is watching and will see how it acquits itself – again, perhaps, not so much from the point of view of whether the partition is approved or not approved, but from the point of view of whether any room is to be left for the exercise of honest judgement and conscience in decisions taken upon important questions […]

“It is said that if the partition is not accepted, there would be no room left for a solution. On the contrary, if the partition is accepted, fatal steps will have been taken. The Arabs and the Jews will have been set by the ears and never again will there be any chance of bringing them together. Far too many unfinished vendettas will then bar the way.

26 November 1932: Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian set out for Saharanpur, India to do tabligh. This delegation consisted of 29 members and was under the supervision of Maulvi Arjumand Khan Sahib. The group would participate in sports during the day and deliver speeches in the evenings before Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis. The speeches attracted huge crowds and covered a variety of religious topics. Their journey was completed on 9 December 1932. This party covered the following major cities: Jalandhar, Phalur, Ludhiana, Ambala, Delhi, Aligarh, Meerath, Deoband and Saharanpur. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 81) 26 November 1948: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra narrated the faith-inspiring sentiments of missionaries in foreign missions across Europe, like that of France and Spain. Due to the financial burden caused by the Indian partition, the Jamaat was forced to stop the funding of some foreign missions; however, some missionaries responded by saying that they would carry the missions on and make ends meet themselves, without the help of the markaz. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol.29, p.399)

27 November 1914: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra emphasised that the Minaratul-Masih’s construction should be completed quickly. It had not been completed for a number of years due to a lack of funds. Huzoorra stated that the completion of this minaret would be a harbinger to the descent of many blessings.

After Jumuah prayer, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra relaunched its construction with prayers and also placed a brick at the construction site.

The Promised Messiahas had decided that the names of those who donated at least 100 rupees for this minaret would be engraved on the minaret as a memorial. Thus, in 1929, the names of 211 devotees were inscribed on the minaret. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 161) For a further read on the MinaratulMasih and the prophecy pertaining to it, please read the following article: www.alhakam.org/the-whiteminaret-minarat-ul-masih-qadian/ 27 November 1942: On this date, during his Friday Sermon, Hazrat

Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Members of the Jamaat are proud that Sahibzada Abdul Latif Sahibra Shaheed sacrificed his life for the Jamaat. However, we do not need only a single Abdul Latif to revive the Jamaat; instead, hundreds of Abdul Latifs are needed who should go out to different countries and sacrifice their lives for Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

Unless [people like] Abdul Latif are born in every country and every region, the grandeur and majesty of Ahmadiyyat cannot be established until that time.” (Friday Sermon, 27 November 1942, Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 23, pp. 522-525) 27 November 1942: While delivering his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra highlighted the harmful impact of music that was played on the radio at the time. Alongside this, Huzoorra acknowledged that the radio, at times, would have interesting and knowledgeable discussions. Huzoor explained that one should take that which is useful and discard the rest.

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 23, p. 514) 28 November 1947: During his UN speech of 28 November 1947, while

“If you delay and do not take the fatal step, you still leave open to the Arabs and the Jews the chance of a conciliatory solution through which they combine and work. It is not that if you do not take a final decision today, your jurisdiction to decide anything is barred. It means that neither of these two solutions is acceptable and that something else must be found. (UNISPAL, 2nd Sess., A/PV.126, UN Doc [28 November 1947]) 28 November 1957: A local newspaper from Rawalpindi, Pak Kashmir, published a fake letter, falsely ascribing it to Sahibzada Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh.

This shameless episode had to be brought to the notice of authorities.

A defamation lawsuit was registered.

On this date, the court issued its verdict and this newspaper was fined by the court. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 18, p. 507) 28 November 1964: Bombay, India convened an international Eucharistic Conference, which was attended by Pope Paul VI. Jamaat members spread the message of Ahmadiyyat there

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021

and distributed literature. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 22, p. 533) 28 November 1969: Hazrat Munshi Abdul Samira of Kapurthala, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away. He was born in 1885 and performed bai‘at in 1898. His father, Hazrat Munshi Abdur Rahmanra, was also a companion who did bai‘at on 24 March 1897.

Hazrat Munshi Abdul Samira, having accepted Hazrat Ahmadas, had the privilege of visiting Qadian on the occasion of Jalsa Salana. There, he had the blessed opportunity to shake Huzoor’sas hand and meet with him.

He was an eyewitness of various incidents that took place during the visit and stay of the Promised Messiahas in Gurdaspur in connection with the case of Karam Din. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 25, p. 225)

11

Karam Din was an opponent of Hazrat Ahmadas who filed criminal cases against him. The Promised Messiahas was acquitted and came out victorious in all cases.

markaz of Rabwah that they should ensure that 25,000 bricks were being prepared and uninterruptedly being supplied on a daily basis to the construction sites.

29 November 1933: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra blessed the inauguration ceremony arranged in connection with the establishment of another muhalla (locality) named Dar-ulSa‘ah in Qadian.

The administration immediately started work on this instruction but due to a lack and shortage of labourers, the pace was very slow.

Some other suggestions were also offered to collect things from a contractor in Chiniot to help with the construction; however, Huzoorra strongly rejected other suggestions.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 12, p. 48)

On this occasion, Huzoorra laid the foundation stones of a local mosque and houses of some workers of Jamaat offices. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 135) 29 November 1948: For the construction of a new mosque and Jamaat offices and various other things, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed organisers assigned with the construction projects in the

30 November 1927: During the night of 30 November and 1 December, Hazrat Hurmat Bibi, famous by the name of Tai Sahiba – wife of the Promised Messiah’sas elder brother, Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib – passed away.

One morning in 1900, at the time of Fajr prayer, the Promised Messiahas received a revelation: ‫اتیئ ٓایئ‬ “Senior aunt came”. Upon receiving this revelation, Hazrat Ahmadas stated he had no senior aunt.

Huzooras added that at the time, his children had a senior aunt who had not accepted him and was opposed to the Jamaat.

Hurmat Bibi was the eldest daughter of Mirza Ghulam Mohyuddin Sahib, the uncle of the Promised Messiahas.

As she was the wife of Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib, the elder brother of the Promised Messiahas, she was Hazrat Ahmad’sas sister-in-law; in this way, she was the tai (senior aunt) of the children of the Promised Messiahas. Tai Sahiba had two children who passed away at a very young age. She later adopted Sahibzada Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 631) 1 December 1930: Hazrat Munshi Habib-ur-Rahmanra of Kapurthala, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away at the age of 70.

Hazrat Munshi Sahibra accepted the Promised Messiahas after reading

the book, Fath-e-Islam (Victory of Islam). Along with two other friends, he reached Ludhiana in March 1891 where the Promised Messiahas was residing at that time and did bai‘at.

The Promised Messiahas listed his name at number 236 among the 313 companions in his book Anjam-eAtham.

1 December 1947: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra started a series of lectures later to be known as Pakistan Aur us ka Mustaqbil (Pakistan and its Future), which were delivered in Lahore.

This series of lectures concluded on 17 January 1948, which consisted of valuable guidance for the bright future of Pakistan. These lectures were highly applauded by the intellectual circles.

After the lecture, Malik Abdul Qayyum, Principal Law College Lahore, wrote to Huzoorra: “I listened with great interest to your lecture on Pakistan yesterday and profited a lot. It was full of new insights and breathed a spirit of courage and hope. I am sure, my fellow listeners must have come away from it with the same feeling. It was not merely a lecture, it was a timely warning to those who were accustomed to look at things from an entirely different angle.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 10, p. 408) 1 December 1952: Dr Curt Tiltack, an orientalist from Germany, wanted to write a book about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. A German missionary gave him the opportunity to study Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam (an extended treatise of a lecture read at the Conference of Living Religions Within the Empire in London by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra). With the help of this book, he was able to collect and compile material. For further guidance and clarification, he sent four questions in a letter to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra on this date.

Huzoorra wrote a letter in response to the questions which can be read in volume 12 of Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat (pp. 138-145).

2 December 1912: On the request of Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira sent a list of Arabic literature to him. Huzoorra wrote that great writers agreed and even German scholars of the Arabic language said that the best book in Arabic was the Holy Quran. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 429)

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Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Remembrance Day events in Canada

Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the time the Armistice took effect in 1918. The Armistice was signed officially between the Allied Forces and German forces at Compiègne, France, for cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. After World War II, the day became widely known as “Remembrance Day” in Commonwealth member states as well as many other countries. It is also known as Armistice Day, Poppy Day and Veteran’s Day. It honours all soldiers who served their respective country including those who gave their lives.

Like other nations, Canadians took time to remember their fellow men and women who served in the past wars as well as those who continue to serve today in conflict zones, or as peacekeepers all around the world.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada celebrates this event by holding events across the country.

On 7 November 2021, one such event was held at Mubarak mosque in the city of Brampton, located some 30 km west of Baitul Islam Mosque, Toronto. The report of this event was given by Secretary Umure-Kharija Jamaat Brampton West, Ashfaq Ahmed Sahib and Secretary Umur-eKharija Jamaat Brampton East, Naseem Shad Sahib.

The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran along with its translation.

“Land acknowledgement” – recognising the fact that Canada is built on the land of Aboriginals – was presented next.

The Aboriginal Smudge Ceremony – a traditional ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place – was held next by Elder Kim Wheatly, Anishinnabbe Cultural Consultant – Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario. The ceremony recognises First Nation people and services of National Indigenous Veterans.

Next, all present stood up respectfully as

the Canadian anthem was played. Veterans of Canadian forces presented the poem “In the Flanders Fields”. Following this, a twominute silence was observed.

Mrs Diana Abel, recipient of the Silver Cross Mother Award for 2017 shared her experience as a mother of a soldier who gave his life serving his country.

A number of dignitaries were present and appreciated the efforts of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Canada in serving the country.

These included the Federal Minister of Seniors, accompanied by members of the federal parliament; numerous members of Ontario Provincial Parliament; the Mayor of the city of Brampton along with a large contingent of city councillors; the local chief of police, and the local chief of the fire service, to name a few.

A wreath ceremony permitted various groups to lay wreaths.

A donation of $30,000 was made on behalf of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada to Royal Canadian Legion – Canada’s veterans association.

An exhibition of Muslim veterans was set up showcasing their services and sacrifices during World War I and World War II. Guests were amazed and impressed to know and learn about the contribution of Muslims during these wars. They were also given a tour of the Mubarak Mosque.

The event was covered by mainstream media and received nationwide wide coverage on TV, radio, press and social media.

It was also live-streamed for those who could not attend in person.

The attendance was just under 200, majority being non-Ahmadi guests.

A similar event was held at Toronto West Imarat. The report of this event was given

by Naib Amir Toronto West Imarat, retired

Brigadier Abdul Ghafoor Ehsan Sahib. The session was presided over by the Amir of Toronto West Imarat, Syed Tariq Ahmad Sahib. The proceedings commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with its translation.

Children recited the Canadian National anthem which was then followed by twominute silence.

Various videos about Canada were shown. Personal video messages of dignitaries were played including those from Judy Sgro, member of the federal parliament, Kirsty Duncan, member of the federal parliament, Tom Rakocevic, a member of the provincial parliament, Ida Li Preeti, a Liberal MPP candidate and Anthony Peruzza, a councillor of Toronto City Council.

This was followed by speeches from Naib Amir Toronto West Imarat, and Regional Qaid MKA Greater Toronto Area Centre, in which they presented the Islamic perspective of service to the country.

A special message from Amir Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib brought the event to an end.

Riffat Jahan Sahiba, Secretary Tabligh for Lajna Imaillah Hadeeqa-e-Ahmad, Canada reports that this year in Innisfil, Canada, the usual Remembrance Day ceremonies were

modified and designed differently to keep our elders safe and socially distanced due to Covid-19.

Members of Lajna Imaillah from Hadeeqa-e-Ahmad Jamaat had the opportunity to organise a public display of art and heartfelt messages by youth between ages 5-14, honouring the veterans and those who served. This display was assembled at the Rizzardo Health and Wellness centre located at 7325 Yonge St in Innisfil.

These pieces represented the youth’s understanding and emotions towards those men and women who have served, commemorating their gift to us. The gift of a bright and peaceful future that was only possible by the brave choices made by our veterans.

The members came together to pay a silent and socially distanced tribute.

Lajna Imaillah took this opportunity to gather all the youth and provide them with a unique way to reflect on freedom, justice, opportunity and sacrifice.

In addition, it reminds the youth of our difficult past that opened doors to the freedom we are entitled to, as well as, inspire them towards courage, compassion, loyalty and selflessness.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021

13

Purchased “facts”: Risks of unreliable online resources Aqeel Ahmad Kang Al Hakam

Ever clicked on an article because the headline promised something big and spectacular? Were you disappointed because the content behind the gripping title ultimately turned out to be rather moderately interesting or even misleading?

Then, you fell for a deceptive technique called clickbait. Clickbait is a term that describes content “designed to make readers want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to content of dubious value.”1 Chances are, however, that many of us have finally caught up with the boy crying wolf and can identify low-value or misleading content because of the sheer ubiquity of clickbait.

On the other hand, as the latest research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania suggests, the people who write such content are also constantly evolving their tricks to grab your prized attention.2 We observe for example that some marketers have moved away from the obvious clickbaiting techniques and are masquerading themselves as “knowledge” depositories.

This is particularly worrying for the most vulnerable web users: children and young people. Online learning has surged during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

However, it has become increasingly difficult to make sense of what content is based on fact, half-truths or lies. This can be especially dangerous for children and young people who can be persuaded to take on distorted views of the world that could cause them and others, with whom they further share such content, harm in the real world.3 The lack of internet literacy and the ability to distinguish credible resources from fake ones is making matters worse. According to a report by the National Literacy Trust, only 2% of children and young people in the UK had the critical literacy skills they needed to tell whether a news story was real or fake.4 Moreover, the uncertainty about which online learning resource to trust and which one not to is negatively affecting their well-being by increasing levels of anxiety in a world where an increasing number of people are already suffering from mental health challenges.

The existence of fake, misleading, unscientific and purely profit-driven online resources of “knowledge”, especially those that are insidious in their modus operandi, means that opinions are formed by web users based on false information. This has a direct impact on society as this makes it more difficult to publicly and freely discuss and solve social issues and conflicts — although that is essential for any healthy society. Hence, such outlets endanger social cohesion.

“Having a large number of people in a society who are misinformed and have their own set of facts is absolutely devastating,” says Stephan Lewandowsky, a cognitive

scientist at the University of Bristol in the UK, who studies the persistence and spread of misinformation.5 Listverse.com – A case study Founded in 20096 by the former opera singer7 Jamie Frater, from the comfort of his home, Listverse is a website that produces lists that are designed to be clickbait with sensational headlines. These headlines lead the users to articles with less-than-credible sources, if referenced at all.

If you still have spare time left after browsing through the countless lists, you may also enjoy the same kind of content repackaged in book form; Mr Frater is the “published author” of those books.

Listverse’s highly lucrative business is purely financed through online advertising revenue and book royalties.8 “We have always been financed through advertising and have not had to personally invest since the first year9,” says Mr Frater. The problem with content, driven by online ads is that the publishers tend to churn out whatever gets more clicks. This seems to be true for Listverse as well, as is evident from the following discussion on the website’s comment section: Mr Frater: “… people want death. Death and porn.” A user: “Basic instincts.” Mr Frater: “Yeah. Maybe I ought to publish more lists like those :)”.10 When it comes to the credibility of online content, it is always advisable to take a closer look at the author: Is it a real person? Has the person published anything before? Or is the author someone wanting to make money, regardless of the content of the article? As far as Listverse is concerned, you need not waste time checking the credentials of an author. According to the website, anyone with a PayPal account can sell Listverse an article without even having to put their good name on it.11 Under the heading “Only OK [in order] to waste time”, a reviewer on the consumer website Sitejabber wrote, “Listverse is very hit and miss in the content department.

Some lists are well researched and factual and state reputable sources while others are filled with errors both grammatical and factual.”12 Katrina McKinnon, a content provider, while writing an otherwise very positive review of Listverse, describes the state of its “facts” with the example of a car park where you should “park at your own risk”.

“Although Listverse insists on quality and solid references, it is not a science textbook.

In fact, you are discouraged from relying on what you read there for what it is. You’d need to do further research,” she writes.13 This theme of semi-factual mishmash is something that runs through other reviews of Listverse as well, with some fact-checking blogs calling it out for frequently publishing information related to pseudoscience and conspiracy theories.

One may object to these reviews,

regardless of their credibility or first-hand experience, so let us hear it from the horse’s mouth: In an article titled, “10 Insane Ways The Online Media Is Lying To You”, factchecked by none other than Jamie Frater, the author, Morris M, admits to Listverse “inadvertently lying to you” and states, “Even when websites source their facts perfectly, they can still end up inadvertently lying to you. Here at Listverse, we’ve been putting out between one and three lists a day since June 30, 2007.

Some of our most popular articles were written over half a decade ago, and plenty of the old lists still get some hefty traffic. The only problem is, those old lists are no longer strictly accurate.” A user in the comments section has aptly commented, “Pot is calling the kettle black!”.14 Hence, this is one of those websites, where you should definitely use the look past the headline advice. Of course, nobody is suggesting that everything on Listverse is bogus but, as Lord Macaulay once said, “Half knowledge is worse than ignorance.”15 The “About Section” of Listverse is very keen on letting you know how credible they are: “Listverse has been featured on CNN, BBC, PBS, Gizmodo, and in the New York Times. Our content is cited daily by hundreds of publishers and online magazines,” states the page. Yet, if you go ahead and see what the BBC, for example, actually said about Listverse in a programme aired more than 10 years ago, it is that “There is nothing scientific or official about the creation of these lists”.16 TIME is another name proudly displayed by Listverse. However, Listverse is listed at the bottom of the top 25 blogs of 2011.17 Likewise, if one clicks through the links to the rest of the big names that have been listed on the website, it becomes evident that those pages either do not mention Listverse or there is merely a fleeting mention.

To be fair to the creators of Listverse, they have added a line on one of the pages saying, “Any reliance placed on material posted on Listverse Limited website(s) is done at your own risk,”18 possibly in order to absolve themselves of any responsibility.

Conclusion The internet is a place where the prevalence of truth based on scientific and historical facts in online content varies widely. In traditional publications, the content was written and edited by established experts in the various fields. Nowadays, anyone with access to the internet can style themselves as an expert author. Therefore, it is more important than ever before to read such content with a critical eye.

Our democracy and the general social cohesion is dependent on well-informed citizens. The 2016 US election and the recent misinformation campaigns regarding the Covid-19 pandemic have once again highlighted the need for caution. Hence, it is important to educate young people and parents not to fall for some of the biggest charlatans on the internet such as Listverse and Co. and not to afford them any more credibility than they really deserve.

References 1. “Clickbait Definition &amp; Meaning.” MerriamWebster. Merriam-Webster. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ clickbait.

2. Swayne, Matt. “Clickbait Headlines Might Not Lure Readers as Much, May Confuse Ai.” Penn State University. ​Penn State News. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/ clickbait-headlines-might-not-lure-readers-muchmay-confuse-ai/.

3. “Learn about Fake News to Support Children.”

Internet Matters. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/fake-newsand-misinformation-advice-hub/learn-about-fakenews-to-support-children/.

4. “Fake News and Critical Literacy – National Literacy Trust.” Accessed November 17, 2021. https:// cdn.literacytrust.org.uk/media/documents/Fake_ news_and_critical_literacy_-_final_report.pdf.

5. “Lies, Propaganda and Fake News: A Challenge for Our Age.” BBC Future. BBC. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170301lies-propaganda-and-fake-news-a-grand-challengeof-our-age.

6. “About Listverse.” Listverse. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://listverse.com/about-listverse/.

7. Life, Forbes. “17 Reasons Why Everyone Loves Lists.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, March 31, 2014.

Accessed November 17, 2021. https://www.forbes. com/sites/forbeslifestyle/2014/03/31/17-reasons-whyeveryone-loves-lists/?sh=6449d6a6693e.

8. McKenzie, Erin, Idealog, and The Register Team.

“From Blog to Brand: Jamie Frater (Listverse).” stoppress.co.nz, January 21, 2014. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://stoppress.co.nz/news/blog-brandjamie-frater-listverse/.

9. Ibid.

10. Jamie Frater. Comments under “10 Tips for Success in Everything.” Listverse, June 19, 2021.

Accessed November 17, 2021. http://disq.us/p/ d4qw8b.

11. “Submit a List.” Listverse. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://listverse.com/submit-a-list/.

12. Listverse reviews – 1.7 stars. Sitejabber. (n.d.).

Continued on next page >>

14

Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Wonders of America, by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Al Fazl, 14-17 November 1921

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

An unparalleled example of wasteful spending Mrs Smith Wilkinson is an English woman and a resident of London. She spent 2 crore rupees [20 million] on her personal expenses within three weeks in Paris. Her dinnerware and bathtubs are all studded with jewels and pearls. She is coming to America in some days and American merchants are happy because she will spend a lot of money over here. Her servants are already present in New York to buy the best house for her and decorate it according to her taste.

Mr Wilson became a lawyer Mr Woodrow Wilson has now taken up the profession of a lawyer after eight years as President of America. The state secretary and private secretary of the presidency, who must have left at the same time, have now joined him to assist in the legal profession.

Mr Taft, who previously served as President of the country, has been appointed chief judge of the Supreme Court.

New land After so much geographical research, as if every part of the earth has been measured, still something or another comes out which is completely new. While travelling in the Antarctic Ocean, Dr Cope [‫ ]وکپ‬has discovered a new continent, rich in oil and mineral deposits. There, birds of peculiar shapes and sizes have been found.

How can wars end How can wars end when European experts are devoting all their intellectual powers day and night to the idea of inventing destructive

weapons to annihilate human lives and property. Dr Hutchinson of America has invented a cannon that soundlessly fires 14 cannon-balls which fall at a distance of three hundred miles. To date, no such cannon has been invented.

Church for animals Mr Royal Dixon has spent his life studying the wonders of animals and plants and has written several books on this subject. He has set up a new church for the protection of plant and animal rights. Its members will gather on Sundays for the said purpose and collect donations for sending their missionaries to every country.

Famine There are many Indians, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus in California who are farmers by profession. Sad news has been received from there that due to heavy rainfall, the crops have been destroyed and people are in a dire situation.

Extreme heat The weather of this country and especially of this region in which I am staying these days is many degrees colder than that of London.

It is many degrees hotter [in summer] as compared to Punjab. However, there is no hot wind and the night is relatively cooler. At the beginning of July, the temperature was between 90 °F to 100 °F. Within a month, seven people died of heatstroke in Detroit, five in Chicago and 40 in Ohio. When the heat intensifies, the wind stops and there is severe humidity and this is probably the reason why the heat becomes deadly. Both the extreme temperatures, hot or cold are not good. May Allah the Almighty keep us safe and sound in all circumstances.

Independence Day 4 July is Independence Day in America.

This is the day when, after many battles, the country finally became a completely independent state and the foundation of a democratic government was laid after separating from the British Empire. This day is called “Independence Day”. All businesses except for sports and theatres are closed on this day.

The meaning of holiday in India is that government offices and courts are closed on that day. Here [in America], all the shops are also closed on holidays so that the merchants and their employees may also celebrate. Only bakeries and tea shops are open for people to eat and drink.

On the said day, children set off fireworks which is a very scary sight. Since most of the houses are made of wood, fires start in many places. In previous years on 4 July, 35 houses caught fire in Detroit alone. The fire engines could not reach all the places on time and many lives were lost. ‫نعوذ باللہ من النار و غضب الجبار‬ [We seek refuge with Allah from the fire and the wrath of the Almighty.]

A man was “stolen” When I was in school, Persian was taught in government schools. I don’t know what is the state of the Persian language now, but at that time, a book was taught in lower primary education that had a story of a man whose donkey got stolen. When he heard about it, he went to the mosque, prostrated and started thanking Allah the Almighty.

The people asked him as to why he was being grateful. He replied, “I am grateful for the fact that when the donkey was stolen, I was not riding it, otherwise I would have been stolen as well.”

We used to laugh when reading this story

that do men also get stolen? However, not a day goes by over here without the mention of the news of one or two men being stolen [abducted] in some parts of the country. In some places, robbery takes place in the form of looting and in other parts, it is done with proper planning.

A man came to the house of a rich woman around noon and mentioned the name of her sister and said that a woman by that name accidentally fell on the road after being hit by a car and collapsed. [He told her] “Some people recognised that she was your relative and was coming to meet you. I have been sent by the police to take you by car for identification immediately.”

The woman panicked and left with him.

Several days later, it was discovered that she was in the hands of thieves who demanded millions of dollars.

Recently, a famous lecturer, whose civil [rights] speeches were against some parties has been kidnapped. 12 men came and took him from his house and put him in a motor.

His whereabouts is still unknown.

Exercise for women A London-based female doctor published that those women who did excessive exercise were not able to have children. The sportsofficer of the ministry for education here has rejected this [observation]. Her name is Dr Miss Perrin. She writes that under her supervision, girls in schools had been made to do regular exercise for a long time, and there were those among them who got married had children.

Medical treatment of a thief A woman who has children and whose husband earns a reasonable income and happily provides for her needs has been arrested three times for stealing. A doctor suggested that it was a crime that could not be treated in a prison. [He was of the view that] some of her body’s glands were undernourished and weakened, leading her to steal. The authorities have kept that woman in hospital for three months as part of a doctor’s orders. That lady’s name is Mrs Leibowitz and the said doctor’s name is EH Waghan.

[From, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq.]

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 14-17 November 1921 issue of Al Fazl) << Continued from previous page Retrieved November 17, 2021, from https://www. sitejabber.com/reviews/listverse.com.

13. McKinnon, Katrina (2021, July 26). Listverse Review: Differentiating myth from fact. Small Revolution. Retrieved November 17, 2021, from https://www.smallrevolution.com/listverse-review/.

14. M., Morris, “10 Insane Ways The Online Media Is Lying To You.” Listverse, July 26, 2015.

Accessed November 17, 2021. https://listverse. com/2015/07/26/10-insane-ways-the-online-media-islying-to-you/.

15. Forbes Magazine. (n.d.). Quotes. Forbes. Retrieved November 17, 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/ quotes/9027/.

16. Frater. “Listverse on BBC” June 30, 2010. Timestamp 0:30. https://youtu. be/9Q7Y2gyS8OM?t=30. [Accessed: 17 November 2021].

17. Time Inc. (n.d.). The Best Blogs of 2011.

Time. Retrieved November 17, 2021, from http:// content.time.com/time/specials/packages/ completelist/0,29569,2075431,00.html.

18. “About Listverse.” Listverse. Accessed November 17, 2021. https://listverse.com/about-listverse/.

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021

15

100 Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Years Signs of a prophet and deeming something Ago... haram of one's own accord Al Fazl, 14-17 November 1921 When Maulana Sarwar Shah Sahib mentioned something, Huzoor[ra] said: “Sometimes (‫ )ڑ‬instead of (‫)ر‬, for example, (��) would come out of the mouth of the Promised Messiahas instead of (��).”

Torment and advent of Prophets Addressing Hakim Ahmad Hussain Sahib Lyallpuri, Huzoor[ra] said, “Yesterday you wanted to ask some questions, what are they?” Hakim Sahib submitted, “It is mentioned in the Holy Quran:

َ َ ّٰ ۡ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما ﻛنا ُم َع ِذ ِبي َ� َﺣتی ن ۡب َعﺚ َر ُسوۡلًا‬

2 November 1921

Bai‘at Mian Sangu Sahib, a resident of Basraun, District Gurdaspur, [performed bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra].

3 November 1921

Sign of the Mahdi Maulvi Hafiz Ghulam Rasul Sahib Wazirabadi, who is a student of Hafiz Muhammad Sahib of Lakhu Ke, submitted, “One of the signs of the Mahdi that Hafiz Muhammad Sahib wrote in Ahwal-ulAkhirah is:

‫�� � اَڑ � �� �ں � � �رے‬

[When he (the Promised Mahdi) would speak, he would slightly stammer and hit his thigh with his hand.]

“A person asked me [Maulvi Hafiz Ghulam Rasul Sahib Wazirabadi] if the said was found in the Promised Messiahas. I told him that the idiom of �� � ‫ اَڑ‬is also used in Punjabi in the sense of calling a competitor in a battlefield and the Promised Messiahas had openly challenged his opponents and everyone knows that.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “This is not only the case because the said thing was also found in the Promised Messiahas in the true sense of the words as well. When the Promised Messiahas used to speak with passion, sometimes there was a slight stammer in some words and at that time his hand would also fall on his thigh.

This is the condition of our whole family that sometimes our words stammer while speaking passionately.”

“[‘We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.’]

“This verse shows that a Prophet must come before a torment. Now the question arises that who was the prophet at that time of the torment that befell the Muslims in the time of Hulagu Khan?”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “First of all, the question of what a torment is, needs to be answered. Thus, it should be understood that every kind of affliction which is sent by God is a torment.

The word torment also carries the meaning of revenge. The meanings of torment also include that punishment which comes as a result of a crime. The number of people doesn’t matter, even if a single person is punished for his crime, it is a torment for him. Hence, if the meaning of this verse is that a prophet should come at the time of every torment, then the appearance of a prophet is compulsory before any person gets punishment. However, neither this meaning is rational, nor is it practically possible. Thus, it is clearly invalid.

“We observe that around 99 per cent of the people experience torments in one way or the other. In that case, it is necessary to have that many prophets as well, [which is impossible]. Therefore, we have to draw a line in the said meaning.

“As far as the torment to a nation is concerned, then this nationwide torment cannot come unless a prophet is first sent to that nation. For example, when the Prophets came to the Israelites, because of their denial, the torment would not come only to the members of one family, but it would come to the entire party to which the Prophet was sent because of their denial. That is, the scope of the torment would encompass the group for which the prophet was sent. For instance, the advent of a prophet was for all the Israelites, so if a particular family was tormented, there was no need for a prophet.

Hence, if the prophet is sent for everyone, then the torment must come on the entire group.

“Now we look at the fact that the Holy Prophetsa is a messenger for all the nations and the prophet who will come after him will also be a prophet for the whole world

in the form of his [the Holy Prophet’ssa] embodiment and reflection. After that, if the torment comes, it will come to the whole world. If the torment befalls a country or a nation, then it will come in the category of a family or an individual and there is no need for a prophet for that. If the torment is destined to come to the whole world, then a prophet will come first because now the prophet can only be sent for the whole world.

The torment of Hulagu Khan’s time was limited to a particular circle. For instance, it came in Iraq and in another region. In comparison to the whole world, there was no need for another prophet after the Holy Prophetsa to come before that torment which befall that region. The status of that small area in comparison to the rest of the world in terms of the extent of the scope of the Prophet’s advent is the same as that of a family or an individual of the Israelites at the time when the prophets were sent to the Israelites. If such a delimitation is not made, then it must be admitted that a prophet should come before any person is punished.

“According to the said view, this is the age in which a prophet should have been sent, and in this age, as I said, the only person who can be a prophet is a prophet for the whole world. Today, we observe that the whole world is under torment. There is not one kind of suffering but torments of various kinds are befalling. There are political torments, social torments and the world is also suffering with respect to health.

The torments that come from the laws of nature are rising. For example, earthquakes and diseases are spreading and that too on a global scale. If there is a plague, then it too has spread its wings everywhere and there are outbreaks of fevers. Hence, there is no limit to these epidemics, disasters and calamities.”

Hakim Sahib asked, “Was this the condition of the world in the time of the Holy Prophetsa as well?” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Yes, the Holy Quran testifies:

ۡ ۡ ۡ ُ َ َۡ َ​َ​َ ‫اد فِی ال� َ ّرِ َو ال َب� ِر‬ ‫ﻇهر الفس‬

“[‘Corruption has appeared on land and sea’], i.e., there was worldwide torment.”

Hakim Sahib submitted that the Promised Messiahas had interpreted this verse as religious and spiritual downfall.

Huzoor[ra] said: “That is also true, but even the apparent condition of the world was also bad. The Europeans say that the reason for the success of the Holy Prophetsa was that there was a need for a reformer at that time and the Holy Prophetsa just made a claim and the people accepted him.

The difference between forbidding something for yourself and saying something is haram [unlawful] for you

Hakim Sahib asked the second question, “At one place in the Holy Quran, [Allah the Almighty] said:

َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ّٰ َّ َ َ ۤ َ ُ ّ َ ُ َ ُّ َّ َ ُّ َ � � ‫اجك‬ ِ ‫يايها الن ِبی ل ِم ت� ِرم ما اﺣل الله لك � تبت ِغی مرضات ازو‬

“‘O Prophet! why dost thou forbid thyself that which Allah has made lawful to thee. Thou seekest the pleasure of thy wives?’ (Surah al-Tahrim, Ch.66: V.1) “And at another place, Allah the Almighty says:

َ ۡ ُ َ َۡ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫َو لَا تقوۡلوۡا ل َِما ت ِص ُﻒ ال ِسن ُتك ُم الك ِذ َب ٰهذا َﺣ ٰل ٌل ّو ٰهذا َ� َر ٌام‬

“‘And say not – because of the falsehood which your tongues utter – This is lawful, and this is unlawful.’ (Surah al-Nahl, Ch.14: V.117) “In the presence of the latter verse, why did the Holy Prophetsa do contrary to it?”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Haram has two meanings. One is that something is haram according to the Shariah [divine law] and the other is that a person restrains himself from something.

“The Holy Prophetsa stopped eating honey because his wives did not like its smell. However, he did not forbid others.

This is mentioned in the first verse.

Something else is mentioned in the second verse. It forbids those who formulate their own Shariah and tell others that such and such things are haram and other things are halal [lawful]. However, God Almighty had not told them anything about it. Thus, the act of the Holy Prophetsa cannot come under the said prohibition. On the other hand, God Almighty did not even like the said action of the Holy Prophetsa and that he may carry on doing that. One may not eat anything for as long as he wants, but it is not right to forbid anything for yourself forever, as it is possible that due to certain reasons, it becomes necessary for him to eat that thing, but he would not be able to eat that thing because of the said commitment. Thus, He [God] said that such vows are not valid because the previous Shariah did not take into account the complete aspects of rationality and nature, but was in accordance to the need of the time. Now, the aspects of reason and nature have been perfected in the Shariah of Islam. Therefore, God Almighty did not even like that [the Holy Prophetsa forbade something for himself].”

Huzoor[ra] said: “Whatever Prophet Jacobas had forbidden for himself was due to the fact that he was distressed by it, but the act of the Holy Prophetsa was based on morality because he did it out of concern for the suffering of others. However, God Almighty said that that too was not right.”

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

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Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

The Simon Commission, First Round Table Conference and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s valuable guidance

First round table conference, November 1930 to January 1931, London

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

The late 1920s witnessed huge political turmoil and uncertainty in British India, and when the Simon Commission published its two-volume report in 1930, the British government called a series of conferences to discuss the future of India. The Viceroy of India had stated that the solution for India’s political problems would heavily rely on the Simon Commission’s report.

When the First Round Table Conference was announced to be held from November 1930 to January 1931, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote an article on 23 June 1930, just a night before the publication of the second volume of the Simon Commission Report. In this article, Huzoorra gave valuable guidance to the British government and Indian Muslims.

Huzoorra then wrote another article to be sent to England for the conference, in which he gave a detailed analysis on the Simon Commission Report, and presented his view of what steps the British government should take going forward.

Before going into the details of these two articles, it is important to give a short background of the Simon Commission.

Under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reform Scheme of 1918, the British government had decided that after 10 years, a commission would be sent to India to examine the effects and operations of the constitutional reforms and to suggest more reforms for India. Towards the end of 1927, a commission was announced to be sent whose president was Sir John Allsebrook Simon. This is commonly known as the

Simon Commission.

As the commission had no Indian member, Congress and other political parties boycotted it. Even some prominent Muslim leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Ali Jauhar held the same opinion.

On this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote a booklet on 8 December 1927, titled Musalmanan-e-Hind ke Imtehan ka Waqt (A Time of Trial for the Indian Muslims), wherein he advised Muslims that the boycott would be more detrimental for Muslims, compared to the Hindus.

Huzoorra said that since the Reform Scheme had been approved, Hindu leaders knew that India’s future was linked to the British; thus, they often visited England to meet with prominent Englishmen and speak about Hindu interests. Huzoorra said that they had won the British over and convinced them of their views. But the Muslims had not paid any attention to this matter.

Huzoorra added that if the commission was boycotted, then its report would be based on the previous information provided to them by the Hindus – which would not be entirely accurate. For this reason, it was essential that Muslims had an input and not boycotted the commission.

(Musalmanan-e-Hind ke Imtehan ka Waqt, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 10, pp. 37-55) The Muslim members of the Simon Commission’s Punjab Committee had agreed on the suggestion that the Punjab Council should have 83 Muslim members out of the total 165, though Muslims deserved a 55% share. Huzoorra wrote an article in which he expressed his concerns

over this agreement. This article was published in Al Fazl, 30 August 1929.

In May 1930, the Simon Commission had published the first volume of its report, and the second volume was expected to be published towards the end of June 1930.

While there were several speculations going on, Huzoorra wrote an article titled Gol Maiz Conference Aur Musalmanon Ki Numaindagi on 23 June 1930, in which he said: “I am writing this article on the night between Monday [23 June] and Tuesday [24 June]. By this time, the newspapers would have received the second volume of the Simon Commission Report […] There is only one night in between, but this is such a delicate matter that I do not consider it right to wait for even one night. By the time my article will reach the people, the report would have been published, and possibly an uproar would have erupted within the country.

“But I say that even if the [second volume of the] Simon Commission Report is against us [Muslims], we must understand that the reason behind the demand for the round table conference was that in view of the people of India, the report of this commission was not acceptable as per the country’s perspective.

So if the [second volume of the] report is against our expectations, then it will only endorse the viewpoint of the people of India […].” (Gol Maiz Conference Aur Musalmanon Ki Numaindgi, Al Fazl, 28 June 1930, p. 3) Huzoorra said that in case the second volume of the report was against the expectations, it would actually increase the importance of the Round Table Conference.

Huzoorra added that in such a situation, the need for the correct representation of Muslims increased more than ever before, because if our viewpoint was not presented correctly and the decision was against us, then nothing would remain in the hand of Muslims. Huzoorra also advised the Muslims to be united in the ongoing situation.

Huzoorra advised the government that the people of India should be given the right of selecting their representatives for this conference, instead of the government choosing. He then suggested a formula as to how the representatives should be selected from India.

Further, Huzoorra stated that this was the time for the All Muslim Parties Conference to play its role.

After this article, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra wrote another article titled Hindustan ke Maujuda Siyasi Masla ka Hal (The Solution to the Political Problems of India) and sent it to England for the First Round Table Conference. In this article, a detailed analysis of the Simon

Commission’s report was presented, and the validity of the Muslims’ demands and rights was addressed.

In its preface, Huzoorra wrote: “As a religious person, I do not have that much relation with the country’s politics as compared to those who are indulged in these works day and night, but I have an equal responsibility to establish reconciliation and peace.” (Hindustan ke Maujuda Siyasi Masla ka Hal, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 11, p. 246) While addressing the British government’s officers, Huzoorra said that they had a huge responsibility, and God Almighty had given them an amanat – duty – which they needed to fulfil in the best manner.

Huzoorra continued: “Materialistic advancement has weakened faith in God Almighty, and even those who believe in Him also consider Him merely as ‘an unrelated observer Who does not have any interest in this world’s happenings’. But this is not correct […]

The God Who created this world, cannot remain neglectful about its betterment.

“You [the English officials] may laugh or consider me unwise for mentioning this [aspect] in this political matter, but the truth is that one day, everyone will be answerable to Him […] If you carry out the work with justice, and even some of your countrymen abuse you and call you traitors, a day will come when not only your own progeny but also the people of the whole world will call your names with respect.” (Hindustan ke Maujuda Siyasi Masla ka Hal, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 11, pp. 246-247) While advising the people of India, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “Similarly, I advise my countrymen to remove the grudge and prejudice from their hearts […] The [current] happenings are indicating that the time has come for India’s independence.” (Ibid, p. 247) Huzoorra said that undoubtedly, during the Round Table Conference, the Simon Commission’s report would get the most importance, and the same report would influence the views of the representatives.

Huzoorra said that this report was not that bad as depicted in the print media, and after reading it closely, one finds that there were many positive and negative aspects too.

Huzoorra addressed a point in the Simon Commission’s report which said that a Western-style constitution or the concept of responsible government couldn’t be implemented in India. Huzoorra stated that it was true that India couldn’t completely copy the English constitution, but it could form a new system in light of that constitution as per its needs.

Huzoorra spoke about the speech of Edwin Samuel Montagu, Secretary of State for India, delivered on 20 August 1917, in the House of Commons, in which he said: “The policy of His Majesty’s Government […] is that of […] gradual development of self-governing institutions with a view to the progressive realisation of responsible government in India as an integral part of the British Empire.” (House of Commons Debates, Vol. 97, cc. 1695-97 [20 August 1917]) Huzoorra said that these words were also added in the foreword of the Government

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021 of India Act 1919.

Huzoorra said that it showed the British government wanted to bring a governmental system in which different parts of India would be granted the right of self-governance, and India as a whole would get the Responsible Government. It was a promise from which England could not backtrack morally.

While commenting on a question over whether India politically deserved independence, Huzoorra said two core reasons proved India deserved complete independence: Past service to British India and capability. Huzoorra said Indians provided soldiers and served the British Empire in fighting for them during World War I. With regard to its capability, Huzoorra said it was wrong to consider the Indians undeserving just because they were not as educated, compared to Europeans, at the time. Indians might have been unable to govern other countries, but they were certainly capable of governing their own country.

Further, Huzoorra mentioned the discrimination and oppression faced by the Muslims from the Hindus. He stated: “The [level of] discrimination by the Hindus has reached such an extent that now they do not even rent a house to the Muslims […] This segregation is not only limited to the houses, but also in the matters of properties as well, and organised efforts are being made to snatch the properties from the Muslims and bring them under the occupation of Hindus […] Their main purpose of [illegally] occupying the properties is not to attain financial benefit, instead it is to weaken the Muslims.

“Segregation is continuing in governmental jobs as well. Full efforts are exerted so that the Muslims cannot get their valid rights. All departments are full of Hindus. It is said that the Muslims are not available, but in reality, they are neglected by declaring them incompetent. When the Muslims apply [for a job], their application is ripped, and they are told that there is no vacancy.” (Hindustan ke Maujuda Siyasi Masla ka Hal, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 11, pp.

287-289) Huzoorra added that in some Hindumajority states, the preaching of Islam was prohibited in such a way that a law was passed that for a Hindu to change their religion, they needed to go to the court, but there was no such condition for a Muslim to accept Hinduism. If a Hindu wanted to accept Islam, he would be interrogated and asked to tell the names of those Muslims who preached to them.

Huzoorra said that the rights demanded by the minorities of India were not against the constitutional rights which had been accepted in different “civilised” countries.

Thus, such demands could not be neglected, instead they needed to be included in the future constitution of India.

After this, Huzoorra elaborated on the future constitution of India. He said that the protection of the rights of minorities and provinces must be kept in mind while drafting the future constitution. The Simon Commission had suggested a federal system of government in India, and considering the circumstances of India, this was the most suitable suggestion.

Huzoorra elaborated:

“India is not a country, but a merger of ‘countries’ in which the feeling of nationalism is gradually developing amongst its citizens. But this feeling is not yet strong enough to bear the foundations of a unitary government. Secondly, its language is not the same. The provinces have different languages, so much so that different languages are spoken in different parts of the same province.” (Hindustan ke Maujuda Siyasi Masla ka Hal, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 11, p. 343) Huzoorra added that a question arose as to what extent the Simon Commission wished to give Indians a federal-style government. In this regard, Huzoorra said, its proposals were very ambiguous.

Huzoorra then commented on the point of separate electorates. He stated that this question had become the most important one during the ongoing politics of India.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said the Simon Commission had not considered the reality that both separate electorates and joint electorates had varying effects in different circumstances. Under the current circumstances, the right of separate electorates should have been given, but for a limited time period of around 25 years.

The Simon Commission had stated in its report that in India, one of the reasons behind the number of women being less than men was the purdah (veil) which impacted women’s health and eventually they died. After presenting some facts, Huzoorra said: “It should be remembered that the [concept of] purdah had continued from the inception of Islam. Despite this, Muslim women had been partaking in all types of governmental works. Muslim women had been the rulers, worked in armies as well, had been appointed at the office of qaza and served as professors.

And those purdah-abiding women were able to carry out these types of difficult and intellectually taxing works at a time when the non-purdah-abiding women of other nations were unable to compete with them in health and knowledge. Thus, we come to know that there are some other reasons behind the weakness and ignorance of the current era’s Muslim women […]

“In short, purdah is an Islamic commandment. It is a separate matter if some Muslims deny or stop acting on this [commandment] under European influence, but there is no doubt of [purdah] being an Islamic commandment […]

“I also wish to make it clear that I am not amongst those who oppose the advancement of women; instead, religiously, I consider them equally deserving of spiritual, intellectual and moral advancement, just like men.”

(Hindustan ke Maujuda Siyasi Masla ka Hal, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 11, pp. 417-419) Huzoorra also commented on the proposed judiciary system, and outlined valuable guidance for matters such as the appointment of judges.

At the end, while addressing the representatives of the Round Table Conference, members of parliament and other dignitaries, Huzoorra stated that they ought to fulfil their responsibility without any kind of prejudice or discrimination, so that the future generations would remember them in good words.

17

100 Years Ago...

Mufti Sahib’s advice to the Muhammadans in America

The Moslem Sunrise, October 1921 Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) Dear Brothren in Islam! Assalam-o-alaikum.

There are many Muhammadans in this country who come from Syria, Palestine, Albania, Servia, Bosnia, Turkey, Kurdistan and India. Their exact number is yet unknown but they are in thousands. This epistle is addressed to all of them.

I beg to be excused to say that in the majority of cases you are Moslems in name only – Islam not playing practical part in your every-day life. Nay, even your names are generally no more Moslem because you have adopted American names. These are the days of trouble for you. The Moslems are being disturbed and dispersed everywhere.

The United States is a very good country for you to live in. I wish millions of Moslems to come over here, settle in this land, make it their home and enjoy the privileges of the citizenship in this free, fertile and rich land.

But I must advise you: 1. To keep and preserve your Islam with you wherever you go – “Keep your faith always above the world.”

2. Retain your Moslem names – Muhammad, Ahmad, Ali, and so forth, and do not become Sams, Georges, James, Mikes, etc.

3. Say your five prayers daily in mosques and in your homes. If you do not find time and opportunity to keep the regular times, say them together – but never let a day pass without your prayers.

4. Never forget that Arabic is the one common language of all Moslems. Try to learn it, read and write it. Teach Arabic to your children and make the habit of speaking it at home. Learn the English language thoroughly as this will be a great help in understanding the people and becoming good citizens.

5. To marry the Christians or Jewish girls is lawful according to our religion, even if they remain in their own faith, but try your best to prove to them by kind treatment, love and your practical clean and pure life that Islam is the true religion from God for the welfare and prosperity of humanity.

6. Be careful to bring up your children to become good Moslems – lest they remain ignorant, and mixing up with the surrounding influences become lost in other religions. That will be a great sin for you.

7. Islam prohibits usury and interest. Its taking is so forbidden as is its giving. But when you put your money in banks in this country, take the portion of your interest (which they give you as their own rule) and then spend it in propagation of Islam; for example, in printing a book on Islam, which should be distributed free among the

American Christians and thus their money will go back to them in a better form.

8. Build a mosque in every town to worship one God, however small and simple it be, but [there] must be one. If you cannot build a mosque, then fix up a room in the house of one of you to meet there every day, to say prayers together, read the Quran and tradition and talk on religious subjects.

9. Make it an object of your life to promulgate Islam; to tell others that Islam is a true religion: to prove the truth of Islam by a true sincere, sympathetic and kind treatment to all. Win the American souls to Islam and this will be a great achievement.

10. God is the best Protector of Islam in all ages. Always follow His directions. In these days, He has raised a great Reformer to help the cause of Islam – “Ahmad,” the Promised Messiah and Mehdi. Join his fold in the Ahmadia Movement to be blessed by the Creator and the Provider – Allah-oAkbar.

[Readers should bear in mind that the above guidelines were given by Hazrat Mufti Sahibra in 1921 to the people of America while serving as a missionary there. Since then, through the system of Khilafat, we have been given ample direction in this regard – how to give precedence to Islam over everything worldly, especially while living in the Westernised world we see today. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, has given us guidance on these issues many times and his instructions should be referred to when seeking direction on how to best live our lives as Ahmadi Muslims in the modern day – Editor Al Hakam] (Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Moslem Sunrise, October 1921)

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Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 What Islam offers to the New World in the Years midst of Christian influence: A glance at the Ago...

October 1921 issue of “The Moslem World” The Review of Religions [English], November 1921

Samuel Marinus Zwemer (1867-1952) was an American missionary and a scholar, who was well-known for his preaching of Christianity in Muslim countries and was thus nicknamed “The Apostle to Islam”. He wrote several books and started a magazine, “The Moslem World”.

In 1924, SM Zwemer along with his two associates, Dr Murray T Titus (who was then in-charge of the Christian mission in Moradabad district) and Dr David Reed Gordon (who was a missionary doctor in Gurdaspur), came to Qadian and also met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, the then head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. (Editor, Al Hakam) The Rev. SM Zwemer leads with his editorial “The Sword or the Cross” and follows Mr Margoliouth’s “Historical Consideration of the Caliphate” with his leading article “The Illiterate Prophet” whose detailed examination we leave to some future number of this review.

In fact, these are the only two articles that we shall briefly touch upon here. By what stretch of imagination has the reverend gentleman hit upon the association of sword with Islam we are not in a position to judge for nowhere does the Holy Quran lay it down that Islam is to be spread at the point of sword. On the other hand, we have a clear injunction that in the matters of faith, no compulsion of any sort wasۡ to be ۡ ّ َ َّ َ َّ ۡ َ ۡ ّ َۡ َ َۤ resorted to. ‫الرُﺷ ُد ِم َن الغ ِ ّی‬ �‫الدي ِن � قد تبي‬ ِ ‫ لا ِاك َراه فِی‬i.e., there is no compulsion in religion inasmuch as that right from wrong has clearly been demonstrated.

Can the reverend gentleman cite a single saying of Jesus wherein he might have prohibited the use of sword in the propagation of truth? Nay, we know it that once he even prepared for a holy war for he issued the injunction that those of his disciples who had no swords should sell their garments and buy one (vide Luke 22:36). Again he says that his ministry was not that of peace but of sword for he lays it down that he did not come to send peace but a sword (vide Matt. 10:34.) In the face of such clear ordinances of Jesus and practical application of the same by the pious Christians throughout the centuries dating from the remote times preceding even the accession of Constantine down to present day, especially during the days of the crusades that were so zealously and fervently preached by the Church of all these ages not excluding our own, is it not really strange to hear a wolf bleating a docile and gentle lamb? Yet bleat he ever so lowly, we are sure to catch him even in his subdued tones for he is no other but the old wolf who under feigned humility and humbleness is really biding his time to pounce upon the fold and take the sheep unawares.

Above are the first pages of the two articles mentioned in the response presented here, which The Review of Religions wrote in 1921

How insinuating are the words of this lamb of Christ may be judged from the following words of his editorial? Says he, “Western politics and statesmanship have never shown such timidity, such superdread of offending any religion as in the case of Islam. This too is an ominous sign on the future horizon. Therefore, we do not put our trust in politics.” That means that the Rev. SM Zwemer is not satisfied with the conquests of the cross and he wants a bold, forward and aggressive policy on the part of the great Christian powers against what is left of the Islamic states. No dove could have cooed more softly, yet no more sinister cooing could be heard anywhere.

We inform him that great though the tribulation be that Islam is passing through, yet we are not out of hope. It has outlived many such calamities and shone out with a brighter light than ever. Has not the messenger of God, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, [peace be upon him], the harbinger of glad tidings given us the gleam of hope that bright days are ahead, if we can only live up to the teachings of Islam? Our trust is not then in the sword, for it is not Islam and if ever the Moslems were permitted to take it up even in selfdefence, even that we have to discard now at the bidding of the Prophet of our own day, for was he not enjoined by the Holy Prophet Mohammad, peace be with him, to forego it once for all? Neither do we have any faith in cross, for it is a mere chip of wood that we have to break rather than revere and use as

a fuel rather than worship, for we are not to associate aught with God. Our trust then is in Him and Him alone.

We now come to the leading article of the issue, “The Illiterate Prophet”. Here we have an instance of a misdirected energy on the part of one whom religious bigotry and prejudice has blinded. He does not know what he is really driving at. He thinks that, “The Mohammadans emphasise the illiteracy of the Prophet to bolster up their theory of the Koran as a miracle.”

We are really at a loss to account for the contradictory statements the reverend gentleman makes in one and the same breath.

In the same article, he cites the authority of notable Mohammadans including even the companions of the Prophet, peace be with him, as well as notable writers of the later times who in spite of the fact they do not believe in the utter illiteracy of their Prophet, peace be with him, all very reverently uphold and declare the miracle of the Quran. Yet he thinks that the Moslems only emphasise this doctrine in order to establish the miraculous nature of the Holy Quran. Knowing all the time that in spite of differences of opinion, Muhammadans all down the thirteen centuries that have elapsed since the Quran was first promulgated have scrupulously adhered to the miraculous character of the book, this learned Christian ought to have known better. Does he not say himself that illustrious Moslems have held different opinions? Then how could Moslems base the miraculous character of their Holy Book

on such an hypothesis.

Even if we were to accept all his inferences that Mohammad, peace be with him, must have known reading and writing on account of his frequently coming in contact with the learned people in his boyhood, youth and upwards and admitting the internal evidence that he tries to induce, rather manipulate, what Moslem writers have themselves educed, we are face to face with the fact that there was the man without any regular coaching and as to whose ability to read, write or decipher, there is a difference of opinion even among the authorities and that if he ever read and wrote at all, that was too meagre to produce a masterpiece in literature, in ethics and in the sublimity and purity of thought.

The miraculous character of the Holy Quran lies in its being a perfect code of law to guide all shades of opinion in all times to come. Its uniqueness consists in the sublimity and perfectness of its spiritual teaching. In a word its matchlessness consists in the fact that it is a living book, that through all ages it promises to establish right relation between the Creator, and His creation, that in every age its perfect follower sees in himself that wonderful transformation that makes him the recipient of divine revelation and the living model and exemplar of the divine law. Such men are the living exemplars of Islam and what the other books only talk about in the stories of the past, they embody in themselves in every age. God speaks to them and reveals to them His will as He did of yore and by their examples and purity of lives, they people establish the right relation between man and God. Even this age could not be without its exemplar, in fact, one of the greatest reformers the world has ever seen, far greater than Jesus of Nazareth whom the missionary tries to extol so much at the expense of far better men than himself.

A detailed examination of this article as we have already stated we leave to some future issue of this magazine.

Before we take this cursory glance off “The Moslem World”, it would not be out of place to say one or two words about the concluding sentences of Dr Margoliouth in his “Caliphate Historically Considered”.

He says, “If Western civilisation means anything, it means that no man may be subjected to disabilities because of the creed which he professes or adopts; Islam by its maxims subjects those who do not profess it to disabilities and those who abandon it to outlawry.” We are not concerned with the first part of the statement for it is beyond our province to dabble in politics, yet we know this much that what Western civilisation stands for is due not to Christianity but in spite of it, for does not history tell us that it was the church that always stood in the way Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021

Opinion

19

Fostering empathy, maintaining friendships and avoiding jealousy

Sophia Rajpoot Primary School Teacher, Calgary, Canada

“Speak a good word, or remain silent”.

(Sahih al-Bukhari) From a young age, we were told phrases like, “Be kind”, “Say sorry”, and, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. Many in society do not fully grasp the importance and complexity behind showing compassion and empathy to fellow human beings.

If you take the time to analyse your life and really think about the friendships you have had, I’m sure you would be able to think of some people who have hurt you. It is not uncommon to be hurt by the words and actions of others, especially by those who you once called your friends.

Islam is a religion that truly emphasises the importance of not just being kind but being a good friend. Having empathy is not just about not being a bully – it’s about being a good person. It’s about not backbiting, not degrading others, not judging and not seeing others as competition or a threat.

It’s about treating people the same way you would want to be treated.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reiterated the words of the Promised Messiahas, during his closing address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021: “[…] when someone makes an oath of friendship with me, I cannot sever ties with him no matter what happens. Therefore, friendship is a very precious jewel that must be appreciated and valued.” (www. reviewofreligions.org/33449/address-atthe-final-session-of-jalsa-salana-uk-2021fulfilling-the-rights-of-others-officialsummary/).

He advised that friendship established for the sake of Allah was a true, lasting friendship and that true friendship was a strong bond between two people and to honour the rights of friends. Developing a true friendship takes empathy, understanding and loyalty.

So why is it then that despite being taught this from a young age, and it being constantly reiterated to us throughout our << Continued from previous page

of progress and reform and that science and invention were always banned by it and that the abolition of slavery in the beginning of the nineteenth century was as vehemently opposed by it as it is strongly protesting at present against the prohibition of drink?

Whatever be the Western civilisation, it is not Christianity.

As to the second part of his statement, as he has not adduced anything in support of it and which is a mere wild assertion, all that we have to say is that it is a pure invention. If by these disabilities he means the capitation tax and the Dzimmies, then in fairness it must be admitted that the learned doctor is purposely tying to hoodwink his readers.

Capitation tax was only levied in lieu of the

lives, we still encounter people who were once our friends now gossip about us, betray our friendships and overall try to put us down. The answer is quite simple, it is because once we become adults we begin to prioritise climbing the social ladder of “acceptance” and “status”. While climbing this ladder, we forget what it means to be a good friend to the people we care about. The friend we used to once care for is now our competition.

The Holy Quran states in chapter 49, Surah al-Hujurat, verse 12: “O ye who believe! let not one people deride [another] people, who may be better than they, nor let women [deride other] women, who may be better than they.

And defame not your own people, nor call one [another] by nicknames.

Bad [indeed] is evil reputation after [the profession] of belief; and those who repent not are the wrongdoers.”

The words of the Holy Quran are always true and relevant, as they are the direct words from God Almighty. The phenomena of gossiping seems to be more prevalent these days. People of today tend to focus on who has the best clothes, best job, best children, best lifestyle etc. And instead of wanting to better themselves for Allah the Almighty and for the sake of staying on His path, people tend to be more driven to better themselves for the sake of being better than the others.

As women (and for men), instead of being competitive with one another regarding social status, we should strive and “vie, then, with one another in good works”. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.149) Perhaps, jealousy may be the driving factor in what steers us away from being compassionate. Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Beware of the fire of jealousy, because it

consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood and straw.” (Sunan Abi Dawood) Jealousy is not only a major sin in Islam but a powerful emotion that can rid one of their goodness. Prophet Muhammadsa was asked, “Who are the best people?” He replied, “The one with a clean heart and truthful tongue.” He was asked that a truthful tongue was understandable but what did a clean heart mean? Prophet Muhammadsa answered, “It is the heart of one that is pious, pure, and is free of sin, transgressions, hatred and jealous.” (Ibn Majah) As women, we are so capable of being peacemakers; therefore, it is crucial that we strive to “be amongst those women and girls who light up the world through their sincerity and morality”, as Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said in the 40th Lajna Imaillah Ijtema UK. (www.pressahmadiyya. com/press-releases/2018/10/headahmadiyya-muslim-community-concludes40th-lajna-imaillah-ijtema-uk-inspiringaddress/) Western culture has also begun to understand the importance of teaching kindness and unity amongst people. I am a second grade teacher, and in the last few decades, teaching empathy and kindness to students has been prioritised.

Educators used to say “I don’t need to teach compassion as that is common sense”, or, “I have so much other material to teach so I don’t have the time to teach kindness”. This shift in this particular teaching philosophy has occurred because now researchers have discovered that empathy has been directly correlated to intelligence and academic success. (Romanelli et al, 2006, www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1636947/) Empathy isn’t just about hugs, pats on the back and being friends with everyone.

It is a skill that can make young people more productive in work environments

that require cooperation, and in a global economy that becomes more complex with each passing day. It is what turns today’s students into future leaders and peaceful citizens. (www.forbes.com/sites/ ashoka/2012/09/26/why-we-should-teachempathy-to-improve-education-and-testscores/?sh=41a1d24427c4) Therefore, teachers have now prioritised instilling kindness and being just within their students not only because it fosters a peaceful classroom environment; but it also ensures that students develop openmindedness, self-reflectiveness and critical thinking skills. These things all would in turn help students become more emotionally and academically intelligent. Fostering a peaceful community amongst students will translate over into their everyday lives as adults.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa states: “At times, emotional hurt is much greater than any physical wound and everyone should be mindful of this to maintain societal peace. We should be careful about what we say to each other.” (www.alislam. org/friday-sermon/2016-01-29.html) Islam has always emphasised the importance of being good to others. Not only does it instil societal peace, but it is also a great act of worship to God Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas once said: “To love mankind and to show compassion to others is an immense form of worship to God Almighty and an outstanding means of attaining his pleasure and rewards”. (www.alislam.org/articles/ should-islam-really-be-feared/) In closing, I will leave you with a quote from an Urdu poet, Khwaja Mir Dard, who wrote: “Mankind was created to develop compassion for one another; Otherwise Angels were enough to fulfil obedience to God Almighty”.

Therefore, being fully obedient to God also requires that we show compassion and fairness to others. Indeed, “God has no mercy for him who has no mercy for his fellows.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

military service for all Moslems were liable to conscription and forced enlistment in case the safety of the realm required it, but be it remembered that those of the Dzimmies who preferred enlistment to the payment of this tax were free to do that and in that case no capitation tax was levied from them.

Does the learned doctor mean then that the defence of the realm should fall on the shoulders of one section of the population while the major section was to go scot-free, yet enjoying all the advantages from the personal sacrifices of the minor section? But the learned doctor forgets the astounding fact that the capitation tax was nothing as compared with the legal alms or the Dzkat [Zakat] that every Moslem had to pay to the treasury in addition to his personal

sacrifices. Nay, in certain exigencies the Moslems had to forego all that they had so that the Dzimmies their special objects of protection should not suffer.

But we know that the old and deepseated prejudice against Islam will not allow these gentry to look facts squarely in the face. They shut their eyes to these facts and they shout and cry hoarse over the so-called disabilities imposed by Islam. We wonder whether Western civilisation could over establish that fraternity and equality which Islam did among its followers. Western Europe and Western Civilisation has still to show that colour and accident of birth are no obstacles in the way of a man’s advancement, whether it be temporal or spiritual, religious or secular. Europe has still to learn that all

men are equal not only in the sight of God but in the sight of men too.

Colour, race, and creed were never a stemming block even in the temporally less civilised Moslem States. Non-Moslems could rise and reach the highest offices in state. He talks of Islamic disabilities which exist only in his heat oppressed brain, but let him clear his own conscience of what Christianity and Europe has to say in regard to the disabilities of race, colour, creed and sex that are a blot on the fair name of Western polity. Let him first take off the beam in his own eye before he points the mote in another’s.

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

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Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 29 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: Hazrat Umarra was among those to whom the Holy Prophetsa gave the glad tidings of Paradise. Hazrat Abu Musara relates: “I was with the Holy Prophetsa in one of the orchards in Medina. During this time, an individual approached and asked for the gate to be opened. The Holy Prophetsa told me to open the gate for him and to give him the glad tidings of Paradise. I opened the gate for this individual and saw that it was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. I gave him the glad tidings, which the Holy Prophetsa told me to convey to him. Hazrat Abu Bakrra said ‘Alhamdulillah’ [All praise belongs to Allah] in reply.

“Then, another individual approached and asked for the gate to be opened. The Holy Prophetsa again told me to open the gate for him and to give him the glad tidings of Paradise. I opened the gate for this individual and saw that it was Hazrat Umarra.

I conveyed to him what the Holy Prophetsa had said and he replied, ‘Alhamdulillah.’

“Following this, another individual came and asked for the gate to be opened.

The Holy Prophetsa told me to open the gate for him and to give him the glad tidings of Paradise as well, despite the hardship that would befall him. [I opened the gate for him] and saw that it was Hazrat Uthmanra.

I conveyed to him what the Holy Prophetsa had said and he too said ‘Alhamdulillah’ in response and added, ‘We can only seek help from Allah in order to be safeguarded from the hardships.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Umarra bin al-Khattab, Hadith 3693)

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf relates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Abu Bakr shall enter Paradise, Umar shall enter Paradise, Uthman shall enter Paradise” – the Holy Prophetsa said this in relation to ten individuals – “Ali shall enter Paradise, Talha shall enter Paradise, Zubair shall enter Paradise, Abdur Rahman bin Auf shall enter Paradise, Saad bin Abi Waqas shall enter Paradise, Saeed bin Zaid shall enter Paradise and Abu Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah shall enter Paradise.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Manaqib Abd al-Rahman bin Auf, Hadith 3747)

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra has related that they were once in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophetsa said, “I was asleep and saw myself in Paradise. There, I saw a lady performing ablution near a palace. I asked who this palace belonged to.

People replied that it belonged to Umar bin al-Khattab. I was considerate of his feelings and thus returned.” Hazrat Umarra was sitting there as well and when he heard this,

before you, there were individuals with whom Allah spoke, even though they were not prophets. If there is someone like this among my ummah, it is Umar.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Umarra bin al-Khattab, Hadith 3689)

he started to cry and submitted, “O Prophetsa of Allah! Would I ever feel jealousy towards you in any way? Why did you return from there, you should have granted me your blessings.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Bad‘ al-Khalq, Bab ma Ja‘a fi Sifat al-Jannah wa annaha Makhluq, Hadith 3242)

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira relates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “If anyone from among the illiyyeen [those who dwell in the highest ranks of Paradise] would cast their glance upon the people of Paradise, then Paradise would become illumined owing to their countenance, as if it were a glowing star.

Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar are among them as well and how excellent are both these individuals!” (Sunan Abi Dawud,

Kitab al-Huruf al-Qira‘at, Hadith 3987)

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud relates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “One of the dwellers of Paradise is approaching you.” And we saw that it was Hazrat Abu Bakrra that was coming. The Holy Prophetsa again said, “One of the dwellers of Paradise is approaching you.”

And we saw that Hazrat Umarra was coming.

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab Akhbaruh ‘an Rajul min Ahl al-Jannah fa Atla’a Umarra, Hadith 3694)

Similarly, it is related by Hazrat Anas that the Hoy Prophetsa once stated in relation to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra, “Abu Bakr and Umar are the chiefs of the first ones and the last ones amongst the chiefs of the elders of Paradise, with the exception of the Prophets and Messengers.” ra

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, bab Iqtadu bi alladhina min Ba’di, Hadith 3664)

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Umar bin al-Khattab is like a lamp for the people of Paradise.”

(Imam Isfahani, Hulyat al-Awliya, Vol. 6, Riwayah 8950 [Maktabat al-Iman al-Mansurah, 2007], p. 309)

Another narration of the Holy Prophetsa, with regard to the status of Hazrat Umarra, is as follows. Hazrat Uqbah bin Amirra relates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “If there were to be a prophet after me, it would most certainly be Umar bin al-Khattab” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab Law Kana Nabiyy Ba’di la Kana Umarra, Hadith 3686). That is, if there

were to be a prophet immediately after the Holy Prophetsa [it would have been Hazrat Umarra], otherwise the Holy Prophetsa has himself declared the Messiah and Mahdi to come as the “Prophet of Allah”. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan, Bab Dhikr al-Dajjal wa Sifatih wa ma ma’ah, Hadith 7373)

With regard to the Holy Prophetsa calling Hazrat Umarra a muhaddath, Hazrat Aishara relates,“The Holy Prophetsa said that there were most certainly muhaddatheen in the previous nations and if there is a muhaddath in my nation then it is Umar bin al-Khattab.”

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Qad Kana Yakunu fi al-Umam Muhaddathun, Hadith 7693)

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa stated: “The nations before you had people among them who were muhaddath and if there is anyone to attain this rank in my ummah, it is Umar.”

Muhaddath are those who are recipients of frequent divine discourse and visions.

The Holy Prophetsa then stated: “Among the Bani Israel who came

The Promised Messiahas states: “God Almighty always uses metaphors and grants one the name of another based on the similarity they possess in their nature, attributes and faculties. Those in the sight of God Almighty who possess the heart of Abrahamas, will be deemed as Abraham in the sight of God Almighty. Those who possess the heart of Umar Farooqra will be deemed as Umar Farooqra in the sight of God Almighty.

“Do you not read the hadith that ‘if there is any muhaddath in this ummah with whom Allah the Almighty speaks, it is Umar’?

Does this hadith mean that there will be no muhaddath after Hazrat Umarra? Certainly not. In fact, this hadith means that when the need for a muhaddath arises, then one who possesses a similar spiritual condition to that of Umarra will become the muhaddath.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “This humble one once received a revelation: ٌ َ ُ َ ٌ َّ َ َ ْ ‫ار ْو ِﻗ ّيﺔ‬ ‫ِﻓيك مادة ﻓ‬ (Fath-e-Islam [The Victory of Islam], Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 11, Footnote)

The full revelation is: ٌ َ ُ َ ٌ َّ َ َ ْ ّ ٰ ُ َّ َ ُ َ ْ َ ‫ار ْو ِﻗ ّيﺔ‬ ‫ ِﻓيك مادة ﻓ‬،‫أنﺖ ��دث الل ِہ‬ That is, ‘You are a muhaddath [recipient of divine discourse] of Allah.’ You have the quality of distinguishing between the truth and falsehood.” (Tadhkirah, p. 82, Fourth Edition) As I have mentioned in previous sermons, Hazrat Umarra was the one who gave the suggestion to safeguard and compile the Holy Quran. I shall also mention it here.

With regard to when 70 huffaz [those who committed the Holy Quran to memory] were martyred in the battle of Yamamah during the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit Ansari relates: “When 70 huffaz were martyred at Yamamah, Hazrat Abu Bakrra called me and Hazrat Umarra was also there with him at the time. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘Umarra has come to me saying that many people have been martyred in the Battle of Yamamah, and he fears that more qaris [reciters] of the Quran may die in future battles, and thus many parts of the Holy Quran may be lost, unless you compile the Holy Quran into one form. My advice would therefore be to compile it all into one place.’ Hazrat Umar’sra suggestion was to gather all [the

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021 parchments] of the Holy Quran in one place. Hazrat Abu Bakrra then stated, ‘How can I do something that the Holy Prophetsa never did?’ Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘By Allah, this would be a great service on your part.’

Hazrat Abu Bakrra then said, ‘Umarra has repeated this to me over and over until Allah the Almighty has opened up my heart to it, and so now I too deem it appropriate what Umarra deems suitable.’” That is to say, it should be compiled.

Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit then began compiling it. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Bab Qauluh Laqad Ja‘a fikum Rasul min Anfusikum, Hadith 4679)

As I have stated, these details have been mentioned previously as well.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated in relation to Hazrat Umar’sra memorisation of the Holy Quran: “Abu Ubaidah relates, ‘The following Muhajireen companions of the Holy Prophetsa had memorised the Holy Quran: Abu Bakrra, Umarra, Uthmanra, Alira, Talhahra, Saadra, Ibn Mas‘udra, Huzayfara, Saalimra, Abu Hurairahra, Abdullahra bin Sa‘ib, Abdullah bin Umarra and Abdullah bin Abbasra.’” (Dibachah Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 20, p. 429)

It is also stated that certain revelations that were received by the Holy Prophetsa were such that Hazrat Umar’sra personal view was in accordance with it. In the Sihahe-Sittah [the six most authentic books of hadith], there is mention of three instances where Hazrat Umar’sra view on a matter corresponded [to the verse revealed]. If one looks at these various narrations of the Sihah-e-Sittah in conjunction, they add up to seven in total.

In one narration of Sahih al-Bukhari, it is mentioned that Hazrat Umarra stated, “On three occasions, my opinion was in accordance with the will of my Lord. Once, I said ‘O Messengersa of Allah, we should make the place of Abrahamas a place of worship,’ then the verse:

ًّ َ ۡ َ َّ ْ ْ ُ َّ َ ‫یم ُم َصلی‬ ‫إبرَا ِه‬ ِ ‫وات ِخذوا ِمن مقا ِم‬

‘And take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer,’ was revealed. And in relation to the [verse] regarding the observance of the veil for women, I said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, I wish you ordered your wives to observe the purdah because among the men are virtuous as well as evil ones who speak to them.’ Following this, the verse regarding the observance of the veil was revealed. On one occasion, the wives of the Holy Prophetsa came together in order to seek a particular demand from the Holy Prophetsa, upon this I said to them”, i.e. the wives, among whom was his own daughter as well, “‘It may be if he divorced you all, that his Lord would grant him better wives in your place.’ Then the following verse was revealed:

َ ُ َ َّ َ ُ َ ُ ْ ۡ َ َٰۡ ‫َع َس ٰى َر ّب ُه ٓۥ إِن طلقك َّن أن يُ ۡب ِدل َ ُه ٓۥ أز َو ًجا خي ٗرا ِّمنك ّن‬

‘It may be that if he divorce you, his Lord will give him instead wives better than you.’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Salah, Bab ma Ja‘a fi alQiblah, Hadith 402)

There is a narration of Sahih Muslim in which Hazrat Ibn Umarra relates: “Hazrat Umarra stated, ‘There were three occasions when my view on a matter was in accordance with the will of my lord. That is, the station of Abrahamas, the observance of the veil and in the case of the prisoners of Badr.’” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab min Fada‘il Umarra, Hadith 6206)

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However, the narration regarding the prisoners of Badr is incorrect, and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has explained this at length.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has also written about this whilst presenting various proofs and also various earlier scholars and commentators of the Holy Quran have written about it and proven that the narration regarding the punishments given to the prisoners of Badr is incorrect.

I have also given details about this in a previous sermon.

There is mention in Sahih Muslim with regard to Hazrat Umar’sra view to not lead the funeral prayers of the hypocrites being in accordance with Quranic revelation.

Hazrat Ibn Umarra narrates: “When Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulool died, his son Abdullahra bin Abdillah went to the Holy Prophetsa and requested the Holy Prophetsa to grant him his upper garment as a burial cloth for his father.

The Holy Prophetsa granted him the cloth.

He then requested the Holy Prophetsa to lead his funeral prayer. The Holy Prophetsa went to lead the funeral prayer, upon which Hazrat Umarra stood up and held the cloth of the Holy Prophetsa, saying, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, you are about to lead his funeral prayer even though Allah the Almighty has forbidden you from doing so.’

“In response, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Allah the Almighty has given me the choice by saying: ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ َُ ۡ ۡ ‫ٱس َتغفِ ۡر له ۡم أ ۡو لا ت ۡس َتغفِ ۡر له ۡم‬ “‘“Ask thou forgiveness for them, or ask thou not forgiveness for them, even if thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times …” therefore, I will seek forgiveness more than seventy times.’ Hazrat Umarra said that he [Ubayy bin Sulool] was a hypocrite; however, the Holy Prophetsa still led the funeral prayer. Thereafter, Allah the Almighty revealed the verse: َ َ ّ ُ َ ٗ َ َ َ ُ ‫َولا ت َص ِل َعل ٰٓى أ َح ٖد ِ ّم ۡنهم ّمات أبَدا‬ “‘And never pray thou for any of them that dies,’” i.e. the hypocrites, and never pray at their graves. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab min Fada‘il Umarra, Hadith 6207)

In relation to the prohibition of alcohol, there is mention in Sunan al-Tirmidhi of Hazrat Umar’sra opinion on the matter being in accordance with Allah the Almighty’s revelation. Hazrat Umarra bin al-Khattab prayed, “O Allah, grant us a conclusive decision with regard to alcohol”. Then, the following verse of Surah al-Baqarah was revealed:

ۡ َۡ َ َ ُ ۖ‫يَ ۡسـَٔلوْنك َع ِن الخ ۡمرِ َوال َم ۡي ِس ِر‬

“They ask thee concerning wine and the game of hazard. Say: ‘In both there is great sin and also some advantages for men; but their sin is greater than their advantage.’”

When this verse was revealed, it was recited to Hazrat Umarra. Having heard it, Hazrat Umarra said, “O Allah, grant us a clear commandment in relation to alcohol.”

Then the following verse of Surah al-Nisa was revealed:

َ ٰ ُ َ َ َ ٰ َ َّ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ‫نت ۡم ُسك َر ٰى‬ ‫لا تقربوا لصلوة وأ‬

“O ye who believe! Approach not Prayer when you are not in [full] possession of your senses, until you know what you say.”

Hazrat Umarra then came once more and this verse was recited to him. He again supplicated, “O Allah, grant us a clear commandment with regards to alcohol.”

Then the following verse of Surah al-

Ma‘idah was revealed:

ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ ُ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ُ ٰ ۡ َّ ُ ُ َ َّ ِ‫ِإنما يرِيد الشي ُطن أن ۡيوقِ ٰع بينكم العدوة والبغ َضٓاء فِي الخمر‬ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ ّ ۡ ‫الصل ٰو ِةۖ ف َه ۡل أن ُتم ّمن َت ُهوْ َن‬ ‫َوال َم ۡي ِس ِر َويَ ُص ّدك ۡم َعن ِذك ِر الل ِه وع ِن‬

“Satan desires only to create enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and the game of hazard, and to keep you back from the remembrance of Allah and from Prayer.

But will you keep back?”

Hazrat Umarra came once again and this verse was recited to him. Upon this, he stated, “Surely we will refrain from this, surely we will refrain from this.” (Sunan alTirmidhi, Kitab Tafsir al-Quran, Bab wa min Surah alMa‘idah, Hadith 3049)

Aside from the narration in the Sihahe-Sittah regarding these instances of agreement [of his viewpoint with the Word of Allah], historians have recorded a number of other incidents of such agreements.

Allamah Suyuti Sahib has recorded 20 such incidents. (Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 98, Dar al-Kitab al-

Arabi, Beirut, 1999)

The Promised Messiahas states: “One can understand how high the rank of Hazrat Umarra was among the companions, that at times, verses of the Holy Quran would be revealed which were in line with his view.

“There is a hadith in which it is mentioned that Satan would flee from the shadow of Hazrat Umarra. In another hadith, it is mentioned that ‘if there were to be a prophet after me, it would be Umarra.’

Thirdly, there is the hadith in which it is stated that ‘muhaddathin [those blessed with converse with God] have continued to appear in previous nations, and if there is a muhaddath in my nation, it is Umarra.’”

(Izalah-e-Auham, Part 1, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p.

219)

There is a narration about how the Holy Prophetsa would accept the counsel of Hazrat Umarra regarding expeditions, and this narration is reported by either Hazrat Abu Hurairahra or Hazrat Abu Saeedra. The narrator, A‘mash, was in doubt as to who exactly reported this narration.

Nonetheless, it is narrated that during the Battle of Tabuk, many people were extremely hungry. They sought permission from the Holy Prophetsa to slaughter their camels that were used to carry water as a food source and to utilise their fat. The Holy Prophetsa granted them permission. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra arrived and humbly submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah, if you allow this then the number of mounts will decrease. Instead, you could ask everyone to bring their food and provisions – whatever they may have to eat – and pray on the combined food for blessings. It may so happen that Allah the Almighty bestows His blessings upon it.” The Holy Prophetsa agreed with this suggestion.

The narrator continues that the Holy Prophetsa sent for a leather spread and laid it out and asked for the little provisions and food that remained to be brought. The narrator says that some brought a handful of corn bulbs or dates, and others brought pieces of bread etc., to the point that some small amounts of food were collected on the spread. The Holy Prophetsa prayed for the food to be blessed. He then instructed everyone to fill their dishes with it.

People began to fill their dishes until every single dish in the army was full.

Everyone ate to their fill and there were leftovers, too. Then, the Holy Prophetsa

said that he bore witness that there was none worthy of worship except Allah and that he was Allah’s messenger, and whoso went before God while doubtlessly bearing witness to these two things would not be prevented from Paradise. This narration is from [Sahih] Muslim. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab alIman, Bab al-Dalil ‘ala anna man mata ‘ala al-Tauhid, Hadith 7373)

This same narration is reported in Bukhari by Yazid bin Abi Ubaid on the authority of Hazrat Salmara bin Akwa. He narrates that during a journey, the people’s provisions had depleted and they sought permission from the Holy Prophetsa to slaughter their camels. The Holy Prophetsa granted them permission to do so. Following this, Hazrat Umarra came to them and was informed [of what happened] by them, upon which he asked them how they would survive after consuming their camels.

Hazrat Umarra then went to the Holy Prophetsa and asked as to how they would survive after consuming their camels.

The Holy Prophetsa replied that he should announce to the people to bring their remaining provisions together.

The Holy Prophetsa prayed and blessed those remaining provisions. He called for the people to bring their dishes, and they began to fill them. When they had finished, the Holy Prophetsa said that he bore witness that there was none worthy of worship except Allah and that he was Allah’s messenger. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad wa alSiyar, Bab Haml al-Zad fi al-Ghazw, Hadith 2982)

Hazrat Umarra also saw a dream about the initiation of the azan [Call to prayer].

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “The revelation of Allah the Almighty descended upon the companions. In the time of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra, who was a companion, was taught the azan by Allah the Almighty through a revelation. And the Holy Prophetsa established the practice of azan amongst the Muslims based on the revelation vouchsafed to him. Afterwards, a Quranic revelation also testified to this. Hazrat Umarra says that he too was taught the very same azan but remained silent for 20 days because another person had already mentioned it to the Holy Prophetsa. In another narration, Hazrat Umarra stated that an angel taught him the azan while he was partially asleep. This is what Hazrat Umarra reports. He was still partially awake at the time.” (Mas‘alah-e-Wahi wa Nubuwat ke Muta‘alliq Islami Nazriyah, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 23, p. 283)

The following narration from Sunan alTirmidhi is one that I have mentioned before as well, but I will mention it once again.

The concluding words in the narration tell us that according to the Holy Prophetsa, the dream of Hazrat Umarra held great importance. Muhammad bin Abdillah bin Zaid narrates from his father, who said, “I came to the Holy Prophetsa in the morning and recounted my dream to him. The Holy Prophetsa said that indeed, this revelation was true. He instructed that I go and relay what was revealed to me to Hazrat Bilalra because he possessed a louder and longer tone and he should proclaim these words aloud.”

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Zaid continues: “When Hazrat Umarra heard the azan of Hazrat Bilalra at the time of prayer, he came to the Holy Prophetsa while dragging his mantle, and he said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah,

22 I swear by Him Who has sent you with the truth, surely, I also saw [in a dream] what he has just recited.’”

The narrator reports that upon this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “All praise is due to Allah. This is an even stronger statement.”

In other words, this meant that the matter was further affirmed. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Salah, Bab ma Ja‘a fi Bad’ al-Adhan, Hadith 189)

There is also a narration about how Hazrat Umarra respected and honoured the Holy Prophetsa and understood his lofty status. It is narrated by Hazrat Ibn Umarra that he was once accompanying the Holy Prophetsa on a journey and was riding a camel of Hazrat Umarra which would not remain in control. It would occasionally overtake the mount of the Holy Prophetsa and upon this, his father, Hazrat Umarra, would exclaim, “Abdullah! No one should ever overtake the Holy Prophetsa! Your mount should not pass in front of the mount of the Holy Prophetsa!” The Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Umarra to sell [the camel] to him. Hazrat Umarra replied that it was already the possession of the Holy Prophetsa.

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa purchased it and gifted it to Abdullah, saying that he could do with it whatever he wished. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Hibah, Bab man Ahda lahu Hadiyyah, Hadith 2610)

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrates that once, when the sun began to descend from its zenith, the Holy Prophetsa came to offer Zuhr prayers and thereafter stood at the pulpit. He addressed the people about a promised time during which many major events would take place. He then said that if anyone wished to ask him anything, they could do so and he would answer them as long as he remained there. Many people began to cry and weep, while the Holy Prophetsa reiterated many times that they should ask him questions. Upon this, Hazrat Abdullah bin Huzafah Sahmi stood up and enquired, “Who is my father?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Huzafah.” The Holy Prophetsa again reiterated that they should ask him questions. Hazrat Umarra sat on his knees and said: ٰ َ ْ َ ً َ َ ً ْ‫إسلَام دِي‬ ْ ْ ‫اللّ ِه َربًّـا َوبال‬ ‫ـنا َوبِ ُم َح ّـم ٍد ن ِب ّيا‬ ِ ِ ِ‫ر ِضيـنا ب‬ That is, “We are content with Allah as our Lord and Islam as our faith and Muhammadsa as our prophet.” Thereupon, the Holy Prophetsa became silent. The Holy Prophetsa then said, “Paradise and the fire were shown before me in the width of that wall, and I have never seen such goodness and evil.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Mawaqit al-Salah, Bab Waqt al-Zuhr Inda al-Zawal, Hadith 540)

A similar narration in Bukhari makes mention of this, which is narrated by Hazrat Abu Musara. He narrates that the Holy Prophetsa was asked about matters which he did not like. When the Holy Prophetsa began to be questioned even more, he became angry and said that they could ask him about whatever they pleased. Upon this, one person stood and enquired as to who his father was. The Holy Prophetsa replied that his father was Huzafah. Then, another person stood and asked, “O Messengersa of Allah, who is my father?” The Holy Prophetsa replied that his father was Salim, the freed slave of Shaiba. When Hazrat Umarra saw the change of emotion in the countenance of the Holy Prophetsa, he said, “O Messengersa of Allah! We repent for our mistake before Allah, the High and Mighty.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Ilm, Bab al-Ghadab fi al-Maudi’ah, Hadith 92)

Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM There is another narration of Bukhari in this regard, which is narrated by Zuhri. He narrates that Hazrat Anasra bin Malik related to him that once, when the Holy Prophetsa was departing, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Huzafah stood up and enquired as to who his father was. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Your father is Huzafah.” The Holy Prophetsa then repeated many times that people should ask him questions. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra sat on his knees and said, “We are content with Allah as our Lord and Islam as our faith and Muhammadsa as our prophet.”

Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa did not say anything. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Ilm, Bab man Baraka ala Rukbataih inda al-Imam aw alMuhaddath, Hadith 93)

Hazrat Abu Qatadah Ansari narrates that the Holy Prophetsa was once asked about his fasting. The Holy Prophetsa was displeased at this question. Hazrat Umarra said, “We are content with Allah as our Lord and with Islam as our faith and with Muhammadsa as our prophet and with our bai‘at as being a true covenant.” (Sahih Muslim, ra

Kitab al-Siyam, bab istijab Siyam Thalathat Ayyam min Kull Shahr wa Yaum Arafat, Hadith 2747)

Then, there is another narration in Sahih Bukhari, which states that once, Hazrat Umarra visited the Holy Prophetsa while he was staying in the upper storey. Hazrat Umarra relates, “I saw the Holy Prophetsa resting on a mat. There was no bedding in between the Holy Prophetsa and the mat, which caused the mat to leave impressions on his side. He was reclining on a leather pillow filled with bark from a date palm.

When I looked toward the Holy Prophet’ssa residence, by Allah, I saw nothing but three raw hides. I asked the Holy Prophetsa to pray for his ummah so that Allah may grant them affluence, because the Persians and Byzantines were given great wealth and attained the riches of the world whereas they did not worship Allah. The Holy Prophetsa, while seated and reclining, said, ‘O son of Khattab, are you still in doubt? They are such people who, in this very life, have very quickly been given that which they derive pleasure from.’ I then asked the Holy Prophetsa to pray for my forgiveness.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Mazalim, Bab al-Ghurfah wa alAliyyah al-Musharrafah wa Ghair al-Musharrafah, Hadith 2468)

The Promised Messiahas states: “Once, Hazrat Umarra went to the house of the Holy Prophetsa and saw that there were no provisions. He saw that the Holy Prophetsa was resting on a mat which left impressions on his back. Hazrat Umarra saw this state and began to weep. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Umar, why do you weep?’ Hazrat Umarra submitted, ‘I weep upon seeing your pain.

The emperors of the Byzantine and Persian empires, who are disbelievers, are living lives of comfort, while you spend your life in these hardships.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘What concern do I have with this world? My example is like that of a traveller who travels in severe heat on a she-camel. When the searing heat of midday troubles him, he stops to take a rest under the shade of a tree in that very state. After a few minutes, he continues his journey in that same heat.’” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 299-300)

There is an incident where the Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Umarra for prayers.

Hazrat Umarra says, “I requested the Holy Prophetsa for permission to perform the

Umrah [the lesser pilgrimage]. The Holy Prophetsa granted me permission and said: َْ َ َ َ​َُ ‫لا تن َس َنا يَا أخ ّي ِم ْن ُد َعائِك‬ ‘My brother! Do not forget us in your prayers.’”

Hazrat Umarra says, “Even if I was given everything in the world, in exchange for these words, it would not make me nearly as happy.”

According to another narration, the words were: ْ َْ َ َ​َُ ‫أش ِرك َنا يَا أخ ّي فِي ُد َعائِك‬ “O my brother! Include us in your prayers.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Witr, Bab alDua, Hadith 1498)

Hazrat Umar’sra intense love for the Holy Prophetsa can be gauged from the following incident – which has already been mentioned in a previous sermon as well.

Hazrat Aishara narrates in this regard that when the Holy Prophetsa passed away and the news reached Hazrat Umarra, he stood up and said, “By God! The Holy Prophetsa has not passed away.” Hazrat Aishara said that Hazrat Umarra would say, “By God, this was how I felt.” He truly thought that Allah would awaken the Holy Prophetsa, so that he would cut off the hands and feet of some people. Then, when Hazrat Abu Bakrra arrived, he recited verse 145 of Surah Al-eImran [chapter 3 of the Holy Quran], and implored Hazrat Umarra to see the reality, after which the matter was resolved. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Qaul alNabisa Law Kunta Muttakhidhan Khalila, Hadith 36673668)

With regard to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “Upon the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the companions reached the consensus that all previous prophets had passed away. This happened because when the Holy Prophetsa passed away, Hazrat Umarra thought he was still alive and would return. He was so convinced of this view that he was ready to behead anyone who said anything contrary to this. However, when Hazrat [Abu Bakr] Siddiqra arrived, he recited the following verse before all the companions:

ّ ‫َو َما ُم َح َّم ٌد ِالَّا َر ُسوْ ٌل َق ْد َخ َل ْت ِم ْن َق ْب ِلہ‬ ‫الرُ ُس ُل‬

“‘And Muhammad is only a Messenger.

Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him.’ (Ch.3: V.145) “Hazrat Umarra states, ‘My legs began shaking and I fell to the ground out of shock’. The companions expressed that it felt as if this verse had been revealed that very day, and they recited this verse that day throughout the markets. Thus, if there was a prophet meant to stay alive, then upon hearing that argument that if all prophets have passed away, then indeed the Holy Prophetsa would have to pass away as well, Hazrat Umarra could have said, ‘This is not true because Jesusas is alive in heaven. Why then can our Holy Prophetsa not remain alive?’ However, the fact that the companions remained silent proves that the companions unanimously agreed that Jesusas had passed away.” (Tohfat al-Muluk, Anwar-ul-Ulum, p. 128) The Promised Messiahas has also said the same thing on the matter, which I detailed in a previous sermon.

Hazrat Ibn Umarra narrates the manner in which Hazrat Umarra followed the Holy Prophetsa. He relates that the Holy Prophetsa faced the Black Stone and kissed it and cried for quite some time. When he turned around, he saw that Hazrat Umarra was also

crying. The Holy Prophetsa said, “O Umar!

This is the place where tears are shed.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Manasik, Bab Istilam al-Hajar, Hadith 2945)

Abis relates that Hazrat Umarra went to the Black Stone and kissed it. Then he said, “I am aware that you are nothing but a stone which can neither harm nor provide benefit.

Had I not seen the Holy Prophetsa kissing you, then I would never have kissed you.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Hajj, Bab ma Dhukira fi alHajar al-Aswad, Hadith 1597)

Hazrat Musleh Maudra states: “Once, Hazrat Umarra was performing the tawaf [circulating the Ka‘bah] and when he passed by the Black Stone, he struck it with his stick and said, ‘I am aware that you are a stone and you possess no power within yourself. However, I kiss you only because God has commanded so.’

“This was his passion for the unity of God which elevated him in the world. He was entirely devoted to the unity of God and could not bear for anything else to be associated with His powers. Certainly, he honoured the Black Stone, but only because it was the commandment of God Almighty to honour it, not because there was anything intrinsically special about the Black Stone.

“He thought that if God Almighty commanded to kiss something so insignificant, then we should be prepared to kiss it because we are the servants of God Almighty, not the servants of any stone or building. Thus, he honoured it, yet he did not allow for the unity of God to be overlooked.

Such is the rank of a true believer; a true believer considers the House of Allah to be nothing more than a building made of stone, just likes thousands of other buildings in the world that are made of stone. A true believer considers the Black Stone to be nothing more than a stone, just like millions of other stones in the world, but at the same time, he honours the House of Allah and kisses the Black Stone as well, because he knows that his Lord has commanded him to honour these things. Yet, despite the fact that a true believer honours this structure and kisses the Black Stone, he remains steadfast in the belief that he is a servant of the One God and not the servant of a stone. This was the reality which Hazrat Umarra expressed.

He struck the Black Stone with a stick and said, ‘You have no significance in my view.

You are a stone, just like millions of others stones in the world. However, my Lord has instructed that you should be honoured, and so I honour you.’ After saying this, he moved forward and kissed the stone.” (Tafsire-Kabir, Vol. 10, p. 130)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra relates that when the Holy Prophetsa returned from Taif and was in Jairana, Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab asked him, “O Messengersa of Allah!

During the era of ignorance, I vowed to one day sit in devotion at the Sacred Mosque.

What do you advise in this regard?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Go and sit in devotion for a day”.

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa taught that no matter when a lawful vow is made, it should be fulfilled. Then, the narrator relates that once, the Holy Prophetsa granted Hazrat Umarra a woman from the khums [spoils of war]. When the Holy Prophetsa freed people’s prisoners, Hazrat Umarra heard their voices and they were saying, “The Holy Prophetsa has freed us” Hazrat Umarra asked them what happened, and they told him that the

AL HAKAM | Friday 26 November 2021 Holy Prophetsa had freed people’s prisoners.

Hazrat Umarra said to his son, “O Abdullah!

Go to this woman who the Holy Prophetsa had granted me and free her.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab Nadhar al-Kafir wa ma Yaf ‘alu fih idha Aslama, Hadith 4294)

It is said that Hazrat Huzayfara was a confidant of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Huzayfara narrates about an incident that took place during the Battle of Tabuk: “When the Holy Prophetsa dismounted his camel, he received a revelation. His camel had been sitting, and it stood up and started pulling at its reins. I took hold of its reins and took it to the Holy Prophetsa. I sat beside the camel until the Holy Prophetsa stood up, and I brought the camel closer to him. The Holy Prophetsa asked, ‘Who is there?’ and I said, ‘Huzayfa’. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘I am about to confide in you, and you must not mention this to anyone else. I have been forbidden from offering the funeral prayer of such and such’ and the Holy Prophetsa named a group of hypocrites.”

After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, and during the caliphate of Hazrat Umarra, whenever someone passed away who Hazrat Umarra thought could be from that group of hypocrites, he would take Hazrat Huzayfa’sra hand and take him along to offer the funeral prayer. If Hazrat Huzayfara went along with him, then Hazrat Umarra would offer that person’s funeral prayer, but if Hazrat Huzayfara took his hand away from Hazrat Umarra, then Hazrat Umarra would not offer that person’s funeral prayer. (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Ch. 1 [Lahore, Pakistan: Dar al-Isha‘ah, 2009], pp. 440-441)

With regard to Hazrat Umarra practically fulfilling a prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas states: “Hazrat Umarra, who was full of truth and sincerity, had the pleasure of becoming the second Khalifa; in this way, every companion was fully honoured. They received the wealth and the women of the royal courts of Ceaser and Chosroes. It is recorded that a companion went to the court of Chosroes, whose royal attendants set up chairs of gold and silver in order to display their grandeur. The companion said that they were not overawed by this wealth, because they had been promised to receive bangles of Chosroes. Hence, Hazrat Umarra had a companion wear those bangles so that the prophecy would be fulfilled.” (Malfuzat – Vol. 2, p. 46)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “It is not permissible for men to wear gold; however, Hazrat Umarra gave a companion the bangles of Chosroes to wear, but the companion refused. Hazrat Umarra admonished him and told him that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘I see the bangles of Chosroes in your hands.’ Similarly, when Chosroes’ crown and silk garments were received as spoils, Hazrat Umarra instructed someone to wear the garments and crown, and when he wore it, Hazrat Umarra began to cry and said, ‘Only a few days ago, Chosroes was wearing these garments, wearing this crown on his head and was dictating over the country of Iran. Today, he is running through the jungles; this is the state of the world.’ On the surface, some may think that what Hazrat Umarra did was not correct because it is not permissible for men to wear silk and gold; however, Hazrat Umarra had someone wear gold and silk only for a few minutes, in order to teach a virtuous lesson.

23

Therefore, the essence was to establish taqwa [righteousness] for the sake of Allah, and all commandments are for this purpose.

If, in order to establish taqwa for the sake of Allah, one must leave something that is considered to be a form of worship, then doing so would be a means of reward.” (Aik Sahib ke Panch Suwalon ka Jawab, Anwar-ul-Ulum, p.

28)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “I was shown in a dream that I was standing beside a well, and I used the bucket that was hanging there to draw water out.

In the meantime, Abu Bakr came and he drew one or two buckets of water in such a manner that it seemed as if he had done so with great difficulty due to weakness, but that Allah would cover up his weakness and forgive him. Then, Umar bin Khattab arrived and the bucket became larger, and I never saw such a mighty person as Umar who could perform such a monumental task. He drew so much water that everyone was satiated and then went back to their own dwellings.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Umarra bin al-Khattab, Hadith 3682)

Hazrat Ibn Umar related that he heard the Holy Prophetsa say: “Once, I was sleeping and I saw during this time that I was brought a bowl of milk.

I drank so much that I saw it seeping from under my nails. Then, I took the remaining milk and gave it to Hazrat Umar bin Khattab.”

The companions asked, “O Messengersa of Allah, how have you interpreted this?”

The Holy Prophetsa stated that it indicated knowledge. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Ilm, Bab Fadl al-Ilm, Hadith 82)

Hazrat Zain-ul-Abideen Walliullah Shah Sahibra writes in the commentary of this hadith: “‘Fazl-ul-Ilm’ here does not mean the excellence of knowledge; rather, it refers to the knowledge that still remains. There is a separate chapter related to the excellence of knowledge. It can be inferred from the dream of the Holy Prophetsa, its interpretation and the incidents which testify this dream that the conquest of land and worldly glory granted to the Muslims through Hazrat Umarra was as a result of the knowledge of the Holy Prophetsa which remained to be manifested and was thus made manifest through Hazrat Umarra.

“Owing to his complete and comprehensive knowledge, the Holy Prophetsa has been referred to as ‘Majmaul-Bahrain’ [junction of the two seas] in the Holy Quran for he possessed the knowledge to attain success both in this world and the Hereafter … By including the subject of politics under the category of “Knowledge”, Imam Bukhari has alluded to the fact that the Holy Prophetsa brought the perfect guidance which covers both aspects of life, just as Jesusas had prophesied regarding him that ‘when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth’ (John 16:1213).

“Upon reflecting over the incidents from the life of Hazrat Umarra, it becomes clear what the true meaning was of being granted the remaining milk which he received due to the blessings of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Sahih al-Bukhari Tarjumah wa Tashrih, Sayed Zain al-Abidin Waliullah Shah Sahib, Vol. 1, pp. 156-157)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Hazrat Umarra once related his dream to

the Holy Prophetsa wherein he was granted a bowl of milk. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated that this [milk] signified knowledge.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 23, p. 467)

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira relates that he heard the Holy Prophetsa state: “I was asleep and saw that some people had been brought before me who were wearing an upper garment. The garments were at chest height for some whilst other people’s garments fell slightly longer. Umar was also brought before me and his garment was dragging along with him.” Upon this, the companions enquired as to what this meant and the Holy Prophetsa stated that it signified faith. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Umarra bin al-Khattab, Hadith 3691)

On one occasion, whilst mentioning the qualities of various companions, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Among my ummah, the strongest in the religion of Allah is Umar.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Sunnah, Bab Khabbab, Hadith 154)

Hazrat Malik bin Mighwal relates that Hazrat Umarra stated, “Bring yourself to account before you are taken to account, for this is far easier.” Or he stated, “This is a far easier assessment to make.” He also stated, “Evaluate your inner self lest this is done for you and prepare yourselves for the great day of reckoning.

ُ ُ َ ُْ ََۡ ٞ‫يَوۡ َم ِئ ٍذ ت ۡعرَضوْ َن لَا تخفى ِمنك ۡم خافِ َية‬

‘On that day you will be presented before God; and none of your secrets will remain hidden.’” (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 161)

Whenever Hazrat Hassanra would mention Hazrat Umarra he would say: “By God, though he was not amongst the very first people to accept Islam and nor was he the most superior amongst those who spent in the way of Allah; however, he had no desire for worldly things and was most strict in implementing the instructions of Allah the Almighty amongst people and he never feared the reproach of any faultfinder.” (Ibn Abi Shaibah, Al-Musannaf, Kitab alFada‘il, Vol. 11, p. 121, Hadith 32546, Maktabat alRushd Nashirun, al-Riyad, 2004)

Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas states: “By God, although Hazrat Umarra bin alKhattab did not excel us in the acceptance of Islam, I do know what he did excel us in and that is piety and detachment from worldly things.” (Ibn Abi Shaibah, Al-Musannaf, Kitab al-

Fada‘il, Vol. 11, p. 121, Hadith 32548, Maktabat alRushd Nashirun, al-Riyad, 2004)

Hisham bin Urwah relates from his mother that when Hazrat Umarra travelled to Syria, his upper garment was torn from the back. It was quite a thick and long garment which was reaching to the ground.

This type of garment was commonly worn in Rome. Hazrat Umarra sent this garment to the people of Azriyat or Aela, Aela is a town situated on the coast of the Red Sea, which is next to Syria. In any case, the narrator states that he washed this garment and patched it and also prepared a new garment of a thin white cloth made from cotton. He took both these garments and presented them to Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umarra held the garment [made from cotton] and felt it and stated that it was too soft and returned it back to the individual and stated, “Return to me my original garment because among all the garments, that one absorbed sweat the most.” (Ibn Abi Shaibah, Al-Musannaf, Kitab

al-Bu‘uth wa al-Saraya, Vol. 11, pp. 580-581, Hadith 34427, Maktabat al-Rushd Nashirun, al-Riyad, 2004) (Taj al-Urus, Zair Madah Sunbul)

In other words, he preferred the ripped garment which he had patched.

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik relates that he saw Hazrat Umarra at a time when he was the Leader of the Faithful and his garment had three leather patches stitched on them between the shoulders.

In another narration, Hazrat Anasra states that there were four leather patches stitched on the garment of Hazrat Umarra near the shoulder area. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 1990], p. 249)

The accounts from the life of Hazrat Umarra will continue to be related, inshaAllah.

I will now mention a deceased member and will also offer the funeral prayer [in absentia] after the Friday prayers, inshaAllah.

Dr Taseer Mujtaba Sahib, who was serving as a doctor at the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital, passed away a few days ago at the age of 70:

َ ‫راج ُع‬ َ ‫وإنَّا إل َ ۡي ِه‬ َ ‫إنَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِه‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

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

Although he was suffering from various ailments, he suddenly fell ill and his condition deteriorated following which he passed away.

َ ‫راج ُع‬ َ ‫وإنَّا إل َ ۡي ِه‬ َ ‫إنَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِه‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

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

Ahmadiyyat entered the family of Doctor Sahib through his father’s cousin, Syed Fakhr-ul-Islam Sahibra, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

However, Dr Taseer Mujtaba Sahib’s father, Ghulam Mujtaba Sahib accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1938 whilst he was still a student.

When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh called upon people to dedicate their lives under the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, Dr Taseer Mujtaba Sahib’s father, Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Sahib was working as a civil surgeon in Karachi at the time. Subsequently, he took his pension and dedicated his life under this scheme and travelled to Africa in 1970 and continued to serve there till 1999, including Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Dr Taseer Mujtaba Sahib also completed his education in medicine; he worked for around two years in the military; he then worked in a civil hospital in Karachi and then worked for some time in the Jinnah Hospital in Karachi. In 1982, he did waqf for three years and was posted to Ghana.

There, he served in a hospital in Techiman and then had the opportunity to serve in Asokore in a hospital which his father had established. He served at this hospital along with his father for three years and was also trained in surgery by his father, who was a very good surgeon.

Dr Taseer Sahib had the opportunity to serve in Ghana for approximately 23 years and thereafter, he served for 17 years in the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital in Rabwah. Thus, his total years of service spanned approximately 40 years.

He was married to Amatul Rauf Sahiba, daughter of Syed Daud Muzaffar Shah Sahib and Sahibzadi Amatul Hakeem Sahiba.

Sahibzadi Amatul Hakeem Sahiba was the

24

Friday 26 November 2021 | AL HAKAM

daughter of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Doctor Sahib had one son and one daughter and his daughter is also my daughter-in-law.

His wife, Amatul Rauf Sahiba states, “When I went to visit him during his days of illness, he asked me to convey his salaam to Huzoor” – he sent me his greetings of salaam. “However, this time, he said it in a manner which seemed as if it was his final greeting.”

She further writes: “Once, in Ghana, he fell extremely ill and spent the night in great pain and his condition was extremely severe. At Fajr, he said that someone had said salaam and asked me to go and see who it was. I told him that the door was shut, therefore it was not possible for anyone to enter. After an hour had passed, he again told me that he heard a voice saying salaam and thereafter, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, his health began to improve and he recovered.”

She further states, “I also prayed for him and was told that he would live a long life.”

She further states: “He was a very humble, selfless and kind person. He never spoke ill of anyone or behind their back, nor did he ever complain about anyone. If someone else ever did, he would remain completely silent.”

His brother writes: “We observed that even after work hours, he would still be checking patients.

He would say, ‘Since the other doctors see fewer patients, therefore I do not wish for the patients who come to the hospital to go back without having been treated for, therefore I take on the work of the other doctors as well.’ He was extremely virtuous and spoke very little. The security staff and workers of the hospital said that he would always pass them by with a smile and enquire how they were. He would always show kindness to the patients and particularly to the Ahmadi members. If someone came to him after the hospital hours, he would often check them without taking any fee.”

The principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah, Mubasher Sahib, writes: “I had the opportunity to sit with him on a few occasions. He spoke very little and would speak in a very soft, kind, loving and humble manner.” He further states, “I have never seen anyone display such humility,

modesty and simplicity. I have heard such accounts about him from people at the hospital as well as the poor people that one truly envies him and is filled with happiness that there are such doctors who serve at the hospital.”

He further states (and this is something I have mentioned earlier as well): “Dr Sahib would see the patients even after the hospital hours and at times, he would be leaving his office as the hospital hours had finished and a patient would arrive; however, he would take them into his office in such a manner as if he was waiting for that person. He was extremely kind to the poor.”

When I went on a tour of Africa in 2004, Doctor Sahib accompanied me in Ghana and in other places as well.

Atthar Zubair Sahib, the Chairman of Humanity First in Germany, writes: “We went to Benin also. On one occasion, Doctor Sahib happened to notice a lady who seemed quite anxious. Doctor Sahib asked me to enquire from her what the matter was, upon which she stated, ‘I have come to meet Khalifatul Masih and I have spent whatever I had and now I have nothing for the return journey. Upon this, Doctor Sahib gave her 30,000 CFA.” He further states, “In those days, this was almost a month’s worth of salary for an average person, which Doctor Sahib immediately gave.”

Hanif Mahmood Sahib writes, “He had a very balanced temperament and was extremely humble. He showed great love and affection towards the life devotees. He further states that once, his wife was ill and Doctor Sahib treated her. In fact, he says that they only went to seek consultation from him and not with the intention for any treatment. However, Doctor Sahib asked whether they had any patient document which they did not and so he immediately called one of his workers and gave him 100 rupees from his own pocket and asked him to arrange for a patient document and he did not take any money from them despite them insisting him to take it. He further writes that he possessed a very innocent countenance and it seemed as if he was an angel in the guise of a human. He spoke very little and he would very quietly enter the Mubarak Mosque and offer lengthy prayers.”

“

Dr Muzaffar Chaudhry Sahib, who is a urologist and resides here in the UK and often goes [to Rabwah] for waqf-e-arzi. He writes: “He had a very quiet disposition and was an extremely kind and compassionate individual. He had a great passion to learn new things, so that he could help others.”

He further writes, “When I went for waqfe-arzi, whenever I visited him in his office, he would make me sit on his seat and would sit on the other side himself even though I would insist that he should remain seated in his place.”

Luqman Sahib, who is serving as wakilul-mal awal in Tahrik-e-Jadid Rabwah, writes: “He possessed many qualities and had a great passion for financial sacrifices.

Ever since he came back to Pakistan, he would personally come to the office of daftar mal awal and pay his Tahrik-e-Jadid contribution as soon as the New Year for Tahrik-e-Jadid would be announced.” He further writes, “Although he was a doctor by profession, his primary objective was always to serve humanity.”

Besides allopathic treatment, he would also treat patients through homeopathic treatment as well. It was not the case that he would not accept any other form of treatment.

Dr Naeem Sahib, who is currently incharge of the hospital in Asokore, writes: “He served as a missionary doctor for approximately 21 years in Asokore. Today, upon learning of his demise, many people of the local area who knew Doctor Sahib, were extremely sorrowful and were expressing their condolences. They said that Doctor Sahib had a very simple disposition, spoke very little and always remained occupied in his work. He greatly looked after the poor and was very hospitable. Besides secular knowledge, he also had a great passion in reading the literature of the Jamaat and the books of the Promised Messiahas.”

Dr Naeem Sahib further writes: “There is no doubt that Doctor Sahib rendered an excellent service in the field of surgery at the Asokore hospital and we are witnessing the fruits of this even today in the form of patients who come from various countries of West Africa in order to receive treatment and cure and they mention the

name ‘Mujtaba’ in their simple African dialect. His name was Taseer Mujtaba but was known as Dr Mujtaba. His father initially served at this hospital for a few years and Doctor Sahib was then referred to by the same name. Doctor Sahib also built a beautiful mosque in the compound of the hospital.”

Doctor Sahib served with a very selfless spirit and greatly served humanity and used his profession in this endeavour. I have personally observed a quality in both him and his father that apart from treating their patients, they would also provide medicine for free to the poor patients and also provide them money to purchase food provisions.

In fact, they would buy eggs and milk and keep it with them and would give it to the patients and would tell them that this was also essential in order to alleviate their weakness. They would give free medication and also food provisions. They would tell their patients to take it so that their health could improve.

Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Sahib also rendered a great service in Ghana, but Dr Taseer Mujtaba Sahib expanded the scope of this service even further. I personally know of many Ghanaians who would praise him for his services. In any case, he served with a true spirit of waqf and he especially took care of the life-devotees. Whenever they would go to him, he would take special care of them and invite them to his house. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh went [to Africa] on his tour, he also stayed at his house. Hospitality was a notable quality of his.

Hanif Sahib had written that he was like an angel and indeed he was like an angel personified.

May Allah the Almighty bestow His mercy upon him and elevate his rank. With regard to his hospitality, I would like to mention that a man can only be hospitable when his wife demonstrates the same quality in the home. His wife is also very hospitable and serves others greatly. Pray that may Allah the Almighty bless her with a long life and good health. May He also enable their children to continue their good deeds and may they also do true justice in serving their mother.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 19 November 2021, pp. 5-11.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

On the publication of the English translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran Vol. I, friends expressed a wish that the introduction, which I wrote, be printed separately.

In compliance with their desire, it is here presented in the form of a book, entitled

‘Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran’. It will thus be within the reach of a greater number of people, so that benefiting by it they may acquire the understanding of the

teachings of the Holy Quran. The criticisms of the translation and commentary of the Holy Quran, made by various scholars, will be dealt with subsequently.

(Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Khalifatul Masih IIra)

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