Al Hakam - 7 January 2022

War in Afghanistan: Victory for the weapons industry

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70 years of Nigeria’s first and longest-running Muslim newspaper, “The Truth”

Coming from every distant track Usman O Sahib, China’s representative to India, visits Qadian

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USA, Russia, China, UK and France pledge to avoid nuclear war

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022 | Issue CXCIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Serve the Jamaat to attain Allah’s nearness and pleasure National amila and qaideen of MKA Nigeria meet Huzoor On 2 January 2022, the national amila and qaideen of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa started the meeting by leading everyone in silent prayer.

Huzooraa then spoke to every member present and asked them about their duties in Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria while also giving them valuable guidance on how to work better and improve.

Speaking with Abdul Jabar Ayelaagbe Sahib, Naib Sadr (South West), Huzooraa asked what regions were part of the South West area and how many Khuddam there were. Abdul Jabar Sahib listed the regions, after which Huzooraa remarked that it was “quite a big region”. Jabar Sahib reported there were over 4,000 khuddam in his own region, while in the whole of the South West region of Nigeria, there were over 6,000 khuddam. To this, Huzooraa said: “But I think your tajnid is not up to the mark. You should have more khuddam than this number because I know quite a few new converts are coming to join Ahmadiyyat and there should have been much more than this. […] Try to expedite this job now.”

Olagunju Abbas Sahib, Naib Sadr (Northern Region) reported next.

Huzooraa said, “Abuja, the headquarters [of the Jamaat], is also in your region?”, to which Abbas Sahib confirmed it was. Huzooraa said the majalis in the Northern Region were “quite scattered” and asked for the total population of khuddam and the number of

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

The Holy Prophet’s supplication َّ ّٰ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ‫ قال �ان َر ُس ْول الل ِہ َصلى‬،‫عن أ� ِ ْ� ھ َريْ َرة‬ ُ ُ َّ َ ٰ ‫اللّ ُہ َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم يَق ْول‬ َ ّٰ ُ ُ َّ ‫الل ُھ َّم أ ْص ِ��ْ � ِ ْ� دِيْ ِ� َ� ال ِذ ْي ھ َو ِع ْﺼ َمة‬ َّ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َْ َ َ �ْ �‫ا‬ ِ ‫أ� ِري وأص ِ��ْ � ِ ْ� دن َياى ال ِ� ْ� ِف ْيھا َمع‬ َّ َْ​َ ‫آخ َر� ِ َ� ال ِ� ْ� ِف ْي َھا َم َعاد ِْي‬ ِ �ْ ِ � ْ��ِ ‫وأص‬ ًَ َ َ َ​َْ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُّ ‫ادة � ِ ْ� � ِ ْ� � ِل خی ٍر‬ ‫واجع ِل ال�ياة ِزي‬ َّ ّ ُ ْ ْ ً َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ ‫واجع ِل الموت راحة �ِ� ِمن � ِل ش ٍر‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa used to supplicate: “O Allah, improve this faith of mine which is a means of strength and steadfastness in my affairs.

Reform my worldly affairs of earning a living. Make my life to which I have to return after death, better. Make my life prosper in all good aspects and save my death from every evil and make it a source of peace.”

majalis in the region. Abbas Sahib reported there were close to 1,000 Khuddam and six majalis. Huzooraa asked if there was a majlis in every city, to which Abbas Sahib replied there was not.

The Motamid, Fashina Idris Sahib was next to report. While talking to him, Huzooraa smiled and said, “You are the actual person who should be asked these questions. What is the total number of your majalis?” Fashina Sahib said there were 348 Khuddam majalis in Nigeria. Huzooraa asked how many of these were active and said that “active” meant those who “have been sending their reports regularly every month.” Fashina Sahib said 107 were active in every respect and that for the rest of the majalis, work was being done to activate them further. The majalis that sent six to seven reports a year were considered as “inactive” Fashina Sahib said. Huzooraa

asked if comprehensive comments were given to the Khuddam reports, to which Fashina Sahib said they were. Fashina Sahib said that the inactive regions were slowly improving and they would be raised to a good level in no time “with your [Huzoor’s] prayers”. With a smile, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “It should be your prayer and your hard work. When you have your hard work and prayer, then my prayers will work. If you are not working hard and you are not praying for them, then my prayers will not work.”

Fashina Sahib said they would, inshaAllah, work on this.

Huzooraa also commented on the heavy traffic of Lagos – where Fashina Sahib lived – and that it was probably about an hour’s drive to the Jamaat’s headquarters in Ojokoro “because traffic is too much.

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(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Dhikr wa al-Du‘a wa al-Taubah wal-Istighfar, Hadith 2720)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The spiritual revolution brought about by Islam I am surprised then why people take issue with Islam. The God of Islam is not an artificially contrived God; rather, He is the same Powerful God that has existed since eternity.

In addition, reflect over the purpose of prophethood. Firstly, the Messengers appeared at a time of need and then they fulfilled that need in Continued on page 2

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

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You start in the morning and you are stuck on the way and by Zuhr time, you reach Ojokoro”. Fashina Sahib laughed and said, “You are quite right […] Yes sir, that is Lagos for you.”

Ahmed Bello Sahib, Mohtamim Maal (Finance) reported and answered various questions asked by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa about budget matters etc.

Talking about the standards of financial sacrifice between those who earned well – like doctors and lawyers etc. – and the poor, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “They [who earn well] are not very few.

Those who have good jobs, lucrative jobs, do not come forward to pay their chanda. Only poor people are the people who sacrifice.”

Advising on how to collect chanda effectively from all members with regularity, Huzooraa said: “You have to work hard on it. You see, at the grass-root level, you must ask your qaideen and respective nazim maal that they should work hard and make a proper budget. They should go door-to-door to each and every khadim and prepare their budgets at the grass-root level.

“You say, ‘We had 100,000 bai‘ats, 60,000 bai‘ats, 50,000 bai‘ats’ – where are they?

If they are having bai‘ats, they should be included in your financial system, or if they are new converts, even after three years, they should be included in it. You have to

Continued from page 1

the best possible manner. This pride also is reserved for none other than our Noble Prophetsa. The state of Arabia and the world in general at the advent of the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is not hidden to anyone. The people of that time were barbarians who knew nothing but eating and drinking.

They were ignorant of the rights due to their fellow man and oblivious of the rights due to Allah. In one instance, God Almighty presents an illustration of their state by saying:

ُ ‫يَاۡ� ُ ُلوۡ َن َﻛ َما تَاۡ� ُ ُﻞ الۡاَ�ۡ َﻌ‬ ‫ام‬

(They eat even as the cattle eat). But then the teaching of the Holy Messengersa influenced them so impressively that their state become such that:

ً ‫يَب ۡي ُتوۡ َن ل ِرَ ّبھ ۡم ُس َّج ًدا َّو ﻗِ َي‬ ‫اما‬ ِ ِ​ِ

That is to say, they would spend their nights in the remembrance of their Lord, prostrating before Him and standing in His presence. My goodness! How magnificent is the superiority of the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him! It was through him that an unparalleled revolution and a magnificent transformation was brought about. He established the rights owed to humankind and the rights due to Allah in perfect balance. He transformed a lifeless people that consumed carrion into a pure and living nation of the highest degree.

work hard.”

Agbaje Abdul Hakeem, Mohtamim Umumi (General Affairs) reported next.

Huzooraa asked about their departmental plans for the year. Abdul Hakeem Sahib said they were training khuddam and also standardising the uniform for umumi [security] duties. Huzooraa asked if they provided umumi duties to the Jamaat’s mosques on Fridays for Jumuah prayer.

Abdul Hakeem Sahib said they did and that they secured all the Jamaat’s mosques through umumi duties where they stood guard during Friday prayers. The Jamaat’s mosques in Nigeria totalled more than 1,000, he reported, and they were provided with security through Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

Talabi Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Sehate-Jismani (Physical Health) was next to report. Huzooraa asked him what exercise he did, to which he replied he played football regularly. Huzooraa asked how many khuddam played football, if they had teams and whether they had facilities to play in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. Talabi Sahib said there were many khuddam who played football, especially during ijtemas.

Khuddam also played regularly in regional teams. To this, Huzooraa said “Masha-Allah”.

Abbas Agbaje, Mohtamim Umur-eTulaba (Student Affairs) reported next.

Huzooraa asked if he worked or whether he was a student – Abbas Sahib said he was a sustainability specialist and studied environmental management. Huzooraa

There are only two forms of excellence: intellectual and practical. As far as their practical state is concerned, this is described in the words:

ً ‫يَب ۡي ُتوۡ َن ل ِرَ ّبھ ۡم ُس َّج ًدا َّو ﻗِ َي‬ ‫اما‬ ِ ِ​ِ

Then, their intellectual state may be gauged by the fact that the abundant stream of written works which have been produced by them, and the ongoing service rendered to expand the language, continues in an unparalleled manner.

On the other hand, when I look at the Christians, I am only astonished. For what success did the disciples attain due to their adhering to the Christian faith?

Judas Iscariot, the treasurer of Christ, would sometimes misappropriate funds, and everyone already knows that he had his teacher apprehended for 30 pieces of silver. Christ’s pouch would remain filled with a sum of 2,000 in the currency of that time. On one hand we have this example, but in contrast, when the Noble Messengersa was about to leave this world, he enquired whether there was anything in the home. Respected Aisha Siddiqa, may Allah be pleased with her, said that they had one dinar, to which the Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Distribute it, for how is it possible that the Messenger of Allah moves on to meet his Lord leaving behind one dinar in his own home.’

I am amazed that the Christians are strong proponents of philosophy, but God knows where has this philosophy

asked how many khuddam students there were in Nigeria, to which he said there were 696 students, of which about 302 were studying in various academic institutions, approximately 69 were Jamia Ahmadiyya students and about 305 were in secondary schools. Huzooraa asked how many university students there were, to which Abbas Sahib said they were still acquiring the exact number as many were transitioning into university.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked Abbas Sahib how many Ahmadi students were studying sustainability management. Abbas Sahib said the course was not yet popular in Nigeria so there were not many. Huzooraa smiled and said, “You are the only person who can be singled out in this subject in Nigeria. It means you are quite a competent person.”

Abbas Sahib thanked Huzooraa and said he did his master’s degree in the UK. Huzooraa asked what university he went to.

Abbas Sahib said he studied at the University of Greenwich in Kent, UK. Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa remarked, “The Kent area is called paradise of the UK.” Abbas Sahib agreed and said the area was very beautiful.

Oladiti Taofeek Sahib, Mohtamim Talim (Education) presented his report. While advising on what books of the Promised Messiahsa the amila members and khuddam should study first, Huzooraa said the welleducated amila members should read The

disappeared to when it comes to matters of doctrine. Just look at the Atonement; it may be likened to a mythical animal.

What has the Atonement brought about? If intellectual arguments are put to one side, this concept neither reformed the disciples at an intellectual level, nor in the practical sense. As far as intellectual reform is concerned, the Gospel clearly establishes that they were of rudimentary intelligence, undiscerning and greedy. The degree to which they were reformed practically has also been illustrated in the Gospel; while a certain person curses Christ, there is another who had him arrested for thirty pieces of silver, and what to talk of other

Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam and Noah’s Ark, and all other khuddam should read Noah’s Ark. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked Folorunsho Abdul Kabir Sahib, Mohtamim Nau Mubai‘een (New Converts) how many new converts MKA Nigeria had, to which Folorunsho Sahib said there were 262. Huzooraa enquired about the plans in place for the education of new converts.

Folorunsho Sahib reported they encouraged the new converts to read Invitation to Ahmadiyyat and Conditions of Bai‘at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi – they were also planning to hold an ijtema for them in 2022.

Huzooraa asked about the religious backgrounds of the converts – whether they came from Muslim backgrounds or Christianity etc. Folorunsho Sahib said most of the converts were either from Muslim or Christian backgrounds.

Ismail Lawal, Mohtamim Isha‘at (Publications) was next to report. Huzooraa asked if there were any regular publications

by MKA Nigeria. Ismail Sahib said they published a monthly magazine and the khuddam who wanted a print edition could purchase it through subscription, otherwise the magazine was uploaded to the MKA Nigeria website for all khuddam to read for free. There was another magazine printed by MKA Nigeria annually, Ismail Sahib reported. Hearing this, Huzooraa said “Masha-Allah”.

sins. Darkness and gloom begin in this very world, just as Allah the Exalted states:

َ َ َ ٰ َ َ � ‫َم ۡن‬ ‫ان فِ ۡی ٰہ ِذ ٖ ۤه ا ۡع ٰمی ف ُھوَ فِی الۡاخ َِر ِۃ ا ۡع ٰمی‬

“But whoso is blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter.”

Now cast a glance upon the disciples of Christ, and think about whether any change took place in their persons.

When an individual is purged of sin, this enlightens them and grants them insight, yet the disciples are bereft in this regard.

Then what purpose was served by the Atonement?

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 273-274)

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

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AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

Abdus Samad Lawal Sahib, Mohtamim Taribiyat (Moral Training) was next to report. Huzooraa asked for the tarbiyat plan and asked Abdus Samad Sahib what he did as a profession. Abdus Samad Sahib said he was a missionary. To this, Huzooraa conversed in Urdu and asked if he had studied from Jamia Ahmadiyya International in Ghana, which Abdus Samad Sahib confirmed.

Huzooraa said: “Being a missionary, you should have a very comprehensive plan for tarbiyat.”

Addressing Abdus Samad Sahib, Huzooraa also said: “You [missionaries] should come and stay with me for two months.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how many khuddam were regular in the five daily prayers. Abdus Samad Sahib half of the khuddam were regular. Advising on how to get khuddam to offer their five daily prayers and other religious duties, Huzooraa said: “Make them realise that five daily prayers is an obligatory thing and every Ahmadi Muslim should offer the five daily prayers – if not in congregation, then at least at home, or wherever he may be. Secondly, they should do tilawat [recitation of the Holy Quran] every day – a small portion of even one ruku or two rukus, or some verses. And apart from that, you should give them some passages from the books of the Promised Messiah[as] which are good for their spiritual uplift and betterment. The tarbiyat department should help them in this regard.

“If you have a [Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya] website, every day you can put a new passage from the book of the Promised Messiahas which is good for their training and spiritual betterment. You should post every day a news passage […] you should also check how many of them are reading it.”

Huzooraa said they should keep track of

the visits on their khuddam website and the numbers who were reading the content.

Speaking with Joda Abbas Sahib, Mohtamim Tajnid (Census), Huzooraa asked what the tajnid was of MKA Nigeria – Joda Sahib said it was estimated to be 19,000; however, they had only recorded 5,000.

Huzooraa asked why the remaining 14,000 were not recorded or accounted for and said that the number should actually be more than 19,000. Huzooraa said: “[…] it should be more than that. In my view, your tajnid should not be less than 100,000. If the figures of your jamaat are correct, if the number of bai‘ats you receive every year is correct, then the Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya number should not be less than 100,000. [It should be] even more than that.

So, you have to work on it.

“If you think the figure given by the jamaat is not correct, then you can talk through Sadr Sahib to Amir Sahib, or the respective person who is on this duty in the Jamaat – the respective secretary – so that they can coordinate with you; and with Lajna, with Ansar, and every auxiliary organisation because you are the people who can better train these new converts. If they are included in your tajnid and involved in all the activities, all the programmes made by you, they can easily, and in a better way, [be] involved in Jamaat activities.

“Try to find out where you are lacking, and if you have to take some special measures in this regard, you will have to take [it]. You can give your suggestion to the jamaat as to how you can improve your tajnid so that secretary nau mubai‘een and mohtamim nau mubai‘een and other secretaries in different [auxiliary] organisations can have a coordinated and concerted effort.”

While talking to Abdul Kabir Muhammad Sahib, Mohtamim Tarbiyat Rishta Nata (Moral Traning in Marital Issues), Hazrat

Amirul Momineenaa instructed there should be a list of all the khuddam who needed to get married so that proposals could be made.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Alaka Abdur Roqeeb Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Talim how many classes were held every week

by MKA Nigeria. Alaka Sahib said three classes, across all regions, were held every week. Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Allah”.

Shittu Abdur Roqeeb Sahib, Muavin Sadr said he was assigned with the “Stop the Crime” campaign focused on the youth.

Huzooraa asked how they went about the campaign. Abdur Roqeeb Sahib said they picked a month, chose a prevalent crime in society – for example fraud and cybercrime – and then educated members on how to save themselves from those crimes.

Huzooraa asked if they saw good results and whether the government of Nigeria appreciated their efforts. Abdur Roqeeb Sahib said they saw promising results and reported their findings to the minister for youth in Nigeria. The Nigerian government appreciated their efforts, he said.

Huzooraa asked Alli Abdul Azeez Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani (Physical Health) what sports he took part in and if his health was good. Alli Sahib said he was healthy and cycled sometimes and played some football too.

Huzooraa asked the same question to Waliyyullah Oni Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani (Physical Health), to which Waliyyullah Sahib said he did Taekwondo.

Huzooraa asked if he was training Khuddam in Taekwondo. Waliyyullah Sahib said he did train Khuddam and nationwide about 729 Khuddam in Nigeria were trained in taekwondo. Hearing this, with a smile, Huzooraa remarked: “Really? Masha-Allah. So now you can fight against extremists.” Everyone present

thoroughly enjoyed the comment.

Huzooraa asked Abdeoye Abdul Hadi Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Atfal (North) how many atfal there were in his area and if they were active. Abdul Hadi Sahib said there were about 700 atfal in the north, most of whom were active, but not 100% of them.

To this, Huzooraa smiled and said, “So make them active, perfect.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked Mustapha Abdul Qudus Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Atfal (South West) how many atfal were present in the whole of Nigeria and if they were active members. Mustapha Sahib said there were more than 6,000 atfal and most were active. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Try to involve each and every tifl in your programmes.”

Huzooraa asked Abdul Kareem Hussein Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Isha‘at for Audio and Video if his department was taking part in organising the virtual mulaqat, to which he confirmed that they were.

At this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa had spoken to all the amila members and qaideen present and then turned to Akinyemi Roqib Sahib, Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria and said: “Sadr Sahib, now time is over. I have already given you more than one hour, so I think that is enough. I just wanted to acquaint myself with your amila members and that has been done. So that is all.

“I hope Allah the Almighty helps you to work hard for the betterment of the Jamaat and Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and every mohtamim, every office-bearer realises their duty and make it realise that they are working – or they should work – for getting Allah’s pleasure. Allah the Almighty help you.”

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 7 - 13 January 7 January 1910: Hazrat Mir Qasim Alira, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, launched his paper Al Haq from Delhi. This paper started rendering services from Qadian under the new title of Al Farooq by 1915.

The name of the newspaper, Al Haq, was suggested by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. The newspaper soon gained a special reputation for its articles and content. In 1911, when the British government demanded from Al Haq a cash guarantee of 1000 rupees under the Press Act, other Muslim newspapers raised their voices against this decision.

Hazrat Mir Qasim Alira arranged and deposited 1000 rupees within three days. Later, in 1913, due to a serious financial crisis, the newspaper faced difficulty and was almost discontinued.

On this, a message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was received through Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra that the publication of Al Haq should not be ceased and that Huzoorra would provide some help in this matter. Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra personally provided financial aid for this newspaper. Thus, the printing of Al Haq continued and the services of Hazrat Mir Qasim Alira are remembered to this day. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 313)

7 January 1938: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra delivered a Friday Sermon from Masjid Aqsa in Qadian, which was relayed through loudspeakers for the first time. On this occasion, Huzoorra also predicted that a day

would come when a dars of the Holy Quran and hadith would be delivered from Qadian and simultaneously listened to across the world. The loudspeaker that was used on this date was donated by a devout member of the Jamaat from the North-West Frontier (NWF) region of the Indian subcontinent, Khan Muhammad Khan Sahib.

It was this very sermon that Huzoorra stated that although the Jamaat’s circumstances did not permit, seeing the speed at which Allah was spreading and causing the Jamaat to flourish, with the grace of Allah the Almighty, the day was not far that the a dars of the Holy Quran and hadith would be delivered in Qadian and the people of Java, and America, and England, and France, and Germany, and Austria, and Hungary, and Arabia, and Egypt, and Iran - people from all over the world - would listen to the dars in their location. What a wonderful sight that would be, Huzoorra said. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 539)

7 January 1977: Hazrat Malik Ghulam Faridra MA, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away in Lahore. He was born in 1896 in Gujrat to Hazrat Malik Nuruddinra.

In 1908, he was blessed to visit the Promised Messiahas and, in 1909, he started his education in Qadian and entered Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya. After he passed his matriculation exams, he entered Islamia College Lahore.

When Ahmadi students from different colleges formed the Ahmadiyya InterCollege Association, he became its first president.

A group photo of the Promised Messiahas along with his companions. Hazrat Chaudhary Rustam Alira can be seen seated on the floor, second from right

Hazrat Malik Ghulam Faridra dedicated his life to the Jamaat in 1916 and came to Qadian after completing his master’s in English. Sir Mian Fazl-i-Hussain Sahib (who was a member of the Education Council of the Viceroy of India) sent someone to Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra to invite Hazrat Hazrat Malik Ghulam Malik Ghulam Faridra MA Faridra to government service. Huzoorra replied, “Malik Sahib works for me. You may take [so and so].”

In November 1923, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra sent him to Germany as a missionary. Later, he was posted to England where he contributed towards the inauguration of the Fazl Mosque in London. He was fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to call the first azan in Fazl Mosque. In July 1928, he returned to Qadian and became the editor of the fortnightly English newspaper, Sunrise. This newspaper began publishing weekly in 1930 and its office moved to Lahore in March 1932. Hazrat Malik Sahib also served as the editor of The Review of Religions.

In 1939, he was able to serve as the

manager of Nusrat School, Qadian.

One of his greatest services is the English translation of the Holy Quran and producing the short commentary of the Holy Quran in English.

8 January 1937: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra predicted the looming Second World War during his Friday Sermon and stressed the need for fervent prayers. It should be noted that these were warnings from almost two years before the outbreak of World War II in which Huzoorra explained the intensity of the then situation the world was in.

(Khutbaat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 18, p.6) 8 January 1969: Hazrat Hafiz Mukhtar Ahmadra of Jahanpur, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away.

He testified to the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas when he readً the ٰ َ ّ َ َ commentary of the verse, ‫َو َو َج َدک ضالا ف َھدی‬ as in Huzoor’s book, Aina-e-Kamalat-eIslam.

On one occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra mentioned Hazrat Hafiz Mukhtar Ahmadra and his father Hazrat Syed Alira and said: “These two, father and son, are the backbone of Jamaat Ahmadiyya in UP [Uttar Pradesh].”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

Hazrat Hafiz Mukhtar Ahmadra, after accepting Ahmadiyyat, dedicated his life for the service of religion. He had such a love for the books of Hazrat Ahmadas that, after having read them over and over again, he had memorised pages upon pages. His sharp memory was a special gift. Once, an opponent approached him and said that if Ahmadiyyat was the true Islam, he ought to memorise the Holy Quran and recite it to people in the following Ramadan. Thus, in the same year, he memorised the Holy Quran, and when Ramadan arrived, he recited it all in the Tarawih prayers.

Hazrat Hafiz Sahibra had a large library filled with thousands of rare books on theology and literature as well as some rare manuscripts of the Quran. He was a master at remembering references.

He used to say that whenever he was asked about a particular reference, he would always be able to answer.

After the election of Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, he had a strong desire to do bai‘at at Huzoor’srh hand, but he could not attend due to his frail health.

Therefore, Huzoorrh himself visited his house and thus, he was able to do bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh .

Hazrat Hafiz Mukhtar Ahmadra of Jahanpur

Upon his demise, Huzoorrh mentioned his great services for Islam and said that his service to the Jamaat was unparalleled.

10 January 1962: Morarji Desai, Finance Minister of India, while on a visit to Batala, was offered literature of the Jamaat by an Ahmadi delegation. He would later become the fourth prime minister of India.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 21, p. 606) 10 January 1968: Due to Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, which was in December 1967, the previous year’s Jalsa was not held. Thus, on this date, Jalsa Salana was held.

During the night between 10 and 11 January, bakers, who were hired to prepare rotis (Indian flat bread) for the Jalsa Langar went on strike.

Huzoorrh appealed to every Ahmadi to eat only one roti. The total attendance was 100,000. Thus, even this roguish ploy could not hinder the programme of Jalsa Salana and all the

programmes, by the grace of Allah, took place as planned. All Ahmadis set a great example of selflessness.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 24, p. 465)

11 January 1909: Hazrat Chaudhary Rustam Alira, a devout companion of the Promised Messiahas, passed away.

Hazrat Chaudhary Rustam Ali’sra association with the Promised Messiahas was established in 1884 when he purchased Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya while he was employed as a police sergeant in Jalandhar district, India.

He migrated to Qadian after retiring from his job. His love and relationship with Hazrat Ahmadas is known from his letters which are preserved in Maktubat-e-Ahmad.

12 January 1913: Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra returned to Qadian after performing Hajj. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira travelled a relatively long distance to welcome home the young Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra.

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra

(For further details, see Al Hakam, Issue 153, pp. 30-32.)

12 January 1929: Hazrat Baba Hidayatullahra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas well-known for his Punjabi poetry, passed away. He was born in 1832 and pledged allegiance around the year 1900. In addition to his poetry, he also wrote poems in support of the Promised Messiahas.

He was a resident of Lahore. Once, the Promised Messiahas came to visit him in his house. (Lahore Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, p. 280) 13 January 1954: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra went to Lahore where a court of inquiry was established to look into the Punjab Disturbances, which were caused by agitations against the Jamaat. On this date, Huzoor’sra statement started being recorded, which was completed by 15 January.

This statement was transcribed by the court in English, while its Urdu text of non-Ahmadi dignitaries can be read in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, volume 15 (pp. 371-413).

Nigeria khuddam praise Allah after successful virtual mulaqat Akinyemi Roqib Akintunde Sadr MKA Nigeria

Ismail Rotimi Lawal Sahib reports that on 2 January 2022, Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Nigeria was privileged to have a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, at the MKA Nigeria Secretariat in Lagos.

During this virtual meeting, Huzooraa granted valuable guidance to all the mohtamims with respect to their responsibilities.

Below are some impressions of the participants: Akinyemi Roqib Akintunde Sahib, Sadr MKA Nigeria said: “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Aalamin! It was indeed a great moment to meet Huzooraa […] We really enjoyed the session with our beloved Imamaa. We felt as though we should have a mulaqat everyday, mashaAllah, so we can get his guidance.”

Fashina Idris Sahib, Motamid said: “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Aalamin! All I can say is I am thankful to the Most High.

I pray to Allah in His infinite mercies that He continues to bless our Imamaa and be his Helper. The mulaqat was indeed full of blessings.”

Saheed Adebayo Sahib, Ikorodu Dil’a Qaid said: “It was soul-inspiring speaking with beloved Huzooraa. I would love to do this more and hopefully, someday have a mulaqat in person with Huzooraa, inshaAllah.”

Nurudeen Adeyemi Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Tajnid commented: “I felt the blessings of Khilafat within me and my surroundings as I forgot all worldly affairs during the meeting.”

Ahmad Munawar Adebambo Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Tabligh commented: “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Aalamin! I am very happy to meet our beloved Huzooraa.

His love gave us enthusiasm and his advice was full of love.”

Abdul-Hadi Adeoye Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Atfal North said: “Alhamdulillah, everything went fine.

However, I was panicking at first but came back to normal after seeing beloved Huzoor’saa face.”

Tahir Ahmad Sahib, NYCN Representative said: “Alhamdulillah that I was part of this virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa […] I look forward to having a personal, physical or group mulaqat with Huzooraa in person in the near future because of the special guidance of Huzooraa that comes with it.”

Ahmed Bello Olasunkanmi Sahib, Mohtamim Maal commented: “The opening prayer led by Huzooraa made me cry. I am highly delighted to meet Huzooraa again and sincerely appreciated the guidance given on maal. I was initially under pressure while beloved Huzooraa was conversing with me, but later gained confidence, masha-Allah.”

Abbas Olagunju Sahib, Naib Sadr, Northern Region, said: “It was a rare opportunity that I had been looking forward to. Huzoor’saa smile was really captivating.”

Alaka Abdulroqeeb Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Talim, said: “I was overwhelmed looking at beloved Huzooraa. Also, I feel fulfilled having the chance to be in his company.”

Olalekan Ismail Sahib, Oyo Ilaqa Qaid commented: “It is a lifetime opportunity to speak and see Huzooraa. May Almighty Allah grant me many more of such opportunities, amin.”

Moshood Nasirudeen Sahib, Oyo Dil’a Qaid said: “The mulaqat was very interesting and spiritual because we have a very good interaction with our beloved Huzooraa.

I wish to have a physical mulaqat in the future.”

Mustapha Abiodun Abdulquddus Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Atfal Southwest said: “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-Aalamin! It was marvelous. I am unable to express the atmosphere felt during the mulaqat. It was as if I was seeing the Khalifa in person […] I look forward to having another meeing with him.”

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Introduction to chapters of the Holy Quran

Surah al-Rum, Luqman, al-Sajdah, al-Ahzab and Saba The English translation of the introduction to chapters of the Holy Quran as given by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh is being presented for the benefit of our readers. Insha-Allah, in the coming issues, we will endeavour to publish the introduction to all chapters of the Holy Quran:

Chapter 30: Surah al-Rum This is a Meccan surah and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 61 verses.

This surah too starts with the abbreviated letters of ‫[ الم‬Alif, laam, meem). The surahs that start with ‫ الم‬discuss that Allah the Almighty is All-Knowing as to what happened and what is yet to happen.

Towards the end of the preceding surah, a claim was made that surely Allah the Almighty was with those who did good and the Holy Prophetsa was the best of those who did good. Thus, he is being given the glad tidings of further victories which are found to be mentioned at numerous places in the current surah. In the first place, it has been mentioned in a prophetic style that when the polytheists of Persia triumphed against the Christian state of Rome in a small territory they took it as an omen that they would be given a conclusive victory as well against those who associated themselves with Allah the Almighty. This surah announced that it would never take place. The Romans would certainly retrieve their territories that they lost at the hands of the polytheists of Persia; and the Muslims would rejoice at this in good faith that now, God willing, the Muslims as well would achieve a great victory against the polytheists.

This prophecy belongs to the time when the Muslims were extremely weak and nobody could claim their victory. In this connection, this prophecy was also implied in the promise of victory that the Muslims would also get victory over the powerful state of the polytheists, i.e. the state of Persia.

Thus, it took place exactly as mentioned.

Despite having witnessed this very clear proof, people continue to deny the existence of Allah the Almighty. Thus, once again, their attention has been drawn to the fact that they should ponder over the heavens and earth, or their own selves, so that they might witness the signs of the existence of Allah the Almighty within themselves, the earth and in the firmament of the heavens.

Similarly, their attention is drawn once again to the relics of past peoples as to whether they were oblivious of their state; if so, then they ought to reflect on the end of the past peoples. From a worldly point of view, they were very powerful peoples and as compared to the people of the time of the Holy Prophetsa, they had populated the earth to a greater degree. But once they

denied the prophets that came to them, all their grandeur was ruined to dust.

Next, through various examples, this subject recurs that wherever you cast your eyes you will find the subject matter of death after life and vice versa spread all around.

But regretfully, man fails to ponder over the fact that his final destination cannot be to create him time and again for this very world. The final life must be when he will be presented before God for accountability.

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa once again has been advised to exercise patience. The promise of Allah is true in any case. And those who did not believe would not be able to move him from his stance. At this point, patience means to stick to virtues and abandon not the truth at any cost.

Chapter 31: Surah Luqman This is a Meccan surah and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 35 verses.

This surah as well starts with the abbreviated letters of ‫[ الم‬Alif, laam, meem].

The subject matters of Surah al-Baqarah, the first surah that started with ‫ الم‬, have been repeated in this surah in a new style. As the subject of the descent of Al-Kitab [the Book] was discussed in the beginning of Surah al-Baqarah, similarly, in its beginning, the current surah discusses the guidance that descends from Allah the Almighty. But the subject matter has been advanced further in that according to the initial connotation of taqwa [true awareness of God], there [in

Surah al-Baqarah] the Book was to become a guidance for those who had the courage to profess truth openly. But at this place, it is claimed that this Book is a guidance for such people as well who are advanced in taqwa and have been designated the status of muhsineen [who do good]. This neverending source of taqwa will continue to satiate in all the uncountable and everlasting advanced stages further ahead.

Once again, emphasis in the current surah has been laid on the point that Allah the Almighty possesses a number of powers that cannot be seen by the naked eye, just as gravity cannot be seen. “How then will you be able to see with the naked eye the Creator of such powers?”

Hazrat Luqman was a renowned man of wisdom – he would talk very wisely. In this surah, the word Al-Hakeem has been added with Al-Kitab after “Alif laam meem”, which gives a clue that now, wisdom will be discussed in different manners with reference to the noble Luqman. The most important among his wise discourses is his admonishment to his son not to ever associate any partner with Allah.

Next, he taught him to be kind to his parents because they resembled the Lord in the sense that they became an ostensible means of the birth of children.

Next, he admonished that the AllKnowing and Wise Allah, Who had the knowledge of things as small as a mustard seed latent in the earth or rocks, and was

All-Aware, would come to know even if an iota of polytheism came to his mind. At this point, the word Khabeer [All-Aware] seems to refer to the fact that He knows as to what is going to happen to them in future and what end they will meet.

Next, the fundamental directive of the observance of Salat, which is the foremost directive in Surah al-Baqarah, is mentioned.

The life of a believer depends solely on observance of Salat. The ability to enjoin good [amr bil-ma‘ruf] and forbid evil [nahi ‘anil munkar] is bestowed merely as a result of observance of Salat. But the nature of man is such that despite the fact that he gets the ability to do every righteous act from Allah, he turns his cheeks away from men in scorn over minor excellences on other people. Thus, man has been exhorted towards humility, to walk in the earth at a moderate pace and lower his voice as well.

Thereafter, man’s attention has been drawn to being grateful, which enjoys pivotal importance in the current surah. Time and again, Hazrat Luqman admonishes his son to be grateful. Thus, the pivotal point of the wisdom bestowed on Hazrat Luqman is being grateful to God, with which initiates his exhortation. There is no end to the bounties of Allah the Almighty, Who subjected the earth and heavens and all the latent powers in them for the development of mankind; so much so that the galaxies existing at the end of the universe somehow influence the latent abilities in man. There are some people who do not have any knowledge of the universe at all, and despite their lack of knowledge, they criticise Allah the Almighty exceedingly. Neither do they possess any guidance, nor an illuminating Book that teaches polytheism.

At this point, the word “illuminating Book” [kitabun munir] removes the misconception that the polytheists present their distorted books as a proof of it, like Vedas are presented as a proof. But the Vedas do not possess any illuminating proof; rather, they drive man further deep into the abyss of darkness.

No knowledge can encompass the secrets of the power and wisdom of Allah spread all over the universe; so much so that if all the oceans became ink and all trees became pens, the oceans and pens would be exhausted but the account of the secrets of divine powers would not come to an end.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022 A following verse (29), in a wonderful style, unravels the secrets of human creation.

Man’s attention has been drawn to the fact that if he pondered over the formation of the foetus in the mother’s womb as to what innumerable stages he had to pass through, he might have limited knowledge of the secrets of the philosophy of his initial creation. Therefore, scientists assert firmly that from the beginning of pregnancy till its completion, the foetus undergoes all the changes that take place during the whole of the evolutionary process from the beginning of life. This is a very, very vast and deep subject on which all the people of knowledge and science have their consensus. Allah said, “This is your first creation. As developing from a humble insect you attained the ultimate human physical abilities, similarly, in your new birth, by the time of the Day of Resurrection you will have made so much progress that as compared to that complete formation, man will be just like the humble insect with which life initiated.”

The surah concludes at the announcement that the knowledge about the mentioned hour, when man will be raised from the dead in an absolutely perfect form again, rests with Allah alone as to when and how it will take place. In this connection, Allah also mentions some other things whose knowledge rests with Allah the Almighty alone. And this knowledge has not been shared with man in any way. These things include as to when and how rain will be sent from the sky; what is being nurtured in the wombs of mothers; what is man going to earn tomorrow and in what part of the land he will die.

One misconception needs to be removed at this point. It is claimed in this developed age of today that due to modern equipment, it can be found out as to what lies in the womb of a mother, so much so that it can also be found out whether the baby is healthy or ill by birth and whether it is a boy or a girl. Despite this absolute claim of theirs, they cannot say with conviction whether the baby in the womb is disabled or not. They merely talk about a possibility. Similarly, this prophecy of theirs is also proving to be wrong whether the baby will be a son or a daughter. It has been witnessed that in many cases, gynaecologists very firmly tell about a disability in a child by birth, but the child is born without any disability. Similarly, they assert with conviction that it is going to be a daughter, but a son is born and sometimes, vice versa. It can be witnessed excessively in our everyday routine.

Chapter 32: Surah al-Sajdah This is a Meccan surah and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 31 verses.

At the beginning of this surah, the abbreviated lettersٰ ‫[ الم‬Alif, laam, meem] َ َ ّ َ​َ (which signify ‫[ انا الل ُہ ا ْعل ُم‬I am Allah, the AllKnowing]) explain this surah’s connection with the concluding verses of the previous surah.

In the concluding verses of the previous surah, it was said that there were numerous things which were not in the knowledge of anyone else except Allah, and exactly the same thing has been repeated in the claim َ َ ّٰ َ َ of ‫[ انا الل ُہ ا ْعل ُم‬I am Allah, the All-Knowing].

Next, secrets of the heavens and earth, which are not in the knowledge of anyone except Allah the Almighty, have been discussed once again. Then, there is a

verse that surprisingly discloses the age of the universe. Allah the Almighty says, “In comparison to the day that you know, Allah’s day is equal to 1,000 years.” This verse refers to the figure that we get after the multiplication of days in a human year with 1,000. And in another verse (Surah al-Ma‘arij: V.5) Allah the Almighty says, “A day of Allah is equal to fifty thousand years.” Thus, if this one day is multiplied in a mathematical manner with the day of 1,000 years, the sum is about 20 billion years. And according to scientists as well, the age of this universe is 18 to 20 billion years. In this relation, Allah the Almighty once again announces that it is only Allah Who has the knowledge of the unseen and seen; Who has made perfect everything He has created. And surprisingly, all of these things were created from clay. Thereafter are found other stages of creation which include the creation of the foetus in the womb of a mother.

Next, people’s doubts about rising up again has been discussed and new information is added that everyone has his own angel of death, who, having the knowledge of their ailments and very intricate disorders, concludes absolutely rightly as to when they should die. And here, once again, the same subject matter of the concluding verses of the previous surah has been related in a new style.

In the last ruku of the current surah, discussing Hazrat Mosesas, the subject matter of ‫ الم‬has been repeated once again and it is said, “Do not be in doubt about his meeting.” According to some commentators, it does not refer to meeting with Allah the Almighty, but it refers to the Holy Prophet’ssa meeting with Hazrat Mosesas.

If this meaning is to be taken, then it is evident that this is not a meeting with all the Prophets on the Day of Resurrection. But it refers especially to that meeting which he had with Hazrat Mosesas on Mi‘raj and with regard to the daily prayers, Hazrat Mosesas gave him a piece of advice, the details of which are found in the account of Mi‘raj.

In the concluding verse of the current surah, the Holy Prophetsa has been directed to turn away from his enemies and persecutors.

Chapter 33: Surah al-Ahzab This is a Medinite surah and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 74 verses.

The subject matter of the last verse of the preceding surah has been presented in the very beginning of the current surah. That is to say, “The disbelievers and hypocrites will endeavour to move you away from your ideology; avoid them and follow them not, and follow that which is revealed to you.”

An everlasting principle has been laid out in verse 5 that man cannot have exactly the same love for two distinctly separate entities. It refers to the point that one’s heart is dominated by love for Allah the Almighty, and one’s love in the world is merely on account of one’s love for the sake of Allah the Almighty. Thus, the hadith explains this subject matter which says, “If you put a morsel of food in the mouth of your wife because of your love for Allah, this act will be considered the divine worship.”

Next, a custom of the Arabs is mentioned in which they would call their wives their mothers. Uprooting this custom, attention has been directed to the fact that

the relationship between mother and son is established only by the laws of nature devised by Allah. “How can you alter this relationship by word of mouth?” Similarly, a person cannot become a son by calling himself a son. A son is none other than a son in blood relation. To call someone else a son is just an expression of love and nothing more than that.

Repeating the same subject matter, َ Allah says, “In the hearts is only one ‫”ا ْولٰی‬, i.e. deserving of the greatest love. And as for the believers, the Holy Prophetsa should be the most loved one for them; and then step by step, other kinsmen are mentioned that “they enjoy excellence over each other as per your nearness”.

In this very surah is also mentioned the verse of Khatamun-Nabiyyin. And some scholars, who are bereft of divine cognisance, interpret it as saying that the Holy Prophetsa is the last Prophet in the sense that no Prophet whatsoever will ever come after him. This wrong interpretation has been rejected in this surah and it mentions the mithaq [covenant] that had been taken from every prophet that “whenever there comes to you a Messenger, fulfilling that which is with you, it will be a duty of your followers to believe in him and help him instead of rejecting him.”

In this surah, for the Holy Prophetsa it is said, “wa minka”, that is “We took this covenant from you as well”. Thus, the Holy Prophet’ssa followers are under the obligation that not only is such a Prophet’s opposition unlawful for them, rather they must help and support him with the proviso that the claimant of prophethood should be a perfect follower of the Holy Prophetsa and he shall have the bounty of prophethood bestowed upon him due to the munificence of Muhammadsa, and he shall be presenting the Holy Prophet’ssa teaching without any alteration and shall strive in his favour.

Thereafter, in line with the basic meaning of “Ahzab” [confederates], the Battle of the Ditch is mentioned when all the confederates of Arabs advanced against Medina, and apparently there was no way whatsoever of protection against them.

At that time, Allah the Almighty worked a miracle and helped the Prophetsa by a terrible wind, which rendered the eyes of the disbelievers blind and in panic, they fled. Many of their mounts were tied and they did not get time to untie them. Thus, including their mounts, they left behind a lot of goods. And the terrible scarcity of food the Muslims were faced with was removed as a result of this.

This surah also mentions the condition of the people of Yathrib prior to this incident. They saw it as a horrific disaster and calamity that out of this fear, their eyes had become distracted; and the hypocrites said to the believers that there was no shelter for them that day. At that time, the believers replied that their faith had strengthened even more than before because they had already been informed about this horrific attack of hosts. They referred to Surah alQamar which contains the verse:

ُّ َ ُّ َ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ‫الدبُر‬ ‫سيهزم الجمع ويولون‬

[“The hosts shall soon be routed and shall turn their backs (in flight)”]. Thus, the believers fulfilled their promise in this battle. Some of them could not join at that time, but they awaited that if only they too could be steadfast and sacrifice like other companions of the Holy Prophetsa who joined in the Battle of the Ditch.

In verse 38 of this surah, Allah the Almighty commanded the Holy Prophetsa to marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. This commandment was very heavy on the Prophetsa. He was also worried about the criticism from the hypocrites as a result thereof. For this reason, he had serious concerns with regard to this marriage. In any case, it was compulsory to follow the divine commandment.

Next follows a verse (41) which should be called the pinnacle of the current surah, and it also relates the incident of Hazrat Zaidra. It was announced openly that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was neither the father of Zaidra, nor the father of any of their men, but he was Khatamun-Nabiyyin. That Continued on next page >>

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

8 << Continued from previous page

is to say, he was granted the title of being the spiritual father of the Prophets. This is the translation that is deduced from the context.

But Khatamun-Nabiyyin may be translated in many ways, and all of them are meant by this Quranic verse. And the Holy Prophetsa is proven to be Khatamun-Nabiyyin according to every meaning. For instance, one meaning of Khatam is affirmer. And among all the shariahs [divine laws] it is only the shariah of the Holy Prophetsa that affirms all the past Prophets of all ages. No other divine book in the world contains such a magnificent verse.

The following verse reminds us of that prayer of Hazrat Zachariahas, which Allah the Almighty revealed to him after giving him glad tidings of a son, to glorify Allah morning and evening.

Then, verses 46-47 discuss the Holy Prophet’ssa being a shahid [witness], mubashir [a bearer of glad tidings] and nadhir [a warner]. The Holy Prophetsa was witness to the truthfulness of the great Prophet Mosesas before him, as well as the truthfulness of an upcoming servant of his. The similitude of his magnificence has been given with the sun which illuminates the entire world, and the moon as well which takes its light from the sun. Thus, it is destined for a moon to deliver the very light of the Holy Prophetsa to mankind when the darkness of night takes over. So it contains the prophecy that it is going to take place in the coming dark ages.

Next, the believers have been taught the etiquette of taqwa, that keeping in mind the high status of the Holy Prophetsa mentioned earlier, they were under the obligation to be entirely respectful to him.

Sometimes, the Holy Prophetsa would invite his relatives and companions for a meal at home. In these verses, the Companionsra have been admonished that when the Holy Prophetsa held such feasts, they should not, considering it like other invitations, go to his house before the time and wait for the food to be ready. They should go once the food was ready and they were invited. Thereafter, with permission, they should go back to their houses. In the course of a meal, if they need something, they can ask the Mothers of the Believers from behind a curtain.

At this point, the wives of the Holy Prophetsa have been admonished for purity to a much greater degree than the other Muslim women because their exalted station demands that because of them, the Holy Prophetsa may not have to bear even the slightest degree of calumny.

As the hypocrites would malign the Holy Prophetsa through slander, Hazrat Mosesas was also subjected to slander. Thus, the subject that the Holy Prophetsa has a number of resemblances to his preceding majestic prophet, Hazrat Mosesas has been repeated towards the end of this surah. And as Hazrat Mosesas was informed that no matter what, he had a great position in the sight of Allah, similarly, the Holy Prophetsa was comforted that these calumnies would do him no harm because, in the sight of Allah the Almighty, he was:

greater than the burden of trust offered to Mosesas. Even the mountains shattered due to its awe. But the Holy Prophetsa stepped forward to bear this trust as a result of which he was immensely unjust to his own self, but he remained totally neglectful of its consequences.

Chapter 34: Surah Saba This is a Meccan surah and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 50 verses.

This surah starts with the verse, “All praise belong to Allah Who is the Master of the heavens, and the earth also praises him and in the Hereafter too, songs of only His praise will be sung.” Here, it is a clear reference to the Holy Prophetsa that in his time, his devoted followers would fill the heavens and earth with divine praise.

Next, in the course of explaining mountains, it is stated that mountains also stood for hardworking mountainous peoples. As mountains were not subjected for Davidas literally, but hardworking mountainous people were subjected to him.

Thus, the mountains mentioned at the end of the previous surah have been elaborated at this point.

After this account, the jinn, who were made subservient to Hazrat Davidas and Hazrat Solomonas and who performed very arduous tasks for them, have been elaborated that these were human jinn. They were not the jinn who are generally taken to be made of fire. Fire comes to an end the moment it enters water. But with regard to these jinn, at another place, the Holy Quran states that they would plunge into the sea and bring out pearls; whereas the jinn made of fire cannot

plunge into the sea. Secondly, it states that these jinn were chained, whereas the jinn of fire could not be chained. All these things made the children of David obliged to God. Therefore, Hazrat Solomonas, who was the foremost descendent of David in a physical and spiritual sense, did justice to being grateful to God. But when he was informed that his son, who would be enthroned after him, would be a mere body devoid of spirituality, as a result thereof, he prayed to God that in such a case his kingdom might be wiped out in his time as he had nothing to do with such a worldly kingdom. Thus, this is what transpired exactly.

After Hazrat Solomonas, when his son was enthroned, these very mountainous people rebelled against him once they learned that a foolish king ruled them. And the worldly kingdom of Hazrat Solomonas was shattered to pieces.

When powerful empires shatter instead of praying to remain closer to each other out of mutual love, their subjects pray for longer distances between each other as a result of mutual hatred. In such a case, they are made examples of and are ground to pieces in the mortars of the wrath of Allah.

Then, long distances are created between their communities so that peculiar scenes of wilderness are found between them where the bush etc. start growing; whereas earlier they were granted great orchards and farms.

The teaching of patience given to the Holy Prophetsa at the end of the previous surah has been repeated at this point, that he must continue exercising patience in all circumstances. And his heart was

strengthened by great glad tidings that earlier major powers were just like very small nations; but Allah the Almighty granted him a spiritual kingdom of the entire world.

Next, the attention of the opponents has been drawn towards seeking judgment from Allah the Almighty through supplication that in ones or twos, they should stand up before Allah to pray, and reflect that this prince of knowledge and wisdom, who has been granted the Holy Quran, is not insane at all.

Next, it is stated that “you should reflect that when they will be utterly restless, to the extent that it appears never-ending, they will be seized from a place nearby.” The place nearby is the jugular vein. It means that they would be tormented terribly from within themselves. And in the next verse, “a position so far off ” is a reference to the fact that repentance will be very difficult for such people. When they had failed to repent on difficult circumstances they went through, then how will they repent sincerely at the fear of seizure by Allah, which they see to be very far? Invariably a barrier is placed between such disbelievers and the attainment of their carnal desires, as had been happening with the disbelievers in past times. But these unfortunate people always remain a victim of misgivings.

(Translated from the original introduction of chapters as presented in the Urdu translation of the Holy Quran by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masihrh. Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, missionary in Ghana)

ْ ُّ ‫الدن َیا َوالْٓاخ َِر ِۃ‬ ‫َو ِج ْی ًہا فِی‬

In the last two verses of the surah, once again referring to Hazrat Mosesas, it has been said that the burden of trust that has been offered to the Holy Prophetsa was much

Claimed to be the Mausoleum of Prophet Suleman

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AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

USA, Russia, China, UK and France pledge to avoid nuclear war Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam Five of the world’s most powerful nations – the USA, Russia, China, the UK and France – have agreed that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought” in a rare joint pledge to reduce the risk of such a conflict ever starting. (The Guardian, 3 January 2022, “Five of world’s most powerful nations pledge to avoid nuclear war”)

The Guardian reported: “Such a common statement on a major issue of global security has become a rarity at a time of increasing friction between Russia, China and the West. With Moscow threatening to invade Ukraine and China signalling its readiness to use military force against Taiwan, the joint statement represents a renewed commitment to prevent any confrontation turning into a nuclear catastrophe.” (Ibid) Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been calling world leaders for a long time towards establishing world peace and warning them to avoid the trigger-happy use of nuclear weapons which could initiate huge destruction.

On 24 March 2012, during his keynote address at the 9th Annual Peace Symposium of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, Huzooraa said: “Japan is the one country to have experienced the abhorrent consequences of atomic warfare, when it was attacked by nuclear bombs during the Second World War [...] The nuclear bombs that were used at that time and which caused widespread devastation, were much less powerful than the atomic weapons that are possessed by even very small nations today […] Let it be clear that if nuclear weapons are used again today, then it is quite possible that parts of certain countries could be completely wiped off the map. They could cease to exist […]

Recently, a very senior Russian military commander issued a serious warning about the potential risk of a nuclear war. It was his view that such a war would not be fought in Asia or elsewhere, but would be fought on

Europe’s borders, and that the threat might originate and ignite from Eastern European countries.” (www.reviewofreligions.org/6305/thedevastating-consequences-of-a-nuclear-war-and-thecritical-need-for-absolute-justice/)

On 9 March 2019, while addressing the 16th Annual Peace Symposium of Jamaat UK, Huzooraa stated: “If there is a nuclear war, we will not only be destroying the world today, but we will also be leaving behind a lasting trail of destruction and misery for our future generations. Hence, we must pause and reflect on the consequences of our actions.

We should not consider any issue or conflict, whether within a country or at an international level, to be insignificant.” (www. pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2019/03/head-

ahmadiyya-muslim-community-warns-intensifyingglobal-hostilities-risk-disastrous-nuclear-war/)

If we look around the world, there are several conflicts all over the globe, which are causing great tensions between many major powers.

One such conflict is the Russo-Ukrainian War, which had begun in February 2014, over the status of Crimea and parts of the Donbas.

Recently, during a speech on 21 December 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he would consider a military response if Russia felt threatened

by NATO. The Guardian reported: “By massing troops at Ukraine’s borders, however, Russia has made it clear that an attack is on the table.

“‘If our Western counterparts continue a clearly aggressive line, we will undertake proportionate military-technical countermeasures and will respond firmly to unfriendly steps,’ Putin said in televised remarks. ‘I’d like to stress that we are fully entitled to do that.’” (The Guardian, 21 December 2021, “Putin warns of possible military response over ‘aggressive’ Nato”)

On 30 December 2021, the Financial Times stated: “As Vladimir Putin threatens possible military action on Ukraine, Western military analysts say Russia’s president could contemplate a wide range of scenarios – from targeted missile strikes Continued on next page >>

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

10 << Continued from previous page

to a limited incursion from the east or south of the country, and even a full-scale invasion backed by cyber warfare […]

US intelligence information shared with European allies suggests Russia is preparing a possible invasion, according to US and EU officials, who gave the caveat that Putin had not yet made a final decision.” (Financial Times, 30 December 2021, “Airstrikes or invasion: what are Putin’s military options for Ukraine?”)

Then, on 31 December 2021, The New York Times reported: “Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, warned on Friday that the Kremlin perceives the United States and its allies as stoking the war in eastern Ukraine […]

‘Unfortunately, we see the United States and other NATO nations supporting the militaristic intentions of Kyiv, provisioning Ukraine with weapons and sending military specialists,’ Mr Lavrov said.” (The New York

Times, 31 December 2021, “Russian Foreign Minister Levels New Warning on Ukraine”)

CNN reported that the American President, Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 2 January 2022, that the US and its allies “will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine”, according to a readout of a call between the two leaders provided by the White House.

(CNN, 3 January 2022, “Biden tells Ukrainian president US ‘will respond decisively if Russia further invades’”)

Mercy Kuo, a writer of The Diplomat, had a conversation with Karen-Anna Eggen, a PhD fellow at the Norwegian Institute of Defence Studies. While answering a question, Karen-Anna Eggen said: “Both Ukraine and Taiwan are small powers grappling with a persistent, and recently growing, threat posed by greater powers, in this case, Russia and China, who both believe these states are rightful parts of their territory or at least sphere of influence in the case of Ukraine. This takes place in a context of heightened global tensions and great power rivalry. The U.S. is a part of both conflicts, although it has not extended the same security guarantees to Ukraine as to Taiwan.” (The Diplomat, 4 January 2022, “Russia-

Ukraine Tensions: Signals to China – Insights from Karen-Anna Eggen”)

On 4 January 2022, NATO announced to hold a virtual meeting of foreign ministers from the 30 member nations to assess the situation in Ukraine and upcoming talks with Russia. “The extraordinary meeting of the alliance members on Friday will kick off a week of intense diplomacy over the military buildup on Ukraine’s borders and initiatives to ease the tension between the Cold War foes.” (Independent, 4 January 2022, “NATO to hold

foreign ministers meeting over Ukraine”)

On 5 January 2022, Josep Borrell, a top diplomat of the EU, visited the east Ukraine front, in what Kyiv welcomed as a show of solidarity against the threat of a major new military confrontation with Moscow. He flew by helicopter to the easterly Luhansk region, the first EU High Representative to do so since the outbreak of the conflict in 2014, as part of a Western diplomatic push in support of Ukraine.

“A very timely visit against the background of Russian blackmail, escalation and threats,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a statement while accompanying Borrell. (Reuters, 5 January 2022,

“EU’s top diplomat visits east Ukraine front to show

support against Moscow”)

Taiwan’s conflict is also starting to heap up, as stated by the Daily Mail: “China could carry out a surprise attack on Taiwan by turning military drills near the island into a genuine invasion, Taipei’s defence ministry has warned in a new report.” (Daily Mail, 13 December 2021, “China

could carry out a surprise attack on Taiwan by turning drills near the island into a genuine invasion, Taipei fears”)

Then, Reuters reported on 22 December 2021, that Taliban soldiers in Afghanistan disrupted the erecting of a security fence by the Pakistani military along the border between the two countries. Reuters also quoted Afghan defence ministry spokesman, Enayatullah Khwarizmi, who confirmed this incident. (Reuters, 22 December 2021, “Afghan Taliban stop Pakistan army from fencing international border”)

Even though this dispute about the fences on the Durand Line is not a new one, but the recent incident has raised some eyebrows.

There is another ongoing conflict between India and China as well over some disputed territories. Recently, China has “renamed” 15 places in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, in a region which Beijing claims is “South Tibet”.

China’s civil affairs ministry announced that it had “standardised” in Chinese characters and Tibetan and Roman alphabets, the names of 15 places in Zangnan or South Tibet, according to a report by the staterun Global Times daily. (Independent, “China

‘renames’ 15 places in India in latest spat between the two powers”)

In response, Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for India’s federal external affairs ministry, said that “Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact.” (Ibid) Moreover, there are the on-going conflicts in Kashmir and Palestine as well.

In recent times, the anti-Muslim campaigns by some extremist elements of the Indian society have also intensified to an alarming extent.

For the last 19 years, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had been calling world leaders towards establishing world peace and granted valuable guidance in this regard.

On 29 November 2020, during a virtual mulaqat of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, a tifl asked Huzooraa, “Would life ever become normal again after Covid?”

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

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

“So, we must pray that may Allah the Exalted grant the people of the world sense and wisdom so that instead of bowing before materialism and usurping the rights of one another, the world’s leaders and nations are able to see sense and strive for peace and harmony. If they try to work together so that the world becomes more united, they will be able to return the situation to normal much faster. If such efforts are not made, then the situation will not return to normal and it may take many years for the situation to return to normal and a very dire situation will unfold.

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

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

To achieve this, it is necessary that mankind turns towards God […] We should inform people that there is only one solution to help the situation of the world return to normal and that is for mankind to turn to Allah the Exalted and to fulfil His rights and the rights of His creation.” (Al Hakam, 29 October 2021, Issue 189, pp. 7-9)

On 22 May 2021, during a virtual meeting of Gambian journalists with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, a journalist referenced Huzoor’s book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, and said that Huzooraa had paid a lot of emphasis on global peace. He asked about the importance of justice and why it was crucial to speak out against injustices.

In response, Huzooraa said: “In the case of worldly affairs, if there is no justice, there is no peace. If you have double standards, as we can see in today’s world shown by the big powers, they cannot maintain peace in the world. This is what happened when the League of Nations was formed. The League of Nations was formed to maintain justice and give equal rights to each and every nation, but it failed. Resultantly, there was an eruption of the Second World War. And the same is happening with the UNO – they are

not maintaining justice, they have double standards for poor countries and for the rich countries, for Western countries and African and Asian countries. This is why you can see there is disturbance in the world today. So, if there is no justice, there is no peace.” (Al Hakam, 28 May 2021, Issue 167, pp. 1-2) On 11 September 2021, during a virtual meeting of UK khuddam with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, a question was asked as to what Huzoor’s opinion was on the current state of the world. In response, Huzooraa said: “[...] if people do not recognise their Creator and their Lord – Allah the Almighty – and do not discharge their duties to Him and what Allah the Almighty has told us to do, if they do not do it, then the world is going to doom itself very fast. This is why we are here. We have to let the people understand that ‘if you do not practice what Allah the Almighty has said, if you do not change yourself, then this is going to be your fate’. And only those will be saved from a bad end of their lives who remember Allah the Almighty.

“Everywhere you see, there are atrocities, there are cruelties, brutalities happening – whether it is being done by the big powers to the poorer nations, or whether it is within the nations, within the Muslim ummah or even small countries. Everywhere there is chaos.

“We have to help them understand what their duties are. And this is the duty of an Ahmadi, to inform people and this is a great responsibility on our shoulders.

“This is why I have been telling, all the time, to the people of the world – to politicians, to leaders – that they ought to change themselves and try to establish true justice; absolute justice in the world and discharge their duties to their Creator and their fellow beings. Otherwise, there is no guarantee [about] what is going to happen, and what we can see is a very dark and bleak end of this world.” (Al Hakam, 17 September 2021, Issue 183, p. 6)

May Allah enable the world’s leaders to pay heed to the most sincere advice and guidance given by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Amin.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

70 years of Nigeria’s first and longest-running Muslim newspaper, “The Truth”

Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo Missionary and Chairman of the Muslim Writers Guild of Nigeria

Just like the Presbyterian Reverend, Henry Townsend had pioneered the first-ever newspaper in Nigeria with the founding of Iwe Irohin in 1859 (History of Nigerian Mass Media, National Open University of Nigeria, p. 21), The Truth newspaper enjoys historical relevance of being the first and longestrunning Muslim newspaper established in Nigeria 70 years ago, precisely, in December

1951, by a prominent expatriate Muslim Missionary and journalist, Maulvi Naseem Saifi Sahib.

Maulvi Saifi Sahib served as the chief missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria and West Africa for 20 years – 1946-1966. As such, The Truth newspaper was not only used as an official newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but has been used as a means of representing Islamic perspectives to the religious, literary, social and educational development of Nigeria in particular, and

humanity, in general.

It is interesting to note that initially, the newspaper was being published monthly and entitled The Nigeria Ahmadiyya Bulletin from August to November 1951 (The Nigeria Ahmadiyya Bulletin, The Nigeria Branch of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Qadian, September 1951, Vol. 1, No. 2).

It, however, acquired its nomenclature of The Truth in December of the same year, and, subsequently, began to publish weekly henceforth. (The Truth Newspaper, December 1951, Vol. 1, No. 1).

More interestingly, many among the earliest historians and chroniclers of the history of media in Nigeria have reckoned with the pioneering place of The Truth Newspaper in the trajectory of newspapers published in Nigeria. For instance, on page 26 of his pioneering work published in 1968 and titled, Landmarks of the Nigerian Press – An Outline of the Origins and Development of the Newspaper Press in Nigeria (1859 to 1965), the renowned media scholar and practitioner, Increase HE Coker acknowledged: “The only regular Muslim newspaper was the one started in Lagos at this period and entitled Truth. It was pioneered by the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Lagos branch, which continues to subsidize its production.”

Incidentally, Ahmadiyyat is also reputed for pioneering in Nigeria the first Muslim-established school that combined both Islamic and secular education. It also

Life of Prophet Muhammadsa celebrated in three cities of Kosovo

Jinahuddin Saif President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo organised a Jalsa Seerat-un-Nabi – celebrating the life of Prophet Muhammadsa – in three cities Mitrovica, Peja and Prishtina on 19, 25 and 26 December 2021.

During the event in Mitrovica, North

Kosovo, speeches were delivered about the blessed character of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Another event was held in Peja, West of Kosovo, which was also attended by non-Ahmadi guests. A lecture was delivered on “The Holy Prophet’ssa trust in Allah the Almighty”. This was followed by an introduction to the book Life of

Muhammadsa, written by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra.

Another event was held in Prishtina during which I spoke on the generosity of the Holy Prophetsa”.

The total attendance of these three events was 38.

pioneered the first Muslim hospital through the establishment of the first Muslim medical dispensary in Nigeria in 1961 and continues to run a number of schools and hospitals and clinics across various states in the country today. (Centenary History of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, 2016, p. 175) To continue our walk through the memory lane of The Truth newspaper, it is exciting to note that the noble mission of this newspaper, as stated by the veteran journalist-founder in its maiden edition, is that it aims at “calling humanity toward the Creator of the Universe” and “inviting every soul to the fountainhead of peace – Islam.”

This is “the message that THE TRUTH has pledged to impart to every soul in West Africa in particular and the rest of the world in general.” (“Our Message” (editorial), The Truth Newspaper, December 1951, Vol. 1, No. 1, p. 3) From any evaluation of media history in Nigeria, three factors should evidence the long history of media relevance, contribution and popularity of The Truth in Nigeria: 1. Regardless of being a foreigner, its founder was elected as the first vicepresident of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for many years, the treasurer of the Nigerian Press Club and an executive member of the Guild of Newspaper Editors. (“My Hearty Thanks”, The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 5 August 2016, p. 13) 2. The first Nigerian staff of The Truth Newspaper, Mr Yisa A Safi was offered Federal Government Scholarship for journalism at the then London Polytechnic in October 1953 by the then British Colonial Administration in recognition of the contributions of The Truth in Nigeria.

At the completion of the study, he returned to serve the country under the Federal Ministry of Information till his death in 1969. (“First Nigerian Ahmadi to Serve The Truth Passed Away”, Z O Elias (1969), The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 30 May–5 June, p.

7) 3. In contemporary history, the current chairman of the editorial board of The Truth newspaper, Dr Kasim Akinreti has been the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council from 2017 to 6 December 2020.

From the above, it is not surprising that Maulvi Naseem Saifi Sahib once reminisced how, while travelling by sea in the company of Nigeria’s first indigenous president, Nnamdi Azikwe (himself a journalist and publisher of the renowned nationalist newspaper, The Pilot), he “was surprised to hear him [Azikwe] talk about The Truth; he knew almost everything about it, even the press where it is printed.” (“My Hearty Thanks”, The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 5 August 2016, p. 13).

Since 2016, The Truth newspaper has begun its online publication, www. thetruth.ng. This has continued to avail the immediacy, frequency and global reach of its publication.

Observably, through its news stories, editorials, features, and opinion columns etc., the newspaper has been renowned for its coverage of wide-ranging issues of religious, social, health and educational relevance in Nigeria, over the years.

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Coming from every distant track

Usman O Sahib, China’s representative to India, visits Qadian A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

China, a very large country in terms of population and land mass of the Asian continent, has an extraordinary number of Muslims. The seed of Islam was sown there in the very early days of Islam, probably by the hands of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

An organisation of Chinese Muslims was established under the name of “Chinese Islamic National Salvation Federation”.

According to a report published in Al Fazl, Usman O Sahib, a Chinese Muslim, had been visiting India for about five months.

When he reached Lahore, after seeing the famous places of different provinces, he was invited to visit Qadian. He was given an invitation to visit Qadian, which he gladly accepted. On 1 October 1942, at around 11 o’clock in the morning, he reached Qadian by car from Lahore. He was received and warmly welcomed at Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan’sra residence by dignitaries of the Jamaat which included some Companionsra from different regions and provinces. The distinguished guest shook hands with everyone and greeted everyone with salaam. He conversed with people in English and Chinese. He was delighted to meet Ahmadi youth of the East Indies (present-day Indonesia) and spoke to them in Malay.

After this meeting, he rested for a while and then visited various offices. First, he visited the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya offices, from where he was shown Dar-ulMujahideen (office of missionaries). He was then shown the ishaat office where he was gifted a set of books. From there, he was shown the tabligh offices and then the Al Fazl offices. He was then shown a map of the world and was told which countries Islam Ahmadiyyat had spread to.

After this, he went to Madrasa-eAhmadiyya, the accounts offices, finance offices, qaza offices, Bahishti Maqbarah offices, office for general affairs, offices for education and tarbiyat and the office of nazir-e-ala. Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra was with him and would introduce each department.

After visiting the offices, he went to see Noor Hospital by car, then Jamia Ahmadiyya, Talim-ul-Islam High School’s swimming pool and boarding facilities.

There, when he saw a labourer working on the high school campus, he asked if all the workers were Muslims. He was told that

Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya, Qadian

even the sweepers there were Muslims. He shook hands with a sweeper and was happy to hear the Kalima from him. After seeing this, he went to Masjid Aqsa to listen to the dars. Even though he did not understand Urdu, he still listened to the dars attentively.

After visiting the offices and factories, he went back to his residence to rest.

Later, in Bait-ul-Zafar (the house of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra in Qadian), Usman O Sahib was blessed with the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. Since Usman O Sahib was fasting, iftar was arranged by Huzoorra in Bait-ul-Zafar to which some companions of the Promised Messiahas were also invited.

After Maghrib, Huzoorra arranged a feast in honour of Usman O Sahib in which about 40 companions were also invited. Since there was also a Chinese family living in Qadian, traditional Chinese dishes were also prepared for the guest. Prior to the food being served, Huzoorra spoke in English about the religious, cultural and social conditions of Chinese Muslims.

Usman O Sahib was actually a Chinese

Arab of Owais origin (decedents of Owais al-Qaranira). This is what the O stands for in Usman O Sahib’s name.

During the stay of Usman O Sahib in Qadian, a representative Al Fazl also met and asked him various questions. In response to one question, Usman O Sahib said that the number of Muslims in China was 50 million and the religious and moral condition of people in China was good. He said that people in China were generally interested in praying and fasting. They also had some private schools which provided religious education. He added that the translation of the Holy Quran was available in Chinese; however, there was no formal translation of ahadith.

Usman O Sahib’s visit to Qadian was during World War II. And so, in response to another question, Usman O Sahib said that the closure of the Burma Road (a road linking Burma, now known as Myanmar, with southwest China) could not have any effect on China’s war efforts. The Chinese people did not need aid to continue the war.

On the contrary, he added, they had a large

number of arsenal and factories in their own country. And they had taken back many cities from the Japanese, Usman O Sahib said.

On 3 October 1942, under the title, “Announcement regarding the speech of Sheikh Muhammad Usman O Sahib”, Al Fazl published an announcement stating that on Friday (the following day), at 9:30 am, Sheikh Muhammad Usman Sahib was to deliver a speech in English in Talim-ulIslam High School. It was announced that those who understood English should arrive on time and benefit from the speech of the distinguished guest.

On the front page of Al Fazl, dated 4 October 1942, it was stated that on 2 October, the guest, Usman O Sahib, visited Bahishti Maqbarah. He delivered his speech in the hall of Talim-ul-Islam High School at 9:30 am.

Before Usman O Sahib’s speech, Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra told him about Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s preaching efforts. Thereafter, he made his way to the Talim-ul-Islam High School’s hall for

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

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his speech. Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra presided over this gathering. After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a nazm, a brief introduction of the distinguished guest was given. After that, Usman O Sahib took to the stage.

He began by talking of his visit to India and about Indian Muslims in positive words and conveyed his gratitude for the hospitality he received in Qadian.

After that, he mentioned some interesting things about Chinese Muslims.

He said that there were Muslims throughout China; however, their numbers were much higher in the northwest of the country. As far as history shows, he said, Islam came to China in 651 CE. Although it was possible that there were Muslims in China before that. History showed that Islam made great strides in China. Now, Usman Sahib said, the number of Muslims there was close to 50 to 60 million. There were 43,000 mosques.

Chinese Muslims were strictly conservative in their religion, Usman Sahib said. They followed the religious rules and instructions very carefully. One would not find any Muslim family where the religion of the husband and wife was not the same.

that they were sent as representatives by the President of the Chinese Islamic National Salvation Federation, General Omar Pai. In the address, they gave a brief background of Islam in China. They said that the history of Islam in China dated back to the second year of the Yinghui dynasty (651 CE), which was the time of the third Khalifa, Hazrat Uthmanra. He sent an ambassador who was welcomed wholeheartedly by the emperor and from that time, till 1263, Muslim traders came and settled in the border towns and coastal places; however, these people lived a very luxurious and aristocratic life and did not preach. After this period came the most glorious period for Muslims in China. During the Yan and Ying dynasties (1264 to 1643), the names of Muslims and their deeds were memorable in Chinese history. Thereafter came the darkest period in history for Muslims in China. This historic period ended in 1911, during the time of the famous Chinese leader and thinker, Sun Yat-sen.

They added that in 1911, Dr Sun Yat-sen overthrew the Mann-Pen government and established a republic. Since then, a new era of new life and new development had been achieved by the Chinese Muslims.

It will not be out of place to mention that General and Madam Chiang Kai-shek came to Delhi from China in February 1942; and during talks held between the Viceroy of India and General Chiang Kai, it was also decided that a relationship be established between China and India.

On this occasion, in early April 1942, the Viceroy of India wrote a detailed letter to Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra, mentioning the inconvenience and dangers in China and asking him to go to China as the representative of India. A detailed account of Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan’sra travels to China, his stay there, his interaction with Chinese Muslims and other important matters are available to read on pages 434 to 443 of Tehdis-e-Nemat.

Usman Sahib added that Chinese Muslims rarely met with non-Muslims and did not eat their cooked food. The Muslims there did not use tobacco. Although some people had started using cigarettes etc., the majority avoided it. Chinese Muslims did not have sects as there were in India. Chinese scholars, who were called akhon (derived from the Arabic word “akh”, meaning brother), were very conservative. Until recently, they considered the translation of the Holy Quran into Chinese against its sanctity; however, Usman Sahib said that it had been 20 years since the Quran was translated. He said that two translations had been rendered by non-Muslims, but there was another translation of a Chinese Muslim scholar named Elias that was considered more authentic. He added that arrangements were being made for another authentic translation.

Some Chinese scholars, despite their proficiency in understanding Arabic and Persian, could not speak the language. If an Arab or an Iranian came, they could not speak to him. That is why Chinese Muslim students had been sent to Egypt for education for 10 or 15 years, so that

they could learn modern Arabic there. He said that the Egyptian government was very sympathetic to Chinese Muslims. 20 students were given scholarships by AlAzhar organisers and 20 students were given scholarships by King Farouk.

Usman Sahib added that he also wanted to send young people to universities in other Islamic countries and added that the purpose of his trip was to make proper arrangements for it. So, he had managed to make arrangements for it at Osmania University and Aligarh University. He said that Chinese students would come after the war. In addition to Egypt, some students had been sent to study at the University of Istanbul. However, he said, he desired to send more students.

Usman O Sahib said that some Chinese traders and hawkers presented themselves as Muslims in India and defamed Chinese Muslims with their behaviour. He said that he had done all research on this matter and stated that they were not Chinese and that he was the first Muslim to come to India from China. None of the hawkers in India, he added, were actually Muslim by faith.

They became Muslims just to run their business, said Usman O Sahib.

After concluding his speech, Usman O Sahib visited Masjid Mubarak and requested

a farewell meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, which Huzoorra approved. Usman Sahib was honoured in Qasr-e-Khilafat as a guest. He returned to Lahore by car at around 11 o’clock. Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra also went with him.

After meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, the next day, Usman O Sahib told some friends that Huzoor’sra personality had a profound effect on him. He said that Huzoorra was a very admirable person – his knowledge was vast, he could conduct excellent scholarly discussions on every important subject and he was familiar with many languages.

On page 5 of Al Fazl, dated 25 June 1942, under the headline “Muslim Chinese Representative’s Speech to Muslims in India”, it was reported that Usman O Sahib, the representative of Chinese Muslims to India, and another person who was the representative of the Chinese National Islamic Salvation Federation, during their visit to India, addressed a gathering organised by Muslims in Bombay.

There, they stated that the purpose of their visit was to find out the situation of Indian Muslims in order to establish unity and love between the two countries so that the alienation which had been going on for centuries would be lifted. They further said

(In preparation of the above material, the 3 and 4 October 1942 issues of Al Fazl, Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat [Vol. 8] and Tehdis-e-Nemat were utilised)

Weizhou mosque, China, 1930s

A glimpse of Hazrat Khal

15 January

9 April

2 April

Huzoor launches MTA Ghana aa

27 August

Huzooraa launches Chinese website of the Jamaat

Huzoor launches new 24-hour Ahmadiyya Turkish radio station aa

Huzoor announces new Quran search engine by Al Islam team

19 September

12 September

Huzooraa delivers address to Majlis Ansarullah UK’s National Ijtema

Huzoor addresses concluding session of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK’s 2021 Ijtema and also launched Salathub.co.uk aa

Virtual mulaqats & classes 2 January: Lajna Imaillah UK national amila 3 January: New converts of Lajna Imaillah Germany 9 January: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh national amila 10 January: UK missionaries 16 January: Majlis Ansarullah Bangladesh national amila 17 January: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK national amila 23 January: Waqf-e-Nau Indonesia 24 January: Lajna Imaillah Ghana national amila 30 January: Waqifeen-e-nau Bangladesh 31 January: Waqifaat-e-nau Bangladesh

27 June

14 May aa

7 February: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh national amila 13 February: Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Bangladesh 14 February: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya the Gambia national amila 20 February: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria national amila 21 February: Lajna Imaillah Nigeria national amila 27 February: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Mauritius national amila 28 February: Waqf-e-Nau university students in the UK 6 March: Majlis Ansarullah Australia national amila 7 March: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria national amila 14 March: Ghana missionaries

Huzoor delivers Eid-ul-Fitr sermon aa

26 September

Huzoor delivers concluding address at national Lajna UK Ijtema 2021 aa

Huzooraa a MTA International

9 October

Huzooraa delivers c to Jalsa Salana G

20 March: MTA Ghana Studios 21 March: Nasirat -ul-Ahmadiyya Australia 27 March: Lajna Imaillah Germany national amila 28 March: Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya USA 3 April: Lajna Imaillah Indonesia national amila 4 April: Arab Ahmadi Muslims residing in Germany 10 April: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India national amila 11 April: Majlis Ansarullah India national amila 17 April: Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian 18 April: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia national amila 24 April: Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya London, UK 25 April: Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Birmingham, UK 1 May: Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya UK North Region 22 May: Journalists of the Gambia 23 May: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya the Gambia national amila 29 May: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya the Gambia

f the engagements of lifatul Masih V in 2021

addresses l Conference 2021

concluding address Germany 2021

2 July

AhmadiPedia.org research tool launched by Huzooraa

31 October

Huzooraa addresses concluding session of Humanity First Conference 2021

30 May: Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya the Gambia 5 June: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir, Haifa 6 June: Lajna Imaillah Kababir, Haifa 12 June: Palestinian Ahmadis from the West Bank 13 June: Majlis Ansarullah UK national amila 19 June: Majlis Ansarullah Switzerland national amila 26 June: Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya UK 14 August: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Denmark 15 August: Majlis Ansarullah the Netherlands national amila 21 August: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany 22 August: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya students Germany 28 August: Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany 29 August: Lajna Imaillah USA national amila 2 September: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya London, UK 5 September: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Midlands, UK 11 September: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Northern England and Scotland

4 July

Huzooraa graces Khuddam UK Games 2021

23 November

Huzooraa inspects progress of the Baitul Futuh complex

21 July

6-8 August

Huzooraa delivers Eid-ul-Adha sermon

6 December

26 December

Huzooraa meets with Sir Edward J Davey

12 September: Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya Midlands, UK 18 September: Lajna Imaillah Finland 19 September: Majlis Ansarullah Germany national amila 25 September: Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria 26 September: Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Students’ Association Nigeria 2 October: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada qaideen and national amila 3 October: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya students Canada 10 October: New converts of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada 16 October: Waqf-e-Nau Khuddam of Canada 17 October: Waqf-e-Nau Atfal of Canada 23 October: Ahmadi students of Western Canada 24 October: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Ireland national amila 30 October: Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya North, UK 6 November: Majlis Ansarullah Canada national amila 7 November: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Finland national amila 13 November: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Finland national amila

Huzooraa graces Jalsa Salana UK 2021

Huzooraa addresses Jalsa Salana Qadian 2021

14 November: Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany 20 November: Lajna Imaillah Sweden national amila 21 November: Lajna Imaillah Sweden 27 November: Lajna Imaillah India national amila 28 November: Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Students’ Association Germany 4 December: Majlis Ansarullah USA national amila 5 December: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Norway national amila 11 December: Arab Ahmadis residing in Canada 12 December: Arab members of Lajna Imailla and Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada 18 December: Waqifeen-e-nau and waqifaat-e-nau of Finland 19 December: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Singapore This is just a fraction of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V’saa engagements of 2021. There is still much more. May Allah bless our Imam – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa – with a long and healthy life and may we, very soon, witness the victory of Islam Ahmadiyyat under his leadership. Amin.

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

16

How did you spend your life? A reflection by an Ahmadi convert Reem Shraiky UK

It seems like it was yesterday when I gave birth to my first son, who is now already in secondary school! It seems like the recent past when I was a student at university, or even at school when my greatest concern was to finish reading the book I had started in order to start another one. At that time, my biggest dream was to grow up and study English literature and literary criticism at university to become the president’s translator.

The days have passed quickly, worries and dreams have changed; some dreams have been achieved and others simply vanished as my view of the world changed with the passage of time, as did my priorities.

And here I am! I have reached the age of full maturity, so, I begin to look back at the past, sometimes with sadness, and with pride at other times. I have lost loved ones and fate has separated me from my siblings; I have not seen them for more than 12 years.

God alone knows when I will see them or if I will truly see them in this world!

In middle age, only one idea and thought

comes to mind: “How did I spend my life?”

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said: َ َ ْ ُ َّ َ ّ َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ‫لا تزول قدما اب ِن آدم يوم ال ِقيام ِة ِمن ِعن ِد ربِ ِه حتى يسأل‬ َ َ ُ َْ َ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ‫س ع ْن ع ْم ِر ِه ِفيما أف َناه َوع ْن ش َبابِ ِه ِفيما أبْلاه َو َمال ِ ِه‬ ٍ َ ‫عن خم‬ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ​َْ ُ َ َ ‫ِم ْن أيْ َن اكت َس َبه َو ِف ْي َم أنفقه َو َماذا ع ِمل ِفيما َعلِ َم‬ “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move [on the Day of Judgement] until he is asked about five things: About his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he wore it out in, about his wealth and how he earned it, and where he spent it on, and what he did with what he knew.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi) The days that pass do not come back, and each passing day brings us closer to the end of our lives.

How fortunate you are, who were born Ahmadis; you opened your eyes to this world, seeing the Khalifa, hearing him and receiving his guidance.

Have you ever asked yourselves, “What would have happened if I had been born into a non-Ahmadi family? Am I really qualified to receive Allah’s guidance? Would I have been worthy enough for Him to guide me to Islam Ahmadiyya?”

In other words, have you ever asked

yourself, “How do I spend my life?” and “Have I served Khilafat? Have I honoured it with the estimation which is its due? So that when I stand in front of my Lord, and He asks me how I spent my life, I will say: ‘O Lord, by Your grace, You established the Khilafat and commanded me to obey and support it, and I spent my life in its service, as the service of Khilafat is the service of Your religion.’”

It is the mercy of God Almighty to His servants and creation that He sent for them Prophets and Messengers to bring them out of darkness into the light and to take them to the highest levels of spirituality and civility. The summit of all of this was that God Almighty sent our Master Muhammad, the chosen one, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Unfortunately, his followers either forgot his teaching or exceeded the limits of their religion and distorted it, so Allah sent His Promised Messiahas as a faithful servant of the Holy Prophetsa to revive his noble teachings.

And after his demise, Allah the Most Merciful did not take off the hand of His mercy; rather, He established by His sheer

grace the second rightly-guided Khilafat that was, is, and will remain the custodian and servant of this great religion: Islam.

Whosoever was born in this light and followed it has achieved great success and was saved. Whosoever, despite being born in this light has chosen darkness, ruined their soul and is indeed a loser.

Whosoever was guided by Allah’s grace and mercy to follow this light later in their lives, wish they had never known darkness, and after that, if they truly submit themselves to Allah and become a servant of Khilafat, they will be like those who were born Ahmadis and attach themselves to Allah’s religion.

As for my own self, I experienced the light of Khilafat first-hand later in my life, I sipped from its nectar and became intoxicated with its spiritual wine, but with my weaknesses, shortcomings and sins, I always fear that Allah might not have accepted me. This is why my daily prayer is that Allah may enable me to serve Khilafat to my last breath and that I will meet Him while He is pleased with me. Amin.

Kosovo Jamaat and Humanity First distribute 300 gift packages to children in need Jinahuddin Saif President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo

The Directorate of Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina has continuously taken care of social cases and families in need and the poor. One such category of the poor are children who go out and beg on the streets and who, in the absence of education, do not have a secure future.

On 23 December 2021, upon an official request from the Municipality of Prishtina, Humanity First distributed 100 gift packages to the children at the daycare centre for children “Terre des hommes Kosovo” in Prishtina.

On behalf of the Municipality of Prishtina, Mr Premtim N Fazliu who is the project coordinator at the Directorate of Social Welfare said: “Based on a donation from Humanity First, we are distributing 100 gift packages for children who attend the daycare centre for children in street situations. This donation with gift packages, more than material value, expresses or presents solidarity, equality and

care for children who live on the streets. I take this opportunity to thank Humanity First on behalf of the Municipality of Prishtina for this charity gesture and I hope that next year our cooperation will deepen even more. Thank you very much once again.”

The coordinator of the daycare centre “Terre des hommes Kosovo”, Mrs Egzona Gashi said: “Today the children of the centre gladly received gifts from the Humanity First organisation which made our children happy. We thank them on behalf of the children […] We hope to continue with good cooperation in the future with this organisation.”

The next day, on 24 December 2021, the aid caravan of Humanity First stopped in the village of Gllogjan, at the Primary School “Heronjtë e Dukagjinit (Heroes of Dukagjini)”. A month ago, in this village, a tragedy occurred where a gunman attacked a bus full of students, killing three students, two of them from this school.

In cooperation with the Mayor of Deçan,

Mr Bashkim Ramosaj, who has expressed the request to make these students happy and to remove the trauma caused by this tragic event, Humanity First has distributed 300 packages with gifts for the children of this primary school.

While receiving the gifts, in front of his municipal staff, school teachers, school staff and pupils, the Mayor of Deçan, Mr Bashkim Ramosaj said: “On behalf of myself, my collaborators, the citizens of the Municipality of Deçan, I would like to thank the representatives of Humanity First, also for the expression that we need very much at this time, ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’. The challenges that we have gone through as a municipality have not been very easy since the occurrence of the pandemic and even before its occurrence […] We have had great support from this organization […] for which I am grateful.”

In addition, the Mayor of Deçan through his social network has openly expressed his gratitude to Humanity First for the continuous help and support.

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

100 Years Ago...

“Ahmad, I the road have taken, All to leave and follow thee”: Prophet as Ahmad – A poem The Review of Religions [English], January and February 1922

I Ahmad , I the road have taken, All to leave and follow thee; I am poor, despised, forsaken Thou henceforth my all shall be.

Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve sought, or hoped, or known; Yet how rich is my condition.

God and Heaven are all my own. [as]

II Let the world despise and leave me, It has left my Ahmad[as] too; Human hearts and looks deceive me, Thou art not like them untrue, Whilst thy graces shall adorn me, Prophet of wisdom, truth and right, Foes may hate and friends may scorn me,

By following thee I find all bright.

III Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, Come disaster, scorn and pain, In thy service pain is pleasure, With thy favour, loss is gain.

Ahmad[as], my Promised Messiah, I have set my heart on thee, Storms may howl and clouds may gather All will work for good of me.

Man may trouble and distress me, ‘Twill but drive me to thy breast, Life with trials hard may press me, Heaven will bring the sweeter rest.

Oh ’tis not in grief to harm me, While thy love is left to me,

Oh ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with thee.

V My soul! then know thy full salvation, Rise o’er sin, and fear and care, Joy to find in every station, Something still to do or bear.

Think what spirit dwells within thee Think that Ahmad came for thee He has shown the road to heaven, Yes, my soul, it was for thee.

VI Haste then on from grace to glory Armed with faith and winged with prayer An eternal day before thee Ahmad[as], He to guide thee there.

Soon shall close thy earthly Mission, Patience shall thy spirit raise; Hope shall change to glad fruition Faith to sight and prayer to praise.

VII In the land of far off Qadian, There’s the Promised Messiah’s land, Ahmad’s[as] son now holds the banner Come and baiat on his hand.

Our dear, beloved, Khalifa, Bashir-ud-din, Mahmud Ahmad[ra]; With a heart full of kindness He will lead you on to God. (By AA M) (Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Review of Religions [English], January and February 1922)

In Argentina, Islam Ahmadiyyat is proving to bring tranquillity Marwan Sarwar Gill Missionary, Argentina

Two years ago, a teenager Fernando Baez was brutally murdered and which caused outrage and indignation in the whole country. Events and activities were organised to keep him in memory and console his parents.

At one interfaith event, I was invited as a representative of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to address the parents of the murdered teenager. It was a very challenging task for me; first of all, to find the appropriate words to convey the message of Islam in a way that it reaches the hearts of the non-Muslim audience, and secondly, to convey teachings that could console the parents in such a painful moment.

In my brief presentation, I explained to the audience that when a person dies, we Muslims say “Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un”, which means that we accept the fact that Allah is the Master of our lives and our souls return to Him after death. Moreover, it gives us the message to be patient and to maintain faith in our Lord.

I presented the noble example of the

founder of Islam, that when his son Ibrahimra passed away, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa showed the highest level of patience and self-control. His eyes were filled with tears and his heart with pain, but he showed complete control over his emotions and verbal expressions. He repeatedly expressed that he accepted the Divine Decree.

Hence, according to Islam, patience doesn’t mean to feel sadness and dismay over the demise of someone, but it means to maintain faith, hope and strength through your relationship with Allah the Almighty.

After finishing my presentation, I had my doubts if I was able to convey the message of Islam properly. I was overwhelmed when the parents told me afterwards that they found such peace and strength in the message of Islam like never before.

They are practising Christians and after the demise of their son they were invited to numerous Christian sermons, and even received a personal letter from the Pope.

They didn’t just benefit themselves from the teachings of Islam, but also shared them with their families and friends. From that moment onwards, they became friends of the Jamaat and invited us to all their

solidarity activities which they organise in remembrance of their son.

A little while ago, in remembrance of their son, a football tournament was organised under the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None” to promote peaceful coexistence and

to condemn violence.

This is just one glimpse of how nonMuslims in Argentina, by the blessings of Allah and the guidance of Khilafat, are finding strength, hope and comfort through the noble message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

18

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Was Jesus a god? Eminent Christian and Ahmadi missionaries in Mauritius discuss Christian beliefs Al Fazl, 22 December 1921 & 2 January 1922

An eminent European Christian by the name of K Nick came to me and said that he wanted to enquire about something. He was asked to query whatever he pleased.

The discussion took place in the Creole language. It is as follows: Christian friend: Do you believe in Jesus?

Missionary of Islam: Yes, we believe Jesusas to be a prophet.

Christian friend: Do you consider him a saint (wali)?

Missionary of Islam: We consider him more than a saint.

Christian friend: Can a saint be a liar?

Missionary of Islam: No. Christian friend: Then why don’t you consider him a god.

Missionary of Islam: He never said that he was a god.

Christian friend: He had said [that he was a god].

Missionary of Islam: Have you ever heard him say that he was a god?

Christian friend: No, but it is written in the Gospel.

Missionary of Islam: Not at all. Can you show me [where is it written]?

Christian friend: I will get the reference from the Gospels, but I don’t have the book right now.

Missionary of Islam: Sure, we are always ready to hear the Gospels. It is nowhere in the Gospels that Jesus said he was a god.

Christian friend: When [Jesus] got baptised

by John, a voice was heard from above, “He is my dear son.”

Missionary of Islam: In that way, we are all sons [of God]. Don’t you always say, “O Father Who art in heaven!” The Bible says that Jacob was the firstborn child [of God]; rather, every prophet was called a son [of God].

Christian friend: Jesus had no father, so God is his father.

Missionary of Islam: Adam also had no father, so is God his father?

Christian friend: There is no doubt that God created Adam, so He is the father of Adam. In the same way, He created Jesus, so He is his father.

Missionary of Islam: Since God created us all, God is everyone’s father. If a person born from a woman’s womb can be a god, then all those born from a women’s womb must be considered gods. How did an infinite god fit into a limited womb?

Christian friend: God can do whatever He wills. It is a mystery and a secret. We cannot explain it.

Missionary of Islam: If we accept the mystery as an argument, then we will have

to believe Ram, Krishna and even stones to be gods.

Christian friend: God has no beginning, nor end. Anything without a beginning or an end is inconceivable.

Missionary of Islam: Jesus had a beginning, as he was born from the womb of Mary, and an end, because he passed away. Thus, it is proof he was not a god; rather, he was a creation [of God].

Christian friend: When God is everywhere, why can’t he be in Mary’s womb?

Missionary of Islam: When God was in Mary’s womb, was He not outside as well?

Christian friend: Yes, He was outside as well.

Missionary of Islam: It shows that all of God had not entered Mary’s womb, but only a part of Him was there.

Christian friend: Don’t you believe the Gospels?

Missionary of Islam: Where the Gospels are contrary to the Torah, we do not believe in them. It is written in the Torah that there is one God, so how can we believe that there are three gods. Moreover, Prophet Jesusas said that he had come to fulfil the Torah, not abrogate it.

Christian friend: There is only one God, but He has three entities.

Missionary of Islam: Is that [written] in the Gospels? And if one [of the gods] dies, do all three die?

Christian friend: Yes, it is in the Gospels, and God does not die. Jesus did not die as a god, but he died as a person.

Missionary of Islam: If Jesus did not die as a god, then the concept of atonement is invalid.

Christian friend: He died for our sins.

Missionary of Islam: The death of one person can probably result in the forgiveness of the sins of only one person and not the whole mankind.

Christian friend: What is death to you?

[Death is] separation of the soul from the body.

Christian friend: So, the divine spirit was separated from the human body of Jesus.

Missionary of Islam: In this way, both god and man died, so how can you say that death did not come upon him as a god?

Christian friend: The Gospels say that he died on the cross.

Missionary of Islam: We do not believe that because it is written in the Torah that whoever dies on the cross is cursed.

Christian friend: This is not true. Would you be cursed if your enemies killed you on the cross?

Missionary of Islam: I am not a prophet.

Hazrat Hafiz Sufi Ghulam Muhammadra Ahmadi Missionary in Mauritius

This is the condition for the prophet.

Christian friend: Alright, it is time now, I will get the reference from the Gospels and then talk to you.

Missionary of Islam: Very well then, I will be very happy if you would do that.

Christian friend: I used to wonder if Muslims believed in Jesus or not. I asked a

prominent Muslim about it and he said that Muslims considered him a great prophet. I then asked him if a prophet could be a liar and a slanderer. He said “no”. I thus said to him, “Then why don’t you believe him when he claimed to be a god?” He had no answer to that. I always wondered if Muslims believed in Jesus and then considered him a liar and a slanderer. However, today, I learned from you that Jesus never claimed to be a god.

Missionary of Islam: Prophet Jesusas was placed on the cross, but he did not die on it.

He was taken off from it while unconscious.

Then, he was placed in a room-like tomb.

Joseph Arimathea applied various kinds of ointments to his wounds. He recovered and came out of the tomb on the third day. He ate and drank with the disciples, dressed as a gardener and stayed with them for 40 days.

Christian friend: It is too late. I will get back to you with those references from the Gospels that say Jesus is a god.

Missionary of Islam: Sure, very well.

From, Ghulam Muhammad Ahmadi (Missionary of Islam), Rosehill, Mauritius (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 22 December 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

“I clean my town” initiative by Ahmadis of Mayotte Island

Usama Umar Joya Missionary, Mayotte

On the first day of 2022, 40 youngsters rose early to clean up the roads across the Island of Mayotte as an initiative of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Mayotte Island. The Jamaat in Mayotte has been doing the “I clean my town” initiative for the last two years.

I am happy to say that even though it is a public holiday, the local Ahmadis get

together for this initiative on New Year’s Day. We teach our youth from an early age that they have to serve the country and the nation, no matter what sacrifices may be required.

With this kind of initiative, we are not only learning to serve the nation and the country but also teaching the youth how to avoid indulging in vain things on the occasion of the New Year.

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

19

100 West African chiefs’ interest in Islam, Years and similarities in Indian and West Ago... African beliefs Al Fazl, 22 December 1921 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

A chief ’s message I have mentioned in the last letter that four days of my [tabligh] tour were very significant. I have already mentioned two of them. Now, I will give the details of the third day, which are as follows: On the morning of 2 October [1921], I had to leave the village where I had to fight bedbugs all night. The representative of the landlord, or the village’s chief came [to me] and said, “The landlord and several other chiefs of villages wanted to hear your sermon.” The request was fulfilled and the message of Islam was conveyed. The humble villagers listened to it attentively. After the sermon, guiding a group of unclothed boys and girls, and walking for two miles through the ups and down of the route, I finally reached Omahene, i.e. the headquarters of the paramount king of Gomoha.

Inviting paramount king of Gomoha nation to Islam The name of this town is Ogwan and the chief is called Omahene, i.e. paramount king.

His house is magnificent. In his procession,

there is an army of gunmen and a band of trumpets and drums. He is considered a very influential man in the Fante region.

He is highly respected on the governmental level. The governors personally visit him to seek advice regarding their successorship. It has been 39 years since the said chief took the throne. Arriving at this place, I prayed to Allah the Almighty to bless my words so that they may influence his heart. I, along with my associates, reached that special place that was prepared for the occasion. The tables were laid out on both sides. The elders and the chief sat on one side and the servant of the Promised Messiah [Nayyar Sahib] and members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat took a seat on the other side. The chief

walked to my seat and paid respect with the help of an interpreter. Thereafter, [...] the true message of the Promised Messiahas was conveyed to him. The said chief listened to it with love and attention. After [the sermon], a meeting was held in private and the misunderstanding between an Ahmadi chief and the paramount chief was removed. There were some problems in the construction of the mosque in Asham that were resolved.

Thereafter, the chief requested for another sermon to be delivered to his elders and that the Islamic injunctions be presented to them in detail. The request was gladly accepted.

The said chief attended that gathering with great respect while wearing an Islamic dress […], which is usually worn by Muslims here. He expressed admiration for Islam in every way. He took a part of the Holy Quran and [the book, The Philosophy of the] Teachings of Islam from me and ordered his clerk to regularly read them to him. From the apparent character of that old man, I have come to the conclusion that he is reluctant to convert to Islam because of his habit of drinking; otherwise, he is a Muslim by heart and his leaders are also ready [to convert to Islam].

Ahmadiyya Conference for Entrepreneurs held by MKA USA Talha Saifi Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA USA

On 18 December 2021, Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya USA held an Ahmadiyya Conference for Entrepreneurs (ACE).

The event gave guidance on how to think about starting a business, the respective entrepreneurial journeys of the speakers, the importance of Khilafat and the Jamaat in each individual’s start-up journey and a live pitch event where viewers were able to hear one of our younger entrepreneurs pitching seasoned venture capitalists.

Naib Sadr MKA USA, Ousman Mbowe Sahib spoke about the department of Sanat-o-Tijarat (Trade and Industry). He spoke about how income inequality is an increasing threat and how Ahmadi Muslims are held to a higher standard.

Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat, Imran Ahmad Sahib encouraged everyone to think beyond “lifestyle” businesses and to think of

how to truly scale and make an incredibly large business with an outsized impact. He spoke about the increasing number of new start-ups and the funding and investing environment. This included macroeconomic trends impacting the world of start-ups and various industry trends that are leading to more innovation including artificial intelligence, NFTs, digital health, etc.

Adeel Malik Sahib delivered a speech regarding making the leap to starting a tech company.

After this, Mujeeb Ijaz Sahib gave a faithinspiring talk about how he followed Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa guidance to launch his business O.N.E (Our Next Energy). It was especially valuable to hear how his faith in Allah and the guidance of Khilafat helped inspire every decision he has made with his business.

Hamad Saeed Sahib discussed how to scale a business and the ingredients

of a business built to scale beyond a lifestyle business. He reflected on the ACE conference from 2001 that helped inspire him, and then he spent some time talking about what it takes to grow a business: team, capital, product-market fit, constant innovation and most importantly, prayers.

The final talk was delivered by Ayaz ul Haque Sahib, a venture capitalist, who spoke about what he looks for in start-up pitches. Tahir Warraich Sahib and Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib pitched their new start-up, JobAnyDay, live in front of the entire audience while hearing the various questions that Ayaz Sahib asked the aspiring entrepreneurs.

The event concluded with silent prayer and remarks by Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat, Imran Ahmad Sahib.

By the grace of Allah, the event had over 400 registrants and was attended by 540 total viewers online.

Up Ma Ji Observing the Fante language and Fante rituals, a sketch of the idolatry of India comes to mind. Hence, when I take bai‘at and say, “O my Lord”, the interpreter says “O Mehuraje”. When I leave, shouts of “Pood” are heard. When I ask their names, they say the name of the day of the week on which that man or woman was born.

I have continuously pondered over these accounts and words. I think “Mehuraje” is from “Maharaj” and “Pood” is for “Jee O”.

Naming people on the names of the days of the week is a popular custom in India.

Surprisingly, in India, except for Tuesday, other names are seldom used. However, this is not the case over here. Kofi (Friday), Komi (Saturday), Kosi (Sunday), Kojo (Monday), etc., are common names. Moreover, if you look at the rituals of the idolaters here, they are similar to the religion of India.

Consequently, when I left Ogwan and passed through tallgrass, which was nearly the height of a man, with one Adam in front and the other Adam behind me (i.e. two Ahmadis whose names were Adam), along with the associates of a long caravan which were passing one by one through the narrow path of the forest, I saw an arched doorway made of tree branches. I stopped there and asked the interpreter who the Adam was behind me. “What is that place?” I then asked the other Adam in front of me as to what it was.

The Adam in front was not from that area, so another person answered from behind in Fante, “Up Ma Ji”, which was translated to me as [...], “This is the deity who always stays in its place and sits by the water and protects the people. This god is the protector of the idolaters.” In the said [phrase], Up and Ji [appears to be] from Hindi and Ma [seems to be] from Arabic.

Considering the said similarities between the Brahmanical religion and the aforementioned deity, our friend Mahasha Krishanji, the editor of Prakash would have concluded (if he had the courage to propagate the Vedic religion in these countries), that some sages must have come here to propagate the Vedic religion and people later made an idol.

However, looking at the entire situation and the shapes of the idols, I have come to the conclusion that this is the ancient idolatry of the country of Egypt, which came to India through Misr or Mishar, i.e. the Brahmins who became disciples of the Egyptians, and they still retain this memory.

Idolatry was spread in these countries through the Egyptians in the past as well.

Caravan on the road After walking through the forest for three miles in the sun, when we reached the royal road, everyone was tired and hungry. At that point, on the side of the road, like an army camp, we all lay down to straighten our backs. The number of associates was counted there and it was 60. I could see the signs of companionship on their faces.

Then, the provisions’ box was used as a table and [baking] soda biscuits were served, alhamdulillah.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 22 December 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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Opinion

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

War in Afghanistan: Victory for the weapons industry

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir UK

The Wall Street Journal, published a piece on the last day of 2021 titled “Who Won in Afghanistan? Private Contractors”, saying that while the US lost its 20-year campaign to transform Afghanistan, many contractors won big; those who benefitted from the outpouring of government money ranged from major weapons manufacturers to entrepreneurs.

The story read, “Since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, military outsourcing helped push up Pentagon spending to $14 trillion, creating opportunities for profit as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq stretched on […] Onethird to half of that sum went to contractors, with five defense companies – Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., General Dynamics Corp., Raytheon Technologies Corp., and Northrop Grumman Corp. – taking the lion’s share, $2.1 trillion, for weapons, supplies and other services.”

The world is now – albeit slowly – accepting the fact that the extensive wars initiated by the West in Muslim countries, never helped establish world peace or resolve conflicts; instead, they caused catastrophe for those Muslim countries and boosted the arms trade and weapons industry back in the West.

Western governments spend heavy sums of their annual budgets for military supplies for their armies fighting on battlegrounds, on the other hand, they supply weapons to the extremists involved in those very battles – directly or indirectly.

Newsweek, in an article published on 18 May 2015, titled “Arming the Enemy in Afghanistan”, wrote: “It was 2010, and Jeffrey Brown, a Pentagon auditor, was walking with a U.S. Army escort through Nangarhar University in Jalalabad, an Afghan city near the Pakistani border. They had just stepped toward one of several sand-colored buildings on campus when the soldier stopped Brown and looked out at the sun-bleached hills in the distance.

‘If the Taliban were shooting only AK-47s, we wouldn’t have to worry,’ he said. ‘But we know they have M-16s, and we’ve taken sniper fire from those hills.’”

The piece continued to say, “Last year [2014], a U.S. audit revealed that the Pentagon lost track of many of the 465,000 light weapons the U.S. supplied to Afghan security forces. Part of the problem: shoddy American record-keeping. Many of the serial numbers on the guns were duplicated or entered erroneously in two databases.

But the audit also found that some 80,000 of the weapons in question were surplus AK47 assault rifles, which the Pentagon had replaced with M-16s but failed to take back from the Afghans.”

In its defence, the US argues it provided arms to the local Afghan government to fight the rebels, and it was their negligence

that the Taliban somehow got their hands on those weapons. This is an utterly weak excuse by the US as it was their own negligence that they provided such dangerous weapons to an “irresponsible” government.

In an interview with the BBC in 2018, Gen John Nicholson, the head of US forces in Afghanistan, claimed that Russia was supplying arms to the Taliban, and the Russian weapons were being smuggled across the Tajik border to the Taliban. (“Russia ‘arming the Afghan Taliban’, says US”, 23 March 2018, www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-43500299)

After the US finally withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, it left behind huge amounts of weapons at the disposal of the Taliban. Reuters, on 19 August 2021, reported: “About a month ago, Afghanistan’s ministry of defense posted on social media photographs of seven brand new helicopters arriving in Kabul delivered by the United States. “‘They’ll continue to see a steady drumbeat of that kind of support, going forward,’ U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters a few days later at the Pentagon.

“In a matter of weeks, however, the Taliban had seized most of the country, as well as any weapons and equipment left behind by fleeing Afghan forces.” (Reuters,

19 August 2021, Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban’s new U.S.-made war chest)

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, alongside condemning the havoc and inhumanity created by extremist circles of the Muslim world, highlighted that the supply-chain of the weapons of extremists traced back to Western countries. For years, he has been telling the West that if they wanted to establish peace in Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East,

they had to stop the weapons’ supply.

On 17 October 2016, during his address at a special reception at Canada’s National Parliament in Ottawa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Certain Western countries have always had an interest in the oil reserves of the Arab world and this interest has motivated their policies over a long period of time. Further, they have sold huge stocks of weapons to Muslim countries without considering the potential consequences. What I am saying is nothing new or concealed, rather it is well documented.

“For example, a recent report by Amnesty International published in December 2015 states that, ‘decades of reckless arms trading had contributed to the terrorism conducted by Daesh. It stated that the majority of weapons being used

by Daesh were originally produced in the United States and Russia.

“Furthermore, Patrick Wilcken, a Researcher on Arms Control at Amnesty concluded the report by stating, ‘The vast and varied weaponry being used by ISIS is a textbook case of how reckless arms trading fuels atrocities on a massive scale.’” (https:// www.alislam.org/articles/human-values-foundationfor-peaceful-world/)

During his address at the 14th National Peace Symposium of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, held on 25 March 2017, Huzooraa said: “In my opinion, there is one readymade solution that can have an instant impact and begin the process of healing the world. I refer to the international arms trade, which I believe has to be curbed and restricted. We all know that in order to fuel their economies, Western nations are selling weapons abroad, including to those nations that are embroiled in warfare and armed conflicts. For example, just a few

weeks ago, it was widely reported that the new US administration is signing off on a new arms deal for the sale of sophisticated and precision-guided missile technology to Saudi Arabia.

“Furthermore, a United Nations report published last year found that when it comes to the sale of arms, normal rules of law do not apply. It found that an array of companies, individuals and countries had long been contravening an international arms embargo on Libya and supplying arms to different factions there […] A wellknown CNN host recently said that curbing the arms trade could result in a loss of jobs amongst American defence companies.” (www.amjinternational.org/address/curb-on-armstrade-and-dialogue-between-nations/)

SW Londoner, while reporting on the National Peace Symposium of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya UK held on 17 March 2018, reported: “The Caliph lamented the self-interest and greed exhibited by some of the world’s major powers, who he accused of putting weapons before welfare. “‘Quite openly and proudly, the major powers are trading arms that are being used to kill, maim and brutalise innocent people,’ he said. “‘Whilst the economies of the selling countries may attain short-term benefit, their hands are covered in the blood of hundreds of thousands of people.’” (www.

swlondoner.co.uk/news/22032018-ahmadiyya-muslimcommunity-leader-calls-for-unity-at-national-peacesymposium/)

A man of God continuously calls the world to peace, not in mere words, but through practical steps, which investigations then go on to confirm, often years later.

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

100 Years Ago...

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Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Khilafat, philosophy of durood, debate with the Aryas, need of unity for progress and Moplahs’ action against the shariah Al Fazl, 5 January 1922

22 November 1921 The election of a Khalifa is divine Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “It should also be remembered that whatever is done through God, even if His servants do it, it is still considered God’s work. Beyond any doubt, the people elect the khalifa, but God declares their selection [of the khalifa] to be His own selection.

This method of selection also distinguishes between the prophets and the khulafa. If God directly chooses someone as a khalifa and says, ‘I appoint you as the khalifa’, then there would be no difference between that khalifa and a prophet. Thus, God has kept the responsibility of appointing a prophet, while the khalifa is elected through His servants. However, God helps his servants to elect [that person as a khalifa] whom He wills and also promises him support and succour. The majority of members of the Jamaat that is established by a prophet stand by the Khalifa. Therefore, when there was a disagreement in the time of Hazrat Alira, most of the Companionsra stood by Hazrat Alira.”

Khilafat of Prophet Adamas and Prophet Davidas Hakim [Ahmad Hussain Lyallpuri] Sahib submitted that Prophet Adamas and Prophet Davidas had also been called khulafa in the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The word khalifa has broad meanings.

The khilafat of Prophet Adamas and Prophet Davidas was of another kind and its characteristics were different. The said khilafat was a kind of prophethood. On the other hand, a tailor or a barber etc. are also called khalifa. Consequently, someone might say, ‘I saw five khulafa who used to work as tailors, so why don’t the present [khulafa] do it.’ [He will] thus be told that their khilafat was of another kind and the present khilafat is different.”

The issue of Khilafat is secondary Hakim Sahib submitted that the said explanation would satisfy the believers of the Holy Quran, but asked what the argument would be for the disbelievers of the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The issue of khilafat is a secondary matter. For example, if a denier of Islam

says as to why there are two rak‘aat in the Fajr prayer, three rak‘aat in the Asr prayer and four rak‘aat in the Maghrib prayer, then he will be told that it is a secondary matter which is based on transmission.

The fundamental matters are based on reason, while secondary matters are based on transmission. We will not discuss the khilafat or the rak‘aat of prayers with the deniers of Islam; rather, we will talk about the fundamentals of the truth of Islam.

When he will accept them, then we will draw his attention towards the discussion of transmitted matters to settle secondary issues.

“Hazrat Alira said, ‘If the secondary issues were based on reason, then I would have instructed to do masah [running partially wet hands over the feet] on the soles of the feet rather than over the feet.’

However, the said case is not of reasoning but is of transmission. No matter how many points we bring up in a secondary matter and present philosophical notions, its significance will be no more than aesthetics. Therefore, the issue of khilafat is not a fundamental matter, it is a secondary one, which is not related to the denier of Islam but rather to the believer in Islam.”

The philosophy of durood Hakim Sahib said, “It is stated in the Holy Quran: َّ َ ُّ َّ ُ َ َ َ ُّ ُ ّٰ َ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َو َم ٰٓل ِئک َت ٗہ یُ َصلوۡ َن َعلی الن ِب ِ ّی ؕ ٰۤیا ّی َہا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا َصلوۡا َعل ۡی ِہ‬ ّ َ ‫َو َس ِل ُموۡا ت ۡس ِل ۡی ًما‬ “[‘Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe, you too should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace’ (Surah Al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.57)]. When Allah the

Almighty is sending durood on the Holy Prophetsa, then invoking blessings [on the Holy Prophetsa] by us is a vain effort.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “Invoking durood [on the Holy Prophetsa] by us is not a vain practice. We believe in the fact that God Almighty is the Sustainer, but we still give charity. So, is this action of ours in vain? No, because in this way we become an instrument for expressing the attributes of God Almighty and His mercy encompasses us as well.

For instance, someone’s child is playing and [we know that] a father loves his son.

If we ask him to give sweets to his child, then even though the sweets belong to the father, he will still be happy to hear that and start loving us too. Hence, this is not a vain action. In the same way, by doing Continued on next page >>

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Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

what God Almighty does, we become worthy of God’s grace.

“Secondly, there is a difference in the elevation of status. When God Almighty invokes durood, then the result is that the Holy Prophetsa advances from the previous level and reaches the next level. If everything is simply based on knowledge [of God], then ُّ [why] is there continuity in the word ‫ یُ َصلوْ َن‬i.e. the said action should continue or that God keeps sending durood. Thus, when God knew, not only 1300 years ago, but from eternity as to what is the limit of the status of the Holy Prophetsa, then God Almighty should have bestowed mercy on the Holy Prophetsa all at once and elevated him to ُ that status. ّ However, it is clear from ‫ یُ َصلوْ َن‬that the said action continues and the status of the Holy Prophetsa is continuously rising.

Consequently, when mankind also joins in the said act of God, there is further advancement in the status of the Holy Prophetsa. As God does not want to be left behind by His servants, He thus continues to shower more and more blessings upon the Holy Prophetsa that are much more than the previous one. ّٰ ۡ ّ ‫الرَ ۡح ٰمن‬ ّ ‫الل ِہ‬ ‫[ ِبس ِم‬In the “Ponder over ‫الرَ ِح ۡی ِم‬ ِ name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful].

God bestows grace on His servant under rahmaniyyat [graciousness]. Thereafter, when the servant receives more blessings under rahimiyyat [mercy], the rahmaniyyat of God does not lag behind. Rather, it lifts the servant further up. God’s rahmaniyyat does not work all at once but continues to work at all times, as ٰ the Holy Prophetas ّ ۡ ّ ‫الرَ ۡح ٰمن‬ ّ ‫الل ِہ‬ ‫ ِبس ِم‬before doing said, ‘Recite ‫الرَ ِح ۡی ِم‬ ِ any good deed.’ If it is not read, then that work is worthless and unblessed.

Hence, there is a continuum of this rahmaniyyat and rahimiyyat. At first, the servant receives grace from rahmaniyyat and then progresses under rahimiyyat.

Thereafter, God Almighty grants a new light of rahmaniyyat and then the servant advances ahead with rahimiyyat. In this way, this series [of rahmaniyyat and rahimiyyat] continues. Likewise, there is a series of durood. God Almighty sends blessings on the Holy Prophetsa which elevates his previous status to the next level and then the servant invokes durood and so he progresses to the advanced level.

Thereafter, God sends more blessings on him. Then, the servant prays for his benefactor [the Holy Prophetsa] and his status rises. Consequently, God showers more and more mercy on His beloved.”

Need to recite “Kama sallaita ala Ibrahim” Hakim Sahib asked, “Then what is the need to recite ‘Kama sallaita ala Ibrahim [As You blessed Abraham]’ in durood?”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “One can never witness perfect resemblance. Two things are always distinct and they can never be exactly the same. Hence, there is always a certain particular aspect which is similar in resemblance. Consequently, it was revealed to Prophet Abrahamas that prophethood and messengership have been limited to

his descendants. In this respect, Prophet Abrahamas has a resemblance to the Holy Prophetsa. However, the said resemblance is incomplete, but still it exists.

“For instance, we also call the Promised Messiahas to be the embodiment of Prophet Jesusas, but at the same time, we also believe him to be greater than him in all respects. In the same way, although the Holy Prophetsa has similarities with Prophet Abrahamas, at the same time the Holy Prophetsa is superior to Prophet Abrahamas. There was a promise [of God] to continue prophethood in the progeny [of Prophet Abrahamas]. In the same way, [He promised] here [to continue prophethood in the progeny the Holy Prophetsa] and it means his followers. However, there is one more thing here and that is that God Almighty has also fixed that at the time of every strife, the Holy Prophet’ssa descendant, or in other words one of his followers, will be appointed as a reformer.

This is the result of the said durood and we also observe that whoever invokes durood on the Holy Prophetsa with a sincere heart, God Almighty grants them the strength to believe in the appointed one of the time.

As for how we know who invokes durood with a sincere heart, then only God knows that. We can only come to know of this from the outcome [of someone’s durood].

For example, God says: َّ َ َ َ​َ َ ‫َو الَّذیۡ َن َج‬ ‫اہ ُد ۡوا فِ ۡینا لَن ۡہ ِدیَن ُہ ۡم ُس ُبلنا‬ ِ “[‘And as for those who strive in Our path – We will surely guide them in Our ways’], but only God knows who is doing true jihad. However, when the final outcome appears, we all understand that so and so did jihad.

23 November 1921 Vision about Aryas violating debate terms After performing the [Asr] prayer, Huzoor[ra] turned to Sheikh Nawab Din Sahib (officer mail) and said, “Have you received any report from Lahore about the debate?” Sheikh Sahib replied, “No report has been received thus far.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “At night, I saw a divine vision and it continued almost all night. It appears from it that the delegation missed the train. I was surprised and said that the delegation left on the afternoon of 21 November 1921, then how did it miss the train. It seemed very disturbing. As Mian Abdul Salam (son of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira) was also along with them, he came forward. When I saw that scene, I finally said in a loud voice, ‘Salaam’. Only Allah knows best as to what [the vision] meant.

God forbid they had any disagreement among themselves. However, the end seems good.”

Thereafter, Sheikh Sahib began to present the mail. Huzoor[ra] had replied to around 10 to 15 letters, when a gentleman from Lahore arrived and presented a written statement on the situation there [in Lahore] to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra]. The person said that the Aryas had violated all the accepted conditions set between the two parties and had refused to comply with the said terms. They [the Aryas]

asked where Sheikh Nawab-ud-Din Sahib was who had set the conditions. After much deliberation, when it became clear that the Aryas were adamantly refusing to accept the terms of the agreed and decided representatives, we announced that we would hold a discussion on whatever conditions the Aryas wanted.

Thus, the first debate took place in which all the Muslims chanted slogans of “Allahu Akbar” [Allah is the greatest].

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The missing of the train meant that you (Sheikh Nawab-ud-Din Sahib) did not go [with the delegation] and the salaam at the end meant that no matter how many times the Aryas break the agreement, the end will be good [for us].”

24 November 1921 Divine vision about the debate of Lahore [ra] enquired from the Deputy Huzoor Editor, “Have you received any more news from Lahore about the debate?” He replied, “No”. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] then said: “The letter we have already received shows that the dispute was decided at 10 o’clock. Thereafter, the debate began.

Hence, the debate was going on when I saw the vision, as I fell asleep at 10 o’clock.

Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib (Nazir Tabligh) also saw a similar vision. He saw that he himself had missed a train but finally got into the guard’s carriage.”

Be competent and you will get the government [ra] Huzoor said in reference to Gandhi Ji, “He has now issued a message to the mischief-makers of Bombay [now Mumbai]. It states, ‘I [Gandhi] thought you have been reformed, but it was my misapprehension.’”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “These people do not understand morality. These people think that merely saying something is morality. If high morals are achieved first, then the government will be formed automatically.

There will be no need to fight with any other government. Look at the colonies, the governments automatically gave freedom to them. No son ever has to fight with his parents for his rights for when he matures, he gets them automatically. Look at the animals, they never fight an animal that is stronger than them. They look into each other’s eyes and separate. Even if they clash, it is a very minor one. Hence, when the governments know that the people of a certain country have become capable, they are automatically compelled to give them governance.”

It takes years to achieve high morals Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The difference between the prophets and people is that the moral training of those who sit in the company of the prophets takes place in years. On the other hand, the people [like Gandhi] think that if they say something one day, the the moral condition gets corrected instantaneously.

For example, two years ago, Mr Gandhi

described the moral plight of India as bad and called the people incompetent. Then, less than a year later, he declared the nation worthy of Swaraj and described their moral condition as excellent. However, now he has to declare that he did not fully understand their condition.”

A unified nation is necessary for progress Regarding the Egyptian delegation, Huzoor[ra] said: “The Egyptian delegation has returned without a settlement. As Muslims are dominant there and even Coptic people etc. have joined the Muslims, there is unity and the whole nation has a unified goal and a common vision. However, there is no unity in the nation of India. A unified nation is necessary for the development of a country.

An advantage in the present religious debates After the [Asr] prayer, Maulvi Jalaluddin Sahib, who had come from Lahore, briefly described the success of the debate.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “One of the benefits of these discussions is that Muslims who have deviated from religion and become immersed in politics will be drawn to religion.”

Representatives of all religions on one stage Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “At this time, it is necessary to hold such gatherings in which people of other religions should be invited to come and present the qualities of their respective religions. However, they should not raise objections on other religions.”

The action of Moplahs is against the shariah [divine law] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “The action of the Moplahs should be strongly objected to and it should be revealed to the world that their action goes against the shariah [Islamic law].”

Huzoor[ra] further said: “This is not the right way that when someone commits a crime, you ignore it.

Not only ignore it, but also support and sympathise with the perpetrators. In this way, there will be no aversion to crime.

On two occasions, the Hindus burned the Muslims. The Hindus then sympathised with the killers, although they should have been the ones to punish them severely, so that in future, other Hindus would not have the courage to commit such heinous acts.

On the other hand, whatever the Moplahs have now done, the Muslims should not sympathise with the murderers. If they do [not support the criminals], there will be sincere reconciliation between the two nations. However, if both the nations continue to sympathise and support their criminals, then their hearts will never be free of hatred [towards each other].”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 5 January 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

Opinion

23

Netflix’s Cobra Kai can learn from Islamic principles of conflict resolution

Atif Rashid UK The Karate Kid is one of the most popular and iconic karate films ever made. A coming of age story about a young boy bullied by his peers, Daniel LaRusso learns to defend himself through a wise Japanese sensei, Mr Miyagi. Along the way, he learns lessons not just about martial arts, but also about life. “Lesson not just karate only.

Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better”, Mr Miyagi advises.

30 years on, the same actors have reunited in a continuation of the story.

Cobra Kai on Netflix follows a similar pattern to the original with rivalries, life lessons and plenty of karate. It has a cult following with analyses and theory videos sprawling the internet about what happens next, who the real bullies are, the morals of each character and the styles of their dojos.

Miguel, a young boy with asthma who gets bullied, finds a sensei in the person of Johnny Lawrence – the main antagonist in the original film who was defeated

by LaRusso. Lawrence was taught an uncompromising aggressive karate style by his bullish sensei John Kreese in the dojo called Cobra Kai. “Strike First. Strike Hard.

No Mercy” was the motto. Three decades on, Lawrence has messed up in life, a lowpaid manual job, an estranged son and nothing going for him. Daniel LaRusso on the other hand is an extremely successful businessman selling cars. They eventually go on to reopen competing dojos with opposing methods and ideologies. It would become a rivalry lasting many seasons, causing multiple injuries to teenagers, a school-wide brawl and time in juvenile detention.

Miguel joins Cobra Kai and learns to conquer his fears, stand up to his bullies, and be strong, brave and confident.

Students who join Miyagi Do run by Daniel LaRusso in the same style as Mr Miyagi, learn about balance, honour, harmony and karate for self-defence alone. Throughout the seasons, these two dojos, and indeed their fighting styles, clash. Miguel takes the unrelenting and fierce style of Cobra Kai to the extreme, on the verge of becoming a bully himself and doing anything and everything it takes to win – even if it means taking advantage of an injured opponent and striking him on the injury. His sensei, Johnny Lawrence realises that the same merciless style of karate taught to him had not done him any favours in life. What is karate, and indeed life, without honour and mercy? He scolds Miguel and tells him by showing mercy when required, he could be a better fighter, and thus a better person than he could ever become.

Cobra Kai | Netflix

This reminded me of Islamic teachings about crime, punishment, peace and conflict. Both of these dojos represent two different ways of dealing with an aggressor.

One is to fight fire with fire and be aggressive, showing no mercy. The other is to wait until you’re attacked and then fight only to restrain your opponent, which is a more passive approach opening up the possibility of a deadly counterattack and persistent aggression. The problem is quite similar to the one presented by Jewish and Christian teachings respectively. In Judaism there is an emphasis on retaliation, taking what is rightfully yours by force and punishing severely: “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

(Exodus, 21:23-25) Christianity is much the opposite. The emphasis is on forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and not fighting back: “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”

(Matthew 5:38-40) Both approaches are deeply flawed.

You cannot forgive those who will keep attacking until they kill you, nor can you turn the cheek or hand over your cloak to someone who will strip you naked.

Likewise retaliating in every situation, even when your opponent is overpowered and reconciliatory, is cruel and unjust. It

makes you the bully and aggressor. Both these ideologies cannot work as standalone principles for life or any conflict resolution. With one you will be taken advantage of, with the other you will become the aggressor. In today’s age, superpowers aim to do the same – cripple and exploit other nations for their benefit.

The Islamic approach is one of balance and that brings the best possible outcome for social peace and harmony.

This is summed up in the Holy Quran as: “And the recompense of an injury is an injury the like thereof; but whoso forgives and [thereby] brings about an improvement, his reward is with Allah.

Surely, He loves not the wrongdoers.”

(Surah al-Shura, Ch.42: V.41) In other words, if you have to fight or punish then you can but only to the extent that you have been wronged. Not an iota more. However, if you can forgive and it is likely to lead to reformation then that is the most desirable outcome.

The Quran then gives more detailed guidance with these principles: Don’t let mere enmity incite you to aggression. (Surah al-Ma‘idah, Ch.5: V.3) The old rivalry of Daniel and Johnny meant that despite being very similar themselves and now grown up, they could not get over their animosity towards each other and often clashed.

Fight only in defence. (Surah TaHa, Ch.20: V.40) Conversely, Cobra Kai students are often incited to start fights and take down the competing dojo.

When one attacks you, stay strong and do not turn your back. (Surah alFath, Ch.48: V.17) Whilst karate trains you to fight and defend yourself, Miyagi Do didn’t sufficiently instil the deep-rooted bravery and self-confidence that is needed to finish a fight.

Keep fighting until the opponent’s injustices end. (Surah al-Anfal, Ch.8: V.40) Miyagi Do students don’t know how to do this. They keep getting attacked and can hold their own in a fight, but their passivity emboldens the enemy to return.

At the slightest indication of peace, desist from fighting. (Surah al-Anfal, Ch.8: V.62) Characters do sometimes apologise and try to end fights and call a truce, but underlying resentments take longer to resolve.

Do not go overboard or transgress.

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.191) Cobra Kai students attack when unprovoked and aim to injure and maim their opponents.

Always be on your guard and take precautions. (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.72) Miyagi Do is often caught off guard and their weaker members are picked on.

The issue Miyagi Do had was that their style was too soft. Students excelled in karate but were not able to stand up to incessant bullying. The over-reliance on self-defence and never to strike first meant Continued on next page >>

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Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadi Muslims narrate their #MyKhilafatStory on social media

Sarfraz Ahmad Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya UK, Isha‘at team

A popular hashtag in recent days, which has attracted the attention of Ahmadi Muslims across social media, has been #MyKhilafatStory.

Scores of Ahmadi Muslims across the world have been narrating how they personally witnessed the blessings of Khilafat in their lives.

The Holy Quran states in Surah Maryam: “Those who believe and do good deeds – the Gracious [God] will create love

<< Continued from previous page

that while they could defend themselves just enough to not be totally annihilated, they could not withstand the onslaught of violence and “no-holds-barred” approach of Cobra Kai. The latter style bred overconfidence and a violent merciless approach which made their adherents simply unpleasant characters.

Miyagi Do excels at teaching students to control themselves, regulate their breathing and emotions, and make every move with thought and grace. Cobra Kai excels at building confidence, being strong and fierce, and taking down your opponent.

in their [hearts].” (Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.97) From the #MyKhilafatStory hashtag, it is clear that the love and affection the Khalifa of the time has for all, irrespective of who they are and where they live, is no doubt divinely endowed.

No other leader, whether worldly or religious, shows such love and attention to his followers in our day and age. What is even more remarkable is that this level of interest and detail in the day-to-day lives of Ahmadi Muslims and constant prayer exist in the routine and heart of the Khalifa

with a relentless workload and tiresome schedule side by side!

In our age, the unconditional and pure love of the Khalifa is paramount to a successful life. Our Khalifa is the shield that saves us from the difficulties of life, the light that guides us in darkness and the source of our happiness. He is incomparable to the people and leaders of this world. His words are the ointment for our sufferings, his actions are our guide and his smile is wherein our comfort resides!

Below are just a few examples from the online hashtag.

A mix of both is what’s needed. In the latest season, this is just what’s happened – the two dojos combine, but it didn’t have to take four seasons to get there The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, taught: َّ ُ َّ َّ َ ُّ ُ َّ َ ْ َ ُ َْ ُ ‫ ِإن َما الش ِديد ال ِذي ي َ ْم ِلك نف َسه‬،‫الصرع ِة‬ ِ‫ليس الش ِديد ب‬ َ َْ َ ْ ‫ِعند الغض ِب‬ (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad) That a strong person is not one who can knock someone down. A truly strong person is one who can control their anger and emotions. Miyagi Do taught this to students more than Cobra Kai but in practice, emotions often flared and anger resulted in deepening rifts and rivalries.

Many other conflicts arose in the show because of minor, petty misunderstandings which could’ve been easily resolved.

A potentially healthy rivalry quickly turned ugly. To avoid this they should have refrained from making assumptions (Ch.49: V.13), communicated calmly and clearly (Ch.33: V.71), found common ground (Ch.3: V.65) and learned from one another through healthy competition (Ch.2: V.149).

A lot of the fights simply arose out of personal conflicts between two individuals from the opposing sides. Rather than the entire dojos getting involved, they should have come together to mediate

Iffat Mirza noted how Huzooraa cares about every individual in an audience. She stated: “#MyKhilafatStory As students we had a meeting with beloved Huzoor, after his speech he asked us if any of us have any doubts about faith and commented ‘if you do, contact me’ Beautiful how he cares about each individual!”

Another Lajna member tweeted about how Huzooraa always shows a keen interest in what fields of education Ahmadi Muslim youth should pursue. She said: “#MyKhilafatStory is the one family mulaqaat with our parents, which turned out to be a 1:1 conversation between Huzoor and I about my degree choice and how interesting he found it – he advised me on the kind of fields I could work in.

It’s a mulaqaat I will cherish forever.”

This story given by the Belize Jamaat Twitter account shows how Huzooraa not only understands us but puts us at comfort in his company: “Our Missionary Ata’ul Haq Gabb (who converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat and then devoted his life to become missionary) writes, “The first time I met our Beloved Huzoor was at Jalsa Salana 2015. Everyone in our delegation except our president had never met Huzoor before. So we didn’t know what to expect when meeting him. I thought maybe he would be a no nonsense leader because as I said I really knew very little of Huzoor at the time. When we entered I could sense the nervous energy in the room. Huzoor went down the line greeting everyone and when he got to me he spoke Urdu and shook my hand. Our Sadar sahib smiled and said ‘he doesn’t speak Urdu’. Huzoor warmly smiled and said ‘Acha ... but you look very much like us.’ Everyone in the room chuckled and smiled. The nervous energy immediately left the room. Since that day I knew that our Huzoor is the kindest man on earth. #Mykhilafatstory” One very moving comment was by an Ahmadi Muslim dentist living in Bengaluru who said that his story with Khilafat was that he had never met Huzooraa in real life but even the thought of doing so filled him with passion and emotions.

There are so many more stories and accounts Ahmadis have narrated and readers of Al Hakam can read them by following the #MyKhilafatStory hashtag.

between the two (Ch.49: V.10). And if one individual was to persist, the entire moral pressure of the combined dojos would have been sufficient to reform him. Excellent principles for any conflict resolution. But then again, it wouldn’t make for a very good TV show, would it?

If Cobra Kai students were taught to be calm, measured and balanced, they would succeed more in life. If Miyagi Do students were taught to be braver, confident and assertive, they could defend themselves better. If both adopted Islamic principles, then they would get the best of both worlds.

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022

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Friday Sermon 10 December 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakrra After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: Accounts related to Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra acceptance of Islam were previously being narrated. There are some more narrations in this regard. Certain accounts have been mentioned in different perspectives, but they all seem to be one incident. I will now mention a few more of these details.

Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra acceptance of Islam has been recorded in Usd al-Ghabah as follows: Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud relates that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra said: “Prior to the advent of the Holy Prophetsa, I once went to Yemen and stayed with an elderly gentleman belonging to the tribe of Azd. He was a scholar and had studied divine scriptures. He was also an expert in genealogy. When he saw me, he said, ‘I believe that you are a resident of the Haram.’ I replied that this was correct and I was indeed from the Haram. Following this, he said, ‘I believe that you belong to the Quraish.’ I replied that this was correct and I was from the Quraish. He then said, ‘I believe you to be from the tribe of Taym.’ I replied that this was correct and I belonged to the tribe of Taym bin Murrah. I stated, ‘My name is Abdullah bin Uthman and I am the offspring of Kaab bin Saad bin Taym bin Murrah.’ He said, ‘I only have one thing left to say to you.’”

Here, he mentioned his name to be Abdullah bin Uthman. However, I believe that the Holy Prophetsa had not yet changed his name to Abdullah. Nevertheless, this is what is in the narration.

“The elderly man said, ‘I only have one thing left to say to you.’ I asked what it was.

He said, ‘Lift the shirt from your stomach and show me.’ I replied that I would not do so unless he told me why he asked this of me. He said, ‘Based on true and authentic knowledge, a prophet will be appointed in Haram and a young man and an elderly individual will support him in his task. As far as the young man in concerned, he will throw himself into difficulties and dispel worries and concerns. And as far as the elderly individual is concerned, he will be slim and of a fair complexion. He will have a birthmark on his stomach and a mark on his left thigh.’ He further said, ‘It is not

he came outside, I said, ‘O Muhammadsa, you have left the home of your family, and you have abandoned the religion of your forefathers.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘O Abu Bakr, I am the Messenger of Allah unto you and to all people, so believe in Allah.’ I asked, ‘What proof do you have of this?’ The Holy Prophetsa answered, ‘That elderly man whom you met in Yemen.’ I then said, ‘There were many elderly men in Yemen whom I met.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘The elderly man who recited couplets to you.’ I then said, ‘My dear friend, who informed you of this?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘The same Archangel did, who appeared to the prophets before me.’ I then stated, ‘Extend your hand so that I may bear witness that there is no god besides Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakrra states, “I then returned and no one between the mountains of Mecca was more pleased upon my acceptance of Islam than the Holy Prophetsa.” (Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 312-313, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008)

necessary for you to show me what I ask of you. For me, all the other signs have been fulfilled in you, apart from that which is hidden from me.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakrsa said, “I removed the shirt from my stomach and he saw a black birthmark above my navel. Upon this, he said, ‘By the Lord of the Ka‘bah! It is you!

I will now present a matter before you and you should listen carefully.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, “What is it?”

He replied, “Be cautious of not deviating from the guidance; hold firmly on to this exemplary and lofty path. Remain fearful of God in relation to the wealth and prosperity that He will endow you with!”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra says, “I completed my work in Yemen and met the elderly gentleman once more in order to bid farewell to him. Upon this, he said, ‘Will you remember some verses of mine, which I have composed in honour of that prophet?’ I

replied that I would do so. Hence, he recited a few couplets.”

Hazrat Abu Bakrra says, “I then went to Mecca and the Holy Prophetsa had already made his claim. Following this, Uqba bin Abi Mu‘ayt, Shaybah, Rabi‘ah, Abu Jahl, Abu Bakhtari and various other chiefs of the Quraish came to me. I asked them whether some form of affliction had befallen them, or whether something had happened for all of them to come there together. They said, ‘O Abu Bakr! A grave incident has taken place!

Abu Talib’s orphan claims to be a prophet.

If it were not for you, we would not delay in this matter, but seeing as you have now come, you are the one we turn to and you are sufficient for us to deal with this matter.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakrra further says, “I politely avoided the subject, and when I enquired about the Holy Prophetsa, I was told that he was at the home of Khadija[ra].

I went and knocked on the door. When

This was a narration of Usd al-Ghabah.

It may well be that some aspects are exaggerated for the sake of narrating the account; nevertheless, many aspects will be correct as well.

The following account of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra acceptance of Islam has been mentioned in Riyad al-Nadirah in the following manner: Umm al-Mominin, Hazrat Umm Salamahra relates, “Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra was a close and sincere friend of the Holy Prophetsa. When he was commissioned as a prophet, the people of the Quraish went to Hazrat Abu Bakrra saying, ‘O Abu Bakr, your companion has gone mad’”, God forbid. “Hazrat Abu Bakrra asked, ‘What has happened to him?’ They answered, ‘He calls the people towards the unity of God at the Sacred Mosque and says that he is a prophet.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra said, ‘Is this what he claimed?’ The people replied, ‘Yes, and he is saying this in the Sacred Mosque!’ Therefore, Hazrat Abu Bakrra went to the Holy Prophetsa, knocked on his door and called him outside. When the Holy Prophetsa came outside, Hazrat Abu Bakrra

26 said, ‘O Abul-Qasim, what is this I hear of you?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied by asking, ‘O Abu Bakr! What is it that you heard about me?’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, ‘I have been informed that you call towards the unity of God, and you say that you are the Messenger of Allah.’ The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Yes, Abu Bakr. My Lord, the Exalted and Majestic has indeed sent me as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner, He has made me the [fulfilment of] the prayer of Abrahamas, and sent me for the whole of mankind.’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘By Allah, I have never heard you utter a lie.

You safeguard trusts, show kindness to your relatives and perform other good deeds, you are most worthy of prophethood.

Extend your hand so that I may pledge my allegiance to you.’ So the Holy Prophetsa extended his hand and Hazrat Abu Bakrra pledged his allegiance to him, testified to his truthfulness and declared that what he had been sent with was indeed the truth. Hence,

by Allah, Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not delay nor hesitate in the slightest when the Holy Prophetsa invited him to Islam.” (Al-Riyadh AlNadira, Vol. 1, pp. 84-85, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2014)

In one narration, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whoever I called to Islam either stumbled, hesitated or waited, except for Abu Bakr. The moment I spoke to him about Islam, he neither moved away, nor hesitated.” ( Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-

Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 205-206, Abdullah bin Uthman, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

The Holy Prophetsa stated, “O people, Allah has sent me to you but you said that I am a liar. However, Abu Bakr said that I am truthful and he has expressed his support for me with his life and with his wealth.”

This was a narration of Sahih al-Bukhari.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Fazail Al-Sahab-ul-Nabi, Hadith no. 3661)

Mentioning Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra acceptance of Islam, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “When the Holy Prophetsa announced his prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakrra at the time was away [from Mecca]. When he returned, one of his housemaids said to him, ‘Your companion has lost his senses,’” God forbid, “‘and he is uttering strange things.

He states that angels descend upon him from the heavens.’

“Hazrat Abu Bakrra stood up at once and went to the house of the Holy Prophetsa and knocked at his door. The Holy Prophetsa came outside and Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘I have only come to ask one thing from you. Have you stated that the angels of God descend upon you and speak to you?’

Thinking that perhaps Hazrat Abu Bakrra may misunderstand, the Holy Prophetsa tried to explain the situation.” This is the more common narration in our literature of the Jamaat on the history of Islam. “However, Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘Please do not explain yourself. All I want to know is, have you said such a thing?’ Again, thinking that perhaps Hazrat Abu Bakrra may ask questions such as the appearance of the angels and how they would descend upon him etc., the Holy Prophetsa wanted to say a few words to give some context; however, Hazrat Abu Bakrra again submitted, ‘No, no, just tell me, is it true?’ The Holy Prophetsa stated that it was indeed true. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘I profess my belief in you.’ He then said, ‘O Messengersa

Friday 7 January 2022 | AL HAKAM of Allah! The reason I stopped you from giving any explanation is that I wanted my faith to be on the basis of witnessing the truth for myself rather than pondering over the proofs. This is because after having witnessed you as truthful and virtuous, I am not in need of any other proof.’ Thus, what the Meccans had tried to conceal was manifested by Hazrat Bakrra through this action of his.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 251-252) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned the incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra acceptance of Islam in another place as well. While elaborating on another matter, he mentions this incident in the following manner: “The way in which Hazrat Abu Bakrra became a believer was extraordinary. When it was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa that he should claim prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was sitting in the house of a chief of Mecca. The chief ’s housemaid came and said, ‘I do not know what has happened to Khadija. She is saying that her husband is a prophet just like Mosesas.’ People began to laugh upon hearing this news and said that people who made such claims were mad. However, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who was very well acquainted with the life of the Holy Prophetsa, stood up at once and went to the door of the Holy Prophetsa and asked, ‘Have you made a claim?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative, saying, ‘Allah the Almighty has appointed me for the reformation of the world and has commanded me to abolish shirk [associating partners with Allah].’ Without any further enquiry, Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, ‘I swear by my father and mother, you have never spoken a lie and I cannot accept that you would lie regarding God. Thus, I profess belief in the fact that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that you are His Messenger.’ Following this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra assembled such youths who acknowledged his virtue and righteousness”, i.e. those individuals who had witnessed the virtues and righteousness of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, “and began to enlighten them. As a result, seven more individuals accepted the Holy Prophetsa. All these youths were between the age of 12 and 25.” (Daura-e-Europe, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 8, pp. 543-544)

Then, in another place, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra mentions this incident in the following manner: “Hazrat Abu Bakrra accepted the Holy Prophetsa based on a single proof and never for a moment did any doubt enter his heart.” It is the same proof, but the incidents vary slightly. “That proof was that he had observed the Holy Prophetsa ever since childhood and he knew that he never told a lie, never did anything mischievous and never uttered anything vulgar or obscene.

Thus, this is what he knew about him. He had no knowledge of any specific shariah [religious law] based upon which he could judge the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa.

He followed no law and knew nothing about what a prophet of God was, nor did he know about the proofs to substantiate a prophet’s truthfulness. All he knew was that the Holy Prophetsa never told a lie.

“He was on a journey, and on his way back, someone told him, ‘Your friend Muhammadsa says that he is a messenger of God.’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra enquired, ‘Did Muhammadsa really say this?’ The person replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Abu Bakrra

then said, ‘He does not lie. Whatever he says must be true. Since he has never spoken a lie about anyone, he could never lie about God. If he never betrayed the people before, it is impossible that he would betray them to such an extent as to ruin their souls.’ This was the only proof for Hazrat Abu Bakrra to accept the Holy Prophetsa, and this is exactly what God Almighty has also stated as a proof [of his truthfulness]. As such, He commanded [the Holy Prophetsa] to tell the people:

ُ ْ َ​َ ُ َ َ​َ َ ‫فﻘ ْد ل َ ِبﺜ ُﺖ فِ ْيک ْم ُع ُم ًرا ِّم ْن ﻗ ْب ِل ٖہ اف�َا � ْﻌ ِﻘلوْ َن‬

“[Ch.10: V.17]. In other words, ‘I lived amongst you for some time. Observe, during that time, I have not betrayed you in any way. How then, could I come to betray you with regard to God Almighty?’

“This was the evidence accepted by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who said, ‘If he claims to be the messenger of God, then he is truthful and I believe him.’ After this, no doubt ever entered his heart, nor did his trust ever waver. He faced many a great trial and was forced to leave his wealth and homeland and even fight against his loved ones, but he never once doubted the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Bai‘at Karne Walo Ke Liyea Hidaayaat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 6, pp. 76-77)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned this incident of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra acceptance of the Holy Prophetsa while he was imparting guidance to those who had taken the bai‘at [pledge of allegiance].

The Promised Messiahas states: “The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, bestowed the title of Siddiq [the Truthful] to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. So, Allah the Exalted knows best the countless excellences of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. The Holy Prophetsa also said that the superiority of Hazrat Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, is owed to a quality that exists in his heart. In truth, the sincerity demonstrated by Abu Bakrra is truly matchless. The fact of the matter is that in every era, anyone who desires to develop within themselves the excellences of a Siddiq and be one from among the Truthful must struggle, insofar as is possible, to inculcate within their being the nature and disposition of Abu Bakrra and then pray for this purpose as much as possible. Until a person is covered by the shade of Abu Bakr’s nature and does not take on the hue of his disposition, they cannot attain the excellences of the Truthful.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “What is the nature of Abu Bakrra? This is not the occasion for a detailed discussion and discourse on this subject, as much time would be required for such an exposition.

To be brief, I shall narrate an incident.

“When the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, made his claim to prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, had travelled to Syria for the purpose of trade. On his return, he was still en route when he happened to meet someone.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra enquired of him as to the circumstances in Mecca and asked him if there was any current news. It is commonly observed that when a person returns from a journey, they will ask their fellow countrymen about the circumstances of their homeland. The individual responded, ‘What is new is that your friend [Muhammadsa] has made a claim to prophethood.’ As soon as Hazrat Abu Bakrra heard this, he responded,

‘If he has made such a claim, then he is truthful indeed.’ This shows the degree to which Hazrat Abu Bakrra thought well of the Holy Prophetsa. He felt no need to ask for a miracle. In actuality, only such a one who is uninformed of a claimant’s circumstances, or who is unrelated to them, will ask to be shown a miracle for their heart’s satisfaction.

But as for the one who has no objection, what need has he for a miracle?

“In short, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra affirmed his belief in the Holy Prophetsa even before he had returned home. When he arrived in Mecca, he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and enquired, ‘Have you claimed to be a Prophet?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, this is correct.’ At this, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra said, ‘Bear witness that I am the first of those who have affirmed your truthfulness.’ However, these were not mere words; in fact, Hazrat Abu Bakrra demonstrated that his actions accorded with his words. This was to such an extent that he fulfilled his oath until his very last breath and did not leave the Holy Prophetsa even after death.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp.

372-374)

In the commentary of the verse of Surah al-Rahman:

َ َّ ّ َ َ َ‫اف َمﻘ‬ َ ‫َول َِم ْن َﺧ‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ام ر ِب ٖہ َجنت‬

“But for him who fears to stand before his Lord there are two Gardens” [Ch.55: V.47], the Promised Messiahas presented the example of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and stated: “Take Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra as an example; he encountered a person whilst returning from Syria and asked him for the latest news. The person replied, ‘There is no news other than the fact that your friend, Muhammad[sa] has claimed prophethood’.

Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, ‘If he has claimed prophethood then he is truthful.

He could never be a liar.’ Afterwards, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra went straight to the Holy Prophet’ssa home and said to him, ‘May you bear witness that I was the very first to believe in you.’ Ponder over the fact that he did not demand a miracle from the Holy Prophetsa. It was solely on the basis of what he knew about him from before that made him accept him.

“Remember, miracles are demanded by those who are unacquainted. For an old friend, the events of a person’s life suffice as a miracle. Thereafter, Hazrat Abu Bakrra had to face great struggles; he endured hardships and extreme pain. Although he endured the most pain and suffering, he was also the first to succeed the throne of prophethood.”

Allah the Almighty rewarded him in this world, and was assured Paradise in the Hereafter. “He who once had to toil all day in his business, was eventually appointed as the first successor to the Holy Prophetsa.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 10, pp. 78-79)

Then, at one instance, the Promised Messiahas states: “There are two types of people: there are those who are pure in nature and are the foremost to believe. Such people are wise and sagacious, just like Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra. Then there are those foolish, who only act when something befalls them.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 261)

In other words, they only think to accept when they are faced with a hardship or affliction.

There is a difference of opinion among historians regarding the first male to accept the Holy Prophetsa; as to whether it was

AL HAKAM | Friday 7 January 2022 Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Alira, or Hazrat Zaid bin Harithara. (Subul Al-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 2, pp. 300-304, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1993) (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 1, pp. 537-540, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

Some present the solution that Hazrat Alira was the first child, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was the first adult and Hazrat Zaidra was the first slave. Allama Ahmad bin Abdullah reconciles these various points views as follows: “The very first to accept Islam was Hazrat Khadijara bint Khuwailid. The first to accept Islam from among the men was Hazrat Alira, who was only a child”, as has been mentioned previously that he was only 10 years old, “and had kept his belief in Islam hidden. The first adult from among the Arabs to accept Islam and to express his belief was Hazrat Abu Bakrra bin Abi Quhafa. The first from among the freed slaves to accept Islam was Zaidra bin Haritha. All agree on this unanimously and there is no doubt about this.” (Al-Riyadh Al-Nadira Fi Manaqib Al-Ashara, Vol. 1, p. 89, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2014)

The following is what Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has said regarding this debate: “When the Holy Prophetsa began the propagation of his mission, the first to believe was Hazrat Khadijara, who did not hesitate, even for a moment. There is a disagreement among historians in reference to who the first convert among the men was after Hazrat Khadijara. Some name Hazrat Abu Bakrra Abdullah bin Abi Quhafah, while others say Hazrat Alira […] or Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah”.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra says: “However, to us, this argument is useless.

Hazrat Alira and Zaidra bin Harithah were among the house-folk of the Holy Prophetsa and lived with him as his own children. They were to follow whatever was said by the Holy Prophetsa”, as they were children – whatever the Holy Prophetsa said, they accepted it.

It is possible that they accepted this in the same way as well. “Thus, their names need not be included. Among the rest, Hazrat Abu Bakrra is unanimously accepted as the first and foremost in his acceptance of Islam.

Therefore, with regard to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hassanra bin Thabit Ansari, the court poet of the Holy Prophetsa, says: َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫اِذا تذک ْرت ش ْج ًوا ِم ْن ا ِخ ْی ثِق ٍۃ‬ ْ َ َ َ​َ ُْ َ َ َ ‫فاذک ْر اخاک ابَابَک ٍر بِ َما ف َعلا‬ َ​َ َ ْ َ َ ََْ َ َ ْ ْ َ ‫خی َر الب ِریّ ِۃ اتقاھا َو اعدلھا‬ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫الن ِب ِ ّی َو ا ْوفاھا بِ َما َح َملا‬ ‫بعد‬ ٗ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َّ َ َّ َ ‫الثانِی التال ِی المحمود مشھدہ‬ َ ُّ َ َّ َ ْ ُ ْ َّ َ َّ َ َ ‫الر ُسلا‬ ‫اس ِمنھم صدق‬ ِ ‫واول الن‬ “Meaning, ‘Whenever a compassionate reminiscence of any of your noble brethren rises in your heart, remember your brother Abu Bakrra as well, on account of his virtues – worthy of remembrance. After the Holy Prophetsa, he was the most righteous and most just of all men and the greatest of those who fulfil their responsibilities. Indeed, it was Abu Bakrra who was the second individual with the Holy Prophetsa in the Cave of Thaur, who had effaced himself in the obedience of the Prophetsa. Whatever task he would undertake, he would make it beautiful, and he was the first of all people to believe in the Messenger.’

“Due to his nobility and abilities, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was greatly honoured

27 and respected by the Quraish, and in Islam he acquired a status which no other companion has attained. Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not, even for a moment, doubt the claim of the Holy Prophetsa; rather, he accepted him instantaneously. Then he devoted his entire interest and his entire life and wealth in the service of the religion brought by the Holy Prophetsa. Among his companions, the Holy Prophetsa held Abu Bakrra most dear to himself. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa he became his first Caliph. During the time of his Caliphate, he furnished evidence of his unparalleled ability.

“Regarding Hazrat Abu Bakrra, a renowned European orientalist named Sprenger writes, ‘The faith of Abu Bakr is, in my opinion, the greatest guarantee of the sincerity of Mohammad in the beginning of his career. Even though Mohammad himself may have been misled, he would not deceive anyone. In fact, he believed himself to be the prophet of God with full sincerity of heart’.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra further writes that Sir William Muir was also in agreement with the opinion held by Sprenger. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 121-122)

With regard to the trials and difficulties Hazrat Abu Bakrra had to endure for the sake of propagating the message of Islam, it is written in Usd al-Ghabah that upon the advent of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was the very first to accept the message of Islam.

An entire community of people accepted Islam through him owing to the love and affinity they had with him (i.e. for Hazrat Abu Bakrra); so much so that five of the Ashra Mubashra [10 companions given the glad-tidings of Paradise in their lifetime] embraced Islam through Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

(Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 205, Abdullah bin Uthman, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

Those who entered the fold of Islam owing to the preaching efforts of Hazrat Abu Bakrra were Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan, Hazrat Zubairra bin Al-Awam, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf, Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas and Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidullah.

(Sirat Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 166, Dar-ul-Kitab AlArabi, Beriut, 2008)

In relation to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes in his book Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyyin: “After Hazrat Khadijara, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Alira and Zaidra bin Harithah, five more individuals accepted Islam, by the preaching of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. All of these individuals acquired such eminence and dignity, that they are considered the greatest of companions. These are their names: “First was Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan who belonged to the dynasty of the Banu Umaiyyah. When he accepted Islam, his age was approximately 30 years. After Hazrat Umarra, he became the Third Caliph of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Uthmanra was remarkably modest, loyal, soft-hearted, beneficent and affluent. He served Islam financially in many instances. The love of the Holy Prophetsa for Hazrat Uthmanra can be measured by the fact that he gave him two of his daughters in marriage, one after another, due to which he is known as Dhu al-Nurain.

“Second was Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf who belonged to the dynasty of the Banu Zuhrah – the dynasty of the Holy Prophet’ssa mother. He was a man of extraordinary understanding and experience. It was he

who settled the issue of the Caliphate of Hazrat Uthmanra. When he accepted Islam, he was approximately 30 years of age. He died in the reign of Uthmanra.

“Third was Saadra bin Abi Waqas who, at that time, was in the prime of his youth – that is to say, 19 years of age. He was also from the Banu Zuhrah and was astonishingly brave and courageous. In the reign of Hazrat Umarra, Iraq was conquered at his hands. He died in the time of Amir Mu‘awiyah.

“Fourth was Zubairra bin al-Awam, who was a cousin of the Holy Prophetsa. He was the son of Safiyyah bint Abdil-Muttalib and later became the son-in-law of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He belonged to the Banu Asad and when he accepted Islam, he was only 15 years old. On the occasion of the Battle of the Ditch, the Holy Prophetsa endowed him the title of Hawari [Disciple] due to an exceptional service performed by him. He was martyred in the reign of Hazrat Alira after the Battle of the Camel.

“Fifth was Talha bin Ubaidullah who was from the tribe of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, the Banu Taym. During that time, he was at the prime of his youth. Talha was also amongst the distinctive devotees of Islam. He was martyred in the reign of Hazrat Alira during the Battle of the Camel.

“All of these five companions are amongst the Ashrah Mubasharah; in other words, they are included amongst those 10 companions who were especially given glad tidings of entrance into Paradise from the blessed tongue of the Holy Prophetsa himself, and who were regarded as his utmost intimate companions and advisors.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 122-123)

The disbelievers of Mecca perpetrated all kinds of cruelty and injustice against those who accepted Islam. It was not just the weak and enslaved Muslims who were a target of their oppression, but even the Holy Prophetsa himself and Hazrat Abu Bakrra were not safe from them either. History bears testimony to the fact that they were also made a target of all kinds of injustices and cruelties, i.e. the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

There is an incident mentioned in Sirat al-Halabiyyah that when Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Talhara openly expressed their acceptance of Islam, Naufal bin Adawiyyah took hold of both of them. This person was referred to as the “Lion of the Quraish” and he tied both of them with one rope.

Even the people of their own tribe, Banu Taym did not come and save them. That is why both Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Talhara are also known as “qarinain”, i.e. two friends joined together. Owing to Naufal bin Adawiyyah’s strength and cruelty, the Holy Prophetsa stated: ّٰ َ ْ َ​َ َ َ ْ ‫الل ُھ َّم اک ِف َنا ش ّر ابْ ِن ال َعد ِویّ ِۃ‬ “O Allah! Be sufficient for us against the evil of Ibn Adawiyyah.” (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 395, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

Urwah bin Zubair narrates that he once asked Hazrat Abudullah bin Amr bin al-Aas to tell him the most heinous act committed by the idolaters against the Holy Prophetsa.

He replied that once, the Holy Prophetsa was offering his prayer in the Hateem of Masjid Al-Haram when Uqbah bin Abi Muait came and put a cloth around the Holy Prophet’ssa neck and then began to strangle him. During this time, Hazrat Abu Bakrra came and took hold of Uqbah’s shoulder and pulled him off

sa the Holy Prophet and stated: َ ُ َْ َ َُ َ ً ّٰ ‫أتق ُتل ْو َن َر ُجلا أ ْن یّق ْول َربِّ َی الل ُہ‬ “Do you seek to kill a person because he says that Allah is his Lord?” (Sahih al-Bukhari,

Kitab Manaqib Al-Ansar, Hadith no. 3856)

In another narration, it states that the idolaters once asked the Holy Prophetsa whether he had said such and such thing about their idols. The Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative, upon which the idolaters surrounded the Holy Prophetsa. Meanwhile, someone informed Hazrat Abu Bakrra to enquire about his companion. Hazrat Abu Abkrra left and went to Masjid al-Haram.

There he saw the Holy Prophetsa in a state whereby people had surrounded him.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra then stated: ُ َْ​َ َ َُ َ ً ّٰ ‫أتق ُتل ْو َن َر ُجلا أ ْن یّق ْول َربِّ َی الل ُہ‬ “Do you seek to kill a person because he says that Allah is his Lord even though he has brought manifest signs from your Lord?”

Following this, they let the Holy Prophetsa go and instead pounced upon Hazrat Abu Bakrra and began to attack him.

Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra daughter, Hazrat Asmara states that Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned in such a state that when he would touch his hair, they would fall into his hands and he would continue to repeat: ْ ْ َ َ​َْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ​َ ‫ام‬ ِ ‫ال و ال ِاک َر‬ ِ ‫تبارکت یا ذا الجل‬ “O Possessor of Majesty and Honour!

Holy art Thou.”

In another narration, it is mentioned that these people grabbed hold of the Holy Prophet’ssa blessed head and beard with such force that most of his blessed hair came out.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra stood up to save him and he was saying:

ُ َْ​َ َ َُ َ ً ّٰ ‫أتق ُتل ْو َن َر ُجلا أ ْن یّق ْول َربِّ َی الل ُہ‬

“Do you seek to kill a person because he says that Allah is his Lord – Do you seek to kill a person because he says that Allah is his Lord?”

Hazrat Abu Bakrra was crying whilst saying this. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “O Abu Bakr! Leave them. I swear by Him in Whose hands is my life, I have been sent to them so I may be sacrificed [in this way].”

Following this, the disbelievers let the Holy Prophetsa go. (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 417, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

On one occasion, Hazrat Alira asked the people, “O people! Who is the bravest among everyone?” People replied, “O Leader of the Faithful! You are the bravest.” Hazrat Alira replied, “As for me, whoever came up against me in combat, I did full justice.” In other words, he killed them. “However, the bravest was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. When we erected a tent for the Holy Prophetsa on the day of the Battle of Badr and thereafter we announced, ‘Who is it that shall stay with the Holy Prophetsa, so that no one from among the idolaters will be able to get to him?’ I swear by God, no one went close to the Holy Prophetsa except Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who went and stood next to the Holy Prophetsa with his sword drawn out. In other words, none of the idolaters would have been able to get to the Holy Prophetsa unless they did not first come up against Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

Thus, he was the bravest of all.”

Hazrat Alira states: “On one occasion, I saw the Quraish had caught hold of the Holy Prophetsa; one person was taking out all his anger on him, while another person was troubling

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him. They were saying, ‘You say that there is only One God and forsake all others.’ By Allah, whoever would approach the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra would strike them and they would flee or he would reproach them and move them away. He would say, ‘May you be ruined!’ ُ َْ​َ َ َُ َ ً ّٰ ‫أتق ُتل ْو َن َر ُجلا أ ْن يّق ْول َربِّ َى الل ُہ‬ “‘Will you slay the man because he says, “My Lord is Allah?”’”

Hazrat Alira then pulled his cloak and cried so profusely that his beard became drenched. Hazrat Alira then said, “I ask you in the name of God, was the believing man from among the people of Pharaoh better or Hazrat Abu Bakrra?”

Perhaps Hazrat Alira referred to the believing man from among the people of Pharaoh because this verse of the Quran refers to that person from among the people of Pharaoh who had concealed his faith. In the court of Pharaoh, he said: ُ َْ​َ َ َُ َ ً ّٰ ‫أتق ُتل ْو َن َر ُجلا أ ْن يّق ْول َربِّ َى الل ُہ‬ Upon this, everyone fell silent. Hazrat Alira then said, “By Allah! Even one hour of Hazrat Abu Bakrra was better than the virtuous deeds of the believer from among Pharaoh’s people, even if his deeds filled the entire earth. This is because that individual concealed his faith, but he (i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakrra) openly announced his faith.” (Abu Bakr Siddiq Shakhasiyyatahu Asarahu, Dr Muhammad Ali Al-Sallabi, p. 38, Dar-e-Ibn Kathir, Beirut, 2003)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “When we ponder over the incidents in the life of the Holy Prophetsa, this claim that the Holy Prophetsa had an extraordinary

amount of love and sympathy for mankind becomes a manifest reality, and at each step we can see proofs of this. For years on end the Holy Prophetsa endured such horrific persecution for the sake of the One God that is difficult to describe. One day, whilst the Holy Prophet was in the Ka‘bah, the disbelievers tied a belt around the neck of the Holy Prophetsa and fastened it so tightly that his eyes became red and began to bulge.

When Hazrat Abu Bakrra heard this, he came running and upon seeing the treatment of the Holy Prophetsa, tears began to flow from Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra eyes. Pushing the disbelievers away, he said, ‘Fear Allah! Will you persecute someone just because he says that Allah is his Lord?’” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 7, pp. 63-64)

The Promised Messiahas states: “Once, the enemies found the Holy Prophetsa alone and tied a belt around his neck and began tightening it. He was on the brink of death when coincidentally Hazrat Abu Bakrra came there and with great difficulty he managed to release him.

Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was beaten so severely that he fell to the ground and lost consciousness.” (Chasma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani

Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 257-258)

There are various narrations about Hazrat Abu Bakrra freeing slaves. It is mentioned in a narration that when Hazrat Abu Bakrra accepted Islam, he had 40,000 dirhams. He spent that in the way of Allah and freed seven people who were persecuted due to their belief in Allah [and Islam]. The slaves freed were Hazrat Bilalra, Aamirra bin Fuhayrah, Zinnirahra, Nahdiyahra and her

daughter, as well as a female slave of Bani Mo’mal and Umm Ubaisra. (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 247, Abdullah bin Uthman, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, 1995)

Hazrat Bilalra was the slave of Banu Jumah tribe and Umayyah bin Khalaf would persecute him severely. (Usd al-Ghabah Fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, p. 283, Bilal bin Ribah, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

According to one narration, when Hazrat Bilalra accepted Islam, his owners laid him on the ground and placed stones and a leather skin on top of him. They said to him, “Your lord is Lat and Uzza”; however, Hazrat Bilalra would only say “Ahad, Ahad”. Hazrat Abu Bakrra came to them and asked, “How long will you go on persecuting him for?”

The narrator states that Hazrat Abu Bakrra bought Hazrat Bilalra for seven auqiah and freed him. One auqiah is 40 dirhams, and so he was bought for 280 dirhams.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra then informed the Holy Prophetsa of this incident, to which the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Abu Bakr! Include me as part of it as well.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, “O Messenger of Allahsa! I have already freed him.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 175, Bilal bin Ribah, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Lughat-ul-Hadith, Vol. 1, p. 82, Numani Kutub Khana, Lahore)

Hazrat Aamirra bin Fuhayrah was a slave of African descent. He was the slave of Tufayl bin Abdillah bin Sakhbarah, who was the [step] brother of Hazrat Aishara from his mother’s side. Hazrat Aamirra is counted amongst the earliest Muslims. He was persecuted in the way of Allah. Hazrat Abu Bakrra bought him and freed him. (Usd

al-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 31, Aamir bin Fuhayrah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003)

Hazrat Zinnirahra al-Rumiyyah was among the early female Muslims and accepted Islam in the beginning. The idolaters would inflict cruelties on her. She was the female slave of the Banu Makhzum.

Abu Jahl would persecute her. It is recorded that she was the slave of Banu Abd Al-Dar. When she accepted Islam, she lost her eyesight. Upon this, the idolaters said that Lat and Uzza caused Zinnirahra to lose her sight because she rejected them. Upon this, Zinnirahra said, “Lat and Uzza do not even know who worships them, how could they take away my sight when they themselves cannot see anything. This is from the heavens and it was Allah’s decree that I lost my sight. My Lord has the power to enable me to see again.”

This was her reply to the disbelievers.

The next morning, when she woke up, Allah the Almighty restored her vision and she was able to see again. Upon this the Quraish said, “This is because of Muhammad’s sorcery.” When Hazrat Abu Bakrra saw the pain and suffering inflicted upon her, he bought her and set her free. (Usd al-Ghabah, Vol. 6, p. 127, Zinnirahra Al-Rumiyyah, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

The accounts will continue in the future, insha-Allah, and there are some more narrations with regard to the freeing of slaves.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 31 December 2021, pp. 6-9.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Refutation of the Divinity of Christ (Ibtal Uluhiyyat-eMasih) was originally penned in Urdu by Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. The book was written at a time when highly charged religious polemics dominated the atmosphere throughout British India. Christian missionaries engaged in aggressive campaigns to proselytise the Muslim masses and boasted of considerable success. In this treatise, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra evaluates the arguments put forth by the Christian missionaries to support the notion that Jesus is God and the Son of God. Using the Quran, the Bible, and rational analysis in his cross examination, he effectively rebuts these arguments from various angles.

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