Al Hakam - 4 February 2022

Maulana Ghulam Yasin Abu Nasr Aah meets Hazrat Ahmad in Qadian

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Islam Today Infallibility and Khilafat, victims of rape, dealing with accused officebearers, and silencing victims

Identity crisis? Living as a Muslim in the West

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Zara Mohammed (MCB) misrepresents Islamic teachings and Ahmadi Muslim views on LBC

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022 | Issue CCIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

“On such a battleground, one must stay alert”: Reporting the insightful words of Huzoor

Photo courtesy of Solid-Engineering

It wasn’t the cold, frosty morning I would have expected in January. It was a rather pleasant Sunday morning and the coat I had on seemed excessive.

After returning home from the Fajr prayer, many thoughts kept me awake; on top of all these thoughts was that I would be reporting to Huzooraa later that morning

about the latest activities of Al Hakam and seeking his guidance on various matters.

Although one would think that meeting Huzooraa on an almost regular basis for the

last 19 years, since the age of 13, would be sufficient to prepare ahead for a mulaqat, anyone and everyone who has met Continued on page 2

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

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

“Make my heart steadfast on faith”

ُ ُ ُْ َ َ َ َّ َ َْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ َْ ْ ْ َُ َ َ ‫ان أک� ُر ُد َعا ِء َر ُس ْو ِل الل ِہ َﺻلی الل ُہ َعل ْی ِہ َو َسل َم‬ ‫ قال قلت لِ� ِ ّم َسل َمة یَا أ ّم ال ُمﺆ ِم ِنین ما ک‬،‫ش� ُر بْ ُن َح ْوش ٍب‬ َ َ َْ ْ َ ُ ُْ َ ّ َُ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُْ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ َْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ِینک“ ۔ قالت قلت یَا َر ُس ْول الل ِہ‬ ِ ‫وب ﺛ ِّبت قل ِ� ْ� علی د‬ ِ �‫ِإذا کان ِعند ِک قالت کان أک�ر دعاﰱِ ِہ ”یا مق ِلب الق‬ َ َ َْ ْ َ ُ ُْ َ ّ َُ َ َ َُ َ َْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫آد ِ� ٌّ� ِإلا َوقل ُبہ بَی َن‬ ‫ِینک" قال یا أم سلمة ِإنہ ل�ﺲ‬ ِ ‫وب ﺛ ِّبت قل ِ�� علی د‬ ِ �‫ما ل��� ِر دعاﰱِک "یا مق ِلب الق‬ َ َ َ ْ َ ُْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ ‫اء أزاغ‬ ‫أﺻ ُبﻌی ِن ِم ْن أ َﺻابِ ِ� الل ِہ ��ن شاء أقام ومن ش‬ Hazrat Shahrra bin Haushub narrated: “I asked Hazrat Umm Salamahra to tell me the most oft-repeated prayer of the Holy Prophetsa. She told me this prayer: “‘O the Convertor of Hearts, make my heart steadfast on Your faith.’

“She said, ‘I enquired from the Holy

Prophetsa why he repeated this prayer so often. He replied, “God is in total control of a person’s heart, as if the heart is held between His two fingers and He can turn it whenever He wants.”’”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Dawat an Rasulullahsa, Hadith 3522)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A dream On the morning of 3 October after the Fajr prayer, the Promised Messiahas said: “Last night, after Tahajjud prayer, I lay down and saw in a state of light slumber that I had in my hand four pages of Surma Chashm-eArya. I heard someone saying, ‘The Arya people themselves are now publishing this book.’”

The Promised Messiahas interpreted this dream saying: “Perhaps this means that the reluctance of the Aryas and their suspicions as regards my various prophecies – such as the one relating to Lekhram, etc. – would be removed and the real truth of the matter would reveal itself to them.

In the case filed by Clark, the lawyer Ram

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Bhajat was an Arya man. When he met me at Amritsar station, he openly told me, ‘The only reason that I agreed to fight the lawsuit without a fee was so that I could uncover a lead in the Lekhram murder, because I was certain that you were behind his murder.’

Similarly, other religious communities may perhaps harbour similar suspicions.

And so it seems from this dream that God Almighty would manifest the actual truth upon them and establish an argument over them that would demonstrate their wrongdoing.”

Then, the Promised Messiahas said: “The Patti announcements were no different. Even at that time, it was the other

party themselves that was responsible for the publication of the announcements.”

At this, Maulana Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra said: “When this event comes to pass, we will be able to appreciate its grandeur and worth in a manner that others will not. For we clearly observe the challenges that confront us.” To this, the Promised Messiahas said: “Absolutely, but not only in this case, in fact this is our state of affairs when we witness the acceptance of any prayer or observe the greatness of any sign. Take the example of a person in a bleak and barren desert with no water for thousands of miles, who prayed and God Almighty granted them a glass of water

by His grace. If this incident was narrated only briefly – excluding the details and without speaking of the necessary means required for water – those unaware of all

the circumstances would laugh instead of appreciate the extraordinary nature of this occurrence. However, if the same people were apprised of the difficulties, they would look at the incident with feelings of immense reverence and awe. Similarly, if an illiterate person read through an English book, those who were aware of the person’s inability to read would find this to be extraordinary. However, if a Master of Arts or Bachelor of Arts was to read the same book, people would view this with little importance, or rather deem it inconsequential altogether. Therefore, the grandeur or insignificance of anything depends on the nature of the means to acquire it and the difficulties that surround it.”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 278-279)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022 Continued from page 1

Huzooraa in an official (daftari) mulaqat will attest to the fact that every audience feels like the first one. This, and a particular matter I wanted to ask about, kept my mind heavily occupied.

Eventually, after failing to catch a wink of sleep, I got out of bed, got ready and departed for Islamabad.

After waiting in the private secretariat, my turn came and I had the chance to report to Huzooraa about the humble efforts of the Al Hakam team and that Al Hakam had now published just over 200 issues since its launch in 2018.

I noticed a particular calm and serenity in the blessed countenance of Huzooraa. He was, as ever, deeply occupied in his work, all the while giving guidance on various matters.

Then came a pause and an opportune moment for me to say what I had wanted to for the past few days, nay weeks.

I said, “In difficult circumstances, we find the energy to keep going only through Huzoor’s courage. But how does Huzoor seek courage and solace?”

Huzooraa said: “Allah’s Jamaat is bound to face challenging times. The enemies always attack divine communities. This is what we have always witnessed and this is what we are witnessing now.

“We must remember and ask ourselves, who created this Jamaat? Did I make it?

Or did some other person? When Allah’s promises are with the Promised Messiahas, then why should we feel anxious or overwhelmed? Allah’s promises are with this Jamaat and so, His promises shall come to pass. There is no reason to worry.

“Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahibara once wrote: ‫ن‬

‫بج ہ ی‬ ‫� وباتل دنبہ وت دخا وباتل ےہ‬

“[‘When man keeps silent, God speaks for him.’] Therefore, we must play our part, all the while protecting our faith and belief, and let God Almighty speak in favour of His Jamaat.

“Allah the Almighty’s communities constantly remain in a state of battle.

Some from among the younger generation become worried too quickly. Those who have experienced similar challenging situations in the past, or who have studied even a bit of history do not feel anxious in such conditions. On such a battleground, one must stay alert rather than worry. The enemy gets irritated by anything we say.

In fact, they get even more agitated by our silence.

“Nowadays, you are listening to the conditions of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and how vigilant they were in a state of battle.

“However, from the tone of the enemy these days, it is evident that they are losing their grip and control as they see their motives crumbling before them.”

I then asked, “People from my generation tend to make hasty decisions. After hearing rumours from here and there, their opinion seems to waver. How can we help them understand the reality?”

Huzooraa replied: “It is necessary to speak to them. At such a young age, when one lacks knowledge

“

Allah the Almighty’s communities constantly remain in a state of battle. Some from among the younger generation become worried too quickly. Those who have experienced similar challenging situations in the past, or who have studied even a bit of history do not feel anxious in such conditions. On such a battleground, one must stay alert rather than worry. The enemy gets irritated by anything we say. In fact, they get even more agitated by our silence.

and experience, the propaganda of our opponents can influence them, but it is essential to reach out and speak to them.

In fact, before even speaking to them, it is essential to hear them out and let them talk.

“There is an element of goodness in everyone. So they should be heard and according to whatever they say, they should be spoken to, after which that element of good in them will ignite and, with God’s grace, they will able to see the truth.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,

Khalifatul Masih Vaa The comfort that came from hearing Huzoor’s words needs no further explanation.

The reality is that Huzooraa is a man of God. He is the means of connecting us with our Creator. He has been chosen by our Creator to lead us through to triumph and success.

Ignorant is the person who thinks that Khilafat depends on any individual.

It is Allah’s promise that He shall protect

Khilafat. He has kept this promise in the past, and shall He always do so in the future.

For our sake, Huzooraa has sacrificed every fibre of his being. He has given us his time and energy for almost two decades and continues to do so. The very least we can do is to remain loyal to him in accordance with our oath to God. َ ْ َْ ُ ُ ْ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ ّ َ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ ُ ‫س َو بَا ِرک ل َنا ِف ْی ع ُم ِر ِہ َو ام ِر ِہ‬ ِ ‫اللہم ایِد اِمامنا بِرو ِح القد‬ (By Qaasid Muin Ahmad, Editor, Al Hakam)

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 4 - 10 February 4 February 1914: An Ahmadi Muslim’s letter sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira said that other Muslims expelled Ahmadis from their mosques. In reply, Huzoorra replied that those Ahmadis should then offer prayers in an open field.

Huzoorra also said one must continue to do istighfar and exhibit patience.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 502)

4 February 1921: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra delivered a Friday Sermon in Qadian in which he urged the Jamaat’s administrative offices to make continuous efforts to collect chanda.

On that day, as the sermon started, it began to rain, and, in the last part of the sermon, heavy rain started pouring down. Due to this, Huzoorra said: “If the administration of the mosque had arranged canopies today, people would not have had to face such trouble.”

Al Fazl reported that after saying this, Huzoorra remained standing before the podium until everyone entered the front part of the mosque which was sheltered. The rows were made very narrow, to the extent that during the Friday prayer, people prostrated on each other’s backs.

5 February 1925: In Kabul, Ahmadi Muslims, Maulvi Abdul Haleem Sahib and Qari Nur Ali Sahib were martyred by being stoned to death. It was 11 Rajab 1343 on the Hijri calendar. When this gruesome and brutal atrocity was conveyed to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra,

he immediately rushed to Bait-ul-Dua and prayed fervently for the guidance of the Afghan nation and government.

Later, Huzoorra emphasised the importance of patience and trust in Allah. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p.

508)

5 February 1943: A delegation of Turkish representatives in Lahore claimed there was no need for regular daily prayers (Salat) when someone was travelling. The journalists also said they were Turkish first and Muslims second.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reviewed these comments while delivering his Friday Sermon on this date and negated them through Islamic teachings. (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 24, pp. 41-56) 6 February 1938: 56 students of the Ahmadiyya Intercollegiate Association Lahore and some nonAhmadi students visited Qadian on 4 February. Apart from visiting Qadian, playing football and cricket matches, many other activities took place. On 6 February, Jamia Ahmadiyya hosted a tea party in honour of the guests and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graced the occasion. Huzoorra spoke at the gathering for around three hours and left an extraordinary, lasting effect on the students, both Ahmadis and nonAhmadis.

On this date, the hockey team of FC College also came to Qadian from Lahore. (Al Fazl, 8 February 1938, p. 2) This showed the vibrancy of Qadian and how it served as a model for the people of the Indian subcontinent in particular.

7 February 1952: The village of Ekrawfu holds an important place in the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Ghana. This is the famous town whose chief, Mahdi Apa requested Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to send an Ahmadi preacher to them. On this request, in February 1921, Huzoorra sent Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyarra to bring the teachings of Islam to the righteous souls of Africa.

The old mosque of Ekrawfu, built in 1921, was still made out of mud and that year, 1952, the local Jamaat members converted the mosque into a firm and magnificent mosque at the cost of 5,000 pounds. On 7 February 1952, the newly built concrete structure of the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Ghana was inaugurated by Hazrat

Maulana Nazir Ahmad Mubashir Sahib.

More than 3,000 people were invited to the event. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 14, p. 418)

8 February 1914: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira announced he received glad tidings from Allah regarding the spread of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s message in Africa. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 502) 8 February 1974: To commemorate 100 years of the founding of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh started a jubilee fund and said it would be a spiritual plan to commemorate the 100year anniversary of the Jamaat.

Huzoorrh said: “This plan is to win the hearts of humanity through which it will establish an unbreakable relationship with God. This is a plan to inculcate the love of Muhammadsa in every human’s heart.” (Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 5, p. 413)

9 February 1945: The National College Lahore hosted an event highlighting the importance and the need for unity between Sikhs and Muslims. An Ahmadi speaker, Giani Wahid Hussain Sahib raised important points to be considered on the matter.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 9, p. 559)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

Opinion

9 February 1951: The International Islamic Conference (established in February 1949) held its second annual meeting in Karachi, Pakistan. Delegates from 35 Islamic countries attended the event. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had long wanted Muslim countries to come together on a platform and think of a way to solve their global problems.

Huzoorra had drawn attention to this on several occasions.

The meeting of the International Islamic Conference was attended by a delegation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat led by Hazrat Syed Zain-ulAbidin Waliullah Shahra. This conference continued until 13 February.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat attended the proceedings of every meeting held by the International Islamic Conference. The Jamaat delegates met separately with other delegations too. Also, on this occasion, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Karachi published a related press conference of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in Arabic and English and distributed it among the delegates.

10 February 1925: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra initiated a special fund for the expansion of preaching Islam in Europe and invited Jamaat members to donate a total of 100,000 rupees towards this cause collectively. The Jamaat members deposited the required amount within three months.

On this occasion, Huzoorra said: “I am extremely happy that Allah the Almighty has silenced the opponents who were raising allegations that ‘Ahmadis are tired of offering chanda’.

By the grace of Allah Almighty, in response to these people, He has given the Jamaat an opportunity to provide practical proof that they are not tired of offering chanda, but [their faith] is as firm and as fresh as it was the first day.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p.

515)

10 February 1945: Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra passed away.

This noble companion of the Promised Messiahas was also his eldest son-in-law who performed bai‘at on 19 November 1890.

For more details, please see: www.ahmadipedia.org/content/ personality/190

Zara Mohammed (MCB) misrepresents Islamic teachings and Ahmadi Muslim views on LBC

Ataul Fatir Tahir UK On 27 January 2022, during Iain Dale’s LBC show, Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) inferred Ahmadis were not Muslims, stressing it was a “theological” debate.

Her premise was that two tenets were the fundamentals of Islam: belief in one God and the “finality of prophethood”. Zara said Ahmadis did not believe the latter, hence were outside the pale of Islam. This, of course, was her description of the Islamic credo (Shahadah): ّ ٰ ُ َ ٌ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َ ‫لا اِ� َہ اِلا اللہ ��َ ّمد ّر ُس ْول الل ِہ‬ “There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

To anyone who does not know the Arabic of the Shahadah, this answer may suffice. A non-Muslim like Iain Dale might even understand. But Zara misrepresented a few things, and here’s a breakdown.

Recently, especially in Pakistan, Muslim groups have started a ploy (aimed to vilify Ahmadis) where they add “the last prophet” to the Islamic credo. Nowhere in the Arabic of the Shahadah or in the history of Islam has the “last prophet” been added to the Shahadah, a creed even children know.

Zara concluded her answer by telling Iain that believing in another prophet after Muhammadsa was like believing in “two gods”. Her analogy was a gross misrepresentation of what Ahmadis believe and she compared apples to oranges.

Ahmadi Muslims do believe Prophet Muhammadsa is the last law-bearing prophet. Ahmadis also believe in the second coming of Jesus, who would be “a prophet of Allah” when he would return, according to authentic traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Essentially, she also believes a prophet will come after the Prophet Muhammadsa.

The issue then lies in the identity of “Jesus” when he would return.

Ahmadis believe the prophecy to be metaphorical; a man would come in the Muslim ummah in the same disposition and character as Jesusas. We believe this man to be Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas – founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – and a non-law bearing prophet according to the above hadith.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas brought no new law and was a subordinate prophet to Prophet Muhammadsa. He unequivocally said Prophet Muhammadsa was the greatest

Prophet and the last law-bearing prophet in the world.

So, Zara created two problems – first, she completely misrepresented the credo (Shahadah) of Islam and second, shot herself in the foot because she too believes Jesus would be a prophet when he returns. That, of course, is if she believes the predominant Sunni theology.

If this wasn’t enough, then consider the fact that Muslim scholars cannot agree on a definition of a Muslim.

In 1953, the famous Munir Inquiry Report, a committee created in Pakistan asked Muslim scholars and theologians from different sects: “Who is a Muslim?”

Justice Muhammad Munir and Justice MR Kiani commissioned the report and after its findings, said: “Keeping in view the several definitions given by the ulema, need we make any comment except that no two learned divines agree on this fundamental. If we attempt our own definition as each learned divine has done and that definition differs from that given by all others, we unanimously go out of the fold of Islam. And if we adopt the definition given by any one of the ulema, we remain Muslims according to the view of that alim but kafirs according to the definition of everyone else.” (Munir Inquiry Report, p. 218)

Muslim scholars cannot agree on one definitive definition of “a Muslim” and ignore the classification Prophet Muhammadsa gave himself, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari: َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ​َ َ َ​َ ‫ فذل ِک‬،‫ َوأکﻞ ذبِ��َ َت َنا‬،‫اس َتق َبﻞ ِق ْبل َت َنا‬ ‫ و‬،‫من ﺻلی ﺻ�اتنا‬ ّ ٰ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ ُ َّ َ ّ ٰ ُ َّ ُ َ ْ َّ ُ ْ ُ ْ َّ َ ‫ ف�ا ���ِ�وا اللہ �ِ� ذِم ِت ِہ‬،‫المسلِم ال ِذي �ہ ذِمة الل ِہ وذِمة رسو� ِ ِہ‬ “Whoever prays like us and faces our qibla and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim and is under Allah’s and His Apostle’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those who are in His protection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayers) Zara may have “tactfully” (as one Twitter user put it) succeeded in misrepresenting both Islamic fundamentals and what Ahmadis believe to non-Muslims, but those aware know exactly what she did.

To her credit, she did add that the MCB is against “any intolerance or discrimination” and doesn’t support the vilification of Ahmadi Muslims. Ironically, the stance the MCB takes against Ahmadis itself breeds abuse and hate.

As for her claim of Ahmadis being outside Islam, we don’t need any verification or attestation from a Muslim scholar, or head of the MCB for that matter. The verification of Prophet Muhammadsa and Allah is sufficient.

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Introduction to chapters of the Holy Quran

Surah al-Najm, al-Qamar, al-Rahman, al-Waqi‘ah, al-Hadid and al-Mujadalah 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 53: Surah al-Najm This surah was revealed in the fifth year of the Call, shortly after the emigration to Abyssinia. Including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 63 verses.

This surah is titled as Al-Najm (the star), ُّ and at the end of the preceding surah, ‫[ ِا ۡدبَ َار الن ُجوۡ ِم‬setting of the stars] is cited as well. Thereafter, the subject of polytheists is discussed, and a prophecy has been made about the falling of that star which was worshipped by the polytheists. And it says, “The Holy Prophetsa did not say this of his own accord because he never speaks out of his own volition.”

Earlier, at the end of Surah al-Dhariyat, ُ ۡ ۡ َُۡ ُ Allah was called ‫[ ذو الق ّو ِۃ ال َم ِتین‬the Lord of ُ َّ َّ Power, the Strong] as well as ‫الرزاق‬ [the Great Sustainer] and the current surah calls Allah َ ُۡ ُ ‫ ﺷ ِﺪیۡ ُﺪ الق ٰوى‬and ‫ ذ ۡو ِم ّرَ ٍۃ‬i.e. “the Lord of mighty powers and Possessor of unprecedented wisdom”.

Thereafter starts the account of the incident of Mi‘raj (ascension). Thus, the Holy Prophetsa neared his Lord and Allah the Almighty leaned down towards him with beneficence; and he became like one cord of two bows. These are very complicated verses which have been sought to be explained in various ways.

Certainly, this account does not refer to a physical sky; rather, this is a reference to an unusual account of what passed in the heart of Muhammadsa, the Chosen one; a vision whose precedent is not found in the life of any other Prophet. His heart ascended to the firmament in Allah’s love, and Allah, out of love for His servant, ۡ َ َ َ ‫ ق‬means descended to his heart. And ‫اب قوۡ َسی ِن‬ that the Holy Prophetsa became that chord which had become one chord between the bow of Allah the Almighty and that of the Holy Prophetsa. In other words, the arrow shot from the bow of Allah was the same shot from the bow of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. This explanation is exactly in-line with the verse of the Holy Quran:

ۡ ّٰ َ ‫َو َما َر َم ۡی َت ِاذ َر َم ۡی َت َو لٰ ِک ّن الل َہ َر ٰمی‬

[“And thou threwest not when thou didst throw, (but) it was Allah Who threw.”]

Therefore, this explanation cannot at all be termed as a personal opinion.

Then, the belief that the Mi‘raj was physical has been totally refuted, when it states:

ُۡ َ َ ‫َما کذ َب الف َﺆ ُاد َما َر ٰاى‬

[“The heart (of the Prophet) was not untrue to that which he saw.”] That is, physical eyes did not see Allah; rather, Allah was seen by the eyes of the Holy Prophet Muhammad’ssa heart, and his heart was not untrue in relating this account.

Thereafter, a ‫ِس ۡﺪ َر ِۃ‬ [lote-tree] is mentioned which is like a boundary hedge between Allah the Almighty and His servants. In fact, this is an old custom of the Arabs which is found among them even to this date that between the lands of two farmers, the boundaries are divided by thorny plants which are grown as a boundary line. Thus, there was no tree grown in Heaven beyond which the Holy Prophetsa did not have access. This is an extremely ridiculous explanation which has been presented by some commentators

of the middle-ages. It only means that the Holy Prophetsa had access to that high station of nearness to Allah beyond which no human had access to, because after that starts the subject of transcendent attributes of Allah Almighty.

Next, talking about hypothetical deities of the disbelievers, Allah says that “they have no proof of their existence; they follow nothing but conjecture. This is the utmost limit of their ّ knowledge.”

Here, ‫الش ۡع ٰرى‬ ِ (Sirius) stands for that najm [star] which was a deity of the disbelievers.

Next, the evil end on which the past idolatrous people ended up as a result of their polytheism is outlined briefly as a warning and lesson.

Chapter 54: Surah al-Qamar This surah was revealed in Mecca and

including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 56 verses.

In the preceding surah, the falling of ‫( ِﺷ ۡع ٰرى‬Sirius), a false deity of the idolaters, is cited. In other words, the prophecy was made that polytheism, along with its hypothetical gods, would definitely be annihilated.

In the very beginning of Surah alQamar, the information is given that the time for its end has approached; and the moon testified to it by renting asunder into two. The moon stands for the period of sovereignty of the Arabs. And this interpretation of the moon is reported by the Holy Prophetsa himself. Thus, the era of sovereignty of the polytheists came to an end for good, and that time approached which was the time of revolution and which was to take place with the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, the Chosen one.

Next follows a verse which absolutely proves that the idolatrous people of that time, for a fleeting moment, did see the moon renting asunder into two. The commentators, rightly or wrongly, have given many exegeses about this, but this reality cannot be denied. If the polytheists had not witnessed the incident of the moon’s renting asunder into two, immediately they would have denied its occurrence. And the believers too would have renounced their belief because the belief was founded solely on the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa. ٌ َ ُ ۡ By saying ‫[ ِس� ٌر ّم ۡست ِم ّر‬a continuous sorcery], the polytheists of Mecca testified that the incident did take place, but, according to them, “it was sorcery and such sorceries were regularly performed by Muhammadsa”.

Once again, the past idolatrous peoples are cited, that every one of them declared the Prophet of their time to be insane. And they were destroyed one after another as a result of their disbelief and insolence.

One verse has been repeatedly cited in the current surah and that is, “We have made the Holy Quran easy to take heed”. That is, if anyone had given a little consideration to the circumstances of the past people, they would have understood easily that most of the destruction in the world was caused by polytheism. But is there anyone to take heed? Neither did the majority among the past peoples take heed, nor did the majority of the following peoples.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022 Chapter 55: Surah al-Rahman This surah was revealed in the early Meccan period. Including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 79 verses.

In this surah, two different idioms have been used for man and the Holy Quran. َ Nowhere has the word ‫ خلق‬been used for َ the Quran, but for man ‫ خلق‬has been used.

Thus, as a result of not pondering over this surah, some Muslims of the middle-ages believed the Quran to be a creation and some others as non-creation. And because of this reason, a lot of blood was shed of Muslims.

A ‫[ میزان‬measure] has also been mentioned in this noble surah. Allah says, “A balance will be found all over the heavens; and in fact, every exaltation requires this balance. Thus, if the believing servants of Allah the Almighty always safeguard this measure, and never go against justice, Allah the Almighty will grant them very exalted stations as well.”

Next, addressing the jinn and men, it has been reiterated, “Which then of the favours of your Lord will you twain deny?” In this connection, the difference between the creation of jinn and men has also been laid down that the jinn have been created of the flame of fire. In the present age, various interpretations of the word jinn are presented. But at this point, one interpretation of jinn is that of virus and bacteria and that they too are also jinn who came into being as a result of fiery radioactive waves coming from the sky in the beginning of creation. In this age, all scientists have agreed that bacteria and viruses come into existence by taking energy directly from fire.

Then, about man, a prophecy is made which uncovers deep secrets of magnificent wisdom and creation. The concept of man’s creation by mud is found in all past [divine] books. But the concept of the creation of man of dry ringing clay is a concept which is not found in any other book before the Holy Quran. This is not the occasion of mentioning its details. But scientists know that a stage came in the course of creation where it was necessary to dry the material of creation in the form of ringing clay. And then, the sea once again engulfed this dry material with its waves. And a journey of chemical progress of man started wherein these essential chemicals did not have to revert back to their earliest stage time and again for human creation.

Next, a prophecy is made that Allah the Almighty would remove the defining boundary between the two seas and they would merge into each other.

Then, there is another noble verse which could not have come in any man’s imagination in the age when the Quran was revealed. Man was not able enough to jump a metre or two high. Who could have imagined that influential as well as non-influential people would endeavour ْ َ ْ َ ٰ ٰ َّ ُ َ ْ َ to go beyond the ‫ض‬ ِ ‫[ اقطار السمو ِت و الار‬the confines of the heavens and earth]? This endeavour started with man’s journey to the moon. And endeavours are being made to reach the planets beyond. But the Holy Quran prophesies that man cannot break through the boundaries of the universe ٰۡ without ‫ ُسلطن‬, i.e. magnificent reasoning.

And whenever they try to go beyond it physically, they will be showered with fire and molten copper. There is no doubt that

unless scientists take all possible defensive measures against meteor showers, they cannot travel in space in rockets.

After the metaphorical discussion of Hell starts the metaphorical account of Paradise. Readers should be cautious not to take this account literally at all. This is totally metaphorical language. The thinkers can find new gems of cognisance if they ponder over it. Otherwise, their mind will stray without any gain, except for a physical concept of Paradise wherein they will fail to find any solution to many an issue. Thus, blessed is the name of Allah the Almighty; ۡ ُ Hisۡ blessings are countless. He is ‫ذو ال َج ٰل ِل َو‬ ۡ َ ‫[ الاِکرا ِم‬the Master of Glory and Honour].

Chapter 56: Surah al-Waqi‘ah This surah was revealed in the early Meccan period and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 97 verses.

It is stated in the beginning of this surah that the magnificent prophecies of the preceding surah were definitely going to be fulfilled. Especially the news of the resurrection, cited in the preceding surah, would definitely come to pass.

Next, a comparison has been drawn between those who made sacrifices in the first stage of Islam with those who would make sacrifices in the latter stage.

This shows that those who would make sacrifices in the first stage and in the latter stage would, in large numbers, resemble in making sacrifices, and they would be granted similar ranks. But many of those who made sacrifices in the first stage would excel those in numbers and ranks who would make sacrifices in the latter stage.

But there are some of those belonging to the latter stage who would attain the same excellence of ranks as were granted to the people of the first stage.

Further, a description is given of the unfortunate ones of both periods, and they have been described as belonging to the left hand. And people belonging to the left hand signify the wicked people, and a description of their attributes is given which will cause them to enter Hell.

Further, a metaphorical description of the people of Hell as well as the people of Paradise, is given in this surah. And it has been made very clear that “you will never be resurrected with this physical body of yours; rather, you will be resurrected with such a transformed body that is beyond your imagination.”

Verses 61 and 62 prophesy that “you have no knowledge of the form in which Allah the Almighty will resurrect you at the time of your resurrection.” The point to note here is that superficially, its knowledge is being given and this is a warning whose words should not be taken in the literal sense. These are just similitudes, and you have no knowledge of the reality.

Then, there are four things described in that if they are reflected upon, every unbiased mind will definitely accept that no one possesses the power to create them except Allah the Almighty. Foremost is the material by which human creation was started. This material was endowed with very complicated characteristics which were to take manifestation later. For instance, the eye, ear, nose, mouth, throat, vocal cord etc. were directed in so much detail that it was decided up to what size an organ would grow and when that growth would stop.

Take teeth for example. Deciduous teeth appear after a certain period and fall after a certain period. And those who fail to look after the health of their teeth in childhood are saved from harmful effects. Then, in adult teeth, a person is responsible to look after them. Why do they stop developing after a certain size? What is it that stops them from developing any further?

There is a computerised programme in human DNA which is followed by them according to the decree of Allah the Almighty. Scientists say that teeth grow at almost the same speed as when they wear out. If they had continued developing and there was no programme of stopping them, in that case, the lower teeth would grow much further, piercing through the brain, and the upper teeth would render the chest useless by piercing through the jaw.

Allah asks, “Did you produce these genetic characteristics yourself?” Obviously, the reply is in the negative.

Similarly, man believes that it is he who sows the seeds in soil. But the mechanism of their germination and development into trees, vegetables and fruits is a very complicated system, which cannot develop on its own.

Similarly, man has no control over the mechanism of water that showers from the sky to support life. And the flame by which man tries to reach the heavens also works under the decree of Allah. Otherwise, the same fire, instead of transporting them

to heights, could have reduced them to ashes. In this regard, the Holy Prophetsa prophesied about airplanes which soar high in the sky that those means of transport would run on fire, but that fire would not harm the passengers that embark them. ُّ Then ‫[ َم ٰوقِ ِع الن ُجوۡ ِم‬shooting of the stars] has been presented as a witness. Man of that age believed the stars to be like small twinkling gems or stones. But Allah the Almighty says, “You will be bewildered if you come to know what these smalllooking stars are.” These stars are so huge that they can accommodate the moon, sun, earth, and planets in one of their sides.

Thus, Allah says, “It’s a magnificent oath which We are giving.”

After these testimonies, Allah says, “The Holy Quran too is a hidden book.

As stars are hidden from you due to being far off in the distance, similarly your eyes cannot attain the exaltations of the Holy Quran, and you take it to be an insignificant book.” Further Allah says, “You may touch it physically”, i.e. “You can touch it because you are close to it, but save for the one whose heart is purified by Allah the Almighty, no one can comprehend its subject-matters.”

Chapter 57: Surah al-Hadid This surah was revealed in Medina and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 30 verses.

This surah starts with the proclamation that “the heavens and earth and whatever is in them glorifies Allah. He is the First and the Last, and the Manifest and the Hidden.”

That is, His manifestations are plain and open, but they always remain hidden for the eye that fails to see them.

Describing the similitude of the life of this world, Allah says in a verse that it is only a sport and pastime. This is not something to last. “When man gets closer to his death, he will surely admit that this delight was only for a few days.”

There is another magnificent verse in this surah which proves that Allah the Almighty had made it clear to the Holy Prophetsa that the conspicuous concept of the heaven and hell is not correct. Thus, in verse 22, Allah says, “Vie with one another in seeking forgiveness from Allah the Almighty, and for a paradise whose span is like the span of the heavens and the earth.”

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Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

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One Companionra asked the Holy Prophetsa when he recited this verse, “O Prophet of Allah! Where does hell exist if heaven spans the entire universe?”

He replied, “That too exists there.” That is, it exists in the same vast universe where heaven is located. “But you do not understand as to how this can be.” Heaven and hell exist in the same place while one has no connection with the other. It clearly proves that the Holy Prophetsa was given the concept of a relativity in that age, i.e. in the same place two things have no connection with each other when dimensions are changed.

The true meaning of the word ‫ نزول‬is illustrated from this verse, i.e. the Holy Quran uses the term ‫ نزول‬for anything that is most useful among its kind. Therefore, in this regard, the word ‫ نزول‬comes for cattle as well as for dress. Most important of all, about the Holy Prophetsa, Allah says:

َ ۡ ُ ّٰ ۡ َ َ ‫ق ۡﺪ ان َز َل الل ُہ ِال َ ۡیک ۡم ِذک ًر ّار ُسوۡلًا‬

“Allah has indeed sent down to you an incarnate Reminder, a Messenger” (Surah al-Talaq, Ch.65: V.11-12). And all scholars agree that he did not come down from sky with his physical body. Thus, no other interpretation can be made here except that among all the Prophets the most beneficial Prophet for mankind was only the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Further, in this very surah, with regard to the Companionsra, it is related that they walked in a light that ran ahead of them as well as on their right, as if they saw their path ahead in that light of theirs.

Chapter 58: Surah al-Mujadalah This surah was revealed in Medinah and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 23 verses.

The central theme of Surah al-Mujadalah is that the custom of the Arabs when they were annoyed with their wives was that they would cease conjugal relations among themselves by calling their wives their mothers, thus rendering their relationships void. One’s mother is only she who gives birth to them. Further, Allah admonishes to atone for such absurd things, and keeping yourself from such absurd things, He also admonishes to establish conjugal relations with them.

Surah al-Hadid talks about ‫ َح ِﺪیۡﺪ‬and it is used to cut, pierce and tear. But this is ُّ َ ُ َ its literal use. The words ‫ٓاد ۡو َن‬ ‫ یح‬and ‫ َح ّٓاد‬in Surah al-Mujadalah signify to tear each other in spiritual terms. And repeatedly, it has been described that those who inflict injury to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa spiritually and seek to disintegrate the Companionsra, and connive with each other for this end, will end up in their own destruction. Allah says, “All those who injure Allah and His Messenger with their taunts will be frustrated. And Allah the Almighty has ordained on Himself that He and His Messengers will prevail.”

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

Islam today

Infallibility and

dealing with acc

silencing victims By the grace of Allah, we have received a large number of questions and we will continue to answer them through this new column called “Islam Today”. We will address all questions which are general and beneficial to all, so long as answering them does not breach general legal standards. (Editor)

Is a Khalifa infallible?

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat believes that Khilafat is a divinely established institution which Allah alone protects from any harm – even if the harm could potentially emerge from an error of judgment. This belief is based on the Quranic words of:

َّ َ َ​َّ َٰ ‫َول َ ُی َم ِک� ّن ل َ ُہ ْم ِدیْن ُہ ُم ال ِذى ْارتضی ل َ ُہ ْم‬

“And that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them …” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.56) Hence, Allah does not let any mistake happen through the Khalifa that can have adverse effects on the Jamaat.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, states: “It is possible for a Khalifa to commit an error in his personal matters. However, in matters upon which relies the spiritual and physical progress of the Jamaat, Allah protects His Jamaat from any adverse effects, even if a mistake is made. Allah somehow makes the Khalifa aware of the mistake. Sufis term this as ismat-i-sughra [minor infallibility] and is a characteristic of Khulafa [plural of Khalifa], whereas prophets are bestowed with ismat-i-kubra [major infallibility]. Hence, Allah does not let Khulafa make such an error that can result in adversity for the Jamaat.

“Their decisions may have minute and negligible mistakes, but the destined outcome is that Islam shall prevail and opponents shall always be defeated.

Therefore, their ismat-i-sughra ensures that their policy will always be aligned with the policy of Allah the Almighty.

Although they would utter words, their tongues would move, their hands would be in motion, their minds would function, but there would be Allah’s Hand behind it all.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, commentary on Surah alNur, pp. 376-377) A salient feature of the Islamic system is that it places Allah’s divinely appointed Khalifa as the final point of obedience.

The Khalifa receives guidance from Allah the Almighty and everyone is answerable to him, who is answerable to Allah the

Almighty alone – to the One who has appointed him Khalifa.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, states: “It is true that Allah appoints the Khalifa, and I have always believed so, and will continue to believe so till my last breath. This too is true that no human power has any involvement in this appointment and, hence, I am now, as the Khalifa, not answerable to any member of the Jamaat. But this is no freedom because I am now answerable directly to God, my Lord.” (Address after being elected Khalifa, delivered on 9 June 1982) So anyone who takes an oath of allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih automatically commits to accepting him as the final authority in all matters of faith and religious understanding.

Some confuse this with absolutism, but that is not the case. We have heard Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa say on many occasions that if this oath, with its binding conditions, does not seem practical to someone, they are free to leave.

Hence, so long as one believes the Khalifa to be the final authority, they are bound to listen and obey with the firm faith that as Khalifatul Masih, he is divinely guided and his advice can only lead to goodness and not to adverse consequences.

Does a victim of rape need to provide four witnesses?

The answer to this question is “yes” and “no”.

It is a Quranic injunction that to establish the crime of adultery or fornication, four witnesses are required to testify the act. Rape, however, is a different crime altogether, in that the act of having sexual intercourse is performed through coercion or some kind of pressure on the victim.

However, we need to understand the position of the judge or the court.

They cannot get to establish whether someone is actually a victim of rape and not only claiming to be so, until they have investigated the circumstances under which the alleged crime took place.

To establish that the alleged act falls under rape and was not consensual, the judge will require witnesses to be able to proceed under Islamic law. Since a perpetrator of rape will be dealt with under a hadd (statutory punishment prescribed

by Allah the Almighty), the hadd can only be established if they give a confession or if four witnesses come forward to testify. This process of investigation is also prescribed

by Allah the Almighty. No worldly court or judge has the discretion to alter the process of investigation or the punishment.

Once it is clear that four witnesses are not available, the matter will automatically move from hadd to tazir. This means that the judge would go through any evidence provided by the claimant, which can include evidence based on modern technology like CCTV footage and forensic tests etc.

Therefore, the question that whether a victim of rape is required to provide four witnesses is only valid once it has been established by the court that the claimant is a victim of rape and not involved in consensually illicit relationship with the accused. Thereafter, the victim will have to provide any available evidence for further investigation, which can include any number of witnesses as well.

An esteemed Muslim jurist, Allama Ibn Abd al-Barr (d 463 AH), states very clearly: َّ ‫المغتصب ال�د إن‬ ‫المستکرہ‬ ‫وقد أجمﻊ الﻌلماء علی أن علی‬ ِ ِ ‫ أو أقر بذلک فﺈن لم‬، ‫شھدت البینة علیہ بما یوجب ال�د‬ ‫یکن فﻌلیہ الﻌقوبة‬ “The scholars are in unanimous agreement that the rapist is to be subjected to the hadd punishment if there is bayyinah [four witnesses] against him, which would warrant the hadd punishment to be imposed. [The imposition of the hadd punishment would also apply] if the accused rapist admits to his crime himself.

In a situation where the above two instances do not apply, then [according to the other evidence that may be brought against him] he would have to bear aqoobah [ta‘zir].” (Al Istizkar 146/7, Bidayah al-Mujtahid 221/4) Similarly, another jurist of very high stature, Shams al-Aemma Allama Sarakhsi (d 483 AH), states: “Where witnesses testify that a man had coerced a woman to have sex, he would be tried under the hadd and the victim would be acquitted.” (Al Mabsut, V 9, p 54) To conclude, the requirement of four witnesses is only to establish elements of the crime and, once rape is established, the court will go on to consider other available evidence. (For details, please see “Rape in Islamic law: Establishing the crime and upholding the rights of the innocent”, in Al Hakam, 21 January 2022, Issue CCI, p. 10)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

Khilafat, victims of rape,

cused office-bearers, and

s The above is a theoretical guidance based on Islamic jurisprudence. The Ahmadiyya stance on dealing with the crime of rape is that the claimant should approach the law enforcement bodies of the state that they are a citizen of. The claimant and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond doubt by the state judiciary.

Should office-bearers of the Jamaat be suspended if accused of a crime?

The Holy Prophetsa said: “Were people to be given everything they claimed, they would not stop short of making claims on the blood and property of others.” (Bukhari and Muslim) In light of this insightful hadith, if office-bearers were to be suspended or dismissed on mere accusations without sufficient evidence, all offices would have to be shut down, bringing to a halt the system of any community.

Since the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is based on Islamic principles and strives to uphold them in all internal matters, we will have to seek guidance from the practice of the Holy Prophetsa and of his rightly guided Khulafa. For that, we cite a few instances from those blessed days of Islam.

1. During the War of Yamama, Maja‘a bin Murrah, a commander of Musaylima’s army, signed a truce with Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid through deceit. Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid, after the agreement, went on to marry Maja‘a bin Murrah’s daughter.

When Hazrat Abu Bakrra was informed of this, he warned Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid but did not remove him from his position as commander of the Muslim army. (Tarikh-i-Yaqubi, Vol. 2, p. 148) 2. During the combat with Banu Tamim, Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid killed their chief, Malik bin Nuwaira and married his widow, Umm Tamim. The killing of a chief who had embraced Islam was reported to Hazrat Abu Bakrra by Hazrat Umarra, with the recommendation to suspend Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid. Hazrat Abu Bakrra, declining the recommendation, called Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid to Medina, listened to his reason for having killed the chief, accepted him and sent him back to continue his duty. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, p. 279)

3. Hazrat Umarra kept a very strict eye on his officer-bearers and would hold them accountable for any complaints made against them. History has it that a complaint was once lodged against Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas to Hazrat Umarra.

Hazrat Umarra had appointed Saadra bin abi Waqas as governor of Kufa. A complaint was received that Hazrat Saadra had erected a gate outside his seat which could be shut at his will. Hazrat Umarra had instructed that no such gate should be erected that could hinder public access to the governor of any Muslim state.

Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Maslamara to Kufa for an on-site enquiry and did not suspend Hazrat Saadra bin abi Waqas in the meantime. (Al Faruq by Allama Shibli Nomani, Vol. 2, pp. 193-194 [1991]) 4. Several complaints were lodged against Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘arira, governor of Basra, in the time of Hazrat Umar. The allegations made were of him paying larger stipends to people closer to him; that he was paying undue stipend to a personal maid; that he had kept around 60 captives as personal servants and had delegated most of his duties to a young man called Ziyad. Hazrat Umarra held an enquiry and accepted the defence offered by Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘arira, letting him stay in office meanwhile and afterwards. (Ibid, p. 198) 5. When Hazrat Iyadra bin Ghanm was in charge of Egypt, it was brought to Hazrat Umar’sra attention that he wore garments that did not befit a noble man. Hazrat Umarra did not suspend or dismiss him but summoned him to Medina. Hazrat Iyadra bin Ghanm admitted his mistake and was pardoned by Hazrat Umarra and was sent back to carry on with the duties of his office.

(Kitab al-Khiraj by Imam Abu Yusuf) However, there are instances where evidence outweighed the defence of the accused and the Khulafa punished their officials. For instance, governor of Kufa, Waleed bin Uqba, was accused of consuming alcohol. The then Khalifa, Hazrat Uthmanra, lodged an investigation where credible evidence was found.

Hazrat Uthmanra dismissed him from governorship of Kufa and had him flogged in Islamic law (Tarikh al-Tabari). However, certain narrations have it that it was later discovered that the evidence was fake.

It ought to be kept in mind that officebearers are members of the society first

and their rights and honour ought to be protected just as the honour of any other member of the society ought to be protected. To press charges against any individual, office-bearer or otherwise, the claimant has to provide acceptable and credible evidence to support their claims.

Does Islam encourage victims of crime to remain silent?

While the ceiling of Islamic punishments is set quite high for violent crimes, it cannot be ignored that the very concept starts with encouraging forgiveness. The Quranic verse stating: َ

َ َ َ َ َ ّٰ َ ‫ف َم ْن َعفا َوأ ْصل َح فﺄ ْجرُ ُه َعلی الل ِہ‬

“but whoso forgives and thereby brings about an improvement, his reward is with Allah” clearly points to the fact that there is divine wisdom behind the penal system devised by Islam. The raison de’tre of Islamic punishments is to develop a society of pious and God-fearing people, to uphold justice, and to deter members of the society from wrongdoing.

A methodological principle of jurisprudence in Islam is to fight causes and not merely symptoms. This principle is complied with by blocking unlawful actions and means about their preconditions and consequences, the so-called sadd al-dharai‘.

For example, the Holy Quran not only states that believers should not commit adultery or fornication, but it states:

َ ّ ََُْ َ​َ ‫الزنا‬ ِ ‫ولا ت�ربوا‬

“And go not nigh unto fornication or adultery”. (Ch.17: V.33) And it says:

َ َۡ َۡ َ ۡ َ ‫َولَا ت� َربُوا الفوَا ِحﺶ َما ﻇ َہرَ ِمن َہا َو َما بَط َن‬

“And go not nigh unto indecencies, whether open or secret”. (Ch.6: V.152) Besides many very apparent and obvious implications of this methodology, such as the regulation of public nudity, a demure dress code, gender segregation etc, it also entails the governance of language and freedom of expression.

One of the most important Quranic verses dealing with the regulation of public discourse is unfortunately misunderstood and misinterpreted by many. It states,

َّ َ ۡ ُ ٓ ُّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ّ ٰ ُ ّ ُ َ ‫السوۡ ِء ِم َن القوۡ ِل ِالا َم ۡن ﻇ ِل َم‬ ‫لا ی ِحب اللہ الجہر ِب‬

“Allah likes not the uttering of unseemly speech in public, except on the part of one who is being wronged” (Ch.4: V.149) It can thus be deduced that any public

utterance of unseemly, evil and indecent speech is prohibited under Islamic law.

The prohibition enunciated in this verse includes, for example, all spoken or written obscenities, blaming others or attributing misdeeds to them, speaking about evil deeds one has committed oneself, etc.

All unseemly and hurtful speech is thus forbidden, even if it contains truth or has a supposedly good purpose.

The only exception to this rule mentioned in the verse is that someone who has been wronged is given a little more leeway in his pursuit of justice to speak out to the public authorities. The verse is very clear in that the exception for public mention of the unseemly applies only to those who have been directly wronged.

It is contrary to the spirit of this verse for third parties who have not been directly wronged, who are not victims, or who do not speak as official representatives of those who claim to be victims, to speak publicly on their own behalf and for their own motives, and to publicly disseminate accusations made by known or anonymous persons.

This means that one should most definitely raise their voice against injustice but that ought only to be done before the right type of forum. History of early Islam has it that the Holy Prophetsa and his rightly guided Khulafa asked for witnesses and any evidence that the claimant could provide, hence facilitating them to acquire justice in the matter at hand – all done before the dedicated forums.

This wisdom of Quranic teachings can be best understood in this age of social media where claimants feels encouraged to post their story online in a media trial fashion. Slander, defamation and libel have never helped in providing justice, as legal forums will always rely on witnesses and evidence.

To conclude, we must clarify that in the case of criminal offences, “forum” would mean legal bodies functioning under the law of the land. (For details, please see “Silence or Sanctity: Islamic teachings on safeguarding honour yet seeking justice, in Al Hakam, 28 January 2022, Issue CCII, p.

3) (Prepared by the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre)

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

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“Victory to Ghulam Ahmad”: Foundation of new mosque complex in Zion, USA him thousands who worshipped him; he died deserted by all save a handful of the faithful.”

Dr Alexander Dowie built the city of Conversely, the disciples of Hazrat Zion in Illinois, USA. He aggressively Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas are now building started opposing Islam and Hazrat Mirza a huge complex for the propagation of Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, Islam in Zion. The foundation stone of may peace be upon him, after responding the Fath-e-Azeem Mosque (meaning to him, and challenged him for a prayer the Grand Victory) and the adjoining duel. Alexander Dowie wrote in Leaves of complex was officially laid on 10 July 2021.

Healing on February 1903, “I pray to God Construction is expected to be completed that Islam is destroyed from the face of the by March 2022. The new site is about ten earth. O God! Accept my prayer. O God! acres of land and is situated at the corner of Destroy Islam.” As a result of the prayer Lewis Avenue and 27th Street. The project duel, Dr Dowie died a miserable death in is expected to cost around $5 million. The 1907 at the age of 59. structure of the building shall be a mixture The Chicago Evening American of 9 of modern design and traditional mosque March 1907 summarised his life story in architecture and a total of roughly 13,000 the following words: “Gigantic success and sq ft in size. It will consist of a large prayer tragic failures punctuate his life. Here are hall on the main floor with a community some of the remarkable works and reversals room and a kitchen in the basement. There that marked Dowie’s career: He built a shall be a minaret. Another key component creed; he was excommunicated. He built a will be an exhibition hall that houses items city; he was expelled from it. He amassed and historical documents that tell the story a fortune of millions; he was reduced to of Islam Ahmadiyyat. virtual poverty. He elevated Voliva to great The foundation ceremony was hosted power; Voliva ruined him. He drew about at Zion Benton Township School.

National leaders from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, some members of congress, county officials and local law enforcement people were invited to attend the ceremony. Zion Mayor Billy McKinney presented a mayoral proclamation.

Sahibzada Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib, Amir Jamaat-eAhmadiyya USA, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony.

In his speech, he said: “The mosque is not only House of God in Islam where Muslims gather for congregational prayers, it is also a place for peace, harmony and human equality. The mosque reminds the A young Ahmadi boy lays a foundation brick Dr Mahmud Ahmad Nagi USA

Top: Structural skeleton of the mosque Middle: Inauguration of the mosque Bottom: Sahibzada Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib, Amir Jamaat USA leads the foundation stone laying ceremony at the mosque in Zion

Ahmadiyya Community of Zion of its obligations to worship one God and care for His creations.”

The officials of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community highlighted the message of friendship, peace and harmony.

Some guests also addressed the

audience and later lunch was served.

Selected individuals laid bricks in the foundation. In the end, the President of the Ahmadiyya Community Zion chapter, Mr Abu Bakr, thanked the team of men and women who tirelessly worked hard for the project to happen.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

Coming from every distant track

Maulana Ghulam Yasin Abu Nasr Aah meets Hazrat Ahmad in 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 Ghulam Yasin Abu Nasr Aah Sahib was born in 1882 in the house of Maulana Khairuddin, a well-known personality of the Indian subcontinent. He was the elder brother of the famous Congress leader, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (the first education minister of Independent India).

Ghulam Yasin Sahib did not live long and fell ill during his travels in Iraq and returned to India and died in 1907.

Ghulam Yasin Sahib, like his father Maulana Khairuddin, was aware and acquainted with the pirs (spiritual guides) of India and used to visit the famous YMS Preaching Hall in Bombay every week and would have in-depth discussions with nonMuslims. In these discussions, he gained great benefit from utilising the literature of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. Due to this, he had a great desire to go to Qadian and be privileged with meeting Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

On 2 May 1905, in accordance with a dream he had, Ghulam Yasin Sahib began this journey to Qadian. At the time, he was on his way to Lahore from Bombay to attend a meeting of the Anjuman-i-Himayat-iIslam, after which he went to Qadian. He arrived in Qadian in the afternoon and went straight to Hazrat Ahmad’sas garden, where he was staying with his family and some companions after the Kangra earthquake.

Hazrat Ahmadas spoke with him and blessed him with valuable advice and guidance on matters.

After visiting Qadian and meeting with the Promised Messiahas, Ghulam Yasin Sahib published the following remarks in the Amritsar newspaper, Vakil. (His remarks have been recorded in Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, volume 2, pages 390 to 391): “Where else did I visit [on my journey]?

I visited Qadian, I met with Mirza Sahib [the Promised Messiahas], I remained [there in Qadian as] a guest. I should thank Mirza Sahib for his morals [he displayed towards me] and tawajjuh [a master’s focused spiritual attention on his disciple]. I had mouth sores due to [eating] hot [foods] and, for this reason, I could not eat salted curries.

Mirza Sahib (immediately, whilst exiting the house) suggested [I have] milk and bread.

Presently, Mirza Sahib is staying in a vast and suitable garden outside Qadian (which

is his own property). The elders of the millat [Jamaat] were also residing there. “[Though] the population of Qadian is around 3,000, it is very lively with [a lot of] hustle and bustle. The magnificent and lofty building of Nawab Sahib Malerkotla [Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra] is the only [firmly built] building in the entire settlement. The roads are rough and uneven, especially the road from Batala to Qadian; its poor condition is the worst of its kind. While travelling to Qadian, the journey made on the carriage caused me much difficulty; however, returning the cart of Nawab Sahib lessoned my hardships [faced whilst travelling]. Had the desire to meet Mirza Sahib not been in my heart, then never mind eight miles, I would not have been able to even [travel another] eight steps. “[In Qadian] the attribute of honouring guests was not limited to special people.

From the youngest to the oldest, everyone treated [me as] his brother. And Maulana Haji Hakim Nurruddin Sahib, whose name is known all over India, and Maulana Abdul Karim Sahib, whose speeches are very popular in Punjab, Maulvi Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, Editor Badr, whose writings have converted many Europeans to Islam, respected Mir Nasir Nawab Sahib Dehlvi, who is the father-inlaw of Mirza Sahib, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib MA, LLB, Editor of [The] Review of Religions, Maulvi Yaqub Ali Sahib Turab, Editor Al Hakam, Respected Shah Siraj-ulHaq Sahib etc., all showed great kindness and affection.

“Regretfully, I do not remember the names of the other people, otherwise I would have thanked them for their courteousness too. Mirza Sahib’s countenance is very majestic and it immidiaty leaves an impression on one’s mind. There is a special kind of radiance in his eyes and softness in his speech. [He is] humble but gripping; [he has] a calm temperament, but one that would invigorate hearts. The grandeur of his tolerance has infused balance into his humble disposition. He would speak with such gentleness that it seemed as if he was smiling. He is of white complexion, his hair dyed with mehndi, his body strong and robust. He wears a white Punjabi [style] turban on his head and wears a black or khaki long coat. He wears socks on his feet and desi [style] shoes. [...]

“Among the disciples of Mirza Sahib, I saw great devotion and found them firm in their faith. Many distinguished guests were present on my visit who were very sincere and devoted.

“It is a simple example of Mirza Sahib’s extraordinary morals that at the end of continuous and generous hospitality during my stay, he gave me a chance to express my gratitude when he said the following words: ‘I will let you leave if you promise that you will come back and stay for at least two weeks.’ (His smiling face during that time is still before my very eyes). I had taken back

with me the very desire that made me visit Qadian. And maybe that same desire shall make me return.

“Indeed, [the people of Qadian] have understood this sentence well: ‫حسن ﺧلقک و لو مﻊ الکفار‬ “[Exhibit good morals, even if it be with the disbelievers.]

“Where else did I visit? There is no time to pen this down. The time has come to go to the station. At another time, I shall narrate what I experienced.

“Writer: AH [Abu Nasr Aah]”.

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

12

Cryptocurrency and Islam Ahmad Umair BA Commerce

A journey that started from a barter system and reached ATM bank cards; banking has taken yet another turn. A so-called currency that is completely decentralised (works through a peer-to-peer network), not backed by any physical valuable entity, unlike traditional currencies, has appeared: cryptocurrency.

To understand it, let me point out some of its key features: 1. Cryptocurrency is completely decentralised. Its transactions are made through a peer-to-peer network, just like torrents which transfer data from one computer to another without passing through the central body.

2. Traditional currencies are backed by the respective governments and it was said that governments keep an equal amount of gold or silver amounting to their currency in their reserves. But unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any physical asset. Hence, in reality, cryptocurrency has no value at all. Its value depends solely on supply and demand or people’s need for it.

3. Cryptocurrency uses cryptography to secure its transactions and records. This means that cryptocurrency transactions are encrypted and records are also kept in encrypted form.

There are more than 1,000 cryptocurrencies and the cryptocurrency which has the most market value is called bitcoin. At the time of writing this, one bitcoin has a value of US $37,835.

The value of these cryptocurrencies is unpredictable. As written above, the value of these currencies depends on their demand. This is the reason why we see a single tweet plummeting or skyrocketing the value of a cryptocurrency. It solely depends on the confidence of the people (investors). Nowadays we see more and

more people inclining towards “investment” in cryptocurrencies.

From an Islamic perspective, there are several verses that forbid us to invest our money solely based on luck and chance.

In the Holy Quran, the basic principle concerning permissible and forbidden things is mentioned, as Allah the Almighty says:

ُ ُ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ ۤ ۡ َۡ َ َ ُ ‫یَ ۡسـَٔلوۡنک َع ِن الخ ۡمرِ َوال َم ۡی ِس ِر ؕ ق ۡل فِ ۡی ِہ َما ِاث ٌم ک ِبی ٌر ّو َمنافِع‬ َّ َۡۤ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َّ ؕ ‫اس ۫ َو ِاث ُم ُہ َما اکب َ ُر ِم ۡن نف ِع ِہ َما ؕ َویَ ۡسـَٔلوۡنک َماذا یُن ِفقوۡ َن‬ ‫ل ِلن‬ ِ َّ َ َ ُ َّ ٰ ُ ّٰ ّ َ ٰ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ‫ق ِل ال َعفوَ ؕ کذل ِک یُ َب ِی ُن الل ُہ لَک ُم الۡا ٰی ِت ل َ َعلک ۡم ت َتفک ُر ۡو َن‬

“They ask thee concerning wine and games of chance. Say, ‘In both there is great sin and harm and also some advantages for men; but their sin and harm are greater than their advantage.’ And they ask thee what they should spend. Say, ‘Spend what you can spare.’ Thus does Allah make His commandments clear to you that you may reflect.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.220) The above verse has mentioned the basic principle regarding forbidden things that “their sin and harm are greater than their

advantage.” This is exactly what happens while investing in cryptocurrencies: It is causing more harm than good.

It’s human nature that no matter how much we already possess, the struggle for accumulating more wealth continues, as the Holy Quran points out:

َّ ُ َّ ّ ُ ۡ َ​َۡ َۡ ۡ ‫ز ّیِ َن ل ِلن‬ ِ ‫اس ُح ّب الش َہ ٰو ِت ِم َن‬ ِ‫الن َسٓا ِء َوال َب ِنین َوالقنا ِطیر‬ ِ َّ َّ ۡ ََۡ ۡ ‫ال ُمقنط َر ِۃ ِم َن الذ َہ ِب َوال ِفض ِۃ‬

“Beautified for men is the love of desired things – women and children, and storedup heaps of gold and silver […]” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.15). Consequently, many fraudsters are exploiting this basic human tendency and rendering people penniless in the name of investing in crypto. They lure innocent people by giving them hope of high profits and promises of overnight riches.

Our beloved Imam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has warned Ahmadis to avoid investments and businesses related to cryptocurrencies.

Moreover, many Ahmadis have suffered losses due to the high risk associated with

these investments. The recent guidance from the markaz in the UK was to warn and protect those Ahmadis that were investing in such currencies from the unusually high risks associated with them. (“Safeguarding the institution of Khilafat: Webinar by MKA USA”, in Al Hakam, 18 June 2021, p. 9) It is clearly stated in the aforementioned verse that gambling is also forbidden. In gambling, we are solely dependent on luck and chance. Our efforts don’t matter. The same is the case with cryptocurrencies. The value of cryptocurrencies is not backed by anything physical like traditional currencies.

Its value solely depends on people’s demands.

Our efforts have nothing to do with it. This increases the risk tremendously.

During a mulaqat with a delegation from Sweden on 13 March 2020, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa replied to a question regarding stocks and shares by saying: “If someone says ‘Now that the market has gone up, I will sell my shares’, or ‘Now that the market has come down, I will buy some shares’ and constantly remains occupied in keeping a keen eye on when a particular share in the market goes up or down from morning till evening, then this comes under gambling and one should refrain from doing this.”

Here, there’s a clear instruction of our beloved Imamaa that it comes under gambling to first invest and then wait hazardously for the market to go up or down and remain completely occupied in it. The same goes for “investing” in cryptocurrencies, people desperately look at the rise and fall of the market, being oblivious of even their families in some cases.

In a nutshell, cryptocurrencies are highly unpredictable and investment carries high risk. Moreover, investment in such currencies is against the teachings of the Holy Quran and the guidance of the Khalifa of the time. Therefore, it is for our benefit that we should safeguard ourselves from such things and to protect ourselves and our progenies from such satanic deceptions, we should form a solid bond with Khilafat-eAhmadiyya. May Allah enable us to do so.

Amin.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

100 Ahmadia news abroad, Years hierophant from India and vision Ago...

about the Promised Messiah The Moslem Sunrise, January 1922

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) Ahmadia news abroad [Australia] Our worthy missioner in Australia, Mr H Musa Khan is doing his best to give the message of Islam in Ahmadia Movement to the people there. Recently, he has sent a circular communication to the Press offering the white people an assurance that there is no real danger for them from the dark brethren or Moslems in general and it is a good news that the white people in Europe and America have begun to understand Islam better and consider it more favorably than they used to. Mr Khan is also helping the Moslems there in placing their Mosque on a sound legal position. Also, he has started publishing a monthly handbill entitled the “Moslem Sunshine”, containing extracts from this magazine, [The Moslem Sunrise], and our [The] Review of Religions.

[Africa] Professor AR Nayyar, our energetic missioner in charge of West Coast Africa, is making good progress in educating 15000 new Ahmadis secured by him out of the Moslems there to the membership of our Movement. They have contributed about $400 to the lamps to be fixed on Minaret-elMasih Tower at Qadian and the expenses of the learned Professor.

Through the kindness of Brother Ahmadullah, we have been able to read the record of his and other workers’ efforts in England to promulgate the principles of Islam in that country and we are glad to notice that our volunteers are not only doing excellent work in preaching the Moslem Faith, but are, moreover, managing to earn their bread and thus do not want any remunerations from the Mission Fund.

They have set a good example and we hope that other young men will follow their path. This will be one of those many great works which are making the history of the days of our present Leader MAHMUD, Khalifatul Masih II. [London] Maulvi Mubarak Ali – Ahmadia Missioner, London, writes: “Thank God! Moslem Sunrise is a great success and the credit is surely due entirely to you.

“The celebration of the Festival of Iduz-Zuha in our London Mosque was a great success. Photos and accounts have been published in all the leading London papers. New converts are joining our faith out of which the names of Mr Bacon and Mr Macroe may be stated. Their Moslem names are Omar Ali and Salaiman, respectively.

May God bless them all.”

No VP System For the information of our readers abroad, we beg to state that there is no VP system between India and America and all orders for American books and things must be accompanied with the approximate price.

Call to prayer See the Moslems gravely on devotion intent, While from the Mosque the solemn sound is sent, “There is no God but Allah” calls muezzin far and wide, While twinkling lights from minaret, the rich and poor guide.

E Mandling (Umme Salaam) Hierophant from India A little magazine named “The Messianic

Messenger” issued by the Universal Messianic Brotherhood at Oceanside, Cal., contains an article by Mr ZD Rudhyar, from which we quote some lines hoping that they will interest our readers: “Various denominations have been given to these agents of the Lord. Divine Messenger is truly their generic name. But as each of them is manifesting a special aspect of the Divine Essence, each one is entitled to a specific name, ‘Avatar,’ ‘Messiah,’ ‘WorldTeacher,’ ‘World-Reformer,’ – and all these names correspond to definite realities.

“As the Spring of Humanity begins, as the life of new racial circle is bursting forth into human forms, there appear among man two great figures which truly incarnate respectively the two aspects of the Lord – the Ruler and the Hierophant.

“Their respective missions maybe stated thus: “The Ruler is the one who established the foundation of a new social and political Order.

“The Hierophant is the one who establishes the foundations of the new religious and mystical Order. He shall strive to unite the religions in mysteries of the past, after that, effort shall have been made from within each of them to restore their respective rites and symbols their true esoteric significance.

“Both the Ruler and the Hierophant will evidently have to teach so that they may both be said to be ‘World-Teachers’. However, the Ruler will pre-eminently give LAWS and the Hierophant, RULES of ETHICS and of discipleship.

“Humanity stands today at the end of the first moment of the evolutionary period of the Divine manifestation the coincides with the entrance of the Sun in the zodiacal sign Aquarius. As evolutionary period shall end, then the Aquarian age will have begun and humanity will have been launched upon a new and glorious path of cooperative and more harmonious realization. […] Ere seven years pass, both the Supreme Ruler and the Great Hierophant shall have manifested their mission through no disputable signs.

“The Supreme Ruler shall come out of the Jewish Race. […] The Great Hierophant shall come from the great reservoir of wisdom and of spirituality: India “The year 1921 and especially the great astrological conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury (September 7) ushers in culminating period of the Divine manifestation. The time is short and great the task that confronts every one of us. Let us therefore make straight the way of the Lord.”

Ed. – It sounds like the coming of the Messiah and Mehdi both at the same time as stated in Moslem books. But a thorough study of the subject has at last shown that they are both personified in One. “Jews”, “Fatimites,” etc., in such prophecies convey the meaning of those chosen of Allah.

Key to the puzzle “From the gulf of Bengal to the farthest limits of Morocco, the Muhammadan world is in a ferment. [...]

“The new ferment in the Muhammadan world bears no likeness to that Islamic nationalism of which alarmists make so much.

“Pan-Islamism, nationalism and bolshevism are not powerful enough in themselves to unite that greatness of divergent and conflicting peoples which we call the Islamic world. Why then is that whole world in ferment? A glance at the map is enough for an answer. Every Muhammadan in nation is governed, or threatened with government by a Christian power. All of them have been filled by the war with an ardent longing for justice and fair play. That is the key to the puzzle. We need not seek it in the shade of the mosques in the tumult of public meetings. We shall find it in the universal resentment at foreign control. In the universal desire to have a share in the work of rebuilding the world – a world which should hold forth equal promise and hope for the whole human Continued on next page >>

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

14 << Continued from previous page

race.” – La Revue Mondiale. [https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/ cb34430420z/date1921] A vision of truth Mr John D Bagley of E Jefferson St. Detroit city who had never before heard of “Ahmad[as]” of India had a vision of him [the Promised Messiahas] on 26 July 1916.

A message was given to him on that day by one who told him he was prophet Ahmad[as] and said “Great changes are coming on the earth.” He always wondered who the Prophet Ahmad[as] was and having kept a note of the message, he spoke of this recently to Mrs Sharman, an American lady, who knows me and of my work and thus we came to meet each other and had a nice time in talking on spiritual experiences.

Says a Turkish lady Angora, 1 October [1921]: “The seclusion of the harem is best adapted to woman’s nature and it is best for the social order that she should be there,” declared Mufide Ferid Hanem, the Nationalist novelist and wife of Ahmed Ferid Bey, ex-minister of finances, to the correspondent in an interview.

“The harem grew out of the intelligent understanding of the marriage relation. It represents the wisdom of the East.

“I am a reformed woman’s rights advocation,” she continued. “I used to yearn for the independence of the American and European woman, but now I believe the mistress of the harem is a superior product to the spendthrift Russian woman, the sentimental Austrian, the nagging English woman and the calculating self-centered American woman.

“To these women, woman’s rights mean the right to spend money on foolish finery, to marry late and be childless. They live for the store and the theater. They are responsible for a good deal of factory labor expended in useless directions. They won’t work with their hands to make their clothes; their minds are filled with fashions, novels and candies.

“Men have become their slaves and you call this western civilization.

“We Nationalists are in favor of abolishing the theory of polygamy, though in fact it long since ceased as an institution.

But we are sure woman’s place is the home, and the best way to keep her there is the harem, which gives her much liberty but not license.” – Grand Rapids Sunday Herald, 2 October [1921].

Ed. – No, Khanam, we need not abolish anything. Our sacred Law is every true. The western people are gradually understanding and adopting Islamic system of life.

In praise of Detroit “The fate of Allah caused you to locate in the middle West of this continent, and Detroit by all accounts I have heard about its civic pride will in time respond to your missionary work. Unprecedented giving for great philanthropic, humanitarian, educational and evangelistic causes has marked its fame during the past 10 years.” – CF Sievwright, Los Angeles.

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Moslem Sunrise, January 1922)

Opinion

Identity crisis? Livin Muslim in the West

Hamaad Muin Ahmad Medical Student, Czech Republic

Practising Islam in its truest sense can, at times, be challenging. Add the atmosphere and culture of the West into the mix and the jihad (struggle against sin) grows drastically.

Being raised in a society where the social norms have become pre-marital relationships, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, partying for the sake of social engagement, homosexuality – all acts which Islam advises against – may create the sense that Islam does not belong in Western society, a common argument presented today.

Despite this, Muslims hold a resolute belief that Islam is a religion sent directly

by Allah through Prophet Muhammadsa for all times and places. Therefore, it cannot make sense, at least for Muslims, to assert that Islam does not belong in a modernised, “developed” society.

Interestingly, the Holy Prophetsa said: “The hour will not be established till the sun rises from the west; and when it rises and the people see it, they all will believe.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Fitan) Many Muslims misinterpret this hadith and think that one day, the Sun will literally

rise from the western side of the sky rather than the eastern side. However, Allah has said in the Holy Quran:

ۡ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ ٰ ٰ َّ َ ّٰ َ َّ َ ‫ض ۚ َو ُھوَ ال َع ِزیۡ ُز ال َح ِک ۡی ُم‬ ِ ‫سبح لِل ِہ ما فِی السمو ِت والار‬

“Whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah; and He is Mighty, the Wise.”

(Surah al-Hadid, Ch.57: V.2) This verse purports to say that everything that is created by Allah in the universe performs its allotted task punctually and regularly by using the powers that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon it through being the sole Designer and Architect. All creation in the universe works together and by doing so, bears testimony to the fact that Allah’s creation is free from flaw, defect or imperfection. The natural laws of creation embedded in the universe by Allah cannot be changed as that will contradict the very purpose of creation and His unity.

Therefore, the hadith quoted earlier cannot possibly mean the Sun will one day haphazardly rise from the west; rather, it means that a day will come when the pure light of Islam will beam from the West – synonymous with the sun’s dazzling light.

In a nutshell, Islam is destined to rise in the West.

Having established that Islam does indeed belong in the West, let us return to

the subject at hand.

Growing up in the West, it is not uncommon for Muslim youth to find themselves living two lives – one life at school amongst friends, and another at home with family and fellow Muslims.

This is not always due to any fault of their own. It often comes from the ever-growing social pressures on young people today.

Preposterous social pressures linger on social media like reluctantly biting into an orange. You do not know if the orange will be sweet or sour. Occasionally, you will find a sweet one but nine times out of 10, the taste is sour.

Instagram crams young people’s minds with unnatural body images compelling teenagers to believe that the smallest bit of fat, stretch marks or loose skin is something to be ashamed of. TikTok does the same, often showing vulgar and explicit content to the extremely young children who use it.

Twitter often fills youth with hate comments and consequently leads them to a toxic hellspace.

It seems that for a young Muslim living in the West, there’s a constant tug of the alluring culture of the West and the deepseated reality Islam pulls towards. This often leads some Muslim youth to adopt

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

ng as a one personality outside of school, college or university, which complements Western values and pleases the court of public opinion. In contrast, they adopt another personality at the mosque, their home and amongst Muslim family members which agrees with Islam, thus leading into a double life.

Given the circumstances, these struggles and causes of frustration in Muslim youth are not surprising. It is a reality that many Muslim youths currently reside in. In my humble opinion, I believe the majority of difficulties whilst residing in the West can be uplifted by having a strong sense of identity.

In a world nearing eight billion, identity is the most precious thing we hold. It is what separates everyone.

Erik Erikson, the famous 20th-century German-American psychologist has said: “In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.”

I also believe that a root cause of anxiety today is estrangement – the feeling of not (truly) belonging anywhere. These two feelings of no identity and estrangement when combined, result in young Muslim youth feeling they have nowhere to turn to, thus producing a vicious cycle.

For myself, aged 23 years and born in the UK, having grown up in London, understanding my identity as an Ahmadi Muslim and the Jamaat I belonged to greatly assisted me in facing social pressures.

Nearing the end of secondary school in 2013/14, social media began to take off. Then, in college, my non-Muslim friends whom I grew up with, spent their free time partying, drinking alcohol and some even turned to homosexuality. Of course, I knew these acts were prohibited in Islam for my benefit. What helped me through this transitory period was taking part in community activities organised by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. Through this, I was accompanied by groups of young boys who were like-minded and shared the same values as me. Eventually, I went on to develop lifelong friendships with these khuddam.

Likewise, I also researched my family history to understand why I am who I am.

Who were my ancestors? Who in my family accepted Ahmadiyyat? Who from my family migrated to the UK and why? One element which cannot be left unstated whilst growing up is my relationship with Khilafat through regular letters. This was a crucial lifeline.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Muslims when living in the West. We should not succumb to the negative influences that surround us and completely give up our faith and in doing so adopt their ideologies.

It must be clarified that not all Western practices are negative. A multitude of

Western principles are unquestionably admirable, such as integrity, freedom of religion, punctuality, effective organisation of society and the Western education system among many, many more.

In the history of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, numerous influential icons actually studied in the West and went on to become men of God. Namely, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh and Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, both of whom studied in British universities.

In March 1954, in Rabwah, Pakistan on a spring afternoon, whilst leading the afternoon prayer, a young man advanced from the front line and attacked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. A long sharp dagger was driven into the blessed neck of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. After two years of trying different treatments, it was decided that it would be best to seek the advice of specialists in London. At the age of 26 years, the son of the Second Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh accompanied him to London. It was later decided that Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh should stay in London and seek further education.

Here, I will list a few anecdotes Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh experienced whilst studying in London.

He once recalled: “My educational background was so poor that it was impossible for the University of London to admit me in the normal way.

But, fortunately my father knew Sir Ralph Turner, who was the director of the School of Oriental and African Studies […] So that is how I became a student of the University of London.

“My habits did not change. Instead of learning what I was supposed to learn I started meeting people, going places, visiting towns, hitch-hiking all over Britain, socialising, playing squash, everything except the prescribed course. I lived as a truant, and I was accepted as such.

“I don’t know whether it would be right to say that I was popular, but it seemed everyone on my course knew me and I knew everybody. It was a tremendously happy time. I made many, many friends. It was a very, very pleasant time.” (A Man of God, Iain Adamson, p. 66) His fellow students knew him as a good companion. “His eyes always seemed to be friendly and he was able to laugh at all sorts of things. It seemed to me he was a kind person”, said one student. (Ibid, p. 67) Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, born in 1928 in Qadian, India had initially learned English at school, but his spoken English was poor. Since he lived in London, he wished to tackle this and he took a full course in English phonetics.

“First I had to demolish entirely the way I was speaking – it was totally wrong.

The people who had taught me English did not really know English. They knew how to construct sentences grammatically, but grammatically correct sentences may be absolutely wrong as far as spoken English is concerned.” (Ibid, p. 69) “Once you are used to an incorrect pronunciation you never notice, even if you listen to the BBC, that you are mispronouncing words […] So, I told all my friends, ‘Please do not be polite. Correct me if I say something wrong.’

“Once I was in the UK for New Year’s Eve. Countless people had gathered at

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Trafalgar square; on this night, people are usually engulfed in all sorts of indecent acts and as soon as the clock strikes midnight, they think they are free to do anything they please, losing all sense of morality and religious obligations. That night, by chance I happened to be at Euston Station.

So, I decided to offer nawaafil – voluntary prayers – which was nothing special on my part, as, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the majority of Ahmadis begin the New Year in the same manner. I laid out a newspaper to offer my prayers. After a few minutes, I felt as if someone was standing beside me.

I had not yet completed my prayers when I heard someone weeping. Upon completing my prayers, I saw an elderly English gentleman crying profusely. I became deeply concerned and thought that perhaps he was sympathising with me, thinking that maybe I had gone mad. So, I asked what was the matter with him? He replied: ‘There is nothing wrong with me, but my people have lost their senses. At this time, my people are engrossed in all sorts of immoral acts and there is only one person who is remembering their Lord.’ This thought had such a profound effect on my heart that I was unable to hold back my tears. He then repeatedly said the words: ‘God bless you, God bless you.’” (www.reviewofreligions. org/19582/a-new-years-celebration-prayercharity-and-good-will-to-all/) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh then went on to say, “Even if the entire world mocks at us, an Ahmadi youth should not care one

bit, for he has every right to exercise his freedom and is answerable to God Almighty alone.” (www.reviewofreligions.org/19582/anew-years-celebration-prayer-charity-andgood-will-to-all/) This, in essence, describes the pride we should hold for Islam whilst living in the West.

Our pride for Islam should stand resolute and we must remain courageous in front of an anti-Islamic society. However, we should not remain isolated out of arrogance in the belief that we are better than anyone but should indeed integrate into society using Islamic principles.

I believe understanding and being proud of our identity is vital whilst living as a Muslim in the West.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the Fifth Khalifa has extensively spoken about the integration of Muslims into the West and how Ahmadi youth can operate as Muslims and beneficial members of society.

At one place, whilst discussing what truly constitutes integration, Huzooraa said, “to apply all abilities to serve for the betterment of the city; through education and service of the nation. This is why the Jamaat encourages students to excel in science and education and serve their country better.” (www.alhakam.org/this-is-true-integration/) This is the integration that Muslims can be proud of – by operating in the West as successful and beneficial members of society, who hold fast to their faith and identity.

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

16

100 Ahmadi missionaries win hearts Years in West Africa Ago...

Al Fazl, 2 February 1922 translated simultaneously into Fante and Arabic languages by the Arabic interpreter, I addressed ٰ the children and asked them َ َ ّ ّٰ َّ َ to recite ‫“[ لا ِالٰ َﻪ ِالا الل ُہ ُم َح ّم ٌﺪ ّر ُسوْ ُل الل ِہ‬There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”] with me. The children of all those idolaters, who were naturally drawn towards Islam, beautifully recited the Kalima [creed] of that religion which is based on nature, alhamdulillah.

Report of Ahmadi missionary: 57 new converts

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

َ َ ّٰ َّ ّٰ ‫لَا ِالٰ َﻪ ِالا الل ُہ ُم َح ّم ٌﺪ ّر ُسوْ ُل الل ِہ‬

Passing through a village, I found people gathered at a death ceremony and engaged in dancing and singing. However, the calls of “subhanallah”, “alhamdulillah” and “Allahu Akbar” drew their attention towards our caravan and hundreds of boys, girls, children and old people came to see the white asufun [maulvi]. I took advantage of the opportunity and stopped there. I instructed members [of the caravan] to recite a naat [poem in praise of the Holy Prophetsa] in the Fante language. It was only a matter of Yaqub’s voice and the response of members of the caravan that the gathering grew bigger. All the children were standing alongside me.

After the public sermon, which was

Brother Yaqub has sent a report of his work in Arabic which is translated as: “I am a missionary of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. I preach to the people and 57 new men and women have joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. I hope you inform Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and request him to pray for me.”

This letter has been sent to be presented before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

Report via telegram: Six new converts Abdul Karim Sahib, secretary Swedru Saraha, has sent a telegram: “Please send me four names of men and two names of women.” Karimo In coastal English, “to take or give names” means somebody has converted to Islam. Thus far, the missionary and the new converts are all new Muslim nomads.

Allah the Almighty will produce wise and knowledgeable people from among them, insha-Allah.

This telegram has also been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. The reply given to [the missionary] is as follows: “God bless you. Give the names Mahdi, Adam, Ahmad and Isa, to men and name the women

Maryam and Ayesha. I call to goodness and piety.”

Dar-ul-tabligh [mission house] All praise belongs to Allah, the new dar-ultabligh [mission house], which was rented at three pounds per month, has started functioning from 15 October [1921]. The top floor of the house has two spacious halls, one with a library and the other with a madrasa.

There are four rooms. One of the rooms is reserved for prayers. The Salat-ul-Khusuf [solar eclipse prayer] was also performed in congregation in that room on the night of 17 October [1921] and the sermon was delivered with the help of the interpreter.

Yoruba and Fante people both joined in the silent prayer and sermon of the inaugural ceremony of dar-ul-tabligh. The interpreter of both languages translated the sermon and presented it [to the audience]. We hope from Allah the Almighty that this seed will one day blossom and flourish in Saltpond.

Although there is not a single Ahmadi in the main Saltpond at the moment, with the inauguration of the dar-ul-tabligh, welleducated people have started coming. The following board is hanging on the door of the dar-ul-tabligh [see image below]:

Translation of latest printed programme In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyar, Phil B, MSP, etc., missionary of Ahmadiyya Jamaat, will start a series of speeches at the dar-ul-tabligh, located adjacent to Millers Factory, Commercial Road, on the following topics: 1. “Islam is the religion of peace, harmony and true love”, on Saturday, 22 October [1921], at 5-6 pm 2. “The Holy Messenger, Jesus Christ, did not die an accursed death”, Sunday, 23 October [1921], at 5-6 pm 3. “Second coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of the world’s desperate needs” 4. “How to be saved from sin”, on Tuesday, 25 October [1921], at 5-6 pm All and sundry are sincerely invited and the opportunity to ask questions and express views will be provided. The library and reading room will be open from 5 to 7 pm.

The dars [religious sermon] of the Holy Scriptures will be delivered every evening from 7:30 to 8:00.

Secretary, 19 October [1921], Saltpond

Prayers’ request There is a lot of work and not enough time.

Loneliness, a struggle against the climate, poverty and destitution, I have to fight with everything. My only recourse is prayer and work is solely dependent upon it and that is all.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in 2 February 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

Ansarullah Kenya hold refresher course Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

Majlis Ansarullah Kenya held a refresher course on 15-16 January 2022 for nazimeene-a’la.

Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Kenya, Abdulaziz Gakuria Sahib conveyed the following message of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, sent by the private secretariat: “Dear Brother Abdul Aziz Sahib, “Assalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

“Your letter dated 30 December regarding proposed National Majlis Amla (National Executive Committee)

was presented to Huzooraa and Huzooraa graciously granted approval for your Majlis Amila as per your request for 2022.

Huzooraa sends his blessing and prayed that may Allah Ta‘ala bless these appointments for them and enable them to discharge their duties faithfully and guide them to raise the spiritual level of Majlis Ansarullah Kenya.

May Allah be your guide and protector and may He embrace you all with His Love and Mercy. Amin.’’

This was followed by some speeches in which the nazimeen were given guidance on how to fulfil their respective responsibilities.

Moreover, qaideen of different departments presented their annual programme as well.

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

A misinterpretation of an extract of the Promised Messiah about “his tribe” Nauman Hadi Mohtamim Isha‘at, MKA UK Recently, a quote of the Promised Messiahas was circulated on social media with the impression being conveyed through it that the Promised Messiahas said a time would come when his own progeny would fall from the high spiritual station he expected.

Some incorrectly interpret it to mean a disastrous split in the progeny of the Promised Messiahas.

Misrepresenting, misconstruing and cherry-picking certain words from the writings of the Promised Messiahas to level an allegation is a common practice of those who oppose the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

As common as it is, it has a very simple and easy rebuttal: read a few pages before and a few pages after the quoted extract and the reality becomes apparent. If only those circulating this extract had done the same.

The exact text being circulated has been reproduced below. It should be kept in mind that these are not the words of the Promised Messiahas, rather they are a translation of the Arabic that appears in the book Anjam-e-Atham. Further, this is a translation (and an incorrect one) and not the translation published by Islam International Publications.

The Urdu translation being circulated on social media was (see image below):

� ‫رب‬ ّ ‫ی��ے‬

� �‫ا� د‬ ‫� � دى ےہ � ی��ا � ی‬ �� ‫�د � �ف �ٹ �� � اور وہ‬ ‫اور �د ی‬ ‫� ن�ھ �� �۔ � ا� دن‬ ‫رب ا�د ا� ی� � اس � �ر ی‬ ‫�� ےہ‬ �� � � � ‫ناس � �در ��� �۔ اس‬ � ‫� روك �۔اور ی‬ ‫ہی‬ � ‫� د�ی����� �ں‬ �� �� ‫وہ ا� � �ں � �ف‬ � ‫ہ ی� اور ان � دل � �� ہ ی� � ی‬ ‫��ں � �دت ےہ۔ ا�ں � �ف دخا‬ � ‫� ا ی��م � �ا�ش � د ی�� اور وہ ی‬ �� ‫اور ز ی��د� ی‬ �‫� �ھ �۔� ا� اس و‬ �� � � ��‫ا� ا� �زل �ے � بج وہ د ن‬ ‫ا� ہ ی‬ ‫وہ � ی‬ ‫� � وہ‬ � ‫� �ھ � اور ا� ی‬ � ‫� �م � �اب دے بج � وہ اس‬ ‫ڈر� وا� �۔‬

The original Arabic is (see image below):

words that the family of Ahmad Baig (who

This has not been officially translated into English, but an approved English rendering is: “And I do not say this [above] except after being informed by my Lord. And my tribe shall return once more to disorder, and they shall increase in foulness and adversity.

Thus, the decreed matter from the Lord of Men shall descend that day. None can stop what He decrees, and none can hinder what He bestows. And I see them, that they have reverted to their old practice, and their hearts have hardened as is the way of the foolish, and they have forgotten the days of fear, and fallen back upon falsifying and transgression. Thus, shall the decree of Allah descend when He sees them transgress. And Allah is not such that He punishes a nation in a condition that they fear [Allah].”

The text being circulated inaccurately begins with, “My Lord has informed me that my tribe shall return once more to disorder”.

However, the actual translation is what has been produced above. Anyone can easily compare the difference and note how an attempt has been made to deem something to be a prophecy, which, in reality, is not.

Moreover, the words “My Lord has informed me” relate to the previous words of the Promised Messiahas that appear before this paragraph.

Naturally, a few questions arise. Firstly, should this not apply to the family of the Promised Messiahas when clearly the words “my tribe” have been used? Secondly, if this does not apply to the family of the Promised Messiahas then who does it refer to?

were part of the same tribe as the Promised Messiahas) may revert to disorder.

To fully understand why the words from Anjam-e-Atham refer to Ahmad Baig’s family, it would be apt to briefly discuss the prophecy. After this the entire matter becomes apparent.

The background to this extract It is seldom the case that the words of any author can successfully be cherry-picked without full context. In this instance, merely by casting a glance at the preceding page, it becomes clear that the prophecy of Ahmad Baig is being discussed by the Promised Messiahas; he explains the background to the prophecy and then concludes with the

The prophecy of Ahmad Baig When the Promised Messiahas claimed to be a reformer and a Messiah, some of his co-laterals (which comprised of his uncles, cousins etc.) refused to accept him. Not only did they refuse, but they put on the cloak of active opposition and renounced the religion of Islam altogether. Mirza Ahmad Baig (the father of Muhammadi Begum) and his relatives decided to propagate their vilification of Islam and published a booklet that mocked and insulted Islam.

Furthermore, the booklet also demanded a sign to be shown by Muslims in favour of their religion, if indeed it was the true religion. This caused the Promised Messiahas much grief and he supplicated before Allah the Almighty to be granted victory over those who reviled Allah and His Messengersa.

Allah the Almighty answered the prayers of the Promised Messiahas and revealed to him that misfortune upon misfortune would befall their lot if they did not repent from their wicked ways. Soon, Mirza Ahmad Baig required the assistance of the Promised Messiahas in a matter about his estate. The Promised Messiahas, after praying and performing istikhara, informed Mirza Ahmad Baig that Allah the Almighty had told him “to establish a relationship with [Hazrat Ahmad] by giving his elder daughter, Muhammadi Begum in marriage to [Hazrat Ahmad] and thus obtain light from his light”.

Additionally, if Mirza Ahmad Baig did not marry Muhammadi Begum to the Promised Messiahas and married her to

someone else, the prophecy mentioned that he would die within three years of such a marriage taking place and such a marriage would not be fruitful and would face many misfortunes. However, Mirza Ahmad Baig was not deterred and married Muhammadi Begum to Mirza Sultan Muhammad in April 1892, as a result, Ahmad Baig died of typhoid six months later.

This caused a great deal of panic in the family of Mirza Ahmad Baig and many of them repented and reverted to Islam, adopting the humility and meekness which was lacking before.

It is narrating this entire episode in Anjam-e-Atham that the Promised Messiahas writes: “And my tribe shall return once more to disorder, and they shall increase in foulness and adversity. Thus, the decreed matter from the Lord of Men shall descend that day. None can stop what He decrees, and none can hinder what He bestows. And I see them, that they have reverted to their old practice, and their hearts have hardened as is the way of the foolish, and they have forgotten the days of fear, and fallen back upon falsifying and transgression. Thus, shall the decree of Allah descend when He sees them transgress. And Allah is not such that He punishes a nation in a condition that they fear [Allah].”

It becomes obvious to the reader that the reference is to Ahmad Baig’s relatives – not the righteous progeny of the Promised Messiahas.

Overlooked and obvious facts The wording of the extract from Anjame-Atham itself, without much need for research into the historical context, clarifies who has been referred to by the Promised Messiahas.

Firstly, the words “shall return once more to disorder” clearly show that the progeny of the Promised Messiahas is not being referred to, for when did they ever go astray in the first place for them to “revert” back to disorder? Secondly, when did the progeny of the Promised Messiahas ever fall “back upon falsifying and transgression”?

The only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that these are some other people who, before their current condition of being at peace with Islam, used to falsify, transgress, create disorder and were averse to the Promised Messiahas.

Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas about his family This becomes glaringly obvious when we reflect on what the Promised Messiahas wrote about his progeny by way of prayers.

For instance, the Promised Messiahas has filled the entire nazm (poem) entitled Continued on next page >>

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

18 << Continued from previous page

Mahmud ki Amin [Mahmud’s completion of the first reading of the Quran] with prayers for his children. He writes: “In what way can I express my gratitude, O my Lord; You have granted me these three servants of yours.

“Make them fortunate, grant them faith and wealth; Safeguard them Yourself [O Lord]; may Thy mercy be upon them.

“Make these three Thy servants the leaders of the age; Make them guides for the world – together be they light.”

Such prayers – of which only a few have been listed above – prove the regard the Promised Messiahas had for his children.

Could it be assumed that the Promised Messiahas prayed for them in such a way yet his prayers were not accepted and, God forbid, his progeny becomes astray? Nay! Both these characteristicsworld – those of transgression and atheism, and those of high spiritual moralsworld – cannot be combined in a person. Therefore, to apply the warning of the Promised Messiahas found in Anjam-e-Atham to his progeny would be a grave misunderstanding of the words of the Imam Mahdi.

In another instance we find the revelation: ٰ ‫یا ادم اسکن انت و زوجک الجنة۔ یا مریم اسکن انت و زوجک‬ .‫الجنة۔ یا احمد اسکن انت و زوجک الجنة‬ Meaning, “O Adam, live thy and thy wife in paradise. O Mary, live thy and thy wife in paradise. O Ahmad, live thy and thy wife in paradise.”

Such emphasis has been placed by Allah the Almighty upon the Promised Messiahas and his wife – which can also refer to his family – living in Paradise that the allegation that these people shall become astray cannot arise.

Furthermore, another revelation has referred to the family of the Promised Messiahas as being from the ahl-e-bait itself.

In another instance, Allah the Almighty told the Promised Messiahas: “I shall greatly increase thy progeny and shall grant it blessings”.

What can be concluded from the above is

that there were so many gladtidings, in such abundance, with such intensity of blessings that there remains no possibility that the extract in Anjam-e-Atham refers to the righteous family of the Promised Messiahas.

What does the Arabic actually say?

The Arabic begins with the phrase ‫ ان عشیرتی‬meaning “Surely, my tribe”. Of course, the Urdu extract circulating on social media mistranslates this to “my family”. Even the Urdu word ‫ کنبہ‬is a mistranslation as in the original Arabic book, beneath the Arabic wording we find a running Persian translation (as can be seen in the image below). In the Persian translation – which should be taken to be approved by the Promised Messiahas as it was present in the first edition or may have even been conducted himself – the word for ‫ عشیرتی‬is ‫قبیلہ‬ or “tribe”. From this, it becomes clear that the Promised Messiahas was referring to his co-laterals and not his own household.

What strengthens this is that the Promised Messiahas has, himself, defined the word ‫عشیرتی‬. He writes: ْ َ ُ َ ّ ‫اعلم‬ ‫ان زوجة احمد و اقا ِرب َ َھا کان ْوا ِم ْن ع ِشی َرتِ ْی‬ Meaning, “Know that the wife of [Mirza] Ahmad [Baig] and her close relations were my relatives”. The word ‫ عشیرة‬also appears in the Holy Quran – Surah al-Shu‘ara, verse َۡ ۡ َۡۡ َ َ ۡ 215 – where it appears as ‫َو ان ِذ ۡر َع ِشی َرتک الاق َر ِبی َن‬ meaning “And warn thy nearest kinsmen.”

It was after this revelation that, according to Sahih al-Bukhari, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa gathered the people of Mecca and asked them whether they would believe him if he were to say there was an army behind a mountain – he did not warn his

household, but rather, the people of his tribe which grants an illustration to whom the Promised Messiahas was referring to.

These (peace types of allegations have always be upon him) been levelled It should be noted that these types of allegations that, God forbid, the family of the Promised Messiahas had gone astray, have arisen in the past as well. In a way, they are aimed indirectly at Khilafat.

It was when Khawaja Kamaluddin and Maulvi Muhammad Ali objected to the Khilafat of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra that this allegation was propagated, that since the family of the Promised Messiahas had transgressed and fallen far from the path of the righteousness (God forbid), it did not behove the Jamaat to accept someone from such a family as the

Khalifa. Those who rejected Khilafat wrote: “Divine providence has deprived the entire physical progeny of the Promised Messiah of the true teachings and it has fallen far from its true spirit.”

Even though it was these same people who, whilst commenting on the family of the Promised Messiahas, had once stated: “Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad Sahib is present along with all other pure progeny”.

Therefore, this allegation has been made before in the history of the Jamaat and is, in effect, an attack on Khilafat.

Once the Promised Messiahas received the revelation: ‫احسب الناس ان یترکوا ان یقولوا‬ ‫امنا و ھم لا یفتنون۔ قالوا تا اللہ تفتوا‬ ‫تذکر یوسف حتی تکون حرضا او تکون‬ ‫من الھالکین۔ شاھت الوجوہ فتول‬ ‫عنھم حتی حین۔ ان الصبرین یوفی‬ ‫اجرھم بغیر حساب۔‬ Elaborating these revelations, the Promised Messiahas wrote: “Those who were weak lost hope of the appearance of the Promised Reformer and said ‘You will continue to talk about this Joseph till you make yourself ill, or expire.’”

(Tadhkirah [English], p. 208) Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahibra – who also compiled Tadhkirah – whilst discussing this prophecy, wrote that this revelation was about the Khilafat of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. He said the discussion of the story of Prophet Josephas in the Holy Quran carried themes of calumny and false allegations, therefore this revelation foreshadowed that the hypocrites would also try to level such allegations on Khilafat.

Virtual academic competitions by Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka has had the opportunity to hold its first virtual academic competitions nationwide.

Once they received approval from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in October 2021, they started preparations to replace the regular national ijtema, which could not be held due to restrictions on social gatherings, as implemented by the health authorities.

The third and final event of the series of competitions was held on 23 January 2022, at Baitul Hamd, Colombo, the national headquarters of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka.

The programme was chaired by the president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka, A H Nasir Ahmad Sahib. The missionary-

in-charge and president of Colombo Jamaat were among the other invitees.

The number of participants for the event was restricted and the rest joined through Zoom.

Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka, T A Shifan Cader Sahib welcomed the invitees and briefly spoke about the progress of the competitions. He emphasised the need for better engagement with activities of the majlis and said that with the easing of Covid-19 regulations, MKA Sri Lanka planned to hold some of its upcoming programmes with more participants.

The missionary-in-charge, A B Musthaq Ahmad Sahib spoke on the importance of reinstating our nafs – soul. He cited various examples and guidelines from the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the Promised

Messiahas.

Later, the winners of the competitions received their prizes and certificates from the distinguished guests.

The event concluded with silent prayer, led by the national president, A H Nasir Ahmad Sahib.

19

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022

Friday Sermon 7 January 2022 Spending in the Way of Allah; Waqf-e-Jadid 2022 After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa recited verse 266 of Surah al-Baqarah, before commencing with the Friday Sermon:

ۡ َ ّٰ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َّ ُ َ َ َ ‫ومثل ال ِذین ین ِفقون اموالہم اب ِتغ‬ ‫ات الل ِہ َوتث ِب ۡی ًتا‬ ِ ‫ٓاء َم ۡرض‬ َ​َ ُ ُ ۡ َ ٰ َ ٌ َ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ّ ‫ِمن انف ِس ِہم کمث ِل جن ٍۭۃ ِبربو ٍۃ اصابہا و ِابل فاتت اکلہا‬ ّٰ َ ٌّ َ َ ٌ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َّ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ٌ‫الل ُہ ب َما تَ ۡع َم ُلوۡ َن بَصیۡر‬ ِ ِ ‫ِضعفی ِن ۚ ف ِان لم ی ِصبہا و ِابل فطل ؕ و‬

The translation of this verse is as follows: “And the case of those who spend their wealth to seek the pleasure of Allah and to

strengthen their souls is like the case of a garden on elevated ground. Heavy rain falls on it so that it brings forth its fruit twofold.

And if heavy rain does not fall on it, then light rain suffices. And Allah sees what you do.”

In this verse, Allah the Almighty depicts the conditions of the believers who spend

in His way in order to acquire the pleasure of Allah the Almighty; firstly these are the people who spend in the way of Allah the Almighty in accordance with His command and in order to acquire His pleasure and secondly, in order to strengthen their nation and mission.

In this age, the task of spreading the

teachings of Islam and conveying its message has been entrusted to the Promised Messiahas and it is also the duty of his followers to sacrifice their life, wealth and time in order to complete the mission of the Promised Messiahas. Prophets of every age and every nation encouraged their followers to offer financial sacrifices and

20 the Promised Messiahas has also stated that one should sacrifice a portion of one’s wealth for the sake of serving religion; it is through this that one can gauge the sincerity of one’s faith. Believers most certainly make financial sacrifices for the sake of their religion; however, the objective of their sacrifices is not to render a favour upon someone; rather, they merely desire that their Lord be pleased with them, and that they are granted steadfastness and that their faith and conviction are strengthened. Also, they desire for their nation to prosper, to strengthen the weak through their wealth as much as possible and to fulfil the purpose of having pledged allegiance to the Imam of this age, who is the true Servant of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hence, such people think beyond their personal interests. Their soul draws them towards making sacrifices and acquiring the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. As such, they attain the highest ranks in offering sacrifices, or they endeavour to attain these lofty ranks. Subsequently, Allah the Almighty also accepts the sacrifices of these individuals and blesses them with His grace.

Allah the Almighty knows the state of our hearts; He is aware of our intentions. As such, He does not look at whether a large or a small amount has been given; rather, Allah the Almighty rewards [the believers] according to one’s intentions. Therefore, Allah the Almighty states in this verse that the example of those who spend for the sake of Allah the Almighty is of two kinds.

One is that of ‫و ِاب ٌل‬,َ that is heavy rainfall and َ the second is that of ‫ط ٌّل‬, that is light rain, similar to a drizzle or dew. One who is more affluent spends abundantly in the cause of religion, or has the means to do so. But a poor person may have this yearning and the thought can cross their mind that “such and such wealthy person is giving large sums in financial sacrifices; and is gaining the pleasure and nearness of Allah the Almighty, or is striving to do so, or that they will eventually achieve this. But I only have a small amount of money so how can I achieve the same level as them?” Allah the Almighty says that just as a little rain or dew can be beneficial to fertile land, the small sacrifice of the one who is not wealthy is deemed َ to be like ‫ ط ٌّل‬. Even a small sacrifice shall play a big role in bearing fruits. Allah the Almighty is the One Who will grant fruition to their sacrifices, He will bring forth the fruits for every deed. He knows everyone’s circumstances and intentions, which is why He may increase the fruits for one’s sacrifice two-fold or even more than this.

On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Today, one dirham has surpassed even 100,000 dirhams.” The companions asked, “O Messengersa of Allah, how did this happen?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “One person possessed only two dirhams and donated one of them, whereas another person who possessed a large sum of wealth and properties, gave 100,000 dirhams as a sacrifice.” (Sunan Al-Nisai, Kitab al-Zakat, Baab Jahdil Al-Muqil, Hadith 2528)

The sacrifice of 100,000 dirhams was much smaller in proportion to his overall wealth.

Thus, Allah the Almighty grants rewards for one’s intentions and rewards the actions according to the circumstances in which they are carried out. He has reassured the poor that they should not consider their

Friday 4 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

“I see that there is great progress in the sincerity and love in this Community. At times, I am amazed and astonished when witnessing the community member’s sincerity, love and passion for their faith, to the extent that even the opponents are left astounded.” small amount in contribution to have no value, in fact, these small sacrifices not only serve to strengthen their faith, they are also the means to strengthening the Community as well. Thus, only those sacrifices which are offered with this spirit will draw the blessings of Allah. Allah the Almighty sees all our actions and therefore, we should always keep the objective in mind that no matter what we do, it should be for the sake of attaining Allah’s pleasure. If this mindset is adopted, one will become the true recipient of the blessings of Allah the Almighty.

During the time of the Promised Messiahas the majority of his followers were poor, yet they excelled so much in their sacrifices that on one occasion, the Promised Messiahas praised them stating: “I can see that there are many people who have difficulty even clothing themselves fully i.e. they hardly have a cloak or lower garment to cover themselves and they possess no property, yet as a result one is left astonished and amazed by their boundless sincerity, devotion, love and loyalty, which continues to manifest itself time and time again, or which is evident on their faces.

They are so firm in their conviction, so sincere and loyal in their truthfulness and steadfastness that if the people chasing after wealth and worldly pleasures would come to know of this delight, they would be prepared to give up everything in exchange for it.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, pp. 306-307) At another instance, the Promised Messiahas states: “I see that there is great progress in the sincerity and love in this Community.

At times, I am amazed and astonished when witnessing the community member’s sincerity, love and passion for their faith, to the extent that even the opponents are left astounded.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, p. 334) Therefore, this loyalty and devotion and extraordinary passion for one’s faith is such that can be witnessed today amongst the members of the Promised Messiah’sas Jamaat. In fact, this sincerity and devotion is even seen in new converts, despite the little training they have received. One is astounded by the progress they make in spite of the short period of time. The level of love for the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophetsa and the standard of loyalty

and sincerity to Khilafat are such that the Promised Messiahas stated that even the opponents are left astonished as to what it is that brings about such changes in them.

This, indeed, is the special grace of Allah the Almighty that He bestows to such people who exhibit their good nature and are dutiful to Him. Such people demonstrate their pure character, good nature, willingness to duly fulfil their pledge of allegiance and their obedience to Khilafat through their words and their actions.

Today, while the world is engulfed by material desires, these people are sacrificing their material wealth in order to surpass one another in the pursuit of attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. This is because they have understood that one way to attain the pleasure of Allah is by spending in His cause.

Today, no one can claim that the community established by the Promised Messiahas in fulfilment of divine promises, is weakening. This community was established to spread, thrive and flourish, and no enemy attack can harm it in the slightest.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, this Jamaat is flourishing. I am speaking about financial sacrifices, and in this regard, I will mention incidents about how people demonstrate their conviction in faith by sacrificing their wealth, and how Allah the Almighty further strengthens their faith.

Sierra Leone is a country in Africa.

Regarding a resident living in a far-off region in that area, the local missionary writes: “We went on a tour towards the end of the month. While we were there, I reminded a member of the community about contributing towards Waqf-e-Jadid”.

There were people present in the mosque and they were being reminded about Waqfe-Jadid. “Thereupon, Sheikh Uthman, who is the designated Imam there, presented the amount they had collected and said, ‘We were unable to fulfil the actual amount we had pledged. We arduously desire to meet our target and fulfil our pledge; however, we do not see any way to do so at the moment.’”

They asked the muallim [local missionary] to lead them in a silent prayer.

The local missionary further says: “I led them in a prayer and everyone concluded the prayer by reciting ‘amin’ aloud

after me. I then went to my motorcycle and made my way back to the mission house.”

He says: “I had not yet reached the mission house when I received a phone call from the same imam, who said that he was coming to meet me at the mission house. I was astonished because I had just departed from there and soon after, I received this phone call.

“When the local imam came to me, he said, ‘The prayer we offered was fulfilled.

Shortly after [the prayer], a relative of mine visited me and reached into his pocket, handing me 100,000 leones. He asked me to pray for him regarding some matter.

Upon witnessing this, I immediately began to proclaim aloud “Allah is the Greatest”.

The man visiting me was very shocked and wondered as to what had come over me. I told him that we had fallen short in the funds pledged to the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme.

We had just concluded our prayer in this regard when Allah the Almighty sent you with this amount.’ Imam Sheikh Uthman came and presented the complete amount of 100,000 leones towards Waqf-e-Jadid.”

This is a very large amount for them.

According to our [currency], if it is converted, it only amounts £6.50. However, this was a great sacrifice for them which draws the blessings of Allah the Almighty.

This was the level of his sincerity; despite his own needs, instead of keeping the amount for himself, he came to offer the entire amount. These are the instances when a single dirham surpasses 100,000 dirhams.

Most certainly, Allah the Almighty would have bestowed His love upon them. Observe, that these high standards of sacrifice are not only found in one place, nor seen only amongst men, but also amongst women as well.

A missionary from the country of Chad writes – even here, by the grace of Allah, there are very sincere individuals within the Jamaat – the majority of the Jamaat in Chad are new converts. A woman by the name of Umm Hani pledged 70,000 francs towards Waqf-e-Jadid, but was not able to arrange the funds to pay it. She had a camel which she decided to sell for 170,000 francs. She fulfilled her pledge to Waqf-e-Jadid with that amount but did not keep the remaining amount for herself. Instead, she contributed

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022 the remaining amount under various other schemes.

There is another account from Togo.

There is an Ahmadi there by the name of Ibrahim. He shepherds the livestock of others to make a living such as goats etc. and excels in giving alms from his earnings. He pledged to contribute a certain amount but could not fulfil his pledge. There is a river nearby from which sand is transported.

He decided to labour during the night by loading and delivering two truckloads of sand, and whatever he earned from this was contributed toward Waqf-e-Jadid. Why did he go to such lengths? And after all this effort, why did he not keep some of his earnings for himself? It was only because he understood how he must attain the pleasure of Allah.

These incidents are not only confined to men, women or elders, but children who are stepping into adulthood all have the same understanding. Belize is a country located in Central America. It is thousands of miles away from here, and no Khalifa has visited there. The members of the Jamaat are all new Ahmadis, but they have the same mindset and goal; whether it is the mentality of the people of Africa or America, or people living on [far off] Islands or Asia, they all have the same line of thinking; this is the revolution brought by the Promised Messiahas.

The incident is about a boy who is 14 years old. He contributed under the scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid and I mentioned about his contribution during the sermon for Tahrik-e-Jadid. Upon this, many people congratulated him and someone from Canada also sent him 200 dollars as a reward for his sacrifice.

Just ponder over the thinking of this youth, who is just a youth of 14 years. If it were someone living here, they would have immediately bought games with the money.

That boy said, “I wanted to make my social security card, and I required 30 dollars for this. For this reason, I kept 30 dollars, but I want to give the remaining 170 dollars in alms just as before.”

He belongs to a poor household. He was advised to keep that amount for his own expenses, and it was even insisted upon.

However, he was adamant and offered that amount in alms. This is what is meant by giving precedence to your faith over worldly matters. May Allah the Almighty ensure the means for this boy’s way of thinking to remain like this and may Allah the Almighty safeguard him from the worldly environment around him.

Then, there is an incident from Jamaica of a khadim named Yasin. He was unemployed for a long time. He would make ends meet by selling small things in the streets, such as sweets and chocolates etc. Even in this dire state, he was still concerned about how he would offer financial sacrifices. He was worried that he had made a pledge for Waqf-e-Jadid but the year was coming to an end and he had nothing to offer. Eventually, one evening at the very end of December, he came to the missionary and said, “I earned 400 Jamaican dollars today, and of that, I am taking out 25% and contributing 100 dollars towards the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme.”

Ponder over an extraordinary example of sincerity, loyalty and the desire to attain the pleasure and love of Allah the Almighty of an Ahmadi living in a poor country. People claim that these people are uneducated

21 and poor; however, they possess a greater understanding of faith than those who are educated and are also more open-hearted.

The missionary in-charge of Guinea Conakry says that he delivered a sermon in the last ashra [period of 10 days] of the financial year for Waqf-e-Jadid on the importance of Waqf-e-Jadid and its blessings. He mentioned the various extracts from the sermons I had given in the past and also drew the attention of the Jamaat about financial sacrifice. He states that upon the conclusion of the sermon, a poor but extremely sincere Ahmadi, Musa Sahib took out the money from his pocket which was approximately 218,500 Guinea francs and presented it for Waqf-e-Jadid. When he was asked that he had given a very large sum of money and that he also had given quite a significant amount the previous year as well, he replied, “The words of Khalifatul Masih have become deeply ingrained in my heart which are that one cannot instil love for two things in their heart. Either one loves God or wealth, hence whenever I find the opportunity I wish to practically

demonstrate this as well.”

He then said, “My faith is not of the same level as Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra whereby I present all my possessions at home in the way of Allah the Almighty; however, what I can do is present all the money I have in my pocket in the way of Allah the Almighty.

I request for prayers that may Allah the Almighty grant me the level of faith that Hazrat Abu Bakrra possessed.”

He further stated, “Another major reason for this is that ever since I have started to partake in financial sacrifices, Allah the Almighty has abundantly granted me the riches of faith. My faith has started to increase and I have experienced an extraordinary change take place within me.”

This is such a level of thinking and understanding which even many educated people do not possess.

There is another incident from Guinea Conakry of how Allah the Almighty grants the means for one to excel in their faith. A sincere and affluent Ahmadi member, AlHassan Sahib says that he put his money for chanda in an envelope and placed it on his

table. He runs a business and owing to his various engagements, he was unable to send it to the mission house. Upon realising that he had not paid it yet, he gave the money to his driver to take it to the mission house in order to pay his chanda and he himself went out to attend to some work of his. During that time, while he was away, a fire broke out in his neighbouring office and it completely burnt to ashes. He began to receive phone calls about the fire in their office and quickly returned. However, a thought crossed his mind at the time that how this could even be possible because he would offer sacrifices in the way of Allah the Almighty.

Observe how Allah the Almighty fulfilled this trust of his in that despite the wall of his office being adjacent to the office on fire, his office was completely saved and a large amount of the company’s money was also present in the office. In fact, two offices that were joined to his burned down, but his office remained protected.

He says that the thought immediately came to his mind that this was indeed owing to the blessings of chanda. They possess a lot of knowledge as well; it is not as if they do not have knowledge [of faith]. He then stated that his attention was also drawn towards the revelation of the Promised Messiahas, “Fire is our servant and indeed, the servant of our servants.” Nevertheless, he states that in this way Allah the Almighty protected a humble servant of the Promised Messiahas from any loss.

Amir Sahib Gambia relates an incident that a muallim of one of their jamaat’s region mentioned to him that when one of their members, Sambou Bah Sahib heard my sermon last year on Waqf-e-Jadid wherein the announcement for the new Waqf-eJadid year was made and also the various accounts were related, he paid 500 dalasi. He states that Allah the Almighty blessed him and this year his land yielded twice as much crop. And so, even though he had made a promise of 500 dalasi, he paid 1,000 dalasi.

He further states that he previously paid 10 bundles of pearl millet [type of cereal used to make flour] in Zakat on the wealth he generated from his farming business, but this year his earning increased so much, that he paid Zakat on 50 bundles. Similarly, he gave perhaps two sacks of peanuts towards Zakat. Regarding this Ahmadi member, who is regular in his chanda and whose crops improved, even the non-Ahmadis acknowledged that there must be something about Ahmadiyyat because whenever the members spent in the way of Allah the Almighty, their crops increased.

These examples are not just limited to the African countries, or the local Ahmadis and new converts living in underdeveloped countries. In fact, they can even be witnessed amongst the local people of developed countries who have been granted the opportunity to accept faith.

A missionary from Germany writes that the members of Rüdesheim Jamaat were reminded about paying chanda and to increase their promises in order to fulfil whatever was left [from their overall target]. The wife of that jamaat’s president is German, who is a very sincere Ahmadi.

When the announcement was made to increase their chanda so that their jamaat could be included amongst the list of those who have made an outstanding contribution, this new convert from Germany presented

22

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Therefore, this loyalty and devotion and extraordinary passion for one’s faith is such that can be witnessed today amongst the members of the Promised Messiah’sas Jamaat. In fact, this sincerity and devotion is even seen in new converts, despite the little training they have received. One is astounded by the progress they make in spite of the short period of time.

19,000 euros. She is not a new convert as such because she has been Ahmadi for quite some time. Nevertheless, she presented 19,000 euros and said that she had kept this money in order to purchase a car, but her heart was overcome with such passion so that their jamaat’s name would be presented before the Khalifa of the time, hence she made that contribution and also so that she could be amongst those who attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.

Another account from Germany is that of a student who promised to pay 500 euros.

His parents asked him how he would be able to pay 500 euros, but he said that he would

manage somehow. Allah the Almighty immediately provided him with the answer to this. Within a week, he received a call from his university informing him that they selected 40 students who would be given a bursary from the university. They then requested for his account details so they could transfer his bursary of 1,000 euros. He stated that in this way Allah the Almighty gave him twofold in return.

Another example is from the UK of a member from Balham. The president of their local jamaat says that they were falling a little short in their target for Waqf-e-Jadid.

He made an extra contribution; however,

they were still a little short. He says that initially, he received a letter from the council wherein they were demanding a substantial sum of money in relation to a service charge. He says that he was thinking about its payment when he received a message regarding Waqf-e-Jadid and so he first paid towards Waqf-e-Jadid. The very next day, he again received a letter from the council issuing an apology as they had sent the letter demanding money in error. In fact, when they adjusted his account, they realised that they owed him money instead. He says that Allah the Almighty granted him tenfold in return for the amount he had paid towards

Waqf-e-Jadid. Thus, at times Allah the Almighty returns the wealth in order to strengthen people’s faith.

There is another incident from India of how Allah the Almighty immediately rewards people. Upon the conclusion of Waqf-e-Jadid’s financial year, the inspector [for Waqf-e-Jadid] visited the Yaadgir Jamaat in order to remind people [of Waqfe-Jadid]. He went to a khadim and spoke to him about paying his chanda for Waqf-eJadid. The khadim stated: “At this moment I only have 1,500 rupees in my pocket, which I had kept as I had to give it to someone and it was very important that I paid them. However, now that you have mentioned about the Waqf-e-Jadid chanda, I am thinking as to what I should do. If I gave you this amount in chanda, how would I pay him. Neither can I immediately make any arrangements for more money.”

However, he stated that he would pay his chanda and paid the 1,500 rupees and left.

He says that the next day, he went to visit him at his shop along with the Waqf-e-Jadid secretary and the Khadim took money out of his pockets forming a pile of money in front of him. He said that after paying the chanda, when he returned home, he received money from various places and that he now had several thousand rupees. He said people owed him money but until then they had not been able to repay him. Thus, Allah the Almighty bestowed His blessings.

Then there is an incident of those who are affluent; they may not be considered affluent in the eyes of the world, but within the Jamaat, they are.

A member from Keralai gave one million rupees in chanda. His wife has converted to Ahmadiyyat from Christianity and passionately partakes in worship and prayers and is very sincere. Both husband and wife are also musis. [The Jamaat officials] relate that they went to their house and the wife wrote a cheque for 500,000 rupees.

The inspector stated that her husband had already paid one million rupees and yet she was giving more.

Upon this, she stated: “Whatever rewards we have received are owing to the blessings of chanda. Thus, my heart desires to continue giving chanda. It is owing to its blessings that our business is succeeding and we will never hold back from paying chanda.”

The missionary from Mali writes that they held programmes on radio in the village of Kai and explained the importance of financial sacrifice and Waqf-e-Jadid and also its objectives. After this, they visited various jamaats and the members offered contributions according to their means.

A new convert stated that when he heard about paying the chanda, he did not have any cash at the time which he could present in the way of Allah. He decided he would indeed present at least something to the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and not allow himself to fall behind others. He says that he went into the jungle and gathered many dry and old pieces of wood and then prepared some coal from them and brought it back to his village. When a delegation of the Jamaat visited them, he presented 20 sacks of coal as his chanda. Whatever this poor member could do within his means, he did. This was equivalent to 50,000 francs and he stated that he was now happy at the fact that he too was able to take part in the financial

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 February 2022 contribution.

A member from Poland writes that the missionary made an appeal for the chanda of Waqf-e-Jadid at the end of the year. At the time, he only had 100 złoty (the Polish currency). The Jalsa Salana Qadian was also being held on that day, on the 26th [of December], and he had to listen to my address, but his mobile phone package was running out, so [he thought] how would he listen to the address? He says that he really wanted to listen to the address and so he purchased a mobile package for 20 złoty, and then gave 28 złoty in chanda each for himself, his son and his wife. They decided that they would not purchase anything in the coming days, and would suffice with whatever was already in their home. At the same time, they longed that if only they had more money, they could have made a larger contribution. He says that they prayed and Allah the Almighty bestowed His blessings.

He says, “I was returning home from work on 28 December when a friend came to me and said that he owed me 12 złoty, but would always forget about it and then he gave the amount to me.”

He says, “When I arrived home, I checked my account, I do not know how, but I found there to be 1,290 złoty from various sources.” He says, “The factory I had been working in for three years never increased my salary, but because of the blessings from contributing to Waqf-e-Jadid, this amount was received in my account and thus, I received 1,300 złoty.” He says, “Then I offered 300 złoty more in chanda. Then he says, “Another blessing of Allah was that in the year, my son’s employer would raise the salary of his employees’ once a year in either October or November. This year, his pay had already been increased in October, but on 31 December, he received another pay raise.” He says that this greatly increased their level of faith.

There is a jamaat in the Shinyanga Region of Tanzania, where new converts are steadily becoming part of the financial system. The local missionary writes: “A person named Ramadan Sahib accepted Ahmadiyyat last year. He pledged as much as he could for Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid and before the end of the year, he paid double of what he had pledged.

Similarly, on another occasion, he donated a plot of land to the Jamaat on behalf of his family. This was quite astonishing for the others in his village; in fact, some even mockingly said that in his haste, he would deplete all of his wealth by spending it for the sake of his faith. However, he explained to the local missionary that it was only after entering the fold of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat that he truly understood the significance and essence of financial sacrifice.”

He says: “Ever since he started making sacrifices in the way of Allah, he has experienced blessings in his work, in spite of what people said. In fact, over the course of the year, he was able to purchase more plots of land and to build two more houses. All of this is due to presenting sacrifices in the way of Allah and giving a plot of land to the Jamaat.”

Then, there is an incident from Sierra Leone, showing how new converts are excelling in their faith and sincerity. Jibril Sahib, a missionary from the Port Loko region, says, “A new convert was informed about Waqf-e-Jadid (a new community has

23 been established there with new converts).

At the same time, an elderly blind woman being helped by a child came to me and said, ‘I have not made any pledge, but I wish to give 2,000 leones for Waqf-e-Jadid.’”

The local missionary said, “Why did you go through the trouble of coming yourself?

You should have informed me and I would have come to you.” Just listen to the response given by this elderly poor lady who was seemingly unlettered; she said, “Firstly, I have come to offer only a small amount, how could I have called you to my home for such an amount. I wished to reap the maximum reward, which is why I have walked here myself.”

A missionary from the San-Pédro region in Ivory Coast says: “There is a member of the Jamaat named Koli Bali Sahib. He called me during Ramadan to inquire regarding the chanda of Waqf-e-Jadid and said ‘is it necessary for one to increase their donation during the month of Ramadan?’ I replied saying that according to the practice of the Holy Prophetsa, as well as the Promised Messiahas, they would spend more in the way of Allah during the month of Ramadan. I explained the importance of this and also explained more about Waqf-eJadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid and how the funds are spent for the sake of spreading Islam. I explained that these are not obligatory, but one should spend as much as they can in the various financial schemes during the month of Ramadan. Although this person already offered 20,000 francs in financial contributions every month, he pledged that not only in Ramadan, but aside from the obligatory chanda, he would offer an additional amount of 30,000 francs every month for Waqf-e-Jadid and Tahrik-eJadid. He also vowed that by the end of this year, he would try to increase this amount even further for Waqf-e-Jadid.” He says, “By the grace of Allah, since Ramadan till now, he makes sure to offer his obligatory chanda at the beginning of each month.”

I have mentioned the spread of Islam and spoken regarding expenditures, and so at this point, I would like to mention that over the course of the past year, Allah the Almighty has enabled the Jamaat to build 187 mosques, and there are 105 more mosques which are currently under construction in Africa. Similarly, 144 mission houses were established, most of which are in Africa, while 45 mission houses are currently under construction. Aside from this, where it is not possible to immediately build mission houses, jamaats lease properties; 731 mission houses and missionary houses are being leased in Africa, while 632 mission houses have been leased in other Asian countries.

I would also like to mention that generally, most of the funds collected under Waqf-e-Jadid are spent in countries of Africa. As for the building of mosques, this is not an easy task, as we face opposition from opponents everywhere. However, the Jamaat is undertaking all of these tasks for the sake of Allah the Almighty, and Allah the Almighty has promised the success of this Community, which is why He continuously provides His support.

I will mention an incident from CongoKinshasa. A missionary writes: “It has been two years since the Jamaat was established in the Bandundo region here. A mosque is currently being

built. Sunni Muslims in that area left no stone unturned in causing difficulties for Ahmadis and lodging complaints against us to government offices. When none of their efforts were proving successful, they started issuing death threats. In any case, the opponents could not find any success, and the construction of the mosque continued.

“An Ahmadi who is overseeing the construction said that during the construction, one day, a Christian professor from the local university came and assisted in the mosque’s construction. In fact, he even accompanied Ahmadis who were bringing sand from far off places and would pull the carts or wheelbarrows etc.”

On the one hand, the opponents were making their schemes, while on the other hand, Allah the Almighty continues the work through means of other people. In this way people who have a pure nature also come [to help the Jamaat].

There is an incident from Cameroon.

In Biodes Senge, which is a neighbourhood of Douala city in which Muslims are in the majority. The Jamaat was established here two years earlier. Construction for the mosque had started when the Jamaat received a letter from the area administrator stating that the construction for the mosque should be stopped. The Jamaat stopped the work. Upon enquiry, it was discovered that a Muslim organisation had written letters to the governor and all relevant authorities stating that the Jamaat was a terrorist organisation and had no association with Islam; therefore, the Jamaat should not be able to build a mosque. This is the same propaganda used by Muslim countries and their clerics go to various places and spread this propaganda.

Nonetheless, they responded in writing and also offered fervent supplications. They also reached out to the relevant authorities etc. They further wrote: “After a month, the administrator called us to his office as well as the leaders of various Muslim organisations, the chief Imam and others. The administrator began reading a report; with regards to the construction that had been stopped owing to the complaint by the other Muslims, he said, ‘Although we stopped you from the construction, we asked for reports from various regions of Cameroon. Jamaat-eAhmadiyya is an international community, which is active in more than 200 countries.

They have been carrying out activities in Cameroon for 15 years and constructed mosques in various places.’ Nonetheless, with regard to how Ahmadis are serving the faith as well as the humanitarian efforts of the Jamaat, he said, ‘They are constructing bore holes for clean water pumps in various places. They are looking after orphans; they are helping students with their studies.

Furthermore, they speak out against terrorist organisations.’ He further said, ‘The Jamaat preaches the message of peace and tolerance and also that [at present], jihad is with the pen and not with the sword.’ He mentioned all of this to those present and further said, ‘Muslim dignitaries, including kings as well as others attend their conventions.

Therefore, there is no reason to stop the mosque construction. They can construct a mosque here as well.’”

They further write: “When he finished his report, all the Muslim leaders of that area that were

present all stood up. They said, ‘They are non-Muslims, and we consider them to be as such. And since you made the report without consulting us, we do not accept it.’” Nonetheless, the administrator became enraged and said that he knew how to do his job, and that they should leave. They fell silent and the Jamaat was told to continue the construction.

The positive impact of the Jamaat’s services are such that it compels every rational person to praise the Jamaat. When one works to attain the pleasure of Allah, Allah the Almighty then sends an army of helpers and He Himself removes the obstacles placed by the opponents.

I will narrate an incident of how Allah the Almighty multiplies his grace; there is an incident from the Upper West region in Ghana. It is reported that due to tabligh endeavours, they received more than 60 bai‘ats. In the village, the mosque of the Jamaat was made of mudbricks. Upon seeing our success, the non-Ahmadi Muslims constructed a sturdy and beautiful mosque opposite the Jamaat mosque.

Through this, they tried to lure the new converts to themselves. As a result, a few new converts of weaker faith left and joined them. Later, the Jamaat managed to build a large, beautiful mosque. Now, by the grace of Allah, aside from our own members, non-Ahmadis have started coming in large numbers. Our mosque is full of worshippers and their mosque is empty, or very few people go there. Classes are held every day for the education and moral training of the new converts, through which the Jamaat is making progress on a daily basis.

There are many accounts which demonstrate the blessings of Allah the Almighty. Allah the Almighty is indeed true in His promises and He is fulfilling the promises He has vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas and grants His support through the unseen and, insha-Allah, He shall continue to fulfil these promises. Allah the Almighty grants us the opportunity to spend in His way in order to attain His pleasure and to become the recipient of His blessings. May Allah the Almighty grant us the opportunity to draw the blessings of Allah the Almighty.

As per tradition, I shall now present a brief report for Waqf-e-Jadid for the year 2021 and the new year for [Waqf-e-Jadid] has started from January 2022. The report for the previous year is as follows: By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the previous year was the 64th year and in this year, the Jamaat made a total sacrifice of £11,277,000 towards Waqf-e-Jadid, which is an increase of £742,000 from the previous year. In light of the current economic conditions of the world, this is a great blessing of Allah the Almighty.

This year, again, the UK Jamaat stands in first position in terms of the total contribution. Since the currency of Pakistan has devalued significantly, therefore their position has gone down, but despite this, they are offering immense sacrifices according to their capacity. In any case, in terms of the positions, the UK is first, followed by Germany – by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the UK has made a significant level of sacrifice and there is quite a big gap between the UK and Germany – at three is Canada, then USA, India, Australia, Indonesia, a jamaat from the Middle East,

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Ghana and then Belgium.

In terms of contribution per capita, the USA is first, then Switzerland and then the UK. In terms of the overall contribution amongst the African countries, first is Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Gambia, Uganda, and Benin is tenth.

By the grace of Allah, the total number of participants was 1,445,000.

In terms of the overall collection, the top ten large jamaats from the UK are: Islamabad, Farnham, Worcester Park, South Cheam, Aldershot, Birmingham South, Walsall, Gillingham, Guildford, Ewell.

The top five regions in terms of the overall collection are Baitul Futuh standing at first, Islamabad at second, followed by the Fazl Mosque, Baitul Ehsan, then Midlands.

The top ten jamaats with regard to daftar Atfal are Islamabad (first), Aldershot (second), then Farnham, Roehampton, Guildford, Ewell, Mitcham Park, Baitul Futuh, Walsall and Birmingham West.

The top five local amarat in terms of the overall collection: Hamburg is first, followed

by Frankfurt, Gross-Gerau, Wiesbaden and Dietzenbach.

The top ten jamaats [of Germany] in terms of collection: Rödermark is first,

Rodgau, Neuss, Rüdesheim, Mahdi-Abad, Friedberg, Hanau, Flörsheim, Frankenthal, Koblenz and Nidda.

In terms of collection from daftar Atfal, the top five regions are Hamburg, Southwest Hessen, Taunus, Hessen Mitte, RheinlandPfalz.

In terms of the overall collection, the amarats in Canada: Vaughan is first, then Calgary, Peace Village, Vancouver, Brampton West.

The top 10 large jamaats of Canada: Hadeeqah Ahmad is first, Milton West, Bradford, Durham, Milton East, Regina, Ottawa West, Winnipeg, Hamilton Mountain, Abbotsford.

The top five amarats for daftar Atfal: Vaughan is first, followed by Peace Village, Calgary, Toronto West, Brampton West.

The top five jamaats for daftar Atfal: Hadeeqah Ahmad is first, Bradford, Durham, London, Milton West.

In terms of the overall collection, the top ten jamaats of the USA are: Maryland, Los Angeles, Detroit, Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Phoenix, Syracuse, Las Vegas and Fitchburg.

The top ten jamaats in terms of daftar Atfal are Maryland, Los Angeles, Seattle, Orlando, Austin, Silicon Valley, Phoenix, Fitchburg, Las Vegas, Zion.

In terms of collection of Waqf-eJadid from adults, the top three jamaats of Pakistan are: Lahore is first, Rabwah, Karachi.

The position for the districts: Islamabad is first, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Dera Ghazi Khan.

In terms of the overall collection, the top ten jamaats are: Islamabad city, Defence Lahore, Township Lahore, Clifton Karachi, Darul Zikr Lahore, Model Town Lahore, Gulshan Abad Karachi, Samanabad Lahore, Azizabad Karachi, Allama Iqbal Town Lahore.

The three large jamaats for daftar Atfal: Lahore is first, Karachi is second, Rabwah is third.

The position of districts for daftar Atfal: Islamabad is first, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Narowal.

The jamaats that made extraordinary progress are: Drigh Road Karachi, Noorpura Lahore, Gujranwala city, Bait Al-Fazl Faisalabad, Peshawar city, Delhi Gate Lahore, Kotli Azad Kashmir, Nankana Sahib.

The top 10 provinces from India are Kerala, Jammu Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, West

“

Bengal, Delhi and Maharashtra.

The top ten jamaats in terms of collection are: Hyderabad, Qadian, Kerala, Pathapiriyam Coimbatore, Bangalore, Calcutta, Calicut, Rishi Nagar and Malayappalayam.

The top ten jamaats from Australia are: Melbourne Langwarrin, Castle Hill, Marsden Park, Adelaide South, Melbourne Berwick, Perth, Penrith, Adelaide West, Logan East.

The jamaats in Australia in terms of contribution from adults are: Melbourne Langwarrin, Castle Hill, Marsden Park, Adelaide South, Melbourne Berwick, Perth, Penrith, Adelaide West, Blacktown and Canberra.

The Australian jamaats in terms of collection from Atfal are: Melbourne, Langwarrin, Adelaide South, Melbourne Berwick, Logan East, Perth, Castle Hill, Melbourne East, Mount Druitt, Penrith and Brisbane central.

These are the positions. May Allah the Almighty greatly bless the wealth and progeny of all those who have offered sacrifices.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 28 January 2022, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

The Quran manifestly acknowledges the

role of rationality for the attainment of truth without drawing any separating line between religious or secular truths. Truth is the religion of Islam, Islam is the religion of Truth. The truth requires no compulsion for the transmission of its message, the only instrument it needs is rationality. As such, Islam invokes human intellect to investigate the truth of the Quranic teachings with reference to the study of human nature, history and rationality.

(Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh; Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, p. 256)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2022