Al Hakam - 18 February 2022

From the Markaz Local presidents of Jamaat UK meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

Page 4

A

The greatness of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, the Promised Reformer

“This is the son of the Mahdi” When the Messiah’s son arrived in Damascus near the white minaret Page 13

Page 11

“He shall be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge” A look into the life of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

Page 20

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 | Issue CCV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

“Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya shall continue to make progress”: UK new Ahmadi converts meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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

White minaret to the east of Damascus َ​َ َ َ َ َ َْ ْ َ َّ ‫َعن‬ ّٰ ُ ‫الن ّو‬ ‫ قال ذ� َر َر ُسول الل ِه‬،‫ان‬ ‫اس ب ِن ��ع‬ ِ ِ َ ٰ َّ َ‫اللّ ُه َعل َ ْی ِه َو َسل ّم‬ ‫ﺻلى‬ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫َ َ َ ّٰ ُ ْ َ َ بْ َن‬ ‫بعث الله الم ِسيح ا مريم فین ِزل ِعند‬ ْ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ‫المنار ِة البیضا ِء شرقِي دِمشق بين مهرودتي ِن‬ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫اض ًعا كف ْی ِه َعلى أ ْج ِنحَ ِة َملكي ِن‬ ِ ‫و‬ Hazrat Al-Nawwasra bin Sam‘an narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Allah would send Jesus, son of Mary, and he will descend at the white minaret to the east of Damascus, wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron and placing his hands on the wings of two angels.”

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Malahim, Hadith 4321)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The purpose in writing the treatise Kashf-ul-Ghita

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

On 12 February 2022, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa granted a virtual audience to 69 new Ahmadi Muslim converts from UK Jamaat.

The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Muhammad Ahsan Sahib followed by its English and Urdu translation. The English

translation was presented by Luke Sahib and the Urdu by Jamil Sahib. Following this, Uzma Shehzadi Sahiba recited a nazm.

Continued next page >>

At 8 o’clock in the morning [2 January 1899], our Noble Leader, His Holinessas, went for a walk accompanied by a large number of friends. During the course of his walk, the Promised Messiahas said: “Our opponents inflict pain and grief upon me through the use of abusive language in announcements that are full to the brim with falsehood and slander, and on other occasions, they make untrue and utterly false reports to the government and authorities so that they will grow mistrustful of me.

If all this was limited and confined to my own person alone, Allah knows full well that I would not have given this the least attention whatsoever. For I am ready to offer myself in the way of Allah Almighty like a sacrificial lamb.

However, all these things have a direct effect on our people as a whole. There Continued on page 2

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

2 Continued from page 1

are some who are weak and cannot bear such suffering. Therefore, I have deemed it appropriate to publish a report of the actual circumstances in full and send it to the government. For if I remain silent, our opponents will continue to hatch conspiracies, and this has a very detrimental effect. Since our hearts are pure and we do not act in a hypocritical or pliant manner like those who are wicked from within, I have complete faith that my treatise Kashf-ul-Ghita (The Truth Unveiled), will apprise the esteemed government of my personal background and teachings. This book will also serve as a certificate in the hands of my friends.”

The reality behind the mark of Prophethood After the morning prayer, Maulvi Qutb-ud-Din Sahib, resident of Baddomalhi enquired: “It is narrated that there was a ‘mark of prophethood’ found between the shoulders on the back of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Some say that this was some sort of a tumour on the skin. What is the actual truth in this respect?”

The Promised Messiahas said: “The allegation that is raised with respect to the ‘mark of prophethood’ on the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is a matter of secondary importance. I do say, however, with true sincerity and passion, that I believe it does not behove a believer and a true Muslim to refer to a ‘mark of prophethood’ on the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as a tumour and the like. This is disrespectful and insolent behaviour, which leads a person to disbelief. We need not probe into such matters and investigate as to what that ‘mark of prophethood’ was exactly and the nature of its appearance. For Allah the Exalted put forth countless signs, which were clear and lucid, to confirm the truth of the prophethood of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Among these signs, one was the ‘mark of prophethood’.

“The fact of the matter is that the blessed personage of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was to the other Prophets, peace be upon them, as the full moon is to the crescent. The crescent moon is covered by darkness, but when it becomes complete in the form of a full moon, that full moon confirms and establishes the prior existence of the crescent. Hence, know for certain that if the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had not appeared, the previous Prophets and various aspects of their prophethood would have remained hidden.”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 1-2)

<< Continued from previous page

Then, Hamza Ilyas Sahib presented a brief report and background of the mulaqat. He reported that the mulaqat was being jointly hosted by the National Department of Tarbiyat & Waqf-e-Jadid for Nau Mubai‘een (new Ahmadis), and the National Tabligh Department. He said, in planning for this mulaqat, help was sought from Lajna Imaillah, Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, and Majls Ansarullah. He added that strong support was also offered by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK as well as the UK Arabic and Bangla Desks.

He further reported that the preparations for this mulaqat began in November 2021. He stated that 69 new converts were present including 26 ladies and 43 men.

Following this, some new converts had the opportunity to share their journeys to Islam Ahmadiyya. The first to share was Zubair Zafar Sahib, who is 42 and is married with three young children. After conveying his salaam to Huzooraa, he said that he was born and raised in a traditional Sunni household in the North-West of the UK. Hearing this, Huzooraa asked: “Your immediate family is also Ahmadi? Your wife and children?” To this, Zubair Zafar Sahib replied that he and his wife both accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat and added that he would raise his children as Ahmadis. Zubair Zafar Sahib said that throughout his adult years he deeply loved Islam and always knew it was the truth, however, he said, that those years were also confusing for him. He said he was disheartened by the level of disunity within the Muslim Ummah. At that time, he did know any Ahmadi nor much about Ahmadiyyat apart from the usual rhetoric.

The little he knew about Islam Ahmadiyyat, and the things he was told about it, led him to believe that it was not the truth. However, he said, a few years ago, he took interest in comparative religion and watched many debates between Christians and Muslims, and always found the matter of crucifixion troubling. He said, “The fact that Muslims seem to have differing, conflicting theories amongst themselves about what happened [with regard to the crucifixion], without any historic record or evidence, was very troublesome to me.”

He said that he had always wanted to know the true meaning of the verses in Surah al-Nisa with regard to the matter of crucifixion. During his search for an answer, he began to read a lot and came across an article on the Alislam website regarding Hazrat Isaas and the lost tribes in Kashmir.

Zubair Sahib said that he did not even realise that he was surfing on an Ahmadi website. He said that the article was “eyeopening” and clicked on a link to the book, Jesus in India. “I opened this PDF book and dived straight into the main chapters without even realising who the author was,” said Zubair Sahib. He added that this book had a profound impact on him. He said, “It was like every single question and issue I had was being answered.”

Zubair Sahib narrated that when he realised who the author was, he was perturbed “but I just couldn’t just shake

off the effect of the book and what was contained therein,” he said. He added that he had also understood, after reading the book, what was meant by the breaking of the cross, as prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa.

After this, he said that he continued to read the books of the Promised Messiahas and fell in love with his writings. He said that he had spent an entire year, during the pandemic, reading and praying, “but if I was to look back now,” Zubair Zafar Sahib said, “I would say that I knew the truth immediately at the very beginning and was just delaying and resisting.”

He said that he and his wife did bai‘at in November 2020.

Hearing his journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah, very faith-inspiring.”

Next, Asma Begum Sahiba, 27, from Blackpool, narrated that her journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat began when she moved to Georgia from the UK in the beginning of 2020 to pursue her medical education.

There, she met someone with whom she would discuss Islam and the death of Jesusas. She said that she was given the book, Jesus in India, and then read the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam. She then started watching MTA to increase her understanding of Islam Ahmadiyyat and prayed to Allah Almighty to guide her to the truth. Thereafter, she saw three dreams indicating the truthfulness of Islam Ahmadiyyat. She added that after her first dream she started reading more books of the Promised Messiahas such as Noah’s Ark. After seeing her second dream she started asking non-Ahmadis as she was confused after seeing these dreams. Whilst narrating this, Asma Begum Sahiba became very emotional. Hearing the emotion in her voice, Huzooraa said, “You can sit down and continue.” After sitting down, Asma Begum Sahiba continued that her friends told her to stop reading about Ahmadiyyat, however, she continued to read and study about Islam Ahmadiyyat and prayed to Allah. Then, Asma Begum Sahiba said that in her third dream she saw that she was doing bai‘at. She said that this was when she knew that Ahmadiyyat was the true Islam.

Following this, a short video, displaying messages for Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa from atfal and nasirat new converts was played and presented before Huzooraa.

After the video, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “You are 69 [people] here.

If I ask you to introduce yourselves one by one then it will take time, and you have only 25 minutes left.” Huzooraa then asked, “How many of you are new converts [that is] those who did bai‘at during the last three years?”

Responding, Ilyas Sahib said that 19 men, out of the men present, did bai‘at recently in the last three years. From the ladies’ side, it was said that 10 did bai‘at in the past three years.

Thereafter, Ilyas Sahib said that some members had a few questions they wished to ask. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously accepted this request.

A Lajna member asked Huzooraa why, despite the Holy Quran being revealed in Arabic, some Arabs still failed to understand

what was written in it regarding the demise of Prophet Jesusas and the coming of the Promised Messiahas.

Answering this, Huzooraa said: “The Quran, although it is in Arabic, there are some commandments which need some interpretation and these Arab scholars could not interpret them properly.

During the time of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa used to understand it, and this is why when Surah al-Jumu‘ah was revealed the Holy َ َٰ ُ ۡ َ to َ ُۡ Prophetsa and the verse ‫ّوا� ِريۡ َن ِمنھ ۡم ل ّما يَل َحقوۡا‬ ‫[ ِب ِھ ۡم‬And (among) others from among them who have not yet joined them] was revealed, some of the Sahabara asked, ‘who are those people who will come in the Latter Days and will be like us?’ Then, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, explained to them. So, they could understand it. But now, these socalled scholars do not understand. Even there are quite a number of old [past] scholars in Islam who have interpreted the verses of the Holy Quran in the same way as we do. So, it is not necessary that the [Arabs today] understand each and everything, even now their language has changed quite a lot. And they [ordinary Arabs] could not fully comprehend all the words of the Holy Quran and the meaning of the Holy Quran. But the scholars, they understand. [However] they have their own vested interests. This is why they do not want to let the people understand what the true meanings of these verses are. So, this is the reason, and it has been dealt with in quite great detail in our literature.

They are ignorant of their own language […] This is why quite a number of Arab scholars even have written commentaries of the Holy Quran. They knew that the verses themselves could not be understood by everyone. This is why there was a need to explain them, and the commentaries were written, even in Arabic.”

Next, Tabassum Sahiba asked Huzooraa how one could overcome depression and have patience. She said that it had been four years since her parents passed away and said that she was not able to overcome this depression. She added that she was living alone and since then she had to start working and earning for herself whilst studying.

Huzooraa asked her how old she was; to which she replied that she was 23. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “If you remember Allah Almighty, then Allah Almighty will give you comfort.

So, whenever you feel depressed, you feel upset, you [should] bow before Allah, pray to Allah Almighty in your prayers; and if it is not prayer time, then [you pray] in your nawafil [voluntary prayers], you cry to Allah Almighty that He enables you to overcome this situation and gives comfort and patience to your heart. So, this is the only solution. This is why Allah Almighty ُ​ُۡ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ َ says in the Holy Quran‫الَا ِب ِذ� ِر الل ِہ ﺗﻄ َم ِ� ُّن القلوۡ ُب‬ that for the comfort and patience of your heart you have to remember Allah. So, this is the only solution now. And, at the same time, you should also try to make good friends who are helpful to you and that will also work.”

Next, a Lajna member said that women

3

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

were commanded to observe purdah. She asked what commandment was for men with regard to purdah. Answering, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that the place in the Holy Quran where women had been commanded to observe purdah, before that, men had been commanded to lower their gaze. Huzooraa explained that it was only in those societies that were practising Islamic teachings where men lowered their gaze.

“When morals deteriorate, when little attention is paid towards religion, when man turns away from religion, becomes [engrossed in] worldly [matters], then only worldly desires remain [in such a person].”

Islam had commanded women to cover themselves to protect their honour.

Huzooraa said, “That is why the Promised Messiahas has said that ‘if men reform themselves and a guarantee is given that men have been reformed, then I will agree that there be somewhat relaxation in women’s purdah”.

Huzooraa said that ever since Prophet Adam was bestowed prophethood by Allah the Exalted, Satan asked God to grant him respite till the Day of Resurrection so that Satan may lead some people astray. Allah granted him respite but told him that ‘My servants would not follow you.’ And thus, Huzooraa said, we were seeing today that people were being led astray. Huzooraa said that both men and women had been commanded to observe purdah.

Following this, a member of Lajna asked about the duration of the mission that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias was assigned by Allah the Exalted.

Answering her question, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “[…] It is the promise of Allah to the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, that ‘I will fulfil all the promises I have made to you.’ They will be fulfilled, insha-Allah

Ta‘ala. And the world shall witness them.

There are still many promises [of God] yet to be fulfilled. Similarly, the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, said that ‘it took more than three hundred years for Christianity to spread; however,’ he said, ‘that it will not be three hundred years before you will see that the majority of Islam Ahmadiyyat shall have established throughout the world.’ So many prophecies are yet to come true. A lot of things are yet to come to pass. Therefore, we cannot say that the mission of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, has been completed.

The mission is yet to be concluded. And until it is fulfilled, insha-Allah, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya shall continue to make progress and prevail over the world, and then Islam Ahmadiyyat shall be victorious. After that shall the Signs of the Day of Resurrection come.”

Next, Mustafa Yusuf Sahib, said that he became an Ahmadi three months ago. He said he was originally from Somaliland and had many Sunni Muslim scholars in his family and country. He said that he would like to learn the fundamental beliefs of the Ahmadiyya teachings because when he would go back to his country, he said, he had no argument to present to them about Ahmadiyya. Hearing this, Huzooraa said: “First tell me, if you do not know that fundamental aqeedah then why did you accept Ahmadiyyat […] Any new thing, any concept, any religion, you should not accept without knowing its basic things.”

Huzooraa further said, “Since you have accepted Ahmadiyyat, you might have known some of the basic things and now [the] first thing [is that] you should read the literature of Ahmadiyyat and to strengthen your faith. And for that, there are quite a number of books such as Invitation to Ahmadiyyat and The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, and there are some other books of the Promised Messiahas which will

help you to increase you in your faith. So, the fundamental aqeedah is that it was the prophecy of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that in the latter-day a reformer would come, the Messiah and Mahdi would come”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that Ahmadis believed that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. The non-Ahmadis believed that Prophet Jesusas would descend from heaven and join hands with the Mahdi and then they both would work together to spread Islam. Huzooraa said that Ahmadis did not believe Prophet Jesusas would physically descend from heaven and said “that person who was to come, according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, had to be from among the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa.”

Huzooraa further expounded, “There were some Signs foretold by of the Holy Prophetsa and there were heavenly Signs and worldly Signs. And one of the heavenly Signs was the eclipse of the Sun and the Moon in the particular month - that is Ramadan – and on particular days: on 13th and 28th, first and second day. [According to the Hijri calendar, the dates on which a lunar eclipse can occur are 13, 14 and 15. And the dates on which a solar eclipse can occur are 27, 28 and 29]. So, that eclipse occurred in 1894 and the claim of the Promised Messiahas was there already.

And that eclipse also occurred in 1895 in the western hemisphere. So, we say that since this was the prophecy, and during that time [of Hazrat Ahmadas] the ulema of that age used to say that ‘this was the Sign of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi that the eclipse of the Moon and the Sun will occur, and since it has not occurred, the claim of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani[as] as Promised Messiah and Mahdi is a false claim’; but, when it happened, then they started saying that ‘no, it [the prophecy] is

not true.’ So, these people, so-called ulema, do not want to hear. If they think twice, without a biased [view], pray to Allah Almighty that ‘O Allah Almighty, guide us on the right path’ then Allah Almighty will guide them.”

Mustafa Yusuf Sahib asked if it was permissible for him to pray behind a nonAhmadi Imam in Somaliland. Answering, Huzooraa said, “You should try to avoid it.

You can just tell them that you believe in that the Messiah and Mahdi who was to come in accordance to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, has come and you believe in him and if he [the non-Ahmadi imam] says, ‘no, you are a kafir’ then you cannot pray behind him, but if he says nothing, then, yes, you can pray.”

Sherwayne Nurse Sahib asked for advice for building a close relationship with God. Explaining, Huzooraa said: “First thing is you [should] try to learn the words of the prayers, and especially Surah al-Fatihah. Do you know Surah alFatihah?” Sherwayne Nurse Sahib replied that he was still learning it. Huzooraa said, “Try to learn it in Arabic text and then the meaning of it […] You should also try to offer your five daily prayers, and if possible, in congregation. Apart from that you [should] offer nafl: supererogatory prayers.

And pray to Allah Almighty that He give you the strength to be firm in your faith, and just seek Allah’s help in this regard.

So, never ever leave any prayer. Make it a point that five daily prayers are obligatory and you have to offer them. And try to offer these prayers very fervently. And when you are bowing down, in the sajdah position, then you should cry and seek Allah’s help.

Then, you will see, within months, you will see a change in yourself.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then led everyone in silent prayer and the mulaqat came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

4

From the Markaz

Serve and befriend Jamaat members: Local presidents of Jamaat UK meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

On 13 February 2022 local presidents – sadran – of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK had the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Khalifatul Masih V through a virtual meeting.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was in Islamabad, Tilford, UK while the rest joined virtually and were seated in the Baitul Futuh Mosque, London.

After conveying his salaam Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked who was present in the meeting apart from the presidents.

Rafiq Hayat Sahib, Amir UK reported that apart from the local presidents Huzooraa granted permission for the national amila, regional amirs and regional missionaries to be in the meeting but they would not ask any questions but would participate as listeners.

Huzooraa then called Hafiz Furqan Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran followed by the English translation by Shafiq Kusi Sahib. After Shafiq Sahib finished, in a light-hearted comment Huzooraa said: “Are you not feeling cold? You are wearing a half-sleeved shirt; other people are sitting with their jackets, mufflers and everything. You are from Ghana not from Siberia.”

Shafiq Sahib and those present thoroughly enjoyed Huzoor’s remark.

Rafiq Hayat Sahib, Amir UK then thanked Huzooraa for giving the UK presidents his precious time. Amir Sahib reported the following about the progress of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK: • The UK Jamaat has 35,131 members • 141 branches and 15 regions • 43 mosques and centres including 27 purpose-built mosques • 34 field missionaries, 15 missionaries in Jamia Ahmadiyya UK and 12 office missionaries • The largest Jamaat in the UK is Guildford (554 members) and the smallest and newest Jamaat is Northern Ireland (16 members) • The Baitul Futuh Mosque project is due to be completed this year (2022) and two other mosque projects thereafter will start in Huddersfield and Cardiff • The UK Jamaat has been working hard in the pandemic to help neighbours, friends and other Jamaat members in providing food, medication and other support. They have also provided help to local authorities and the NHS including facilitating numerous vaccination centres at UK mosques • Various virtual programmes for tarbiyat, tabligh and talim have been held

• The Voice of Islam radio is operational in Greater London and Manchester which is proving to be an excellent means of peaching Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then asked how many sadran were in the meeting.

Huzooraa was informed there were 105. To this Huzooraa remarked: “Is that so? 105 [sadran] cannot be introduced individually – 105 minutes are required for this and you only have 50 minutes at most […] What do the sadran have to say? Do they want to say anything?”

The sadran then had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa any questions they had for him.

Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, Sadr Tooting asked Huzooraa for guidance concerning the increasing possibilities of a third world war.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked Mubarak Sahib what his local Jamaat had done in preparation for it. Huzooraa said “Are you Sadr Jamaat Tooting? […] If there were a third world war, there would be a need for bunkers, have you dug those?”

Mubarak Sahib said they only had a small centre for their Jamaat. To this, with a smile, Huzooraa said: “Exactly. What guidance then? The

government will give guidance itself when the world war happens […]

“It is said that if Ukraine and Russia go to war then there’s the danger of this evolving into a world war and resultantly nuclear weapons can be used.

“I have been warning of this for a long time, that governments should come to their senses. Nevertheless, from what it seems Russia says ‘We have no intention [to go to war]’ – America and Europe are adamant about going to war. And the current situation is that neither Europe nor Russian want to leave Ukraine. So, let’s see what happens.

“It is your duty to pray. Continue to pray that Allah the Almighty safeguards you from a world war.

“And you just have a small [jamaat] centre – you cannot do anything else.

Neither can you make bunkers in houses.

So, we will see what happens.

“It is prayer alone that can save you.”

Huzooraa then said: “I thought your question was going to be: ‘What methods can we adopt through which 100% of our Jamaat members become those who offer all their five daily

prayers with great fervency and anguish.

And how can we enable all our Jamaat to be those who recite the Holy Quran? And how can we make efforts towards making our whole Jamaat such that their connection with Allah the Almighty becomes extremely strong to the extent that it cannot waver?’

“So, these are the efforts you [sadran] should make – do what your tasks are.

“When the war breaks, it is these aspects that will also save you.”

Rafiq Salih Nasir Sahib, Sadr Birmingham South said some parents struggled and worried over finding suitable matches for their daughters for marriage. He asked what guidance Huzooraa would give to those parents and the Jamaat’s organisation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Has the guidance I have given before not reached you?

“The fact is, finding suitable matches is a problem everywhere – especially for those girls who are to get married within the Jamaat. […]”

Huzooraa said that in special circumstances parents wrote to him concerning finding matches for their daughters and he instructed the organisation

5

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 of the Jamaat on what to do.

Huzooraa continued speaking about finding matches for marriage and the rishta nata department: “The problem of the rishta nata secretaries was not created today – the issue has always existed and is faced by every country. This problem existed during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh too and it was for this reason that he instructed that the secretaries for rishta nata should not be elected, rather they are to be appointed and more than one secretary [for rishta nata] can be appointed. They were made because there were problems with matches then and these issues exist today.

“And the solution to these problems is that the Jamaat should make all possible efforts. For this, I have said in various sittings – in Lajna and in Khuddam too – that the Holy Prophet’ssa instruction of focusing on piety and religion when finding a match should be focused on. For this tarbiyat is requited. Activate your tarbiyat department at the Jamaat level – and individually Lajna, Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Ansarullah [auxiliaries] should activate their [tarbiyat departments] too.

“As a result, a pious and religious atmosphere will be created. It is then that we can say that due to that tarbiyat such an atmosphere has been formed that both the girl and boy desire that religion is given preference and they get matches based on religion. The level of tarbiyat carried out is your duty.”

On issues that sometimes remain and affect marriages, Huzooraa said: “In reality, the problem is that sometimes boys marry outside [the Jamaat]. Parents of girls don’t pay attention to this either.”

Huzooraa said there was an increasing situation – though not the norm yet – where parents said “‘Our daughters are studying right now’ and the girls themselves want to be highly educated too. The boys aren’t educated that much. As a result, a gap in the level of education develops and problems arise due to this as well. However, some people do not give importance to this difference and by Allah’s grace, they get married and are living together.

“Therefore tarbiyat is needed. If your tarbiyat department becomes active and every [Jamaat] organisation’s [tarbiyat department] becomes active, and everyone firmly believes that we are to give religion priority [while finding a partner] then neither will boys go outside [the Jamaat] for marriage, nor will marital issues develop for girls and nor will pointless and self-made hurdles be placed before girls.

“This duty is for the rishta nata secretaries and the tarbiyat secretaries – it should be a joint effort with all the auxiliaries. It is then that these issues can be resolved.

“Obviously, as the Jamaat spreads these issues will develop and increase too. Now if your Jamaat has reached more than 35,100 members, then problems will arise relatively as well. When there were problems at 10,000 it felt like a lot, and now accordingly [to the number of Jamaat members] they will increase.

“The best solution to this is that our tarbiyat is correct and we are those who give precedence to faith over the world according to the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa.”

Rana Irfan Shahzad Sahib, Sadr Fazl Mosque said that during the pandemic

some Lajna members moved houses to a new locality however found it difficult to get to know other Lajna members, including their local sadr. He asked Huzooraa what such Lajna could do.

With a smile, Huzooraa started his answer by remarking, “Are you a representative of Lajna or the Jamaat?” Rana Irfan Sahib said he received this feedback from the regional sadr Lajna. With a smile still on his blessed face, Huzooraa said: “Okay, the men don’t have any issue then? It is only the Lajna, right?”

Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed these remarks by Huzooraa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that even before the pandemic Ahmadis had begun moving closer to the Markaz in Islamabad, UK. Huzooraa said: “When the Lajna relocate to a new place, due to the restrictions born out of the pandemic […] they do not have the same contact with the Jamaat as before. You have said yourself that owing to this they have online contact only. At the moment, where the question of holding Jamaat programmes arise, they can only be online currently.

“Apart from this, individually, tell me what kind of restrictions you people are implementing? Is there any? People go to each other’s houses, meet one another and keep in contact.

“Lajna members do not gather in person for meetings but no one has stopped the Sadr of Lajna or the Lajna amila from speaking to people on the phone or to visit their homes and find out the situation [of Lajna members]. From this, they [the new

Lajna members in the area] will feel they have been welcomed in the new locality they moved to.”

Huzooraa said the regional Sadr Lajna should inform their local Lajna sadran and their amila to keep in contact with new Lajna members. “This is Lajna’s duty,” Huzooraa said, and they should make a complete plan in this regard. Huzooraa said the men could share their experiences and solutions with Lajna too to tackle this issue.

Chaudhry Shabaz Ahmad Sahib, Sadr Aldershot said lots of Jamaat members were moving to the areas around the Markaz in Islamabad. However, some of these Jamaat members were upset or angry with some office-bearers therefore, at times, they did not cooperate. Shabaz Sahib asked how the situation could be resolved.

“I have addressed this on many occasions, I have spoken about it in sermons through the years. More recently, as the sermons have been on the Companionsra [of the Holy Prophetsa] this issue did not come up much, however, see my sermons before 2018 and 2017. Many times I have spoken about how office-bearers should behave with others.

“One point is that office-bearers should always keep in mind the saying of the Holy Prophetsa: ‫سید القوم خادمھم‬ [The leader of the nation is the servant of the nation]” Huzooraa said office-bearers, sadran and amila members should see themselves as servants.

“Sometimes people say to me ‘I have been given this or that office [uhdah]’. I

often tell them not to say ‘I have this office’ but to say ‘I have this service’ instead. ‘This is an opportunity to serve that Allah the Almighty has given you, therefore, benefit from this opportunity to serve.

“And by fulfilling its obligations, try to gain Allah’s pleasure too. Do not pay attention to pleasing any office-bearer, or intimidating others as you have become an office-bearer yourself. You are to focus on what Allah wants from us. We are brothers َ ُ َ​َُ amongst ourselves: ‫اء بَ ْین ُھم‬ ‫ – رحم‬there should be mercy with each other.

“An office-bearer should always remember to speak softly and with love and to gain the trust of people.

“Secondly, office-bearers must keep the secrets of others. It should not be that they hear something from someone and go and tell anothers, or their amila members – and then, the amila member cannot keep it a secret and go on to tell someone else or it is mentioned at home, knowingly or unknowingly. As a result, the secret goes out to people. This reduces trust. Therefore, it is the first task of an office-bearer to establish trust.”

Huzooraa said small jamaats were created so people could develop a close connection with each other. This was the duty of the office-bearer that they got to know their members easily through their Jamaat being only a few hundred people.

Huzooraa said: “On her Platinum Jubilee, the Queen in her letter had written ‘Your servant, Elizabeth’ at the bottom. Now that was a political thing – she wrote ‘Your servant’ for herself but you people have been commanded by Allah’s Messengersa to become servants, not for political reasons but in the real sense, to gain the pleasure of Allah.

“For this reason, office-bearers should first understand their responsibilities and keep the secrets of others.”

Huzooraa said those who had reservations about a qaza decision could object and appeal against it in the system of the qaza itself. However, if a decision at every level had been made against them, then even if the member still thought they were in the right, they should “accept it for the pleasure of Allah and give precedence to the Jamaat.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa noted that the jurists within qaza did not personally know the people involved in the case they were dealing with and there was no conflict of interest, therefore it was wrong to say sides were taken. Despite this, some people complained and even though since the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appeals are not made to Khalifiatul Masih, Huzooraa said he would sometimes ask for cases and their decisions to be forwarded to him so that the complaints are resolved. Huzooraa noted that after looking at the case, he would see that for the most part, the decisions made by qaza were correct.

“Now it cannot be that both parties are satisfied. Whomever the decision is against, will be displeased to some extent and have reservations. And it cannot be said that the decision was 100% correct. If it was 70-80% correct, it should anyhow be accepted to gain the pleasure of Allah”.

Emphasising the importance of officebearers being friendly and trustworthy, Huzooraa continued: Continued on next page >>

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

6 << Continued from previous page

“This can only happen when you have a personal relationship with people; when you are in a position to reason with them and they are ready to listen to you. They should have the trust that ‘Sadr Jamaat, or secretary tarbiyat, or secretary umur-e-ama or any other secretary explains the matter to us in the capacity of a brother and friend and we should listen to them’. If you create such a mindset then people will understand.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa referenced the Holy Prophetsa who said he could make wrong decisions too if a person who spoke well convinced him through deception.

But the decision would not be the fault of the Prophetsa and if it was indeed a wrong decision then the person who convinced him to make that decision through his speech would be filling his own belly with fire.

Huzooraa said the qazis in the Jamaat were in a similar position and appeals could be made by those who did not agree with their decisions.

Huzooraa emphasised that office-bearers should become “servants and friends” of Jamaat members.

Tariq Mahmud Sahib, Sadr Birmingham Central said some families claimed they were Ahmadi Muslims but they did not cooperate or attend the mosque and events.

Huzooraa said, “Keep advising them, that ‘If you believe yourself to be a member of the Jamaat then look at what the Promised Messiahas instructed and try to abide by those conditions. You repeat the oath, so try to fulfil that oath.’ In this way, slowly explain to them. If someone says they are not Ahmadi and are not to be contacted, that is a different matter. Otherwise, it is your duty to continue to explain to them with love and bring them closer. It is a constant effort, right?”

Tariq Sahib said that the members in his Jamaat would only come to the mosque or event if someone from Rabwah, Pakistan was attending as a representative. To this, with a smile, Huzooraa remarked: “This means they are running from you, not the Jamaat. If they have a relation to Rabwah, it means they have some kind of contact, right? Like I have said before,

be friends with people. If someone does not attend, don’t approach them and say ‘Come to namaz’ or ‘There is a meeting on this day, attend it’, or ‘Give your chanda for Waqf-e-Jadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid’. Don’t say anything to them.

“For such people, phone them once a month and only ask about how they are doing. Slowly such people automatically will begin to get closer to you. You are not to demand of them to do anything and only ask how they are.”

Huzooraa said that if appropriate when passing their house, the Sadr could knock and give their salaam to them and see how they were. “You have to put the hard work in,” Huzooraa said.

Ibrahim Bonsu Sahib, Sadr Leicester said there seemed to be disengagement in Jamaat members from Jamaat activities, especially among the youth when they entered universities and also from among the new migrants when they started jobs.

He asked for Huzoor’s advice on dealing with the issue.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “This is very common among teenagers.

When they go to secondary schools and then after to the universities, they think that now they are more busy in their secular education. This is why they try to avoid Jamaat activities or they are not very much active in the Jamaat activities.

“So, this is the job of Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya – if they are of the Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya age – that they should try to advise them, keep in touch with them, make regular contact with them. And, also if they are girls then it is the duty of Lajna Imaillah, and Jamaat secretary tarbiyat and the Sadr Jamaat should also help them in this regard.

“Our work is just to keep on reminding them what are their duties, and what are their responsibilities and what are their obligations being an Ahmadi.

“That is the only thing we can do and this is the only thing which has been asked to the Holy Prophetsa by Allah the Almighty that keep on advising them and reminding them that what they are. And being a true Muslim, what should be their duties.

“So, this is a regular process. You should not just give up because in two or three meetings or in some of your activities they

did not take part. Or they are not very active in paying their chanda, offering their congregational prayer or even coming to the Friday prayer. So, this is a regular process and you have to be persistent in it, persuasive. And that is the only solution.

“Make them realise why they are here.

Quite a number of the families who just migrated to this country from Pakistan came here because of the condition prevailing there against Ahmadis. And make them realise that ‘You are here because of the Jamaat and now it is your duty and obligation. Then try to be a true Ahmadi and involve yourself in Jamaat’s activities.

“Keep on reminding them. This is a continuous process as I have said and one day they will change.”

Shahriyar Muneeb Sahib, Sadr Baitul Futuh East said that in terms of finding matches for marriage, at times the boy’s side would go to the girl’s house, see the match and reject it. He noted that in this manner it was quite hurtful for the girl’s family. He asked for the solution.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Yes, indeed it is [hurtful] […] You people are in the field, you should advise on what approach should be taken and the rishta nata secretary should reflect on this too.

About proposals and information about a possible marriage match, Huzooraa said basic information about the girl should be given, for example, her level of education, her height etc, to the person arranging the proposal. After that, they should be asked to pray and if after praying for that proposal they accept it, then they can go to see the girl.

“The fact is, they merely go to see the girl and say ‘We liked this one, not that one’, etc. Sometimes what happens is that the proposal is accepted but after some time the boy or the girl says ‘Previously, I accepted the proposal and said yes to it, but now my heart has fallen cold and I do not want to go ahead with the proposal.’ This causes problems and it happens from both sides.

“Nevertheless, as, at times, this happens more from the boy’s side, and the girl’s feelings are different too, or especially when it has happened more than once or twice with someone that they are rejected

after being seen, then the girl’s side get very emotional and the girl gets emotional too and then they write to me as well about what happened.”

To deal with such issues, “It all comes back to activating the tarbiyat department”, Huzooraa stressed.

Huzooraa continued: “And when you suggest a proposal then the boy involved should be told ‘It is not right that you go, see [her] and come back. If you have some reservations, tell us before. Not that you play with the feelings of someone else. These are matters that are to be communicated, you will need to explain these to them constantly.

“Marriage proposals should not be made without praying. It is Allah Who knows the unseen. For this reason, the Holy Prophetsa said to pray for marriage proposals, so that if it is better for you, it goes through. Not that you first go and see the match and then later say ‘We prayed and the result of our prayers were not positive.’”

Huzooraa said prayers should take place before going to see the proposal and not vice-versa. It was not right to give vain hope to the girl’s side, Huzooraa said.

“They go there [to see the girl], have tea tea, eat and drink and give them hope, and thereafter say ‘The results of our prayers were negative. Our istikhara did not bring positive results.’ They are not so saintly that they get answers to their istikhara – the main thing is a sense of consolation, right?

“What is istikhara? It is imploring Allah for goodness – that ‘If this proposal is good for me, then make it easy for me and satisfy my heart.’ If they are satisfied then they can send the proposal. And the girl’s side should pray too and if they are satisfied after praying then they can go ahead with the proposal.

“It is wrong to first go and see [the girl] – like someone who goes to the market and buys something and after purchasing it, returns it the next day and gets a refund. This is not right. A girl is not like a commodity that can be bought and then returned. This should be instilled in people.”

Next Masroor Ahmad Sahib said that due to the pandemic-related restrictions,

Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

7

Dasa, Benin: New Ahmadiyya mosque – architecturally inspired

by Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad

<< Continued from previous page

children under 12 could not attend the mosque and other programmes. Masroor Sahib noted that restrictions in the UK were easing and asked Huzooraa when these children would be able to participate in Jamaat programmes.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said he never stopped children from attending and this was a matter to be decided with the local amila and regional amir, or if it was a Markaz mosque then the national amir should be consulted and decisions made according to the easing of restrictions by the government and the local Jamaat’s capacity, etc. They should decide what protocols and systems are to be put in place.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Children from the ages of 12-15 require the most tarbiyat – if they are attending then that’s fine. […]

“The restrictions have finished but the conditions have not fully changed. When the conditions go back to normal then they can come regularly.”

Huzooraa said these decisions and plans are to be made by the local Jamaat themselves.

Masroor Sahib said that children and Lajna members constantly asked this question, that’s why he put it before Huzooraa.

In response, with a smile, Huzooraa said: “Okay, if they ask constantly then say that I said: ‘Get hold of your Sadr Jamaat, he is to make the decision.”

All present enjoyed Huzoor’s response.

Mubashar Ahmad Sahib, Sadr Battersea said his local Jamaat members were actively taking part in chanda but not so much in Wasiyyat. He asked Huzooraa for guidance.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “The same amount of effort you make towards attaining financial sacrifices for the chanda of Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid and collecting Chanda Aam is not put in

by your tarbiyat department to get people to offer salat, neither do they [the tarbiyat department] get people to pay attention to read the Holy Quran.

“Maal ashras are actively held but the tarbiyat ashras are such that it doesn’t matter if someone participates or not and therefore it doesn’t have the impact and attention it should. So, all of your power, all of your machinery is focused on gathering money – this is not a tax we are to collect; the real aim is tarbiyat.

“If your tarbiyat takes place then chanda will automatically be given. For this reason, activate your tarbiyat department and when it becomes active then the wasiyyat department will be assisted automatically.”

Huzooraa said the wasiyyat department should work to encourage members to read and study Al-Wasiyyat. Huzooraa advised short quotes from the Al-Wasiyyat about wasiyyat, nizam-e-Jamaat and nizam-eKhilafat should be sent to people, even on their phones.

“You send text messages that namaz timings have changed and it goes viral in your Jamaat immediately. Nowadays circulars don’t go out, but messages go out on phones. So, send a quote every day on phones and people will read it and their tarbiyat will get done. When their tarbiyat happens, then they will begin to pay attention to good deeds themselves. And when they read quotes from Al-Wasiyyat – that it draws attention to righteousness, staying connected to Khilafat, the importance of Khilafat, the status of the Promised Messiahas, the importance of wasiyyat, then tarbiyat will happen, people will pay attention to wasiyyat and also salat.

And the work of your secretary maal will automatically be fulfilled.”

Nabeel Ahmad Nagi Sahib, Sadr Waltonon-Thames said when they held tabligh stalls in their towns a lot of atheists would

come and talk to them. Nabeel Sahib asked how to speak with atheists.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked Nabeel Sahib if the atheists even listened to them.

To this Nabeel Sahib said that very few did listen. Huzooraa advised to raise the following arguments to atheists and to say: “‘We believe in God and we have personal experiences with Allah. These are the Signs of the acceptance of our prayers. These are the prophecies that have been fulfilled that Allah the Almighty gave to prophets. These are the prophecies in the Holy Quran that Allah gave and was fulfilled in the time of the Holy Prophetsa and are being fulfilled to this day. In this era, Allah sent the Promised Messiahas who was the servant of the Holy Prophetsa and he gave prophecies and they were fulfilled in this manner.

“After seeing all of this, we have no option but to believe there is a Being Who communicates all of these matters of the unseen. And if you say some astrologers, educated people or those who know physiognomy make correct predictions by looking at situations then their predictions, over many years, only manifest a handful of times. Whereas these prophecies that are from prophets – or that have come to us – have come in succession.

“Apart from this, when we individually experience the acceptance of prayers we believe there is an existence of God, Who accepted them. Even in some difficult or impossible circumstances, these things happen.

“So, there are the personal experiences, the prophecies that you can talk about with them then slowly – if he has an interest – he will listen, otherwise he will laugh, make jest of you and walk off and you can then sit back down quietly. You fulfilled your obligation.

“To guide is Allah’s work and to convey is ours. Keep this in mind. Allah even told the Holy Prophetsa that ‘You cannot make

Mirza Farhan Ahmad Baig Benin Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Benin had the opportunity to construct a mosque in the Dasa region, which was inaugurated on 28 January 2022, by Mian Qamar Ahmad Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Benin.

The mosque was built in Camaté, a village 12 km from Dasa city. Islam Ahmadiyyat was established in this village in 2016 through an Ahmadi missionary, Anwar-ul-Haq Sahib.

On 28 October 2021, the regional missionary of Dasa, Rana Yasir Ahmad Sahib laid the foundation stone of the mosque.

The inauguration ceremony was held on 28 January 2022. The programme commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a qaseedah. After this, the local dignitaries delivered short addresses in which they congratulated the Jamaat for constructing this mosque.

This was followed by an address by Anwar-ul-Haq Sahib.

After these speeches, the participants offered the Jumuah prayer, led by amir sahib Benin, after which the attendees were served lunch.

The event was attended by around 300 people.

someone Muslim by forcing them.’”

Rana Abdul Wadood Khan, Sadr Newham asked if the Jamaat could help local authorities in distributing vouchers etc. to those in need? The local authorities would categorise people (irrelevant of their religion) who deserved those vouchers and thus the authorities needed help in the distribution of those vouchers.

Huzooraa said it was permissible and that if Muslims even gave their sadaqa to atheists or a Christian or anyone else who was in need, irrespective of their faith, they would be rewarded for it by Allah.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Why shouldn’t we help? Regarding the Hilf-ul-Fuzul committee that the Holy Prophetsa joined [before prophethood] set up to help those in need, the Holy Prophetsa said – during his prophethood – that ‘Even if they called me today to help people, I would go’. He did not say ‘If they call to help Muslims, I will go then.’ He was even ready to be part of the committee of the kafirs [disbelievers] to help in this regard. […]

“We should help. We are to help everyone.

[If not] then what service of humanity has been done? You have not claimed ‘We are ready to help Ahmadis’ – you raise the slogan of ‘serving humanity’ and if you raise the slogan of serving humanity then faith and anything else is removed. If they are atheists or anyone else, that is a matter between them and God. Where their worldly necessities are concerned, as a human, it is our duty to fulfil them.”

Huzooraa said to Amir Sahib UK that an hour had passed. Amir Sahib thanked Huzooraa for his time and requested for silent prayer to which Huzooraa accepted and led everyone in silent prayer.

This concluded the meeting and Huzooraa conveyed his salaam.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

8

UK new Ahmadis invigorated after an audience with their Imam Jonathan Butterworth Secretary New Ahmadis Department, Jamaat UK

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously granted the New Converts from Jamaat UK, a blessed opportunity of having a virtual meeting. We are truly grateful to Allah the Almighty and His Khalifa that we were able to keep the blessed company of Huzooraa once again.

With the gracious permission of Huzooraa, this meeting was jointly hosted by the National Department of New Ahmadi Tarbiyat and Waqf-e-Jadid and the National Tabligh Department. We worked very closely with the three auxiliary organisations in planning for this meeting, namely Lajna Imaillah, Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, and Ansarullah. In addition, we were strongly supported by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya

Muslim Association UK, as well as the UK Arabic Desk and UK Bangla Desk.

As a result of everyone’s efforts, 84 New Ahmadis and recent converts confirmed their attendance in advance to attend the meeting. Of these, 60 attended in person which included 26 women, and 40 men.

Erbaz Tahir Sahib said: “I took bai‘at three years ago and meeting Huzooraa today was an amazing first-time experience. As a convert you try to see your spiritual leader and sit in his presence.

This experience was well organised for new Ahmadis, it is hard to explain – glad to attend with my wife who had an opportunity to ask a question.”

Robert Edwin Cramp Sahib said: “It was really good to attend on Saturday, to meet others who have recently converted and to hear for the first time live and be addressed by His Holiness. His compassion

for the people there was palpably obvious.

I came away feeling invigorated in the long journey I have undertaken.”

Jamil Ahmed Sahib said:

“Highlight of the year”: UK Jamaat presidents reflect on meeting Huzoor Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK

On 13 February 2022, a virtual mulaqat was held with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, may Allah be his Helper, which was originally for the local presidents of the UK Jamaat, however, we sought permission from Huzoor-e-Anwaraa to invite the national amila, regional amirs and regional missionaries.

The virtual mulaqat took place in the main prayer hall of the Baitul Futuh Mosque. Social distancing measures were in place throghout the event.

We had 105 presidents, 11 Regional Amirs, 33 National Amila members, and 17 missionaries in attendance.

The programme started at 12:20 pm with the recitation from the Holy Quran.

Some of the impressions and feedback from the attendees which encapsulate the atmosphere of the mulaqat in depth are as follows: Dr Bilal Bhatti Sahib, Sadr Bromley and Lewisham Jamaat said: “Any interaction with beloved Huzooraa, whether it is receiving a signed letter or being able to offer salat behind him, is a highlight of any calendar. It is such an honour to be able to just sit in the presence of beloved Huzooraa, albeit virtually. Whilst I didn’t ask a question, it was enough for me to listen to the beautiful way beloved Huzooraa answered questions from the presidents, and to watch him smile. Beloved Huzooraa enlightened us about ways we can improve our services to the Jamaat. Beloved Huzooraa reminded us that as office bearers, our duty is to serve rather than be served. Thus, we should take this service with humility and offer people a very loving approach. There may be times

when people don’t wish to speak to us because of some error of ours or some other office bearers. Even then, we should not give up hope and continue to try to engage these people, whether it be a monthly phone call to just ask how they are or knocking on their door just to say salaam, because we happened to pass by their house. Along with this, beloved Huzooraa emphasised the importance of prayers. Even with tasks that are seemingly out of our control, such as the emergence of WW3, prayer is the best tool that we have to save us. Beloved Huzooraa emphasised the importance of tarbiyat when it comes to matters of Rishta Nata. This is fundamental. Our men need to realise that girls are not like a commodity that you can buy and then ask for a refund.

Such negative attitudes need to be addressed with tarbiyat beforehand. However, tarbiyat extends beyond Rishta Nata. Beloved Huzooraa made a very interesting point that if the secretary tarbiyat made as much effort in their work as the Secretary Finance, then many issues would be resolved. Beloved Huzooraa managed to deal with so many topics in such a brief space of time in a very succinct yet comprehensive way. Every minute was overflowing with wisdom. I only hope and pray that we are able to follow the guidance imparted by our beloved Huzooraa in its fullest form and insha-Allah, become better servants of Ahmadiyyat. May Allah make it so. Amin.”

Nisar Ahmad Hussain Sahib, Sadr West Croydon Jamaat commented: “Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful to beloved Huzooraa and the organisers for providing this opportunity to the Jamaat presidents. […] I certainly have to admit that I did not know that one should perform istikharah prayers before the families of the

boy and girl meet. Once Huzooraa explained it, it made total sense. What I heard from people previously was that they meet and then do istikharah prayers afterwards. I shall pass this on to the Jamaat members, insha-Allah, during an appropriate forum.

One of the presidents asked about how to improve ties to members who have distanced themselves due to aggravations with office holders or the Nizam-e-Jamaat.

I can certainly relate to this as we have a few such families in our local Jamaat as well.

Huzoor’s guidance in this regard was very beneficial. I wish we had this meeting earlier and not towards the end of our term in June 2022, but again, Huzooraa has given answers to these questions in previous mulaqats and Friday Sermons as well. It was a great honour to be allowed to have this mulaqat.”

Ghaalib Khan Sahib, Sadr Manchester North Jamaat said: “Today’s mulaqat was fantastic. Huzoor’s clear, open and wonderfully insightful answers to questions really made me think about my role and how much room there was for growth and improvement. Sometimes we focus on the difficulties and challenges presented by people and circumstances in fulfilling our roles. Instead, Huzooraa made me think about the some really simple steps that could make a big impact. For example, I drive past the homes of many people in my Jamaat during my day to day life. I could easily stop and check in on members without any inconvenience to me or them.

Furthermore, Huzooraa gave us some eyeopening advice on the way focusing on tarbiyat in our local Jamaats could help to tackle a number of issues across Rishta Nata, Wasiyyat etc. Overall, I have left inspired to improve my own output as a president and the outcomes of Jamaat members. I will try

“Amazing, I enjoyed very much and mostly happy for reading the Holy Quran in front of Khalifa of the time, 48 hours later I am still enjoying the moment”.

to re-listen to this virtual mulaqat often.”

Shafiq Kusi Sahib, Sadr Peckham Jamaat commented: “I felt highly honoured and elated to receive the call that I would be doing the translation at this mulaqat with our beloved Huzooraa. And it was so surreal that it actually came true when it happened and I felt so fortunate and emotional to be standing in front of our worldwide spiritual leader, that everyone is eager to get a glance of him. What made me more emotional and very humbled was when Huzooraa recognised that I was from Ghana. He made me feel so relaxed and at ease and the whole atmosphere became lively and very tranquil, when our beloved Huzooraa shared a joke with me. I felt very blessed to receive a direct message from Huzooraa with regard to tarbiyat. […] Long live Ahmadiyyat, long live Khilafat, and long live our beloved Huzooraa.”

Nadeem ur Rahman Sahib, Secretary Talim Jamaat UK said: “It was so wonderful to see Huzooraa.

As usual, he gave us some great points with his lovely sense of humour. Just shows how lucky we are in that we see how Huzooraa always works tirelessly for the community always in a quiet and unassuming way.”

Nisaar Orchard Sahib, Secretary Tarbiyat said: “Fantastic mulaqat as always. Tarbiyat, tarbiyat, tarbiyat. That was the main theme to all the questions.”

Mujeeb Mirza Sahib, a missionary commented: “Alhamdulillah, it was a great joy to see beloved Huzoor-e-Anwaraa live and an honour it was to be in attendance at the virtual mulaqat. Even though the mulaqat was mainly for the local presidents and Huzooraa mainly spoke to them, however, there was a great deal I learnt. Huzooraa spoke in great detail on how to reactivate those members who have distanced themselves from Jamaat, which can definitely help me in my work.”

9

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

This Week in History 18 - 24 February May Allah bless your work and grant you great success in the purpose for which you are going, meaning to preach [the message of Islam], and may He make you a means of spreading Islam Ahmadiyyat in the country. [May He] be your Protector and Helper. Amin.

“Humbly, Mirza Mahmud Ahmad.

15.1.1936”. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 291) 22 February 1917: The marriage of Hazrat Syeda Amatul Hafeez Begumra, the youngest daughter of the Promised Messiahas, took place with Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Abdullah Khanra. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 175)

18 February 1922: Hazrat Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad Irfanira departed from Qadian for Egypt to establish the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s mission there. He was able to establish Hazrat Sheikh Mahmud the mission Ahmad Irfanira within a year. He continued to work in Egypt until 1926.

When he returned, he continued to offer his services and passed away in February 1944.

On the occasion of his departure from Qadian in 1922, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra provided guidance which can be read in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat (Vol. 4, pp.

286-287).

18 February 1973: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh laid the foundation stone of a magnificent printing press building in Rabwah. On this occasion, Huzoorrh said: “This is a huge project that is commencing today, albeit on a small scale.”

Also on this day, the foundation stone of Masjid Mahdi, Rabwah was laid by Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata Jalandharira on the instruction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 29, p.

432) 19 February 1952: An attempt was made on the life of Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Sahib in Gambat, Sindh. He died on 22 February due to suffering severe injuries from the attack and

thus, attained martyrdom. In those days the mischief and tumult of the Ahrar Movement against Ahmadiyyat was in full swing. (Friday Sermon, 7 May 1999) 19 February 1982: Chaudhry Maqbool Ahmad Sahib was martyred in Pano Aqil, Sindh, Pakistan. He performed bai‘at in 1967. From then on, maulvis would harass him, threaten him and throw stones at his house at night. On this day, a masked man drew a dagger and struck him repeatedly. He was martyred on the spot.

After the martyrdom, non-Ahmadis threatened his wife by saying that if she left Ahmadiyyat, she would be left in peace; however, this sincere Ahmadi lady said that they could do whatever they desired and that she would never leave Ahmadiyyat. She remained safe from the enemies’ harm. (Friday Sermon, 2 July 1999) 20 February 1919: Amir of Afghanistan, Habibullah Khan was assassinated while on a hunting trip in a scheduled mountain passage. He was killed while on a secluded mountain passage in the Laghman Province. He was the ruler of the country and it was under his orders when Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra was martyred.

Just as this Amir of Kabul had pelted stones on the body of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra, so too did rebels later attack and rain stones on the tomb of Amir Habibullah. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 337) 20 February 1944: A special “Jalsa Musleh-e-Maud” was arranged in

Hoshiarpur, India, where Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra delivered a powerful and insightful speech. The attendance of the meeting was about 2500. During the jalsa, 18 missionaries shared tabligh achievements in their respective countries. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 580) 21 February 1921: A reception was held for Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra marriage with Hazrat Syeda Maryam Begum Sahibara.

Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra performed the nikah in February 1921, for which a dowry Hazrat Syed Sarwar of 1,000 rupees Shahra was set. A walima reception was arranged on 23 February 1921. This was the third marriage of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p.

277) 21 February 1936: The Jamaat’s mission in Budapest, Hungary was established.

Chaudhry Haji Ahmad Khan Ayaz BA LLB left Qadian on 16 January and reached Budapest on this date, on the instruction of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to establish the Ahmadiyya mission in Hungary. A day before his departure, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra wrote to Ayaz Sahib with his blessed pen: “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.

22 February 1920: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra delivered his famous lecture Sadaqat-e-Islam aur zara’i taraqie-Islam (The truth of Islam and the means of progress of Islam) about the truthfulness of Islam and the way to spread its teachings. This historic speech was delivered at the famous Vande Mataram Hall in Amritsar, India. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 255) 23 February 1933: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra laid the foundation stone of a residence named Al-Nusrat in Qadian. This house was a gift from Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara – affectionately known as Hazrat Amma Jan – to her grandson, Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh. Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra had entrusted the upbringing of his son, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh to Hazrat Amma Janra. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 101) 23 February 1966: By assessing the situation in Pakistan, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIra emphasized the importance of building strong ties between West Pakistan and East Pakistan. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 23, p. 487) 24 February 1917: Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh completed his first reading of the Holy Quran at the age of 8. A small gathering was arranged

by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to mark the event. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p.

205) 24 February 1920: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra addressed members of the Jamaat who lived in Lahore. The address started at 7 pm. Though Huzoorra was addressing Ahmadi men, women and students living in Lahore, this address was for all Ahmadis around the world.

The full text of this address can be read on pages 3-9 of Al Fazl, 15 March 1920.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 255)

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

10

“I couldn’t help but recall the earliest satellite transmission by MTA and the Jamaat’s progress”: New Zealand amila members reflect on mulaqat very kind, loving and caring “The days leading to the mulaqat, I felt Huzooraa was Friday 28 August 2020 | AL HAKAM very nervous and excited. I spent my days to us. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting forget beautiful apt praying may Allahthe give mesawand the cannot likes of which Youhis have not bestowed the newsthat of his demise. fact, it would be of little wonder if the Holy the heart to hear world afterthe therest demise of the Holy and sa sa upon us anyone since theand beginning of time. such aofprominent and members respected Prophet Prophet were still as it was he who And then,of , which to alsospeak settled once and to for make Following thealive,blessed opportunity jokes all laugh happy.

This the amila the strength sa Companion Prophet brought the Supreme the equalMasih the issue of the death of Jesusas.” (Lecture Had not this great prophet appeared in the aa as Hazrat meeting HazratGuidance, Khalifatul Vaa of the , and that all may we have all the mulaqat was like a refresher course and toHoly Huzoor of which is not to be found in the world. He Umarra was so upset that only this verse was Ludhiana, pp. 16-19 [English Translation]) world, we would have known nothing of through the first-ever virtual able mulaqat correctand responses and the gives and new spiritlike to Jonah, work lesser prophets demonstrated in his person all the possible Then, questions elaborating upon status encouragement and the truth of the dispel his anguish resign himto to Huzoor’s Job, Jesus spiritual excellences, equal and in likeNew of the rank of the him.

Holy Prophet loss. Had thethat Companions known andmay Promised between Jamaatthe members Zealand our responses please Whensa, thehard in Allah’s way.”son of Mary, Malachi, John, as as Zachariah etc.; indeed, they were accepted, which cannot been believed that Messiah was still alive, the states: aa witnessed even if we aa news and Huzoor , we share the sentiments of Jesus I saw Huzoor , I felt very calm and full of Mohamed Anas Raheem Sahib, trace history back to Adam. The truth of of the death of the Holy Prophetsa would “Through his [i.e. the Holy Prophetsa] granted nearness and honoured and loved those who presentas indeed in this have mulaqat God. It wassaid: a favour of the Holy Prophet the matter is thatwere the Muslims, given themexcitement. the shock of”their lives. being, his attributes, his deeds, Mohtamim his actions byTarbiyat them thatmoved people knew the the entire world, needed the Holy Prophetsa They were all lovers Furqan of the Holy Mahmood Prophetsa. andSahib, his emphatic river of spiritual“I and below: Mohtamim was upon incredibly to beabout in the truthfulness of these prophets. complete of They could not Ishaat tolerate commented: that any Prophet virtuous powers established thepresence alive Isaac far moreMohammed than it did JesusasSahib, . His was Mohtamim the Khalifa of the time, albeit Å Á Ì Á Å Á Á Å Á Á Å Ä Á Á Ä Á ÁÄ Â Ä Ì Á Á Å the person so holy and august that at his other than the Holy Prophetsa should have aaand perfect example; by way of knowledge, + à CF 0 à f0 n ȻȼȽ 0 Á ǂLjà Á RÅ aaÉ FCÁǟǫ 0 Á ȸÉ Ã Ⱥ 0 à « Å ɑ gracious Talimhissaid: first cameand in, virtually. truthfulness steadfastness and Huzoor Å Ã Á was death, Companions were too shocked been still alive. How“When could they Huzoor possibly deeds,  Á Á Á Å Á ÃÌ to all Ì Å Ä Á õÄöÃÌ so ǂ Lj

à ´] Å ǟDZ .à C ¡Á ~ a Zà à à sa was thus bestowed the title the us.

Perfect to believe that heI had away, so the death the Holy Prophet “Initially, feltpassed nervous, butreconcile beloved hisof presence was ifsufficient to leave us of of Huzoor’s humour and pleasant smile as ra [O Allah! Send blessings, peace and much so thataaHazrat was still alive?

Consequently, However, when Man.” his warm and unsheathedmade his Jesus Huzoor’s senseUmar of humour it much overwhelmed. were infectious.

The opportunity to see my upon him and his progeny and No aspect was left out of his example prosperity sword and vowed to behead anyone who Hazrat Abu Bakrra addressed them, their aa moresayrelaxed and Prophet far more – I felt loving relieved nature immediately offset the beloved has recharged meconclusion and given sa all his companions.

And the of and it was demonstrated throughImam dared that the Holy was somewhat and they hadenjoyable died. distress our prayer to is all praiseharder belongstotobetter Allah, at this ease.highly ” his knowledge, actions, standards streets of Medina reciting before In charged atmosphere, God went about the pressure of being him. Though me theofmotivation strive steadfastness, and feelingwatching as if it had only been truthfulness, granted an extraordinary light andZafarullah wisdom the verse, Muhammad Azeem Sahib, thejustFriday Sermons and other wisdom myself. ” Lord of all the worlds.]” (Itmam-ul-Hujjah, cognisance; and thus was he named the Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 308) to Hazrat Abu Bakrra who gathered all the revealed.

Sadr MajlisandKhuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya New programmes hasMan. a significant NuruddinMayBoateng Sahib, grant National ra Allah the Almighty us true Perfect “On this occasion, Hassan bin on ThabitMTA Companions recited the following understanding Zealand commented: an reads: Ahmadi Muslim’s connection Ishaat said: of the status and rank of the The Promised Messiahas thenSecretary verse: wrote an elegy, aimpact couplet ofon which states: ÁÄ ¿ ÁÄ Á  mulaqat us fear to continue Holy anxious Prophetsa and aa That man who exceeded all men in “… ÁÄ his Á  Á ¡Á g Ä Ã GÅ Á Å Ã IÅ Á Z Á ]Å Á ,¿ Å¡f Á °the “Alhamdulillah, was very 1Å aÃà with “I was very for enable days in that I zC ÃÁ I Å beloved Imam , this personal  f Âa à ¬ à ] W C Á 0Á to send salutations upon him. May we perfection, the one who was most perfect ÁÄ Á Å Á Á Á Á aa Ê inspiring for meis personally.

Huzoor was aÃzinteraction my love for our would not be able to make it to the mulaqat C « ɑ £ Ã has invigorated prostrate before Allah the Almighty more “‘And Muhammad only a Messenger. as a man and as a Prophet, and came with ÅÁ Á Á Á Á Å Á so gracious and kind with away his words and IÅ Â Khalifa an incomparable than before. Itailing is only through this action Verily, [all] Messengers have passed extent. ” blessings, as had developed symptoms; my «Á +] Å Á F C j by the most excellent andI who, Â Â Å Â Á ÅÁ ÁÁ ofnot oursbeen that we can to prove our love for the before him. ’” a spiritual revival and resurrection, ÃÊ CVÁ IAsad « Muhamad through advice towards us all.

Rather than tell us off Sahib, Mohatmim doctors had able give a diagnosis The Promised Messiahas further writes: the world Holy Prophetsa and instil this love within “Sincehe the aforesaid verse of the said: Holy manifested the first Judgement inyet for“Now, ourjust shortcomings office bearers, Sehat-e-Jismani and beenThunwell at we home ponder and try toas understand our hearts. rough this, will befor ablethe to and revived the [spiritually] dead worldI had Quran had categorically spelled out that acknowledged thera had efforts andthis inspired us to why Hazrat Abu Bakr refute theMasha-Allah, allegations of our Iopponents, in to recite “My heart was beating very fast before past two days. felt very (i.e. they were blessed with a new spiritual ra all Prophets had passed away, Hassan aa words that our practical example will verse in the presenceand of allnot the Companions. life), that Huzoor blessed Prophet, Seal of the other strive further to stop. Even turn todeath speak to beloved eventually when the time came . Butthe energised tooduring proclaimed my that aft er the of the against the allegations of our What was the purpose of this exercise on Prophets, the leader of the righteous ones, be a rebuttal sa aa Holy Prophet , he was the least worried the light-hearted to meet he made my heart and mind at peace.”

I felt very blessed that opponents;. may Allah enable us to do so. an occasion when all themoments, Companionsevery were word had pride of the Huzoor about anyone else’s death. It was too hard the seal of the Messengers, the aa sa wisdom forwill menottodeny, ponder on. ” Mansoor Cheema Sahib, National beloved Huzoor remembers my father present?

I amand sure,advice and you too Prophets, was Muhammad , the chosen for the Companions to believe that anyone (Original Urdu script published in Al Fazl aa that on account of the death ofSahib, the Holy Additional one.

Suheb Ahmad Secretary commented: of blessed memory and that Huzoor else should live and the Holy Wasaya Prophetsa die.

International, 21 August 2020, pp. 5-7.

Prophetsa, the Companions were terribly “O Beloved God! Send down Your mercy Th is was something “I they were leastnervous ready Mohtamim Tarbiyat (Rishta Nata) said: was very before the mulaqat. graciously took a lot of his time to advise me Translated by Th e Review of Religions.) shocked for they considered his death and salutations upon this beloved prophet, Mubarak Ahmad Khan 20 New Zealand Correspondent

untimely and premature. They did not have

to accept. Thus, it was the first consensus

Not sure where to start?

Here, we plan to make things easier ...

(GLWRU 4DDVLG 0XLQ $KPDG _ 'HVLJQ /D\RXW -DOHHV $KPDG _ 6XE (GLWRULDO $WDXO )DWLU 7DKLU _ 1HZV $WD XO +D\H 1DVLU _ $O +DNDP

on what to do to serve the Jamaat better.”

Najam Ul Islam Sahib, National Secretary Umur-e-Ama commented: “There was a lot of uncertainty before meeting my beloved Huzooraa. I was nervous and extremely unsettled. This condition changed to calmness and peace as soon as I saw Huzooraa. Every time I meet Huzooraa it strengthens my absolute belief in Khilafat and Allah’s mercy on me.”

Basharat Ahmad Khan Sahib, Auditor Majlis Ansarullah New Zealand said: “Alhamdulillah, it was a feeling of immense joy for me to have had this historic virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa. I couldn’t help but recall the earliest satellite transmission by MTA of 1992 and the phenomenal progress the Jamaat has made since. It is due to a sheer grace of Allah and the blessings of Khilafat, which is the only thing that binds Ahmadis together.”

Mubarak Ahmad Khan Sahib, National Secretary Rishta Nata commented: “I was excited to have a virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa. I had mixed feelings of joy and fear before we had the meeting. Joy for having an opportunity to meet Huzooraa after seven years, and fear about my shortcomings. Once the meeting started, Huzooraa, with his pleasant humour, relaxed the atmosphere of the meeting and my fear vanished. I fully enjoyed the meeting.”

Dr Nadeem Ahmad Sahib, National General Secretary and Sadr Majlis Ansarullah New Zealand commented: “I was impressed with Huzoor’s personal connection and how he recognised a number of attendees even though he has not met many of us for extended periods.

And although the mulaqat was virtual, it was almost as if he was sitting with us face to face. I also had an overwhelming sense of relief at the mulaqat session going well, and as always was struck with Huzoor’s grasp of all matters both related to Jamaat and outside.”

Mofeed Ahmed Sahib, Mohtamim Atfal said: “Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, the mulaqat went very well. It was really good and blessed for everyone. We were told that Huzooraa would only spend one hour, but alhamdulillah, Huzooraa spent an extra 20 minutes and guided everyone.”

Bashir Ahmed Khan Sahib, National President Jamaat New Zealand said: “What a faith-inspiring session with our beloved Imamaa. There was so much anticipation, but with a degree of stress and anxiety as part of the build-up; more so when you are serving as the head of a jamaat in a country. Seeing Huzooraa despite the late hours in New Zealand, hearing his ‘Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu’, and seeing the radiance from his countenance with his beautiful smile melted my heart and took away all worries and anxiety.

“His calm and cheerful words of advice, including his cheerful choice of words that kept us smiling was actually recharging our love for our Imamaa in a manner that I never expected, especially since this was a virtual session, thousands of kilometres from us. I realised this was an experience with a spiritual father who took time with his loved ones and strengthened his bond with his people.”

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

The greatness of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, the Promised Reformer Al Fazl, 20 February 1944

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira BA (1875-1947)

The prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud [the Promised Reformer] is a glorious sign of the acceptance of prayers of the Promised Messiahas. There are some other Signs of the Promised Messiahas that manifested through his prayers. For example, the sign of Lekh Ram, which is no doubt a strong proof of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas in a certain way, but there is a huge difference between the sign of the appearance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] and the other Signs of the acceptance of prayers of the Promised Messiahas.

Regarding this sign [of Musleh-e-Maud], the Promised Messiahas undertook special measures, and for 40 days, he secluded himself from the rest of the world in an isolated place outside his city and engaged in supplications and the remembrance of God. Consequently, God Almighty granted this sign of mercy to the Promised Messiahas.

The other Signs that manifested as a result of

the acceptance of prayers [of the Promised Messiahas] were also certainly wonderful Signs, but the significance of this sign is so vast that it is impossible to estimate.

This sign appeared three times in the history of the world as a result of prayer.

1. The first sign was the sign of the appearance of the Holy Prophetsa, which manifested as a result of the prayer of Hazrat Abrahamas. This sign is number one in the said category.

2. The second sign is the sign of the appearance of the Promised Messiahas, which appeared as a result of the prayers of the Holy Prophetas that he carried out for his ummah. This sign is the second of its kind in terms of its glory in the said category.

3. The third great sign which manifested in the world as a result of the acceptance of prayers prayers [of the Promised Messiahas] is the sign of the appearance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra]. This sign ranks third in terms of its greatness.

What a great man he is who was born as a result of the third prayer. This can

be gauged from the words of the divine revelation which was granted to the Promised Messiahas at Hoshiarpur after those 40 days of prayers. It was published in the 20 February announcement. The words of God cannot possess exaggeration, so if we want to get an accurate idea of the glory of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra], we must read the actual words of this prophecy. What a glorious man he is whose qualities, attributes and remarkable works are presented in this prophecy.

Hence, the third great man who appeared in the world after the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas is Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra], who has been mentioned in the words of this prophecy.

The fact that this prophecy was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih II[ra], is proved not only by Signs and evidence, but also the actions of God Almighty are testifying to this fact that this prophecy was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih II[ra], because Allah the Almighty, by

the manifestation of His power, has fulfilled and is fulfilling all the matters mentioned in this prophecy in favour of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih II[ra], which cannot be denied by any fair-minded person.

It was not in the power of man to fulfil all the things mentioned in this prophecy. Only God could do so. By fulfilling these words, He testified from heaven that the one who was to appear, the news of whom was given in this prophecy, that person is this Mahmud (may my mother and father be sacrificed for you). Thus, the greatest proof of a person’s authenticity is the practical testimony of Allah the Almighty and this proof is very clearly present in this [prophecy].

Another thing that testifies to the fact that Hazrat Mahmud[ra] was Musleh-eMaud is that the same treatment was meted out to him as it was done to the promised ones before him. This has been the sunnah [practice] of Allah regarding the promised ones that have been sent by God for the reformation of the world that the leading men of their nation stood up against them and put forth every effort to thwart them.

In the time of Prophet Mosesas, it was Pharaoh who stood against him and tried to destroy him and his people. The greatest Jewish man in the time of Prophet Jesusas was their high priest named Caiaphas and he sought to defeat them. Abu Jahl was the chief of the valley of Mecca in the time of the Holy Prophetsa and he took up the work of opposition against him. Leading Muslim maulvis in the time of the Promised Messiahas, Muhammad Hussain Batalvi and Nazir Hussain Dehlavi, earned the title of Pharaoh and Haman in the revelation of God because of their opposition. In the exact same manner, according to the past sunnah of God, when the time of the appearance of Mahmud arrived, the significant figures of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat stood in front of him in a precisely similar fashion, just as the leading men stood up in the time of the earlier reformers. Thus, they expressed by their actions that the one who was going to stand up now is that promised one whose glad tiding was given by the founder of Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

Another thing that shows the true glory of Hazrat Fazl-e-Umar, Khalifatul Masih II[ra], is that the foundation of Ahmadiyya Continued on next page >>

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

12 << Continued from previous page

Jamaat was laid with his birth. Those people who had great hopes from the Promised Messiahas, were influenced by his writings and prophecies, and thought that Allah the Almighty had raised him for the reformation of the people, requested him again and again to take their bai‘at. However, the Promised Messiahas always told them that he had not yet been ordered to take bai‘at, and that he could not take anyone’s bai‘at unless he was commanded by God to take the oath of allegiance. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] was born, the Promised Messiahas was instructed through Divine revelation to start taking bai‘at. The following revelation was sent to him:

َ َ َ َ ُۡۡ َ ۡ َ ‫اصن ِع الفلک ِبا ۡع ُی ِننا َو َو ۡح ِینا‬ ‫و‬

[“And build thou the Ark under Our eyes and (as commanded by) Our revelation.”

(Tadhkirah [English], pp. 475)] Hence, the Promised Messiahas published the news of the birth of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] in the said announcement and laid the foundation of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat by inviting the people to take bai‘at.

Until the birth of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], God Almighty postponed the taking of bai‘at. Thus, with his birth, [God] revealed the commandment [of bai‘at] and laid the foundation of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. In this way, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat started with his birth. This indicated that the blessed newborn was closely associated with the Ahmadiyya Jamaat because the two originated together, and also to make it clear that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat had such an attachment to his personage that the two cannot be considered separate from each other.

Lastly, I think it is important to point out that just as we tell non-Ahmadis that it is important for them to accept the Promised Messiahas because through him the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa were fulfilled and his personage was a sign of his [the Holy Prophet’ssa] truthfulness and in this way we conclusively communicate the truth to the opponents of Islam [itmam al-hujjah], in the same way, we say to the ghair mubai‘een [those who denied to take bai‘at of the second Khalifa] friends that Allah the Almighty, through Hazrat Fazle-Umar[ra], has fulfilled a great prophecy of the Promised Messiahas and has shown a glorious sign of his truthfulness, so they, who claim to believe in the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas, are obligated to believe in the authenticity of this sign.

Moreover, they should tell the world as to how Allah the Almighty has given a glorious proof of his authenticity by fulfilling the great prophecy of the Promised Messiahas in a miraculous way. Before him, the head of every virtuous and God-fearing individual bows down. However, if they will keep denying this shining sign of the Promised Messiahas because of their stubbornness and prejudice, then they will be as guilty before God as the non-Ahmadis are guilty before Allah the Almighty by denying the Promised Messiahas through whom the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa was fulfilled and whose existence is a glorious testimony to the authenticity of the Holy Prophetsa.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 20 February 1944 issue of Al Fazl)

100 Hazrat Nayyar’s tabligh in Years Salt Pond and Adukrom, Ago...

Ghana

Al Fazl, 16 February 1922 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Tabligh in Saltpond Five lectures have been held of the series of lectures that was started at Saltpond’s dar-ul-tabligh [mission house]. The educated populace listened to them with great attention and interest. It requires a lot of perseverance, significant effort and courage to remove and change the great misconception in the world about Islam and the horrible image of Islam in the minds of the learned African Christians. I am grateful to God that my insignificant efforts are being blessed with acceptance. The series of speeches has changed the mindset of the educated class, as a friend said, “The people have now realised the importance of your mission.”

The situation is improving. The hatred Christian community had against Islam is disappearing and the series of lectures has been so influential by God’s grace that people have started studying Islam with keen interest, alhamdulillah.

People are drawing close to Islam Ahmadiyyat The Saltpond’s treasurer, the postmaster and a chief, who are all African Christians and learned people, are preparing to accept the Ahmadiyya Jamaat along with several shopkeepers. Two of them will openly accept Islam, insha-Allah, because they are already secretly expressing love for Islam and aversion to Christianity. One of them is now known by the name of Jibrail Arthur and the other by Bashir Burd. All praise belongs to Allah.

Rabbana taqabbal minna God Almighty sometimes tests man’s sincerity and devotion, and observes the patience and admiration, and brings hardships [upon them] to remove certain indolences. I, too, was slowing down, and as far as I was concerned, I had finished the most difficult part of the preaching, but then I experienced that which had never happened to me before in Africa.

ۡ ُ َّ َ ۡ َ َ َّ َّ ۡ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫الس ِم ۡیع ال َع ِل ۡی ُم‬ ‫ربنا تقبل ِمنا ؕ ِانک انت‬

[“Our Lord, accept (this) from us; for Thou art All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”]

A large volume is needed to describe the difficulties I have suddenly encountered.

However, let’s have brief look [at them]:

Financial difficulties There is sincerity and devotion in the newly converted Ahmadis of Fante nation. However, as they were already poor landlords in the first place, and now the other problem is that there is a severe recession of trade and no one buys cocoa, so in such circumstances, it is futile to expect that they would bear the expanses [of the mission]. The famine of India and the weak economic condition is compelling us not to bother Qadian as much as possible.

We have opened the dar-ul-tabligh [mission house] and the Ahmadiyya madrasa has been inaugurated. I have launched the library reading room as well.

How will they continue to run? This is the concern that is putting a strain on my weak body and humble heart. I need an interpreter at all times, but we do not have sufficient funds to hire an English-speaking interpreter. Therefore, I am working with the help of an Arabic interpreter. He is poor and also has limited knowledge. Moreover, the people here ask for money even to have

Seerat-un-Nabi Jalsa, East Region, UK Zakaria Sheikh Regional Missionary, East London, UK

Jawad Ahmed Dar Sahib reports that on 23 January 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK’s East region held its virtual Seerat-un-Nabi Jalsa on Zoom. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary-in-charge UK was the chief guest.

Initially, the programme was directed for East region’s members only, however, the link to join the virtual Jalsa soon began to

circulate to members of the Jamaat across the country, as well as internationally. The number of individuals who joined exceeded expectations, resulting in a second and third link to be generated to allow more members to join.

Unfortunately, due to some technical errors, only a limited number of participants were able to join, hence it was ensured that the Jalsa was recorded, which later became available to access for those who were unable to join.

a conversation.

Adukrom A village called Adukrom is located in the jungle, 13 miles from Saltpond. A road goes there for around 10 miles and the rest of the journey is covered on foot. At the request of the sincere friends there, I decided to go there.

We left the car on the road and arranged a gathering in the village by the side of the road. I gave a sermon and then travelled three miles on foot in a hilly area on a narrow path. The associates expressed their desire to carry me on their shoulders, but I found it appropriate to walk.

Our entire trail passed through green fields and there were hills of mica [mineral] in some places. The path was full of clear shining flakes of [mica] stone. In the mountainous region, where there is no presence of dust and there is an abundance of green uniformed trees on every side to the furthest extent, the hopping wind among the mica particles presented a wonderful sight.

We travelled three miles while profoundly witnessing that magnificent scene of the greatness of God. [After reaching Adukrom], I gave two sermons in the village. The Christians in particular asked a lot of questions and the associates were glad. The people sang in Fante language. They translated and summarised my sermon in Fante songs.

The translation of one of their verses was, “Muhammad[sa], the Messenger of Allah, is superior to Jesus[as].” After completing the work, I travelled back three miles and thus covered six miles on foot. The six miles [journey on foot] is now no less than a hardship for me.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu on 16 February 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

The Jalsa commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran with its translation, followed by a poem.

After this, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib delivered a speech on the blessed life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. The speech mainly focused on the humble and noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

After the speech, the Regional Amir, Mubashar Siddiqi Sahib gave a brief speech.

The Jalsa was then concluded with a silent prayer led by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.

Due to the technical difficulties on the day, the total participants recorded were 500, however, many more were trying to join. The speech by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib can be watched at the following link: https://bit.ly/3s3baZj

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

“This is the son of the Mahdi”: When the Messiah’s son arrived in Damascus near the white minaret Awwab Saad Hayat and Ataul Fatir Tahir Al Hakam

vision which had the following written on it: ‫مصالح العرب۔ مسیرالعرب‬ Meaning, “Setting right the affairs of the Arabs. Journey among Arabs.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 773) Regarding the above, the Promised Messiahas said: “(Walking amongst the Arabs) could also mean that it is decreed we may go to Arab lands. 25-26 years ago, I saw in a dream that someone was writing my name.

He wrote half of my name in Arabic and half in English. Prophets also migrate; however, where some dreams are fulfilled in the lifetime of the prophet others are manifested through some of their children or a follower.

For example, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him was given the keys [to the kingdom] of Caesar and Khosrow [in a vision] but those countries were conquered during the era of Hazrat Umarra.” (Badr, Vol. 1, No. 23, 7 September 1905 and Al Hakam Vol. 9, No. 32, 10 September 1905, p. 3) The prophecy given to Hazrat Ahmadas of walking amongst Arabs, visiting Arab lands and also English-speaking ones was fulfilled through the second Khalifa of Islam Ahmadiyyat, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra who visited England and Arab lands. He visited England in 1924 and 1955. His first visit to Arab lands was before being elected as the Khalifa when he went to Egypt and also performed Hajj in Mecca in 1912. In 1924 he went to Palestine where he visited the Bait-ul-Maqdas and travelled to Damascus, Beirut, etc. In 1955 when travelling to Europe he went to Damascus and Beirut again where he stayed for some days.

Regarding the advent of the Messiah of Islam, the Holy Prophetsa foretold: َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫ْ َ َ َ ّٰ ُ ْ َ َ بْ َن‬ ‫ار ِة ال َب ْيضا ِء‬ ‫ِإذ بعث الله الم ِسيح ا مريم فين ِزل ِعند المن‬ َ َ َّ َ َ َْ​َ ْ ْ َ ْ َ َ ‫اض ًعا كف ْي ِه َعلى أ ْج ِنحَ ِة‬ ِ ‫ش ْرق ِ ّي د َِمشق بَي َن َمه ُرودتي ِن و‬ َْ َ َ ‫ملكين‬ “It would be at this very time that Allah would send Jesus, son of Mary, and he will descend near the white minaret to the east of Damascus wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron and placing his hands on the wings of two angels.” (Sahih Muslim, The book of tribulations and signs of the Last Hour) The majority of Muslims believe this prophecy means Jesusas will literally descend on the earth and climb down a minaret situated in the eastern part of Damascus.

Many Muslims have even erected minarets and painted them white in the vain hope that the Messiah somehow sees it when coming down from the sky and descends on it.

Allah taught the true meaning of these prophecies to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas who was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. Regarding this prophecy, the Promised Messiahas in his Arabic book Hamamat-ul-Bushra writes: ‫ثم یسافر المسیح الموعود أو خلیفۃ من خلفائہ الی أرض‬ ‫ فھذا معنی القول الذی جاء فی حدیث مسلم أن‬،‫دمشق‬ ٰ ‫عیسی ینزل عند منارۃ دمشق ۔فان النزیل ھو المسافر‬ ‫الوارد من ملک آخر۔ وفی الحدیث۔۔یعنی لفظ المشرق۔۔‬ ‫اشارۃ الی أنہ یسیر الی مدینۃ دمشق من بعض البلاد‬

‫المشرقیۃ وھو ملک الھند۔‬ “Then the Promised Messiah or a Khalifa from his Khulafa [plural for Khalifa] will travel to the land of Damascus. This is the meaning of the hadith mentioned in Muslim that says Isaas will descend close to a minaret in Damascus. This is because nazeel is the name given for a traveller who comes from another land. And in the hadith, the word ‘east’ signifies he will come from eastern lands to Damascus and that eastern country is India.” (Hamamat-ul-Bushra, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 7, p. 225) This grand prophecy was fulfilled in the person of the second Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas who was also the Musleh-e-Maudra.

Prophecies fulfilled through followers We will go on to speak about how exactly the prophecy of the Messiah arriving near

“The white minaret” and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s first visit to Damascus a white minaret in Damascus was fulfilled through the second Khalifa and the son of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas in this article. However, a reality everyone must realise is that prophecies can be fulfilled through followers of a prophet or even through their children.

For example, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa saw he was given the keys to the kingdoms of the Byzantine king, Caesar and the Sasanian king, Khosrow – the superpowers at the advent of Islam. However, this prophecy was not fulfilled during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadra. It manifested during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab, the second Khalifa of Prophet Muhammadsa.

The Holy Prophetsa witnessed himself getting the keys but this did not happen literally. It meant his mission, Islam would overcome these two superpowers through a follower and representative of the Holy Prophetsa – Hazrat Umarra – who would take hold of the Byzantine and Sasanian kingdoms.

The prophecy about the Messiah arriving in the eastern side of Damascus near a white minaret was fulfilled through the son and second Khalifa of Hazrat Ahmadas. There were other prophecies too that indicated Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would visit visits to Arab lands – including Damascus.

On 7 September 1905 the Promised Messiahas was shown a piece of paper in a

During his travels towards Europe in 1924, while in Haifa, Palestine Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra left for Damascus on the morning of 4 August 1924 via train and arrived in the same evening. He stayed in the city until 9 August during which many faith-inspiring events took place in the backdrop of opposition by some Muslims in Damascus.

Propaganda against Ahmadi Muslims had reached Damascus too however despite this Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra achieved great success, acceptance and fame while in the city.

Talking about the opposition and the

Continued on next page >>

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

14 << Continued from previous page

success that followed in Damascus Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote: “When we entered Damascus, we first couldn’t find a place to stay and it was arranged with great difficulty – for two days no one paid attention to us.

“I worried a great deal and prayed, ‘O Allah! How will the prophecy regarding Damascus be fulfilled; it cannot mean that we merely visit [Damascus] and return.

Grant success through Your grace.’ When I went to sleep after praying, at night my tongue began reciting the words ‘‫’عبد مکرم‬ meaning ‘Our servant who was given honour’. […]” (Al Fazl, 4 December 1924, p. 6) A companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Qadianira who was part of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s entourage during this trip, spoke of the difficult circumstances of finding a place to stay in Damascus. He said members of the entourage had to sleep on the floor of one room of the hotel and the room itself was given at a very high price to them. (Safr-eEurope, p. 54) Leaving aside Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s other engagements in Damascus, let us focus on how the prophecy of the Messiah arriving near a white minaret in eastern Damascus was fulfilled.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained how this prophecy manifested during his stay in Damascus in the following manner: “The matter of ‘The White Minaret’ was peculiar too. There was a friend of Hazrat Syed Waliullah Shah Sahib called Maulvi Abdul Qadir al-Maghrabi whom I asked where the minaret was located on which Hazrat Isaas was to descend according to them. He said it was on the Umayyad mosque, however, another [Muslim] cleric said it was located in the neighbourhood of the Christians and yet another cleric said Hazrat Isaas would build it himself after arriving.

“Now we were intrigued over what minaret they referred to and wanted to see it. In the morning I led the [Fajr] prayer in the hotel and at the time myself, Zulfiqar Ali Khan Sahib and Dr Hashmatullah Sahib were present – in other words, two worshippers were behind me [during Fajr prayer]. When I ended the prayer and did the salaam I saw that right in front of us was a minaret and there was only one road separating us. I said, ‘this is that very minaret’ and we were at its eastern side. There was only this minaret which was white and none other. The Ummayad mosque’s minaret was blue. When I saw that white minaret [before us] and there were only two worshippers behind me I said that the hadith has been fulfilled too.” (Al Fazl, 4 December 1924, p.

7) This momentous occasion became a bright star in the history of Islam – the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa Muslims had been waiting for was magnificently fulfilled.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was at the eastern side of the white minaret of Damascus and the two “angels” behind him.

In this manner, the hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that the Messiah would arrive in the eastern side of Damascus near a white minaret came true.

“O teacher!” – Arabs in Damascus inspired by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra Despite the initial opposition Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and his entourage faced in Damascus, a wave of acceptance and inspiration fell on the Arabs in Damascus and they fled to eagerly sit in the company of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and learn from him.

The hotel Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stayed at would be filled to the brim with Arab visitors who wanted to come and learn from Huzoorra.

Describing this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra said: “It was an extraordinary sight. College students and professors would come with their notebooks and whatever I would say, they wrote down. If they missed even a word, they would say ‘Ya ustadh! [O teacher!], please wait for a little, that word was missed.’

As if this was the scene described in the Bible where the Messiah would be addressed by the words ‘O teacher’.” (Al Fazl, 4 December 1924, p. 6) Describing the engagements in Damascus and the intensity of visitors – the majority of whom were admirers – Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “As we woke up on the second day people began arriving [to the hotel]. This reached the point where from the morning to midnight 200-1200 people were always present outside the hotel. This scared the hotel owner who thought disturbances might break out. The police arrived as well and the police officer said there was the danger of violence breaking out.

“To demonstrate that people did not intend to create any disturbance, I stood before the crowd. A few people swore and cursed but the majority expressed great love and affection saying: ‫ھذا ابن المھدی‬ [‘This is the son of the Mahdi’] “And would convey their salaam [to me]. But despite this, the police instructed: ‘Remain indoors as it is our responsibility’.

In this way, we were shut indoors.

“Due to this, we phoned the British council […] and the arrangement was made that the visitors come and meet us inside after getting permission.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra described how the Arab visitors would shut down Muslim clerics who tried to create opposition and uttered inappropriate things against Huzoorra and the Ahmadi Muslim entourage.

“If a [Muslim] cleric spoke against us, others present would tell them off. A [Muslim] cleric came who was thought to be very influential and said some inappropriate things. The educated people present told him off and said not to say such vulgar things and that they had not come to listen to him. At this, he left and the chiefs present began apologising saying ‘He was a foolish person, do not get angry about anything he says – it was an abnormal occurrence.’

“The visit to Damascus was a success well above and beyond expectations […] Newspapers published long articles in praise of us. The intellectual class of Damascus took a great interest in us. All the newspapers that would publish news and articles about our mission would often be

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and his entourage at Bait al-Maqdis, Jerusalem. This photo was taken while Huzoorra was en route to Europe in 1924

sold out immediately.” (Al Fazl, 4 December 1924, p. 6)

Arabs and Ahmadiyyat – A challenge by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had mentioned Shaikh Abdul Qadir al-Maghrabi, a nonAhmadi Muslim Arab. This person was a well-known writer from Damascus. During the visit to Damascus, he said to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that they respected him as he was a respected Imam of a Jamaat. At one point, he said, “However, do not expect that in these lands anyone will be influenced by your beliefs because we are of Arab lineage and Arabic is our mother tongue. And an Indian, no matter how great a scholar he may be, can never have the ability to understand the Quran and hadith more than us.”

After listening to this statement of his, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra negated Shaikh Abdul Qadir’s belief and while smiling said: “We are to send preachers to every corner of the earth, however, now after

returning to India my first task will be to send [Ahmadi] preachers to your country and then I will witness your courage in front of those who wave the Divine flag.”

Accordingly, when Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra returned to India from his travels, to set up an Ahmadiyya Muslim preaching mission in Damascus, he sent Hazrat Syed Walliullah Shah Sahib and Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahib as missionaries to Damascus. Their preaching of Ahmadiyyat’s message in Damascus proved to be successful and many Arabs converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat. (Masalih al-Arab, Vol. 1, p. 150) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s visit to Damascus majestically fulfilled the prophecy made by Prophet Muhammadsa that the Messiah would arrive in the east of Damascus near a white minaret. Islam Ahmadiyyat’s message saw great success and further details of Huzoor’s engagements and the faith-inspiring events that took place in Damascus can be found in Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Sahib’s diary – the section about Damascus spans almost 50 pages.

15

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

Islamic guidance on trade and business in the words of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

is cooperation. The people of Europe cooperated with each other and made progress. [...] So the results that can be achieved through cooperation cannot be achieved in any other way. In the same manner, [by means of mutual cooperation] our Jamaat can also advance.” (Fazail-eQuran (3), Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 11, p. 560)

A merchant must remain informed Explaining the importance for a merchant to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, on 26 April 1922, said: “[…] one who is unaware of the importance of something cannot benefit from it. Take, for example, the tea that is produced in India – the people [of India] were unaware of its value. They did not pay attention to it. Its plants were produced and would dry up in the forest. The British appreciated its value and its importance in trade with the Chinese and immediately bought the areas [of land] where tea was produced for a cheap price.

“Tea gardens all over India now [1922] belong to the British. They acquired them for a price, not by force. Indeed, they have benefited from their knowledge. The British now earn 200 million rupees annually from this tea in India.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 3, p. 151)

A golden principle of trade

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir and Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

The Holy Prophetsa, upon being asked, what type of earning was best, said: “A man’s work with his hand and every transaction which is free from cheating or deception.” (Bulugh al-Maram, Kitab al-Buyoo‘, hadith: 782) Islam has given beautiful and magnificent teachings to mankind the likes of which other religions fail to present.

Islam has addressed issues related to every aspect of human life and offered lasting solutions to worldly and spiritual matters.

Islam forbids man to sit idly and urges him to work hard and strive for the attainment of religious and worldly progress. Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

َّ َ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ۡ َ َ ‫ان ِالا َما َس ٰعی‬ ِ ‫وان لیس ل ِلاِنس‬

“And that man will have nothing but what he strives for.” (Surah al-Najm, Ch.53: V.40) When man keeps doing hard work, ceases to give up and persists in his efforts, he ultimately attains the purpose of his pursuit.

For example, in matters related to trade and business, Islam has provided ample guidance. Dishonesty is a trait despised by Islam to such an extent that the Holy Quran invokes curse upon those who utter lies.

Similarly, Islam forbids any act of dishonesty, in all shapes and forms, and allows normal trade done with honesty and fairness.

Allah the Almighty, whilst giving Hazrat Ahmadas the glad tidings of the Promised Son, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, revealed: “He will be extremely intelligent and perceptive and will be meek of heart and will be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge.” (Tadhkira [English], p. 176) When we study the life and writings of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, one thing that stands out is the great knowledge and wisdom he was bestowed with. Whether it be spiritual knowledge or secular knowledge, Huzoor’sra insight and foresight was extremely sharp.

In today’s society, materialism is rampant, and some do not fret from using all legitimate or illegitimate means for worldly development. With regard to this matter, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has provided significant guidance for a person to conduct their business in a fair and reasonable manner.

In a world where accomplishment in business has become a way of trickery and deception, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra provides pointers and avenues for tradesmen and merchants to adopt and explore, which ultimately navigates one to the road to success. Below are a few from the

many extracts, full of guidance that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has provided:

Hard work and acquiring knowledge of the trade Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that in order for one to be successful in trade, one must work hard and acquire knowledge of the trade. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said: “People do not work hard and do not acquire knowledge of the trade. They desire to run their business with illegal resources [...] If they utilised the proper ways, they would not need to adopt such [dishonest] means”.

Huzoorra added that a person who worked diligently and cautiously would succeed in their objective. However, if one also exhibited honesty in their dealing, then that would bear exceptional fruits. If one was indolent with regard to their work instead of being diligent, Huzoorra said, “then success is difficult”. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 7, pp.

306-307) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra urged everyone to develop and grow in their work in a way that was not individualistic.

Huzoorra explained that cooperation was key to success. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “The best thing for worldly advancement

On one occasion, whilst explaining a crucial principle of trade, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said: “The meaning of siyasah [statecraft and governance] also implies that one should make use [of people] with such moderation that they should neither be exploited nor underwhelmed. Siyasah does not only relate to the government, rather all traders and professional people have their respective siyasah.

“The siyasah of a trader is that they should neither bulk-buy without due diligence to such an extent that [unsold] stocks start to rot in their warehouse, nor should they acquire goods in such low quantity that the demand of the customers cannot be met.

In fact, they should buy goods according to the demand, so that neither the goods are wasted while waiting for customers, nor that the customers have to be turned away due to a lack of goods.

“Similarly, a manufacturer’s or a workman’s siyasah is that they should neither take so long in producing the goods that the trading season elapses nor should they start churning out goods before any signs of demand have arisen.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 5, p. 381)

Refrain from fraud as it is a national vice Fraud, deceit and dishonesty are traits detested by Islam. Man generally deems his dishonest actions and trickery to be mere methods of “getting by” or “getting through life”; however, fraud is an issue that can potentially destroy the credibility of a nation. Speaking on this issue, Huzoorra said: “Fraud in business is a national vice for it destroys the credibility of a nation. When I last visited Kashmir, I found the annual Continued on next page >>

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

16 << Continued from previous page

trade of silver utensils and shawls at an ebb.

It had come down from 10 million rupees annually to 1.7 million owing mainly to the dishonesty of those engaged in this trade and industry.” (The Way of the Seekers, pp.

81-82)

Justice and honouring contracts With regard to justice and honouring agreements, on 1 May 1914, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said: “There are many people who do not act according to justice. Whenever they deal with someone, they try their utmost to usurp their belongings. These people do not honour promises. When a deal has been sealed, it is a matter of shame for someone to expect from X to abide by [the agreement], but not themselves, and [to expect that] they must get some profit under all circumstances, even if the other person suffers a loss.

“The traders wish to sell their goods at the full price, despite their being damaged and of a low quality. On the other hand, the buyers desire to pay less but get items of a higher quality. [...] In short, everyone wishes to inflict loss upon others in their own favour, but does not wish to benefit others. [...]

“Although it has become a norm to commit fraud against fellow humans, people also wish to commit fraud against Allah. [...] They do not fulfil their agreements with God but hope from God to fulfil His end of the promise. They say that as they have declared themselves Muslims, so God will indeed consider them as such. No matter how much malice, grudge and enmity they may be harbouring or evil they may be committing, God [they believe] would treat them as Muslims by getting deceived [Himself]. However, they do not know that He is the Knower of the unseen. Humans may be tricked, shopkeepers may defraud their customers, servants may deceive their masters, and masters may trick their servants, but God can never be deceived because He is fully aware of man’s each and every weakness.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 4, pp. 81-83)

Trade and interest Nodaway, in business, many believe that trade is impossible to run without interest.

This idea is false and is one that should not be entertained. One must stay far from that which Allah Himself has declared unlawful.

On 9 January 1914, Huzoorra said: “Now, look at interest. Allah the Exalted has prohibited it, and said that if you do not quit this, [‘then beware of war from Allah’].

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 280)

ََُۡ ّٰ ‫فاذنوۡا ِب َح ۡر ٍب ِّم َن الل ِہ‬

“This is equivalent to fighting against Allah the Almighty. [...]

“Some people say that there is no harm in interest, and without this, the [system of the] world gets destroyed, and one cannot do without it. [...] People declare trade and interest as inseparable, ‘whereas, Allah has made trade lawful and made interest unlawful.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 276)

ّٰ َّ َ َ َ ّ ‫الل ُہ ال ۡ َب ۡی َع َو َح َّر َم‬ ‫واحل‬ ‫الرِ ٰبوا‬

“Some people object to this saying that no reasoning for the prohibition of

interest and permission of trade has been mentioned. However, when a doctor prohibits something, it is bound to be harmful. If, however, he permits something, it is certainly going to be beneficial. Likewise, anything which Allah the Almighty declares to be unlawful would be harmful. That is the reasoning.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 4, p.

20)

Withholding supplies from the market is forbidden Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “Islam also demands that supplies should not be deliberately withheld from the market with the purpose of artificially boosting prices. If a person hoards goods for this reason, he does so by going against Islamic principles. If a trader has wheat but deliberately withholds its supply from the public in order to raise prices, he is engaged in a sinful activity, according to Islamic teachings.

“Some people believe that regulation of markets by the state is a modern economic concept, but Islam has always recognised its need. The British have now come to recognise that hoarding with the purpose of extracting higher prices is not good for the economy, but Islam recognised it thirteen centuries ago. An Islamic government would require that no trader could hoard his goods, and if any trader were found to be doing so, the government would be entitled to force liquidation of his inventory at appropriate market prices. Thus, the broader Islamic principle mandates that any good that is a need of the people must not be artificially hoarded. The word used for hoarding is ihtikar which primarily refers to the hoarding of food grains. But in line with the Islamic rules of jurisprudence, this injunction would be interpreted broadly to cover all goods that are withheld from the market with the intent of raising the price.”

(The Economic System of Islam, pp. 56-57)

Guidance regarding loans With regard to loans, on 19 November 1920, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained: “Those who borrow [money] and then use excuses, show laziness or even deny returning [the money], are not only the enemies of their own selves but also of their country and nation. When they feel any need [for money], they cry, but when the lender demands [the money], they show indifference [...]

“Such people are harmful in two ways for two kinds of people. [As a result of their behaviour...]: 1) Those who have a real need, cannot borrow [money]. 2) Those who lend money to them, are deprived of this good deed in the future. […]

“Remember well, that just as the shariah commands us to do good to others, it also commands us to value the generosity of a benefactor, and not to be ungrateful. One who lends you money in time of need, is your benefactor. You should treat them in a civilised manner, and return them [the borrowed money] in the same vein as you received it.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 6, pp.

549-550)

Injunction against artificial lowering of prices With regard to an artificial lowering of

prices, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said: “Islam does not permit that prices be forced down by artificial means, because, as mentioned above, this too enables unscrupulous traders to strangle their rivals by forcing them to sell at reduced prices.

“During his reign, Hazrat Umarra, while inspecting the market, came across a trader from outside Madinah who was selling dried grapes at prices that local producers and traders could not compete against.

Hazrat Umarra ordered the man to remove his produce from the market or to sell it at the price prevailing in Madinah. When asked for the reasons for this order, Hazrat Umarra replied that without such an order the local merchants would have suffered a loss even though they were not charging an undue price.

“It is true that some Companionsra questioned the validity of this order in view of the saying of the Holy Prophetsa that market prices should not be interfered with. However, their objection was not wellfounded, since the prohibition against state intervention in market prices by the Holy Prophetsa pertained to interference with the free interplay of supply and demand.

The government should avoid undue interference, as it would provide no benefit to consumers while inflicting serious losses upon traders.

“The validity of this principle is borne out by recent events. The government failed in its attempt to fix the wheat price because, in the prevailing war conditions, no trader was able to sell at a cost price and remain in business. The result was that the normal market activity for wheat came to a standstill and a black market emerged. Starving people were ready to buy wheat at whatever price they could afford. The price that was fixed at six rupees a maund [about 37 kg] by the government at once soared to 16 rupees in the black market. People did not even report to the government about the black market because their survival depended on it. Several months ago, I had drawn the government’s attention to this danger but this warning went unheeded. The right course was adopted only after a great deal of suffering and serious unrest among the public. The earlier wheat price control order was meant to safeguard farmers’ interests, but in reality, the farmers lost heavily while the traders netted large profits.

“In short, the Holy Prophetsa prohibited only improper interference with price levels or unnecessary disruption in the normal operation of supply and demand. He did not forbid regulation to check abnormal price movements whether prices are driven artificially high or artificially low.

The prohibition of ihtikar, which is firmly established according to the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa , also bears this out, because ihtikar only means that artificial increases in prices be checked. Therefore, Hazrat Umar’sra action, although an interference in the market, was a necessary regulation; it was consistent with shariah and demonstrated a sound principle of Islamic teachings.

“The aforementioned are the three sources of unlawful wealth accumulation that Islam has prohibited. In this manner, Islam blocks all channels that lead to the unlawful and excessive accumulation of wealth.

“Since clever and shrewd people might still find ways to accumulate excessive

wealth, to the detriment of the less fortunate, Islam has adopted the following means to address this problem. (The Economic System of Islam, pp. 57-59)

Hospitality while doing business (during Jalsa Salana Qadian) On 22 December 1916, prior to the Jalsa Salana Qadian, Huzoorra advised the local shopkeepers, saying: “I especially want to draw the attention of the residents of Qadian that they should partake in the hospitality [of the Jalsa guests] even if it may incur some inconvenience to them. I do not like to stop the local shopkeepers from doing their business. God Almighty has permitted trade even on the occasion of Hajj. This is also an opportunity for Qadian’s shopkeepers to do business but, where on the one hand, God Almighty does not prohibit trading, He also does not permit being completely lost in it. Thus, the shopkeepers may earn and trade by all means, but they must also spare some time for hospitality.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 5, p. 358)

Every Ahmadi should be hardworking At another occasion, while mentioning the responsibilities of a citizen as per the Islamic teachings, Huzoorra stated: “Islam requires every man to earn his living and not to live an idle life. The Holy Prophetsa has said: ‘The best food is that which a man earns with the labour of his own hands.’” (Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam, p. 250) It is a great blessing of Allah the Exalted for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat that He has, through His divine Mercy, given us a blessed leadership that continues to guide people for the betterment and development of the Jamaat. Whether it is a field of religious education or worldly affairs, the blessed guidance of Islam, presented to us by the Khulafa, enables us to overcome everyday hurdles.

The guidance provided by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra is as important in this era, as it was a century ago, as society still faces many financial disputes and conflicts. By acting upon these golden principles, we can create a peaceful and prosperous society.

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

“I have a lot of respect for your Caliph”: Virtual reception in Glasgow, Scotland Arshad Mehmood Khan Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow

On 30 January 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow held its virtual New Year Reception.

Like every year, local Scottish Muslim and non-Muslim guests, politicians, community leaders and charity representatives were invited.

A committee was formed and tasks were allocated to each member to start work on assignments such as publication and invitations, outreach to different faith groups and African unions based in Scotland, IT-related tasks, social media campaigns, invitations to dignitaries and press and media correspondence etc.

The chairman of the committee was Ahmed Owusu Konadu Sahib, Secretary Outreach Glasgow.

The programme was broadcast via YouTube, Zoom and Facebook live

streaming. The event had an audience of over 700 participants online.

After the recitation from the Holy Quran and its English translation, Ahmed Owusu Konadu Sahib welcomed all guests.

A short introductory clip about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was played.

Murabbi Rawah-ud-din Arif Khan Sahib, gave a brief introduction to the event.

Mo-Az Ahmad Sahib, President of Majlis Ansarullah Glasgow South delivered a presentation on “The Year in Focus (Islam and Charity)”. The presentation included efforts of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland about charitable work, such as donating meals, face masks, snacks to NHS staff as well as its international donations.

Rt Hon Kirsten Oswald, MP for East Renfrewshire said: “Your community is doing wonderful work for the community. I haven’t seen these examples in any community group anywhere and have a lot of respect for your

Caliph whose leadership always drives you to serve the human race positively.”

Cllr Graham Campbell, Springburn and Robroyston said: “I am attending your community for the first time and am very much impressed to see the humanitarian work you are doing for local society. We are facing hunger, climate change, injustice for different minorities around the globe which should be addressed in this new year.”

Cllr Martha Wardrop, Hillhead said: “I know personally that your community is holding charity fun runs, tree plantations, food donations, new year clean-up, and many other activities in Glasgow and around the world. This is a difficult time due to covid and the local community is happy to see these activities for humanity and the environment of Glasgow.”

A video message from Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Cllr Philip Braat was played in which he said: “I am again joining your programme

online due to covid and happy to convey the message ‘Happy New Year’. Your community’s slogan ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ always inspires me and I wish that all faith groups, politicians and communities adopt this slogan for a peaceful society.”

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionaryin-charge UK then delivered an address on the topic of “A Message for the New Year”.

He spoke on how Ahmadi Muslims pledge for a better life spiritually and physically, compared to the previous year. He mentioned how our Khalifah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa guides us almost every day for a positive change in our lives.

A video clip was then shown highlighting the efforts of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa for the establishment of world peace.

Ms Shulamite Ezechi, Manager Anyiso Charity Glasgow thanked Majlis Ansarullah Glasgow for the regular donations which help many rough sleepers and less fortunate people.

An interesting question and answer session was held towards the end of the event.

At the end Abdus Samad Khan Sahib, President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow thanked all guests for attending the event.

The programme concluded with a silent prayer led by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.

Ahmadis in Kosovo donate equipment to struggling primary school Besmir Yvejsi Kosovo Correspondent

Trestenik village is one of the villages of the Municipality of Peja, located in the West of Kosovo. This village has about 680 inhabitants and is bordered by the following villages: Trubuhoc, Ruhot, Stup and Lutogllava. In the village of Trestenik, there is a primary school called Rilindja which has 345 pupils, 31 teachers and five staff members.

Through an official request from the Directorate of Education of the Municipality of Peja, at the end of February 2020, we received a request to support the Rilindja primary school in Trestenik village, and two weeks after this request, the first cases of Covid-19 started to appear and so we had put this request on pause to support the higher priority projects.

On 21 January 2022, from the Directorate of Education in Peja, it was decided to organise online learning for all pupils, due to the increasing number of cases of virus infections and the Omicron variant. During this two-week break for pupils, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Kosovo and Humanity First had the opportunity to purchase the necessary equipment for online learning and install it through its volunteers, on the request submitted by the Directorate of Education in Peja, respectively by the principal of Rilindja school.

On 3 February 2022, Humanity First made donations to Rilindja school. This donation included some of the necessary items needed for the teachers’ staff room and for classrooms, such as desks, shelves, stationary, a laptop, a video projector with a portable screen, curtains, LED lights and other items. These were all donated by

Humanity First.

During the donation ceremony, the following were present: The director of education in the municipality of Peja, the director of legal and property affairs in the municipality of Peja, principal of the primary school Rilindja in Trestenik village, teachers, school staff, representative of Humanity First and volunteers.

The Director of Education, Mr Naser Gega said: “Investments in schools are the most sacred investments made. They are sacred because they are investments made to the purest of ages – the ages of children. We as teachers have a very sacred mission, the mission is to first mould them with a useful culture and education to represent us with dignity to the future generations. Secondly, to make the school a unique, close and loving school so that when the children wake up in the morning to go to school, they come to school with pleasure and with extraordinary joy.”

The principal of Rilindja, Mr Afrim Haxhnikaj also thanked Humanity First on behalf of the school, teachers, pupils and school staff and said the donation was very useful for them. He said: “We are very pleased with the investment made by Humanity First. The investment has been something very accurate, very appropriate and I hope it will be something very good for the students. Our cooperation with this association is at the best level, we thank them very much for the support they are giving us and I hope that in the future we will have very good cooperation and so once again I thank you with all my heart on behalf of our school staff for this donation. […] Thank you and great respect to you, and we hope that these generations in the

future will utilise all these investments done in the best manner and will be rewarded with knowledge.”

At the end of the ceremony, the principal of the school, Mr Afrim Haxhnikaj invited Alban Zeqiraj Sahib (Project Coordinator of Humanity First Kosovo) to speak, who said: “First of all, I thank the director of education in Peja who has found time to be present with us today. I also thank the school principal who has done extraordinary work

these days. On behalf of Humanity First, thank you for the cooperation and I hope we will have such cooperation in the future.”

Alhamdulillah, this project was successfully completed and some local newspapers covered the event. “Radio Peja” has invited us for an interview to talk about the humanitarian activities of Humanity First in general during the pandemic and for the latest humanitarian projects in particular.

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

18

Islam today

Does a Muslim have in the Promised Mes pledge allegiance to

1. When I believe in Allah and the Holy Prophetsa, why do I have to believe in the Promised Messiahas?

Promised Messiahas.

Under the premise of belief in Allah and His Messengersa as asserted in the question, the shortest and simplest answer to this would be that it is the will of Allah and His Messengersa that the Promised Messiahas be accepted, and faith in Allah and His Messengersa would be meaningless if one did not comply with their will.

The will of Allah and His Messenger can be derived from the two main sources of Islam: The Quran and the sunnah.

While it is occasionally claimed that the coming of the Promised Messiahas has explicitly been mentioned in the Holy Quran, the fact is that it was only implicitly mentioned there. The explicit prophecy of the coming of the Promised Messiahas is mentioned in the ahadith, the traditions attributed to the Messengersa of Allah, in which it was promised that at a certain time the Messiah would come, hence the Promised Messiah.

Allah says in Holy Quran about the speech of the Messengersa of Allah:

More than 50 different ahadith transmitted directly from the Messengersa of Allah (marfu), each with a number of narrations, have come down to us about the descent of Jesusas, most of which are classified as authentic (sahih). In addition, there are over 50 ahadith whose chains extend to the Messengersa of Allah prophesying the Promised Messiah under the title of Mahdi (the guided one).

Many eminent scholars of the past and present, such as Imam Ibn Kathirrh (d. 774CE) and Imam al-Shawkanirh (d.

1250CE), have established that the ahadith about the appearance of the Messiah and the Mahdi attain the status of being masstransmitted (mutawatir) – that they have been transmitted through all generations in such large numbers as to leave no doubt about their authenticity.

The following is a small selection of these ahadith: َ َّ ُ َ َّ ُ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫الناس َو�اَ ال ْ َم ْھ ِد ُّي إ�اَّ ِع‬ ‫یسى‬ ‫الساعة ِإ�ا َعلى ِش َرا ِر‬ ‫و�ا تقوم‬ ِ ِ َ‫ابْ ُن مَ ْريَم‬

“And he does not speak out of (his own) desire. It is nothing but (pure) revelation, revealed by God.” (Surah an-Najm, Ch.53: V.4-5) The Messengersa of Allah said: ُ ّ َ َ ُ َُ َ ُ َ​َ َُ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ‫ک َر ُج ٌل َش ْب َع‬ ‫ان‬ ‫وش‬ ِ ‫كﺘاب و ِمﺜ�� معه أ�ا ي‬ ِ �‫أ�ا ِإ�ِي أوتِیﺖ ا‬ َ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ ُْ َ ‫آن ��َا َو َج ْدت ُ ْم ِفی ِه ِم ْن‬ ‫َعلى أ ِريک ِﺘ ِه يَقول َعل ْیک ْم بِ َھذا الق ْر‬ ِ َ َ َ ُ ُ ّ َ​َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ُ ُّ َ َ َ َ ‫ام �ح ِرموه أ�ا �ا‬ ٍ ‫حلا ٍل فﺄ ِح��ه و َما وج َدت ْم ِفی ِه ِمن حر‬ ُّ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ُّ َ ‫اب ِمن السب ِ� و�ا‬ ٍ ‫� ِحل �كم لحم َ َال ِحما ِر ا��ھ� ِ ِّ� و�ا �ل ذِي ن‬ َ َ َ َ َ َْ ْ َ َ ْ ّ َ ُ َ َُ ‫اح ُب َھا َو َم ْن ن َﺰل بِق ْو ٍم‬ ِ ‫اھ ٍد ِإ�ا أن ی ْسﺘﻐ ِ� َ� عنھا ﺻ‬ ِ ‫لقﻄة ُمع‬ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ ‫ف َعل ْیھِ ْم أ ْن يَق ُروه ف ِﺈ ْن ل ْم يَق ُروه ف� ُ� أ ْن ي ُ ْع ِق َبھ ْم بِ ِمﺜ ِل ِق َراه‬ “Beware! I have certainly been given the Quran and something like it with it. But the time will soon come when a man will sit back on his couch and say: Only follow the Quran, make lawful what you find lawful in it, and forbid what you find unlawful in it.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Sunnah, Hadith 4604) This means that if traditions of Allah’s Messengersa reach us that are authentically traceable to him, then it is our duty to accept them. There are ahadith in which he both prophesied the coming of the Promised Messiahas and described the conditions and circumstances of his coming, as well as explained the obligation to accept the

“[…] and the Hour will only come upon the worst of people, and there will be no Mahdi except Jesus, Son of Mary.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Fitan, Hadith 4039) َّ ُ َ َ ُ َّ َ ْ َّ َ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ ‫ف ِﺈذا َرأيْﺘ ُموه ف َبايِ ُعوه َول ْو َح ْب ًوا َعلى الﺜل ِ� ف ِﺈنه خلِیفة الل ِه‬ ْ ُ ‫ال َم ْھ ِد ّي‬ “And when you behold him, pledge allegiance to him, even if you have to crawl over the snow, for he is the Khalifa of Allah, the Mahdi.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab alFitan, hadith 4084) ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َُ َ َ ْ َ َّ ‫وشک ّن أ ْن يَن ِزل ِفیک ُم ابْ ُن م ْري َ َم َحک ًما‬ ِ ‫ لی‬،‫َوال ِذي نف ِ�� بِی ِد ِه‬ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ُ َْ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ً ْ َ ‫ فیک ِ�ر‬،‫عد�ا‬ ،‫ َويَض� ال ِ� ْﺰيَة‬،‫ير‬ ‫ ويقﺘل ال ِ�ن ِز‬،‫الصلِیﺐ‬ ُ َ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َ َّ َ ٌ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ٓ َ ْ َ ُ َ ‫ حﺘى ت��ن السﺠدة‬،‫وي ِفیض المال حﺘى �ا يقب�� أحد‬ ُّ َ ً ْ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ ‫الدنْ َیا َو َما ف‬ ‫احدة خيرا ِمن‬ ‫یھا‬ ِ ِ ‫الو‬

َ ُ‫َو َما يَن ِﻄ ُق َعن ال ۡ َھوَ �ى إ ۡن ُهوَ إلَّا َو ۡ��� ي‬ ‫وح ٰی‬ ِ ِ ِ

Traditions about the Promised Messiah’s arrival

“By Him in Whose hand is my soul, the Son of Mary will soon descend among you as a righteous judge; he will abolish the cross and kill the swine, and there will be no tribute (jizya), and he will distribute wealth such that no one will accept it, and one prostration will be better than the whole world and all that is in it.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab ahadith al-Anbiya, hadith 3448) َ ُ ُ ُ ْ ‫نک ْم‬ ً ‫أن يَلْقى ِعیسى ابْ َن مَ ْري َ َم‬ ‫وشک َمن عاش ِم‬ ‫إماما‬ ِ ‫ي‬

ْ َ ً ْ َ َ َ ًّ ْ َ َ َ ‫الصل‬ َ ‫ وي َ ْق ُﺘ ُل ال ِ�نْز‬،‫یﺐ‬ ‫مھ ِديا‬ ،‫ير‬ ِ ّ ‫ ف َیک ِ� ُر‬،‫وحک ًما عد�ا‬ ِ ُ َ​َ َ َْ ُ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ وتض� الحرب أوزا�ھا‬،‫ال�ﺰية‬ ِ �‫وتوض‬ “Whoever lives among you shall meet Jesus, Son of Mary, as a rightly-guided (Mahdi) Imam, as a righteous judge. He will break the cross, slay the swine, abolish the tribute (jizya) and the war will lay down its burdens.” (Musnad Ahmad) ُ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َّ ُ ُ َ َ ً ْ َ ‫�ا تقوم‬ ،‫الساعة َح ّﺘى يَن ِزل ِفیک ُم ابْ ُن م ْري َ َم َحک ًما ُمق ِسﻄا‬ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ُ َْ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ‫ وي ِفیض‬،‫ ويض� ال ِ�ﺰية‬،‫ ويقﺘل ال ِ�ن ِزير‬،‫فیک ِ�ر الصلِیﺐ‬ ٌ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ْ ‫ال َمال َح ّﺘى �ا يَق َب� ُ� أ َحد‬ “The Hour will not be established until the Son of Mary descends amongst you as a just judge, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the tribute (jizyah).

He will distribute wealth such that nobody will accept it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alMazaalim, hadith 2476) ُ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُْ َْ َ ْ َ ‫امک ْم ِم ْنک ْم‬ ‫ﻛیﻒ أن�� ِإذا نﺰل ابن مريم ِفیکم و ِإم‬ “How will you fare when the Son of Mary descends among you and he will be your Imam from among you?” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab ahadith al-Anbiya, hadith 3449) ُ ُ ُ َ​َ​َ َ َ َ َ ُ َْ َ َ ‫ﻛ ْیﻒ أن� ْ� ِإذا ن َﺰل ِفیک ُم ابْ ُن م ْري َ َم فﺄ ّمک ْم ِم ْنک ْم‬ “How would you fare when the Son of Mary comes down among you and leads you as one of you?” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imaan, hadith 155d) ُ َ َ َّ ّ ُ ْ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫َ بْ َن‬ َ َ ‫السل‬ ‫ام‬ ��ِ ‫َم ْن أ ْد َرك ِم ْنک ْم ِعیسى ا مريم فلیق ِرئه ِم‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫َﺻلى الل ُه َعل ْی ِھ َما َو َسل َم‬ “Those of you who shall meet Jesus, the Son of Mary, shall convey my greeting of peace (salaam) to him.” (Al-Mustadrak ‘ala Sahihayn) َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ‫ُﻃوبَى ل َِعیْﺶ ب َ ْع َد ال ْ َم ِسيح ُﻃوبَى ل َِعی‬ ‫يح يُﺆذ ُن‬ ِ ‫ﺶ بعد الم ِس‬ ٍ ٍ َِ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َّ ْ �‫ِلس َما ِء �ي ال ْ َق ْﻄر َوي ُ ْﺆ َذ ُن ل ِل‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ات ف� ْ� بَذ ْرت َح ّبک‬ ِ ‫ض �ِي النب‬ ِ ِ ِ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َّ ُ َ ّ َ ٌ َ َ َ ٌ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫اح و�ا �حاسد و�ا تباﻏض حﺘى ي�ر‬ ٍ ‫على الصفا لنبﺖ فلا �ش‬ َ َ َ ُ ُّ ُ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ ُّ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َّ ‫اح‬ ٍ ‫ا��جل على ا��س ِد و�ا ي�ره ويﻄﺄ على الحی ِة فلا ت�ره و�ا �ش‬ ٌ ُ َ ٌ ُ َ​َ َ ‫اسد َو�ا ت َباﻏض‬ ‫و�ا �ح‬ “Blessed is he who lives after the coming of the Messiah. Blessed is he who lives after the coming of the Messiah. It will be announced for the heavens in the land, and it will be announced for the earth in the crops. If you were to sow your seed upon the rock, it would surely grow. You will not have greed for each other, nor will you envy each other, nor will you hate each other, until a man will pass by a lion and he will not harm him and he will walk over a snake and it will not harm him. You will not have

greed for each other, nor will you envy each other, nor will you hate each other.” (Hadith Abi Bakr al-Anbari) َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ َ ‫ك ْع َبة �ي ال ْ َم َنام فَﺈ َذا َر ُج ٌل‬ ‫آد ُم‬ �‫أ َرا�ِي اللیلة ِعند ا‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ َ ْ ُ ُ َ ُ َْ َ ّ ُْ ْ ْ ُ َ َ ْ َ ‫ک َب ْی ِه‬ ِ ‫ال ت� ِرب ل ِّمﺘه بَي َن َمن‬ ِ ‫�ﺄحس ِن ما ي َری ِم ْن أد ِم ا��ِج‬ َْ ُ ْ َ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ ً ‫اء َو‬ ‫ک َ� ْ� َر ُجلي ِن‬ ِ ‫اضعا يَديْ ِه على َمن‬ ِ ً ‫َر ِجل الشع ِر يَقﻄ ُر َرأ ُسه َم‬ ُ ْ َُ ْ َْ ُ َُ َُ َ ُ ‫ﺖ َم ْن َھ َذا فَ َقالُوا َھ َذا ال ْ َم ِس‬ ‫يح ابْ ُن‬ ‫ﺖ فقل‬ ِ ‫وھو يﻄوف بِالبی‬ ْ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ً َ ً ْ َ ُ َ َ َ ً ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ‫مريم ثم رأيﺖ رجلا وراءه جعدا ق ِﻄﻄا أعور العي ِن الیمنى‬ َْ​َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ً ‫ﺖ بابْن قَ َﻄن َو‬ ‫ک َ� ْ� َر ُج ٍل‬ ِ ‫اضعا يَديْ ِه على َمن‬ ِ ٍ ِ ِ ْ‫�ﺄش َب ِه من َرأي‬ ُ ّ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ُ َ ‫يح الد َجال‬ ‫ﺖ فقلﺖ من ھذا قالوا الم ِس‬ ِ ‫يﻄوف بِالبی‬ “I saw a vision last night by the Ka‘bah in my sleep. There was a brown-skinned man, as beautiful as I had ever seen. His hair fell between his shoulders, a man whose head was dripping with water. He placed his hands on the shoulders of two men as he circled the House. I said: Who is this? They said: It is the Messiah, Son of Mary. Then I saw a man behind him, with very curly hair and blindness in his right eye, resembling the look of Ibn Qatan. He placed his hands on the shoulders of a man as he circled the House. I said: Who is this? They said: It is the False Messiah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadith al-Anbiya, hadith 3439) ُ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ ‫ير� ْم‬ ‫يَن ِزل ِعیسى ابن مريم ﺻلى الله علی ِه وسلم فیقول أ ِم‬ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ‫اء تک ِر َمة‬ ‫ض أمر‬ ٍ ‫تعال ﺻ ِل لنا فیقول �ا ٰ ِإن بعضکُم َعلى بع‬ َ ْ َ ّ ‫الل ِه ھ ِذ ِه ا�� ّمة‬ “Jesus, the Son of Mary will descend and the Muslim leader will say: Come lead us in prayer. Jesus will say: No, some of you are leaders over others, as Allah has honoured this Ummah.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imaan, hadith 156) Furthermore, there are countless prophecies by saints and sages (awliya) of Islam prophesying the coming of the Messiah and the Mahdi, as well as statements by Islamic scholars and jurists stating that it is incumbent upon Muslims to follow the Messiah and Mahdi once he appears.

2. Why is the bai‘at to the Promised Messiahas not sufficient to be an Ahmadi – Why do we have to pledge allegiance to the Khalifa?

First, it should be noted that to call oneself an Ahmadi, it is indeed sufficient to accept the Promised Messiahas. The Khulafa of the Promised Messiahas and those who have pledged allegiance to them have never denied that those who do not accept the

19

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022

to believe ssiah and his Khulafa?

Khulafa and do not pledge allegiance to them are Ahmadis.

However, the election of and pledge of allegiance to a Khalifa is obligatory, it is a divinely imposed duty like any other. The proof of the obligation to elect a Khalifa and pledge allegiance to him is derived from both the sunnah of the Messengersa and the consensus (ijma) of the Companionsra.

The necessity of establishing Khilafat and pledging allegiance to it As far as the sunnah is concerned, there is for example the following tradition. The Messengersa of Allah said: َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ْ ً َ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫ام ِة �ا � ّ�ة � ُ� َو َم ْن‬ ‫من خل� يدا ِمن ﻃاع ٍة ل�� الله يوم ال ِقی‬ ً َّ ً َ َ َ ٌ َ َْ ِ ُ ُ َْ​َ َ َ ‫اھلِیة‬ ِ ‫َمات ولی َﺲ �ِي عن ِق ِه بیعة مات ِمیﺘة ج‬ “He who forsakes obedience will find no argument when he stands before Allah on the Day of Resurrection, and he who dies without having pledged allegiance dies a death of Jahiliyya [non-acceptance of Islam].” (Sahih Muslim, The book on government, hadith 1851a) The Holy Prophetsa also said to Hazrat Huzayfara ibn al-Yaman about the LatterDays, and the latter reports: ُ ْ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ُ َ ٌ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ َم ْن‬ ‫یھا" قلﺖ‬ ‫ أجابھم ِإلیھا قذفوه ِف‬،��‫اب جھ‬ ِ ‫"دعاة ِإلى أبو‬ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ‫ َوي َ َﺘ َ�ل َّ ُمون‬،‫ال "� ُ ْم ِم ْن جل ْ َدت َنا‬ ‫يا رسول الل ِه ِﺻفھم لنا فق‬ ِ ِ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َْ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ َ​َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ َْ ‫بِﺄل ِسن ِﺘنا" قلﺖ ��ا تﺄمر�ِي ِإن أدر� ِ�� ذل ِک قال"تلﺰم جماعة‬ ْ َ َ َ ُْ َ ْ ُ َ َْ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ُْ َ َ َ َ ٌ ‫اع ٌة َو�اَ إ َم‬ ‫ام‬ ‫ال ُم ْسلِ ِمين و ِإمامھم" قلﺖ ف ِﺈن لم يکن لھم جم‬ َِ َ َّ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ َول ْو أ ْن ت َعض بِﺄ ْﺻ ِل ��َ َر ٍة‬،‫قال "فاع� ِزل تِلک ال�ِ َ�ق �ل َھا‬ َ َ َ َ َْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ "‫َح ّﺘى يُد ِرﻛک ال َم ْوت َوأنﺖ َعلى ذل ِک‬ “‘There will be some people who will invite others to the gates of Hell, and whoever accepts their invitation to it will be thrown in it.’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa!

Describe those people to us.’ He said, ‘They will belong to us and speak our language.’ I asked, ‘What do you order me to do if such a thing should take place in my life?’ He said, ‘Adhere to the community of Muslims and their Imam.’ I asked, ‘What if there is neither a community nor an Imam?’ He said, ‘Keep away from all those different sects, even if you had to eat the root of a tree, till you meet Allah while you are still in that state.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alFitan, hadith 7084) The Messengersa has thus made the pledge of allegiance obligatory on every Muslim. He describes the one who dies without having taken a pledge of allegiance

as one who dies the death of a non-believer (jahiliyyah). The Messengersa of Allah has thus made incumbent on every Muslim the pledge of allegiance; the obligation is therefore for every Muslim to take this pledge of allegiance.

This essentially presupposes the existence of an Imam and Khalifa, who by his very existence has the right to have Muslims pledge allegiance to him. In turn, it is the existence of the Khalifa that necessitates the pledge of allegiance to him by every Muslim. Therefore, this hadith is proof that the election of a Khalifa is obligatory and that every Muslim is obliged to pledge allegiance to that Khalifa. The Messengersa of Allah admonished the absence of a Muslim’s pledge of allegiance until his death.

Then the Messengersa of Allah also said to the believers: ُ ْ َ ُ َ​َ ُ ُ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫اء ف َ َیک� ُروا" قالوا فک ْیﻒ ن ْص َن� َقال "أ ْوفوا‬ ‫"ت��ن خلف‬ َّ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ ُ َ َ ُ َ ‫بِ َب ْی َع ِة ا�� ّو ِل فا�� ّو ِل أ ّدوا ال ِذي َعل ْیک ْم ف َسی ْسﺄلھ ُم الل ُه ع ّﺰ‬ َّ َ َّ َ "‫َو َجل ع ِن ال ِذي َعل ْیھِ ْم‬ “There will be Khulafa and there will be many of them.” They asked, ‘What should we do?’ He said, ‘Fulfil your pledge of allegiance to the first one, then the one who comes after him, and do the duties required of you, for Allah will question them about the duties upon them.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Jihad, hadith 2871) Referring to a recurring pattern of divine communities and their authorities, the Messengersa of Allah said: ٌ َ ّ ُّ َ ٌ َ َ ّ ُّ َ ٌ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ‫ و�ا �انﺖ ِخلافة قﻂ إ�ا‬،‫ما �انﺖ ن ُب ّوة قﻂ إ�ا ت ِب َع ْﺘھا ِخلافة‬ ٌْ ُ َ َ ‫ت ِبعھا ملک‬ “There has never been a prophethood except that it was followed by Khilafat, and there has never been a Khilafat except that it was followed by a kingship.” (Mashyakhah Ibn Tahman, hadith 40) Since the Promised Messiahas was a non-legislative shadow-prophet of the Holy Prophet of Islam (who had confirmed this prophetic status), on a purely logical basis, this pattern had to apply to him as well and a rightly-guided Khilafat was to follow him.

Khilafat will be established after the Mahdi In another tradition, the Messengersa of Allah prophesied: ٰ َ ُ ُ َ ُّ ُ ُ َ َ �ُ َ ‫أن ت‬ ْ ‫اللّ ُه‬ َ ‫ ث ُ َّم ي َ ْرفَ ُعھا إذا َش‬،‫�ن‬ ‫اء‬ ‫الن ُب ّوة ِفیک ْم ما شاء‬ ‫ت��ن‬ ُ َ َ ُ َ​َ ْ ٌ َ ُّ ُ‫ فَ َﺘ ُ��ن‬،‫الن ُب َّوة‬ ُ َ ّ ْ ‫نھاج‬ ‫ ثم ت��ن ِخلافة على ِم‬،‫أن يَرفعھا‬ ِ ِ

َ ْ ُ ّٰ َ َ ُ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ّٰ َ ‫ ث َّم‬،‫أن ي َ ْرف َعھا‬ ‫ ث َّم ي َ ْرف ُعھا إذا شاء الله‬،‫�ن‬ �‫ما شاء الله أن ت‬ ُ َ ًّ ً ْ ُ ُ َ َ ْ َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ّ ٰ َ ُ ُ َ ‫ ثم يرفعھا‬،‫ فی��ن ما شاء الله أن ي��ن‬،‫ت��ن ُمل�ا عاضا‬ ُ �ُ َ ‫ ث ُ َّم ت‬،‫أن ي َ ْرفَ َعھا‬ ْ ‫اء‬ ُ �ُ ‫ فَ َﺘ‬،‫�ن ُمل ْ ً�ا َج�ْريَّ ًة‬ َ ‫إذا َش‬ َ ‫�ن ما‬ ‫شاء‬ ِ ً َ ٰ ُ �ُ َ ‫ ث ُ َّم ت‬،‫أن ي َ ْرفَ َعھا‬ ْ ‫شاء‬ َ �ُ َ ‫أن ت‬ ْ ‫اللّ ُه‬ َ ‫ ث ُ َّم ي َ ْرفَ ُعھا إذا‬،‫�ن‬ ‫�ن ِخلافة‬ ُ َ ُ َ َ ‫نھاج ن ُب ّو ٍة ث َّم َسکﺖ‬ ‫َعلى ِم‬ ِ “Prophethood will remain in you for as long as Allah decides for it to remain and then Allah will remove it when He decides to remove it. After prophethood, there will be a Khilafat on the path of prophethood and it will exist for as long as Allah decides for it to exist, then He will remove it when He decides to remove it. Then there will be a kingdom in which people will face trials and tribulations and it will continue to exist for as long as Allah decides for it to exist.

Then He will remove it when He decides to remove it. After this, there will be an oppressive kingdom and it will continue to exist for as long as God decides for it to exist.

Then He will remove it when He decides to remove it. Then there will once again be a Khilafat on the path of prophethood.”

Thereafter he remained silent. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal; Mishkat, Kitab alRiqaq, Bab al-Andhar wal-Tahdhir) The narrator of this hadith, Habib ibn Salimrh, wrote a letter to Hazrat Umar ibn Abd al-Azizrh (a reformer (mujaddid) of the first century) when he became the Khalifa and expressed the opinion that it was his rule that was foretold by the report. But in fact, this is a rather far-fetched idea as there had not passed the two mentioned distinct kingships before him.

This was also confirmed by the modern Salafi hadith scholar al-Albani (d. 1999 CE). He said: ،‫ومن البعید عندي حمل الحديث على ع�ر بن عبد الع�يﺰ‬ ‫��ن خلافﺘه �انﺖ قريبة العھد بال�لافة ا��اشدة ولم تکن‬ ‫ والله أعلم‬،‫بعد ملكين ملک عاض وملک ج�رية‬ “It seems far-fetched to me to apply this hadith to Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, because his Khilafat was close to the era of the rightly-guided Khilafat, and there had not yet existed two kingdoms: a mordacious kingship (mulk ‘add) and a coercive kingship (mulk jabariyyah), and Allah knows best.” (Silsilat al-ahadith assahihah).

Another hadith that is corroborated by the above-mentioned hadith indicates that this Khilafat on the path of prophethood would be established with the appearance of the Mahdi. The Prophetsa said: ُ �ُ ‫َس َی‬ ُ َ‫ و ِمن ب َ ْعد ال�ُلَفا ِء أُم‬،‫فاء‬ ُ َ ‫�ن ِمن ب َ ْعدي ُخل‬ ‫ و ِمن ب َ ْع ِد‬،‫راء‬ ِ ِ ُ ُ َْ ٌ ٌ ُ َ ُ ٌ َُ ‫ ث َّم � ْ� ُر ُج َر ُجل ِمن‬،‫�ك َجبابِ َرة‬ ‫ و ِمن بع ِد‬،‫ا��مرا ِء ُم��ك‬ ِ �‫الم‬ ُ َ ً ْ َ َ ْ َ َْ َْ ْ ْ َ ‫ا��رض عد�ا كما ُملِﺌﺖ َج ْو ًرا‬ �‫أھ ِل بی ِ�� يمل‬ “After me, there will be Khulafa. After the Khulafa, there will be rulers. After the rulers, there will be kings. After the kings, there will be tyrants. Then, a man from my ahl al-Bayt (progeny) shall emerge who will fill the earth with justice as it was filled with tyranny.” (Al-Mu‘jam al-kabir li-t-Tabarani, hadith 18406) Contemporary non-Ahmadi scholars, such as Amin Muhammad Jamal adDin, Professor at the al-Azhar University in Cairo, and the famous Syrian scholar Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, have also expressed the opinion that this Khilafat on the path of prophethood would be established after the appearance of the Mahdi.

The consensus (ijma) of the Companionsra The Companionsra of the Messengersa of Allah agreed on the need to establish Khilafat through election after his death and to pledge allegiance to it. When Hazrat Abu Bakrra was elected Khalifa after the Messengerra of Allah, all the Companions pledged allegiance to him. Moreover, the Companionsra all agreed to elect the next Khalifa after the death of the respective previous Khalifa and pledge allegiance to him.

Furthermore, the general consensus of the Companionsra on the establishment of Khilafat became evident at the death of the Messengersa of Allah, when they were dealing with the election of the Khalifa instead of preparing for his burial, although the burial of the deceased is obligatory, and it is not permissible to be preoccupied with anything else until the burial is completed.

This would not have been permissible unless the election of the Khalifa was a matter of greater obligation than the funeral.

Moreover, throughout their lives, all the Companionsra agreed on the obligation of electing Khulafa and pledging allegiance to them. While there were times in early Islam when there was a difference of opinion on who should be elected Khalifa, there was never disagreement about the need to elect the Khalifa and pledge allegiance to him, neither after the death of the Messengersa of Allah nor after the death of any of the rightly-guided Khulafara.

Accordingly, the general consensus of the Companionsra is both clear and strong evidence that the establishment and election of the Khalifa and the pledge of allegiance to it are obligatory.

Also, the Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas agreed on the establishment of and pledging allegiance to the elected Khalifa.

After the demise of Promised Messiahas all of the Companionsra unanimously pledged allegiance to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra as Khalifatul Masih I. Thus, Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib, who was the secretary of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya at the time, published the following notice to the members of the Jamaat in the supplement of the 30 May 1908 issue of Al Hakam newspaper, also signed by all trustees of Sadr Anjuman: “The entire nation present in Qadian, numbering 1200 at the time, has accepted Hazrat Haji al-Haramayn al-Sharifayn Hakim Nuruddin as his [the Promised Messiah’s] successor and Khalifa, and has pledged allegiance at his hand. This letter goes as a notice to all the members of the Jamaat, that immediately after reading the letter, they should pledge allegiance to Hazrat Hakimul Ummah Khalifatul Masih wal-Mahdi, either in person or in writing.”

In the same way, the following announcement was published in the Badr newspaper of 2 June 1908: “In compliance with instruction from the Promised Messiah, vide Al-Wasiyyat […] It has been decided that all members of the Jamaat, old and new, should pledge allegiance at his [Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’s] hand as Khalifatul Masih, in which capacity his wishes and orders shall have the same authority for us as the wishes and orders of the Promised Messiah.”

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

20

“He shall be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge”: A glimpse into the scholarly works of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud wisdom. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p.

40) This was Huzoor’s first speech in front of a large public gathering. He presented the commentary of the second ruku of Surah Luqman and the speech, being full of new insights and subtle points, became the talk of the town. (Fazl-e-Umar, pp. 58-60) Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra describes his own condition during the speech as follows: “My knowledge has greatly increased since then and my thoughts and ideas have changed, but even now I become amazed when I read that speech. How did those ideas come out of my mouth? And if I spoke those words now, I would think they were explained to me through the special grace of God. “Because of my youth and speaking for the first time in an important assembly, my nerves were so badly affected that I could not make out people’s faces – it seemed dusky and gloomy. And I did not know what I was saying. I only realised what I had said when I later read the speech in the newspaper. This ruku served as a seed in helping me preach Islam and I benefited from it very much.” (Ibid.)

Tash-heez-ul-Azhan

Aqeel Ahmed Kang Al Hakam

Allah the Exalted revealed to the Promised Messiahas that the Promised Son would be “filled with secular and spiritual knowledge,” i.e. God Himself would teach him the spiritual knowledge and secular sciences that serve the faith. If we look at the educational journey of this Promised Son – Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Musleh-e-Maudra – and the circumstances he encountered on this path, it becomes clear in what magnificent way this prophecy was fulfilled.

All of Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahiba’sra previous children, before the birth of Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, had perished in infancy, and his health could also hardly be described as good. His persistent eye infection was not only causing him discomfort, but it was also interfering with his studies. At one point

it had become so chronic that the doctors predicted complete loss of sight. He also suffered from many other illnesses that would sometimes last over prolonged periods of time. As a result, he was frequently absent from school. Even when he did attend, he was unable to concentrate. Because his weak health would not withstand the strain, the Promised Messiahas had asked his professors to give him complete freedom regarding his school attendance. (Fazl-e-Umar, pp. 41-46) Shedding light on his condition at that time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “Most of my children’s handwriting is better than mine. Only my daughter, Amatur Rashid writes like me. Her writing is so bad that we once offered her a prize of one rupee if she could read her own handwriting. This was my condition at the time that sometimes, I could not even read my own handwriting.” (Ibid.)

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra left school without

even a matriculation certificate. However, Allah has His own ways. He wants to prove to the world that adverse circumstances or even the fiercest opposition can never stop what He has destined. Hence, despite the circumstances described above, Allah fulfilled all of His promises He had made to the Promised Messiahas and the Prophecy of Musleh-e-Maudra was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra in all its glory. He was indeed “filled with secular and spiritual knowledge” beyond measure, a brief glimpse of which is given below:

First speech at Jalsa Salana On the subject of the unity of God, at just 17 years of age, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra delivered a speech on the occasion of the Jalsa Salana 1906, which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira also greatly praised and stated that he had presented some truly unique points of

When he was just 17 years old, the young Mahmud Ahmadra founded an association along with some friends who were passionate about serving the faith. The Promised Messiahas chose the name Tashheez-ul-Azhan for this association, which means “The honing of minds”. After some time, in March 1906, this association started a quarterly magazine under the same name devoted to the exposition of spiritual values.

This journal published first-rate articles that sprang forth from the blessed pen of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, including the very early masterpieces such as The Love of God, Deen-e-Haqq [The True Faith], Najaat [Salvation], Pharaoh of Mosesas and Ten Proofs for the Existence of God. Huzoorra states: “There were seven of us students who founded the Tash-heez-ul-Azhan journal.

We did not seek help from anyone else. We did not ask for a penny towards its cost and financed it ourselves. However, later we did not refuse if someone offered a voluntary donation. Otherwise, we bore the burden ourselves and did not even ask anyone for

21

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 an article. We were its editors, we were its publishers and we were its distributors. We did everything ourselves.” (Fazl-e-Umar, pp.

60-62) The journal attracted much praise, so much so that even Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib called it a “clear proof of the truth of the Movement”. (Ibid.)

Al Fazl Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, at the age of 24, felt that a newspaper was required to “awaken [the Community], to charge it with electric energy, to shake it into life and to make it pitch its aims high”. Thus, under the most unfavourable circumstances and no funds at his disposal, he staked every penny he could raise and started a weekly newspaper in June 1913, for which the name of Al Fazl was chosen by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, who had approved of the venture and given it his blessings. (Fazl-e-Umar, pp. 131-132) The work which Al Fazl assumed was, in its own words, “to clarify the position of the Promised Messiahas; to impress upon the Community that he alone was its master and guide, the importance of whose mission could not be minimised without depriving Ahmadiyyat and Islam of all that was alive in it”. (Fazl-e-Umar, pp. 131-132) Huzoorra continued to personally look after the paper until he was chosen as the Khalifatul Masih.

This newspaper played a vital role in the discourse on Ahmadiyyat for over a century.

It has now expanded vastly and still serves as an official publication of the Community, alhamdulillah.

As Khalifatul Masih II Huzoorra was an extremely busy person and after being adorned with the mantle of Khilafat, his engagements increased drastically.

Thus, when contemplating Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra enormous contribution as a writer, it is crucial to remember that he was not a retired gentleman who spent all of his time studying and researching his subject matter. He was, on the contrary, the leader of a global, active, and expanding the Community and had to remain in contact with hundreds of thousands of members and offer counsel even in their most personal matters.

Despite such a busy schedule, taking the time to write and produce hundreds of treatises is nothing short of a miracle.

It is especially so since there was not even as much as electricity in Qadian for a long period of time, let alone internet, libraries or any such research facilities.

Despite all this, the vastness, depth and diversity of knowledge and the God-given insight that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra possessed, distinguishes him as a prolific author in the defence of Islam and the exposition of its verities.

The spiritual and secular knowledge of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was such that even the enemies acknowledged it. The Ahrar leader, Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan, editor of the daily Zamindar from Lahore had the misfortune of being an opponent of Ahmadiyyat. However, when defeat confronted him, he looked for a cause for his lack of success and while addressing other opposing groups, he had to admit:

“Listen with your ears wide open, you and your accomplices can never compete with Mirza Mahmud till the Day of Resurrection.

Mirza Mahmud has the Quran and its deep knowledge with him. What have you got?”

(Fazl-e-Umar, pp. 267-268) Huzoor’sra Quranic exegesis, Friday sermons, Eid and nikah sermons, addresses at events, instructions for Majlis-eShura, guidance for Jamaat’s associations, institutions and auxiliary organisations, articles in Ahmadi as well as non-Ahmadi newspapers and magazines, messages for the annual conventions of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya in foreign countries, advice for Ahmadi missionaries, answers to questions and other correspondence etc. have been published to a great extent by the Jamaat and serve as a beacon of light for the seekers of truth. The following is a very brief glimpse into some of these vast treasures:

Tafsir His magnum opus was a detailed commentary on the Holy Quran, which he called Tafsir-e-Kabir (The Grand Exegesis), currently being translated into English and serialised by The Review of Religions. It spans over many thousands of pages. This commentary was the first of its kind to provide a fresh explanation of the verses of the Holy Quran in light of modern-day knowledge and discovery.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mesmerises readers by synthesising and integrating insights from multiple disciplines including theology, jurisprudence, politics, history, anthropology, philosophy, geography, sociology, psychology and lexicography, demonstrating his vast knowledge and understanding of both hidden and temporal realities. His work is not merely an addition to the classical commentaries; rather, it offers a novel approach to the study of exegetical commentaries and the science of comparative religions, paving a new way in this field of research.

Huzoorra recounts that he was taught the meanings of the verses and chapters of the Holy Quran by God Almighty Himself, through direct revelations, dreams and divine inspirations (reviewofreligions. org/14635/introducing-at-tafsir-al-kabir/) Even during periods of extreme ill health, Huzooraa did not lay aside his work altogether. Hence, shortly before the last long illness, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was able to write a short commentary of the Holy Quran in the form of Tafsir-e-Saghir.

Huzoor’sra sermons, addresses, duroosul-Quran, majalis-e-irfan and other discourses also contain commentary on Quranic verses. Lovers of Quranic sciences appreciate and pay homage to the points made by Huzoorra. Scholars have written articles on the merits and distinctive features of Huzoor’s commentary.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra tafsir work is a great testament to his immense love and devotion to the Holy Quran. There are also many other works related to the Holy Quran, other than tafsir, such as: • Faza’il-ul-Quran [Virtues of the Holy Quran] (1928-1936) • Quran-e-Karim par Satyarth Prakash ke Aitrazaat ki Haqeeqat [The Truth Behind Satyarth Prakash’s Objections to the Holy Quran] (1933) • Quran-e-Karim ke Parhnay Parhanay kay

Muta‘alliq Ta‘keed [Admonition Regarding the Recitation and the Teaching of the Holy Quran] (1945) • Hamari Jamaat Mein Ba-kasrat Huffaaz Honay Chahiyain [There Should Be Many Huffaz in Our Community] (1946) • Koi Ahmadi Aisa Nahi Hona Chahiay Jisay Quran-e-Karim Ba-Tarjumah na Aata ho [There Should Not Be a Single Ahmadi Who Does Not Know the Translation of the Holy Quran] (1946) • Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran (1948) • Sab ka Farz Hae keh Woh Dars-ul-Quran Mein Shaamil Huwa Karein [It Is Everyone’s Duty to Participate in Dars-ul-Quran] (1952) • Three Principles of the Holy Quran Form the Basis of Science (1953)

Sirah and history Huzoor’sra grasp over history was such that once, after listening to one of his lectures at the Martin Historical Society Lahore, the chairperson stood up and remarked: “I have had the chance to study pages of history. When I entered this hall this evening, I thought to myself, ‘I possess knowledge of Islamic history, and I can form opinions on its history’, but having heard Mirza Sahib’s lecture, I realise that I am still a young student. The light of my knowledge and the light of Mirza Sahib’s knowledge is

similar in comparison to this lamp (placed on the table) and the bulb transmitting light in this hall.” (Al Hakam, 8 March 2019) Some of Huzoor’sra books on this subject are as follows: • Sirat al-Nabisa [The Life and Character of the Holy Prophetsa] (1914) • The Outset of Dissension in Islam (1919) • Jang-e-Jamal: The Battle of the Camel (1920) • Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and His Teachings (1924) • Haqq-ul-Yaqeen [A Reply to Hafwat-ulMunafiqeen] (1926) • Duniya ka Muhsin [The Benefactor of the World] (1927) • Muhammadsa the Liberator of Women (1928) • Nabi-e-Karimsa Kay Paanch Azeem-ulShaan Ausaaf [Five Magnificent Attributes of the Holy Prophetsa] (1931) • Uswah-e-Kamil [The Perfect Example] (1933) • Rahmatun-lil-Alameensa [Mercy For All Peoples] (1933) • Khilafat-e-Rashidah: Rightly-Guided Khilafat (1939) • Uswah-e-Hasanah [An Excellent Model] (1943) Continued on next page >>

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

22 << Continued from previous page

• Life of Muhammadsa (1948) • Muhammadsa the Kindred to Humanity

The Promised Messiahas and Ahmadiyyat Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra unwavering belief in the truth of the Promised Messiahas was inscribed so deeply on his heart and soul that no power, storm, or earthquake could shake it. He was only 19 when the Promised Messiahas passed away. At that time, standing at his bedside, he proclaimed: “I make a solemn pledge that even if the entire Jamaat were to forsake Ahmadiyyat, I will convey the message that You have revealed through the Promised Messiah[as] to each and every corner of the world.”

(Fazl-e-Umar, p. 99) Some of Huzoor’sra works that convey this very sense of conviction are as follows: • Sadiqoon ki Roshni ko Kaun Door Kar Sakta Hai? [Who Can Extinguish the Light of the Truthful?] (1908) • Musalmaan Wuhi Hai jo Sub Ma‘muroon Ko Manay [A Muslim Is One Who Believes in All of God’s Appointed Ones] (1911) • Haqiqat-un-Nubuwwah [The Philosophy of Prophethood] (1915) • Paigham-e-Masih-e-Maudas [The Message of the Promised Messiahas] (1915) • Hazrat Ahmadas (1916) • Ma‘yaar-e-Sadaqat [The Standard of Truthfulness] (1921) • Da‘wat-e-Ulama [An Invitation for the Scholars] (1922) • Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas Kay Karnamay [The Achievements of the Promised Messiahas] (1927)

• Baani-e-Silsila-e-Ahmadiyyaas ki Sadaqat Kay Teen Shahid [Three Witnesses to the Truthfulness of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] (1934) • The Quetta Earthquake – A Mighty Divine Sign (1935) • Wuhi Hamara Krishanas [He is Our Krishan] (1936) • Baani-e-Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya Koi Naya Deen Nahi Laaye [The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Did Not Bring a New Religion] (1938) • Mazaar Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas par Dua aur us ki Hikmat [The Wisdom Behind Praying at the Grave of the Promised Messiahas] (1944) • Khuda Ta‘ala Duniya Ki Hidayat Ke Liye Hamesha Nabi Mab‘oos Farmata Hai [God Almighty Always Appoints Prophets for the Guidance of Mankind] (1946) Below are some of the books Huzoorra wrote to further elucidate the truth of Ahmadiyyat: • Allah Ta‘ala ki Madad Sirf Sadiqoon Kay Saath Hai [Allah’s Support Is Only With the Truthful] (1915) • Sadaqat-e-Ahmadiyyat [The Truthfulness of Ahmadiyyat] (1920) • Invitation to Ahmadiyyat (1922) • Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam (1924) •Majma‘-ul-Bahrain / Ahmadiyya Movement (1924) • The Beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (1925) • Mukhalifin-e-Ahmadiyyat ke Baarey Mein Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Ko Naseehat [Admonition for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Regarding Its Opponents] (1925) • Ahmadiyyat Kay Usool [The Principles of Ahmadiyyat] (1934) • Ahmadiyyat ka Paigham [The Message of

Ahmadiyyat] (1948) • What is Ahmadiyyat? (1948) • Ahmadiyyat Dunya Mein Islami Talim-oTamaddun ka Sahih Namoona Paish Karne keliye Qaim ki Gayi Hai [Ahmadiyyat Has Been Established to Present the True Model of Islamic Teachings and Culture to the World] (1960)

Khilafat ‘ala Minhaj-e-Nubuwwat Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra defended the institution of Khilafat with great courage and valour throughout his life, upholding its true status. Many of Huzoor’sra treatises and discourses on this subject have been collated and published in three volumes under the title of Khilafat ‘ala Minhaj-e-Nubuwwat [Khilafat on the Precepts of Prophethood]. The contents of this collection are as relevant today as they were at the time when they were conceived.

In addition to this compendium, there are writings of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra on Prophethood, Khilafat and his being the Promised Reformer (Musleh-e-Maud) that were directly addressed to the Paighamis or Lahoris to answer their allegations. Some of them are as follows: • Al-Qaul-ul-Fasl [The Final Word] (1915) • Chand Ghalat Fehmiyon ka Izalah [The Removal of Some Misunderstandings] (1915) • Paigham-e-Sulh Kay Chand Ilzamaat ki Tardeed [Refutation of Some Allegations by the Paigham-e-Sulh] (1916) • Haqiqat-ul-Amr [Reply to a Letter by Maulvi Muhammad Ali] (1918) • The Truth About the Split (1921) • Paigham-e-Sulh ka Paigham-e-Jang [Reply to a Call to War by “Paigham-e-Sulh”] (1928) • Izhaar-e-Haqiqat [The Truth Revealed]

(1928) • Da‘wa-e-Musleh-e-Maud Kay Muta‘alliq Pur-Shaukat E‘laan [The Majestic Proclamation Regarding the Claim to Being the Promised Reformer] (1944) • Main hi Musleh-e-Maud Ki Paishgoi ka Misdaaq Hoon [I Am the Manifestation of the Prophecy Regarding the Promised Reformer] (1944) • Al-Maud [The Promised One] (1944) • Akhbar ‘Paigham-e-Sulh’ Kay is Bayan ki Tardeed ke Mubai‘een Nay Apnay Aqaid Badal Liye Hain [Refutation of a Statement of Paigham-e-Sulh That the Mubai‘een Had Changed Their Beliefs] (1952)

Tabligh In his first-ever address to the Jamaat as Khalifatul Masih, Huzoorra stated, “Our first duty is to propagate Islam.” (Fazl-e-Umar, p.

145) He continued reminding the Jamaat of this obligation throughout his Khilafat and always led by example. Some of his writings in this regard are as follows: • Deen-e-Haqq [The True Faith] (1909) • Sermon On the Mount (1911) • Khuda Kay Faristadah Par Imaan Laao [Believe in Those Appointed by God] (1912) • Ten Proofs for the Existence of God (1913) • Aik Sahib Kay Paanch Sawaloon ka Jawaab [Answers to Five Questions by A Gentleman] (1915) • Signs of the Living God (1917) • Sadaqat-e-Islam [The Truth of Islam] (1920) • Taqreer Sialkot [An Address at Sialkot] (1920) • Islam Par Aik Ariya Professor Kay I‘tirazaat ka Jawaab [Reply to the Allegations of an Arya Professor Against Islam] (1920) • Message from Heaven (1924) • A Call to Faith (1929-1930) • What a Seeker After Truth Should Do (1930) • The Call of Heaven (1933) • Kabul Witnesses a Sign (1933) • Islam Aur Ahmadiyyat ke Muta‘alliq Azeem-ul-Shaan Paishgoyian [Magnificent Prophecies Regarding Islam and Ahmadiyyat] (1935) • ‘Qadiani Mas‘alah’ Ka Jawab [A Reply to Maududi’s Qadiani Problem] (1953) Following in the footsteps of his master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and of the Promised Messiahas, Huzoorra also wrote letters to kings and princes inviting them to the True Faith. They were then published in the form of books by the Community. Some are as follows: • A Present to Kings (1914) • Invitation to Ahmadiyyat (1922) • A Present to His Royal Highness – The Prince of Wales (1922) • Tohfa Lord Irwin (1931)

Tarbiyat and administration Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has left behind a great treasure for the reformation of the Jamaat in form of his sermons and addresses.

Likewise, a great legacy of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra for which posterity will owe him a debt of gratitude is his consolidation of the Jamaat through robust administrative

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 structures. Some of his books on these subjects include: • Khutbat-e-Mahmud [Jumuah, nikah and Eid sermons] (1910-onwards) • Khitabat-e-Shura [Guidance at Shura] (1922-onwards) • Sabeel al-Rashaad Vol. I [Guidance for Ansarullah] (1940-onwards) • Al-Azhar Li Zawaati al-Khimaar [Guidance for Lajna Imaillah] (1915-onwards) • Tahrik-e-Jadid Kay Maqasid Aur un ki Ahmiyyat [The Objectives of Tehrik-eJadeed and Their Significance] (1935) • Mash‘al-e-Rah Vol. I [guidance for Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya] (1938-onwards) • Points to Ponder

Tasawwuf Tasawwuf, or mysticism is an important field of Islamic sciences. Huzoorra wrote extensively on this topic and elucidated the ways to strengthen our relationship with our Creator. Some of those writings are as follows: • The Love of God (1907) • Madarij-e-Taqwa (1911) • Remembrance of Allah (1916) • Qubuliyyat-e-Dua Kay Tareeq [Methods of the Acceptance of Prayer] (1916) • Irfan-e-Ilahi (1919) • Way of The Seekers (1925) • Irfan-e-Ilahi Aur Mahabbat Billah Ka Woh Alee Martabah Jis Par Rasool-e-Karim (sa) Duniya Ko Qaim Karna Chahtay Thay [The Great Station of Divine Insight and Love which the Holy Prophetsa desired for Mankind] (1930) • Mahabbat-e-Ilahi Mein Saari Taraqqiyaat Ki Jarr Hai [The Essence of All Success lies in the Love of God] (1943) • Sair-e-Ruhani [collection] (1938-1951) • Ta‘alluq Billah [Relationship with Allah] (1952)

Metaphysics These are some of the most complex issues of Islam as well as other religions. However, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra deals with them methodically to make the intricate themes of the nature of God, angels, destiny and salvation, visions and dreams etc. easy for the reader to understand. Some of his books on this subject are as follows: • Haqeeqat-ur-Ru‘ya [The Philosophy of Dreams] (1917) • Taqdir-e-Ilahi [Predestination] (1919) • Malaikatullah [Angels] (1920) • Hasti-e-Bari Ta‘ala [The Nature of God] (1921)

Comparative religion The era of the Promised Messiahas was destined to bring about the final victory of Islam over all other religions. This was foretold in the following verse of the Holy Quran:

ْ َ ْ َ ٰ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ٓ َّ َ ُ ‫ين ال َح ّ ِق ل ُِيظ ِهرَ ُهۥ َعلى‬ ِ ‫هو ال ِذى أرسل رسولهۥ ِبالهدى ُ ّو ِد‬ ّ ‫ين ك ِل ِه‬ ِ ِ ‫الد‬

“He it is Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religions”. (Surah al-Saff, Ch.61, V.10) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also wrote numerous books on this subject, some of

which are as follows: • The Truth About Salvation (1916) • Islam Aur Deegar Mazahib [Islam and Other Religions] (1916) • Zindah Mazhab [The Living Religion] (1917) • Islam the Future World Religion (1920) • Islam Par Professor Ram Dev Kay Aitrazaat ka Jawab [Reply to the Allegations of Professor Ram Dev Against Islam] (1920) • The Need For Religion (1921) • Mawaznah-e-Mazahib [Comparative Religion] (1921) • Bahai (1924) • Duniya Mein Sacha Mazhab Sirf Islam hi Hai [Islam Is the Only True Religion] (1933) • Sardar Kharak Singh Sahib Aur un Kay Humrahiyoon Ko Da‘wat-e-Haqq [An Invitation to the Truth for Sardar Kharak Singh Sahib and His Associates] (1934) • Why I Believe in Islam (1940) • Did Jesus Redeem Mankind? [from Tafsire-Kabir, Vol. IV] (1940) • Sikh Qaum Kay Naam Dardmandanah Appeal [A Heartfelt Appeal to the Sikh Nation] (1947) • Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran (1948) • Islam Aur Maujoodah Maghrabi Nazriyay [Islam and Current Western Theories] (1949)

Politics There are two aspects to the political issues and themes in Huzoor’sra writings. One has to do with the independence movement of the Indian subcontinent. Huzoorra repeatedly provided crucial guidance to the nation regarding the political interests of Indian Muslims.

The other aspect of politics is related to the Muslims of other countries or the Muslim ummah in general. Huzoorra raised his voice in favour of the interests of the Muslim ummah and his writings reflect his extraordinary political insight in this regard. Some of his writings on this subject are as follows: • The Turkish Peace (1919) • Turkey ka Mustaqbil Aur Musalmanoon ka Farz [The Future of Turkey and Our Responsibilities] (1919) • Muahidah Turkiyyah Aur Musalmanoon ka Aindah Rawayyiah [The Turkish Treaty and Future Action of Muslims] (1920) • Tark-e-Mawalaat Aur Ahkam-e-Islam [Civil Disobedience and the Commandments of Islam] (1920) • Hindustan Kay Halat-e-Hazirah Aur Ittihaad Paida Karnay Ke Zarai‘ [The Current Circumstances of India and Ways to Achieve Unity] (1924) • All Muslim Parties’ Conference Kay Programme Par Aik Nazar [A Look at the Programme of the All Muslim Parties’ Conference] (1925) • Faislah Vartmaan Kay Baad Musalmanoon ka Aham Farz [The Duty of Muslims upon the Judgement on Vartman] (1927) • Aap Islam Aur Musalmanoon Kay Liyay Kia Kar Saktay Hain? [What Can You Do for Islam and Muslims?] (1927) • Musalmanan-e-Hind Kay Imtihan ka Waqt [The Time for Trial for the Muslims of India] (1927)

• Hindu Muslim Fasadat, un ka I‘laaj Aur Musalmanoon ka Aindah Tareeq-e-Amal [Hindu-Muslim Riots, Their Solution and the Future Course of Action of Muslims] (1927) • Nehru Report Aur Musalmanoon Ke Masaleh [The Nehru Report & Muslim Rights] (1928) • Hindustan Kay Maujoodah Siyasi Mas‘alay ka Hal [Some Suggestions for the Solution of the Indian Problem] (1930) • Tehrik-e-Azadi-e-Kashmeer [Kashmir Freedom Movement] (1931-1932) • Halat-e-Hazirah Kay Muta‘alliq Imam Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya ka Farmaan [Guidance by the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on Current Affairs] (1934) • Duniya ki Sayasiyat Mein Ahmadiyyat Kiya Taghayyur Paida Karna Chahti Hai? [What Changes Does Ahmadiyyat Wish to Bring About in the Politics of the World?] (1935) • Roos Aur Maujoodah Jang [Russia & The War] (1939) • Ainda Electionoon Kay Muta‘alliq Jamaat Ahmadiyya Ki Policy [Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s Policy Regarding the Upcoming Elections] (1945) • Al-Kufru Millatun Wahidah [A Treatise on the Palestine Issue] (1948) • Qiyam-e-Pakistan Aur Hamari Zimmah Dariyan [The Establishment of Pakistan & Our Responsibilities] (1948) • Dastoor-e-Islami Ya Aeen-e-Asasi [Islamic

Law or The Constitution] (1948) • Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen [The Unity of Muslims] (1952) • Communism & Democracy

Economics A distinguishing feature of Islam is that it presents a complete code of conduct and outlines important basic principles concerning every aspect of life. Economics is one of them. Some of Huzoor’sra books on this subject are as follows: • The New World Order of Islam (1942) • The Economic System of Islam (1945) • Zameendaroon ki Iqtisadi Mushkilaat ka Hal [Solution to the Economic Troubles of the Farmers] (1931) • Islam Aur Milkiyyat-e-Zameen [Islam and Land Ownership] (1949) Huzoorra has written on a vast array of other subjects in his works. The above only serves to give a flavour of the great spiritual feast that Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II, al-Musleh alMaudra prepared for posterity. The task of giving even a very brief introduction to it is not an easy one. A slightly more detailed list of his works is available at ahmadipedia.org/ content/book/189.

Nonetheless, his works are such a treasure trove of spiritual and scholastic gems that studying them yourself is the only way to truly appreciate them and to properly understand their importance.

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

24

100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Nikah, a divine vision, and prophets do not hatch schemes Al Fazl, 16 February 1922

10 December 1921 Huzoor[ra] said, “There is a nikah [announcement], so the friends should keep seated.”

After reciting [the Arabic wording of] the nikah sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “The matter of nikah is one of the very few worldly matters that are delicate and important. There is a heavy responsibility on men and women in the matter of nikah.

However, I observe that the people do not feel the significance of this [responsibility] as much as they should because the degree to what they feel is very low and in reality, it is much greater than that. What is that [responsibility]? We observe that a hidden [divine] power seems to be at work in the entire world that can be called an energy in the words of atheists. We will not get into the debate of whether it is an energy, a [divine] power or something else.

However, there is a source which even an atheist cannot deny, by which human life is established. One can say like the Christian said that it [evolution] has started 6000 years ago, or like the people of Europe said that it has gradually developed after millions of years, or as our Sufis have said that this progress and development is gradual and the days mentioned in the Holy Quran are not what we think, but some [longer period of time] that amount to millions of years.

Consequently, regarding one great change, Hazrat Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi stated his divine vision that it took place in 300,000 years. [The said transformation did] not occur suddenly from an insect, but in fact, that extraordinary transformation which resulted in the formation of human beings happened over a period of 300000 years.

When man reached that stage, in the said long period of time, no other change is observed in mankind after it, which shows that the stages of worldly developments have come to an end on human beings.

“This is a rule that when the objective is achieved, the work is stopped. Therefore, if man had to become a more advanced human being, this change should have been apparent. However, as no other change has taken place in this long period, it seems that this purpose has been fulfilled. Some may think that we should wait as the said change may occur eventually. However, after a long period of time, we say that since [the Holy Quran], the word of God, has been revealed in all its glory, we know that there will be no more transformation. Now, this seems to be the Divine will that the human race may continue to advance in the same way as it is existing. The movements of the Sun, Moon and Stars, the movement of the air, the

changes of the seasons, the manifestation of the earth’s effects, the birth of millions of birds, the existence of plants and non-living organisms, the purpose of all these things is that human beings may continue to be born and exist.

“There were two objectives: (1) The perfection of shariah; (2) The establishment of man. The shariah has been perfected and [as far as the second is concerned], until it is decided that mankind should be annihilated, this seems to be the will of God that human beings may continue to exist because the man’s heart is the throne of God on which His revelation is sent.

“Now take a look at what is nikah. The said transformation that took place between millions of years, and after the sacrifice of countless lives, millions upon millions, hundreds of thousands, in fact, after the annihilation of so many lives that a lot of ages are needed to count them, human beings came into existence. The purpose of nikah is to continue that human race that came into existence after such a great and significant transformation. There is no need to discuss how the first man was born. Now, the source of human birth is nikah, i.e. the union of a man and a woman from whom children are born.

“Apparently, nikah may seem like a trivial matter, but in reality, it is to maintain that transformation which took place after millions of years and to keep the human race growing. It is for this reason that men and women establish relationships and nikah is for the fulfilment of this purpose.

This [nikah] is such an important matter that after the relationship with God, [...] its fulfilment and fortification come second.

There are basically two kinds of rights according to the shariah. One is the rights of Allah and the other is the rights of mankind, so it is as if nikah is like a second foot. The shariah has deemed it very important but there are many people who do not understand its significance and do not get the benefits that are present in it. Their example is like that innocent child who finds a beautiful diamond but does not know its value. Consequently, even if he is given a single rupee in exchange for it [diamond], he becomes ready to give it away. However, if he finds out [its true value], he will never abandon it even for 10,000 rupees. Hence, since people generally do not know the significance of the matter of nikah, they do not take advantage of its benefits. It is therefore important that the people of our Jamaat understand the meaning of nikah and try to fulfil this [responsibility].”

17 December 1921 The recruitment of Muslims into the armies Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib asked [Huzoorra] about the matter which is raised by the Muslims that it is illegal to join the government’s army because as a result, they will have to kill other Muslims. [Hafiz Sahib] submitted that if it is implemented then no Muslim can be recruited in any government’s army, whether it is the army

of Turks or Afghans.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “This matter has nothing to do with us and moreover, these are political issues.

The Muslims have always killed each other [while fighting in opposite armies] and will continue to do so.”

A divine vision Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “It was probably last night that I saw a divine vision. I saw the Promised Messiahas in that vision. A few Paighamis [those who did not take bai‘at of the second Khalifa] were also sitting around. I was in that gathering as well. The Paighamis asked a question that what was it like for Muslims to kill Muslims. I was shocked by their question because I thought that they had criticised me in that way and they were taking fatwa [religious edict] without presenting all the conditions and circumstances. [I thought] it was possible that the Promised Messiahas might say something on that matter and the said people would spread it against us.

I got up from my place and came close to the Promised Messiahas and at that time, the Promised Messiah’sas appearance changed into my mother. Although the appearance was that of my mother, I felt that he was the Promised Messiahas. (The said appearance signifies kindness and compassion). I said [to the Promised Messiahas] that a battle took place in Somaliland in the time of Huzooras and the Ahmadis joined the army Continued on next page >>

25

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 << Continued from previous page

of the government and fought against the Muslims. Addressing Hafiz Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said that at that time, I also mentioned the name of his brother, Dr Rehmat Ali Sahib, and then said [to the Promised Messiahas] that as he had taught loyalty to the government, I do everything in accordance to it. The Promised Messiahas replied, ‘The same is my maslak [stance].’”

Regarding saving the world from war, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “There are two ways for this that either the whole world comes under the banner of Islam or the anti-war spirit is produced in the hearts [of the people] of the world.

18 December 1921 [… A poem]

After the recitation of a poem, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said to Maulvi Syed Abu Muhammad Mahfooz-ul-Haq Sahib that he had not heard his poetical work for a long time. On this, Maulana Sahib recited a sublime poem in which the following couplet was added by tazmin [introducing verses of someone else in one’s own work]:

‫دراب ِر اعم رگم وہا ئااہتشر دو‬ ‫نجّ و رشب السم وک ی‬ ‫آ� اکپر دو‬

[“The public court has been opened, so spread the word. Make the announcement that the jinn and mankind may come to say salaam.”]

[Maulana Sahib] submitted that he had divided it [poem] into two different parts, one was published in Al Fazl, the other was the one he presented, (which has also been published). He said that he went to Calcutta and wrote that poem, but could not write any other poem after that. Huzoor[ra] asked, “Is the atmosphere of Calcutta not favourable for writing poetry?”

20 December 1921

The prophets do not hatch schemes

During a discussion on politics, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “A non-Ahmadi came to the Promised Messiahas and said to him, ‘Before the claim [of Messiahship], you should have gathered the Maulvis and presented the state of Islam and the ills of the Christians. Then, you would have asked them what to do. They would have asked you to tell them what to do, and you should have then raised the issue of Jesus’sas death. At that time, the Maulvis would have accepted it. Then, you should have drawn their attention towards your claim [of Messiahship] in a way of consultation that someone from the ummah of Muhammadsa should appear. Those Maulvis would have said that you are the one who is worthy of being that [Messiah].

In this way, there would have been no conflict.’”

Maulvi Syed Mahfooz-ul-Haq Sahib asked what was the response of the Promised Messiahas when that person said that to him.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “The Promised Messiahas said, ‘If it [claim of Messiahship] was a human proposition (scheme), I would have done exactly that [what was suggested by that non-Ahmadi].’”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 16 February 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

MKA Kenya, Nairobi hold tarbiyat refresher course for Atfal and Khuddam Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nairobi region held a tarbiyat refresher course for both Khuddam and Atfal at the regional headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on 5-6 February 2022. All five majalis of the region were represented.

The opening session commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by opening remarks and silent prayer led by Ismail Kishoma Sahib, Regional Qaid.

Khuddam were then engaged in the first class, which was on “Marriage in Islam”. Due to the vastness of the topic, the moderator briefly talked in general about what nikah was and elaborated on the importance of marriage.

The class was so lively and engaging that most Khuddam asked questions about all issues and concerns within marriage.

On the other hand, Atfal had a different programme regarding “Obedience to parents and family”.

Then, Maghrib and Isha prayers were performed and supper was served. Both Khuddam and Atfal thereafter converged at the mosque to watch the MTA programme This Week with Huzoor.

On 6 February, the day was started with Tahajud and Fajr prayers.

Sports and physical exercises for both Khuddam and Atfal were organised.

Volleyball and football were the main sports events engaged by the participants.

After breakfast, another session was held on “Nizaam-e-Jamaat and responsibilities of

Virtual Khilafat seminar in Belgium Mohammad Arsalan Belgium Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium organised a national virtual Khilafat seminar on 6 January 2022, live-streamed through its YouTube channel from Bait- us-Salam, Dilbeek.

The event was presided over by Dr Idrees

Ahmed Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium.

The programme commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem.

The first speech was delivered by Anwar Hussain Sahib, Naib Amir Jamaat Belgium, in which he explained the importance of Khilafat according to the teachings of the

a khadim and tifl”.

After that, a session was held in which the participants were taught about all the basic Chandas and their prescribed rates.

The last session of the tarbiyat refresher course was about “Writing letters to Huzooraa”.

The concluding session was presided over by Amir and the Missionary-in-Charge of Kenya, Tariq Mahmood Zafar Sahib.

During the session, the regional missionary, Sheikh Basharat Sahib delivered a speech about the responsibilities of the Ahmadi Muslim youth. Then, Amir Sahib Jamaat Kenya addressed the gathering.

A total of 61 members attended the event, including 14 Atfal, 45 Khuddam and 2 visitors.

Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa.

The second speech was delivered by Hafiz Essan Secundar Sahib, Missionary-incharge Belgium, in which he explained the verses of the Holy Quran related to Khilafat and then presented a video clip from which members benefited from the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The final speech was delivered by Amir Sahib Jamaat Belgium, in which he spoke about the grandeur and status of Khilafat.

The seminar was translated simultaneously via online platforms into Dutch and French languages for the nonUrdu speaking members.

The event concluded with a silent prayer led by amir sahib Belgium.

First “National Atfal Parents Day”, Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya USA Raza Ahmad Mohtamim Atfal, MKA USA

On 21 January 2022, Majlis Atfal-ulAhmadiyya USA held its first “Quarterly Parents Day” (Yaum-e-Walidain) virtually.

The main purpose of this event is to maintain an active connection with the parents of Atfal by sharing different initiatives and programmes for Atfal being planned nationally and locally and to give parents a platform for asking questions and giving suggestions.

The event was hosted by the national murabbi Atfal and the guest panel included mohtamim Atfal, secretary talim and secretary tarbiyat.

After the recitation from the Holy

Quran, mohtamim Atfal introduced the structure of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya at the national, regional and local levels.

Secretary Talim, Sabahat Ali Sahib went over different programmes his department is leading including memorisation of salat and translation, learning and improving the recitation of the Holy Quran, and better participation and higher standard in academic competitions in the Ijtemas.

Next, Secretary Tarbiyat, Faizan Mughni Sahib, went over the updates for his department which included a focus on daily salat, recitation of the Holy Quran, Friday prayers, listening to the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and filling out the quarterly tarbiyat survey.

In between the above presentations, we also shared videos submitted by Atfal from

across the USA for the New Year’s clean-up challenge – an initiative under the Waqar-eAmal department.

The last 20 minutes of the hour-long session were reserved for a question and answer session with parents and was moderated by Secretary Maal, Arsalan Khan Sahib.

We received several questions from parents and Atfal which were answered by the guest panel.

The session was concluded by silent prayer, led by mohtamim Atfal.

Alhamdulillah, parents from over 200 families attended the session.

Insha-Allah, we will be hosting the next quarterly session in April 2022.

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

26

Friday Sermon 21 January 2022 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakr After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

Previously, accounts from the life of Hazrat Abu Bakrra were being narrated.

After arriving in Medina [after the migration from Mecca], the Holy Prophetsa turned his attention towards constructing a mosque. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has written about this in The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets: “Upon arriving in Medina, the first task was the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi.

The place where the camel of the Holy

Prophetsa chose to rest, was the property of two children from Medina named Sahl and Suhail, who lived in the guardianship of Hazrat As‘adra bin Zurarah. This was a vacant land, on which a few date palms had been planted in one area. In another area, there were ruins, etc. The Holy Prophetsa selected this plot to construct the Masjide-Nabawi, and his own living quarters. This plot of land was purchased for 10 dinars, (and an equivalent figure of that era has

been given in Rupees in the book) and by levelling the place, and cutting down the trees, the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi began. The Holy Prophetsa supplicated to Allah, and laid the foundation stone himself.

Just as in the construction of the mosque at Quba, the Companionsra worked as builders and labourers. The Holy Prophetsa would also participate at times.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 269)

As has been mentioned, the Holy

Prophetsa purchased a plot for the mosque and residential quarters for ten dinars and in the traditions, it is mentioned that this amount was paid out of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra wealth. (Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 1, Bina alMasjid al-Nabawi [Makrabah Islami, 2004], p. 316)

Further details regarding the construction of the mosque are as follows; at the start of the construction, the Holy Prophetsa placed a brick with his own blessed hands. The Holy Prophetsa then

27

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 called for Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who placed a brick beside the one placed by the Holy Prophetsa. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa called for Hazrat Umarra, who placed a brick next to the one placed by Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Hazrat Uthmanra came after this and he placed a brick next to the one placed by Hazrat Umarra.

In another narration, it is mentioned that when the Holy Prophetsa constructed the mosque, he laid the foundation stone and said to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, “Place your stone next to mine.” He then said to Hazrat Umarra, “Place your stone next to Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra.” Following this, he said to Hazrat Uthmanra, “Place your stone next to Hazrat Umar’sra.” (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi,

Bark al-Ghimad is a coastal town situated at a distance of five days journey from Mecca. Nonetheless, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud narrates, “I looked at the blessed countenance of the Holy Prophetsa. Upon hearing this statement, his face began to glow with joy and he became very happy.” (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], pp. 204-205) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah], p. 475)

The Holy Prophetsa then set off from Dhafiran and set up camp near Badr. Then the Holy Prophetsa and one of his companions got on his mount – according to Ibn Hisham that companion was Hazrat Abu Bakrra, but according to another narration, it was not Hazrat Abu Bakrra but Hazrat Abu Qatadah bin Nu‘manra or Hazrat Muazra bin Jabal – until they stopped by an elderly Arab man.

They inquired of him about the Quraish and about any news of Muhammadsa and his Companionsra. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-

Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Bab al-Hijrah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 90)

When the Holy Prophetsa returned victorious from the Battle of Khaybar in the month of Muharram, in the seventh year after Hijra, he ordered for the expansion and reconstruction of Masjid-e-Nabawi. Even on this occasion, the Holy Prophetsa personally participated in the construction of the mosque along with his noble Companionsra.

Nabawiyyah, Ghazwat Badr al-Kubra Dhikr al-Rasulsa wa Abu Bakrra Yata‘arrafan Akhbar al-Quraish [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 421) (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 207)

(Justuju-e-Medina [Pakistan: Oriental Publications], p.

446)

Ubaidullah bin Abdillah relates, “When the Holy Prophetsa granted us plots of land for our homes in Medina, he allotted a piece of land for Hazrat Abu Bakrra close to the mosque.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Abu Bakr Siddiqra wa min Bani Tayyim… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 93)

There are a few narrations about the bond of brotherhood established with Hazrat Abu Bakrra. In one narration, [it is recorded] that the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Kharijah bin Zaidra. (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, Kharijah bin Zaid [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 2005], p. 190)

In another narration, it is recorded that the Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-

Kubra, Vol. 3, Abu Bakr Siddiqra wa min Bani Tayyim…

[Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 93)

The bond of brotherhood established with Hazrat Umarra took place in Mecca.

The narration regarding this states that the bond of brotherhood established with Hazrat Umarra was formed in Mecca.

Allamah Ibn Asakir writes: “The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra and Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab in Mecca. After migrating to Medina, all such bonds of brotherhood were annulled with the exception of two; one was the bond of brotherhood between the Holy Prophetsa himself and Hazrat Alira, and the other was between Hazrat Hamzahra and Hazrat Zaid bin Harithahra.” (Ibn ‘Asakir, Tarikh Dimashq alKabir, Vol. 16, Abdullah bin Uthman bin Quhafah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya’ al-Turah al-‘Arabi, 2001], p. 32)

With respect to when these bonds of brotherhood were formed, historical accounts state that these bonds were established on two occasions. Allama Qastallani, who wrote a commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, writes: “Bonds of brotherhood were established on two occasions. The first time the Muslims were joined in bonds was in Mecca before the

migration – they were between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Hamzara and Hazrat Zaidra bin Haritha, Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf, Hazrat Zubairra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud, and Hazrat Alira and the Holy Prophetsa himself. Thereafter, when the Holy Prophetsa migrated to Medina, he established bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar in the house of Hazrat Anas bin Malikra.”

Ibn Saad writes, “The Holy Prophetsa joined 100 Companionsra in bonds of brotherhood.”

In other words, these were formed between 50 Muhajirin and 50 Ansar. (Irshad al-Sari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, p. 133, Hadith 3937, Dar al-Fikr, 2010)

[Now I will talk about] Hazrat Abu Bakrra and the battle of Badr. It is recorded that the Battle of Badr took place in Ramadan, 2 AH, or in March of the year 623 CE. (Sirat

Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p.

349)

When departing for the Battle of Badr, the Companionsra had in their possession 70 camels. For this reason, one camel was given to every three persons, and each person would take turns riding it. Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf shared one camel and took turns riding it. (Ali bin Burhan alDin al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 204)

Regarding the departure of the Holy Prophetsa for the Battle of Badr, it is narrated: “The Holy Prophetsa set out from Medina to intercept the caravan of Abu Sufyan, which was returning from Syria. When the Muslim convoy reached the Valley of Dhafiran – a valley in the surrounding area of Medina close to the Valley of Safra – the Holy Prophetsa received news that the Quraish had set out in order to protect and escort their trade caravan. The Holy Prophetsa sought the counsel of his Companionsra and informed them about an army that was swiftly advancing from

Mecca toward them. He asked them, ‘What should we do about this? Do you prefer to engage the trade caravan over the army?’

They answered in the affirmative. In other words, a party from among them said that they prefer to engage with the trade caravan as opposed to the enemy army.”

In another narration, it is recorded, “A small group among the Companionsra said, ‘Why did you not inform us of a battle? We could have prepared for it. Our intention was to pursue the trade caravan.’”

According to one narration, they said, “O Messengersa of Allah! You ought to head towards the trade caravan and leave the enemy army.” Upon hearing this, the expression of the Holy Prophet’ssa face changed.

Hazrat Abu Ayyubra narrates: “It was for this moment that the following verse of the Holy Qur’an was revealed:

ٗ َ َّ ّ ۡ َ ۢ َ ُ َ َۡ َ َ ‫�قا ّم َن ال ۡ ُم ۡﺆم ِن‬ �� ِ ِ ‫ﻛ َمٓا أ� َر َجک َر ّبک ِمن بَ ۡی ِتک ِبال َح ِق َو ِإن � ِر‬ َ ‫ل َ ٰ�ر ُه‬ ‫ون‬ ِ

“As [it was] thy Lord Who rightfully brought thee forth from thy house, while a party of the believers were averse.”) Ch.8: V.6) “Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra stood up and addressing the people, delivered an excellent speech, following which Hazrat Umarra also stood and addressed the people and gave an excellent speech.

Thereupon, Hazrat Miqdadra stood and humbly submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allahsa!

March towards that which you have been commanded by Allah. We are with you.

By Allah, we will not say to you what the Israelites said to Mosesas:

ٰ َ َّ ٰ َ َ ُ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ‫نت َو َر ّبک فق ِتلَ� ِإنا ٰه ُھنا ﻗ ِع ُد ْو َن‬ ‫فاذهﺐ أ‬

That is, “Go thou and thy Lord and fight, and here we sit.” (Ch.5: V.25) We will fight alongside you as long as we are alive. By Allah, Who has raised you as a prophet with the truth, even if you lead us to Bark al-Ghimad, we will march with you, fighting with our swords in hand until we reach our destination.”’

When they gathered at the battlefield of Badr, a canopy was made for the Holy Prophetsa. With regard to its preparation, it is recorded: “By the suggestion of Saadra bin Muaz, leader of the Aus tribe, the Companionsra prepared a canopy in one part of the battlefield of Badr for the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Saadra tied the mount of the Holy Prophetsa by the canopy and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, sit under this canopy and in the name of Allah we shall face the enemies.’ Hazrat Saadra and other Companionsra then stood around it to keep guard. The Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abu Bakrra spent the night therein.”

In another narration, it is mentioned that Hazrat Abu Bakrra stood guarding the Holy Prophetsa in the canopy with an unsheathed sword, while the Holy Prophetsa spent the entire night in fervent supplications. It is also recorded that he was the only one to remain awake the entire night whilst others in the army took turns to sleep. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 357) (Mustafa Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa alRashad fi Sirat Khair al-Ibad, Vol. 11 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 398)

There is a narration of Hazrat Alira in relation to the bravery of Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

Hazrat Alira relates, “I asked a group of the Companionsra, ‘Who is the bravest of all people?’ They answered, ‘You are, O Alira.’”

Hazrat Alira then said, “The bravest person among the people was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. On the day of Badr, we prepared a canopy for the Holy Prophetsa, and we asked one another who would remain with the Holy Prophetsa so that no idolater could reach him. By Allah, none of us was close to the Holy Prophetsa, but Hazrat Abu Bakrra went and stood right by him with his sword unsheathed, so that if any idolater were to reach, they would have to face Hazrat Abu Bakrra first.’” (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, AlSirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], p.

214)

In relation to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states:

28

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM that the Quraish had launched a full attack.

At that time, the Holy Prophetsa was weeping profusely and supplicating before God with his hands extended. He would say with extreme anguish: ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ّ ّٰ َ ْ ُ ‫ا�� ُ� َّم إ� ِ ْي أ�شدك ع ْھدك َو َوعدك ا�� ُ� َّم ِإ ْن ت ْھلِک ھ ِذ ِه‬ َ ُ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َْ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ ‫ض‬ ِ ‫ا��سلا ِم �ا تعبد �ِي ا��ر‬ ِ ‫ال ِعصابة ِمن أھ ِل‬ “‘O My God! Fulfil Your promises. O My Master! If today, this party of Muslims is destroyed in the field of battle, there shall remain none who would worship You on the face of this earth.’

“At this time, the Holy Prophetsa was in a state of such agony, that sometimes he would fall into prostration, and at times he would stand up to call upon God. The mantle of the Holy Prophetsa would repeatedly fall from his back, and Hazrat Abu Bakrra would pick it up and place it on the Holy Prophetsa again and again. Hazrat Alira relates that during the course of battle, whenever the Holy Prophetsa would come to mind, he would run towards his tent, but whenever he went there, he found the Holy Prophetsa weeping in prostration. He also heard that the Holy Prophetsa would constantly repeat the words: َُ ُ َُ ُ ‫يَا َ� ّ� يَا ق ّی ْو ُم يَا َ� ّ� يَا ق ّی ْو ُم‬ “‘O My Ever-Living God! O My LifeGiving Master!’

“Hazrat Abu Bakrra was greatly disturbed by this state of the Holy Prophetsa, and at times would spontaneously say, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! May my mother and father be sacrificed for your sake. Do not worry, Allah shall definitely fulfil His promises.’ However, the Holy Prophetsa remained constantly engaged in his supplications, weeping and wailing, according to the following proverb:

� ‫� � اعرف � �ا� ��ں‬

“Hazrat Alira once said that the bravest and most courageous of all people was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He also said that when a separate canopy was constructed for the Holy Prophetsa during the Battle of Badr, at the time, the question was raised as to who would be responsible for guarding the Holy Prophetsa that day. Hazrat Abu Bakrra immediately stood with his sword unsheathed, and he fulfilled this duty of safeguarding him during an extremely perilous time with utmost bravery.” (Tafsire-Kabir, Vol. 7, pp. 364-365) Hazrat Ibn Abbasra relates that whilst the Holy Prophetsa was in a large tent, he stated: ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ّ ّٰ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ‫ا�� ُ� َّم إ� ِ ْي أ�شدك ع ْھدك َو َوعدك ا�� ُ� َّم ِإ ْن ِشﺌﺖ ل ْم ت ْع َبد ب َ ْعد‬ ْ ‫ال َی ْو ِم‬ “O Allah, I swear by Your oath and Your promise; O Allah, if You desire for the Muslims to be destroyed, then after today there shall be no one left to worship You.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra then took hold of his hand and said, “O Messengersa of Allah, please rest now! You have persisted a great deal in beseeching your Lord.”

At the time, the Holy Prophetsa was still wearing his chain mail. He came forth out of his tent and was reciting, ُّ َ ُّ َ ُ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ َ ‫ون الدب ُ َر‬ ‫سیھﺰم ال�م� ويول‬ ُّ َ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ َ ُ َ َّ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ُ َ َّ َ ‫ب ِل الساعة مو ِعد�م والساعة أدھى وأمر‬ “Soon they shall all be defeated and flee, and this is the hour about which they were warned, and this hour shall be extremely difficult and severe for them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar, Bab ma Qila fi Dar‘ al-Nabisa al-Qamis fi al-Harb, Hadith 2915)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbasra states, “Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab told me that

on the day of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa looked towards the idolaters and saw that they numbered 1,000 while his own Companionsra numbered only 319. The Holy Prophetra turned in the direction of the Ka‘bah, raised both his hands and cried out to his Lord: َّ َ ْ َ َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ‫ا�� ُ� َّم أ� ِ� ْﺰ �ِي َما َوع َدت ِ�� َا�� ُ� َّم آتِ ِ�� َما َوعدت ِ�� ا�� ُ� َ َّم ِإ ْن‬ ْ َ َ ُ َ ُْ ْ ْ ‫ت ُ ْھلِ ْک َھذ ِه ال ِع َصابَة ِم ْن أ ْھل‬ ‫ض‬ ِ ِ ‫ا��سلا ِم �ا تعبد �ِي ا��ر‬ ِ ِ “Meaning, ‘O Allah, fulfil Your promise to me. O Allah, grant me that which You have vouchsafed. O Allah, if you allow this group of Muslims to be defeated, then there will be no one left on this earth to worship You.’ “He continued to face the Ka’bah with both his hands outstretched while continuously beseeching his Lord aloud. As he did so, his cloak fell from his shoulders.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra went towards him, lifted the cloak and placed it back on his shoulders.

Then he held the Holy Prophetsa from behind and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, you have offered a lot of fervent supplications before your Lord; He will surely fulfil that which was promised to you.’ Upon this, Allah the Almighty َ revealed the following verse:

ۡ ُ ُ ّ َ ُ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َّ َ َ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ‫اب لَﻜ ۡم أ�ِ� ُم ِم ّد�م ِبﺄل ٖﻒ ِّم َن‬ ‫ِإذ ﺗست ِﻐیﺜون ربﻜم فاستج‬ َ��ِ‫ال ۡ َم َل �ـ� َﻜ ِﺔ ُم ۡردف‬ ِ ِ

“‘And remember the time when you implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you, saying, “I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, following one another. [Ch.8: V.10]”’ “Thus, Allah helped him by sending angels.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar, Bab al-Imdad bi al-Mala‘ikah fi Ghazwat Badr…,

Hadith 4588)

Whilst mentioning these incidents from the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “The Holy Prophetsa addressed the Companionsra and said: “‘There are some people among the army of the Quraish who have not come to participate in this campaign with pleasure; rather, they have only come along under the pressure of the chieftains of the Quraish.

Otherwise, deep down they harbour no enmity to us. Similarly, there are also such people in this army, who in our time of hardship, dealt with us generously when we were in Mecca. It is our obligation to repay their benevolence. As such, if a Muslim subdues any such individual, he should not cause him any harm.’

“Among the first category of people, the Holy Prophetsa specifically mentioned the name of Abbas bin Abdil-Muttalib and in the second category of people, he mentioned the name of Abul-Bakhtari, and forbade their killing. However, the course of events took such an unavoidable turn that Abul-Bakhtari could not be spared from death. Nonetheless, prior to his death, he found out that the Holy Prophetsa had forbidden his killing. After saying this to the Companionsra, the Holy Prophetsa retired to his tent, and became engaged in supplications once again. Hazrat Abu Bakrra also accompanied him, and a party of the Ansar under the command of Saadra bin Muaz were stationed around the tent to stand guard. After a short time, there was an uproar in the field of battle, which indicated

“Meaning: ‘The wiser a saint, the greater his fear.’” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 360-261)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “What manifested through the Holy Prophetsa during the Battle of Badr was enough to astonish the eyes of those who possess insight and it shows the degree to which he feared Allah the Almighty. During the Battle of Badr, the effects of divine help were apparent as the Holy Prophetsa advanced against the enemy alongside his brave and devoted Companionsra. In order to ensure firm footing, the disbelievers had set up camp on hardened ground, leaving a sandy area for the Muslims. However, God sent rain, which caused the disbelievers’ campsite to become muddy and the ground under the Muslim encampment became firm. Similarly, other forms of heavenly assistance were manifested, yet, the fear of God was so deeply entrenched in the Holy Prophet’ssa heart, that despite these promises and Signs, the Holy Prophetsa would become anxious of God Almighty’s Self-Sufficiency and beseeched for the Muslims to be victorious. Thus, Hazrat ibn Abbasra says that during the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa was in a round tent and would supplicate, ‘O my Lord, I implore You by way of Your vows and promises, and beseech for them to be fulfilled. O my Lord, if You desire the destruction of Muslims, then after today, there will be no one left to worship You.’ “Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra took hold of the Holy Prophet’ssa hand and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, please stop. You have gone to great lengths in worshipping your Lord.’

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 “At the time, the Holy Prophetsa was wearing his armour; he emerged from the tent and said, ‘Their army will be defeated and they will turn their back and run. In fact, this is the time of their reckoning; it will be extremely difficult and bitter for them.’

“By Allah! His fear of God was such, that despite the promises made to him, he thought of God’s Self-Sufficiency, yet at the same time his level of certainty was such that when Hazrat Abu Bakrra said this, he loudly proclaimed, ‘I am not afraid; rather, God has informed me that the enemy will be humiliated and abased in defeat, and the leaders of the disbelievers will be killed right here.’ And this is what transpired.” (Sirat alNabisa, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, pp. 466-467)

The Promised Messiahas states: “On numerous occasions in the Holy Quran, the Holy Prophetsa was promised victory over the disbelievers. Yet, when the Battle of Badr – the first battle in Islam – commenced, the Holy Prophetsa started weeping and praying. Whilst praying, the Holy Prophetsa uttered the words, ً َ َْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َّ ُ ّ ٰ ‫ض أبَدا‬ ِ ‫ا���م ِإن أھلكﺖ ھ ِذ ِه ال ِعصابة فلن تعبد �ِي ا��ر‬ “Meaning, ‘O God, if you destroy this group (which comprised 313 men) then there will be no one to worship You until the end of times’. When Hazrat Abu Bakrra heard the Holy Prophetsa utter these words, he said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, why are you so worried? God has made a firm promise to you that He will surely grant you victory.’

The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘This is true; however, I am aware of His Self-Sufficiency.’

In other words, God Almighty is not compelled to fulfil any promise.” (Barahin-eAhmadiyya – Part V, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 21, pp. 255256.)

When a fierce battle began, the Holy Prophetsa came out of his tent and roused the spirits of the people for battle. The Muslims were stood in their ranks occupied in the remembrance of Allah. The Holy Prophetsa participated in the battle as well and fought emphatically. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stood right beside the Holy Prophetsa whilst fighting the enemy. Hazrat Abu Bakrra demonstrated his exemplary bravery and was ready to fight against every rebellious disbeliever even if it was against his own son.

During this battle, Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra son, Abdur Rahman had come to fight from the disbelievers’ side and was considered as one of the bravest amongst the Arabs and an expert archer amongst the Quraish. When he later accepted Islam, he asked his father, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, “On the day of Badr, you were right before me and within reach of my target. However, I moved away from you and did not kill you.” Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, “If you had been within reach of my target, I would not have moved away.” (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra aur Karname [Pakistan: Maktabat al-Furqan], pp. 108-109)

Whilst mentioning this, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra states: “Once, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was eating in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and they began speaking on different topics. Hazrat Abdur-Rahman, who was the eldest son of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and later became a Muslim, took part in the battle of Badr or Uhud from the disbelievers’ side. During the course of their meal, he said, ‘Father, you walked by such and such place during the battle and at the time I was hiding behind a rock. If I wanted to I could have attacked

29

“On numerous occasions in the Holy Quran, the Holy Prophetsa was promised victory over the disbelievers. Yet, when the Battle of Badr – the first battle in Islam – commenced, the Holy Prophetsa started weeping and praying. Whilst praying, the Holy Prophetsa uttered the words,

ً َ​َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َّ ُ ّ ٰ ‫ض أبدا‬ ِ ‫ا���م ِإن أھلكﺖ ھ ِذ ِه ال ِعصابة فلن تعبد �ِي ا��ر‬

“Meaning, ‘O God, if you destroy this group (which comprised 313 men) then there will be no one to worship You until the end of times’. When Hazrat Abu Bakrra heard the Holy Prophetsa utter these words, he said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, why are you so worried? God has made a firm promise to you that He will surely grant you victory.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘This is true; however, I am aware of His Self-Sufficiency.’ In other words, God Almighty is not compelled to fulfil any promise.” and killed you. However, I thought to myself, “Why would I kill my father?”’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, ‘God had decreed that you were going to accept faith thus you were saved, otherwise, by God, if I had seen you, I would have certainly killed you.’” (Tafsir-eKabir, Vol. 9, p. 588)

With regard to the Holy Prophetsa seeking counsel on what to do with the prisoners of Badr and Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra suggestion being implemented, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “When the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina, he sought counsel as to what should be done with the prisoners. Generally, it was a practice in Arabia to execute prisoners or make them permanent slaves. However, the disposition of the Holy Prophetsa was averse to such harsh measures. Moreover, no divine injunctions in this respect had been revealed either. Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘In my opinion, they should be released on ransom, because after all, they are our brethren and kindred. Who knows, if tomorrow, devotees of Islam are born from among these very people.’ However, Hazrat Umarra opposed this view and said, ‘There should be no consideration of kinship in a matter of religion. These people have become deserving of execution due to their actions. My opinion is that all of them should be executed. As a matter of fact, the Muslims should execute their respective relatives by their own hands.’

“Swayed by his innate nature of mercy, the Holy Prophetsa approved of the proposal made by Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He thus, issued an order against execution and directed that such idolaters who pay their ransom, would be released. Subsequently, a divine injunction was also revealed to this effect.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 367-368)

On one occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and some of the Companionsra fell ill in Medina.

There is a narration regarding this from Hazrat Aishara in which she states: “When the Holy Prophetsa arrived in Medina, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Bilalra developed a fever. I visited both of them and asked, ‘Father, how do you feel?

And Bilal, how do you feel?’”

Hazrat Aishara further relates: “Whenever Hazrat Abu Bakrra had a fever, he would recite the following couplet: ْ ُّ ُ َْ ٌ َ �ِ �ِ ‫�ل ام ِر ٍ� ُم َص ّب� � ِ ْي أھ‬ َ َ َ ‫َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ م ْن‬ �ِ �ِ ‫اك ن ْع‬ ِ ‫والموت أدنى ِ ِشر‬ “‘Whenever a person wakes up in their home, he receives the greeting of peace, though he is in a state where death is nearer to him than the laces of his shoes.’

When Hazrat Bilal’sra fever would subside, he would cry loudly and read some couplets in which he would mention the neighbourhoods of Mecca and remember it.”

Hazrat Aishara narrates: “I went to the Holy Prophetsa and related everything to him, i.e. what Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Bilalra had said. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa prayed, ‘O Allah!

Make Medina just as beloved to us as Mecca, or even more than that and make it a place which is conducive to our health.

O Allah! Bestow Your blessings in our saa‘ and our mudd.” Mudd and saa‘ are units of measurement, “and send its illness towards Juhfa.’” Juhfa is a place situated 82 miles from Mecca in the direction of Medina. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar, Bab Maqdam alNabisa wa Ashabih al-Medina, Hadith 3926) (Sharh alZurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 172)

There are also narrations regarding the Battle of Uhud. This battle took place in Shawwal 3 AH, 624 CE, between the Muslims and the Quraish. Towards the end of 3 AH, news reached of an attack on Medina by an army consisting of the

Quraish of Mecca and the other tribes who had formed alliances with them. The Holy Prophetsa gathered the Muslims and informed them of the attack planned by the Quraish and sought their counsel as to whether they should remain in Medina and fight against them or go out of Medina. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 483-484)

With regard to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “The Holy Prophetsa gathered the Muslims and sought their counsel with regard to this attack of the Quraish; whether they should remain in Medina, or set out to fight the enemy […] Prior to beginning, the Holy Prophetsa mentioned the attack of the Quraish and their deadly intentions. Then, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Last night in my dream, I saw a cow, and I also saw that the tip of my sword had broken. Then, I saw the cow being slaughtered, and I also saw that I had placed my hand in a secure and strong coat of mail.’ It has also been related in one narration that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘I saw as if I was mounted on the back of a ram.’

The Companionsra enquired, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! How have you interpreted this dream?’ The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘I have understood the slaughtering of the cow to infer that some of my Companionsra shall be martyred, and it seems as if the breaking of the tip of my sword is an indication towards the martyrdom of someone from among my relatives, or perhaps I shall myself suffer an injury in this campaign. As for placing my hand in a coat of mail, I have understood this to infer that in order to fend off this attack, it is more appropriate for us to remain in Medina […]’.

“The Holy Prophetsa interpreted the dream of himself being mounted on a ram to symbolize the leader of the army of the Quraish, i.e., its flag-bearer – who would, God-willing, be slain at the hands of the

30

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

On the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophet took bai‘at from sa

a group of companions on the condition that they would be ready to sacrifice their lives. At a time when it appeared as if the Muslims were suffering a loss, these people remained steadfast and risked their lives in order to defend the Holy Prophetsa to the point that some of them even embraced martyrdom. Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Saadra, Hazrat Sahlra bin Hunaif and Hazrat Abu Dujanahra were all among these fortunate people who took this pledge.

Muslims. After this, the Holy Prophetsa sought the counsel of his Companionsra, as to what should be done in the current state of affairs.

“Upon weighing the pros and cons of the situation at hand, and perhaps being somewhat swayed by the dream of the Holy Prophetsa, some of the prominent Companionsra submitted the opinion that it was more appropriate to remain in Medina and fight. The Holy Prophetsa also preferred this proposal and said, ‘It seems more beneficial for us to stay in Medina and fight them.’ However, a majority of the Companionsra, and especially those young men who had not participated in the Battle of Badr, and were restless to receive an opportunity to serve the religion by means of their own martyrdom, very forcefully insisted that they should go forth from the city and fight in an open field. This group presented their opinion with such persistence that upon witnessing their zeal, the Holy Prophetsa accepted their proposal and decided that the Muslims would fight the disbelievers in an open field. After the Friday Prayer, the Holy Prophetsa publicly urged the Muslims to attain spiritual reward through Jihad in the cause of Allah by participating in this Ghazwah.

“Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa retired to his residence, where he tied his turban, put on his equipment and took his arms with the assistance of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra, and came out in the name of Allah.

“However, during this time”, owing to the admonishment of some of the Companionsra, “the party of young men began to realize their mistake; in that they should not have insisted upon their own opinion in opposition to the view of God’s Messengersa, and most of them were now inclined towards remorse.

“When these people saw the Holy Prophetsa coming with his arms, clad in double the armour, and his helmet, etc., their regret grew even more. They almost

unanimously submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! We have committed a mistake in insisting upon our own view over your own.

You should employ whatever strategy you deem most appropriate. God-willing, it shall be most blessed.’

“The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘It does not befit a Prophet of God to put on his arms and then lay them down before God issues forth a verdict. So go forth now, in the name of Allah and if you are steadfast, then be certain that the succour of Allah the Exalted shall be with you.’” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 484-486)

On the occasion of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa held his sword in his hand and stated, “Who is it that shall do justice to this?” Hazrat Abu Bakrra was also amongst those who expressed their desire to be granted this sword. (Sharh al-Zurqani ala alMawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 404)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has mentioned this incident in The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets as follows: “The Holy Prophetsa took his sword in hand and said, ‘Who shall take this sword and do justice to it?’ Many Companionsra extended their hands in the desire of this honour, which included Hazrat Umarra and Zubairra, and in light of various narrations, even Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Alira. The Holy Prophetsa, however, restrained his hand and continued to say, ‘Is there anyone to do this sword justice?’ Finally, Abu Dujanah Ansarira extended his hand and submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Grant me this honour.’ And so the Holy Prophetsa gave him the sword.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 489)

During the Battle of Uhud, when the disbelievers turned around and launched another attack, the Muslims suffered a loss.

At the time, news also spread that the Holy Prophetsa had been martyred. Ibn Ishaq relates that upon the news of the Holy

Prophetsa being martyred and when some of the people had dispersed, the first person who saw the Holy Prophetsa was Hazrat Kaabra bin Malik. He relates, “I saw the sparkle of the Holy Prophet’ssa eyes from his helmet and shouted, ‘O Muslims! Rejoice, for the Messengersa of Allah is here!’ Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa indicated by the gesture of his hand to remain silent.

When the Muslims recognised the Holy Prophetsa, he went along with them towards the valley. With him were Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidullah, Hazrat Zubairra bin Awam, Hazrat Harithra bin Simmah and various other esteemed Companionsra.”

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Fikr, 2002], p. 70)

On the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophet took bai‘at from a group of Companionsra on the condition that they would be ready to sacrifice their lives. At a time when it appeared as if the Muslims were suffering a loss, these people remained steadfast and risked their lives in order to defend the Holy Prophetsa to the point that some of them even embraced martyrdom. Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Saadra, Hazrat Sahlra bin Hunaif and Hazrat Abu Dujanahra were all among these fortunate people who took this pledge. (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi sa

Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 431)

Whilst mentioning further details about the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra states: “The feats of valour that were displayed by the Companionsra who had gathered around the Holy Prophetsa were such that history is unable to present the like thereof.

These people would revolve around the Holy Prophetsa like moths around a flame and continuously put their lives at stake for the Holy Prophetsa. The Companionsra would take every blow upon themselves and along with protecting the Holy Prophetsa they

would continue to strike the enemy. Hazrat Alira and Zubairra attacked the enemy countless times and persistently drove back their ranks. In the course of this rain of arrows, Abu Talha Ansarira broke three bows, and stood firm like a rock and covered the body of the Holy Prophetsa with his own shield. The Holy Prophetsa would hand arrows to Saadra himself and Saadra would continue to shower the enemy with arrow upon arrow. At one instance, the Holy Prophetsa addressed Saadra saying, ‘May my mother and father be sacrificed upon you – go on shooting arrows!’ Even to the very end of his life, Saadra would recall these words of the Holy Prophetsa with great pride. For a very long time, Abu Dujanahra shielded the body of the Holy Prophetsa with his own, and would take every arrow and stone to his own body. This was to such an extent that his body became heavily pierced with arrows, but he did not even sigh, lest his body flinched and the Holy Prophetsa became even slightly exposed to a single arrow. In order to protect the Holy Prophetsa, Talhara took countless blows to his own body, and it was in this very attempt that his hand was paralysed and rendered useless forever. But how long could these few devotees withstand this grand flood, which was ravaging forward moment by moment from all fronts with its horrific waves. The Muslims would sway from side to side with every wave of every attack waged by the enemy, but as soon as its force would somewhat subside, these helpless Muslims would continue fighting and close in around their beloved Mastersa.

At times, the force of the attack would be so perilous that the Holy Prophetsa would practically be left standing alone. There was one occasion when only twelve men were left standing around the Holy Prophetsa, and there was even a time when only two people were left standing by the Holy Prophetsa. Among these devotees the names of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Alira, Talhara, Zubairra, Saadra bin Waqas, Abu Dujanah Ansarira, Saadra bin Muaz and Talha Ansarira have been especially recorded.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 495-496)

Hazrat Abu Bakrra narrates the entire account in which the blessed teeth of the Holy Prophetsa were broken during the Battle of Uhud. Regarding this, Hazrat Aishara says that when Hazrat Abu Bakrra would narrate the incident from the Day of Uhud, he would say that the day belonged to Talha. Narrating details of this Hazrat Abu Bakrra would say: “I was from among those people who returned back to the Holy Prophetsa. When I returned, I saw that there was an individual protecting the Holy Prophetsa and fighting alongside him.” The narrator says: “I believe that he [i.e. Abu Bakr] said he was protecting him.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra further says: “I said to myself, ‘I wish that person is Talha.’ I lost out on the opportunity, but deep down, I wished if only this person belonged to my tribe, as this would please me more.” This is what Hazrat Abu Bakrra thought at the time. Hazrat Abu Bakrra further says: “There was a person between myself and the Holy Prophetsa who I could not recognise, even though I was closer to that individual than the Holy Prophetsa. He was walking so fast that I was unable to keep up with him. When I observed closely, I realised it was Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrahra. I reached the Holy Prophetsa. His lateral incisors (i.e.

AL HAKAM | Friday 18 February 2022 the tooth between the two front incisors and canines) was broken and his face was wounded. Rings of the helmet had become lodged in the Holy Prophet’ssa cheek. The Holy Prophetsa said to go and check on our companion (by this the Holy Prophetsa meant to check up on Talhara) as he had lost a lot of blood. (Instead of asking for them to see to his injuries, the Holy Prophetsa instructed to see to Talhara) and so we left him. I stepped forward to remove the chains of the helmet from the Holy Prophet’sra cheek. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra said: ‘I swear by the right I have over you, please leave this task for me.’ I therefore left it to Abu Ubaidah. He did not wish to pull the rings out by his hand, in case it causes pain to the Holy Prophetsa. So he tried to pull the rings out with his teeth. When he pulled one chain out, his own front tooth broke as well. I stepped forward in order to remove the second ring in the same manner that he did.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra says: “I said that I will try to take out the other ring, but Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra said again: ‘I swear by the right I have over you, please leave this task for me.’” He said this to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stepped aside, and Abu Ubaidahra did the same as before; when he pulled the second ring out, his other front incisor also broke. Abu Ubaidahra was the most handsome of all those whose front two teeth were broken. After tending to the injuries of the Holy Prophetsa, they went to Talha, he was [sitting] in a ditch. They saw that on his body he had close to 70 sword,

spear and arrow wounds and one of his fingers had been severed. They treated his injuries and applied ointment. (Mustafa Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-Ibad, Vol. 4, Ghazwat Uhud [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1993], pp. 199-200) (Lughat al-Hadith, Zair Lafz Ruba‘i, Nu‘mani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005)

Aside from Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra, there are narrations which state that Hazrat Uqbahra bin Wahb and Hazrat Abu Bakrra pulled out these rings. (Sharh al-Zurqani ala alMawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 425)

However, the first narration seems more authentic. During the Battle of Uhud, when the Holy Prophetsa climbed the mount along with his Companionsra, the disbelievers chased after him. In a narration of Sahih alBukhari, it is mentioned that, “Abu Sufyan asked three times if Muhammad[sa] was present among them. The Holy Prophetsa stopped the Companionsra from saying anything. Abu Sufyan then asked three times if the son of Abu Quhafah”, i.e. Abu Bakr, “was present among them. And then asked three times if the son of Khattab, i.e. Umar was present among them. He then returned to his comrades and said to them: “All of these have been killed.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umarra was unable to restrain himself and said: “By God you are a liar, O enemy of Allah! Whoever you have mentioned are all alive. And many things that you find unpleasant are yet to befall you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar,

31 Bab ma Yukrahu min al-Tanazu’ wa al-Ikhtilaf fi alHarb…, Hadith 3039)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated that the Holy Prophetsa was injured and fell unconscious. Then narrating the events after he regained consciousness, he writes: “After a little while, the Holy Prophetsa returned to consciousness.

The Companionsra who surrounded him sent out messengers to tell Muslims to assemble again. A disrupted army began to assemble once again. They escorted the Holy Prophetsa to the foot of the mount.

Whilst the remaining army stood at the foot of the mount, Abu Sufyanra, cried aloud, ‘We have killed Muhammad[sa].’ The Holy Prophetsa forbade the Muslims to answer, lest the enemy should know the truth and attack again and the exhausted and badlywounded Muslims fall prey to their attack.

Not receiving a reply from the Muslims, Abu Sufyanra became certain the Holy Prophetsa had been killed. He followed his first cry by a second and said, ‘We have also killed Abu Bakrra.’ The Holy Prophetsa stopped Abu Bakrra from replying. Abu Sufyan followed by a third, and said, ‘We have also killed ‘Umarra.’ At this point, Umar, who had a spirited disposition, wanted to say that ‘By God’s grace we are all alive and ready to fight you,’ however the Holy Prophetsa stopped him from saying anything, lest it puts the Muslims in further hardship. The disbelievers were now certain that they had killed the founder of Islam along with two of its pillars. Relishing in their victory, Abu Sufyanra raised the slogan, ُ ُ ُْ ُ ُ ُْ ‫أعل ه َبل أعل ه َبل‬ “‘Glory to Hubal! Glory to Hubal! For our revered idol Hubal has put an end to Islam.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: “The Holy Prophetsa ordered his Companionsra to remain silent upon hearing the news of Abu Bakr’s, Umar’s and his own death, lest the enemy army returns and launches another attack on the badly injured Muslims and these handful of Muslims become martyrs. But now it was the case of the honour of God Almighty, and a slogan of an idol was raised in the battlefield, the soul of the Holy Prophetsa became restless and in a state passion and vigour, he turned to the Companionsra and asked: ‘Why do you not reply to him.’ The Companionsra asked, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! What should we say?’ He replied: “‘Say: ُ َ َ َ ّ ٰ ُّ َ َ َ ّ ٰ ّ ‫الل ُہ أ ْعلى َوأ َجل الل ُہ أ ْعلى َوأ َجل‬ “‘“You lie that Hubal is exalted. Allah, the One Who has no partner is Honoured and He alone is Exalted.’” And through this, he also conveyed to the enemy that he was still alive. This bold and courageous reply had such a deep impact on the enemy army that despite their hopes being crushed and despite the fact that only a handful of injured Muslims stood before them, and from a logical standpoint it was very easy for them to return and attack them, they could not muster the courage to do so. Content with the sort of victory they had won, they returned to Mecca rejoicing.” (Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 252-253)

Hazrat Aishara narrates that the following verse was regarding the Companionsra:

َ َۡ ۡ ‫ين‬ ّ ‫اس َت َجابُواْ ل ِ ّٰل ِه َو‬ َ ‫الَّ ِذ‬ ۚ ‫ول ِم ۢن بَ ۡع ِد َمٓا أ َصابَ ُه ُم الق ۡر ُح‬ ‫الرَ ُس‬ ِ َ ٌ ‫ين أَ ۡح َس ُنواْ ِم ۡن ُه ۡم َو ّاتقَوۡاْ أَ ۡج ٌر َع ِظ‬ َ ‫ل َِّل ِذ‬ ‫يم‬

“As to those who answered the call of

Allah and the Messenger after they had received an injury – such of them as do good and act righteously shall have a great reward.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.173) She narrates: “This verse is regarding the Companionsra; i.e. those who answered the call of Allah and the Messengersa after they had received an injury – such of them as do good and act righteously shall have a great reward.”

Hazrat Aishara said to Urwah: “O my nephew! Your father Zubairra and Hazrat Abu Bakrra were also from among them.

During the Battle of Uhud, when the Holy Prophetsa was injured and the idolaters turned back, the Holy Prophetsa was worried lest they return. The Holy Prophetsa asked: ‘Who will go after them?’”

In response 70 Companionsra were ready to go, and according to Urwah, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Zubairra were among them. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Alladhina istajabu lillah wa al-Rasul…, Hadith 4077)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “It is strange to note that on this occasion, although the Quraish had attained victory against the Muslims, and with respect to their apparent means, if they had desired, they could have further capitalized on this opportunity; not to mention, the opportunity to attack Medina was open to them in any case. However, the Power of God was such that despite this victory, in their hearts, the Quraish were struck with awe, and considering the victory attained in the field of Uhud as being lucky enough, they thought it wise to make haste to Mecca.

“Nevertheless, despite all this, as an act of further precaution, the Holy Prophetsa immediately dispatched a party of seventy Companionsra, which also included Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Zubairra, in pursuit of the army of the Quraish. This is the narration, as it is related in Bukhari. The manner in which most historians describe the account is that the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira, or in light of various narrations, Saadra bin Abi Waqas in the footsteps of the Quraish and instructed him to bring news as to whether the army of the Quraish intended to attack Medina. The Holy Prophetsa went on to tell him that if the Quraish were mounted on their camels and were taking their horses along unmounted, then they should rest assured that they were returning to Mecca, and did not intend to attack Medina. However, if they were mounted on horses then they would know that their intention was not good. The Holy Prophetsa strictly instructed him that if the army of the Quraish was heading towards Medina, he should be informed at once and in a state of great passion, he said, ‘At this time, if the Quraish attack Medina, by God, we shall fight them and give them a taste of their own.’ Thus, the men dispatched by the Holy Prophetsa went and quickly returned with the good news that the army of the Quraish was proceeding towards Mecca.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 499-500)

Insha-Allah, these accounts will continue in the future.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 11 February 2022, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

32

Friday 18 February 2022 | AL HAKAM

The prophecy about the Musleh-e-Maud On 20 February 1886, a leaflet was published in which Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas expressed that Allah the Almighty vouchsafed a sign amid his time of isolation that a child would be born to him who would serve Islam and would be blessed with extraordinary attributes.

and so that people may understand that

mercy and honour have equipped him

I am the Lord of Power, I do whatever I

with the Word of Majesty. He will be

will, and so that they may believe that I

extremely intelligent and understanding

am with thee, and so that those who do

and will be meek of heart and will

not believe in God and deny and reject

be filled with secular and spiritual

His religion and His Book and His Holy

knowledge. He will convert three into

Messenger Muhammad, the chosen one

four. [the Promised Messiahas said

The words of the prophecy are as

[on whom be peace] may be confronted

concerning this, ‘Of this, the meaning is

with a clear sign and the way of the

not clear.’]

follows:

“I confer upon thee a Sign of My mercy

guilty ones may become manifest.

“It is Monday, a blessed Monday. Son,

according to thy supplications. I have

“Rejoice, therefore, that a handsome

delight of heart, high-ranking, noble; a

heard thy entreaties and have honoured

and pure boy will be bestowed on thee.

manifestation of the First and the Last, a

thy prayers with My acceptance through

Thou wilt receive a bright youth who

manifestation of the True and the High;

My mercy and have blessed this thy

will be of thy seed and will be of thy

as if Allah has descended from heaven.

journey.

progeny. A handsome and pure boy will

His advent will be greatly blessed and

come as your guest.

will be a source of manifestation of

“A sign of power, mercy, nearness to Me is bestowed on thee. A Sign of grace

“His name is Emmanuel and Bashir.

and beneficence is awarded to thee and

He has been invested with a holy spirit

“Behold! a light cometh, a light

thou art granted the key of success and

and he will be free from all impurity. He

anointed by God with the perfume of

victory. Peace on thee, O victorious one.

is the light of Allah.

His pleasure. We shall pour our spirit

Divine Majesty.

“Thus does God speak so that those

“Blessed is he who comes from heaven.

into him and he will be sheltered under

who desire life may be rescued from the

He shall be accompanied by grace (Fazl)

the shadow of God. He will grow rapidly

grip of death and those who are buried

which shall arrive with him. He will be

in stature and will be the means of

in the graves may emerge therefrom

characterised with grandeur, greatness

procuring the release of those held in

and so that the superiority of Islam and

and wealth. He will come into the world

bondage. His fame will spread to the

the dignity of God’s word may become

and will heal many of their disorder

ends of the earth and peoples will be

manifest unto the people and so that the

through his Messianic qualities and

blessed through him. He will then be

truth may arrive with all its blessings

through the blessings of the Holy Spirit.

raised to his spiritual station in heaven.

and falsehood may depart with all its ills,

“He is the Word of Allah for Allah’s

This is a matter decreed.”

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