Al Hakam - 4 March 2022

From the Markaz

From the Markaz

National amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

PAAMA UK members meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V through virtual meeting

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World War III Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad warned for almost two decades, no one took action

Coming from every distant track HA Walter MA, Secretary Young Men’s Christian Association Lahore, meets Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in Qadian

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THE WEEKLY

A

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

Russia-Ukraine War Injustices – on all sides – could lead to a nightmare the world would wish it hadn’t seen The Russia-Ukraine disaster has only confirmed the injustices and vested interests on all sides, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been warning of for almost two decades.

Where Western media would take one narrative and push their own agendas, Russia and its allies would paint their picture of what allegedly caused this

catastrophe.

To blame one side for all the disorder would be an injustice in itself and those who have been following geopolitics and its intricacies for a considerable time will know full well that everyone has a part in this extremely dangerous situation of the world.

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

The virtue of supplication َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ َ ُ َ َ ‫ ﻋ ِﻦ‬،‫ﻋ ْﻦ أ�ِ� ھ َﺮﻳْ َﺮة‬ ‫الن ِ� ِّ� ﺻلﻰ ا�� ُ� َعل ْی ِﻪ َو َسلم ﻗال‬ ُّ ُ َ َ ْ ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫ل� َﺲ ﺷ ْﻰ ٌء أﻛ َﺮ َم علﻰ ا�� ِ� ُس��اﻧﻪ ِﻣ َﻦ الﺪ َعا ِء‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates, “The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘There is nothing more noble to Allah the Glorified than supplication [du‘a].’”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Du‘a, Hadith 3829)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The superiority of Islam Only that teaching may be deemed perfect which fully develops and nurtures human faculties, rather than one which leans towards a certain extreme. Observe the instructions given to us by the teaching of the Gospel and compare them to the teaching given to us by our faculties.

Human faculties and the nature of man essentially constitute God’s ‘book of actions.’ How then can His book of words, known as the Book of Allah or God’s divine teaching, oppose and contradict His book of actions? In the same manner, if the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had not come, allegations would have been levelled against the morals, guidance, miracles and spiritual power of the past Prophets.

However, the Holy Prophetsa absolved them all by his advent. Therefore, the signs in support of the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa are more brilliant than the sun; they are countless and beyond measure. Hence, raising Continued on page 2

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Where the president of Russia is destroying a whole country, creating refugees, killing innocent civilians in his invasion and threatening to use nuclear weapons, NATO and Western powers, for years, have been trying to corner and isolate Russia – ultimately creating more security concerns for Russia by allowing the possibility of Ukraine being part of NATO. Without getting into the details of the injustices on both sides, world leaders must reflect on the words of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas – quoted by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa in his letters to world leaders (dated 10 June 2020) – stating the nations of the past were ruined and destroyed “as a result of their arrogance, transgressions and cruelties. Even the Pharaoh did not perish due to his disbelief, rather due to the injustices and brutalities he perpetrated.”

(Letters Sent to World Leaders by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community During Covid-19 Pandemic (2020), The Review of Religions, 8 December 2020) In the same letter, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa warned: “Indeed, most people do not yet fully appreciate how precarious the world will be just a few months from now [June 2020]. If history teaches us anything it is that when governments selfishly prioritise their own national interests over and beyond the collective interest the results are invariably catastrophic.”

Two years on from these letters to heads of states, it is clear that “national interests” continue to be prioritised over “the collective interest” and now we are

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objections against the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa or the signs of his prophethood is no different from a foolish, blind man saying that it was night even in broad daylight. I say once more that the other religions would have remained in darkness if until now, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had not appeared.

Faith would have been destroyed, and the earth would have been ruined by divine curse and chastisement. Islam shines like a lamp that has pulled others out of darkness as well. If one reads the Torah, it becomes difficult to even learn about heaven and hell. If one looks at the

seeing the catastrophe which may well lead us to nuclear war. These national interests have been pushed by all parties involved and double standards continue to prevail.

Last year, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa echoed what he had been saying over the last two decades: “If there is no justice, there is no peace. If you have double standards, as we can see in today’s world shown by the big powers, they cannot maintain peace in the world. […]

This is why you can see there is disturbance in the world today. So, if there is no justice, there is no peace.” (Al Hakam, 28 May 2021, Issue 167, pp. 1-2) Indeed, the solution to all the unrest has been given by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa throughout the years – for the world to turn to its Creator.

Warning of a war breaking out after the pandemic, in October 2021, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa warned: “I feel that it is quite possible that a war or a conflict could break out after this pandemic of coronavirus ends and its ruinous effects could last for many years before it returns to normality. Thus, we must pray that such circumstances may not arise, that may lead to wars and that world leaders act with sense so that the global situation can stabilise as quickly as possible and return to normal. To achieve this, it is necessary that mankind turns towards God […]

“We should inform people that there is only one solution to help the situation of the world return to normal and that is for mankind to turn to Allah the Exalted and to fulfil His rights and the rights of His creation.” (Al Hakam, 29 October 2021, Issue 189, pp. 7-9)

Gospel, no traces of God’s Unity can be found therein. There is no doubt in the fact that both these books were and are from Allah Almighty, but what light can be attained from them? True radiance and real divine light, which is needed for salvation, is present in Islam alone. Even in the context of God’s Unity, wherever you open the Quran, one will find it to be an unsheathed sword which cuts at the root of polytheism. Similarly, all the aspects of prophethood are spoken of so clearly and lucidly in the Holy Quran that no better exposition is possible.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 3-4)

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Turning to Allah and serving His rights and the rights of creation have been the core of Huzoor’s message to the world to establish world peace. He stressed all sides should forego vested interests, uphold absolute justice and work together for peace.

We can only pray the world follows the warnings and alarms raised by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. If not, the future could be a nightmare the world would wish it hadn’t seen.

We end with the recent press statement of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, dated 24 February 2022.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “For many years, I have warned the major powers of the world that they must heed the lessons from history, particularly in relation to the two catastrophic and devastating world wars that took place in the 20th Century. In this regard, in the past, I have written letters to the leaders of various nations urging them to set aside their national and vested interests in order to prioritise the peace and security of the world by adopting true justice at all levels of society. Most regrettably, now a war in Ukraine has started and so the situation has become extremely grave and precarious.

Furthermore, it has the potential to escalate even further depending on the next steps of the Russian government and the response of NATO and the major powers.

Unquestionably, the consequences of any escalation will be horrific and destructive in the extreme. And so, it is the critical need of the hour that every possible effort is made to avoid further warfare and violence.

There is still time for the world to step back from the brink of disaster and so, for the sake of humanity, I urge Russia, NATO and all major powers to concentrate all their efforts on seeking to de-escalate the conflict and working towards a peaceful solution through diplomacy.

“As the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I can only draw the attention of the world’s political leaders towards prioritising the peace of the world and setting aside their national interests and enmities for the sake of the wellbeing of all mankind. Thus, it is my sincere prayer that the world’s leaders act with sense and wisdom and strive for the betterment of humanity.

“I pray that the world leaders strive earnestly to safeguard and protect mankind, both today and in the future, from the torment of warfare, bloodshed and destruction. And so, from the depths of my heart, I pray that the leaders of the major powers and their governments do not take steps that will serve to destroy the future of our children and the next generations.

Rather, their every effort and motivation should be to ensure that we bequeath to those that follow us a world of peace and prosperity.

“I pray that the world’s leaders pay heed to the need of the hour and value, above all else, their obligation to ensure the peace and stability of the world. May Allah the Almighty protect all innocent and defenceless people and may true and lasting peace in the world prevail. Ameen.”

“MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD “Khalifatul Masih V “HEAD OF THE WORLDWIDE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY”

From the Markaz

May A to sp Ahma

Nationa seek gui On 26 February 2022, the national amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso met Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

As the live stream started, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked the amila, “Will you [prefer to] speak in French, English, or Urdu?” Daquda Kone Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso, responded that, with Huzoor’saa permission, half of the amila would like to speak in English and the other half in French.

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

Huzooraa then spoke to every participant and asked them about their duties in Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso while also giving them valuable guidance on how to work better and improve.

Huzooraa asked Sadr Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya about his profession. He replied that he had graduated from Jamiatul Mubashireen, Ghana, and was serving as a missionary. Hearing this, Huzooraa said: “I see, masha-Allah, then you can also speak Urdu?”

Sadr Sahib replied, “‫[ ”�رى �رى‬Only a little].

Naib Sadr I, upon being asked if he was assigned any special duty by Sadr Sahib, reported that he had two main duties which were to collect reports from the amila and present them to Sadr Sahib.

Secondly, he was to support the finance team to find solutions for increasing chanda contribution. Hearing this, Huzooraa asked if he added his comments to the reports too, to which he replied in the affirmative and said that sometimes he handed the important matters to Sadr Sahib.

Muhammad Izhar Ahmad Sahib, serving in the department of Rishta Nata, was next to report. Upon seeing him, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked if he was a missionary. Muhammad Izhar Ahmad Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he was serving as a teacher in Jamiatul Mubashireen, Burkina Faso.

Hassane Jengani Sahib said he would like to present his report in Urdu. Upon hearing him speak in Urdu, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked, “Did you study at Jamia International?” He replied in the affirmative. He began introducing himself and as soon as he mentioned his name

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

Allah give you the strength pread the message of Islam adiyyat all across Burkina Faso

al amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso idance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “I see, so you are the person who writes to me in Urdu […]”

Hassane Jengani Sahib reported that he was serving as Mohtamim Tarbiyat.

He stated that the plan was to hold daily, weekly, monthly and annual tarbiyat programmes so that Khuddam and Atfal could benefit as much as possible. Huzooraa further asked what they were focused on most, “What is the tarbiyat plan? How will you do tarbiyat? [Are you] focusing on prayers? [Are you] focusing on the recitation of the Holy Quran? Is the focus on teaching religious knowledge? Is attention being paid towards improving morals? And if so, how? What is the plan for offering prayers? What percentage of Khuddam pray in congregation? There, [in Burkina Faso,] you have no restrictions. Prayers should be offered there in congregation.”

Hassane Jengani Sahib replied that effort was made regarding these matters. He said that qaideen were appointed in areas who reminded Khuddam about salat. Huzooraa asked him about the tajnid of Khuddam, to

which Hassane Jengani Sahib replied that there were, according to the present records, around 6,000. Hearing this, Huzooraa said that the number should be greater. Hassane Jengani Sahib further reported that 60% of Khuddam offered prayers in congregation.

Huzooraa replied, “Masha-Allah!” and enquired if the rest offered salat in their homes. Hassane Jengani Sahib replied in the affirmative and stated that the qaideen in different areas continuously reminded Khuddam about prayer.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Salat is the most important matter.

Khuddam should focus on offering salat. If one becomes accustomed to offering salat, then insha-Allah attention is also drawn towards the rest [of the matters]. Moreover, they should pay more attention to reciting the Holy Quran. Draw their attention towards this […]”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added that the Tarbiyat department should circulate some ahadith and extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiahas for Khuddam to read so that “they can reform themselves”.

Huzooraa further added that Khuddam should also listen to the Friday Sermons broadcast on MTA. Souleymane Sahib, Naib Sadr II, reported he was assigned to look after all the qaideen ilaqah jaat and to make sure activities were taking place as planned. Next, Zela Issouf Sahib reported that he was serving as the Mohtamim Tabligh. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah! It is also one of the very important assignments.” Huzooraa asked what the tabligh plan was, “How soon do you intend to convert the whole of Burkina Faso to Islam Ahmadiyyat?” Souleymane Sahib replied that, with Huzoor’saa prayers, “we are hoping very soon.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked, “Will it take 10 years, 20 years, 30 years or 5 years?” Souleymane Sahib responded, “It will depend on your prayers for us,” upon which Huzooraa said, “My prayers will work when you are working hard and also praying at the same time […] You will have to help me with your prayers as well.”

Huzooraa asked about the tabligh plan and what the bai‘at target was for the year.

Souleymane Sahib said that they had a public programme for preaching and the target set was 1,000 bai‘ats. Huzooraa said, “Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya are quite young people, more energetic people, you should have a greater target than this […] you should try to double this target.”

Speaking with Mohtamim Isha‘at, Huzooraa asked if any newsletter was printed. He replied there was a magazine which was printed twice a year. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked if members of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya wrote articles for the magazine. Huzooraa said, “Encourage Khuddam also, those who are educated, living in the cities, that they should also try to write some articles. Some of them can just write an article on how they accepted Ahmadiyyat, how their parents accepted Ahmadiyyat, what is Ahmadiyyat, why we should believe in Ahmadiyyat, what are the prophecies of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with regards to the coming of the Promised Messiahas.

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So, like this, they will increase their knowledge, their faith, and at least you will also encourage them to write more for the Jamaat and, after seeing their articles, some Khuddam will also become active […]”

Danial Ahmad, Mohtamim Tajnid, reported that they were trying to improve and update the tajnid in Burkina Faso.

Speaking with Mohtamim Tarbiyat Nau Mubai‘een, Rashid Sahib, Huzooraa enquired if he was an Ahmadi by birth. Rashid Sahib replied that he was not a born Ahmadi and that he did bai‘at when he was 14 years old along with his parents. Huzooraa asked about the plan he had devised for the training of nau-mubai‘een. Rashid Sahib reported that whenever a person did bai‘at, they were trained to write letters to Huzooraa to seek prayers so that Allah Almighty strengthened their faith. And secondly, all new converts were involved in all Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya activities. He added that home visits were also made.

“

Rashid Sahib further reported that people of different backgrounds were accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa provided guidance and said, “For different groups [of people], for [people of] different religious backgrounds, they should have different plans and programmes. So, those who are Muslims, it is quite possible that there are a number of Khuddam who join Ahmadiyyat and know the words of prayer, Sura alFatihah, they can read the Holy Quran, then for them, you will have to make a plan that you tell them more about Ahmadiyyat and try to increase their Islamic religious knowledge, [knowledge of] the history of Islam and the history of Ahmadiyyat.

And those who come from a Christian background should have a different training programme. They should learn the words of Surah al-Fatihah, prayers and salat. Tell them how to offer salat, what is the meaning of salat, or why we should offer the five daily prayers. So, different groups should have

different plans and programmes, not the same plan for each and every group.”

Haroona Sahib, Mohtamim Talim reported that this year, three books of the Promised Messiahas were given to Khuddam to read and study. He added that a syllabus was being prepared for those Khuddam who did not have the means to gain an education. Next, speaking with Shamsuddin Sahib, Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani, Huzooraa asked if he was active and played any sports, to which he replied that he taught physical education at a school. He added that according to the tajnid, 50-60% of Khuddam were active in sports.

Next, Idrassa Sahib, serving in the Khidmat-e-Khalq department, reported that the main plan was to collect funds and help people and added that blood donation sessions were usually organised. Saud Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Umur-e-Tulaba, reported that around 2300 members were studying. Huzooraa enquired how many attended universities and added, “Those who

Salat is the most important matter.

Khuddam should focus on offering salat. If one becomes accustomed to offering salat, then insha-Allah attention is also drawn towards the rest [of the matters].

Al Mahdi Mosque, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

are going to universities, they should also be active and form an AMSA - Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association – there in their universities […]”

Huzooraa further said that he should have the breakdown of all students and what they were studying.

Mohtamim Atfal next reported that there were 1876 Atfal in Burkina Faso according to the tajnid data. Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that they should try to update and complete the tajnid, “there should be more [Atfal] than this.”

Mohtamim Waqar-e-Amal reported that two kinds of waqar-e-amal was done: The first was in Jamaat areas such as the mosque, mission houses, and wherever the Jamaat needed. The second was for the benefit of the general public such as the highway, roads and hospitals. He added that this was leaving a good impression on the general public. After this, Huzooraa discussed various budgetary matters with Karim Sahib, the Mohtamim Maal.

Speaking with Mohtamim Sanat-oTijarat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked how much income was generated through the department. In response, Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat replied that for the time being, the department had no source of income but efforts were being made.

Next, Huzooraa asked Mohtamim Tahrik-e-Jadid how much Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya contributed towards Tahrike-Jadid. He replied as he was recently assigned this duty he was not sure about the exact figure but, he was working hard on the duty he was assigned.

Speaking with Moctar Sanfo Sahib, Muhasib, Huzooraa asked him if he audited the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya accounts and receipts, to which he replied in the affirmative.

Next Qaid Ilaqa of the Kadiogo region presented his report. Huzooraa enquired how many Khuddam there were in the Kadiogo region, to which he said that there were 292 Khuddam. Further, Qaid Ilaqa of BoboDioulasso reported that there were 460 Khuddam in his region. Conversing with Qaid Ilaqa of the Boromo region, Huzooraa asked if the area was peaceful; to which he replied in the affirmative. Youssouf Sahib, Qaid Ilaqa of the Ouagadougou region stated that there were 188 Khuddam in his region.

Conversing with Mohtamim Umumi, Huzooraa said, “It is the duty of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya to protect the properties of Jamaat Ahmadiyya. So, you should discharge your duties in this regard.”

Then, whilst speaking with Qaid Ilaqa of Dori, Huzooraa asked about the law and order condition. The Qaid Ilaqa of the Dori region replied that the condition was not very good and requested prayers. Huzooraa said, “Allah Almighty keep all of you safe.

Allah Almighty bless you all.”

In the end, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, whilst addressing the amila, said, “Allah Hafiz! Allah Almighty keep you safe and enable you to work hard for the cause of the Jamaat and give you the strength to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat all across the country.”

Thereafter, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa extended salaam to everyone and the meeting came to an end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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From the Markaz

World leaders will answer for their deeds in the Hereafter PAAMA UK members meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V through virtual meeting

On 27 February 2022 members of the UK’s Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA UK) – men and women – met with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual meeting.

Members of PAAMA UK sat in the Baitul Futuh Mosque, London and were connected virtually with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa who was in Islamabad, UK. The meeting started with Huzooraa conveying his salaam and asking if Tommy Kallon Sahib, President PAAMA UK was present. Tommy Kallon Sahib confirmed his presence to which Huzooraa said, “Ok, Masha-Allah”.

Huzooraa then called Ali Muwanda Sahib to recite a portion from the Holy Quran. Seeing him, Huzooraa remarked, “You are getting old now.” Sharif Bhunno Sahib presented the English translation of the Quranic verses.

Tommy Kallon Sahib, President PAAMA UK then said a few words of gratitude in which he said: “It is an honour and a privilege of inestimable proportions for us to be blessed with an audience with our beloved Huzoor at this virtual mulaqat. For this, we proclaim the glory of Allah […]

“Since the pandemic started and Huzooraa inaugurated this priceless series of virtual mulaqats, we have been able to behold ever more closely the profound wisdom of Huzoor’s guidance, the remarkable depth of Huzoor’s knowledge and the inspirational abundance of Huzoor’s love.”

He said the day was “historic” as it was the first-ever virtual meeting of PAAMA UK with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and prayed PAAMA members always stayed obedient and loyal to the institution of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya.

After Tommy Sahib finished speaking, Huzooraa lovingly said “Jazak-Allah. I thought you would take some more time.

Masha-Allah, as usual, your address was very elaborate and comprehensive. MashaAllah. With this, you have made my work easy.”

Some of the Lajna PAAMA UK members then recited a taranah (choral poem). The men’s side, which included Atfal, Khuddam and Ansar recited taraney next and raised

slogans too.

Addressing Ali Muwande Sahib, with a loving smile, Huzooraa said “You said that it is because of my prayers you are getting old. My prayers are to keep you young, not old.” Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Huzoor’s words.

Lajna PAAMA members then had the opportunity to ask questions to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

Mariyum Bosu Sahiba asked about what expectations Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa had from PAAMA UK Lajna members.

Huzooraa said: “The same expectations as they are for men and boys. Lajna should also make their plan and programme, they should also spread the message of true Islam, they should also try to increase their religious knowledge, general knowledge, they should also try to be good – even better than the men – in morals and even sometimes you guide the men. Your responsibility is to raise your children in the best way, in the best manner so that they grow up as good Ahmadi Muslims.

“This is the duty of each and every Muslim woman and being the member of

Lajna PAAMA – you are living here in the Western world where religious activities are not taken seriously, or not considered good even, too much is spoken against religion – so here you will have to maintain your traditions and your religion as well. This is your duty.”

Aisha Usman Sahiba quoted the Holy Quran and requested Huzooraa to explain why the following verse mentioned “wives” and not “husbands”: “O ye who believe! surely among your wives and your children are [some that are really] your enemies, so beware of them.”

(Surah at-Taghabun, Ch.54: V.15) Huzooraa opened the verse reference in a copy of the Holy Quran and, giving the lexicon meanings of the original Arabic of the verse, said: “The Quran here has used the word:

ُ َ ُ َ َۡ ‫اجکم َوا ۡولَا ِدﻛ ۡم‬ ِ ‫ازو‬

“And azwaj doesn’t only mean ‘wives’. In my view, azwaj means both ‘husband’ and ‘wife’. If the husband is not good, you have to be very much careful and vigilant. Beware of their activities if they are doing against Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

“So this is my view. And in a number

of our Quran translations, it has been translated as ‘wives and children’ but the Arabic word used is azwaj that means ‘spouse’ – and spouse includes both.

“So, I tried to find out why we have used this. Ultimately, I found that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was also of this view, that azwaj means spouse. And he has translated it in his Urdu translation [as] not ‘wives’ but ‘spouse’ – so your ‘spouses and your children’. If you use the word ‘spouse’ then you don’t have any question. It is solved.

“Even sometimes your husbands are also your enemies if they are asking you to act against the teachings of Islam and Ahmadiyyat. This is why sometimes women have more influence on men and quite a number of times we see that men have more influence on their wives. So this is why I think those who were translating it were influenced – during that time the women were not very much aware of the Islamic teachings. But now you are very well educated, you know the meaning of the Quran, you can read the Holy Quran, you know the tradition of Islam and Ahmadiyyat, you have the knowledge.

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“Even sometimes our women are more knowledgeable than men – then here you can say ‘beware of you husbands and children’.”

Another Lajna member, Khola Sahiba, referred to an instruction received by Lajna Uganda about the profile pictures of girls.

She asked how parents should explain to young girls why their photographs should not be used as profile pictures.

To this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that if the girls were young, below the age of 12, their pictures could be used by their parents as profile images.

Huzooraa also added that: “Women should not display their pictures on their profiles – not only the girls [but also] grown-up women, those who are mature, those who have attained their age of maturity because that can harm them.

“There are quite a number of men who are not of good nature, they can take advantage of their profile pictures by using them somewhere which is not appropriate.

“This is why I say women should be very much careful as there is hijab and purdah essential for women, not for men. Men have only been asked that they should lower their gaze, keep their eyes low. They should not see the women without any restriction. But women have been asked that along with lowering their gaze, they should also cover their faces.

“This is why this is the Islamic teaching that you should not permit men to misuse your profile, your picture or they blackmail you somewhere or they contact you and then you will be in trouble. This is the only thing. [...]

Huzooraa said this instruction was not only for Uganda Lajna but all Ahmadi Muslim women in the world. Referring to Uganda Lajna, Huzooraa, with a smile, said: “I think Uganda Lajna is more particular in implementing this directive. So I am happy that they are active Lajna. Uganda Lajna is quite active.”

Jannat Sahiba asked how one could remain resolute in Allah the Almighty in the current trying times the world is going

through.

To this Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “When you have more work and you are absorbed in your worldly activities and doing your job, and busy in your business and other jobs, then normally it is seen that you don’t pay full attention to your prayers.

“I take it the other way around.

Nowadays, since you have lost your jobs, there are some problems, whenever a person is in trouble they try to bow before Allah the Almighty more than before.

“You say that ‘how can one remain resolute to Allah the Almighty’?’ This is the time that you pay full attention towards Allah, observe your prayers on time and pray to Allah the Almighty that He removes all these problems and you come out from this difficult time.

“So, in my view, you should be more resolute than before. When you are having a good job, you are earning money, you are busy in your worldly activities, then normally we see that people forget who Allah is and when to worship or should we worship or not? You don’t remember Allah the Almighty.

“Generally, what we experience in this world is that those people who are worldly people, those who are involved in worldly things, normally do not pay attention to the worship of Allah the Almighty.

“This is why atheism is increasing in this Western world because they think that what they are doing is because of their abilities, their education, their knowledge and their better financial positions.

“This is what we observe normally that those who are worldly people do not pay attention to praying to Allah the Almighty and try to follow the injunctions and commandments given to us by Allah the Almighty. Rather these are poor people who pay more attention towards Allah.

“And now if you think that this is the time when you are in problem, in trouble, then you pray to Allah the Almighty that Allah removes all your problems. And also promise that whenever your conditions come to normal you will never leave observing fervent prayers, offering fervent prayers. This is the time that you bow before

Allah more than before. […]

“When you are in trouble, your child is sick, you pray to Allah the Almighty. When you yourself are in trouble or sick then you pray to Allah the Almighty that He give you sound health. This is the time you pray to Allah the Almighty […]”

Another Lajna member asked if Ahmadi women could wear artificial nails and eyelashes. Huzooraa said: “Yes, there is no problem with it. If they are clean then you can use them, and after your function when you are wearing these nails, you can remove them.

“But your own nails should not be very long. This is the tradition, the hadith of the Holy Prophetsa that you cut your nails so that no dirt, no dirty thing gets into it and when you are eating you may have contaminated food and the contamination can go through your nails to your stomach. This is why Allah the Almighty says that you cut your nails, keep your nails clean.

“But if for some function you are wearing nails just for one or two hours, then there is no problem.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then gave the men’s side the opportunity to ask questions.

Nooruddeen Jahangeer Khan Sahib said he was asking the first question on behalf of Alhasan Bangura Sahib who was not present. Huzooraa asked why Bangura Sahib was not there to which Nooruddeen Sahib said he was not feeling well.

The question was how PAAMA UK could better serve the needs of the African people.

For example, could PAAMA collaborate with organisations like Humanity First and serve Africans, he asked.

Huzooraa said: “Who has stopped you from doing it?

You can work in collaboration with any of the organisations […] Apart from Humanity First, there are quite a number of charity organisations with whom you can start your work.

“But, first, you make a plan – what is your plan? What type of work do you want to do?

What type of project do you want to start in Africa? And if Humanity First or IAAAE or even our central Jamaat organisation, or auxiliary organisation are doing any project

in Africa, pan-African members can help them.

“You are here now, financially you are better off than those people living in Africa so you can contribute towards those projects which are being run by Humanity First or other Jamaat auxiliary organisations, or Jamaat’s central system or IAAAE or any other charity. So, you can help them.

“You can find out in which part of the country – or which country – people are more in need of some development projects so that you can ask Humanity First or other organisations that ‘these are the people who are deprived of their basic necessities and they should be helped.’

“And then, if you have any idea that how these people can be helped, you can give your idea to those people and even extend your help to them. You can ask them that ‘PAAMA as a whole can also be part of this project in any way you are in need of.’”

Hakim Mensa Sahib, General Secretary of PAAMA UK said that the African continent was marred with war again. He asked for Huzoor’s advice to the leaders of African nations.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “Which part of the world is free of these things? Not only Africa; now Europe is also marred with it. Even now the situation in Europe is more dangerous than in Africa because this situation can circle the whole of the world.”

Huzooraa said he had been always saying that: “For peace of the country and the society, you need justice and absolute justice. Until and unless our leadership is honest and do justice to their work, to their people, we cannot maintain peace in the society and these things will continue.

“Wherever you see that the leadership is good, they are honest with their people, those countries are flourishing or developing to some extent.”

Huzooraa said that leaders were not honest across the world. He continued: “We pray, we ask the leadership to be honest and recognise their Creator. Until and unless they recognise their Creator and believe in this that all their deeds are being seen by God Almighty and whatever they are doing they will be answerable for it, if not in this world, in the Hereafter – then they will do good.

“We have to make them realise that there is one God and don’t think that this is the only world. In the Hereafter, you will be answerable for all your deeds. And whatever the responsibility you have been entrusted you will be asked for it. And if you are not discharging your duties properly then Allah the Almighty will punish you.

“This is the only thing that can reform them. That is what I have been telling all the time, whenever I get the chance, to the leaders that always think that Allah the Almighty is watching over us.

“If we realise this fact then it will be okay, otherwise, it will continue like this. We can only pray, or make the effort to convert the whole of the country or the continent into true Islam. Then, as you have heard, you have listened to in the recitation [of the Holy Quran] recited before you, then you will be one nation, one people and will be honest with each other, and discharge your duties towards each other, and discharge your duties towards Allah the Almighty.

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022 “This is the only solution. Otherwise, there is no hope of any reformation.”

Nasir Ahmed Owusu-Konadu Sahib, a young PAAMA member, was next to ask a question. Hearing his name, Huzooraa remarked, “I see, you are Konadu’s son?” To this, Nasir Sahib said he was. Huzooraa said “Masha-Allah, now grown-up”.

Nasir Sahib said some PAAMA members did not attend some of the Jamaat meetings as they were held in the Urdu language, which the PAAMA UK members could not understand. He asked what could be done about the situation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “The organisers and the office-bearers should be held responsible for it. Why are they conducting their meetings in Urdu?

“I have asked many a time that 70% of our meetings should be conducted in English so that everyone can understand it.

And English-speaking people should also be given the chance to speak in the meetings – in their speeches, addresses or whatever it is – whether they hold any office or not, doesn’t matter. […]

“If some people do not understand then 70% of the meeting – the agenda of the meeting or the items– should be in English and 30% in Urdu.

“This is the responsibility of national amir sahib – national amir sahib is sitting here – and your local Jamaat presidents that they should ask their office-bearers that the meetings should be conducted in English so that everyone can benefit from it.”

Huzooraa said those who did not attend the meetings due to this reason were “losing the blessings of at least sitting in an atmosphere where Allah and His Prophet’s name are being discussed and being narrated […] and the passages of the Promised Messiah’sas books are being read”, however, the fault was of the office-bearers who did not conduct the meetings in English.

Addressing Nasir Sahib, Huzooraa said: “You can convey my message to your Jamaat president.”

The next question was by Haruna Appiah Sahib. He noted that according to the Promised Messiahas jihad in this day was by the pen as Muslims were not being attacked by the sword. Haruna Sahib asked why Ahmadi Muslims who were persecuted in countries like Pakistan could not retaliate in the name of jihad as they were being attacked physically.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “The Promised Messiahas has said that ‘I have come to this world in this age to establish peace and I have come on the footsteps of the Messiah of Moses. Did Jesus Christ ever fight against his enemies? No. He was persecuted, he was beaten, even he was put on the cross although Allah saved him from there, he tolerated all these things.

“So, the Promised Messiahas said that I have come on the footsteps of Jesus. This is why he says ‘now jihad of the sword is not permissible’. And he quoted a hadith, a tradition from the Holy Prophetsa, it is in Bukhari, that now jihad is not permissible during the time of the Promised Messiahas.

“And our work is to spread the message of true Islam; of love, peace and harmony.

What we are gaining through this message is more than what we can achieve by fighting with each other. What shall we gain by fighting?

“Those Pakistanis who have come to join

7 Ahmadiyyat, they are from among those people, they have the same mentality, same psyche, some of them are from some martial tribes, but despite that, when they accept Ahmadiyyat they say ‘now the teaching of Islam Ahmadiyyat is that you should show patience and bear all these atrocities being committed against Ahmadis by opponents.”

Huzooraa said the Promised Messiahas said that the Holy Prophetsa prophesied the followers of the Messiah and his Jamaat would face atrocities but they should show tolerance.

“This is why we are not retaliating, otherwise we can retaliate – but what will happen? We shall shatter the peace of the country, which is already in danger.

“Once a person said to the third Khalifa that ‘Permit me, we can organise some group and use petrol bombs and other bombs and create disturbance in the country’. He said ‘Yes, you can do it but then Allah the Almighty will say “Ok, you and your opponents do whatever you like and I am leaving you.”’

“If Allah the Almighty leave us, then we don’t have any safe place.

“So it is better to follow the commandment of Allah the Almighty that during the time of the Promised Messiahas we should spread our message through love, peace and harmony and show patience.

“This is why we do not fight, otherwise we have the power to fight.”

Talha Owusu-Konadu Sahib, another youngster was next to ask a question. Seeing him Huzooraa asked if he was the first or second born ‘Konadu’. Talha Sahib said he was the second.

He then expressed to Huzooraa that he knew he loved Huzooraa immensely, however felt his passion for worldly things like when watching football, exceeded, at times, his passion to listening to Huzooraa.

He desired to know how he could develop more passion and love toward Khilafat so that all other loves became secondary.

Huzooraa explained: “It is a tradition and the Promised Messiahas also has said that we should love each other for the sake of Allah. And it is a tradition, Allah the Almighty says that ‘if two believers love each other for the sake of Me, to please Me, then I will love them and I will shower My blessings on them abundantly.

“If you think that you love the Khalifa of the time because of the love of Allah the Almighty then all other loves should go on the side, put them aside. And only one thing should be at your forefront and that is the love of Allah the Almighty. And for the love of Allah, you love your Khalifa and you love each other. The Khalifa loves, because of the sake of Allah, he loves his followers, the members of the Ahmadiyya community.

“If this is in your mind, your love of football and other games will not take over your love to the Khilafat and Allah.

“Once a son of Hazrat Alira – the fourth Khalifa of the Holy Prophetsa – asked the father, ‘Do you love me?’ The father said, ‘Yes, I love you’. And then the son said, ‘Do you love Allah the Almighty?’ Hazrat Alira said, ‘Yes, I love Allah the Almighty’. So then the son asked, ‘Then how can two loves be in one heart? You love me and you love Allah the Almighty’. Hazrat Alira replied that “When the time of love of Allah comes, then your love goes away, then there is no love for you. Then [there is] only one love and that is Allah.’

“If you are comparing these things, if it is the time for prayer and at the same time you are watching a football match on the television which you love very much, then you put off the television and then pray first, properly, not quickly – very fervently and

then after that, if you have time then you can watch the match again. […]

“If the Khalifa of the time is addressing and giving a speech live directly to you, addressing you directly, then you listen to him first and you can see the recording of the match later on.

“Otherwise as I have said, two loves cannot be kept in one heart at a time. You have to see your preference order. Which love do you prefer more? Your religion, your attachment to Khilafat, your love to Allah the Almighty? Or your love for your football match or the team you like more.

“You will have to decide yourself. How can I ask you to love the Khalifa more? You will have to decide yourself, I know you have a pious nature.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said to Tommy Kallon Sahib, President PAAMA UK that the time had finished and the questions that remained could be asked next time.

Huzooraa added that those who desired for their questions to be answered urgently could write to him and he would reply through a letter.

Tommy Kallon Sahib then requested Huzooraa to lead everyone in silent prayer to which Huzooraa accepted.

At the end Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “One of your PAAMA members is also sitting with me here, Yahya […] He is sitting here, so you have a participation, your presence in this room as well.”

Tommy Kallon Sahib and the PAAMA UK members appreciated this loving comment and after Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam, the meeting came to an end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

8

World War III Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad warned for almost two decades, but the world failed to take heed

involved in wars that are taking place in Asia, but we should also be extremely concerned about the problems on our own doorsteps. If we look at Europe’s own financial crisis and its long-term effects we see that it is causing restlessness to spread within Europe’s population and this anxiety is increasing at great speed. If not handled properly, the results of such frustrations and desperation will prove to be catastrophic.” (www.reviewofreligions.org/9084/the-critical-state-ofworld-peace/)

On 11 May 2013, while addressing a special reception held in his honour at the Montage in Beverly Hills, LA, Huzooraa said: “The direction the world is moving in suggests that the dark shadow of war is being cast over a very large part of the globe.

If war breaks out then countless innocent women, children and elderly people will all die. The destruction will be greater than was witnessed in the previous two World Wars.”

(www.alislam.org/press-release/head-of-ahmadiyyamuslim-jamaat-delivers-historic-address-in-southerncalifornia/)

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

A great fear has turned into a reality; Russia has invaded Ukraine, increasing the chances of an all-out world war that would include nuclear weapons.

During a virtual meeting on 13 February 2022, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “It is said that if Ukraine and Russia go to war then there is 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.” (Al Hakam, 18 February 2022, Issue 205, p. 4) Addressing all Ahmadis, Huzooraa said: “It is your duty to pray. Continue to pray that Allah the Almighty safeguards you from a world war. […]

“It is prayer alone that can save you.”

(Ibid) Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa During the early hours of 24 February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine’s Donbas region. He made the declaration in a televised speech at the same time as the UN Security Council was imploring him to stop. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that an invasion “could be the beginning of a big war on the European continent.” (www.bbc. co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60454795)

This was followed by news about multiple explosions and airstrikes in different parts of Ukraine. (Ibid) BBC reported: “Ukraine’s UN ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya says Russia’s UN envoy has confirmed that his president declared ‘a war on my country’, reports Reuters news agency. The Ukrainian interior ministry tells CNN: ‘The invasion has begun.’” (Ibid) The foreign minister of Ukraine tweeted: “Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and

will win. The world can and must stop Putin.

The time to act is now.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address, urged the Ukrainian citizens to defend the country from Russian forces and said weapons would be issued to everyone who comes forward. He said: “We are defending our country, we fight for our country and we protect our country.”

(Independent, 24 February 2022, “Ukraine president Zelensky urges citizens to fight and offers weapons after Russia invasion”) World leaders need to realise that this is one of the most decisive moments in modern history. In fact, it is the make or break moment for not only the contemporary world but also for future generations. They must learn lessons from the past, and stay firm on their recent pledge, where five of the world’s most powerful nations – the US, Russia, China, the UK and France – had agreed that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought”.

If they fail to remain loyal to this pledge, the world could face huge devastation, about which Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Khalifatul Masih V had been warning the world for the past two decades.

History bears witness that aggressive wars only leave behind huge destruction and miseries.

In 2012, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa wrote letters to the leaders of various countries, and called their attention towards the establishment of world peace.

In his letter to the then US president Barack Obama, Huzooraa wrote: “There is currently great agitation and restlessness in the world. Small-scale wars have broken out in certain areas.

Unfortunately, the superpowers have not been as successful as was anticipated in their efforts to establish peace in these conflict-hit regions. […] We observe that political and economic problems have once again led to wars between smaller nations, and to internal discord and discontentment becoming rife within these countries. This will ultimately result in certain powers emerging to the helm of government, who

will lead us to a world war.

“If in the smaller countries conflicts cannot be resolved through politics or diplomacy, it will lead to new blocs and groupings to form in the world. This will be the precursor for the outbreak of a Third World War. Hence, I believe that now, rather than focusing on the progress of the world, it is more important and indeed essential, that we urgently increase our efforts to save the world from this destruction. There is an urgent need for mankind to recognise its One God, Who is our Creator, as this is the only guarantor for the survival of humanity; otherwise, the world will continue to rapidly head towards self-destruction.” (www. reviewofreligions.org/6230/letters-sent-to-worldleaders/#usa)

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

Recently, a very senior Russian military commander issued a serious warning about the potential risk of a nuclear war. It was his view that such a war would not be fought in Asia or elsewhere, but would be fought on Europe’s borders, and that the threat might originate and ignite from Eastern European countries.” (www.reviewofreligions.org/6305/thedevastating-consequences-of-a-nuclear-war-and-thecritical-need-for-absolute-justice/)

Whilst addressing the 10th Annual Peace Symposium of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, on 23 March 2013, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “We should not sit here and only be concerned at the prospect of becoming

On 14 March 2015, while addressing the 12th National Peace Symposium of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya UK, Huzooraa said: “The world is being consumed by various issues that are leading to frustration and resentment, which in turn are undermining peace. For example, the effects of the financial crisis continue to be felt in much of the world. […] Then there is the conflict in Ukraine and the global arms race. These are all threats to world peace that are not linked to Islam, but rather have developed as a result of an unquenchable thirst for power, influence and resources. […]

“Whilst some are saying that another World War is now unavoidable, I believe that even now there is time for the world to wake up to the stark reality it faces and to arrest this threat. To do so, all people and their leaders will need to stop looking only in one direction and caring only for their own interests. Instead, they must seek to fulfil the requirements of justice, fairness and honesty at all levels of society.” (www. alislam.org/press-release/muslim-leader-says-justiceand-honesty-required-to-prevent-outbreak-of-thirdworld-war/)

On 23 November 2015, while addressing a special reception held at the Hilton Hotel in Odaiba, Tokyo, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “We are living in extremely precarious and dangerous times, in which the state of the world is a cause of huge concern.

Conflict and disorder are consuming the world and threatening international peace and security. […] In Eastern Europe, hostilities between Russia and Ukraine and other European countries are continuing to flare. Furthermore, recently there has been heightened tension between the United States and China regarding the incursion of an American warship into the South China Sea. […]

“The world is now becoming engulfed by violence and disorder. In the modern world, the scope of warfare is much more vast than in previous eras. Conflicts in one part of the world do not remain limited or local, rather their effects and consequences spread much further afield. […] For many years, I have been warning that the world should realise that the effects of a war in one region can and will affect the peace and harmony of other parts of the world. […]

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022 “Now it is not just the major powers that have nuclear bombs, but even a number of smaller countries possess them. Whilst perhaps the major powers keep such weapons as a deterrent, there is no guarantee that the smaller countries will show such restraint. We cannot take it for granted that they will never use nuclear weapons. Thus, it is clear that the world stands on the brink of disaster.” (World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, pp. 189-191)

Then, during his Friday Sermon of 4 December 2015, Huzooraa said: “The severity of the situation is such that it appears to be a World War – in fact, a World War has already begun on a small scale. I have been warning of this for a number of years but only now many analysts have started to agree, and now they even write that World War has begun. […] The tensions between Russia and other Western powers are intensifying.”

On 3 September 2016, while addressing the non-Ahmadi guests at Jalsa Salana Germany 2016, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Khalifatul Masih V said: “It is an undeniable fact that the world’s peace is teetering on a knife-edge. With each day that passes, we witness increasing conflict and uncertainty across the globe.

It is a strange and tragic paradox that even though we are more connected than ever before, we are actually growing ever more distant by the day.” (www.pressahmadiyya.com/ press-releases/2016/09/head-of-ahmadiyya-muslimcommunity-speaks-of-risks-of-refugee-crisis-rise-of-thefar-right-in-europe/)

On 11 November 2016, while addressing a peace symposium in Calgary, Canada, Huzooraa said: “Storm clouds forewarning us of a Third World War are getting heavier by the day. The effects of such a war would last for decades to come. Generation after generation of children would, more than likely, be born crippled or with genetic defects due to the lasting effects of the radiation. Thus it is the urgent need of the time for mankind to work towards safeguarding our future.”

(www.alislam.org/articles/ways-to-establish-worldpeace/)

On 25 March 2017, while addressing the 14th National Peace Symposium of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya UK, Huzooraa said: “Tensions between Russia and the West continue to smoulder and threaten to escalate at any time. Indeed, as tensions continued to mount, Germany’s ex-Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, took it upon himself to speak out against NATO military exercises near the Russian border.

Speaking last June, he said: “‘The one thing we shouldn’t do is inflame the situation with loud sabre-rattling and warmongering…Anyone who thinks a symbolic tank parade on the alliance’s eastern border will bring security is wrong.

We will be well advised not to provide a pretext to renew an old confrontation.’

“I agree with the statement of the exForeign Minister that nations should not provoke one another or seek to assert their dominance, rather they should engage in diplomacy and try to resolve differences amicably and without needlessly threatening each other. Sadly, with the passing of time, it seems that we are losing our ability to listen and to tolerate opposing views and perspectives. Opening the channels of communication and facilitating dialogue is

9 essential, otherwise the world’s malaise will only get deeper.” (www.alislam.org/articles/globalconflicts-need-for-justice/)

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

We should not consider any issue or conflict, whether within a country or at an international level, to be insignificant.” (www. pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2019/03/headahmadiyya-muslim-community-warns-intensifyingglobal-hostilities-risk-disastrous-nuclear-war/)

In 2020, at the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic, Huzooraa sent letters to world leaders warning how precarious the world situation could become in just a few months.

He said: “Indisputably, Covid-19 has shaken the world’s economy to its very core and patently the coming weeks, months and years ahead will be exceedingly hazardous and challenging. Indeed, most people do not yet fully appreciate how precarious the world will be just a few months from now.

If history teaches us anything it is that when governments selfishly prioritise their own national interests over and beyond the collective interest the results are invariably catastrophic. Inevitably, economic or trade wars occur that, in turn, foster hatred and jealousy and ultimately lead to open warfare and bloody conflicts in which unimaginably destructive weapons are unleashed obliterating all that is before them.

“Consequently, with all humility and sincerity, I urge you as the leader of your nation to formulate policies that are based on justice so that the world may be saved from further misery and destruction. With all my heart, I hope and pray that you will pay heed and take seriously my earnest words. For the sake of the peace of your nation and the wider world, I pray that you play your role in the formation of economic and geopolitical policies that respect the rights of all parties and through which all peoples and nations can benefit and unite.” (www.reviewofreligions.org/26918/letterssent-to-world-leaders-by-head-of-ahmadiyya-muslimcommunity-during-covid-19-pandemic/#leaderssame)

On 29 November 2020, during a virtual mulaqat of Majlis Atfal-ulAhmadiyya Germany with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, a question was asked whether life would ever become normal again after Covid? Huzooraa replied: “Allah the Exalted knows best. Even though it may return to normal, the economic state that has developed after the coronavirus pandemic will have consequences for the world. Even if there is no physical warfare or major conflict, it will still take years for the global economic situation to stabilise. However, usually, we observe that the economic situation worsens under such circumstances which more often than not leads to warfare. By looking at the current situation of the world, it does seem that it could eventually lead to wars. If a war is ignited after the coronavirus, then the situation of the world will become even more perilous and it will take many years for the situation of the world to return to normal. […]

“I feel that it is quite possible that a war or a conflict could break out after this pandemic of coronavirus ends and its ruinous effects could last for many years before it returns to normality. Thus, we must pray that such circumstances may not arise, that may lead to wars and that world leaders act with sense so that the global situation can stabilise as quickly as possible and return to normal.

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

On 22 May 2021, during a virtual meeting of journalists from The Gambian with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, a journalist referenced Huzoor’s book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace and said that Huzooraa had paid a lot of emphasis on global peace. He asked about the importance of justice and why it was crucial to speak out against injustices. In response, Huzooraa said: “If there is no justice, there is no peace. If you have double standards, as we can see in today’s world shown by the big powers, they cannot maintain peace in the world. […]

This is why you can see there is disturbance in the world today. So, if there is no justice, there is no peace.” (Al Hakam, 28 May 2021, Issue 167, pp. 1-2)

On 11 September 2021, during a virtual meeting of UK Khuddam with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, a question was asked as to what was Huzoor’s opinion on the current state of the world? In response, Huzooraa said: “I have been telling, all the time, to the people of the world – to politicians, to leaders – that they ought to change themselves and try to establish true justice, absolute justice in the world and discharge their duties to their Creator and their fellow beings. Otherwise, there is no guarantee [about] what is going to happen, and what we can see is a very dark and bleak end of this world.” (Al Hakam, 17 September 2021, Issue 183, p. 6)

On 24 February 2022, in a press release, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: “For many years, I have warned the major powers of the world that they must heed the lessons from history, particularly in relation to the two catastrophic and devastating world wars that took place in the 20th Century. In this regard, in the past, I have written letters to the leaders of

various nations urging them to set aside their national and vested interests in order to prioritise the peace and security of the world by adopting true justice at all levels of society. Most regrettably, now a war in Ukraine has started and so the situation has become extremely grave and precarious.

Furthermore, it has the potential to escalate even further depending on the next steps of the Russian government and the response of NATO and the major powers.

“Unquestionably, the consequences of any escalation will be horrific and destructive in the extreme. And so, it is the critical need of the hour that every possible effort is made to avoid further warfare and violence. There is still time for the world to step back from the brink of disaster and so, for the sake of humanity, I urge Russia, NATO and all major powers to concentrate all their efforts on seeking to de-escalate the conflict and working towards a peaceful solution through diplomacy.

“As the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I can only draw the attention of the world’s political leaders towards prioritising the peace of the world and setting aside their national interests and enmities for the sake of the wellbeing of all mankind. Thus, it is my sincere prayer that the world’s leaders act with sense and wisdom and strive for the betterment of humanity.

“I pray that the world leaders strive earnestly to safeguard and protect mankind, both today and in the future, from the torment of warfare, bloodshed and destruction. And so, from the depths of my heart, I pray that the leaders of the major powers and their governments do not take steps that will serve to destroy the future of our children and next generations. Rather, their every effort and motivation should be to ensure that we bequeath to those that follow us a world of peace and prosperity.

“I pray that the world’s leaders pay heed to the need of the hour and value, above all else, their obligation to ensure the peace and stability of the world. May Allah the Almighty protect all innocent and defenceless people and may true and lasting peace in the world prevail. Ameen.” (www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2022/02/ statement-of-world-head-of-the-ahmadiyya-muslimcommunity-regarding-russia-ukraine-crisis/)

These warnings were being given since a long time and now the world is on the edge of a very possible nuclear disaster between nations. May Allah enable the world leaders to pay heed to the most sincere advice and guidance given by the Ahmadiyya Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa. Amin.

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 4-10 March 4 March 1914: After the Asr prayer, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira suddenly started feeling very weak and asked Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra to bring a pen and inkpot. Then,while lying on his bed, he wrote his will for his children and for the next Khalifa. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 506)

4 March 1961: A delegation of the Jamaat met the governor of the state of Maharashtra, India and gave him a copy of the English translation of the Holy Quran.

This delegation consisted of six Jamaat members. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 21, p. 353) 5 March 1944: Hazrat Syeda Umm-eTahir, Maryam Begum Sahibara passed away. She was the respected wife of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and mother of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Before her demise, she had been ill for some time and was undergoing treatment in a hospital in Lahore. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 523) 5 March 1953: Master Manzur Ahmad Sahib was martyred in Baghban Pura, Lahore, Pakistan. In the atrocities against Ahmadis in Lahore, Master Manzur Sahib was that martyr who was martyred before the implementation of martial law by the government to stop planned attacks on Ahmadis. (Friday Sermon, 7 May 1999) 6 March 1953: A frightening and merciless wave of anti-Ahmadiyya agitations, lootings, arsons, murders and brutal attacks on the life and properties of Ahmadis spread across Pakistan. In Lahore alone, three Ahmadis embraced martyrdom: Muhammad Shafi Sahib, Jamal Ahmad Sahib and Mirza Karim Baig Sahib. Later, the government’s inquiry commission labelled this day similar to

the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of France in 1572. Due to the failure of civil authorities, a curfew was imposed on this day at 1:30 pm in an attempt to prevent the ongoing systematic killings of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan. This Martial Law was lifted on 15 May. Muhammad Shafi Sahib of Burma was martyred in Mughalpura. Mian Jamal Ahmad was an FSC student at the time of his martyrdom and was 17 years old. The mob that attacked gave him a chance to denounce his faith and declare himself a

non-Ahmadi; however, this brave young man remained firm in his faith.

Mirza Karim Baig Sahib was martyred after being stabbed on Fleming Road, Lahore, Pakistan. A fire was started by the opposition. They began by looting furniture from shops belonging to Ahmadis. Mirza Karim Baig Sahib’s body was thrown into the fire by the cruel men.

(Friday Sermon, 7 May 1999) 7 March 1921: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra travelled to Malir Kotla, India.

Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Abdullah Khanra and some other members were present at Malir Kotla railway station to meet Huzoorra. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 277) 7 March 1980: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, while delivering the Friday sermon in Karachi, Pakistan, directed that every Ahmadi household should have a copy of Tafsir-e-Saghir.

8 March 1944: Hazrat Musleh-e-

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

Maudra visited and prayed at the grave of the Promised Messiahas for 40 consecutive days. Huzoorra would visit Bahishti Maqbara after Asr prayer and fervently pray for the triumph of Islam. A large number of Jamaat members started joining Huzoorra in this practice. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 629) 8 March 1953: Two members of the Jamaat were martyred in Lahore, Pakistan, on this date: Hawaldar Abdul Ghafoor Sahib and an Ahmadi chemist.

(Friday Sermon, 7 May 1999) 9 March 1921: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra delivered a speech in Malir Kotla, India, about the truthfulness of Islam.

The lecture was held at the house of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra and was attended by many people. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 278) 9 March 1928: Administrators of the French Mandate in Syria issued expulsion orders for Jalaluddin Shams Sahib, the Ahmadi Muslim missionary appointed there. He was told to leave Damascus within 24 hours. This was because a group of Syrian Muslim scholars met with the government and demanded the expulsion of this Ahmadi life-devotee and preacher. On the instructions of the Markaz, he moved to Haifa, Palestine and resumed his missionary duties there.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, p. 100) 10 March 1912: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra made special supplications for the participants of his Dars-ul-Quran sermons and shared that God Almighty would shower His love and pleasure on them. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 391) 10 March 1954: A teenager was brainwashed to assassinate Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra. On Wednesday, 10 March 1954, the boy was able to stand in the first row behind Huzoorra during the ‘Asr prayer. Immediately after the prayer had ended, he lunged forward and attacked Huzoorra by stabbing him twice with a dagger. Huzoorra sustained severe injuries but thankfully survived. Huzoorra was rushed to his residence at once and from there, Huzoor’sra first order was that his attacker should not be harmed. This attack was reported by Radio Pakistan, the BBC and many other media outlets.

Ahmadis living in Pakistan and around the globe at once became occupied in supplications for the safety and prompt recovery of their beloved Imam. Political and religious leaders condemned this attack in strong words. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 16, p. 230)

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Selective empathy: Western media’s horrific double standards amid Russia-Ukraine War Ataul Fatir Tahir Al Hakam

The Western media’s portrayal of Ukraine’s suffering as somehow “different” and labelling Ukrainians as more “civilised” compared to those suffering from wars in countries like Yemen, Libya, Ethiopia, Palestine and Syria, has sparked disgust on social media.

News coverage of civilian Ukrainians defending their country by making Molotov cocktails and arming themselves with stategiven machine guns has also been celebrated as “heroic” and the people have been called “freedom fighters”.

However, commentators have pointed out that this level of empathy has not been shown for others like Palestinians who experience an identical crisis yet are labelled “terrorists” when defending their land.

There are numerous other factors to consider, for example, crippling sanctions and the censoring of Russian media outlets like RT in Europe. These have not been consistent with the response to the invasion of Iraq or following the bombing of Yemen

by Saudi Arabia which continues to this day.

This is not about “whataboutism” or supporting Russia in any way, rather the focus is on upholding absolute justice.

The abhorrent selective empathy and double standards have unveiled deep-rooted undertones of injustice in parts of Western society where ethnicity, “whiteness” and location matter.

A piece in The Telegraph about Ukraine’s plight read: “They seem so like us. That is what makes it so shocking. Ukraine is a European country. Its people watch Netflix and have Instagram accounts, vote in free elections and read uncensored newspapers. War is no longer something visited upon impoverished and remote populations.” (www.telegraph.co.uk/ news/2022/02/26/vladimir-putins-monstrous-invasionattack-civilisation/)

An NBC News reporter, when questioned about how Poland’s refugee policy has changed compared to the last refugee crisis from Syria said: “Just to put it bluntly, these are not refugees from Syria, these are refugees from neighbouring Ukraine. I mean that, quite frankly, is part of it, these are Christians, they’re white, they’re very similar to people who live in Poland.”

A CBS NEWS reporter, describing the war in Ukraine said: “This isn’t a place, with all due respect, you know, like Iraq or Afghanistan that has seen conflict raging for decades. You know, this is a relatively civilized, relatively European – I have to choose those words carefully too – city where you wouldn’t expect that or hope that it’s going to happen.

So, it’s partly human nature.”

Ukraine’s deputy chief prosecutor, David Sakvarelidze, without censoring his tone or words told the BBC: “I’m sorry. It’s really emotional for me because I see European people with blue eyes and blonde hair being killed, children being killed every day with Putin’s missiles.”

BFM TV had a commentator who said: “We’re not talking here about Syrians fleeing the bombing of the Syrian regime backed by Putin, we’re talking about Europeans leaving in cars that look like ours to save their lives.”

Political commentator and media host, Michael Knowles, callously tweeted (and later defended): “It just occurred to me that this is the first major war between civilized nations in my lifetime.”

Russia has been accused of causing chaos and suffering by invading Ukraine but, contrary to what Western media would have you believe, this is not the first invasion by a superpower.

Western leaders have been equally

criticised as Noam Chomsky and Andre Vltchek detail in their book On Western Terrorism: From Hiroshima to Drone Warfare. But those invasions and meddling with other nations – think Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iran, Panama – are somehow against “uncivilised” people.

The suffering in Ukraine must be highlighted, however portraying Ukraine’s pain as “more civilised” shows the deep hypocrisy at play.

Apparently, if you look like what some Western media pundits perceive as, a typical European, have “Instagram accounts” and “Netflix” you are “civilised” and will be celebrated when defending your country.

Where refugees from lesser developed countries are demonised and used by rightwing politicians to scaremonger, refugees from a European nation are shown a merciful and compassionate response. All refugees and people should be treated the same. All human suffering should create compassionate responses.

This is not the first time the Western media has shown its bias, a similar narrative was pushed against Palestinians last year.

As Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has been reiterating for the last two decades, absolute justice needs to be established for any peace in the world to prevail. Otherwise, this turmoil will never end.

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Jalsa Yaum-eMusleh-e-Maud in Trinidad Adila Yacoob Trinidad & Tobago During the month of February, Jalsa Yaum-e-Musleh-e-Maud takes place at the national level, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, observing all protocols and restrictions, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Trinidad, Ibrahim bin Yaqub Sahib, advised that all the Jamaat programmes were to be held locally.

In Freeport, the Jalsa was held on 20 February 2022 at the Nasir Mosque. There was a total attendance of 34 members. The formal programme began after the Zuhr and Asr prayers, with recitation from the Holy Quran and its translation, which was followed by a poem.

After that, Saleem Yacoob Sahib presented the words of the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud, which was followed by a speech about the major achievements in the life of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

The concluding address was delivered by Amir Jamaat Trinidad, Ibrahim bin Yaqub Sahib, which was followed by an interactive session of questions and answers.

Lastly, the audience was reminded that, “This event is not a birthday celebration; rather, we are here to celebrate the fulfilment of the Promised Messiah’sas grand prophecy regarding the Promised Reformer and the Promised son that was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Khalifatul Masih II.” Thereafter, the programme concluded with a silent prayer.

Alhamdulillah, it was a very successful event. May Allah the Almighty enable us to follow the footsteps of the Promised Messiahas and fulfil the pledge we have all made at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, amin.

Jalsa Yaum-e-Musleh-e-Maud in Greece Zeeshan Nadeem Greece Correspondent

On 20 February 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece was blessed to hold Jalsa Yaum-eMusleh-e-Maud in Athens.

The Jalsa was presided over by the national president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece, Attaul Naseer Sahib.

The jalsa commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran with its Urdu

translation, followed by a hadith, the words of the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud, and a poem.

The first speech was delivered by Shoaib Mahmood Sahib on “Introduction to the Prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud” in Urdu.

The second speech was delivered by Nasir Ahmad Sahib on “Incidents of the acceptance of prayers of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra”. The speeches were followed by another poem.

The concluding address was delivered in English by the president of Greece Jamaat, Attaul Naseer Sahib, which was followed by a silent prayer to conclude the event.

An arrangement to participate via Zoom was also available for those members who live outside of Athens.

The total attendance of the event was 31, including 11 online participants from Athens, Thessaloniki and Ioannina.

Jalsa Yaum-e-Musleh-e-Maud in Sweden Kashif Mahmood Virk Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Sweden

On 5 February 2022, Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Sweden organised Jalsa Yaum-e-Musleh-e-Maud online, where Khuddam from all over the country took part interactively.

The event commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by Khuddam pledge.

After that, my humble self delivered a speech about the magnificent legacy

of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and what is essential for us Ahmadis to learn from it.

The jalsa continued with various topics such as an informative presentation regarding Humanity First’s progress in the lesser developed countries, i.e. the construction of pumps, wells, etc., in Africa.

It is an example of how small infrastructure projects of can have an immense impact on surrounding communities. This year, MKA Sweden will contribute by funding wells in the developing world, insha-Allah.

An interactive quiz was also held with

a vast number of questions on different topics, both relevant for Ahmadi history and diverse topics of common knowledge to create a good balance of interest for the audience interacting online.

Finally, there was a speech from the guest speaker from the UK, Ata ul Momin Zahid Sahib, in which he outlined the history of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya as well as the conspiracies against Khilafate-Ahmadiyya, and reminded Khuddam to always be ready to protect the Divine institution of Khilafat.

Jon Ashworth MP visits Baitul Ikram Mosque, Leicester, UK Ibrahim Bonsu President Jamaat Leicester, UK

On 14 January 2022, the honourable MP for Leicester South, Jon Ashworth, who also serves as the Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, paid his first visit to Baitul Ikram Mosque which is situated in his constituency.

He was given a tour of the mosque. The history of the local Ahmadiyya Jamaat was also relayed to him. The honourable MP

showed keen interest in the insight provided by the missionary, Zartashat Lateef Sahib, into the tenets of Islam as interpreted by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

He also intently watched a video presentation on the system of Khilafat and the great efforts of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifat-ul-Masih Vaa, towards world peace. He appreciated the various kinds of charitable work of the local Ahmadiyya community, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown such as the ‘Help

Your Neighbour’ and the ‘Cheap & Easy Cooking’ campaigns.

Finally, areas of cooperation in the local community were discussed and he was also reassured that the local Ahmadiyya community would always be ready to render their support and services in the development of community cohesion and peace in the local area.

In the end, he was presented with a gift bag of the Community’s literature, which he appreciated and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception.

All Covid-19 health and safety protocols were adhered to.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

Coming from every distant track

Howard Arnold Walter MA, Secretary YMCA Lahore, meets Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II in Qadian A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam In the first week of January 1916, Mr Walter, Secretary of the Christian Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Lahore, India came to Qadian to research the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Mr Hume, Educational Secretary, Young Men’s Christian Association, Lahore, and Mr Lux, Vice Principal Foreman Christian College Lahore also accompanied him.

Since the arrival of these three distinguished European guests in Qadian was a journey of tourism and research, therefore, as a sign of hospitality, the guests were accommodated in the excellent and comfortable house of Akhtar Ali Sahib in one of the modern styled buildings outside Qadian. The arrangements for the stay of these guests and their meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra were entrusted to Hazrat Bhai Abdul Rehmanra Qadiani.

All these guests met with Huzoorra twice and inquired about religious matters which Huzoorra answered in great detail.

Their questions were mostly about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and the Holy Quran’s authenticity and its being a divinely revealed book from God. On the front page of Al Fazl, 4 January 1916, it has been recorded that these guests visited other places in Qadian and intended to write a book about the Jamaat.

The distinguished guests expressed great happiness after meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and hearing his answers. Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra and Qazi Abdul Haq Sahib served as translators during the meeting.

The detailed conversation of these guests with Huzoorra was recorded in Al Fazl 15 January 1916: “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]: We are very pleased to have you here. Did you face any difficulty on your journey?

“Mr Walter: We are glad to see you. The road was [in] bad [condition]; however, we are thankful for the comfort we have received here […] “[…] I have read some books by Mirza Sahib. They have made me very interested in finding out about him. I have read that, from his very childhood, he used to remain secluded and was always engaged in worship. I have come here to explore these things well. As you are his son, so, I thought you would be very much aware of such matters. Please kindly tell me about him.

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]: I was

born at that time when Hazrat Mirza Sahib had published his first book Barahin-eAhmadiyya, that is why I’m not personally aware of his early life. Yes, [however], there are many people in our Jamaat who have been in his company from the beginning.

Such people are still present in our Jamaat and they know [about the early life of the Promised Messiahas] personally. So, if I ever have such a need, I ask such people [...] If you ask me about Hazrat Mirza Sahib’s beliefs, religion and mission, I am ready to explain in great detail.”

“Mr Walter: Who are the people who were in the company of Hazrat Mirza Sahib in his early life?

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]: Munshi Arora Khan Sahib, Sheikh Hamid Ali Sahib are present here [in Qadian] and there are many more. (Alluding to Sheikh Yaqub Ali Sahib) He knows many incidents [of the Promised Messiahas] and he is writing a biography of Hazrat Mirza Sahib.

“Mr Walter: (Addressing Sheikh Yaqub Ali Sahib) What sources do you have for writing the biography of Mirza Sahib on the basis of which you are recording the circumstances of his early life?

“Sheikh Sahib [Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Irfanira]: Old writings of Hazrat Mirza Sahib and his old letters. I also inquired about some things from Mirza Sahib’s son, Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib, and his old friend Lala Bhim Seen Sahib’s son, Kanwar Seen Sahib (who is now the principal of Law College Lahore). As I’ve been living here for about twenty years, that’s why I have been collecting all such writings [to write his biography] and am writing by asking oral narrators [who can tell me about Hazrat Ahmadas]. Also, Hazrat Sahib had a midwife whom I have also asked and then have written some details [about his life].”

This series of conversations continued for some time. Mr Walter had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra a series of questions such as: “Can you tell me how Mirza Sahib came to know that the tomb of Jesus Christ was in Kashmir and [how he discovered that] this is where he passed away?”, “How do you use that which is written in a Gospel as an argument? Do you believe in its authenticity?”, “If you believe the Bible, you will have to discard some incidents [mentioned in it] that are against [what has been mentioned in] the Quran. Because the Bible mentions something else about those [incidents]”, “Do you consider the Quran to be subject to higher curriculum

(high critique) like other books such as Shakespeare or some other way?”, “Do you believe that the present Quran is the same as that which was revealed to Muhammad [peace be upon him] or not?”, “What is your opinion on the Quran that Dr Mangana has produced? And what is your response to his objections?”, “We believe that Jesus died on the cross and we are ready to prove it. Will you accept that and not concern yourself with the [views of other] people?

If any of your men come to Lahore, I will tell them because all my research is in Lahore”, “In my opinion, the research that you have published so far on the tomb of

Christ and his death is by no means enough to verify what you want to prove. And, if you desire that people pay heed to your [belief], you need to think and reflect more.” (Al Fazl, 15 January 1916) It is reported that after this, Mr Walter left the discussion of the death and burial of Jesus Christ there and turned his attention to various other questions: “Do you desire to have a relationship with other Muslims and get rid of the differences between them and you or not?,

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Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

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“What is your view of the Last Day and resurrection?”, “Do you think Islam will ever become the religion of the whole world?, “Those who die without accepting Mirza Sahib, what do you think of their position [in the Hereafter]?”, “What do you think is the difference between non-Ahmadi Muslims, Christians and Jews?”, “Will non-Ahmadi Muslims be saved [from the Hereafter] or not?”, “Is there a place between heaven and hell?”, “Will all people, eventually, be ejected out of hell?”, “How will boundaries in heaven and hell be allotted, that this [section] is for so and so, and this [section] is for so and so?”, “For who is heaven and for who is hell? Will those who did not swear allegiance to you also be forgiven?” (Al Fazl, 15 January 1916) Below is the final question and answer given by Huzoorra, recorded by Al Fazl’s correspondent: “Mr Walter: Will all individuals, excluding Ahmadis, enter hell? Ahmadis are very few [in number].

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]: According to you, only 13 individuals [12 disciples and the 13th being Jesusas] attained salvation when the Messiahas came. If at that time, no one could attain salvation except 13 [individuals]; then at this time, if, apart from hundreds of thousands, no one attains salvation, then what is wrong with that?” (Al Fazl, 15 January 1916) After this conversation, Mr Walter left, expressing his gratitude towards Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. It is narrated that during the same journey of Qadian, Mr Walter also met Hazrat Munshi Arora Khanra, tehsildar of Kapurthala, who was an old companion of Hazrat Ahmadas and an elder. He asked Hazrat Munshi Arora Khanra which argument influenced him the most in regard to the authenticity of Hazrat Ahmad’sas claim. Hazrat Munshi Arora Khanra replied that he was not a well-educated man; however, what impressed him the most was the person and character of Hazrat Ahmadas, whom, he said, he had never seen anyone else more truthful and honest and more faithful to God than he. He added that not a single person could say, after seeing Hazrat Ahmadas, that he was a liar. After saying this, Hazrat Munshi Arora Khanra, in remembrance of the Promised Messiahas, started to shed tears. Mr Walter, witnessing this love and devotion, was astonished.

(Ashab-e-Ahmad, Vol. 4, pp. 64-65) After his visit to Qadian, Mr Walter published a book, The Ahmadiyya Movement, in which he wrote: “My visit to Qadian, in January, 1916, although it took place more than eight years after the death of Ahmad, showed me a community where there existed abundant enthusiasm and zeal for religion, of a vigorous, positive kind unusual in Islam in India at the present time.” (The Ahmadiyya Movement, p. 139) Similarly, Mr Lucas, a participant in this journey, and a person who observed Qadian and benefited from the words of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, went to Sri Lanka and delivered a speech in which he said, “The ongoing war between Christianity and Islam will not be decided in any major city. Rather, it will be in a small village called Qadian.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. p. 358)

Science in the Quran: Concordism Adnan Haider Missionary, France

Recently, some non-religious people have noticed that the religious, and more particularly Muslims, are systematically trying to reconcile scientific facts with the Quran, and they call this tendency concordism, a term that has a pejorative connotation.

For them, if the Quran is the Revealed Word of an Almighty and Omniscient God, why should we have to wait for science to discover a new phenomenon before Muslims hasten to concord it with the Quranic text? If the Quran is the Word of God and the Quran does mention a certain scientific phenomenon, why did Muslims not have this idea before it was discovered, or why did they not discover it themselves?

At the risk of being perceived as concordist, I will answer this objection briefly by saying, first of all, it is a valid objection and has the merit of being raised.

It is true some Muslims have developed the habit of trying to fit everything they consider to be scientific into the Quran, even nonsensical things, and they try to demonstrate through this process that the Quran is miraculous. No doubt the Quran is the greatest miracle but, I do not agree with this approach at all; on the contrary, this way of acting only lowers the image of Islam and the prestige of the Quran.

The Quran does not need such an approach to prove its truthfulness, it is nevertheless true that certain concordances are worth proving. And if one assumes that God’s Word is true and that it truly benefits those who abide by it, it is natural to assume that God would also have presented arguments in favour of His Word for those who do not want to put it into practice until they have seen some consistency in it.

Therefore, it is important to demonstrate its consistency with creation. The Quran’s purpose is not simply to show how miraculous it is, rather its purpose is that every person may act on its teachings so that their happiness may be guaranteed.

A point to keep in mind is that the objectors will more often than not read the translations of the Quran and not the Arabic words themselves – which have diverse meanings.

The error is twofold; on the one hand the objectors themselves consider the language used in the Quran to be similar to languages derived from Latin such as French, and on the other hand, the translators of the Quran probably gave them this impression by simplistically translating the Quran.

However, all the blame is not on the translation since even if it had been adequate, this problem would still exist. Let us take an example to prove this. Let us suppose that God told us the following: “Man can contain the moon.” It is obvious this sentence is

subject to multiple interpretations. We could think, for example, that it is a question of reaching it, or of possessing it, of controlling it or even of interpreting it in an idiomatic way; that man can reach heights in progress.

If one were to translate this sentence into a language other than say French, where there was no equivalent to the word “contain” in its various literal and idiomatic meanings, it is natural that one would have to choose its closest equivalent. It is precisely at this point that disagreement arises between those who understand the original language and must decide on a translation and those who do not understand the language and merely read the text to try to understand it.

However, when it comes to studying a poem of a different language, no one is satisfied with a simple translation, everyone knows that a commentary is not only necessary but indispensable to the understanding of the meaning of each translated word. Of course, the simple reading of a translation of a poem already gives us an idea of the text, but no one would pretend, after only reading a translation, that they have understood all the depths and meanings of the poem, especially if they have not mastered the original language of the text and is content with a translation only.

If such vigilance is required for works of art, what level of vigilance should be required for the study of a text that is considered the Word of the Omniscient God?

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

The problem, then, is first of all the conditioning of the mind. Before analysing it, we start from the view that it is false and that it is appropriate by all means to refute it by arguments as simplistic as a translation.

If we had started from an objective and impartial observation, certainly, the

procedure would not have been quite the same. We would be as vigilant as we are with the poet’s text.

Secondly, one of the other factors of vigilance is the acceptance of the text by a large part of the population. For example, Rimbaud’s Vowels is a poem that has been the

subject of fascination and interpretation for decades. When a lover of poetry embarks on a study of it, it is clear that they will not only judge it by their reading, but the fascination that the poem arouses in the population will also require them to read the many readings and interpretations of others and to understand the fascination that it arouses in them. On the other hand, we would consider the person who is content with their reading and who considers it banal or uninteresting to be uneducated and gullible. In the same way, how would we consider someone who, despite the fascination that a text arouses in more than a billion people, judged it solely based on simple personal reading, and which, moreover, is a translation? Of course, this judgment may be legitimate, but it cannot be considered credible if it is not made up of other readings and interpretations than their own, especially if it is a translated work.

Let us now return to our example.

What makes a work of art so fascinating is precisely the countless depths it contains. A poem means many things, so much so that it speaks differently to everyone, and speaks generally. If therefore, one demands that a sacred text be clear and precise, without being susceptible to various interpretations, then one demands that it be without depth, which also means that a poem should be more fascinating than the Word of God. Thus, one cannot reasonably come to terms with the idea that God should, for example, only have said either that man can go to the moon, or that he can possess it, or that he can control it, but not all three in one sentence. Besides, if the Word of God were to contain all truth in it, one cannot imagine that under the work of such an

approach, one book would have sufficed, it would have been necessary that thousands, even millions of encyclopaedias be put into effect, and then, the time the search for truth in the panoply of all these books would take would be with a little luck, a whole lifetime.

It is precisely for this reason that the Quran claims to be revealed in a language that can meet the depths of the Divine Word:

ُ َ ُ َّ َّ َ ً ُ ٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۤ َّ ‫ِانا ان َزلن ُہ ق ۡر ٰءنا ع َر ِب ًّیا ل َعلک ۡم ت ۡع ِقلوۡ َن‬

“We have revealed it—the Quran in Arabic—that you may understand.” (Surah Yusuf, Ch.12: V.3) Having said that, can we not now admit the aforementioned example would have stood attested by truth if man took his first step on the moon, or, in the near future, was able to travel there, or if Elon Musk bought it from a government that claimed to own it etc.? So, if all these meanings; reach, possess, control etc. are realised in a sentence one after the other, and at different times, can we still say that it is concordism? If so, then the term need not be seen as a pejorative term, quite the contrary. And if one considers that Muslims could have predicted, for example, that man could reach the moon, or after this fact had come true, that a man would buy it, or after this fact, that minerals would be extracted from it, this does not prove in any way that the word is false, on the contrary, it proves that Muslims no longer pay much attention to it.

All the more reason for our fellow atheists to study it thoroughly. Perhaps they will be able to carry out scientific studies by prediction as it turned out for the Muslims at a time when they excelled in the fields of science, whereas only a handful of them are still able to do so today.

The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah A series of articles shedding some light on the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas through the Bible.

Series available to read now!

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Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Islam today

Is the testimony of a half that of a man? W Ahmadiyya base its u an institution on?

Is the testimony of a woman worth only half that of a man?

Before any conclusions are drawn, one should first familiarise oneself with the passage in question in the Holy Quran and its context, which is claimed to imply that a woman’s testimony would be worth only half that of a man. It reads:

َّ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ُۤ ً ُ َ ‫�يا ّي َﻬا ال ِذيۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا ِاذا ت َدايَن ُت ۡم ِب َديۡ ٍن ِال�ى ا َج ٍل ّم َﺴ ّمى‬ ۡ َ ۡ ۢ َ َُ َ ۡ ۡ […] �‫فا� ُت ُبوۡ ُه � َول َیک ُت ۡﺐ ّب ۡینک ۡم �ا ِت ٌﺐ ِبال َع ۡد ِل‬ َ ُ ُ ۡ ۡ َ َ ّ َ َۡ َ �ِ �‫اﺳ َﺘﺸ ِﻬ ُﺪ ۡوا ﺷ ِﻬ ۡﻴ َﺪﻳۡ ِﻦ ِﻣ ۡﻦ ّرِ َﺟﺎﻟ ِﻜ ۡﻢ � ﻓ ِﺎ ۡن ﻟ ۡﻢ ﻳَﻜﻮۡﻧﺎ َر ُﺟﻠ‬ ‫و‬ ُ َ ّ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ٰ َ َ ۡ َّ ٌ ُ َ َ َ‫اﻟﺸ َﻬ َﺪآ ِء اَ ۡن � ِﻀ َّﻞ ِا ۡﺣ ٰﺪ ُﻫﻤﺎ‬ ‫��ﺟﻞ واﻣﺮاﺗ ِﻦ ِﻣﻤﻦ ﺗﺮﺿﻮن ِﻣﻦ‬ َّ َ ُۡ […] ‫ﻓ ُﺘﺬ�ِ َ� ِا ۡﺣ ٰﺪ ُﻫ َﻤﺎ ا�ۡ�� ٰ�ى‬

“O ye who believe! when you borrow one from another for a fixed period, then write it down. And let a scribe write it in your presence faithfully; […]. And call two witnesses from among your men; and if two men be not (available), then a man and two women, of such as you approve as witnesses, so that if either of the two (women) should forget, then one may remind the other. […]” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.283) What is immediately apparent is that it is a gross misconception to assume that this verse refers to the testimony of women per se, with critics of Islam even going so far as to claim that a woman would be worth only half as much as a man according to the Islamic image of women presented in this verse.

If one examines all the other verses of the Holy Quran with regard to witness testimony, one finds that no distinction is made with regard to gender (See 5:107; 4:16; 65:3; 4:136; 5:9; 70:34; 24:5; 24:7-9; 4:7 etc.).

We also know from the Holy Prophetsa and his Khulafara and Companionsra that they accepted the sole testimony of a woman in many matters. This is how Islam upheld the dignity of women against the customs of pre-Islamic Arab society in which their opinion would not be considered in any matter whatsoever.

What is being conflated in relation to the verse under discussion are the two distinct concepts of, on the one hand, attestation or affidavit, called ishhad in Islamic legal

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

jargon, referred to in this passage, and, on the other hand, testimony, called shahada.

This legal provision to call a man and two women as witnesses if no two men are available thus clearly and exclusively refers to the situation of witnessing and testifying to monetary transactions and not to witness testimonies in and of themselves.

The verse also explicitly states the reason why not one but two women are placed opposite a man, namely that one woman may remind the other in case she forgets.

Not least since the popular science book “Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Maps” by Allan and Barbara Pease, even laypeople have realised that there are fundamental differences between women and men. However, some scholars wrongly infer from this verse and ahadith an alleged ontological inability of women to bear witness unaided and on their own,

declaring forgetfulness or deficiency of intelligence to be their innate traits, which is definitely not the case. It is not about the physical or psychological condition of women, but about their social and cultural situation.

If one takes a holistic view of space and time, i.e. the past time from the emergence of Islam to the present with a spatial view of the entire world, it becomes clear that more women, in particular, remained relatively less literate than men, which is why they would usually have to rely exclusively on their memory when giving testimony.

Moreover, since they were generally less involved in monetary transactions, they are more prone to error in this particular respect.

Above all, in patriarchal societies, which are still more common today, it is easier to put pressure on women to give false testimony. The Quranic ruling thus does

not aim to devalue the reliability of women’s testimony in general, but on the contrary to strengthen and protect women in their role as witnesses and at the same time to ensure the greatest possible protection of creditors even in patriarchal social orders. It must also be clear that the Holy Quran prescribes dual testimony by women only at the point of such agreements being signed. Should a dispute arise later, any number of witnesses - from men or women - are deemed acceptable to be presented before the court.

The Holy Quran uses the term khalifa for an individual or a group of individuals. What does Jamaat-eAhmadiyya base its use of the term khilafat as an institution on?

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is convinced of the legitimacy of the

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

woman worth only What does Jamaat-euse of the term khilafat as succession of the rightly-guided caliphs after the passing of the Messengersa of Allah. This succession has its legitimacy in the Holy Quran itself.

Allah proclaims in the Holy Quran:

ۤ َ ۡ َۤ َ ُ َ ُ ۤ َ ۡ َ ۤ َّ َ ‫ِانا ا ۡر َﺳلنا ِال َ ۡیک ۡم َر ُﺳوۡلًا � شا ِﻫ ًدا َعل ۡیک ۡم ﻛ َما ا ۡر َﺳلنا ِالٰى‬ ‫� ِۡر َعوۡ َن َر ُﺳوۡلًا‬

“Verily, We have sent to you a Messenger, who is a witness over you, even as We sent a Messenger to Pharaoh” (Surah al-Muzzammil, Ch.73: V.16) In this verse, the use of the word kama (even as) establishes a correlation of likeness and similitude between Mosesas and the Messengersa of Allah. The same use of the word kama is also found in the following verse, which is known as ayat alistikhlaf, i.e., the verse of the appointment of a successor:

َّ َ ۡ ّٰ َ َ َ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ الَّ ِذيۡ َن ٰا َم ُنوۡا ِم ۡن ُک ۡم َو َعم ُلوا‬ ‫الص ِل ٰﺤ ِﺖ ل َ َی ۡﺴ َتﺨ ِلفن ُﻬ ۡم‬ ‫وعد‬ ِ ۡ ‫فِى الۡاَ ۡرض َﻛ َما‬ ۡ‫اﺳ َت ۡﺨ َل َﻒ الَّ ِذيۡ َن ِم ۡن َق ۡب ِلﻬ ۡم � َول َ ُی َم ِّک� َ َّ� ل َ ُﻬم‬ ِ ِ ً ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ � ّ ۡ ُ َّ َ ّ َ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ ُ ُ َ ۡ � ‫ِدينﻬم ال ِذى ارتﻀى لﻬم ولیب ِدلنﻬم ِمن �ع ِد ﺧوفِ ِﻬم امنا‬ َ � ُ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ً ۡ َ ۡ َ ُۡ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ‫�عبدون ِنى لا ي� ِر�ون ِبى شیﺌا � ومن ﻛفر �عد ذل ِك فاول ِ�ك‬ ُ ٰۡ ‫ُﻫ ُم الف ِﺴقوۡ َن‬

“Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will, surely, make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors (from among) those who were before them; and that He will, surely, establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will, surely, give them in exchange security (and peace) after their fear; They will worship Me, (and) they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso disbelieves after that, they will be the rebellious.” (Surah an-Nur, Ch.24: V.56) Now here also, by using the word kama, a correlation of likeness and similitude is established between the caliphs appointed earlier and the caliphs whom Allah promises to appoint among the Muslims.

It is evident from the aforementioned verse that this correlation is made between the caliphs of Mosesas and the caliphs of the Messengersa of Allah.

The caliphs of Mosesas, however, were prophets. That is why the Messengersa of

Allah said: ُ َ َ َ ٌ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ ‫ �ل َما ھلﻚ ﻧ ِ� ّ� ﺧلﻔﻪ‬،‫اء‬ ‫�اﻧﺖ بنﻮ ِإ��اﰱِیﻞ �سﻮسهم ا��ﻧ ِبی‬ َ �ُ ُ �‫اء ﻓَ َی ْک‬ ُ �ُ ‫ َو َس َی‬،‫ َوإﻧَّ ُﻪ �اَ ﻧَ� َّ� ب َ ْﻌﺪي‬،�ٌّ �َ‫ﻧ‬ َ‫ون ﻗَالُﻮا �َ�ا‬ ُ ‫�ن ُﺧل َ َﻔ‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ُ َ َ َ َُْ ّ ٰ َ َ ُ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ �َ ��‫ ﻓ ِﺈ ّن ا‬،‫ أﻋﻄﻮ� ْم َحﻘه ْم‬،‫ﺗﺄم ُرﻧا ﻗال ﻓﻮا بِ َب ْی َﻌ ِﺔ ا�� ّو ِل ﻓا�� ّو ِل‬ ُ َ ْ َّ َ ْ ُ ُ َ ‫اس� ْ� َعا� ْم‬ ��� ‫ساﰱِلهم‬ “The affairs of the Children of Israel were managed by their prophets. Every time a prophet died, another followed him, but there will be no prophet after me.

Instead, there will be caliphs, and there will be many of them.” [Those in presence] asked, “What do you command us to do?”

He said, “Fulfil your oath of allegiance to the first, then to those who come after him, and fulfil the duties required of you, for Allah will question them about the duties imposed on them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) This means that just as the successors after Mosesas led the affairs of the believers of that time, people would also come after the Messengersa of Allah to lead the affairs of those believers, except that they would not be prophets, but caliphs. The example and conduct of these rightly guided caliphs would have to be followed, just as the example and conduct of the Prophetsa.

Accordingly, The Messengersa of Allah said: ُ ٌ ٌ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ َّ �ّ �ِ ‫الس ْم ِ� َوالﻄاﻋ ِﺔ َو ِإ ْن ﻋ ْبﺪ َح َب‬ ‫وﺻیکم بِﺘﻘﻮى ا�� ِ� و‬ ِ ‫أ‬ ُ َ ً َ ً َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ‫ﻓ ِﺈﻧﻪ ﻣﻦ ﻳ ِﻌﺶ ِ�نکم ﻳﺮى اﺧ ِﺘلاﻓا � ِﺜ‬ ‫��ا َو ِإﻳّا� ْم‬ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ٌ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ُ َ َ ُْ ْ ‫ات ا��ﻣﻮ ِر ﻓ ِﺈﻧھا ﺿلالﺔ ��ﻦ أدرك ذل ِﻚ ِ�نکم ﻓﻌلی ِﻪ‬ ِ ‫َو��ﺪﺛ‬ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ّ َ َ ّ ْ َ ْ ‫ﻳﻦ‬ َّ َ ‫� ِ ُس ّن ِ�� َو ُس ّن ِﺔ ا��لﻔا ِء‬ ‫�� ﻋﻀﻮا َعل ْی َھا‬ ِ ��‫ا‬ ِ‫اﺷ ِﺪ المھ ِﺪﻳ‬ َ َّ ‫اﺟ ِﺬ‬ ِ ‫بِالنﻮ‬ “I advise you to fear Allah, listen, and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is put in charge of you. Whoever lives after me will see many conflicts. You must adhere to my sunnah and the sunnah of the righteous, guided successors. Hold firmly to it as if biting with your molars.” (Sunan atTirmidhi) At the same time, however, the Prophetsa prophesied that this rightly guided caliphate would last only thirty years after him: ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ‫ ﻗال ﻗال َر ُسﻮل‬،‫ینﺔ‬ ‫ ﻗال حﺪﺛ ِ�� س ِﻔ‬،‫ﻋ ْﻦ َس ِﻌی ِﺪ ب ِﻦ ﺟمھان‬ ً َ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ّ ُٰ ّ ّ ّٰ ‫ا�� ِ� ﺻلﻰ ا��� علیﻪ وسلم ا� ِ�لاﻓﺔ �ِ� أﻣ ِ�� ﺛلاﺛﻮن سنﺔ‬

ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ٌ ْ ُ َّ ُ ‫ینﺔ أ ْﻣ ِسﻚ ِﺧلاﻓﺔ أ�ِ� بَک ٍﺮ‬ ‫ﺛم ﻣلﻚ بﻌﺪ ذل ِﻚ ﺛم ﻗال �ِ� س ِﻔ‬ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫و ِﺧلاﻓﺔ ﻋ�ر و ِﺧلاﻓﺔ ﻋ���ن ﺛم ﻗال �ِ� أﻣ ِسﻚ ِﺧلاﻓﺔ ع� ِ ٍ� ﻗال‬ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َُ ٌ َ َ ً َ َ ْ َ َ​َ َ ‫اھا ﺛَلاَﺛ‬ ‫�� َس َنﺔ ﻗال َس ِﻌیﺪ ﻓﻘلﺖ � ُ� ِإ ّن ب َ ِ�� أ َﻣ ّیﺔ‬ ‫ﻓﻮﺟﺪﻧ‬ ِ َ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ٌ ُ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َّ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ﻳﺰﻋمﻮن أن ا� ِ�لاﻓﺔ ِﻓیهِم ﻗال ﻛﺬبﻮا بنﻮ ا��رﻗا ِء بﻞ �م ﻣ��ك‬ ُ ْ َ ْ ‫�ك‬ ِ �‫ِﻣﻦ � ِّ� ال ُم‬ It is reported from Sa‘id ibn Jumhan: “Safinahra told me that the Messengersa of Allah said, ‘The Caliphate will exist in my ummah for 30 years, after which there will be monarchy.’ Then Safinahra said to me, ‘Count the caliphate of Abu Bakrra,’ then he said, ‘Count the caliphate of ‘Umarra and the caliphate of ‘Uthmanra.’ Then he said to me, ‘Count the caliphate of ‘Alira.’ He said, ‘So we have found that these add up to 30 years.’ I said to him, the Ummayads claim the caliphate to be among them. He replied, ‘The Ummayads are lying, rather they are a monarchy from among one of the worst monarchies.’” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi) However, according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, one hundred years after him, and then every hundred years, there would be appointed from the Ummah those who would renew the faith as reformers (mujaddidun): ُ ْ ُ َ ّ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّ ُ َ َ َ َّ ‫س � ِﻞ ِﻣاﺋ ِﺔ َس َن ٍﺔ َﻣ ْﻦ ��َ ِﺪ ُد‬ ِ ‫ِإ َ َن ا��� َﻳ َبﻌﺚ ِ�� ِﺬ ِه ا��ﻣ ِﺔ علﻰ رأ‬ ‫��ا دِﻳنھا‬ “Allah will raise up for this ummah, at the head of every century, those who will revive its religion for it.” (Sunan Abi Dawud) These reformers, who were to be from within the ummah (to work in lieu of the rightly guided caliphs), were to appear until the time the rightly-guided caliphate was to be established through the Messiah and Mahdi; those whose sunnah would have to be followed.

Another tradition of the Holy Prophetsa further sheds light on this: ٰ َ ُ ُ ّ ُّ ُ ُ َ َ �ُ َ ‫أن ﺗ‬ ْ �ُ ّ��‫ا‬ َ ‫ 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،‫أن ﻳ َ ْﺮﻓﻌھا‬ ِ ِ ٰ َ َ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ّٰ َ ْ �ُ ّ��‫ا‬ ّ‫ ﺛ ُ َم‬،‫أن ﻳ َ ْﺮﻓَ َﻌھا‬ ‫ ﺛ َ ّم ﻳ َ ْﺮﻓ ُﻌھا إذا ﺷاء‬،‫�ن‬ �‫ﻣا ﺷاء ا��� أن ﺗ‬ ُ َ ًّ ً ْ ُ ُ َ َ ْ َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ّٰ َ ُ ُ َ ‫ ﺛم ﻳﺮﻓﻌھا‬،‫ ﻓی��ن ﻣا ﺷاء ا��� أن ﻳ��ن‬،‫ﺗ��ن ُﻣل�ا عاﺿا‬ ُ �ُ ‫ ﻓَ َﺘ‬،‫�ن ُﻣل ْ ً�ا َﺟ�ْ�ﻳ َ ّ ًﺔ‬ ُ �ُ َ ‫ ﺛ ُ َ ّم ﺗ‬،‫أن ﻳ َ ْﺮﻓَ َﻌھا‬ ْ ‫اء‬ َ ‫�ن ﻣا‬ َ ‫إذا َﺷ‬ ‫ﺷاء‬ ِ ُ ُ ً َ ٰ ُ �َ‫ ﺛ ُ َ ّم ﺗ‬،‫أن ﻳ َ ْﺮﻓَ َﻌھا‬ ْ ‫ﺷاء‬ َ �َ‫أن ﺗ‬ ْ �ُ ّ��‫ا‬ َ ‫ ﺛ ُ َ ّم ﻳ َ ْﺮﻓَ ُﻌھا إذا‬،‫�ن‬ ‫�ن ِﺧلاﻓﺔ‬

ُ ّ ُ َ َ ‫نھاج ﻧ ُب َﻮ ٍة ﺛ َ ّم َسکﺖ‬ �ِ ‫َعلﻰ‬ ِ “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 Promised Messiahas also claimed to be a caliph and a reformer himself and used these terms interchangeably. Moreover, he claimed, under divine inspiration, to be the Seal of the Caliphs (khatam al-khulafa). It helps a great deal to look at the Promised Messiah’sas interpretation of the term “seal” in the context of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa as the Seal of the Prophets.

Firstly, the Messengersa of Allah as the Seal of the Prophets was the best of the prophets, and secondly that from his appearance onwards no prophet could appear on earth, unless he is his shadow (zill) and reflection (buruz).

If one applies this interpretation of the concept of “seal” to the Promised Messiahas as the Seal of the Caliphs, then on the one hand, he was the best among the caliphs (whereby caliphs would include the reformers); and, on the other hand, no caliph could appear thenceforth but as his shadow and reflection.

Hence, as clearly understood from the ahadith quoted above, Khilafat was and is destined to be an institution just as prophethood; only then would it remain on the precepts of Prophethood (‘ala minhaj an-nubuwwah) according to the blessed words of none else but the Holy Prophetsa.

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

18

100 Years Ago...

After deep reflection, a new convert to Islam writes a letter Al Fazl, 27 February to 2 March 1922

In his latest letter, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib Bengali, BA BT, missionary to England, has quoted a letter of a new convert Muslim which he wrote to another new convert.

The name of the first [new convert] is Mr HT Lake. He is a resident of Brighton and Maulvi Sahib had been corresponding with him for some time. The friend to whom the said letter is addressed is Mr Bacon [Omar Ali]. May Allah the Almighty grant him the strength to accept the truth and openly declare it. After reading this letter, you [the readers] will sense the admiration and passion the said new covert has in his heart

for Islam. May Allah the Almighty bless this friend with perseverance and make him a source of guidance for others. (Editor, Al Fazl)

[I have not adopted a dead religion: New convert’s letter] “Dear brother! What I am writing to you is not a statement of any temporary or impulsive emotion. Rather, it is an expression of the opinion I have reached after many nights of deep reflection and which I have decided to follow.

“I have been taken out of a [religion that possess] disorderly religious reasoning, and have been brought into the true [divine] light of the faith of Islam, the true and only true religion of the world. Thus, dear brother, I request you to give me more instructions to guide me towards your religious principles, and high and profound morals.

“I have not adopted a dead religion that is only for me, but in fact, I truly feel the holy power of this religion [within me] and I want this Divine truth to reach all mankind.

My objective in this world is to work for the advancement of the next world. I want

Conversations about Islam and religion in England and America Al Fazl, 6 March 1922 London Letter — Maulvi Mubarak Alira, BA BT: In his letter dated 19 January 1922, after mentioning his illness, Maulvi [Mubarak Ali BA BT] Sahib mentioned some meetings in the words that, “A number of people came to visit last week.” The most prominent among them are as follows: 1. Bishop James: He is the bishop of his Catholic Church and is not a prejudiced Christian. He acknowledges the fact that there is some truth in all major religions.

He joined us in a repast at Mr Bacon’s [Omar Ali’s] house and ate with us. We had

a discussion on Islam and other religions.

I asked him about their religious beliefs.

They consider the Jesus of Nazareth to be the son of God only in the sense in which other human beings are [sons or creation of God]. He said, “His religion is a selection of various ideas and not a divine religion.”

2. Mr AC Simpson: He is an educated Englishman, has lived in Sudan and knows Arabic. We had a mutual talk on Islam and he said that, “Islam alone is enough for the Western world. Why do you add [the concept of] believing in the Ahmad[as] in this [Islam]?” I said, “Hazrat Ahmadas is a great proof of the existence of God Almighty and

the living religion of Islam in this age. All other religions are dry while the tree of Islam bears fresh fruit. It is for this reason that we mention Hazrat Ahmadas. Hazrat Ahmadas is a proof of the truthfulness of Islam. Thus, his mention is nothing but Islam. In fact, [his mention is necessary] for the truth of Islam.” He said, “There were many similar claimants in Africa.” I said that, “Their failure is proof that they are false.” Hazrat Ahmad’sas ever-increasing success and help is a sign of his truthfulness.”

This week, 56 letters were sent, including transcripts of the lectures. The copies of the lecturers’ schedules were also sent with

to dedicate my whole life to the pursuit and propagation of this holy religion.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 27 February to 2 March 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

them.

Mr Ali Muhammad, son of Seith Aladdin Sahib, and Mr Abdul Rahim Smith, help me with the office work. May Allah grant them succour.

The title of the lecture given in the mosque last Sunday was “Need for Religion”.

On this occasion, I read Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s[ra] lecture which he once gave in Lahore and which has been published in [The] Review of Religions. The audience highly appreciated the lecture and expressed their satisfaction. Three lectures were delivered in Hyde Park, one of which was given by me and two by brother Munshi Azizuddin Sahib.

Letter of Hazrat Mufti Sahib from America Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) “A famous lecturer by the name of Lady Jane Hooper is living in this country. She invited some of her close friends to her house and arranged a lecture of this humble one on the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. After the lecture, an eminent lady requested for ba‘iat. However, I told her to do some more deliberation and study some of the books of the Jamaat that were given to her.

“In the same way, lectures are held at many different places and some people visit our house and enquire about Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

“This humble one has acute [illness].

For this reason, I intend to stay in the city of Grand Rapids for a while and seek treatment from a doctor who treats [the illness] without surgery. The friends are requested to pray [for me]. The address for correspondence will be the same as below: Muhammad Sadiq. 27 La Bella Ave., Highland Park, Mich., USA.” (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in 6 March 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

Covid-19 vaccination clinics at Ahmadiyya mosques in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada continues to open most of its mosques across Canada for public Covid-19 vaccination clinics.

Timely vaccination of the general public has become an absolute necessity for all. This is especially important for the older population at a time when the coldest days of winter and heavy snowfall have made it difficult for them to reach central vaccination clinics.

Keeping this situation in mind, Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Canada made arrangements to host these important clinics across various mosques to make it easier for the public to reach a convenient location.

Two vaccination clinics were held in Baitul Hamd Mosque in the city of Mississauga. The first of these clinics was for the over-18 age group and 560 people took advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated for Covid-19. The second clinic focused on the vaccinations for the 5-11 years age groups. Moreover, all adults, including seniors, were also able to benefit from this event. In total, 70 children and 100 adults received vaccinations at this clinic.

The Mubarak Mosque in the city of Brampton scheduled four clinics during February that were held every Sunday.

They offered the first and the second doses for anyone aged 12 years and older, the booster dose for anyone aged 18 years and older, and pediatric dose for 5 to 11 years old.

Most of the general public that attended these clinics were non-Ahmadis and expressed gratitude for the arrangements by the Jamaat. May Allah accept and bless our humble efforts, amin.

The Western world is seeing a rise in intolerance, hate and violence. The media exacerbates this by painting inaccurate pictures of immigrants, minorities and of Islam and Muslims in particular. Consequently, there is a pressing need for clarifying what Islam is and is not, so as to foster mutual brotherhood amongst people of all beliefs. In four speeches delivered during a tour of the United States and Guatemala, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, offers a formula for achieving peace in our communities, nations and indeed throughout the world.

www.alislam.org/library/books/A-Message-for-Our-Time.pdf

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

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100 Years Ago...

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Journey to Lahore, inviting the Prince of Wales to Islam, guidance for Ahmadi students and bai‘ats Al Fazl, 27 February to 2 March 1922

24 February 1922

Yesterday [on 23 February 1922], we departed late from Qadian, but still Hazrat Khalifatul Masih along with his Khuddam reached the station well before the train arrived. The friends were present at the Batala station and two persons took bai‘at at the blessed hand of Huzoor[ra] over there.

The Amritsar Jamaat was present at the station and it was the Jamaat of Amritsar that arranged the meal for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and his Khuddam. Thus, the food was served on the train. May Allah reward them.

Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lahore along with some friends was present at the Lahore station to welcome Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. Huzoor[ra] got into the car and came to the kothi [a large house] of Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan Sahib, where arrangements had been made for his and the Khuddam’s stay. The stay of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s[ra] and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’srh family members was arranged in the zenana of the house of Sheikh Abdul Hameed Sahib, the auditor. Apart from the Khuddam of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, the rest of the friends of Qadian were accommodated in the Ahmadiyya Hostel. As the news of Huzoor’s[ra] arrival in Lahore had been published earlier in the newspaper, therefore many friends from various districts of Punjab reached Lahore.

25 February 1922 Hazrat Maulana Sher Ali Sahib[ra] came from Bombay with the casket and the printed gift [book] for the Prince of Wales and presented it before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. The complete text of the book spans over 105 pages. There are three photographs [in the book]: One of the Promised Messiahas, the second of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira and the third of the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. The casket is made of silver and the preface has been engraved on a gold leaf.

Yesterday [on 24 February 1922], Huzoor[ra] shed light on tawakkul [complete trust in Allah] in his Friday Sermon, and then led combined Jumuah and Asr prayers.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih went to meet the Governor Sahib Bahadur Punjab.

Around six to seven hundred members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat have come from various districts. Those who came from Gujrat and Gujranwala said that the supporters of the non-cooperation movement tried to stop the visitors at some stations with abusive words, manhandling

and stoning, during which some people were also injured.

On the night of 24 February [1922], the following friends took bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: 1. Pir Khushi Muhammad Sahib, Goleki, District Gujarat 2. Pir Muhammad Akbar Sahib Third Master, Goleki, District Gujarat 3. Barkat Ali Sahib Kakazai, Kunjah, District Gujarat 4. Hussain Muhammad Sahib, Lalyani, District Lahore 5. Nuruddin Sahib, Trigri, District Gujranwala 6. Shahabuddin Sahib, Lakhta, Lahore 7. Rahmatullah Khan Sahib, Chakanwal, Gujarat After that, Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib[ra] asked a question about [the verse of the Holy Quran]:

ُ ُ ٰۡ ُ َ​َ ‫َو َج َعلنک ۡم ش ُعوۡ ًبا ّوق َبٓائِ َل ل َِت َع َارفوۡا‬

[“We have made you into tribes and subtribes that you may recognize one another.”

(Surah Al-Hujurat, Ch.49: V.14)] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “This [verse] does not only signify that the names of the tribes and the sub-tribes are to be identified, but it also carries another special meaning that the national attributes of some nations become well-known. For example, some nations are cowards, some are brave, some are thieves, and some are good-natured and possess good morals.

Since the character of a nation is formed through the individuals, such a character of our nation should be presented before the world that as soon as the name of our nation is mentioned, a good image should come to mind [of the people]. Regarding this, [Allah the Almighty] says:

ُ ٰ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ‫ِا ّن اک َر َمک ۡم ِعن َد الل ِہ اتقک ۡم‬

[‘Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you.’ (Surah AlHujurat, Ch.49: V.14)] “That is, the way to become honoured before Allah the Almighty is piety. Whoever adopts good manners, does virtuous deeds and become righteous before Allah in this world, they get the certificate of being honourable by Allah.”

Today after the Maghrib prayer, on the evening of (25 February) [1922], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih will give guidance to all the friends who have come here [to Lahore].

Earlier today, Huzoor[ra] called the workers

of Lahore Jamaat separately and gave them necessary instructions regarding tabligh [preaching]. The following three individuals then took bai‘at: 1. Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Lalyani, Lahore 2. Sher Muhammad Sahib, Lalyani, Lahore 3. Abdullah Sahib, Prem Kot, Lahore

26 February 1922 The 25 February 1922 was the day of the arrival of HRH The Prince of Wales. The station of Lahore was decorated and the name of the prince was hanging in the streets. The soldiers were standing in two lines and the two sides of the road were full of spectators. As far as one could see, there were people in droves.

Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] led combined Zuhr and Asr prayers because he had to visit the Government House. After the prayers, Huzoor[ra] addressed all the friends, whose number is estimated to be between 1000 to 1500 people, and gave the following advice: “The work of a momin [true believer] is significant. He does not forget its objective.

We have a duty to obey the king. At this time, some ignorant people are making noise in the country and they have gone on strike on the arrival of the prince. We are loyal and loyalty is incumbent upon us.

However, what we do is neither to please the government nor to take anything from them because they cannot give us anything.

We do not believe that kings are out of God’s control. Rather, we believe and truly trust that the hearts of kings are also in His [God’s] hands.

“At the Jalsa [Salana Qadian], we announced that we would present a gift to the prince. I thought that it would be a 20–25-page book, but it turned out to be an eighty-page book that would become a 105-page book in English. This gift will be presented through the government. We are praying. We should also pray at the time of the welcome. The believer’s eye, tongue and voice all have an impact. In our voices of welcome, there should be emotions of desire that we wish that God may grant him [the Prince of Wales] the strength to accept the truth and send him as the first messenger [of Islam] to his country, and may [Allah] bless this gathering.”

After that, all the friends were sent to McLeod Road, [Lahore], where there was a seating arrangement for members

of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The chairs were arranged in abundance. Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddin Sahib and some other associates working under him seated everyone in order. In front of the seats of the Jamaat members, there were many boards, etc., hanging, on which were written the welcome and prayer words for the future heir and king of the British Crown by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The people, whether they were Hindus or Muslims, had chosen for themselves the slogans of “Hurray”, etc.

However, the welcome slogan of Ahmadiyya ّ Jamaat was: ‫السلام علیکم اھلا وسھلا و مرحبا‬ [“Peace be upon you and welcome”].

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, the Emperor of Spirituality, was riding in the car to the Government House. On the car, it was written in English: “His Holiness, Khalifatul Masih of Qadian.” There was another car alongside his car. The car in which Hazrat Imam [Khalifatul Masih] was riding, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib (Honourary Rasaidar) in his uniform was on his right and Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib MA (Private Secretary) was on his left. Captain Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sahib of Dulmial in his full dress was in the front seat. Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Sahib Subedar, Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sahib Jamadar of Dulmial and Subedar Wali Muhammad Khan Sahib Bazid Chak, Gurdaspur, were riding in the second car.

The said friends were with Huzoor[ra] as Ahmadis. When the prince’s car arrived, members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat raised their slogan of prayers. The prince accepted the salaam. May God grant him the strength to accept Islam as well.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022

Last night [on 25 February 1922], in accordance with the announcement, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih gave useful advice to all members of the Jamaat who were gathered here [in Lahore], which will be published at a later time, insha-Allah. Earlier today [on 26 February 1922], some people took bai‘at.

Their names will be sent later.

On 26 February [1922], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih left his residence at around 10 o’clock on a car at the request of Mistri Musa Sahib and visited Mauza Ganj located near Lahore. Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib[ra] and Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib[ra] MA and Captain Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sahib accompanied Huzoor[ra]. In this Mauza [town], Mastri Sahib had built an Ahmadiyya Mosque in which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih led two nawafil [supererogatory prayers] in congregation and those who offered the prayer behind him were the aforementioned friends. After performing nawafil, Huzoor[ra] went to Shalimar Bagh. On his way back, Huzoor[ra] had tea at the house of Maulvi Jalaluddin Sahib in Ganj along with Hazrat Ummul Momineen[ra], his Khuddam and sons.

After the Maghrib prayer, Huzoor[ra] gave guidance to the Ahmadi students residing in the Ahmadiyya hostel, in which they were advised about tabligh [preaching], the obedience to the institution and the officers, and observance of regular congregational prayers.

Huzoor[ra] could not attend the Fajr prayer today due to illness. May Allah the Almighty restore his health.

After Maghrib prayer tonight, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih will deliver a speech on “Spiritual Regeneration” at the conference of the Ahmadiyya Intercollegiate Association, to which other students and professors are also invited.

At different times, the following friends took bai‘at: 1. Muhammad Amin Sahib, Bhaini, District Sheikhupura 2. Tajuddin Sahib, Bhaini, District Sheikhupura 3. Jan Muhammad Sahib, Bhaini, District Sheikhupura 4. Abdul Wahid Khan Sahib, Derowal, District Amritsar 5. Abdul Karim Sahib, Trigri, District Gujranwala 6. Khuda Bakhsh Sahib, Mong, District Gujrat 7. Muhammad Sahib, Bhaini, District Sheikhupura 8. Ismail Sahib, Bhaini, District Sheikhupura 9. Muhammad Din Sahib Kotli District Lahore 10. Abdul Hameed Sahib, Partan Wali, District Sialkot 11. Muhammad Ismail Sahib, Lilyani, District Lahore 12. Abdul Rahim Sahib, Gujranwala 13. Abdullah Khan Sahib, Kamoke, District Sialkot (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 27 February to 2 March 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

Opinion

Only when the mosque closed, did I realise its true value in my life

Naosheyrvaan Nasir Student at The University of Sydney

Being born and bred in a country like Australia where religious freedom is guaranteed, going to the mosque is the norm for me. However, the recent – and historically unprecedented – closure of the Bait-ul-Huda Mosque in Sydney due to the Omicron variant’s hold over the state of New South Wales shook me to the core.

Pre-Covid, travelling to the mosque was part of my weekly routine. During the weekdays I would go to school and on Sundays, I would aim to reach the mosque by 10 am for either Sunday school, Waqare-Amal (manual labour), or to attend a programme or event which was followed by prayers.

Ever since the mosque was closed in late December of 2021 (literally just two days out from Jalsa Salana) there has been a mosqueshaped hole in my heart whose sting is most painful. My social circle, the skills I gained in administration and teamwork and the people whom I sought career advice from all stemmed from my commitment to go to the mosque. It was my happy place, a place

I took pride in talking about when my peers at school would ask me on Monday “how was your weekend?”. I would only mention what I got up to at the mosque as that was always the highlight of my weekend.

This pang that I feel reminds me of a verse from the Holy Quran. In chapter 13 verse 29 it says that “Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort”. It is only now when the mosque has been closed for an extended period that I have come to truly understand the value it has in my life.

It is through my commitment to keeping the mosque relevant to the modern age that my heart finds comfort. Both spiritual comfort through the sense of purpose it gives and worldly comfort through the social and professional networks it opens and the attainment of new skills.

Before the current Omicron outbreak, the mosque did close briefly yet there was some leeway for activities to continue albeit at a reduced scale. During those days I was able to come to the mosque sometimes, but it is not like the condition now where it is simply a concrete decision that the mosque

is closed and there is no getting around that blanket ban.

Interestingly, this pang can also be explained using behavioural psychology and behavioural economics through the concept of loss aversion. The theory goes that if an individual is endowed with a product, then the individual will take all the steps necessary to stop that product from being taken away as the loss of losing that product has a much greater effect than the pleasure of gaining it in the first place. To put it another way, “the pain of losing is psychologically about twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining” (www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/ mini-encyclopedia-of-be/loss-aversion/) In my case, as an Ahmadi Muslim in Sydney, I have been endowed the pleasure of going to the mosque every week for as long as I can remember. However, when that pleasure was taken away from me the pain of not going to the mosque felt at least twice as much as the gain I got from when I did go to the mosque. Of course, reasoning out why the pain is twice as much as the gain is a rabbit hole in itself, but the principle is clear; I miss going to the mosque nowadays.

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon 4 February 2022

Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakrra After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: Currently, incidents in the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra are being narrated; among which there were incidents related to battles.

One such expedition was the Battle of Banu Quraizah. Al-Waqidi has mentioned the names of the individuals who participated in the Battle of Banu Qurayza and according to this list, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra and Hazrat Talhah bin Ubaidillahra participated in the Battle of Banu Qurayza from the tribe of Banu Taym. (Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Bani Quraizah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2013], p. 4)

Abdur Rahman bin Ghanam relates, “When the Holy Prophetsa set off towards the Banu Qurayza, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat ‘Umarra submitted to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

If people see you dressed in a beautiful worldly garment, they will be more inclined towards accepting Islam. Hence, you should wear the garment that Hazrat Sa‘d bin ‘Ubadahra gave to you. You should wear this so that the disbelievers may see you dressed in a beautiful garment.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘I will do so. By Allah, if both of you agree on a matter, I will not oppose your advice. Moreover, my Lord has mentioned your examples to me in the same manner that he mentioned the examples of angels Gabriel and Michael. As far as Ibn Khattab is concerned, from among the angels, his example is like that of the angel Gabriel.

Allah has destroyed the people among every nation through Gabriel, and from among the prophets, his example is like that of Prophet Noahas, when he said:

َ َ ٰۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ّ َّ ‫ين َد ّي ًارا‬ ‫ض ِمن الك ِف ِر‬ ِ ‫ر ِب لا تذر على الأر‬

“My Lord, leave not on the land a single dweller of the disbelievers.” [Surah Nuh, Ch.71: V.27]

And from among the angels, the example of Ibn Abi Quhafah (i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakrra) is like that of the angel Michael, in that he seeks forgiveness for the people on earth and from among the prophets, his example is like that of Prophet Abrahamas, who said:

ّ َّ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ٞ‫ ّر ِحيم‬ٞ‫ف َمن ت ِب َعنِي ف ِإن ُهۥ ِمنِي ۖ َو َم ۡن َع َصانِي ف ِإنك غفور‬

“So whoever follows me, he is certainly of me; and whoever disobeys me — Thou art, surely, Most Forgiving, Merciful.” [Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.37]

The Holy Prophetsa further said, ‘If both of you agree on a certain matter, then I will not oppose your advice. The manner in which you advise is of different types and can be likened to the examples of Gabriel, Michael, Noahas and Abrahamas.’” (Kanz al‘Ummal, Vol. 7, p. 10, Kitab al-Fada’il, Bab Fada’il alSahabah, Hadith 360132, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004)

There is a narration in relation to when the Holy Prophetsa had besieged the Banu Quraizah. It is mentioned that ‘Aisha bint

Sa’d relates from her father who said, “The Holy Prophetsa said to me, ‘O Sa‘d! Advance and shoot arrows at these people.’ I advanced ahead whereby they came in reach of my arrows. I had more than fifty arrows, which I shot in a matter of moments. It was as if our arrows were like a swarm of locusts. They fled inside and none of them peaked out.

We became fearful regarding our arrows, lest they would all run out. Hence, we would shoot some of the arrows and keep some with us.”

Hazrat Ka‘b bin Amr Ma‘zanira was among the archers as well. He relates, “On that day, I shot all the arrows that were in my quiver, to the extent that some part of the night passed by, at which point we stopped firing arrows at them.” He continues to say, “We had shot our arrows while the Holy Prophetsa was mounted on his horse. He was in his armour and other horse riders were around him. Then, when the Holy Prophetsa permitted us, we returned to our resting grounds for the night. For food, we had dates sent by Hazrat Sa‘d bin Ubadahra, which were plentiful. We got by on those dates for the night. It was observed that the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat ‘Umarra were also eating those dates. The Holy Prophetsa would say, ‘How excellent are dates for food.’” (Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Bani Quraizah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2013], p. 6)

When Hazrat Sa‘d bin Ma’azra gave his verdict for the fate of Banu Quraizah, the Holy Prophetsa praised him and said, “You have given a verdict according to the command of Allah.” Upon this, Hazrat Sa‘dra prayed, “O Allah, if it is Your decree that the Holy Prophetsa will have to fight another war against the Quraish, then keep me alive for it. However, if it is Your decree that the wars between the Holy Prophetsa and the Quraish have ceased, then take my life.”

Hazrat ‘Aishara narrates, “Hazrat Sa‘ds wound opened, even though he had completely healed and only a small mark of that wound remained. He then returned to the tent that the Holy Prophetsa arranged for him.” Hazrat ‘Aishara continues, “The Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat ‘Umarra came to him. I swear by Him in Whose possession is the life of Muhammadsa that I could hear and distinguish the sound of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra and Hazrat Umar’sra cries, despite being in my separate tent (in other words, when Hazrat Sa‘dra was breathing his last, both of them were crying).

I was in my tent, and their condition was such that has been mentioned by Allah the Almighty in the following words ُ ُ ‫ُر َح َم‬ ‫ٓاء ب َ ۡي َنه ۡم‬ In other words, “they are tender among themselves.” [Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V30] (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 8,

Musnad ‘Aisha, Hadith 25610 [Beirut, Lebanon: ‘Alam al-Kutub, 1998], pp. 256-259)

In reference to the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, it is recorded – and as mentioned in previous sermons – that the Holy Prophetsa saw a dream in which he and his companions were performing circuits of the Holy Ka‘bah. On the basis of this dream, the Holy Prophetsa, along with a party of 1,400 companions, set forth from Madinah to perform Umrah. He set out early in the morning at the beginning of Dhu Al-Qa‘dah, 6 AH. (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 749-750)

When the Holy Prophetsa realised that the Quraish were preparing to prevent him from entering into Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa sought the counsel of his companions. Hazrat Abu Bakrra humbly submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! We have only come to perform Umrah. We have not come to engage in a battle with anyone. My suggestion is that we continue on our route to our destination, and if anyone hinders our path to the Holy Ka‘bah, then we will fight against them.” (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p.

37)

On the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, when negotiations with representatives of the Quraish began, Urwah came to the Holy Prophetsa and said, “O Muhammad[sa], tell me, if you are intending to destroy your own people, do you know of anyone else before you amongst the Arabs who destroyed their own? If the second instance comes to pass (in other words, if the Quraish are victorious), then by God, I see the faces of your companions who have gathered from here and there, they will run away and leave you.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra addressed Urwah bin Mas‘ud and said sternly, “Go back from here and kiss your idol Lat.” (That is to say, go and continue worshipping it) Upon this, Urwah asked, “Who was that?” The people told him that it was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Urwah replied, “By Him in Whose hands is my life if I was not indebted to you owing to your favour upon me, I would have surely responded to you.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra once assisted Urwah by giving him 10 pregnant she-camels when he had to pay blood money in some matter.

Nonetheless, this is what Urwah said and then continued discussing terms with the Holy Prophetsa.

During the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, a pact was being drawn up between the Holy Prophetsa and the Quraish. Hazrat ‘Umarra states, “I went to the Holy Prophetsa and asked, ‘In reality, are you not the Prophet of Allah?’ He replied, ‘Yes’. I then asked, ‘Do we not stand on the truth and does our enemy not stand on falsehood?’ The Holy Prophetsa answered,

‘Yes’. I asked, ‘Then why should we accept such humiliating conditions with regards to our religion?’ The Holy Prophetsa then stated, ‘I am the Messenger of Allah, and I shall not disobey Him. He shall grant me His help (that is to say, if I accept these conditions I am not disobeying the command of Allah the Almighty and He shall help me).’ I (i.e.

Hazrat ‘Umarra) then asked, ‘Did you not say that we shall soon reach the House of Allah and perform the circuit around it?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Indeed, I did say so, but did I say that we shall reach the House of Allah this year?’” The Holy Prophetsa told him, “I did not say that we would certainly reach the House of Allah this year.”

Hazrat ‘Umarra states, “I replied, ‘No’.

The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘You shall most certainly reach the House of Allah and perform the circuits around it.’ Having heard this, I went to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and said to him, ‘O Abu Bakr, is the Holy Prophetsa not truly the prophet of Allah?’

He replied, ‘Yes, of course.’ I then asked, ‘Do we not stand on the truth and our enemy on falsehood?’ He replied, ‘Yes, of course.’

I asked, ‘Then why should we accept such humiliating conditions with regards to our religion?’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra then said, ‘O servant of God! Indeed, the Holy Prophetsa is the Messenger of Allah. Messengers do not disobey the commands of their Lord, and Allah shall most certainly help him (he repeated almost the same words which the Holy Prophetsa said).’”

Hazrat Abu Bakrra then said to Hazrat ‘Umarra, “Adhere firmly to the pact of the Holy Prophetsa, by Allah, the Prophet is truthful.”

[Hazrat ‘Umarra states,] “I then asked, ‘Did the Holy Prophetsa not used to tell us that we shall indeed reach the House of Allah and perform the circuits around it?’

Hazrat Abu Bakrra answered, ‘Of course.

But did the Holy Prophetsa mention that we shall reach this very year?’ I answered, ‘No’. Upon this Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, ‘You shall certainly reach there and perform the circuits around it.’”

The narrator Zuhri relates that Hazrat ‘Umarra would say, “I have carried out a number of good deeds as an expiation for this one mistake.” This has been taken from Sahih al-Bukhari. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Shurut, Bab al-Shurut fi al-Jihad…, Hadith 273127312) (Badr al-Din Mahmud Ibn Ahmad Aini, ‘Umdat al-Qari, Vol. 14 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya’ alTurath al-‘Arabi, 2003], p. 16)

Whilst mentioning the details of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes, “Urwah presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and began to have a discussion with him. The Holy Prophetsa reiterated the same address which he had

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 4 March 2022 previously given to Budail bin Warqa. In principle, Urwah was at accord with the viewpoint of the Holy Prophetsa, but in order to fulfil his duty as an ambassador of the Quraish and in order to secure as many rights as possible in favour of the Quraish, he began to say, ‘O Muhammad[sa], in this war, if you annihilate your people, then have you ever heard the name of any man among the Arabs who has committed such cruelty before you? If, however, the matter goes the other way, i.e., the Quraish become dominant, then by God, I see such faces around you, who shall not take long to flee. For all of them shall leave you.’ Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who was sitting next to the Holy Prophetsa became furious and said, ‘Be gone, and go and kiss your idol, Lat. Do you say that we shall abandon the Messenger of God?’ Lat was a famous idol of the tribe Banu Thaqif, and the intent of Hazrat Abu Bakrra was to express ‘You are such people who worship idols and we are ones to worship God. Is it possible that while you show patience and steadfastness for the sake of idols, we who believe in God should be ones to abandon the Messengersa of God?’ Urwah asked in an outrage, ‘Who is this person who interrupts me?’ The people said, ‘This is Abu Bakrra.’ Upon hearing the name of Abu Bakrra, Urwah lowered his gaze in shame and said, ‘O Abu Bakr! By god, were it not for the favour you did upon me, (it is mentioned that at one occasion, Urwah was pressed by a heavy debt, and Hazrat Abu Bakrra paid off this debt and saved him).

Upon this statement, I surely would have told you, how best to retort.’” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 756, 757)

It is recorded in a narration from Bukhari that on the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, a treaty was being formed between the Holy Prophetsa and the Quraish and the conditions had been settled. At that time, Hazrat Abu Jandalra, son of Suhail bin Amr came staggering whilst still shackled in chains. Suhail bin Amr, who had come as an ambassador of Mecca, demanded that he be returned, upon which the Holy Prophetsa returned him to the Quraish. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Shurut, Bab al-Shurut fi al-Jihad, Hadith 273127312)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra details this incident, which also includes mention of Hazrat Umar’sra discussion with the Holy Prophetsa in which he asked that if he was a true prophet of Allah the Almighty, then why should they have to lower themselves in this manner – i.e.

Hazrat ‘Umarra spoke in this way because he felt that Abu Jandal was being treated unjustly. [Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes:] “The Muslims were witnessing this scene (of the injustice with Abu Jandal) and in religious indignation, their eyes became gorged with rage, but out of respect, they remained silent before the Holy Prophetsa.

Finally, Hazrat ‘Umarra could bear it no more. He came to the Holy Prophetsa and inquired in a trembling voice, ‘Are you not the truthful Messenger of Allah?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, indeed I am.’

‘Umar responded, ‘Are we not upon the truth and our enemy upon falsehood?’ The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Yes, indeed it is so.’ ‘Umar said, ‘Why then should we bear this humiliation in the matter of our true religion?’ Upon seeing this state of Hazrat ‘Umarra, the Holy Prophetsa concisely said,

‘Look hither Umar! I am the Messenger of God. I understand the will of God and I cannot act against it and it is He who shall be my Helper.’ But the indignation in the mood of Hazrat ‘Umarra was growing, moment by moment. He began to say, ‘Did you not say that we would perform Ṭawaf [circuits] around the Ka‘bah?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Yes, indeed I did, but did I also say that this Ṭawaf would definitely be this year?’ ‘Umarra said, ‘No, you did not.’

The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Then be patient. God-willing, you shall indeed enter Makkah and perform tawaf of the Ka‘bah.’

However, in this emotional state, Hazrat ‘Umarra was not satisfied. Nonetheless, due to the extraordinary awe of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat ‘Umarra left and came to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. In his emotional state, he asked the same question again, and Hazrat Abu Bakrra also responded in the same way as the Holy Prophetsa. However, Hazrat Abu Bakrra also advised him, ‘O Umar, look hither! Control yourself. Do not allow for your grip to loosen from the rope of Allah’s Messenger. By God, this man, in whose hand we have given our own is without a doubt, truthful.’ Hazrat ‘Umarra said that at the time because of his emotional state he said such things, but later he felt exceedingly repentant. Moreover, in order to wash away the effects of this weakness as a form of repentance, he performed many voluntary acts as an expiation. In other words, he gave charity, fasted, offered voluntary Salat and even freed numerous slaves, so that this blemish of weakness could be cleansed.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 767-768)

Whilst mentioning the incidents surrounding the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states, “When the disbelievers of Mecca learned that the Holy Prophetsa had set out to perform Tawaf of the Ka‘bah, they sent a chief to him in order to tell him that he could not perform Tawaf that year.

The chief reached the Holy Prophetsa and began conversing with him. In the midst of the conversation, he touched the Holy Prophet’ssa blessed beard and asked him not to perform Tawaf that year, and postpone his plans for another year.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues, “It is common practice among the people of Asia to touch the beard of a person whom they wish to convince of a matter as a plea, or they touch their own beard to say ‘Look here, I am an elder and a leader of my people, therefore accept what I am saying.’

Hence, the chief touched the beard of the Holy Prophetsa as an appeal. Seeing this, a companion stepped forward and struck his hand with the handle of his sword, saying to the chief, ‘move your impure hands’. The chief recognised the person who struck him with the handle of his sword and said, ‘Are you not the same person for whom I did a favour on such and such occasion?’

Hearing this, the companion fell silent and moved away. Again, as an entreaty, the chief touched the Holy Prophet’ssa beard.

The companions said that it enraged them to see the chief touch the Holy Prophet’ssa beard in such a manner, however, there was none among them for whom this chief had not done some sort of favour. At that time, their hearts desired to find someone whom the chief had not favoured. In the meantime, one of them stepped forward, who was clad in armour from head to toe, and he

passionately addressed the chief, saying, ‘remove your impure hand.’ The person who said this was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. When the chief recognised him, he said, ‘I cannot say anything to you, for I have no favour upon you.’” (Hindustani Uljhanon ka Asan Tareen Hal, Anwar al-‘Ulum, Vol. 18, p. 560)

In Dhul Qa‘dah 6 A.H, when the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was being written there were two copies made of the treaty, and various notable people from both sides signed their names on them as witnesses. From the side of the Muslims, the names of those who signed are: Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat ‘Umarra, Hazrat Uthmanra, Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Aufra, Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqasra and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrahra. This is taken from ‘The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets’. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 769)

Hazrat Abu Bakrra used to say that there was no greater victory in Islam than the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 64)

beautiful daughter with her. He surrounded these people and brought them before Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who entrusted this girl to his guardianship. When they later reached Madinah, the Holy Prophetsa took this girl from him and sent her to Makkah, and in lieu, he sought the freedom of a few Muslim prisoners who had been detained by the people of Makkah.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 716-717)

With regards to the Battle of Khaybar, it is written that the Holy Prophetsa departed for Khaybar in the month of Muharram, 7 AH. Khaybar was an oasis situated 184 km north of Madinah. It has a series of hillocks composed of basalt rocks. The Jews had constructed many fortresses here and the ruins of some still exist today. The Muslims conquered these fortresses in the Battle of Khaybar. This area was very fertile and the largest central place for the Jews. The Holy Prophetsa appointed Siba‘‘bin Urfutah Ghifari as Amir of Madinah in his absence.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Dhikr al-Ahdath al-Ka’inah… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], 144.) (Dr Shauqi Abu Khalil, Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p. 330, Dar al-Salam) (Sayyid Fadl alRahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 117.)

Hazrat Abu Bakrra also took part in the expedition of Banu Fazarah. In this regard, it is recorded that this expedition took place in 6 AH. The Banu Fazarah resided in Najd and the Valley of Qura. (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman,

The siege of the fortresses in Khaybar lasted more than 10 days. (Al-Mawahib al-

Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 64)

Laduniyyah, Vol. 1, p. 517, Ghazwat Khaibar, AlMaktabah al-Islami, 2004)

In Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra and Sirat Ibn Hisham it is recorded that this expedition was commanded by Hazrat Zaid bin AlHarithahra. (Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2017], 69.) (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 875)

However, according to narrations in Sahih Muslim and Sunan Abi Dawud, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Hazrat Abu Bakrra as the leader of this expedition. In a narration from Sahih Muslim, it is recorded on account of Iyas bin Salama whose father told him, “We fought against the Fazarah tribe and our leader was Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

The Holy Prophetsa appointed him as our leader.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar, Bab Tanfil wa Fida’ al-Muslimin bi al-Usara, Hadith 4573) (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab alRukhsah, Hadith 2697)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has also mentioned this expedition, and states: “Following this, the Holy Prophetsa dispatched an army of companions towards the Banu Fazarah under the command of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. At that time, this tribe was at war with the Muslims. Salamah bin Akwa‘ra, a famous archer and trained runner was also a part of this army. Salamah bin Akwa‘ra narrates that they reached close to the settlement of this tribe around the time of the morning Salat. When they had completed the Salat, Hazrat Abu Bakrra issued forth the command to attack.

In fighting with the Fazarah tribe, they reached near their water well. Many of the idolatrous people were killed, after which they fled from the field of battle, and they imprisoned many men. Salamahra narrates that among the group of people that fled was a party of women and children, who were quickly moving towards a nearby mountain.

He began to shoot arrows between the mountain and them, upon which this party became frightened and stopped and they imprisoned them. Among these prisoners was an elderly lady who had covered herself with a mantle of red skin. She also had her

Hazrat Buraidahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa would suffer from migraines and, as a result, would not come outside for a day or two. Thus, when the Holy Prophetsa reached Khaybar, he was suffering from a migraine, and so he did not come out before the people. “Dard Shaqiqah” is a migraine. The Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra towards the fortress of Kutaibah. Hazrat Abu Bakrra took the flag of the Holy Prophetsa and launched a fierce attack against the enemy. A ferocious battle ensued. After the battle, he returned but they had not gained complete victory despite their utmost effort. Then the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat ‘Umarra; he also took the Holy Prophet’ssa flag and fought vigorously and even more fierce than before, but even he returned without having secured victory.

(Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 124)

In most books of [Islamic] history and biographies, it is mentioned that Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat ‘Umarra were made commanders of the army one after the other, however, they could not conquer the fortress. However, there is a book titled “Sayyiduna Siddiq-e-Akbar”, which was published in February 2010 in Lahore; the people assigned for research have written to me about it; in the book, the author claims that the fortress was conquered by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, but he did not give a reference for it. Nonetheless, the author says that Hazrat Abu Bakrra was appointed as commander-in-chief of the army to conquer one fort, and he succeeded, and then Hazrat ‘Umarra was assigned to conquer a fort and he also succeeded. A third fort was assigned to Muhammad bin Maslamahra, but he could not succeed in conquering it. The Holy Prophetsa then said: “Tomorrow I will appoint the commander-in-chief and hand the flag to the one who is dear to Allah and His Messengersa, and he will conquer the fortress.” The Holy Prophetsa gave the flag to Hazrat Alira and he conquered the Qamus

Friday 4 March 2022 | AL HAKAM

24 fort.

(Al-Hajj Hakim Ghulam Nabi MA, Sayyiduna Siddiq-e-Akbar [Lahore, Pakistan: Abdiyat], p. 49)

There is a narration of Al-Waqidi [the historian] regarding the Battle of Khaybar, as people read history written by him, therefore I will mention it, but it is not necessary that everything is absolutely correct. Nonetheless, he writes, “During the Battle of Khaybar, a companion, Hazrat Habbab bin Mundhirra said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! The Jews hold their date palm trees dearer to them than their own children, you should cut down those trees.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa ordered for the trees to be cut down and the Muslims rushed to cut down the trees.” This incident up to here does not seem to be completely accurate, however, the next part seems to be correct. He writes, “Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra went to the Holy Prophetsa and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Undoubtedly, Allah the Exalted, has promised victory to you at Khaybar, and He will fulfil His promise to you. Do not cut the trees.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa ordered for them to stop cutting the trees and a crier made this announcement.” (Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi, Vol. 2, Bab Ghazwat Khaibar [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2004], p.

120)

When Allah the Almighty granted the Holy Prophetsa victory in Khaybar, he distributed a special valley called Kutaibah between his relatives, the women of his family and also amongst the Muslim men and women. On this occasion, aside from his other relatives, the Holy Prophetsa gave 100 Wasaq of grain and dates to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Dhikr Maqasim Khaibar wa Amwaliha [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 707)

One wasaq is equal to 60 Sa‘a and one Sa‘a is approximately 2.5 kg. (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 4, p. 487, Vol. 2, p. 648)

And so, approximately 375 maund [unit of measurement in the subcontinent, where 1 maund is equal to almost 40kg] was given to Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

With regards to Hazrat Abu Bakr being sent on an expedition towards Najd, it is written that Najd was a fertile region in the desert. It contains many mountains and valleys, to the south of it was Yemen, and to the north was the Syrian Desert and Iraq.

To the west lies the Hijaz desert. This area was 1200 meters above sea level and owing to this elevation, this area became known as Najd. (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 297)

In Najd, the Banu Kilab began preparing against the Muslims and so the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Abu Bakrra in order to quash this threat. This expedition took place in Sha‘ban, 7 AH. Hazrat Salamah bin Akwa narrates that the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Abu Bakrra and appointed him the commander over them. (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa alRashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 6, Sariyah Abi Bakr Ila Bani Kilab bi Najd [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 131)

After the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, when Abu Sufyan returned to Mecca, it is written that the Banu Bakr, who were allies of the Quraish, attacked the Banu Khuza‘ah, who were allies of the Muslims and this was against the conditions of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Completely disregarding the

conditions of the treaty, the Quraish assisted the Banu Bakr with weapons and mounts.

They said with great pride and arrogance that they did not recognise any treaty. Upon this, Abu Sufyan came to Madinah and wished to renew the terms of the treaty.

He went to see the Holy Prophetsa, but the Holy Prophetsa did not respond to anything he said. Abu Sufyan then went to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and asked him to speak to the Holy Prophetsa, however, he refused, saying: “I will not do such a thing.” Subsequently, as was mentioned in the accounts of Hazrat ‘Umarra, Abu Sufyan went to Hazrat ‘Umarra, but he also refused, and he returned unsuccessfully. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2001], 734-735.) (Sharh al-Zurqani ‘ala alMawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996], pp. 379-380)

The conquest of Mecca, which is also known as Ghazwah al-Fath Al-Azam, took place in Ramadan 8 AH. (Sharh al-Zurqani ‘ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 386)

In Tarikh al-Tabari it is written that when the Holy Prophetsa ordered the people to begin preparations, he told his family to make provisions for him. Hazrat Abu Bakrra went to his daughter, Hazrat ‘Aishara, and at the time she was making provisions for the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Abu Bakrra asked, “O my daughter! Has the Messengersa of Allah ordered you to make provisions?” To this, she replied in the affirmative. He asked her, “Where do you think the Holy Prophetsa is intending to go?” Hazrat ‘Aishara replied, “I do not know at all.” Then the Holy Prophetsa informed the people that they were heading towards Mecca and that they ought to make preparations immediately. He then prayed, “O Allah! May You keep the spies and informants of the Quraysh heedless of this to the extent whereby we reach their area without them knowing. Upon this, the people began preparations. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Dhikr al-Khabr ‘an Fath Makkah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], p. 166)

Elaborating further upon this incident, it is written in Sirat al-Halabiyyah: “Whilst Hazrat Abu Bakrra was enquiring from Hazrat ‘Aishara, the Holy Prophetsa arrived. Hazrat Abu Bakrra asked the Holy Prophetsa, ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

Are you intending to travel?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘Shall I also prepare?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative again. Hazrat Abu Bakrra enquired, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Where are you intending to travel?’ The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘to fight against the Quraish, but Abu Bakr keep this confidential.’ (He told him, but also said to keep this fact confidential) The Holy Prophetsa instructed the people to prepare, however, he did not disclose to them where he was going. Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Does not the time period of the pact and treaty between us and the Quraish still remain?’

The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Yes, but they have dishonoured their treaty and broke it, but you must keep everything I have said to you confidential.’”

In another narration, it states that Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! Do you intend to set out on a journey?” The Holy Prophetsa replied in

the affirmative. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, “Perhaps you intend to travel towards the Banu Asfar (i.e. the Byzantines).” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “no”. Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, “Do you plan to travel towards Najd?” Again, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “no”. Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! Perhaps you intend to travel towards the Quraish?” The Holy Prophetsa replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! The time period of the peace treaty established between you and them still remains.” The Holy Prophetsa stated, “Do you not know what they have done to the Banu Ka‘b, (i.e. the Banu Khuza‘ah).”

Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa sent a message to the neighbouring villages and Muslims and stated, “Whoever believes in Allah the Almighty and the Day of Judgment should gather in Madinah in the month of Ramadan.” Upon this instruction of the Holy Prophetsa various tribes of Arabia began to converge in Madinah. Amongst the tribes which arrived in Madinah were the Banu Aslam, Banu Ghaffar, Bannu Muzainah, Banu Ashja and Banu Juhainah. At the time, the Holy Prophetsa prayed, “O Allah! Stop the informants and spies of the Quraish, so that we can reach their areas without them knowing.” The Holy Prophetsa then stationed various parties along the entire way in order to gather information of anyone who passed by. The Holy Prophetsa instructed them that if any stranger passed by them, they should stop him and the Quraish should not learn of the preparations being made by the Muslims. (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], pp. 107-108)

Whilst mentioning the details of this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states, “The Holy Prophetsa once addressed one of his wives and said, ‘Prepare my provisions for a journey.’ She began to make preparations for his travels. He then told Hazrat ‘Aishara to roast some seeds and grains for him.

These were the kind of provisions typically available in those days. Thus, she began to sift out any dust or dirt from the seeds.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra came to visit his daughter at home and saw these preparations and asked Hazrat ‘Aishara, ‘What is happening? Is the Holy Prophetsa preparing for a journey?’

She replied, ‘It seems to be so because the Holy Prophetsa told us to make preparations for travel.’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra enquired if there were plans for a battle, but she replied, ‘I do not know. The Holy Prophetsa just told us to prepare for travel and that is what we are doing.’ Two to three days later, the Holy Prophetsa called upon Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat ‘Umarra and told them that some men from the Khuza‘ah tribe came and related the details of an incident that took place.

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘God has informed me of the incident beforehand, that they would commit treason and we have made a covenant with them. It would go against our faith to now become fearful and not prepare for combat after witnessing the bravery and strength of the Meccans. We will have to go there, so what is your opinion on the matter?’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, you have entered into a covenant with them and they are your own people.’ In other words, would he fight against his own people?

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘We will not

fight our people, we will fight those who have violated the covenant.’ The Holy Prophetsa then asked Hazrat ‘Umarra, who submitted, ‘In Allah’s name, I would pray every day that we might see this day when we could fight the disbelievers in defence of the Holy Prophetsa.’

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Abu Bakr is very soft-natured, but Umar is more candid in his speech.’ The Holy Prophetsa continued, ‘Make preparations.’ Then, the Holy Prophetsa had an announcement made in the surrounding tribes that everyone who believes in Allah and His Messengersa should congregate in Madinah in the beginning days of Ramadan. Thus, they started to gather to the extent that an army enumerating many thousands of men were organised and they set out for war. When the Holy Prophetsa was about to depart, he stated, ‘O Allah!

I supplicate to You that may You cause a covering upon the ears of the Meccans and upon the eyes of their spies, so that neither they will see us nor hear about us.’ Thereafter the Holy Prophetsa departed and despite the fact that there were many hypocrites in Madinah, and an army of 10,000 men had just departed, no news of this reached the people of Mecca. These indeed are the works of Allah the Almighty.” (Sair-e-Ruhani [7], Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 24, pp. 260-262)

It is written in Al-Tabaqat by Ibn Sa‘d that the Muslim army reached Marr AlZahran at Isha [evening]. Marr Al-Zahran is 25 kilometres from Mecca in the direction of Madinah. In other words, it is 25 kilometres from Mecca. According to the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, the companions lit a fire in 10,000 different places. Though the news of the Muslim army’s departure had not reached the Quraish, nonetheless they were worried on account of having to fight against the Muslims. Although they did not receive news, the Quraish thought that they would now have to fight, and this is why they were fearful. It seems here that it has been incorrectly written here. In fact, they had received news of their departure after they arrived there [Marr Al-Zahran]. When the Muslims set camp there and lit the fire in 10,000 different places, the Quraish sent Abu Sufyan to gather information. They stated that if he were to meet the Holy Prophetsa he should enter into a peace treaty. And so, Abu Sufyan bin Harb, Hakeem bin Hizam and Budail bin Waraqah left and when they saw the Muslim army, they became greatly worried. The Holy Prophetsa had appointed Hazrat ‘Umarra to oversee those standing guard that night. When Hazrat Abbasra heard the voice of Abu Sufyan, he stated, “O Abu Hanzla!” (This was the title of Abu Sufyan). Upon this, Abu Sufyan responded, “I am here.” He then asked Hazrat Abbas, “What is this behind you?” Hazrat Abbasra replied, “It is the Messengersa of Allah along with 10,000 of his people.” Hazrat Abbasra then granted him refuge and took him and his two companions before the Holy Prophetsa and all three accepted Islam. (Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Rasulsa Allah ‘Aam al-Fath [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2017], pp. 102-103) (Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p.

396, Maktabat Dar al-Salam)

This incident will continue to be mentioned in the future insha-Allah.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al-Fazl International 25 February 2022, pp. 5-9. Translated

by The Review of Religions.)

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