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we can focus on our spirituality, morals and prayers like no other month.
To reap maximum benefi t from Ramadan we must follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammadsa, about whom his most ardent follower, the Promised Messiahas said:
“By walking under his shadow for 10 days, one obtains that light which before him could not be obtained in 1,000 years. [...] We have found every light by following the immaculate Prophetsa, and whoever follows him will also fi nd it and they will become so accepted by God that nothing will be impossible for them.” (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, pp. 82-83)
Th e Promised Messiahas attributed the great station he received to following the Holy Prophetsa:
“I have, by the sheer grace of God, and not by any merit of my own, been accorded a full measure of the bounty, which was bestowed before me on the Prophets and Messengersas and the Chosen ones of God. It would not have been possible for me to receive this bounty had I not followed the ways of my lord and master, the Pride of the Prophets, the Best of Mankind, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa [the Chosen One], may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Th erefore, whatever I have attained, I attained due to this following and I know, through my true and perfect knowledge, that no man can reach God except by following the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor can anyone have a share of the complete cognition.” (Haqiqatul Wahi [English], p. 78)
Here are some key teachings and practices of the Holy Prophetsa concerning Ramadan that all can benefi t from and follow to acquire spiritual grace in Ramadan and stay as close to the sunnah as possible.
A moral transformation in Ramadan
Th e Holy Prophetsa taught that abstaining from food and drink was not the sole objective of Ramadan – a moral revolution was required. He instructed: عﺪي نأ �� ﺔﺟاح ہلل ﺲ�لﻓ هب لمﻌلاو رو��ا لوق عﺪي مل نم هبا��و هماﻌﻃ
“Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah does not need his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Th e Book of Fasting)
Speaking about avoiding all unrest and quarrels while fasting, the Prophetsa said:
“When any one of you gets up in the morning in the state of fasting, they should neither use obscene language, nor do any act of ignorance. And if anyone slanders him or quarrels with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’” (Sahih Muslim, Th e Book of Fasting)
In another narration, he said:
“Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is [exclusively] meant for Me and I [alone] will reward it. Fasting is a shield. When any one of you is fasting on a day, they should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise their voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting’. By Him, in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah on the Day of Judgment than the fragrance of musk. Th e one who fasts has two [occasions] of joy; once when he breaks the fast and he is glad about his breaking the fast, and once when he meets his Lord and he is glad about his fast.” (Sahih Muslim, Th e Book of Fasting)
Having a predawn meal
Th e Prophetsa would have a pre-dawn meal before commencing his fast. He instructed Muslims to eat before starting their fast as this meal was a blessing: ﺔ�ﺮب روﺤسلا �� نﺈﻓ اوﺮﺤس�
“Take meal a before dawn, for there is blessing in it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Th e Book of Fasting)
Defi ning the diff erence between the Muslim fast and that of the People of the Book, he said: ﺮﺤسلا ﺔل�أ بات��ا لﻫأ ماﻴﺻو انماﻴﺻ نیب ام لصﻓ
“Th e diff erence between our fasting and that of the People of the Book is eating shortly before dawn.” (Sahih Muslim, Th e Book of Fasting)
Ending the fast without delay
Th e Holy Prophetsa was clear that Muslims should not delay in ending their fast. Prolonging one’s fast past sunset does not bring more blessings; rather, the Prophetsa said Muslims should hasten in breaking their fast. He said:
ﺮﻄفلا ا���� ام �ی�ب سانلا لاﺰي ال
“Th e people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.” (Sahih Muslim, Th e Book of Fasting)
Th e Prophetsa instructed: ﺮﻄﻓأ ﺪقﻓ ﺲمﺸلا تبا�و راﻬنلا ﺮبدأو لﻴللا لﺒقأ اذإ مﰱاصلا
“When the night approaches and the day retreats and the sun sinks, then the observer of the fast should break it.” (Sahih Muslim, Th e Book of Fasting)
Hazrat Abu Atiyyara narrated the following about not delaying in breaking the fast:
“Misruq and I went to Aishara and Masruq said to her, ‘Th ere are two persons among the Companionsra of Muhammadsa none of whom abandon the good, but one of them hastens to observe sunset prayer and break the fast, and the other delays in observing the sunset prayer and in breaking the fast’, whereupon she said: ‘Who hastens to observe sunset prayer and break the fast?’ He said, ‘It is Abdullah’. Upon this, she said, ‘Th is is what the Messengersa of Allah used to do’.” (Sahih Muslim, Th e Book of Fasting) generous person, but his generosity soared during the month of Ramadan. It is narrated:
“Th e Prophetsa was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabrielas visited him, and Gabrielas used to meet him every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. Th e Prophetsa used to recite the Holy Quran to Gabrielas, and when Gabrielas met him, he used to be more generous than a gale (which causes rain and welfare).” (Sahih Bukhari, Th e Book of Fasting)
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Reciting the Holy Quran
As the above hadith shows, Gabrielas would go over the whole Quran with the Prophetsa during the month of Ramadan and during the last Ramadan of the Prophet’ssa life, they went over the Quran twice. Th e Quran was also revealed in the month of Ramadan. Th erefore, constantly reading and refl ecting on the Quran during this month is a prophetic practice and brings great rewards.
Tahajjud
Th e Holy Prophetsa would encourage his Companionsra to wake up for Tahajjud prayers regularly and concerning Ramadan he said:
“Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari, Th e Book of Fasting)
As the Promised Messiahas said, it is only when we follow the Holy Prophet’ssa example that we can get spiritual grace. By staying close to the Prophetsa in his practice we will set ourselves in the best position to spiritually benefi t from Ramadan and for our prayers to be accepted by Allah.
Answers to Everyday Issues
Part XXXI
Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being offi cially published below for everyone’s benefi t.
Waxing and plucking eyebrows
A lady wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa that a murabbi had argued that the plucking of eyebrows was impermissible and was equivalent to adultery. She sought guidance on this as well as the Islamic ruling on body waxing.
Huzooraa, in his letter dated 16 January 2021, off ered the following guidance regarding this topic:
“It is narrated in the ahadith that Allah the Exalted has cursed those women who, for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, practise tattooing, and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who pluck facial hair, and those who artifi cially create a space between the front teeth, and those who practise artifi cial lengthening of the hair, and those who get their hair lengthened artifi cially, who alter Allah’s creation. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas)
“Th ere is always some or the other point of wisdom behind every Islamic commandment. Moreover, some Islamic injunctions have a specifi c context and background to them. If we disregard their background, then they would become distorted. When the Holy Prophetsa was commissioned as a prophet, on the one hand, the poison of various kinds of polytheism had spread everywhere in the world and especially in the Arabian Peninsula, and on the other hand, diff erent kinds of misguided attitudes had also gripped humanity in their claws. Men and women were involved in various kinds of polytheistic rituals and social evils.
“Th e ahadith that prohibit the abovementioned actions, especially mention two motivators [behind those actions]; a) the altering of God’s creation or b) looking more beautiful.
“When we carefully consider these two aspects, we observe that the fi rst aspect, namely ‘the altering of God’s creation’, points to social evils and also refl ects polytheistic practices. Hence, wearing long braids, wrapping them into ‘turbans’ and then considering those to be a sign of nobility or sacrament; wearing braids or topknots as a vow of devotion to some saint or guru; shaving the top of the head while growing hair around it and considering it a blessing for children; having the image of a goddess, idol or animal tattooed on the body, face, arms etc. to seek blessings – these were all polytheistic practices, driven by mythical superstitions of the jahiliyyah [the preIslamic period of ignorance].
“Th e second aspect, that is ‘for the sake of beauty’, in some respects, refl ects social misconduct and obscenity. It is not forbidden for a person to adopt any legitimate methods for their own beauty while remaining within the permissible limits. Hence, it is mentioned in a hadith that a person said [to the Holy Prophetsa] that he liked and admired a fi ne dress and shoes and he asked if it constituted arrogance. Th e Holy Prophetsa replied that that was not arrogance. Arrogance was to deny the truth and despise others. He went on to say: لام��ا ﺐح� لﻴمﺟ ہللا نإ
“‘Allah is most Beautiful and loves beauty.’ (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, bab tahrimi l-kibri wa bayanih)
“Moreover, it is a well-established fact that even in those days when women were to be married, they too would be adorned according to the methods of that era.
“Th erefore, the attainment of ‘beauty’ about which the Holy Prophetsa warned of God’s curse certainly means something else. Hence, when we carefully ponder over the ahadith in this regard, we see that the Holy Prophetsa, when prohibiting these things, added that the Children of Israel perished when their women started such acts. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas)
“Th en, we also know that at the time of the Holy Prophetsa, lewdness was common among the Jews and at that time there were several brothels in Medina, especially in the Jewish area. Th e women who were involved in this business would employ such tactics of embellishment to beguile the men. Hence, Allah’s Messengersa forbade believing women from using those [means of enhancing beauty].
“Th us, the prohibition of these things appears to stem from the wisdom that if they result in such an artifi cial change in the physical appearance of an individual that the distinction between man and woman, which God Almighty has created in human beings, vanishes, or there is a fear that this kind of action may lead to inclination towards shirk, which is the gravest of sins; or if these things are carried out in order to beguile the opposite sex in an impermissible manner, then all these actions would be considered unlawful and actionable.
“It was within this context of these vices that the Holy Prophetsa forbade such things to the believing women. However, he also gave reasonable permission in exceptional circumstances on grounds of someone’s suff ering or illness. Hence, it is narrated by Hazrat Abdullahra bin Mas‘ud that:
ﺔصمانلا نع یﻬن ملسو هﻴلع ہللا یلﺻ ہللا لوسر تﻌ�� ءاد نم الإ ﺔ��اولاو ﺔلﺻاولاو ة��اولاو
“‘I heard Allah’s Messengersa forbidding the plucking of hair, fi ling of the teeth, having artifi cial hair and having tattoos done except on grounds of illness.’
“Islam has made actions dependent on their intentions. Th erefore, in this age, there is nothing wrong with a woman making use of these things in a lawful way and for a legitimate purpose as long as she is observing the Islamic injunctions regarding hijab. Nonetheless, if these actions lead to an inclination toward vices or they lead to an expression of any polytheistic rituals or disobedience to a clear command of Islam – for example, if women do not take full care of their purdah and expose their private parts in front of other women while having their waxing or other treatments etcetera done – then such actions would be counted among those against which we have been warned by the Holy Prophetsa and they would be unlawful.
“Furthermore, it should also be kept in mind in this regard that Allah the Exalted has declared discord and disorder to be greater sins than murder and has commanded their abolition. Th ere have been some instances where marriages were dissolved or divorces were issued aft er marriages because the husband found out later that the woman had facial hair. If they are not cleaned or plucked out, these few hairs would ruin more houses, and a long series of unpleasantries would begin. In any case, it was not at all the objective of the Holy Prophetsa to give rise to a situation in society that would lead to the spread of disorder in the homes. Th e wisdom behind his uttering such harsh words appears to be that since polytheism is the gravest of sins and these practices were employed for the sake of various deities etcetera, or since they used to be tools for promoting indecency, he expressed his disgust about them in the strongest possible terms, and thus uprooted polytheistic customs and indecency.”
Second nikah in countries where polygamy is illegal
A lady wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa saying, “My husband, who had been expelled from the Jamaat, has performed a second nikah without fi rst divorcing me. Since he does not have the legal right to have more than one wife, he is therefore committing adultery. I do not see the Islamic status of such a nikah. Hence, his [second] nikah should be annulled.”
In his letter dated 16 January 2021, Huzooraa provided the following reply to this request:
“It is true that it is legally forbidden for a married man to have another wife in most Western countries. However, Islam allows a man to have up to four wives at a time. If a man travels to a place where having more than one wife is not prohibited and marries another woman by way of a formal nikah, then in the Western countries, his second wife would not be aff orded any rights under the law of the land. However, under the Islamic law, she would be considered his wife and their conjugal relationship would not be deemed adultery.
“Would you have been pleased if your husband had had an extramarital aff air with that woman, which is prohibited by the Shariah but the laws of these Western countries allow room for it to be considered legal?
“Just as Islam has defi ned rights for men based on their requirements, it has likewise
established diff erent rights for women. While elucidating this aspect of Islamic teaching, the Promised Messiahas stated:
“‘It is well known that Islam permits a man to marry up to four wives at a time; and this is a permission, not a compulsion. Every man and woman is well aware of this doctrine. When marrying a Muslim man, women have the right to lay down the condition that the husband will, in no circumstance whatsoever, marry another woman. If this condition is laid down before marriage, the husband will certainly be guilty of breach of contract if he goes on to marry another. However, if a woman does not prescribe any such condition, and is content with the law as it is, an outsider has no right to interfere. In such a case, the [Urdu] proverb seems relevant: “If the husband and wife are happy, the judge has nothing to do.” Every sensible person can understand that God has not made polygamy obligatory, He has only declared it lawful. If a husband desires, for some genuine reason, and under Divine law, to avail this permission, and his wife is not happy about it, she has the option to demand a divorce and be rid of this anxiety. And if the other woman, whom he wishes to marry, is not happy, she too has the easy option to decline the off er of such a suitor. No one is under compulsion. But if both women agree to this second marriage, what right then does an Arya have to interfere?’” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 23, p. 246)”
Purdah, free-mixing and Halloween
A schoolgirl wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, “In Islam, women are only commanded to generally cover themselves. Th en, why do we observe purdah by wearing headscarves etc.? Why can girls not be friends with boys at school? Moreover, can I dress up as a fairy on Halloween?”
Huzooraa, in his letter dated 26 January 2021, off ered the following guidance regarding this topic:
“Islam has endowed both men and women with a greatly enlightened teaching regarding purdah. Hence, it states that both believing men and women should lower their gaze, that is keep their eyes away from seeing non-mahrams and conceal their private parts [satr]. Th en, it has further admonished believing women that they should draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, should not disclose their beauty and should not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known.
“In this brief but very comprehensive teaching, every detail about purdah has been elucidated, namely that a believing woman should safeguard her eyes, ears and areas of satr and should also ensure that her dress is not so tight that it reveals her physique nor so loose and wide that the chest and other areas of satr get exposed.
“Th e commandment about not striking the feet on the ground implies that a believing woman should also refrain from physical movements in a manner which may reveal the various features of her physique, or, if a piece of jewellery such as an anklet etc. is worn on the feet, its sounds may draw people’s attention towards it and the eyes of strangers may be drawn to her or, if she has adorned her feet with henna or nail polish etc., the eyes of men may be drawn to her. All these things would be in violation of the injunctions of purdah.
“Th us, Islam does not consider it adequate for a woman to merely cover her head with a headscarf. On the contrary, by stating these matters, it has also explained all the other purdah-related requisites i.e. the ways in which a woman ought to take care of her purdah and cover herself.
“Explaining the verses on purdah, the Promised Messiahas says:
“‘Th at is, direct the believing men to restrain their eyes from looking at women outside the prohibited degrees so openly as to be sexually excited by them and to cultivate the habit of guarding their looks. And should safeguard their private parts at all costs. Likewise, they should restrain their ears outside the prohibited degrees that is they should not listen to the singing or beguiling voices of women outside the prohibited degrees nor should they listen to descriptions of their beauty. Th is is a good way of preserving the purity of their looks and hearts. In the same way, direct believing women that they should restrain their eyes from looking at men outside the prohibited degrees and should safeguard their ears against listening to the voices of such men. Th at is, they should not listen to the voices which sexually excite them. Th ey should cover up their beauty and should not disclose it to anyone outside the prohibited degrees. Th ey should draw their headcoverings across their bosoms and should thus cover up their heads and ears and temples. Th ey should not strike their feet on the ground like dancers.’ (Islami Usul Ki Falasafi , Ruhani Khazain Vol. 10, pp. 241242)
“Huzooras further says:
“‘Th e Quran instructs Muslim men and women to lower their gaze […] Th e Islamic veil does not at all mean that women be imprisoned as though they were locked in jail. Th e purport of the Holy Quran is that women cover themselves and refrain from gazing at men that are beyond the permissible bounds. Women are not barred from leaving the house to tend to their societal needs. Th ey are welcome to go out and about but must control their gaze.’ (Malfuzat [2016 edition], Vol. 1, p. 405)
“As far as the [ruling regarding] friendship between girls and boys is concerned, the primary logic behind it is to safeguard the chastity of women [and men]. Free-mixing is likely to result in a variety of evils. Th erefore, Islam distinguishes between mahram and non-mahram relationships in this regard and defi nes the limits of male-female relations. Allah and His Messengersa imparted very clear teaching to their believers and followers in this regard.
Hence, the Holy Prophetsa said that a person should not meet a non-mahram woman in seclusion for Satan was always the third companion in such a rendezvous.’ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Fitan)
“Th e Promised Messiahas explained the wisdom behind this instruction of the Holy Prophetsa in the following words:
“‘It has oft en been heard and observed that such societies see no ill in a non-mahram man and woman remaining alone behind closed doors; they call this civilisation. It is to counter these very adverse eff ects that the Founder of Islam has forbidden an individual altogether from approaching anything that may lead them to stumble. In this relation, the Holy Prophetsa has stated that where a non-mahram man and woman sit in seclusion, the third with them is Satan. Just refl ect on the harrowing outcomes that Europe is having to bear as a result of this non-restrictive and unbridled teaching. In certain places, an utterly shameless life of promiscuity is led. Th is is due to teachings of the sort just mentioned. If you wish to protect a thing from misuse, it must be safeguarded. However, if one does not watch over a possession – and considers the world to be innocent – then keep in mind that it will surely be ruined. Th e Islamic veil is a truly holy teaching indeed, which, through segregation, saves man and woman from stumbling. It has delivered mankind from an illicit, grievous and bitter life.’ (Report Jalsa Salana 1897, p. 48)
“Th e ritual of Halloween, which is now considered ‘fun’ by people, is based on satanic ideas and polytheistic beliefs and is a hidden evil. A true Muslim and especially an Ahmadi should always remember that one must safeguard against anything which is based on shirk even if it is done for enjoyment because such rituals take a person away from religion. Moreover, it is also against the dignity of an Ahmadi child to go begging, as beggars do, around people’s houses on the occasion of this festival in the name of entertainment. An
Ahmadi has a certain distinction which we should inculcate in the minds of children from childhood.
“Th us, no Ahmadi is permitted to participate in the ritual of Halloween, neither by dressing up as a ghost, nor as a witch or a fairy, because this ritual is based on false and polytheistic beliefs.”
8 April
8 April 2004: During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa visit to Africa, the President of Benin had the privilege of meeting Huzooraa . Huzooraa inspected a hospital of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and also met with the board of Humanity First, Benin. (Al Fazl International, 30 July 2004)
8 April 2006: During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa stay in Singapore, 331 Ahmadis from 65 families had the opportunity to meet with Huzooraa .
Huzooraa also held a meeting with the national majlis-e-amila of Indonesia in which he gave special guidance to the sadr of Majlis Ansarullah and the sadr of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia.
Further, the national majlis-eamila of Lajna Imaillah Singapore met with Huzooraa separately and received guidance
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrives at the Singapore Airport, 2006
and instructions. (Al Fazl International, 15 May 2006)
8 April 2007: The first annual ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Italy was held. (Al Fazl International, 11 May 2007)
8 April 2017: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at Baitus Subuh Mosque, Frankfurt, Germany. Huzooraa arrived at 8:40 pm and was greeted by hundreds of Ahmadi Muslim men, women and children. During this tour, Huzooraa inaugurated mosques in Germany.
9 April
9 April 2004: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa led Fajr prayer at the first mosque of Porto-Novo, Benin, Masjid al-Tawheed. Later that day, Huzooraa delivered a Friday sermon at the same mosque, which was broadcast live on MTA.
The President of the National Assembly Benin met with Huzooraa . Representatives of the press interviewed Huzooraa. On the same day, Huzooraa visited the University of Benin and met with its administration. (Al Fazl International, 30 July 2004)
9 April 2006: During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa visit to Singapore, 641 members of 127 families from different countries
This Week in History
King of Porto Novo with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa
met with Huzooraa. This was followed by a joint class of Waqf-e-Nau boys and girls from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
That same evening, muballigheen and mu‘allimeen from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea met with Huzooraa .
The national amilas of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia were fortunate to have separate meetings with Huzooraa. Huzooraa also attended a dinner at a hotel that evening to which members of parliament were also invited. (Al Fazl International, 5 May 2006)
10 April
10 April 2004: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated Benin’s MTA Studios. Then, the National Amila of Majlis Ansarullah and Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya had separate meetings with Huzooraa. (Al Fazl International, 30 July 2004)
10 April 2006: On this date, during his visit to the Far East, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa left Singapore for Sydney. In the early part of the day, Huzooraa visited Sentosa island. (Al Fazl International, 5 May 2006)
10 April 2017: On this date, whilst in Germany, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated the Aafiyat Mosque located in the city of Waldshut-Tiengen. This Mosque is historic in the sense that it is the 50th Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Germany.
Marking the opening of this mosque, a special reception was held which was attended by 110
dignitaries and guests.
In his address, Huzooraa explained the purpose of mosques and explained the beautiful teachings of Islam. Huzooraa said: “According to the teachings of Islam, it is compulsory for a true Muslim to stand ever ready to protect the places of worship of all religions,
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa unveiling a commemorative plaque at the inauguration of Aafiyat Mosque, Germany
This Week in History
whether they be churches, synagogues or any other.”(50th Ahmadiyya Mosque in Germany opened in Waldshut-Tiengen by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, www.pressahmadiyya. com, 13 April 2017)
11 April
11 April 2006: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived in Australia on his first visit to the country. Huzooraa arrived in Masjid Baitul Huda and inspected the mosque. Member of the Federal Parliament, Roger Price, also had
Baitul Huda Mosque, Sydney, Australia
the chance to meet Huzooraa .
170 people, individually and some as families, had the opportunity to meet with Huzooraa. (Al Fazl International, 12 May 2006)
11 April 2014: Khutbah Ilhamiya (the Revealed Sermon) was delivered by the Promised Messiahas on 11 April 1900 in Masjid Aqsa Qadian. On this date, 11 April 2014, in his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained the details of this grand sign and shed light on its greatness.
11 April 2017: Whilst on tour in Germany, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated the Baitul Naseer Mosque in Augsburg, Germany. After the inauguration, a special reception which was attended by more than 130 dignitaries and guests was held. Addressing the gathering, Huzooraa stated, “The Holy Quran has taught Muslims that where, on the one hand, they must offer their prayers, they must also ensure their conduct is of the highest order by serving humanity and helping others.” (New Ahmadiyya Mosque Opened in Augsburg by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, www. pressahmadiyya.com, 14 April 2017)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivering his address at the Aafiyat Mosque inauguration ceremony
Baitun Naseer Mosque, Augsburg, Germany
the Jamaat had the privilege of meeting Huzooraa in the early part of the day. (Al Fazl International, 12 May 2006)
13 April
13 April 2006: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inspected the arrangements for Jalsa Salana Australia and issued instructions to the workers. (Al Fazl International, 12 May 2006)
12 April
12 April 2006: On this date, during Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa stay in Australia members of 13 April 2014: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his address at the MTA International conference. This was the third MTA conference of its kind. During his speech, Huzooraa said: “Remember, any programmes you produce should be of the highest standards and should be those that
fulfil the needs of the time […] We should create programmes that are a means of tarbiyat (moral training) for all people – whether young or old, man or woman, adult or child.”(International Conference of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya takes place in London, www.pressahmadiyya.com, 14 April 2014)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivering his address at the MTA Conference, 2014
14 April
14 April 2006: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated the 22nd Jalsa Salana of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Australia and hoisted the Liwae-Ahmadiyyat. He delivered the Friday Sermon and Ahmadis who came from afar had the opportunity to meet with Huzooraa . (Al Fazl International, 12 May 2006)
14 April 2014: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered an address at the concluding session of the 2014 tarbiyat camp of MKA UK. This tarbiyat camp lasted for a week and was held in the Jamia Ahmadiyya UK premises in Haslemere. During his address, Huzooraa reminded the Muslim youth, “Do not ever hide your faith; rather, identify yourselves to the world as true Muslims.”
14 April 2017: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was on tour in Germany. On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon from the German town of Raunheim. More than 8,000 people attended.
Introduction to chapters of the Holy Quran
Surah al-Talaq, al-Tahrim, al-Mulk, al-Qalam, al-Haqqah and al-Ma‘arij
Th e English translation of the introduction to chapters of the Holy Quran as given by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh is being presented for the benefi t of our readers. Insha-Allah, in the coming issues, we will endeavour to publish the introduction to all chapters of the Holy Quran:
Chapter 65: Surah al-Talaq
Th is surah was revealed in Medina and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 13 verses.
Th is surah is titled as al-Talaq (divorce), and from the beginning to the end, it deals with various issues of divorce.
Its main theme in connection with the preceding surah is that in the current surah, the Holy Prophetsa has been presented as a light that brings one out from darkness into light. It is described as the light that, in the Latter Days, once again would bring out those of his followers who would be wandering in the darkness of a mundane life. Th e sense of renouncing the life of wickedness and adopting the lifestyle of piety is very important in the subject of coming out of darkness. Th at is, he would bring one out of doctrinal darkness as well as darkness of practical life. Th us, with regard to the Holy Prophetsa in Surah alTalaq, Allah said that this Messenger was a reminder incarnate. And light is bestowed as a result of remembering (Allah), and as a result of remembering Allah he was granted this magnifi cent excellence that he became light incarnate; and he brings out his devout followers from every kind of darkness into light.
Th ere is a verse in this surah which uncovers the secrets of the heavens and earth in a surprising way. As the Holy Prophetsa himself brought people out from darkness, similarly the Word that was revealed to him uncovers darkness and secrets of the universe. In several places, seven heavens are mentioned in the Holy Quran; similarly, it says that seven earths have also been created like seven heavens. But Allah the Almighty knows better as to how revelation was sent to the inhabitants of those earths, and as to which kinds of darkness they were liberated from. Hitherto the scientists that investigate space do not have access even to the beginning of this subject. But as has been proven several times, the knowledge of the Quran is unlimited like kauthar [abundance of good] and the scientists of times to come will surely have access to this knowledge to some extent. including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 13 verses.
In the preceding surah, some magnifi cent secrets of the universe were discussed that they were disclosed in the book revealed to the Holy Prophetsa; and in the current surah, some minor secrets have been discussed. In other words, major secrets were disclosed to the Holy Prophetsa by the Knower of the unseen, and minor secrets were also disclosed to him by the Knower of the unseen. Th us, the current surah is connected to the preceding one in the following manner: اﻬﺼحا الا ةریﺒک ال و ةریﻐﺻ رداﻐ� ال بتﻜلا اذﻫ لام
“What kind of a Book is this! It comprehends small as well as big secrets.”
By mentioning حوصن ﺔبوت [sincere repentance] in this surah, the followers of the Holy Prophetsa have been exhorted that if they repent wholeheartedly, Allah the Almighty has the power to forgive all their small or big lapses. The sign of acceptance of such repentance is that the process of their reformation will start, and day by day, they will acquire the ability to resist evil and Allah the Almighty will remove all their evils from them. This period of removal of evils in fact will be acquired as a result of light that will be granted to them, much like a person can identify hazards due to light when walking in dark.
Thus, ﻢﻬﻳدﻳا نیب یعسﻳ ﻢﻫرون signifies that light will continue guiding them, and the words of ﻢﻬنامﻳاب و seem to refer to the wicked people, called the people of the left hand, who are not granted any light. Only those are granted light who always prefer piety against every evil. And these are the people who will be granted light in order to adhere to piety which will render them steadfast.
At the end of the surah, the example of two unfortunate women is set forth who were ostensibly part of the family of Prophets but practically played dishonestly in discharging their responsibilities. Against these two, mention is made of two very righteous women as well. One of them was the wife of a very oppressive and cruel enemy of Allah, yet she safeguarded her faith. Th e second is Hazrat Maryas – the miraculous personality she was bestowed by Allah in the person of Hazrat Jesusas was not a result of carnal desire. Further, the concluding verse says that Allah the Almighty would work the same miracle in a devout and righteous individual of the followers of Muhammadsa that although he would not be keen on attaining loft y spiritual ranks – rather, he would be humility incarnate – Allah would breathe
into him his spirit. As a result thereof, he would be granted another spiritual entity that would resemble Hazrat Jesusas. Thus, Allah says:
انحور نم ہیف انخفنف
“Allah the Almighty will breathe His spirit into that righteous man.”
Chapter 67: Surah al-Mulk
This surah was revealed in Mecca, and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 31 verses.
This surah starts with the verse: کلملا ہدیب یذلا کربت
“Allah the Almighty is the Master of everything, and He has power to do everything He wills.” Thus, it seems to be a reference to the very extraordinary subject in the preceding surah. After this begins the topic of creating life from dead; and it has been proclaimed that as Allah the Almighty has the power to create life from the physically dead, He also has the power to revive the spiritually dead as well. Therein are magnificent glad tidings for the followers of Muhammadsa .
Immediately after that, Allah offers mankind to look around the entire universe as it would testify to One Creator only and they would not find any incongruity in it. If the universe was self-existing, one would have found some signs of incongruity in it; rather, incompatibility should have been seen all around. If another imaginary partner of Allah the Almighty, besides Him, had created the universe, the laws set by them were bound to clash with the laws set by Allah the Almighty.
Thus, in this regard, all mankind has been invited to ponder over the secrets of the universe, and look again, but their sight will return unto them fatigued and griefstricken with failure to see any incongruity anywhere in the universe.
This surah also mentions such spiritual birds that are granted the blessed opportunity to soar high in the vast sky. As birds get their ability to fly from Allah and have been subjected between the heavens and earth, similarly it is Allah Who grants ability to His believing servants to soar high. As against this, the animals that crawl face down are not granted any spiritual altitudes, neither in a literal nor in a spiritual sense.
In the concluding verse of this surah, Allah says, mankind always benefit from water for life that descends from the heavens; but have they ever pondered as to where they will bring clean water from if, as a result of consecutive dry seasons, it goes deep down into the depths of the earth beyond their reach? Thus, man can have access to the spiritual water as well, like that of rainwater, only by the special grace of Allah the Almighty.
Chapter 68: Surah al-Qalam
This surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca, and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 53 verses.
This is the last surah that starts with the abbreviated letters. It starts with the letter ن [nun], and one meaning of this letter is inkpot, and all those who write with a pen stand in need of it. And the age of all progress for man starts with the sovereignty of the pen. If writing is to be removed from human progress, they will revert back to the age of ignorance; and never again they can attain any success related to education.
Secondly, ن stands for a Prophet of Allah who is called نونلااذ i.e. Hazrat Jonahas. He too is discussed in this surah as to what happened as a result of which he left the town never to be able to face them again. He left the town with a heavy heart because the punishment from Allah with which his people were threatened was not sent down. Then, Allah taught Hazrat Jonahas a lesson that many a time His threats of punishment were removed due to repentance and seeking forgiveness. At this, he was taught the following prayer: نیملظلا نمتنک ینا کنحبس تنا الا ہلا ال
“You are free of any weakness; it was I who was a wrongdoer who sought punishment for a repenting people.” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.88)
The letter ن has been repeatedly mentioned in this surah, which is exactly in-line with the subject-matters of the surah and there does not seem any incompatibility anywhere between the subject-matter and letterن in this surah.
Chapter 69: Surah al-Haqqah
This is a Meccan surah, and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 53 verses.
The subject-matter in Surah al-Qalam was that the philosophy behind giving respite to the enemies of the Prophets is that they may reach the limit of their wickedness and then none can save them from divine seizure. The current surah as well discusses such people who were granted repeated respites, but once they reached the limit of their wickedness, there came the time for their punishment.
The huge chastisement for which Allah the Almighty directed the Holy Prophetsa to threaten mankind with does not belong to any particular religious group in the world but every individual has been warned. When that event will come to pass from a worldly point of view man will also believe that the heavens and earth have burst. This event will come to pass at the time of Resurrection as well, when neither any earthly relations will be able to save man, nor heavenly contact and Hell will be his final abode.
Next, Allah the Almighty presents a magnificent testimony about the fulfilment of the matters which man can see to some extent, or he starts seeing and about the fulfilment of matters which he fails to eye. That is to say, the words of the Prophet Muhammadsa are the words of a noble and trustworthy Messenger. Neither is it misguided discourse of a poet, nor the prediction of a soothsayer – it is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.
In the concluding verses of the surah, a scale of measuring the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa has been presented which cannot at all be denied by the opponents. The opponents have been warned that in their view, this noble book was fabricated by the Messenger himself, whereas if he had forged a minor lie against Allah, He would definitely have destroyed him and his dispensation. And you could not have saved him in any way if Allah had decreed as such. In other words, Allah the Almighty is helping him and protecting him against all of your power, which is a sure testimony of his being a Messenger of Allah. That is, the word of Allah has been fulfilled very clearly in his favour: یلسر و انا نبلغال ہللا بتک
[“Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers”.] (Surah alMujadalah, Ch.58: V.22)
Chapter 70: Surah al-Ma‘arij
This is a Meccan surah, and including “Bismillah …”, it consists of 45 verses
In the very first verse, Allah the Almighty warns of a punishment which the disbelievers cannot repel.
Allah is declared as جراعملا یذ(Lord of [great] ascents) i.e. His ascension can be understood to some extent by pondering over the heavens in levels otherwise none can fathom his ascension. The ascension described here is testified scientifically which is mentioned in the verse ofنیسمخ ۃنس فلا (fifty thousand years) of the current surah. That is, the angels ascend to Him in fifty thousand years. Ascension in fifty thousand years can be interpreted in two different ways. First, literal fifty thousand years. If this meaning is to be taken, there is no doubt in it that after every fifty thousand years, the world goes through a geological change when the entire earth is covered
(Translated from the original introduction of chapters as presented in the Urdu translation of the Holy Quran by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, missionary in Ghana)
Promised Messiah Day in Austin, Texas
Qasim Choudhary
Missionary, Austin, Texas, USA
On 20 March 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyyat Austin had the opportunity to organise Jalsa Yaum-e-Masih-e-Maud (Promised Messiah Day) at the Baitul Muqeet Mosque.
The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem.
The first speech of the day was by Jaziba Ahmad Sahiba who spoke about the selfless hospitality of the Promised Messiahas and how he compassionately took care of his guests.
This was followed by a speech delivered with glaciers, and again a new start of creation takes place.
Secondly, the point to be noted is نودعت امم [of your reckoning] is not said here. If another verse of the Holy Quran which mentions one thousand years is read along with this one, the meaning would be that every day of Allah would be equal to the one thousand years according to what you reckon. If every day is to be multiplied with the days of one year and further it is multiplied with the days of fifty thousand years the sum we get determines the period of the days of Allah. Thus, accordingly, if fifty thousand years, which are the days of Allah, are multiplied with it we get a figure of eighteen to twenty billion years, which is the age of the universe according to scientists. (365 × 1000 × 50,000 = 18,250,000,000)
That is, every universe comes to an end once it reaches that age limit; and then once again it is brought into existence after its non-existence.
This is such a long time that man considers it a thing very far off. But once the punishment comes that time will seem to be very close. That chastisement will be such that man would like to ransom their close kindred, their own selves, wealth and property and everything they possess to save themselves, but it will not be possible. But if the believers have the traits of being regular in their prayers and always take care of their performance, in addition to that in order to protect their piety fulfil all the prescribed requirements, they are those lucky ones who will be exempted from that punishment.
In verse number 42, once again, a warning has been issued that Allah is independent of you. Thus, if you desist not from wickedness and impiety Allah the Almighty has the power to bring a new creation in your place. Thus, the surah concludes with the description of the same punishment whose news of occurrence has been given.
by Dr Rashid Waraich Sahib who spoke about the miracles of the Promised Messiahas in the domain of knowledge.
Then, my humble self delivered a presentation on the topic of “The Messiah who spoke the five languages of love” – sharing insights into the exemplary domestic life of the Promised Messiahas while emphasising a husband’s role in the household affairs.
The Jalsa concluded with an interactive “Kahoot” quiz. The Atfal and Nasirat in attendance joyfully participated in the quiz.
More than 70 Jamaat members attended the Jalsa.
100 Years Ago...
A word to the missionaries abroad and acknowledgment for the present to the Prince of Wales
A word to our missionaries abroad
Of late we have had very meagre information about the progress of our missionary brothers Dr Sadiq of America, HM Ghulam Mohammad BA, and H Obeidulla, both of Mauritius, and Hasan Musa of Australia. We quite understand the nature of their difficulties, the press of work and lack of time. From the reports that leak out every now and then we quite realise the magnitude of their task and the difficulties they have to overcome in their uphill task, but this much we beg to emphasise upon them that the eyes of all the world, including their Ahmadi brethren, are turned upon them. It is only in the fitness of things that touch with the outer world should be maintained and reports of their work regularly submitted, for we do not see how else they can keep in touch with their outside brethren who are over patiently and ceaselessly praying for the success of their efforts.
We know from the meagre reports that we can get from other sources that success is attending to their efforts. Even though they be engaged in a work of consolidation, it is but only meet that they should despatch reports of their work. We do not want mere conversions; therefore, we should not be deprived of other information merely on the score that a sufficient quota of the new converts has not been forthcoming in the meantime. We must be kept informed of all their activities, for we want to know of their health as much as of anything else, for that is the only thing we conceive by which they can maintain contact with their brethren abroad. […]
The Muslim Sunrise, a quarterly magazine
Harbinger of the glad tidings of Islam. The only advocate of true Islam in America. The fulfiller of the prophecy of the Holy Prophet[sa] of Arabia that the Sun of Islam will rise in the West. Articles very illuminating. Edited by Dr Mufti Mohammad Sadiq, Muslim Missioner, America. Annual subscription $1 (England 5/- Single copy 25c). The two articles in the April Number, “If Jesus came to America” and “Don’t be a hypocrite”, we strongly recommend to the reading public.
From,
No. 938 P.
Prince of Wales Camp, India.
GF De Montmorency,
Chief Secretary to His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. To,
Zulfikar Ali Khan, Additional Secretary,
Ahmadiyya Community, Qadian, Punjab.
Dated the 1 March 1922.
Sir,
I am commanded by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, to acknowledge with thanks the address of welcome received from the members of the Ahmadiyya Community through the Government of the Punjab. His Royal Highness has read with interest the account given in the address of the origin of the Ahmadiyya movement and looks forward to reading the fuller history of the community in the very handsome volume presented to him by subscription among the members. His Royal Highness appreciates very warmly the loyal feeling, which has prompted so many thousands of your co-religionists to contribute towards this presentation and his pleasure in receiving this token of loyalty is the greater because he learns from His Excellency, the Governor of the Punjab that throughout the Great War and in the difficult times that followed the Ahmadiyya Community have been distinguished for a steadfast attitude of loyalty both towards the Throne and to the Empire. I am commanded to assure you that, in view of this record, the community may always count upon the warm regard of His Royal Highness.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
De Montmorency,
Chief Secretary to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
Changes in the office bearers
H Rahim Bakhsh MA becomes the Private Secretary to His Holiness, the Khalifatul Massih, Ch Fateh Mohammad Sayyal MA, Nazir Talif-o-Ishaat (in charge propaganda work), Syed Zainul Abideen Waliullahshah, Assistant propaganda work, while Shaikh Nawab Din BA BT takes hold of the Agency. For the present in place of M Ali Muhammad BA BT, who has reverted to his post in the TI High School, Qadian, Ch FM Sayyal temporarily carries on the duties of the Education member.
[Return of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II from Lahore]
His Holiness was back at Qadian on the 2nd of March [1922] early in the day.
(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Review of Religions, March, April & May, 1922)
Official of consular functions of Ecuador visits Ahmadiyya mosque while in Toronto
In-charge Consular Functions of Ecuador in Toronto visiting Baitul Hadi Mosque
Syed Mukarram Nazeer
Canada Correspondent Canada Jamaat for establishing Jamaat-eAhmadiyya in those countries. Ecuador is one such country.
The Spanish Desk in Canada invited the person in-charge of consular functions of Ecuador in Toronto, Mr Edy Leonel Montalván Carrión along with his family, to visit Baitul Hadi Mosque located in Pickering, reports Spanish Desk in-charge Canada, Mahboob ur Rahman Shafiq Ahmad Sahib. The invitation was accepted and the family visited on 19 March 2022. They spent four hours at the mosque.
Naib Nazim-e-Ala Saf-e-Daum Majlis Ansarullah Canada Toronto Region, Mian Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib gave a tour of the mosque to the guests. At the time of the visit, a table tennis tournament of Majlis Ansarullah was being held and the guests enjoyed the tournament and participated in it too.
Mahboob ur Rahman Shafiq Ahmad Sahib introduced Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and explained the difference between Ahmadi Muslims and non-Ahmadi Muslims. The guests were presented with World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace which highlighted Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa lecture. Assistant National Secretary Tabligh, Naseer Qureshi Sahib shared the guidance of Huzooraa for avoiding the Third World War.
Secretary Tabligh Lajna Imaillah Durham, Amatul Basit Sahiba and Aqila Laheye Sahiba hosted the wife and daughter of Mr Carrión. They were given a tour of the mosque and introduced to Jamaat-eAhmadiyya.
Naseer Qureshi Sahib also introduced the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE), and highlighted projects undertaken by them to serve humanity.
After the visit, Mr Carrión sent a letter of gratitude to the Jamaat in the Spanish language. The English translation is given below:
“I want to take this moment to express to you on behalf of myself and my family our gratitude for the invitation to the Ahmadiyya Baitul Mahdi Mosque in Pickering, a wonderful place with a lot of peace and tranquillity, where live men of justice and peace. My children were amazed at such a beautiful place. […]
“My thanks to you also for the invitation to lunch […] where there was the opportunity to have a pleasant conversation with your missionary friends and volunteers, to whom we send our affectionate greetings. I am very grateful for your hospitality and for having shared with you and your distinguished friends an afternoon of great peace and joy.
“I extend my thanks on behalf of my wife Soraya and my daughter to the ladies who provided a warm reception and accompanied them on their tour of the Ahmadiyya Mosque. […] We will surely have the opportunity to meet again. Our sincere friendship for you and the members of your community. God bless you always.”
The Islamic Economic System: Ethics and Islamic economics – Part II
Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar
Canada
Ethics play a crucial role in Islam, advocating that the welfare of the individual or society is morally good, but any activity that promotes ill is ethically wrong. Islamic ethics dominate all domains of life, prescribing its followers to fiercely guard their behaviour, words, thoughts and intentions.
Muslims are reminded time and again to observe certain norms and moral codes in their family affairs, in dealings with relatives, neighbours and friends. Their business transactions, social affairs and public and private lives are not exempt from these rules. Muslims are reminded to consume what is halal (lawful or permitted) and tayyib (moral and ethical). Every effort should be exerted to avoid what is considered haram (unlawful or prohibited) as per fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
Given the aforementioned, the overall architecture of Islamic economic activity maintains a balance between satisfying the individual’s needs and that of society. Islam allows people to satisfy their needs and encourages making a profit. However, as greed and selfish pursuit of profits form basic human urges, Islam counters by laying down an elaborate system of taxation and charity. In this manner, economic activity remains morally and practically significant at both individual and societal levels. The concepts discussed below allow integrity and practicality of an economic system and ensure adaptability over time and geography.
The main Islamic economic principles as laid down by the Holy Quran can be established in the current economy with ease. They are broadly described as follows.
Achievement of falah (welfare)
The first and the foremost aim of Islam is the achievement of the well-being of humanity in this world and the next (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.202; Surah Luqman, Ch.31: V.6-7; Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.158; Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.36). The Holy Quran lays down a comprehensive, multi-layered concept of welfare as it refers to spiritual, moral and socioeconomic well-being in this world and success in the Hereafter. In general, Muslims hold that society should be working towards achieving a common and public good.
The economic system of Islam aims to achieve financial well-being and betterment of the people through equitable distribution of material resources and through the establishment of a socially and economically just system (Surah al-Qasas, Ch.28: V.78).
The Holy Quran also tells us:
“The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed in connection therewith, and for those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for the [freeing of] slaves, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer — an ordinance from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.” (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.60)
This verse clarifies that the reason for acquiring wealth is to ensure it is used for helping others. Practising sharing of wealth gives rise to general prosperity in society and an increase in the welfare of the people in that society.
Fair and equitable distribution: Adl (justice)
In Islamic teachings, if one principle was considered the overarching edict regarding socioeconomic aspects, that one principle would be justice. The focus of all teachings regarding economic and social policy in Islam is eradicating inequity, injustice, exploitation and oppression. This aim is considered absolute and impassable and forms an integral part of all permissible economic activities.
According to the concept of justice, a person may acquire wealth but cannot use any immoral or illegal means to do so (e.g., lying, cheating, or deception of any form.) It is also forbidden to exploit a weaker party with a better bargaining position (Surah alNajm, Ch.53: V.39-40).
The Holy Quran emphasises written
contracts. The debt verse of the Holy Quran lays out in great detail how a contract should be written. However, in the event of a verbal agreement, a person must hold true to their word, even if one party cannot enforce a contract or agreement. This commandment emphasises that promises (or contracts) made with another person are made in the presence of God (as a witness). Breaking such a promise (or contract) amounts to cheating and betrayal.
The Islamic principle of justice operates in every aspect of human activity, whether legal, social, political or economic. The Islamic economic system is based on the principle of justice that governs all the fundamental aspects of the economy, like production, distribution and consumption.
In the current world economy, the principles listed above from Islamic exegesis have been adopted by many nations into their commercial laws. Even online traders, such as Alibaba, enforce quality control and security of funding, further ensuring the consumer that their investment is protected.
One of the most significant contributions of Islam as a social and economic system is the maintenance of the just and equitable distribution of wealth. It stipulates those economic resources be distributed among the members of the community so that they not only bridge the gap between the rich and the poor but also provide for necessities of life for every member. (Surah al-Hashr, Ch.59: V.8).
Under Islamic Law, this is achieved via the bait-ul-maal (treasury). Although the bait-ul-maal was not established as an institution during the life of the Holy Prophetsa, his life in Mecca and Medina stands as a testament to the just and equitable distribution of wealth. The function and evolution of the bait-ul-maal will be discussed in the following article.
One way Islam teaches to achieve a fair distribution of wealth is by ensuring that wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few. It is not only a theory or mere teaching but an established reality implemented via the legal system of Zakat. Together with charity and other voluntary almsgiving, Zakat also plays a significant role in this context. The instruction to observe charity was given in Mecca (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.20) (Surah al-Ma‘arij, Ch.70: V.25-6), but Zakat as an institution did not evolve (from a Quranic perspective) till 2 AH (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.268-9). The reader should note that Zakat existed as a command much earlier than Islam. There are numerous mentions of Zakat in the Holy Quran. Hazrat Abrahamas and his followers understood this concept (Surah al-Ma‘arij, Ch.70: V.25-6), Hazrat Ishmaalas would practise it (Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.55-6), the Jews (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.84) and Christians (Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.31-2) were all taught the concept of Zakat.
The reason for imposing Zakat finds its roots in the concept of humans as trustees of God. The major consideration is that the rich are not the real owners of wealth. They are merely trustees, and the actual owner of all resources is Almighty Allah.
The institution of Zakat is an extensive area of study, one beyond the scope of these articles. Suffice to say, one primary reason for
