Al Hakam - 15 April 2022 by Alhakam

From the Markaz Hazrat Khalifatul Masih launches new Badri Companions platform – 313Companions.org Page 3

Why do Eid and Ramadan start on different dates if we are all sighting the same moon?

The philosophy of invoking durood on the Holy Prophet

Prophet David Unravelling false narratives

Page 8

Page 7

Page 11

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022 | Issue CCXIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

A new resolution for a life renewed

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

Blessing of suhoor

ََ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ �ّ �ِ ‫الﻨ‬ ‫ ﻗال‬،‫أ� ُﺲ بْ َﻦ َﻣال ِﻚٍ ـ ر ِﺿی اللہ ﻋﻨہ ـ ﻗال‬

َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫صلی الل ُہ َعل ْی ِہ َو َسل َم‬

ًَ َ َ َ َ َّ " ‫الس ُﺤ ْﻮ ِر ب َ َر�ۃ‬ �ِ� ‫" � َس ّﺤ ُر ْوا ﻓ ِﺈ ّن‬ Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrates: “The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Take suhoor as there is blessing in it.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum, Hadith 1923)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The meaning of the Seal of Prophethood

Many of us have wished that we were born in the time of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammadsa Mustafa. Others who see that time as too far in the distant past wish at least to have found the time of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian. There is no harm in wishing and one can wish for as many fanciful things as one pleases, but then we have to be realistic; the reality is we were not born then, nor can we go back in time to be born in those blessed times. Another reality is that we are born in the time of the Promised Messiah’sas Khilafat – an institution that succeeds the Promised Messiahas in everything that he stood for. And reality again pushes us to ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to make the best of the time that we are actually born and

living in. Living a life that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asks us to live is one way of not only being grateful to be born in the time of this blessed successorship of the Promised Messiahas, but also to feel closer to the holy persona of not only the Promised Messiahas but his holy master, our holy master, Hazrat Muhammadsa. The next question, naturally, is: What kind of a life does Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa call us to? For the last two decades, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has called us to maintain and increase our belief in the One and only God. He has called us to obey the commandments of the One and only God. He has told us about the golden principles of life taught by the Holy Prophetsa and, in his subservience, rejuvenated by the Promised Messiahas. Huzooraa has reminded

us of establishing our worship and turning to no one else but Allah the Almighty. He has taught us how to remain steadfast in our faith and how to pass on the same to our younger generations. He has called us to read the Holy Quran and understand it so we may be saved from the world that is fast degenerating in morality. Huzooraa has reminded us, in line with the Quranic teachings, to spend as much as we possibly can in the way of Allah. He has told us how our marriages can be successful and how domestic bliss can be acquired through this sacred bond. He has taught us how to bring up our children as good Muslims. The other question is: Having given us so much of his time and energy to guide us, what has Huzooraa ever asked for in return? Continued on next page >>

In the context of the Seal of Prophethood (khatm-e-nubuwwat), I would like to reiterate that the primary meaning of this term implies that all the matters relating to prophethood, instituted by Allah in the beginning with Adam, on whom be peace, were brought to their complete and final end with the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. This is the broad and apparent sense. The second connotation is that the circle of the excellences of prophethood reached its final point of completion with the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is absolutely true that the Quran perfected deficient ideologies and prophethood reached its final end. This is why Islam proved itself to be true to the following:

ُ َ ُ ۡ ۡ َ َۡ ‫ال َیوۡ َم اك َمل ُت لَک ۡم ِدیۡنک ۡم‬

“This day have I perfected your religion for you.” In short, these are the signs of prophethood; it is not necessary to debate the deeper intricacies and Continued on page 2

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

2 << Continued from previous page

Nothing at all. He has never even asked how much we have done to follow his advice and guidance, not to speak of admonishing us for lagging behind and not being able to keep up. Following confessions before him for not being able to live up to his expectation in one area or the other, all we have had in return is a loving reminder to try harder and pray to Allah the Almighty for help. Although Huzooraa has never asked for anything in return, does that mean we sit back and do nothing? To put in no effort would be an act of extreme ingratitude and thanklessness; not only to Huzooraa but to Allah the Almighty who blessed us with this unique form of guidance in the shape of Khilafat and we chose to remain in our fantasies of being born in some point in the past. Millions around the world have generally frowned upon lockdowns, but in the Ahmadiyya world, these restrictions came as a blessing in that they brought with them virtual mulaqats of Ahmadi Muslims from all parts of the world with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. And thanks to MTA, we all got to be part of these blessed meetings. Readers will agree that whenever the youth have asked Huzooraa about any issue, he has guided them to the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa and to the guidance given by the Promised Messiahas in his writings, while presenting the answer in an easily understandable way. Everyone has their own take-home

Continued from page 1

details of these signs. The principles are clear and manifest, and are wellestablished truths. A believer need not engage in inconsequential matters. Belief is necessary. If an opponent raises an objection, we can provide a sufficient rebuttal. If an opponent does not desist, we can challenge them to first prove the issues of secondary nature from their own Faith. Therefore, the “Seal of Prophethood” on the Holy Prophetsa was one of the signs of his prophethood, and one in which a Muslim believer must believe.” (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 7-8) Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

message from these mulaqats with Huzooraa, but let us see if there is more we could actually “take home”. If Huzooraa is constantly referring to the sayings and the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa and those of his ardent lover and servant, the Promised Messiahas, should we not strive to learn more about these blessed sources of guidance? For a Muslim, Ramadan is the start of a new spiritual year, or rather a new or renewed life. So channelising this desire of being born in the blessed times of the Holy Prophetsa or the Promised Messiahas, let us take it upon us to acquaint ourselves with the Holy Quran, with the ahadith of the

Holy Prophetsa and with the writings of the Promised Messiahas, the latter being an interpretation of the former two. We invest so much money in enabling our children to learn secular subjects where they need help, so why not invest our time and energy into reading the material that laid the foundation of the revolution that we all feel proud to be part of. Let us all commit ourselves to try as much as we can to not deprive ourselves of such blessings. Al Hakam is here to help. We understand that certain passages from the aforementioned material can require assistance in understanding. While we all remain humble students of this invaluable material, we at Al Hakam will try and

answers any questions that you may have through our column Islam Today, or individually if you so wish. (You can contact us via our email: ask@alhakam.org) So, let’s live in the moment and thank Allah for the blessed time that we are born in – the era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. While we ponder on how we can be thankful to Allah for this blessing, let us make it a point to never forget to pray for Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Let us not forget to pray that the institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya always remains and flourishes, as it always has, and continues to call the world to the only way of salvation: Islam. May we all follow every single word uttered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and may the people of the world hearken too.

#STOPWW3 event in Scotland

Arshad Mehmood Khan Secretary Ishaat, Glasgow

On 26 March 2022, thousands of members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK across 28 cities in the UK gathered at various locations to raise awareness of the danger the world finds itself in and promote a message of peace to stop a potential World War. People from all walks of life promoted the essential steps toward peace as taught by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Similarly, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland has launched a campaign across social media platforms to draw the world’s attention to deescalate and stop a potential Third World War. In the culmination of this effort, members gathered in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee city centres on 26 March 2022 and distributed leaflets, books and brochures. Many members of the public

turned up at our tabligh stalls and showed great interest and asked questions about our campaign. On 27 March 2022, Majlis Ansarullah Scotland held its virtual event on “#STOPWW3 THE PATHWAY TO PEACE”, as part of the tabligh ashra. The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with its English translation, followed by an introductory video on Islam Ahmadiyyat. Mr Alex Jackson, the representative from Amnesty International Glasgow, spoke about this topic and said that the steps to stop the Third World War taught by the Caliph of Islam Ahmadiyyat have massive potential if all politicians listened. Mr David Wallace, assistant director of Rotary Club Cumbernauld Glasgow, spoke about the current dangerous situation due to the war between Russia and Ukraine and appreciated the efforts and practical steps taken by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya worldwide. Rawah Uddin Arif Khan Sahib, Regional Missionary, delivered a speech and highlighted how peace could be established through recognising God. After this, Abdul Ghaffar Abid Sahib, Regional Nazim Tabligh of Majlis Ansarullah Scotland gave a vote of thanks. An engaging question and answer session was also conducted. The programme was streamed on Zoom.

Ahmadi Muslims gathered in various locations raising awarness of the current danger looming over the world and calling humanity back to its Creator

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

From the Markaz

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih launches new Badri Companions platform – 313companions.org

Towards the end of his Friday Sermon on 8 April 2022, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa announced the launch of a new website and mobile app created by MTA International: www.313companions.org. This website has collected all the Friday Sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on the Badri Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa. Visitors will be able to view each sermon and see the profiles of every companion mentioned. Features will include bookmarks, the correct pronunciation of difficult words, maps and even questions and answers about each companion. This website will continue to be updated each week. Praying for the success of the website, Huzooraa said: “May Allah make this a means of benefit for people.” Huzooraa launched the website after the Friday prayer.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa launching the new Badri Companions platform – 313Companions.org

Responsibilities of a believer “Oﬀer the ﬁve daily prayers in such fear and with such complete attention as though you were actually beholding God Almighty. Sincerely observe your fasts for the sake of God. Let everyone who is liable to pay the Zakat do so and anyone upon whom the Hajj has become obligatory and who face no hindrance ought to perform the pilgrimage.” (Noah’s Ark, p. 25)

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

This Week

15-21 Sermon from Baitul Tauheed in San Pietro in Casale, Italy. In his sermon, Huzooraa mentioned the immense grace of Allah Who was helping the Jamaat build mosques around the world.

17 April Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivering the concluding address at the MTA conference

15 April

www.pressahmadiyya.com, 17 April 2013)

15 April 2006: During his visit to Australia, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed Lajna on the second day of Jalsa Salana Australia. While addressing the Lajna, Huzooraa said he had initially thought that he would not deliver an address to Lajna due to the number and attendance. However, Huzooraa then said that the number and presence of women in Australia had improved and since it was his first visit to Australia, he would say a few words.

16 April 16 April 2004: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, during his visit to West Africa, mentioned Allah’s bounties and blessings upon Africa. He said

separate channels catering to the audience in Asia and Europe during certain hours of the day. 16 April 2006: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the closing session of Jalsa Salana Australia and met a delegation from Indonesia. The Ahmadiyya Medical Association Australia and then Melbourne majlis-e-amila

18 April 18 April 2006: On this date, young girls, waqifaat-e-nau and Australia’s national majlis-e-amila had the opportunity to meet with Huzooraa. A member of parliament, Mrs Louise Markus, along with her husband and two children, had the honour of meeting with Huzooraa. This mulaqat was held in Huzoor’saa place of residence and lasted for 40 minutes. Then, 17 young boys and girls were privileged to have their amin ceremony with Huzooraa. Following this, the national majlis-e-amila Australia had a meeting with Huzooraa.

Later that day, Huzooraa attended a dinner where 177 dignitaries were invited. (Al Fazl International, 19 May 2006, p. 2) 15 April 2013: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the concluding session of the second international conference of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya. In his address, Huzooraa said: “By the Grace of Allah, MTA International is excelling in leaps and bounds. Operations that started with just a few select people, with basic equipment and a single truck of MTA have now expanded across the world. Studios have been set up in different countries, several satellites have been acquired and with Allah’s Grace operations are continuing to expand.” (International Conference of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya takes place in London,

17 April 2006: During Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa visit to Australia, children of the Jamaat, Waqf-e-Nau children, the Lajna national majlis-e-amila, the Ansar national majlis-e-amila, Ahmadi architects, engineers and IT professionals were blessed to have mulaqats with Huzooraa. And on such a busy day, in the evening, 135 people from 34 families had the honour of meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. (Al Fazl International, 26 May 2006, pp. 1-10)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in Nigeria

that the sincerity and devotion of the Nigerian Ahmadis was tremendous and that only God could place such earnestness in hearts. Huzooraa further announced a milestone achievement in the transmissions of MTA. He announced the launch of two

had separate meetings with Huzooraa. After that, 265 people from 70 families also received the opportunity of having a mulaqat with Huzooraa. (Al Fazl International, 19 May 2006, pp. 10-11) 16 April 2010: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his Friday

Then, in the evening, 70 Ahmadis had the privilege of meeting with Huzooraa, after which Huzooraa attended a dinner organised by the Jalsa Salana management team. (Al Fazl International, 26 May 2006, pp. 10-12) 18 April 2008: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his Friday Sermon from Bagh-e-Ahmad near Accra, Ghana. An extraordinary

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

in History

1 April

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa laying the foundation stone of a new mosque in Marburg, Germany, 19 April 2017

20 April Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivering a sermon in Italy

number had gathered to listen to this sermon. On this occasion, Huzooraa said that on the completion of 100 years of the Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat, every Ahmadi should pledge that they would put the pleasure of Allah above everything else; they would do their best to worship and obey His commands and strive to follow and fulfil his bai‘at.

19 April 19 April 2006: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa travelled from Sydney to Canberra, where he attended a reception hosted by Australian political, religious and scholarly

mosque in the German university town of Marburg. Huzooraa said: “I believe you are not only laying the foundation for a new mosque, but also laying the foundation for future dialogue and peace.

21 April 21 April 2006: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his Friday Sermon at Baitul Huda Sydney, laid the foundation stone of the Khilafat Jubilee Hall and left Sydney for Brisbane by air that evening. Huzooraa arrived there at night and led the congregation in Maghrib and Isha prayers. (Al Fazl International, 2 June 2006, p. 9)

18 April 2017: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa laid the foundation stone for the first Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in the German town of Raunheim. In his address, Huzooraa said: “It is my hope and prayer that all those who value humanity understand the grave situation the world is facing and work towards bringing mankind together and developing true peace in the world. Certainly, politicians and people of influence should endeavour to persuade their governments to focus on peacebuilding efforts, rather than inflaming conflicts and taking us further toward the abyss. At this time, the world must focus on reconciliation and bringing people together.” (Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community lays foundation stone for new Mosque in Raunheim, Germany, www. pressahmadiyya.com, 20 April 2017)

20 April 2006: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited the Blue Mountains near Sydney. On the same day, 31 boys and girls had their amin ceremony. Further, some Ahmadis had invited Huzooraa to their homes on that day. Huzooraa graciously accepted the invitations and visited the homes. (Al Fazl International, 2 June, 2006, p. 9)

21 April 2017: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his Friday Sermon in the German town of Raunheim. Huzooraa said:

figures. Huzooraa addressed the guests, met them, and after travelling in the evening returned to Sydney at night. (Al Fazl International, 2 June 2006, pp. 1-2) 19 April 2017: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa laid the foundation stone for the first Ahmadiyya Muslim

Huzooraa delivering an address at the National Museum, Canberra, Australia, 2006

This mosque will be a means of increasing mutual understanding.” (Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community lays foundation stone for new Mosque in Marburg, Germany, www.pressahmadiyya. com, 21 April 2017)

“Do not look at the faults of others; instead, you should focus on your own weaknesses in order to reform yourselves. Remember, no one can claim that they are completely free of any weakness.” (Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community delivers Friday Sermon in Raunheim, Germany, www. pressahmadiyya.com, 22 April 2017)

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

Huzoor’s message to Jalsa Salana Paraguay 2022 and new converts Mishaal Baten Paraguay Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Paraguay held its second Jalsa Salana on 12 March 2022, which was our first Jalsa after the pandemic with a gap of two years and was held in the capital city, Asunción. The total attendance was 107 and had representation from five countries. Many tabligh contacts attended this blessed event and people from all over the country travelled by bus to participate. The theme of this Jalsa Salana was “The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – A Mercy for Mankind”. The speeches were held in Spanish, the main local language, and missionaries from the neighbouring Latin American countries came to speak at the Jalsa about different topics regarding the life and character of the Holy Prophetsa. Faith-inspiring stories of local converts were also shared. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa sent a special message for the attendees of this Jalsa, which was read out by Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, and the translation in Spanish was read out by Abdun Nur Ghalib Baten Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge Paraguay. Mr Marco Mendez, Director of the Ministry of Worship attended the Jalsa in representation of the Paraguayan government. During the Jalsa days, Allah the Almighty enabled seven new souls to perform the bai‘at and join Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Here are some comments from the new converts: Elias Olivera said: “Jalsa was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. It nourished me with knowledge and Muslim customs, it helped me understand and get to know Allah.” Fabio Pintos said: “The Jalsa Salana was a very interesting experience, more for me since I am new to the community. I learned more about Islam and the Promised Messiahas. It was also discussed that no matter how seriously you take the practices of Islam, none of that matters if you are not humble and empathetic with others; this was the most important teaching that the Jalsa left for me. I had never seen so many Muslims in one place in Paraguay and hopefully, someday

we will be much more. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is my second family and it was worth the nine-hours of travel I did to participate in the Jalsa. I am looking forward to the next one.” Liza Bernal commented: “This was my first Jalsa and it was a very unique experience. I understood that day that the Ahmadiyya Community really lives what it teaches. I saw a lot of humility of heart and I feel immense gratitude towards Allah for his guidance and for being part of

the community. “The letter that the Caliph sent us where he wished for the success of our Jalsa and knowing that we were in his prayers, all of this added enormously to my love for Allah. I never tire of thanking Allah for allowing me to experience Jalsa and to meet people who work and dedicate their time and their lives to Him and to the community, alhamdulillah.” The local jamaat served with fervour in preparation for the Jalsa. Weeks before, the members got together to paint and repair the mission house and prepare it for the guests, cheerfully sacrificing their work and time to serve the Jamaat. Most of these volunteers were people who had converted only in the last year or so, and some of them were not even Ahmadis; rather, they were tabligh contacts who passionately helped to make the Jalsa a success.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s message to Jalsa Salana Paraguay 2022 “Dear Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at, Paraguay, ّٰ ‫السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ وبرکاتہ‬ “I am very pleased that you are holding your Annual Jalsa Salana on 12 March 2022 on the theme ‘The Holy Prophet ‫صلی‬

ّٰ ‫ اللہ علیہ وسلم‬a Mercy for Mankind.’ It is my prayer may Allah bless your Jalsa with great success and may all the participants gain immense blessings and may you increase in knowledge, goodness and piety. “Allah addresses the Holy Prophet ّٰ Muhammad ‫ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‬in the Holy Quran as follows:

of the righteous people in a Jamaat so that a substantial group of the righteous people should make a holy impact on the world. The unity of these righteous people should be a source of blessings, grandeur, and positive results for Islam. The blessings of being united on one creed may enable them to perform noble and righteous services for the sake of Islam.’ [Majmua‘ah Ishtiharat, ْ َ ٰ ْ ّ ً َ ْ َ َّ َ ٰ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ومٓا ارسلنک ِالا رحمۃ ل ِلعل ِمین‬ Vol. 1, pp. 196-198] ٰ “The Promised Messiah ‫الصلوۃ‬ ‫علیہ‬ “‘And We have sent thee not but as a ‫ والسلام‬instructed us with great care so that mercy for all peoples’ (Ch.21: V.108) we could become rightful Ahmadis and establish a close relationship with Allah, Our Creator. His teachings are the source of our spiritual development because they greatly enhance our understanding of our faith Islam, enable us to acquire the profound knowledge contained in the Holy Qur’an and Group photo taken during Jalsa Salana Paraguay 2022 recognise the true ٰ “The Promised Messiah ‫الصلوۃ‬ ‫ علیہ‬status of ٰ the Holy Prophet Muhammad ّ ‫صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‬. It is essential for members ‫ والسلام‬has declared that the Holy Prophet ّٰ Muhammad ‫ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‬loved God to of the Jamaat to read and ponder over his the extreme and he was most compassionate words of guidance and act upon them so as towards his fellow human beings. It was due to attain those high spiritual standards that ٰ ‫علیہ‬ to his intense love for Allah that he loved the Promised Messiah ‫الصلوۃ والسلام‬ God’s creatures. He could not bear to see expected from the members of his Jamaat, them in pain. God treats His servants under and so that we can become exemplary the divine attributes of grace and mercy. Ahmadi Muslims. “I remind you of the importance of the How can it be that the person whose sole purpose, whose every action and inaction divine institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya was to win the pleasure of Allah, would not and the need for each member of the Jamaat treat God’s creatures in the same manner as to form a strong bond with Khalifatul Masih. Close and firm attachment to Khilafat God would? “Therefore, we should consider it our is the basis of unity and togetherness of duty as Ahmadi Muslims to promote every our Jamaat. Therefore, only by remaining aspect and beautiful moment of the life of devoted to Khilafat will you be able to ّٰ this kind and merciful Prophet ‫ صلی اللہ علیہ‬undertake the immense task of the revival ‫ وسلم‬and uphold his honour in front of the of Islam on earth. Keep in mind that the whole world. We should constantly invoke solution to the problems of the world and salutations and blessings (durood) onٰ the the attainment of international peace can ّ Holy Prophet Muhammad ‫ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‬only be achieved by adhering to the system and pray to Allah to enable us to always of Khilafat. “May Allah bless your Jalsa Salana with emulate his blessed example. “I remind you of the importance of great success and enable all of you bring respecting and fulfilling the conditions of about a real transformation in your lives the bai‘at which you have offered to the towards increased virtue and righteousness. ٰ Promised Messiah ‫الصلوۃ والسلام‬ ‫ علیہ‬and in May Allah enable you to spread the peaceful striving hard to becoming sincere and good message of Islam throughout Paraguay. May Allah bless you all. Ahmadi Muslims. “Wassalam “In this regard, the Promised Messiah ٰ “Yours Sincerely, ‫الصلوۃ والسلام‬ ‫ علیہ‬has stated as follows: [Signed] “‘This system of bai‘at has been “MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD established solely to gather together a group “KHALIFATUL MASIH V”

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

The philosophy of invoking durood on the Holy Prophet – Part I In his book, Hayat-e-Qudsi, Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Rasul Sahib Rajekira states:

statement of God Almighty:

The importance and greatness of Durood Sharif is evident from the fact that God Almighty has declared it a part of this everlasting and eternal great form of worship that is the obligatory prayer [salat], which has been declared a point of distinction for every Muslim and the fulfilment of which has been declared as necessary for every believer as food is for the sustenance of life or medical treatment is for the cure of illness. Moreover, just as the word salat has been used for prayer in the Holy Quran and ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa, the same word has been selected for Durood Sharif. From this, it could be inferred that quite possibly the term salat for the daily prayer is based on the said part of the prayer, just as the names of some of the surahs of the Holy Quran are based on certain parts of the said chapters. Hence, Durood Sharif bearing the same name as the daily prayer indicates its importance and excellence with manifest glory.

[“It is these on whom are blessings from their Lord”], is also “the most excellent praise” i.e. God Almighty also praises and regards them. Likewise, the statement of the verse:

The blessings of Durood Durood Sharif is among the treasures of the most excellent good deeds. What greater blessing could there be than invoking Durood Sharif when God Almighty has declared that this action is also carried out by God Himself and His angels. Consequently, the believer who sends Durood Sharif imitates the action of God and His angels. However, it is a separate matter that the effect of Durood Sharif varies from person to person. Since Durood Sharif is an attribute of the believers, it is also a characteristic of faith and a source of nearness to Allah the Almighty. Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whoever sends durood on me once, Allah the Almighty will shower His mercy on him 10 times.” This good news is actually based on the following verse of the Holy Quran:

َ َ ۡ ََ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ‫آء ِبال َح َسن ِۃ فل ٗہ َعش ُر ا ۡمثال َِہا‬ ‫من ج‬

[“Whoso does a good deed shall have ten times as much.” (Surah Al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.161)] That is, the reward of a single good deed is at least 10 times more, but the scope of reward expands according to the expansion of one’s divine insight and noble intentions.

The essence of Durood Sharif The meaning of sending durood on the Holy Prophetsa is evident from the words salat and salaam. The word salat, in view of the divine attributes of Al-Hameed [the Most Praise-worthy] and Al-Majeed [the Most Glorious], both of which have been placed in the supplication of Durood Sharif, means praising, extolling and praying for the majesty and glory of the Holy Prophetsa. One meaning of the term salawat in the

َ ٌ َ َ َ ُ ‫اولٰٓ ِئک َعل ۡی ِہ ۡم َصل ٰوت ِّم ۡن ّر ِّب ِہ ۡم‬

َّ ُ ۡ ُ َ ّ َ ُ ُّ ‫ُھوَ ال ِذ ۡی یُ َص ِل ۡی َعل ۡیک ۡم َو َم ٰٓل ِئک ُت ٗہ ل ُِیخ ِر َجک ۡم ِّم َن الظل ٰم ِت ِالَی‬ ُۡ ّ ِ‫النور‬

[“He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you forth from all kinds of darkness into light”], shows that salat also means a mercy by which human beings are brought out of all kinds of darkness into the light. In light of the said explanation, the meaning of invoking durood on the Holy Prophetsa would be that in compliance ُّ َ with َ ّ the commandment of ‫َصلوۡا َعل ۡی ِہ َو َس ِل ُموۡا ت ۡس ِل ۡی ًما‬ [“You should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace”], all the believers should send blessings, salutations and praise on the Holy Prophetsa in face of the criticism and slander of the opponents and disbelievers about him. The disbelievers and the enemies want to cast a veil of obscurity and darkness with their evil propaganda so that people may not convert to Islam after realising the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa and witnessing the real and magnificent glory of his prophethood. Therefore, Allah the Almighty has commanded that where the opponents want to hide the true nature of the [prophethood] of the Holy Prophetsa by casting a veil of darkness over his truthfulness, you, the believers, should remove all the veils of darkness by refuting their objections and correcting their erroneous views, and letting the world see the real picture and the divine light of his truthfulness. Consequently, on the one hand, with this salat and salaam of the believers, they will come out of the darkness created by their opponents, and on the other, the researchers and the seekers of truth will be enlightened by becoming aware of the real and magnificent glory of the Holy Prophetsa and accepting his truthfulness.

The four types of “salat” and “salaam” Hence, the salat and salaam of the believers can be divided into four types: 1. They [the believers] should refute and emphatically reject the dark and misleading propaganda of the enemies and the opponents of the Holy Prophetsa and make it clear that he is not “muzammam” [despised] but “muhammad” [highly praised], and he is not a liar nor a fabricator but a true Prophet of God. It is mentioned in a hadith that the companions of the Imam Mahdi would mention the Mahdi frequently in every gathering. This also means that since the opponents of the Mahdi would

spread false propaganda on a wide scale, the companions of the Mahdi would refute it in his defence and the accounts of the Mahdi would be frequently mentioned for the purpose of tabligh [preaching]. 2. By becoming the true heirs of his teachings and his great moral excellences, [the believers should] show the world with pure examples and high morals that the character of the Holy Prophetsa was not that which his opponents and enemies present, but in fact, his example and character is that which the holy congregation of the believers is manifesting with their pure examples and good deeds owing to the holy teachings of the Holy Prophetsa. Consequently, the manifest truth of the Holy Prophetsa which will be demonstrated through the pure examples of the believers will bring the opponents out of the darkness of doubts. 3. By inviting every nation of the world towards the propagation of the holy teachings of the Holy Prophetsa and the tabligh of Islam, [the believers] should lift the veil of darkness and ignorance from the face of the people by informing them of his attributes and qualities. The light of the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa should be manifested at all times and his true glory should be expressed in all places. 4. [The believers] should make

supplications to Allah the Almighty with great earnestness and humility and full devotion and sincerity, for the fulfilment of the purpose and objectives of the Holy Prophetsa so that all the veils of darkness may be lifted and every human being may become a manifestation of the great example of the Holy Prophetsa and show the world the quwwat-e-qudsiya [holy power] of the Holy Prophetsa. Consequently, […] Prophet Adam’sas descendants, who deviated from the holy example of Prophet Muhammadsa and fell into the abyss of a hellish life, may again be considered worthy of being submitted to by the angels as in the case of Prophet Adamas, by following the example of the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, this salat and salaam, is of four kinds. If the believers follow it, it grants them the status of ansar [helpers] of the Holy Prophetsa. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, in spite of being far by time and place, such a believer who presents his Durood Sharif based on the aforesaid facts of salat and salaam, becomes a true and perfect helper of the Holy Prophetsa and attains the status of a remarkably special ansari [helper] among the group of ansar [helpers]. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in Hayat-e-Qudsi, pp. 601604)

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

�e Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace

“

and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: �e Holy Quran and the fasts

Why do Eid and dates if we are al

will intercede for the servant of God on the Day of Judgment. �e fasts will say: ‘O Lord, I kept him from having food and fulﬁlling his desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ �e Holy Quran will say: ‘O Lord, I kept him from sleeping during the night, so let me intercede for him.’ Hence, they will be allowed to intercede for him.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

Rizwan Khan Missionary, Texas

The standard of moon-sighting used by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is according to the visibility of the moon with the naked eye on each horizon. The visibility of the moon is determined by a combination of calculation and actual moon sighting, as was done by the Holy Prophetsa. On calculating the Eid date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said in commentary of Surah al-Baqarah ْ َ َّ ُ (chapter َ 2), verse 185: ْ “In َ‫ َم ْن ش ِہ َد ِمنک ُم الﺸ ْہرَ فل َی ُص ْمہ‬the words ‘shahida’ [and] ‘shahra’ mean ‘whoever sees the moon of Ramadan rise’, meaning that for whomever the moon of Ramadan rises, he should fast. “Now, the moon of the month of Ramadan in reality does not rise on everyone at the same time. Discussions are generally arising as to why we do not adopt a way by which all Muslims should observe fasting simultaneously; in this way, the whole problem can be done away with as to some people’s Ramadan beginning on one day and another people’s Ramadan beginning on another day. However, the Quran does not do away with this. The Holy Quran leaves this subject open. ‘So whoever sights the month, let him fast it’ (Ch.2: V.185). It is possible that people live in the same country and the horizons of that country are different. If a person has found the time of ‘So whoever sights the month, let him fast it’, then it is obligatory for him to observe fasting. The one who has not found it, it is not obligatory on him; in fact, it is not appropriate for him to fast. He will have to wait until this verse applies to him. “Thus, Ramadan neither starts on exactly the same date in every place nor can it. When we look at different countries, then it is impossible anyway, because when the moon of Ramadan rises, at that time in some places it is nighttime, in some places it is morning, in some places it is the afternoon. Then how is it possible that Allah Almighty gives commandments that contradict the

system He created? That is why the subject of ‘So whoever sights it’ (Ch.2: V.185) has great importance. It is not at all the purpose of God that all people start and end fasting together. This is not at all the purpose, that Eid is celebrated throughout the world on the same day, or that Eid is celebrated throughout the country on the same day if it is a large country. In small countries it is possible, but some large countries are such that extend from the North far into a part of the South; their horizons change. Or they are very vast from East to West. Now look at Chile, from the top it begins nearly from the middle of America, and in the South, it goes to a point beyond which there is no country that is closer to the South Pole. Russia is so vast that there are differences of three hours, rather even more. The width of America is so vast that a similar difference exists there. Thus, how can it be said that in one country Ramadan can start at the same time, or that in one country the day of Eid can rise on one day? “The choices of words in the Holy Quran are filled with wisdom and they themselves clarify the subject.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 15, pp. 44-45, 19 January 1996) If two places do not share the same horizon, then the sighting of the moon in one area will not apply to the other. An example of this is narrated in Sahih Muslim. The narrator says: “It was there in Syria that the month of Ramadan commenced. I saw the new moon (of Ramadan) on Friday. I then came back to Medina at the end of the month. Abdullah ibn Abbasra asked me (about the new moon of Ramadan) and said: ‘When did you see it?’ I said: ‘We saw it on the night of Friday.’ He said: ‘(Did) you see it yourself?’ I said: ‘Yes, and the people also saw it and they fasted and Muawiyah also fasted,’ whereupon he said: ‘But we saw it on Saturday night. So, we will continue to fast till we complete thirty (fasts) or we see it (the new moon of Shawwal).’ I said: ‘Is the sighting of the moon by Muawiyah not valid for you?’ He said: ‘No; this is how the Messengersa of

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

Ramadan start on different ll sighting the same moon?

Allah has commanded us.’” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Siyam, Hadith 1087) Since Syria and Medina are about a thousand kilometres apart and do not share the same horizon, the sighting of the moon in Syria would not necessarily apply to Medina. If two places do share the same horizon, then the sighting of one area will apply to the other. An example of this is narrated in Sunan Abi Dawud: “People differed among themselves on the last day of Ramadan (about the appearance of the moon of Shawwal). Then two Bedouins came and witnessed before the Prophetsa swearing by Allah that they had sighted the moon the previous evening. So, the Messengersa of Allah commanded the people to break the fast and that they should proceed to the place of prayer (for ‘Eid).” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Saum, Hadith 2339) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained how the testimony on moon sighting applied to everyone on that horizon: “‘So whoever sights the month, let him fast it’ (Ch.2: V.185). One does not fast just based on what others are doing or on rumours. Here, the word ‫( َم ْن‬who) does not refer to only an individual person; rather, it refers to that nation that has one horizon. The Holy Prophetsa established the approach that if most of the people on one horizon are unable to see the moon because of poor weather, then if some reliable people stand and give testimony that they saw the moon, then Ramadan will begin for everyone if their horizon is the same, then Eid will happen for everyone if their horizon is the same.” “This is about those people who have the same horizon, on whom the moon always rises together, and whenever it rises, it rises on everyone together, and when it sets, it sets on everyone together. Those peoples who share the same horizon, if any of them see the moon, then the command of the whole nation seeing it will apply to them as if the whole nation has seen the moon. As

an example of this, England has one horizon apparently; whether in the North or South, there are no two horizons to my knowledge. In America, considering different areas, sometimes two horizons are created, but usually, it is one. Sometimes, its horizon aligns with Arabia. The behaviour of the moon is completely different from the daily routine of the Sun. There is a certainty in the rising of the Sun and there is a certainty in the setting of the Sun. In the moon, there are probabilities and possibilities. Thus, َ the command of ‫( َم ْن ش ِه َد‬whomever sights) is according to these changing possibilities and probabilities.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 15, pp. 45-46, 19 January 1996) Calculations can be used to determine when the moon will be visible to the naked eye. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained: َ “The meaning of ‫ ش ِه َد‬is one who becomes a witness, who sees, who finds. Scientists can even tell you with certainty that, for example, if the moon is to remain for 20 minutes after the Sun sets, then for the first 15 minutes the moon will not be visible, but for the last five minutes it can be seen. Or they can tell you that, if the horizon of the moon rises to a certain extent above the horizon of the earth from which we observe it, then we can certainly see the moon. If there are clouds then it is a separate issue, but if there are no clouds and it can be seen with the naked eye, then the command of ‫َم ْن‬ َ sights) becomes applicable ‫( ش ِه َد‬whomever َ because ‫( ش ِه َد‬sights) does not require all people to witness it, only some have to be able to sight it. However, this possibility of sighting is according to the human capacity of seeing with the naked eye. If that is the case, then this verdict will apply equally to the entire nation. Those people who have the same horizon can scientifically determine and make their decision ahead of time.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 15, p. 48, 19 January 1996) “Thus, the testimony of the calendars that are published by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is conclusive because we never accept testimony from places where it is impossible

to see the moon with the naked eye. Where it is certain that if the weather is clear, then the moon will certainly be visible, there it is accepted.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 15, p. 49, 19 January 1996) The Holy Prophetsa himself taught the use of calculation in determining the month. Sahih Muslim narrates: “Hazrat Ibn Umarra reported that Allah’s Messengersa made a mention of Ramadan and, with the gesture of his hand, said, ‘The month is thus and thus and thus.’ He then withdrew his thumb at the third time (meaning 29). He then said: ‘Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it, and if the weather is cloudy, calculate it as thirty days.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Siyam, Hadith 1080b) In this hadith, the method of calculation and the method of actual moon sighting is combined. Neither method can be ignored. For areas where the moon is calculated to be easily visible, we rely on calculation. However, despite calculations, there is always an edge on the horizon of the moon rise where there is ambiguity on the possibility of visibility with the naked eye. For such areas, the final conclusion must be made with an actual moon sighting. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained the importance of being able to physically sight the moon in his Friday Sermon on 3 June 2016: “In this age, God Almighty has commissioned the Promised Messiahas as the just arbiter who was to give his verdict on all matters based on the fundamental tenants of Islam, and that is what he did. He was to pass his verdict on all issues that arose, and indeed he did so. Therefore, in order for us to solve our various predicaments and increase our knowledge, we must turn towards the Promised Messiahas. “As mentioned previously, in the matters pertaining to fasting, small questions are often raised. In reply to those questions, what was the stance of the Promised Messiahas, and what did he believe, what was his edict on the matter? That is what I will speak about now. “We should always bear in mind that when it comes to the commandments of the shariah, the instruction and belief in the Promised Messiahas will be our answer to any jurisprudential dispute. Primarily, one should always remember that the basic principle for any injunction in Islam is taqwa, i.e. righteousness. Therefore, by keeping righteousness in view, we should always remember the instruction of the Promised Messiahas; that is, fulfil your fast with honesty and for the sake of Allah Almighty. “Some people question in regard to Ramadan, for example, even some children question why we offer the Eid prayer on a separate day to the non-Ahmadi Muslims

and why do we start Ramadan on a different day? “Firstly, there is no rule that the days have to be separate. We never intentionally desire to start Ramadan or offer the Eid prayer on a separate day. On many occasions, over the years, there have been times when our Ramadan and Eid prayers have been on the same day as the other Muslims. In Pakistan and other Muslim countries, where there are moon sighting committees, i.e. a body which is responsible for the sighting of the new moon, they have been set up by the government, and when they announce the sighting of the new moon, and there are enough witnesses, then we Ahmadis start and finish our Ramadan according to that, as well as the celebration of our Eid prayer. “However, in these Western countries, i.e. European countries, there is no such moon-sighting committee in operation, nor is there any such announcement for them. For this reason, we start our fast at the time when the possibility of the moon being seen is most visible. Indeed, should our estimate be wrong and the moon is seen beforehand, and if there are wise adults who are a witness to it, as well as believers attesting to the sighting of the moon, then, in that case, Ramadan can be started before the estimated time. It is not essential that because a timetable has been made, then Ramadan must start in accordance with that. However, a clear sighting of the moon and a witness thereof is essential. But to say that we must start the month of Ramadan and the Eid prayer on the announcement of the non-Ahmadi Muslims without having seen the moon first ourselves is wrong. The Promised Messiahas has mentioned this in his book Surma Chashm-e-Arya and did not reject the notion of estimation and inference, this is also a science, but also gave precedence to the sighting of the moon.” (www.alislam. org/friday-sermon/2016-06-03.html) The standard of moon sighting used by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is according to the visibility of the moon with the naked eye, as was done by the Holy Prophetsa. The method of sighting is done by a combination of calculation and actual moon sighting, as was done by the Holy Prophetsa. If the moon is calculated to be visible with the naked eye, then we recognise that as the first day of the lunar month for the areas within that horizon. If the moon is calculated to be difficult to find without optical aid and there is a low probability of sighting with the naked eye, then we rely on actual moon sightings to determine the first day of the lunar month for that horizon. We use a combination of calculations and actual moon sightings, and thus make our determination according to the principles taught in the Holy Quran and ahadith.

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II on the importance of marriage The Review of Religions [English], March, April & May, 1922

[Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra said]: “Marriage is a very delicate and important matter. As a matter of fact, very few other matters are as important. Marriage entails a heavy responsibility on man and woman both; but I find very few people realise it and where it is attempted it is done on a very inadequate scale. It is indeed a very great responsibility. “We see that some latent intelligence is at work in all that we find around us. An atheist will call it some form of energy. We do not mean to enter here into the discussion whether it is some Mighty Power or Intelligence, or something quite different. What we are concerned with here is the fact that some hidden motive is at work and this is a fact which even an atheist cannot deny. Man is here on this plane of existence for some purpose. Call it as you will as the Christians say that this human phenomenon had its beginning some six thousand years ago or assert it with the modern scientist that man was evolved out of animal form after an evolutionary process extending over millions of years or believe it with the Moslem Sufis, the chief repositories of Moslem faith, that the development is a gradual process running through countless aeons of time and that the periods mentioned in the Holy Quran are not to be confounded with the solar or lunar periods that form the basis of everyday computation, for we find it recorded in one of the apocalypses of Hazrat Muhey-ud-Din Ibni Arabi, one of the great Moslem seers that it took some three hundred thousand years to bring about one great transformation, not in an animal form it should be noted, but quite independent of it, to bring about one human phenomenon –

we are face to face with the stupendous fact of man’s existence here on earth. “There is another thing which strikes our imagination and it is this that in spite of the fact that man has been on this piano of existence for so long a time we find no great change in him so far as human nature and its workings are concerned, which is a clear proof of the fact that man is the summum genus of this earthly existence. “It is a well-established fact that when you have attained an object you stop your efforts expended towards its realisation. You then try to consolidate your gains. If the evolutionary process has to go on and there had to be some higher genusus than man, those marked transformations should have continued even today, nay, every day there should have been some new change somewhere here on the face of the globe. But there has been none during the long period that has elapsed, hence we are forced to the conclusion that the object for which man was created has been achieved. One could say that a change was to occur but after a long period: to such a one we reply that because God has sent down his revelation, therefore

we know that there is to be no such sudden and abrupt change that would completely transform human nature. It is apparent that God wills to continue the present system as it is, for the movements of the sun, moon and other heavenly bodies, the currents and direction of winds, the changes in the seasons of the year, terrestrial phenomena, the presence of the animal and vegetable and mineral kingdoms, all point in the same direction, the procreation, propagation and maintenance of the human species. “Now there are two things, the perfection of divine law and the maintenance and sustenance of human species. The first has been perfected, for there is no human need that Islam has not provided for. As to the second, so long as it cannot be incontrovertibly established that human species is to go on, we must admit that in the divine plan of things humanity must stay, for it is the heart of man that has become the seat of divine manifestation. “Now what is this marriage? It is simply a means to carry out the divine plan. God wishes that man must procreate, propagate and spread and thus maintain himself as

the most wonderful and sublimest of the divine creation. We cannot affirm with any exactitude how long a period it took to bring about that great transformation in the universe the result of which was man. Perhaps billions of trillions of lives must have been lived before human life was evolved. Therefore, it is to sustain, maintain and perfect this summum genus that a marriage plan has been devised by the great Designer of the universe. In other words, it is a part of the universal plan. We need not enter into the controversial subject how the first man came into being. It is rather immaterial. Now marriage is the only means by which this process can be continued and by marriage, I mean the union of man and woman for this great purpose of procreation. “The word marriage may sound an ordinary thing, but it is really a consecration of that great divine plan, and as such, it is of so great an importance that I would put it next only to our relation with God, and it is our bounden duty to see that it is duly respected and faithfully adhered to. The [shariah], Islamic Law has only distinguished between the two sets of rules, the one pertaining to God himself and the other to our fellow beings. Marriage, therefore, falls into the second category and may be considered to be its chiefest prop. The Islamic Law has made the most of it but there are many people who do not seem to understand it fully, neither do they try to benefit themselves from it. Their case is just like that of a baby who would be quite willing to barter a precious diamond for a base copper coin. I wish people could only realise its importance.” (Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original published in The Review of Religions, March, April & May, 1922)

45,000 flyers distributed on National Tabligh Day in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada held its National Tabligh Day on 20 March 2022. Muhammad Dawood Khalid Sahib from the national tabligh department reports that with the prevailing pandemic situation and regulatory measures in place, the plan for tabligh day was different from the norm. Members were requested to take part in the following three activities across Canada: 1. Distributing the flyer “Third World War” at busy public locations in their neighbourhoods. This flyer was based on the book World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The flyer invited readers to get a free electronic or printed copy of the book.

2. Displaying hand-held banners of “Messiah has Come” at major intersections in their local area. 3. Participating in a Canada-wide Twitter trend campaign on “Messiah has Come”. Members were also requested to engage in spiritual preparation for tabligh. The Jamaat members were encouraged to undertake the following actions: a. Start the day by offering tahajjud prayer. b. Write to beloved Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa requesting prayers. c. Perform two nawafil [voluntary prayers] for the progress of Islam Ahmadiyyat. d. Give sadaqah [charity] for tabligh efforts. More than 45,000 flyers were distributed across Canada by 3,500 volunteers.

Atfal spreading the message of Ahmadiyyat on National Tabligh Day in Canada

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

Prophet David: Unravelling false narratives

The name of Davidas has been mentioned 16 times in the Holy Quran. He killed Jalut and God granted him sovereignty [al-mulk] and wisdom [al-hikmah] (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:252). He was the recipient of (al-)Zabur (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4:V.164; Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17:V.56). He appears in the Holy Quran as a link in the chain of various prophets (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4:V.164; Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6:V.85). He cursed the disbelievers from among the Children of Israel (Surah al-Ma‘idah, Ch.5:V.79). Together with his son Solomonas, he gave judgement in a case of damage to the fields (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21:V.79). Mountains and birds obeyed him in praising God (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21:V.80; Surah alSaba, Ch.34:V.11). God softened iron for him and instructed him to make coats of mail (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21:V.81; Surah Saba, Ch.34:V.11-12). God also gave him and his heir the right understanding [hukm] and knowledge [ilm] (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21:V.80; Surah al-Naml, Ch.27:V.16). Davidas was a man of strong hands [za l-’aid] (Surah Sad, Ch.38:V.18). He was given the ability for decisive judgement [fasl al-khitab] (Surah Sad, Ch.38:V.20). He thought that he was tried by God. Then he prayed and God bestowed His mercy on him (Surah Sad, Ch.38:V.25-26). He was appointed a vicegerent [khalifa] on the earth (Surah Sad, 38:27).

False charges against Prophet Davidas

Aqeel Ahmed Kang Al Hakam Belief in the sinlessness – ismah – of the Prophets is among the cardinal beliefs of Islam (Five-Volume Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 36). The Promised Messiahas states: “The word jurm or sin is always used for such an offence which is deserving of punishment. However, dhanb is applicable also to human frailty. Hence, the word dhanb applies to Prophets due to their human weakness, but the word jurm is never applicable to them. No Prophet has ever been referred to as a sinner in the Book of God.” (The Honour of Prophets, p. 31) Over the centuries, this belief of Muslims decayed so much that some Muslims started attributing moral weaknesses to prophets which one would hesitate to attribute to even ordinary decent men. Not a single prophet escaped their accusations. This can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, fictitious stories regarding various prophets were current among the Jews and ultimately became a part of their national belief. Some of those reports were deliberately calumnious “fake news” spread at that time. Later, as the number of Jews coming to Islam increased, and the hold of the pure principles of Islam relaxed with the lapse of time, fresh credence was gained by those false tales and in this manner, they found their way to some careless commentators of the Holy Quran. (The Review of Religions, August 1903, pp. 289297) In early Islamic exegetical tradition, the reliance on biblical lore was very strong, identifiable in a specific genre of narrative known as isra‘iliyyat – the tales and legends

regarding ancient Prophets found in Jewish literature – until the overwhelming majority of later scholars rejected this source. (David in the Muslim Tradition, Khaleel Mohammed, 2015, p. 2) It is possible that some of the Muslim exegetes were misled by the superficial resemblances between the true and accurate accounts of the Holy Quran and isra‘iliyyat. (Invitation to Ahmadiyyat, pp. 239-246) It is also possible that slanderous stories about Prophets crept into Muslim writings through Christian influence. In Christian polemics, it had been the aim to enumerate the faults of prophets in general to prove the supposed divinity of Jesusas. Unless Jesusas was absolutely without sin and other prophets were sinners to some extent, Jesusas could not be proved superhuman and Godlike. (Ibid.) Critics of Islam today rely more heavily on false tales cited in Muslim-authored books than on their own fabrications. The Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa, in light of the Holy Quran, reasserted the true status of Prophets and reestablished their honour, especially the honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Below, we will discuss the example of one of the Prophets namely Hazrat Daudas [David] in light of the verses of the Holy Quran. Like many other Prophets, he was also calumniated knowingly or inadvertently as mentioned above.

Prophet Davidas in the Quran Davidas lived around the 10th century BCE in the Holy Land and is especially known for defeating Goliath [Jalut]; being the Jewish king; receiving the Zabur and being highly gifted vocally.

In the reign of Hazrat Solomon’sas [Sulaiman] son, as much of the glory departed, the Jews, who had shaken off his yoke, conceived an aversion towards him and, therefore, also towards his father and grandfather, Davidas. With the lapse of time, this hatred grew stronger and ripened into bitter enmity. Hence they went so far as to circulate false reports about Davidas and Solomonas (The Review of Religions, August 1903, pp. 289297). One such story, recorded in 2 Samuel, accuses Davidas of murder and adultery. As has been mentioned above, this fable also found its way into commentaries written by Muslim exegetes. According to the accusation, David has 99 wives. One day, he happens to see a woman bathing alone. He lusts her and enquires about her. He comes to know that she is the wife of one of his loyal army commanders, Uriah. So, he sends Uriah away deliberately into difficult battles so that he may be killed. After Uriah is killed, he marries Uriah’s wife. Shortly after that, two angels come to his private chamber to inform him of his sin. The guards at the gate prevent them from entering. Hence, they scale the wall of his private apartment to reach him. They say that they were just two litigants and ask him to be the arbitrator between them. One of them has one ewe which is taken from him by the other who already owns ninety-nine ewes. David judges in favour of the one who has lost his only ewe. At this instant, David realises his error in having Uriah killed and taking his wife given that he already has ninety-nine wives. David seeks God’s forgiveness and eventually, God forgives him. (The History of Al-Tabari, Volume III, The Children of Israel, trans. William M. Brunner [State University of New York Press, Albany 1991], pp. 144146 et al. with varying accounts) The eleventh-century Shafi‘i scholar Abu

Ishaq al-Tha‘labi, while adding to the charge sheet, mentions two possible causes for the alleged trial of Davida, and states that, when Davidas was appointed as king over Israel, he vowed, “I will certainly judge with justice among you,” but omitted to say “If God wills,” and the other cause being arrogance on account of his intense worship. [God forbid!] (Al-Kashf wal-Bayan by al-Tha‘labi under 8:18) It is also important to note that although the earliest exegetes were familiar with, and even accepted the stories of the murder of Uriah, not a single one of them ever alludes even faintly to the charge of adultery (David in the Muslim Tradition, Khaleel Mohammed, 2015, p. 195). Another aspect of this discussion is also the later revision and evolution of the status of Davidas in the Jewish and Christian traditions, something that falls outside the scope of this article.

The Story of Davidas in the Holy Quran The charge of manslaughter and adultery brought against Prophet Davidas may have some support in the Bible or the isra‘iliyyat but not a single word of the Holy Quran leads to such a conclusion. The Holy Quran relates the story of Davidas in Surah Sad. It translates as follows: “Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant David, (man) of (strong) hands; surely he was always turning (to God). We subjected (to him) the mountains. They celebrated God’s praises with him at nightfall and sunrise. And (We subjected to him) the birds gathered together: all turned to him. And We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and decisive judgment. And has the story of the disputants reached thee when they climbed over the wall of (his) chamber? – When they entered in upon David, and he was afraid of them. They said, “Fear not. (We are) two disputants; one of us has transgressed against the other; so judge between us with justice, and deviate not from the right course and guide us to the right way. “This is my brother; he has 99 ewes, and I have one ewe. Yet he says, ‘Give it to me,’ and has been overbearing to me in his address.” (David) said, ‘Surely, he has wronged thee in demanding thy ewe in addition to his own ewes. And certainly many partners transgress against one another, except those who believe (in God) and do good works; and these are but few.’ And David perceived that We had tried him; so he asked forgiveness of his Lord, and fell down bowing in worship and turned (to Him). So We forgave him that; and indeed, he had a position of nearness with Us and an excellent retreat. ‘O David, We have made thee a vicegerent in the earth; so judge between men with justice, and follow not vain desire, lest it should lead thee astray from the way of Allah.’ Surely those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.” (Surah Sad, Ch.38:Vs.18-27)

Meaning of the verses of Surah Sad An immediate observation about the story, as narrated in these verses, is that it is filled with praise for Davidas, and it is simply Continued on next page >>

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

12 << Continued from previous page

Seeing that rebellion had reached the point where his enemies were even daring to take his life, which was, therefore, in great danger, Davidas perceived that unless the Almighty God took him under His special care and protection, he could not be safe, and therefore, he prayed to God for His protection (istighfar) which, on account of his near access to God and his constantly turning to Him, Almighty God bestowed on him and removing all danger to his life, made him His vicegerent in that country (The Review of Religions, August 1903, pp. 289-297). That was the meaning of his being “tested” and “seeking maghfirah”.

absurd to suppose that an incident relating a most impious deed should have such highly commendatory words. The story begins with the words:

ُۡ َ َ َ ُ َُ ‫ِا ۡص�ِ ۡ� َع ٰلی َما يﻘوۡلوۡ َن َواذ� ۡر َع ۡب َدنا َد ٗاو َد ذا الۡایۡ ِد‬ ۤ ٌ ‫� ِانَّ ٗہ اَ َّو‬ ‫اب‬

“Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant David, (man) of (strong) hands; surely he was always turning (to God).” (Surah Sad, Ch.38:V.18) God revealed this Surah to the Holy Prophet Muhamamdsa at Mecca, where he was severely persecuted and, in the above verse, God enjoined him to follow Prophet Davidas in his quality of forbearing the evil. Thus, it is clear then that the story following this injunction must relate to some act of great and exemplary forbearance done by Davidas, and not a heinous crime for in that case the Holy Prophetsa would not have been called upon to follow him. Moreover, the Holy Prophetsa could not be commanded to follow Prophet Davidas in his quality of patience if the latter was unable to resist his evil passions, as is falsely alleged. In the above-mentioned verse, God honours Prophet Davidas with the title of ‘Our Servant’ [abd]. A man becomes the abd of God when he is quite lost in his Master. A description of God’s servants [ibad] is given in Surah al-Furqan where among other high qualifications, it is stated that they do not shed innocent blood or commit adultery (Surah al-Furqan, Ch.25:V.59). Thus, a narrative of manslaughter and adultery is not consistent with such a dignified title. Similarly, when one examines the many other praiseworthy titles Davidas is accorded by the Holy Quran in the above-mentioned as well as other verses, one comes to the same conclusion. Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi has focused on this aspect of the pericope and has highlighted that the various titles mentioned in the verses under discussion, instead of imputing wrongdoing of any sort to Davidas, in fact indicate the richest of praise and glory in his favour. (Tafsir alKabir by Imam al-Razi, under Surah Sad) One such title is “vicegerent” [khalifa]. In consequence of the deeds related in the narrative, the Almighty God is so pleased with Prophet Davidas that he says to him in one of the subsequent verses:

ۡ َ ۡ ً َ ۡ َ َ ٰ ۡ َ َ َّ ُ ٗ َ ٰ ‫ض‬ ِ ‫یداود ِانا جعلنک خ ِلیﻔۃ فِی الار‬

‘O David, We have made thee a vicegerent in the earth…’ (Surah Sad, Ch.38:V.27) How can it be possible that a man who, for the perpetration of an evil deed i.e. adultery, went so far as to cause innocent bloodshed, is just at that moment declared by Almighty God as His own representative? Hence, the context of the Quranic narrative does not lend any support to the charge. A ruling in legal theory (usul al-fiqh) must be in accordance with the circumstances of a case, according to Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razirh. If we accept that the pericope is about David’sas wrongdoing and that God’s appointment of Davidas as caliph is the divine declaration, we must infer that such a verdict was the reward for bad behaviour. In contrast to this plainly absurd notion, we can conclude that the account was intended

Meaning of istighfar to demonstrate David’sas innocence. Moreover, if a king learns that one of his subjects is seeking the blood, property, or women of the people, he would not award the caliphate to that subject. (Tafsir al-Kabir by Imam al-Razi, under Surah Sad)

The Quranic narrative It appears from history that though Israelite power was at its height in the reigns of Davidas and Solomonas, rebels tried to stir up discord and disaffection; and false charges were constantly raked up and spread against them and some mischief-mongers even sought to kill Davidas. It is to one such attempt at David’sas life that reference has been made in the Holy Quran. Two of his enemies – not angels – scaled the wall of his private chamber with the intention of taking him unawares and killing him, but finding him on his guard and realising that their plan had miscarried they tried to put him at ease by concocting a story. They pretended as if they were merely two litigants who had come to seek his decision in a dispute. Davidas, however, rightly understood their evil intention, and so naturally he was afraid of them. (FiveVolume Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 2720) The story they concocted implied an accusation that Davidas, despite being powerful, was devouring the surrounding poor tribes even though they were fewer in number. But that was a wrong assertion and accusation. David’sas chiefdom was very small and the surrounding tribes were spread as far as Iraq. (Tafsir-e-Saghir, commentary of 38:24; also see Finkelstein, Israel; Silberman, Neil Asher [2002]. The Bible Unearthed, pp. 142-145)

“

“Seeking forgiveness” mentioned in the verses of Surah Sad in relation to Davidas does not imply any wrongdoing. Istighfar is a prayer for the protection against sins. It means to implore God to continuously protect, nourish and strengthen the roots of the tree of one’s faith. It means that the light that has been obtained from God Almighty may be safeguarded and may be fostered. Indeed, istighfar is a prayer for divine assistance in reaching ever-higher levels of spiritual perfection. Hence, even those who have already entered Heaven are depicted as praying to God for maghfirah:

َ ۡ َ ُ َ َۡۤ َ َ ُ ُ َ ‫يﻘوۡلوۡ َن َر ّبنا ات ِم ۡم لَنا نوۡ َرنا َواﻏ ِ� ۡ� لَنا‬

They will say, “Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us.” (Surah alTahrim, Ch.66:V.9) Allah says in the Holy Quran:

ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ َ ٰ ۡ ۡ ‫اس َتﻐ ِ� ۡ� ل ِذن � ِبک َول ِل ُم ۡﺆ ِم ِنی َن َوال ُم ۡﺆ ِمن ِت‬ ‫و‬

“And ask forgiveness for thy frailties, and for believing men and believing women.” (Surah Muhammad, Ch.47:V.20) While commenting on the above verse, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias stated: “This means that the Holy Prophet was directed to supplicate: pray to God that He may safeguard your nature against human weakness and that He may strengthen your disposition with His own strength, so that this weakness does not become manifest. Pray also by way of intercession for those men and women who believe in you so that they may be saved from punishment for faults they commit on account of the weakness of their nature and so that their subsequent course of life may be safeguarded against sin. “This verse comprises the sublime

philosophy of protection against sin and intercession. Moreover, this indicates that a person can only achieve the lofty rank of sinlessness and intercession if they pray for the suppression of their own weakness and if they constantly implore God as well for the deliverance of others from the poison of sin; and only if they draw divine strength to themselves by earnestly supplicating God Almighty and then desire that others who are bound to them in faith also benefit from this strength. A sinless person is in need of seeking strength from God because human nature possesses no excellence of its own but at every moment, attains to perfection from God; and possesses no strength of its own but at every moment, receives strength from God; and possesses no perfect light of its own, but at every moment light descends upon it from God. The underlying secret here is that a perfect nature is bestowed an attraction so that it may draw to itself strength from on high, but it is God alone who is the treasure trove of power. It is from this very treasure that the angels too draw strength and so also the perfect man draws the strength of sinlessness and grace from this fountainhead of strength through the channel of devotion and servitude to God. And so, he alone from among men is perfectly sinless who draws divine power to himself through istighfar and occupies himself without fail in passionate and humble prayers so that light continues to descend upon him. Such a heart resembles the house whose doors open to the East and to the West and every other direction, and faces the sun from every aspect so that the sun illuminates it at all times. However, a person who does not seek strength from God is like the cell whose doors are shut on all sides, so that not a ray of light may creep into it. “Now, what is istighfar? If likened to a thing, it is the instrument through which power is obtained. The entire secret of God’s Oneness lies in the principle that the attribute of sinlessness be not regarded as the permanent possession of man, but that God be deemed the sole fountain from which it may be attained. By way of illustration, it may be understood that God Almighty resembles the heart which houses a store of pure blood and the istighfar of a perfect man are like the veins and arteries which are connected with the heart and draw pure blood from it, conveying it to the limbs that stand in need.” (Honour of the Prophets, pp. 29-30)

Zakat is called so because when man gives Zakat – gives away his beloved possessions for the sake of God – he is freed from the impurity of miserliness. And when the impurity of miserliness – which man is naturally prone to – departs from within a person, he attains a certain degree of purity and so acquires an aﬃnity with God who is Holy in His Being.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV IV, p. 283)

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

The purpose of the Promised Messiah’s advent: Proving the Holy Quran’s superiority Al Fazl, 25 March 1960 Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata Jalandharira The Holy Prophetsa said that since the time of Adamas, every prophet had been warning [his people] about the fitna of the antichrist during the Latter Days. Thus, he also warned his people about that fitna [disorder and mischief]. When the Companionsra asked, “What is the remedy for avoiding the fitna of the antichrist?” the Prophetsa replied that whoever recited the first and last verses of Surah al-Kahf with due attention and contemplation, would be saved from the fitna of antichrist. Upon pondering over the first verses of Surah al-Kahf, one finds that it mentions such a nation that holds the belief of the sonship of God Almighty and whose mission is to raise their voice against the Holy Quran being forthright, decisive and everlasting. In the last part of the surah, their industries and skills have been mentioned. In this regard, Gog and Magog have also been mentioned, which are the groups that would attain exceptional material progress. In other words, the first verses of Surah alKahf mention the religious beliefs and acts of the dajjali [antichrist] powers, and the last verses mention their material trade. The thirteenth century after Hijrah brought huge setbacks for Islam, in which the dajjali powers emerged and spread their fitna in East and West. These powers stood up with the mission [to tell the world] that the Holy Quran was a useless book, and mankind’s salvation was impossible through this [book]. They also hold the belief of the Messiah’s sonship. They tried their utmost to prove defects within the teachings of the Holy Quran and declare them to be impractical. An Eastern fitna also emerged under the influence of this Western fitna, and the objective of this movement was also to declare the Holy Quran defective and impractical. In accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa: ُ َُ ْ َْ ُ ‫اس‬ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َّ َّ َّ َ َ ‫ال � َ َ�ا ُﺧ َر‬ ‫ان‬ ‫ض بِالم� ِ� ِق ﻳﻘ‬ ٍ ‫أن الﺪﺟال �� ُرج ِﻣﻦ أر‬ Meaning, “The Dajjal will emerge in a land in the East called Khorasan” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Fitan, Hadith 4072] during the second half of the thirteenth century after Hijrah, the Bahá‘í fitna emerged harmoniously to these [dajjali] powers, that (God forbid) the Holy Quran is an abrogated book and salvation is impossible by acting upon this. Allah the Almighty had stated:

َّ ۡ ّ َ ۡ َّ َ ُ ۡ َ َّ ُ ‫الذ� َر َو ِانا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰح ِﻔظوۡن‬ ِ ‫ِانا نحن نﺰلنا‬

“Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.” [Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.10] During the thirteenth century [after Hijrah], when the non-Muslim world and some so-called Muslim sects began their

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

ploys with full throttle to prove the defects of the Holy Quran and wished to declare the Holy Quran abrogated, it was then that Allah the Almighty appointed His chosen one, the Promised Messiahas, for guarding the Holy Quran so that he may eradicate the fitna of the antichrist and make it fail in its plans. He has been called Kaasir-e-Saleeb and Qaatil al-Dajjal and was appointed to establish such a jamaat of sincere Muslims who would defeat the fitnas of the Latter Days in accordance with the manner advised by him, and compete with dajjali powers by following him.

This is the mission for which Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas after the emergence of the Dajjal-e-Akbar and Dajjal-e-Asghar [the lesser and greater Dajjals]. For this reason, all of his works and accomplishments are based on the teaching that the Holy Quran is a living book and will never be abrogated. Therefore, he stated: i. “God is the enemy of the one who declares the Holy Quran to be abrogated, and acts against the shariah of Muhammad[sa] and wishes to create their own shariah.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 340)

ii. “An essential teaching for you is that you should not abandon the Holy Quran like a thing forsaken, for therein lies your life. Those who honour the Quran will be honoured in heaven. Those who give precedence to the Quran over every hadith and every other saying will be given precedence in Heaven. Today, there is no book on the face of the earth for mankind except for the Quran. The sons of Adam have no Messenger and Intercessor but Muhammad, the Chosen One, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Endeavour, therefore, to cultivate true love for this Prophet of glory and majesty, and do not give precedence to anyone over him, so that in heaven you may be counted as those who have attained salvation.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 2223) This is the objective for which Allah the Almighty appointed the Promised Messiahas, and this is the purpose for which Jamaat-eAhmadiyya has been established, and this is the basic mission of the Promised Messiahas. That is, this era’s appointed one [ma‘mur] has been sent to establish the greatness and majesty of the Holy Quran, and to eradicate the fitna of the antichrist. For the accomplishment of this same objective, each member of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya should strive hard. May Allah the Almighty enable us all to do so. Amin. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 25 March 1960 issue of Al Fazl, p. 9)

Reward of being grateful to God Almighty The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: َّ ُ َّ َّ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ُ َّ ‫�ر �� ِﻣﺜﻞ أﺟ ِر الصاﰱِ ِم الصابِ ِر‬ ِ ‫الﻄ‬ ِ ‫اﻋم الﺸا‬

“

A person who eats and is grateful [to

God Almighty] has a reward similar to the one who fasts patiently.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

Hadith in Commentary

Ostentation and desire for fame brings loss in both worlds Al Fazl, 30 January 1941

Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra ّٰ َ َ َ َ ‫َﻣ ْﻦ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ ّٰ ُ َ َﻣ ْﻦ‬ ‫اءى الل ُہ بِ ِہ‬ ‫�� اللہ بِ ِہ و راءى ر‬ [“If anyone wants to have their deeds widely publicised, Allah will publicise (their humiliation). And if anyone makes a hypocritical display (of their deeds) Allah will make a display of them.” (Sahih Muslim, Book of purity and softening of hearts, Hadith 59)] This hadith means the person who does something in this world with the intention of acquiring fame or showing off to people, God Almighty will give them an equivalent recompense [in the Hereafter]. This is because the person performed good deeds in this world to show off and secure fame, rather than attaining God Almighty’s pleasure and benefitting His creation. For this reason, God Almighty will

give a corresponding requital to such people [in the Hereafter]. A verse of the Holy Quran supports this aspect of the hadith. Allah says:

ً َ ً َ َ ‫آء ِّوﻓاﻗا‬ ‫ﺟﺰ‬

[“A befitting requital”. (Surah al-Naba, Ch.78: V.27)] Meaning, on the Day of Judgment, people will get an equivalent reward or punishment. There are many types of these equivalents – one being intention. The type of intention one had behind their deeds on this earth, God will give an equivalent and corresponding recompense in the Hereafter to that intention. Everyone should strive to stay away from these two destructive bad habits; showing off and trying to acquire fame. This is because the one who shows off and desires fame can neither attain true contentment and respect

in this world nor in the Hereafter – after all, why would Allah give such a person reward for the deeds they never intended to be for God’s pleasure alone? In other words, such a

person will be at loss in both worlds. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu published in Al Fazl, 16 May 1940, p. 3)

US Muslim youth head to streets to preach Islam after lockdowns end Talha Saiﬁ Mohtamim Ishaat MKA USA

Mabroor Ahmad Sahib reports that Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya held “The Messiah Has Come” tabligh event at a national level on 27 March 2022. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event could not be held in the previous years, but this year’s event was back in full swing as Khuddam from various majalis took on the initiative and brought the message of the Promised Messiahas and Islam to the streets of America, in 18 different locations, including Fitchburg, Seattle, Philadelphia, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, South Virginia, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Connecticut, Los Angeles, Willingboro, Bay Point, Fort Worth, Tampa, Atlanta, St Louis and Sacramento. Before going out onto the streets, the Khuddam met up at their mosques and watched a presentation that explained the messaging of the flyers, general etiquette and much more about the event. In places such as New York and Milwaukee where the weather was really cold and, in some areas, snowing, Khuddam

still showed up to take part in the blessed event. During this event, new and improved signboards and flyers were used. The flyers contained three questions relating to God. The questions were: • Does God Care? • Does God talk to us? • Does God love everybody? These questions were answered using various quotes and excerpts from the Promised Messiah’s books. An estimated 2500 flyers were handed out by the Khuddam in various locations. Along with the flyers, a newly designed signboard was also introduced. The new feature on the signboard was a QR code that directed passers-by to the website. The website, “MuslimYouth.org” was relaunched this year with new and improved features. Since the re-launch on 23 March, already more than 200 visits to the website have made requests for more information to connect. Along with the website, a new YouTube channel was created with the release of the first video which included a short social

Scenes from the tabligh event

experiment along with an introduction to the contents that were highlighted in the flyer. With the rising tension in the world due to war, it was deemed necessary to introduce the message of peace brought by

the Promised Messiahas. Some feedback from external contacts regarding the video was received. One of these external contacts said “The video was informative and thought-provoking.”

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

Coming from every distant track

First Ahmadi Scot to visit Qadian, Abdullah R Scott 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

Abdullah R Scott was born in Glasgow, Scotland where he received his primary education. He converted to Islam in 1920 whilst serving in the Iraq Civil Telegraph Department. Later, in 1925, he accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat. Gifted with the ability to speak many languages, he was able to convert a few people to Islam Ahmadiyyat. On 9 May 1931, he had the good fortune of visiting Qadian and meeting with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Below are Abdullah R Scott’s impressions about Qadian which were published in The Review of Religions, issue 30, August 1931: “My impressions of Qadian: “By Abdullah R Scott “Being the first British Ahmadi Muslim to visit Qadian, the birth-place of the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement, (peace be on him), I feel it my duty to try and give my countrymen some idea of this holy place through this article. “My arrival: “After changing trains at the picturesque station of Batala, I arrived two hours later at the small but pretty station of Qadian with my son on the 9th May 1931. “The station is about three-quarters of a mile from the town in a north-easterly direction. Just outside there were several tongas (sort of jaunting cars) standing. We were conveyed by one of these to the special guest house where our luggage was taken upstairs by the servants, and every effort was made to ensure our comfort. “The guest house: “The special guest house is a fairly large building with three rooms downstairs, two rooms upstairs, a bathroom and lavatory. About two hundred yards further along the road there is another guest house and behind this is a large kitchen and bakery. These are controlled by one of the secretaries to His Holiness, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, and his assistants. The former, now and again, makes a round of the guests enquiring whether they have any complaints about the food etc., and to see if any improvement can be made. They are always ready to serve you to the best of their abilities. “Daily about three hundred men and women are entertained in the guest house. Also at the time of the Annual Gathering

in December between 17,000 and 20,000 persons are provided with the board and lodge for a period of three to four days. Again, during the Easter holidays, delegate representatives from the different Ahmadiyya Anjumans all over the world attend the Ahmadiyya Conference to discuss the programme of work for the whole year and to consider the necessary items of the budget. The conference is purely representative. Like those of the Annual Gathering, these people also remain for a period of three to four days and the necessary arrangements are made [for] them. “Besides these, orphans, widows and poor men are also maintained. “The town of Qadian: “The town of Qadian has an area of approximately two miles square with a population of over seven thousand. “Although a few years ago it was only a small village, many houses have recently sprung up and are steadily increasing through outsiders taking up their abodes in the place where all their hearts and souls are centered. The houses are built of strong red bricks and cement and the main road is made of the same material. The inhabitants are very simple both in dress and food. They are also very hospitable and always cheery and courageous. “In the Holy Quran, paradise is described as being a place wherein there will be no sorrow, fear, back-biting, quarrelling, etc. and everyone will greet each other with the words ‘As-salaamo-Alaikum’ (peace be on you). Here also in Qadian you find similar conditions prevailing. During the two months I have been here I have never seen or heard of anyone quarrelling, fighting or back-biting. Everyone greets each other with the greeting of ‘As-salamo-Alaikum’ (peace be on you). “Besides the Ahmadis, there is also a goodly number of Sikhs and Hindus who carry on their religious rites without any sense of trouble from the Ahmadis whom they admit to be very peaceful and hospitable towards them even in these days of discord which is prevalent all over India between the Hindus and Muslims. “Drinking intoxicants is a thing unheard of even amongst the non-Ahmadis of the town and cigarette smoking in public is non-existent. “The people of Qadian, although of a religious turn of mind, are also very keen on gardening which requires an outlay of

Mr Abdullah R Scott and his son Mohammad Tahir

a good amount of money in this soil, and many gardens are to be found in this small town. Here you find the word and work of God working in conjunction with each other and not in opposition as the scientists would have us believe. In the northern parts of the town there is a fair-sized bazaar where

many kinds of necessities are sold. “Medical and sanitary arrangements: “Considering the rapid growth of the town and financial difficulties, the sanitary Continued on next page >>

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

From left to right: Masjid Noor, Masjid Mubarak and Masjid Aqsa, all mosques in Qadian

<< Continued from previous page

arrangements, on the whole, are fairly good, although, of course, there is much room for improvement which will come in good time with the increase of the budget. “There is a prophecy of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) that the town of Qadian would extend to the Biyas, a river twelve miles off from the town towards the east, and its gradual fulfilment is plainly visible. “The roads are swept and the drains washed daily and all refuse taken away each morning in carts. “A new slaughter-house has been built in order to cope with the increase of meat consumption. The Small Town committee manages all municipal affairs. “There is a fairly large hospital known as the Noor Hospital (named after the first Khalifa-tul-Masih, Hazrat Hakeem Maulvi Noor-ud-Din Sahib – may God be please with him). It consists of one general ward, two private wards, operation room, laboratory, dressing room, consulting room and dispensary. There is also a nice garden and sturdy trees in the compound. Besides the people of Qadian, outsiders from the surrounding villages come here for treatment, including Sikhs and Hindus. The hospital is under the very able charge of Dr Hashmatullah Sahib and his very energetic and attentive staff. “I had reason to personally experience the conditions prevailing in the hospital due to the fact that my son fell ill on the day after our arrival at Qadian. During his illness, he was given the best of attention, and Dr Hashmatullah Sahib treated him as he would have done his own son. He was given very costly medicines, and as the disease proved obstinate the medicines were changed from time to time and several other doctors were called in for the purpose of consultation as to the real diagnosis of my child’s illness. Eventually through the grace of Almighty God and the prayers of His Holiness Hazrat Khalifa-tul-Masih, my son recovered after a period of two months. The Doctor Sahib is an extraordinary, hard worker and takes the keenest interest in his patients. I have known him to attend sick persons at midday (after hospital hours) when the heat was stifling and himself not feeling well.

Noor Hospital

parts of the world schools have been opened for both boys and girls by the Movement. “Here, in Qadian, there are now four schools and two colleges, namely, Talimul-Islam High School, a fine large building with its site amongst gardens and protected on each side from the glare of the sun by rows of large shady trees. There is a large boarding house and mosque on its right for the use of the students among whom are to be found people from all parts of India, Afghanistan, Sumatra, Mauritius etc. Here secular education is given. “Next is the Ahmadiyya School in which religious education is imparted, and instructions are given in Theology, Philosophy, Science and English. “Thirdly, the Girls High School, and

fourthly, the Primary School. “Then there is the Ahmadiyya College where missionary work is taught and many missionaries are sent from here to all parts of the world who are doing splendid work propagating the truth of Islam. “Lastly is the Girls’ College which has recently been opened by His Holiness Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih for the further advancement of female education. “Posts and telegraph: “The Post and Telegraph office is situated near the Masjid-i-Aqsa and has a busy time dealing with the large mail of the Ahmadiyya Community. They also have their share in spreading the truth of Ahmadiyyat, for, many important literature and correspondence pass through their office to and from all parts of the globe. Besides the Central Post Office, there is a branch office next to the Primary School. Each out-going and in-coming mail is dealt with very promptly. “Places of worship: “The small town of Qadian boasts of several mosques distributed throughout, each Mohalla (quarter) having its own mosque.

The names of some of these are: Masjid-i-Mubarik, Masjid-i-Aqsa, Masjid-i-Nur, Masjid Dar-ur-Rahmat and Masjid Dar-ul-Fazl. The first two are the more important ones. Masjid-i-Mubarik is attached to the house of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). In this mosque more than hundred persons attend each of the five congregational prayers. “Masjid-i-Aqsa is the largest mosque. It has a spacious courtyard and a magnificent minaret, known as Minarat-ul-Masih. This minaret commands a view of all the surrounding area, and can be seen from nine miles distance. It is divided in four portions viz., three balconies and a clock tower. The latter chimes the hours and the face of the clock can be seen from all four sides. “The azan (call to prayer) is repeated five times daily from the topmost balcony. The minaret gives one the idea of a large torch being held aloft representing the truth of Islam and this appears more realistic at night when the clock tower is lit up. Masjidi-Aqsa being the biggest mosque the Juma (Friday) prayer is conducted in it. Each week sees the mosque packed to overflowing. The women also attend the prayer in goodly numbers and are separated from the men by

“Education: “One of the many blessings of the Ahmadiyya Movement is the education of the masses, which was very badly needed, as the Muslims, although once the torchbearers of knowledge, had sunk very low in ignorance due to the foolish ‘fatwas’ of the ulema. Not only in Qadian but in other

A photo of Madrasa Ahmadiyya with Minarat-ul-Masih in background

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022 a wooden partition so that they can both hear the sermon and join the prayers. “Mirza Ghulam Murtaza Sahib, the father of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) lies buried in the yard of the mosque close to the Minarat-ul-Masih. “His Holiness Masih

Khalifatul-

“After my arrival at Qadian I was unable to see His Holiness for nearly a week due to the fact that he was out of town. The day after his return was a day of bad remembrance on which the late Qazi Mohammad Ali’s remains were brought to Qadian and, after His Holiness had conducted the burial ceremony, buried in the Bihishti-Muqbara. All these delayed my interview with His Holiness. “However, three days after his return I was granted an interview and, I must admit, I felt rather nervous at the idea of meeting such a holy personage, but as soon as I entered the reception room His Holiness came forward with outstretched hand and a kindly smile, and his quiet beautiful voice dispelled all my qualms. He does not appear to feel the dignity of his rank and a village labourer is just as much at home in his company as any high official would be. His clothes are always very neat and spotlessly clean. He dresses very simply just like the ordinary dwellers of the town. When speaking to you he does not look at you with that piercing stare nor does he use that haughty tone which is generally the rule with men of high rank, but instead casts down his eyes only looking at you occasionally, and speaks in a very quiet manner. Even with his subordinates in the office his tone of speech never changes. Still, although he never uses the domineering methods which are often to be found in officialdom, all the work of the community goes on smoothly and no one dare go against his orders. He speaks English perfectly well. “On Juma (Friday) His Holiness delivers the sermon and leads the prayer. When he enters the mosque the people stand up and many try to shake hands with him. Recently he was suffering with a very sore finger and although the hand-shaking caused him excruciating pain he never uttered a word of protest. Several papers are also handed to him in which he is requested to offer up prayers on behalf of the owners or their relatives. During the sermon the worshippers all seem spell bound as though being attracted by some powerful magnet, for, His Holiness is a wonderful and powerful speaker and delivers his sermons very clearly, distinctly and dauntlessly. “Week-day prayers in the Masjid-iMubarik are also led by His Holiness and, on the most occasions, after prayers his followers crowd around him while he speaks to them on some religious subjects for about an hour or more. “When he is not praying he is doing other works, such as, writing articles for the press, directing letters to correspondents etc. Private interviews are granted between the hours of eleven and twelve. At present His Holiness is writing notes on the Holy Quran which alone is a very strenuous

17 and the income amounts to about six lakhs of rupees [600,000] yearly. “Water supply: “In Qadian only well-water is obtainable but water is good and plentiful and is very cool in summer when freshly drawn. These wells are also utilized for watering crops and gardens. “Bahishti Muqbara: “The original formation of the Bahishti-Muqbara (Graveyard of Paradise) was due to a revelation received by the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). Accordingly a large piece of his own property, valued in those days at about Rs 1,000, was allotted to this purpose, and a committee was formed to manage all the affairs of income, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra with members of the Kashmir Committee, Sialkot, 1931 expenditure etc. Only those persons who allot, at least, onework. He takes very little rest and, as far weekly, two weeklies, one monthly (Urdu) tenth of their incomes or do meritorious as I understand, has only about one and and one fortnightly for ladies (Urdu), are deeds in the cause of Ahmadiyyat are buried half to two hours out of twenty-four in published from Qadian. Besides these, here. The main idea of this is to let future private with his family. Night and day he there are two quarterly magazines from the generations know what sacrifices the early exerts all his energy for the sake of Islam Ahmadiyya College and the TI School. Ahmadis made for the sake of their faith and always has the good of his community so that they also may be encouraged to do entirely at heart. All the members of the “Libraries: likewise. community absolutely adore him, even the “Qadian is the proud owner of five libraries “The Muqbara itself is situated to the non-Ahmadis including Hindus and Sikhs including one for ladies. The largest of these is south of the town in the midst of a large respect him very much and, as a matter of the Sadiq Library which contains a vast store orchard of mango trees, Jammin trees, fact, one cannot help loving him. of religious literature including all standard Pomegranate trees, Cyprus trees, Palms etc. “The grave of the Promised Messiah books on religious subjects. Dr SM Zwemer “Organisation: (peace be on him) and that of his first described these libraries as follows: ‘Shelves successor are inside a compound enclosed “All the work connected with the crowded with encyclopaedias, dictionaries, by a red brick-wall with four doors facing management of the movement is carried and anti-Christian philosophies – an north, south, east and west. Surrounding on by a number of Secretaries under the armoury to prove the impossible.’ Without this compound lie buried the followers of direction of His Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul doubt it is an impregnable fortress that the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). Masih, Head of the Ahmadiyya Community. baffles the Christian missionaries. The graves are so uniformly laid out that At present this has been arranged as “Condition of women: they appear like regular rows of soldiers follows:— guarding their beloved master. Those in “(1) There is a Chief Secretary, who A ladies’ central society known as the the very near vicinity of the compound are presides over cabinet meetings and Lajna-i-Amaulla [sic] is established at the supervises the work of the different Headquarters for the general wel-fare of the early followers of the Holy Founder of Secretaries. the Ahmadi ladies. Branches of this central Ahmadiyyat who accepted Bai‘at during “(2) Secretary for Missionary Work is Lajna are established in many other places. his lifetime. The other graves are in close in charge of all the missionary activities of In spite of the true Islamic purdah being proximity leading-towards the south. the movement and supervises the work of observed, a fairly large number of ladies Troops of purified souls on their onward the different missions established in various have received education in both English and march to the Great Goal. ‘O Soul that is at parts of India and in other countries. He is Oriental subjects and it is very surprising to rest return to your Lord, well pleased (with also in a way Director of the Ahmadiyya learn that the percentage of literate ladies Him) well pleasing (Him).’ Every grave has a tombstone with the name and year of death Press and the Publishing Department. out-numbers that of the men. of the person buried written on it. These are “(3) Secretary for Education has charge similar in make and size. “Co-operation with the Government: of education, and religious and moral “Who could have thought that the training of the community. “1. An Ahmadiyya Double Company in insignificant village of Qadian and that “(4) Home Secretary has charge of the Indian Territorial Force. lonely person in, his place of solitude, whom the social, economical, judicial, and other “2. A Criminal Tribes Agricultural very few knew or cared to know, would miscellaneous work of the movement. Settlement. become the centre of attraction of the whole “(5) Foreign Secretary has charge of the world and would flourish in so short a time? work connected with the relations of the “Services to the Government: Yet all this was prophesied by the Promised community with the Government and other “1. About a thousand Ahmadis served in Messiah (peace be on him) years before communities. the Great War and some died on the battle he pro-claimed the news of his advent and “(6) Secretary for Literary Department, field. which alone is, in my humble opinion, a whose duty it is to produce suitable “2. A number of volunteers were placed very strong argument in proof of his claim literature, organises a central Ahmadiyya at the disposal of the Government in the last even if there had been no other sign. Library and carries on research work. Afghan War of 1919. “Let those seekers after truth who are “(7) Secretary for Commerce. “3. Ahmadis rendered distinguished not already acquainted with the full facts “(8) Secretary for the Finance. services in the troubled days of the Rowlatt concerning the Ahmadiyya Movement and “(9) Secretary for dedicated property. Act, and Non-co-operation Movement its Holy Founder, do so early, for, herein they “(10) Besides, there is a Private Secretary disturbances. will find unlimited treasures.” (Obtained to His Holiness the Khalifatul-Masih. from The Review of Religions, issue 30, “The funds: “Press: August 1931, pp. 175-185) “The funds are provided by public “One weekly, one monthly (English), one trisubscriptions, donations, and endowments

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

Emotional charity event in Hartlepool

Tahir Selby Regional Missionary, North East, UK

On 31 March 2022, a cheque presentation for different charities (£500 each) was held at the Nasir Mosque, Hartlepool. Last year in September a small charity walk was held at Ward Jackson Park, which was part of 12 simultaneous walks held on the same day throughout the country which raised over a quarter of a million pounds for different affiliated charities. The Hartlepool branch nominated four charities and presented cheques to those charities at this event. Sadly, the Ceremonial Mayor, Mrs Brenda Loynes is no longer with us, but they collected for her two nominated charities, Alice House Hospice and Miles for Men and Women and the Deputy Mayor, Mr Rob Cook invited her husband, Mr Dennis Loynes to collect the cheques on her behalf. A small tribute was also made for her, and he expressed his feelings and said: “Although Brenda was ill at the time, she insisted on attending and took part for a small part of the walk which she enjoyed. We have attended a number of events at the mosque, and she was always pleased to attend. The amount of money that was raised not only for the poppy appeal, but the local charities was very good and such events and the good work that is done is very important for the whole of the country.” The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Rob Cook said: “It amazed me to hear of how much money had been raised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the work that they do, which was highlighted in the introduction, it is phenomenal. It was

an honour being present and I am very thankful for the donation that was made to Brenda’s chosen charities.” Other charities that were presented with cheques were St Aidan’s Church food bank and Wharton Trust Annexe Centre. The Nasir Mosque has been providing meals every week for the poor and needy over the past two years and has so far managed to donate 10,000 meals. A representative of the St Aidan’s Church said that the food was always much appreciated by the people, and they looked forward each week to receiving it. Another tribute was made to Teresa Driver, who also sadly passed away last year and used to work closely with the mosque. In his address, Mr Sasha Bedding of the Annexe Trust said: “It was a really moving evening and a privilege to see how our friends at the mosque have managed to raise so much money and to share it will others. It shows the mosque recognising the needs of the local community and trying to help and that is really important.” The evening also recognised the help Ahmadi Muslims offer throughout the UK with the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal (raising over £21,000). This help was recognised by presenting certificates to the two local Ahmadi branches of Hartlepool and Newcastle, who between them raised nearly £7,000 for this appeal. Col (Rtd) Ian Simpson, MBE of the British Legion Hartlepool Branch, said: “I am blown away by the generosity and the amount of support that the British Legion, locally, regionally and nationally have been given by the Ahmadi Muslims. We are really grateful for everything they are doing.” Zaheer Ahmad Sahib, Chairman of the Charity Walk for Peace said: “Although it was a small function, it was very moving, and you could see people were very emotional which was expressed in their comments. They had an opportunity to see how the Islamic teachings support charitable work.”

Photo from the charity event

Interfaith event with medical students in Bulgaria

Medical students of Bulgaria during the interfaith event

Ataul Hayee Sohail Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA Bulgaria

On 12 March 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria was able to organise an interfaith and inter-cultural event in Plovdiv city. Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria with a population of 366,511 people; an ancient city built around seven hills in southern Bulgaria. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. In 2019, Plovdiv was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. The city is dominated by Orthodoxy and has a population of all other branches, selfidentifying as Christian. There is also a Muslim and a Jewish community in the city as well as temples of other religions. This programme was designed to introduce the medical students of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya, as well as the local guests from different religious backgrounds, to the Bulgarian history, tradition and orthodox faith. The students also invited their fellow peers from the medical university. The aim was to create a feeling of togetherness, to create an environment of mutual understanding and respect amongst everyone. The whole introductory and educational tour was presented by our special guest and friend, Dr Petar Gramatikov. He has experience as a director of the Diocese Department for Culture and Education Coordination of all educational and cultural activities at the church diocese of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and media

management. The day included a tour of the museum Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, a few important spots in the city center and a tour of St Konstantin and Elena Church. The Ahmadi missionary, Abdullah – Anton Mihaylov Sahib also attended the event throughout the day. He presented Dr Petar Gramatikov with several gifts, including a ring that had the “Alaisallahu bikafin ‘Abdahu” [Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?] inscription, as well as explaining its origin and meaning. At the end of the day, our guests expressed their gratitude for the hospitality. Wai, a third-year medical student at the Plovdiv Medical University said: “It was very fascinating seeing how different religions and cultures kind of work together all at different times, and I definitely learnt a lot.” Mr Chepokov, a local resident in Plovdiv said: “I am native here from Plovdiv and I had the chance to be with this wonderful group of students today from the dental and medical university […] [and today] we learnt a lot and enjoyed our time together.” He went on to say: “This was a wonderful event, I really enjoyed it and I recommend [anyone] else to participate in the future because you make friends, we learn from each other [and] we build upon each other.” Everyone who attended the event found it to be very interesting and enjoyable.

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022

100 Years Ago...

Mufti Sahib’s latest from USA (April 1922)

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) During the last quarter, I have not been able to do much work on account of an awful attack of sickness (which was caused by the severity of the cold weather) and certain other difficulties. However, I delivered a few lectures in different places and carried on a correspondence of which the dispatches and the receipts numbered 600 and 2000, respectively, and this all was in addition to the interviews given to many inquirers and seekers after truth. Mr Yusuf Khan and Mrs Taha, (in addition to a part-time clerk employed for the purpose), helped me in the writing work. Thanks are due to Mr and Mrs Khilad, Mr and Mrs Khatib, Mr and Mrs H Murray, Mr and Mrs Taha and Mr and Mrs Kelly for their hospitalities and for nursing me during the days of my sickness. I am much obliged to the Rev. Lady Jean Hooper for giving me twice an opportunity to give the message of the Prophet Ahmad[as] to her audience. Missionary epistles (with literature

The Moslem Sunrise, April 1922 bearing the news of the appearance of the Promised Messiah[as]) were written to Princess Mary of England on her wedding; Twelve RC Chief Cardinals, while they were electing the new Pope; Pope Pius XI on his election; Prince Regent Hirohito of Japan on his commencing military instructions; Wm. Reynolds, the Nebraska poet, on his […] matrimonial adventure; elder Charles Clark, leader of the Seventh Day Adventists; Chinese President Sun Yat Sen, on his wife being kidnapped; Commander CA Tron, head of Waldensian Church, the oldest Protestant Group, and some other celebrities in this country and abroad, taking advantages of events and occurrences about them. Following is the text of our letter sent to the Cardinals who have elected the Pope: “Right Reverend Sir: “At this time, when you are going to elect the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, I wish for you true guidance from Heaven to do just what is beneficial for humanity. “The Chief Central Authority in the

religion is the Ever-Living God and no one else. Every Prophet and Messenger in his time manifests that Authority and therefore we have to believe in and respect all, but especially follow the directions of the latest of them. “Muhammad[sa], the Greatest of Prophets, appeared after the blessed Jesus Christ, who in this age reappeared in the person of the Prophet Ahmad[as]. So, the believers in God have to follow the Prophet of the Day under the guidance of his present successor, ‘Mahmud[ra]’. “However, the Holy Book, El-Quran prophesies the continuance of the Christians on the earth to the Day of Resurrection. Such being the case, we are interested to see a man of charitable tendencies and tolerable charities to stand at the head of 300 million of the Catholics. “With earnest prayers, I am, “Sincerely Yours, (Sd.) M Muhammad Sadiq.”

[Address to the Governor of Punjab]

Boston, New York, and Detroit respectively, write to me that they read with great interest the address presented to His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab, by the Ahmadia Brotherhood of that Province.

[Acknowledgments] We thank Mian Fazl Hossain, Sanskrit Scholar, and Mr RA Arshad, for securing a number of new subscribers to this magazine out of the annual gathering at our headquarters, Qadian.

[Defence of faith] Our dear Brother Shaikh Abdullah Din Muhammad was forced to fight in defence of faith against some prejudiced Christians who became mad because the Shaikh announced himself as a Muhammadan in a gathering. He had received some wounds while turning and coming out of the mob, but eventually the enemy suffered more than the Shaikh did. (Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original published in The Moslem Sunrise, April 1922)

The British Consuls General in Chicago,

6th National Peace Symposium in Greece and Huzoor’s special message Zeeshan Nadeem Greece Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece held its 6th National Peace Symposium on 26 March 2022 in Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens on the theme of “Islam & Europe – Peace, Identity & Integration”. The event began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by its Greek and English translations and a video introduction of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. The speakers this year included Dr Yonous Muhammad, Director of the Greek Forum of Refugees, His Grace Savio Hon Tai-Fai, the Ambassador and Representative of His Holiness Pope Francis in Greece, and Vice-Governor of Attica Mr George Dimopoulos who represented the Governor of Attica Mr George Patoulis. During the event, the national president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Greece, Atta ul Naseer Sahib delivered a speech. He also read out the special message of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa for this year’s peace symposium. Huzooraa wrote: “I am very pleased that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Greece is holding its National Peace Symposium today with the theme of ‘Islam & Europe Peace, Identity and Integration’. I pray that Allah the Almighty blesses this event in all respects and it fulfils

its objectives to advance the cause of peace in the world. Amin. “Unquestionably, the world is passing through extremely precarious and dangerous times. Reminiscent of the dark days of the past, opposing blocs and alliances are forming and it seems as though the world is set upon inviting its own destruction. Today, there are a host of countries who have acquired nuclear bombs or other destructive weapons that have the potential to destroy civilisation as we know it. If nuclear weapons are ever used it will not just be us who bear the consequences, rather our children and future generations will have to suffer for our sins. Generations of children will be born with intellectual and physical disabilities and have their hopes and dreams shattered through no fault of their own. Is that the parting legacy we wish to bequeath to those who follow us? “The horrific conflict taking place in Ukraine has cast a frightening shadow upon the world and, in particular upon Europe. Most regrettably, it is the never-ending craving for power and wealth, whether on the part of Russia, the Western world or other major powers, that has led mankind down such a dangerous path that threatens to shatter the peace of the world. If, God forbid, the current situation escalates further, the consequences do not bear thinking about. Hence, at this time, world

leaders and all those people or organisations that have any degree of influence, must set aside all vested interests and prioritise the peace and security of the world. We must all recognise the reality that all nations are dependent upon one another and that we are now living in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world. Instead of seeking to build barriers or to isolate ourselves, it is essential that nations and people of different backgrounds co-operate and work together for the common good. “One way taught by Islam to reduce conflict in the world is to focus on the commonalities that unite us, as opposed to any differences that may exist. Irrespective of differences of race, religion, nationality or social background, we are united as human beings and so it is vital that we instil within ourselves and our nations a spirit of sincere love and compassion towards others. It is the need of the time that we all join forces in the cause of peace and justice and work towards building a better future for our children and future generations. “It is my ardent and heartfelt prayer that may the world’s leaders see sense before it is too late and that all brutalities and injustices taking place, whether they be in Ukraine, Yemen, Africa or any other part of the world, come to a swift end. Let us all, irrespective of our differences, join together and work with a spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and sincerity towards developing true and sustainable peace in the world. May Allah the Almighty enable mankind to pull back from the brink of catastrophe and for peace and justice to prevail in the world. Amin. “With best wishes and prayers, “Yours Sincerely “Mirza Masroor Ahmad “Khalifatul Masih V”

Photos of the 6th National Peace Symposium in Greece

The event was attended by various religious, political, diplomatic, civil and humanitarian dignitaries from Greece. An exhibition of the Holy Quran was also organised which included 40 pull-up banners explaining various key teachings of Islam on peace, humanity and religious harmony. The event concluded with silent prayer.

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 18 March 2022 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakrra After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

With regard to accounts from the life of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, his views and action against those who refused to pay the Zakat [alms] were being mentioned. Further details regarding this have been mentioned in Tarikh al-Tabari in the following manner. The tribes of Asad, Ghatfan and Tayy gathered at the hand of Tulaihah bin Khuwailid, who had made a false claim to prophethood. Except for a few individuals, the people belonging to the tribe of Asad gathered at a place called Samira. This place has been named after an individual from the tribe of Aad, situated on the way to Mecca. This area is surrounded by black mountains, which is the reason for this place to be named as such. The people of Fuzarah and Ghatfan gathered in the south of Tiwah alongside their allies. [The people of] Tayy gathered at the outskirts of their area. The supporters from [the tribes of] Tha‘labah bin Saad, Murrah and Abs gathered at a place called Abraq in Rabazah. Rabazah is also a valley of Medina, located at a distance of three days. Abraq al-Zabadah was one of the places that belonged to the tribe of Zubyan. Some individuals from Banu Kinanah also joined them. However, those areas could not accommodate them and as such, two groups were formed. One group remained in Abraq, whereas the other group went to Dhul-Qassah, which is located at a distance of 40 miles from Medina. Tulaihah sent Hibal to their aid. Hibal was the nephew of Tulaihah. Nevertheless, in this manner, Hibal became the leader of the people in Dhul-Qassah, which also included supporters from the tribes of Asad, Lays, Beel and Mudlij. Auf bin Fulan bin Sinan was appointed as the leader of the tribe of Murrah, which was staying in Abraq. Haris bin Fulan, who belonged to the tribe of Subayh, was appointed as the leader of the tribes of Tha‘labah and Abs. All of these tribes gathered together and each tribe sent its respective delegation to Medina. These people stayed with the elders of Medina. All of them, with the exception of Hazrat Abbasra, accommodated them as their guests and brought them to Abu Bakrra. The condition that had been stipulated, however, was that they would continue to offer their prayers, but not give the Zakat. Allah had firmly grounded Abu Bakrra on the truth and he said, “Even if they refuse to give so much as this rope [as Zakat], which they

use to tie their camels, I will fight against them.” (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh alTabari, Vol. 2, 11 AH [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], pp. 254-255) (Ibn Hisham, AlSirah al-Nabawiyyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 434) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah alHamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah], Vol. 3, 67, 290, Vol. 1, p. 89) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 236)

In relation to what the condition was of those delegations who refused to pay the Zakat and were now returning from Medina after having seen Hazrat Abu Bakrra take this stand, one historian says: “When these delegations saw Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra resolve, they left Medina and returned. However, as they were leaving Medina, they were contemplating two matters. Firstly, no discussion in relation to not paying the Zakat would be fruitful. The Islamic injunction in this regard was clear and it did not seem possible that the Khalifa would change his stance and resolve,

especially as the Muslims agreed with his view and were ready to support him as the matter had become clear and evident to them. Secondly, in order to take advantage of the weakness and lack of numbers of Muslims they would launch such a severe attack on Medina, which would topple the Muslim government and put an end to this religion.” (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra shakhsiyyat aur Karname [Muzaffar Garh, Pakistan: Maktabat al-Furqan], p. 278)

This was the view they held. They believed that in this way, they would be able to finish their religion and conquer them. In any case, these people returned to their tribes and said that there are very few people in Medina at this time and incited them to launch an attack. But on the other hand, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was not unaware of this. After these delegations returned from Medina, he appointed guards to continuously keep watch at every post of Medina. Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Talhahra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin

Mas‘ud were appointed for this task. In one narration, Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf are also mentioned to have been appointed to keep watch. Aside from this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra instructed all the people of Medina to gather in the mosque. He then said to them, “All the people of the land have become disbelievers, and their delegations have left having seen your small numbers. You do not know if they will attack you during the day or the night. Their closest group among them is only one bareed away.” One bareed is equivalent to 12 miles. “Some among them desired for us to accept their terms and to accommodate them, but we refused this and rejected their terms. Therefore, you must prepare to fight.” This analysis of Hazrat Abu Bakrra turned out to be completely correct and after only three nights, those who refused to pay the Zakat launched an attack on Medina at nightfall. They left one group of their confederates in Dhu Hissah, as reinforcements if required. Dhu Hissah is one of the waters of Banu Fuzarah, situated between Rabazah and Nakhl. The assailants reached the posts of Medina at night and the soldiers were already stationed there. They were then followed by others who were ascending to a higher terrain. The guards alerted the people of this attack by the enemies, and people rushed to inform Hazrat Abu Bakrra of this advance of the enemies. Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent word for everyone to remain firm in their positions and the whole army did so. Hazrat Abu Bakrra then took all the Muslims present in the mosque and after mounting their camels, they made their way to them and the enemy was defeated. The Muslims on their camels pursued them until they reached Dhu Hissah. The group of reinforcements of the enemies came forth to combat the Muslims with their leather water containers filled with air, tied together with ropes. They would kick these water containers with their feet so they would dangle in front of the camels. Seeing as camels were most frightened by such moving objects in front of them, all the camels of the Muslims became startled by these water skins and fled. The Muslims who were riding them were unable to control them until they reached Medina once more.

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022 In the end, no harm was inflicted upon the Muslims, nor did they manage to obtain anything. From this supposed defeat of the Muslims, the enemies came under the impression that the Muslims were weak and unable to fight. With this assumption in mind, they informed their comrades stationed in Dhul Qassah of the events. Trusting in this news, they came forth to this group, but they were unaware that Allah the Almighty already had other plans for them, which He was indeed going to fulfil. Hazrat Abu Bakrra was occupied all night in preparing the army. Then in the latter part of the night, having formed the army, they departed on foot. Nu‘man bin Muqarrin was appointed to overlook the right flank, Abdullah bin Muqarrin over the left flank, and Suwaid bin Muqarrin over the rear part of the army, and they had some cavalry too. The sun had not yet risen when the Muslims met those who refused to pay the Zakat on the battlefield. They had no clue or inkling of the Muslims coming and suddenly the Muslims attacked them with their swords. The fight ensued in the last part of the night, and the rays of the sun had not yet shone upon them from the horizon when the opponents were defeated and began to flee. It is further recorded that the Muslims took all of their animals into their possession. During this incident, Hibal was killed. Hazrat Abu Bakrra pursued them until they reached Dhul Qassah and stopped there. This was the first victory granted to the Muslims by Allah the Almighty. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stationed Nu‘man bin Muqarrin and a few others there and returned to Medina himself. This has been cited in Tarikh al-Tabari.

Banu Abs suddenly attacked the Muslims living amongst them and subjected them to severe brutalities as they martyred them. In retribution, they martyred hundreds and thousands of Muslims living in their regions, and subsequently, other tribes followed their lead. After learning of these atrocities, Hazrat Abu Bakrra vowed to severely kill the idolaters and to go to each tribe and avenge the Muslims who had lost their lives by taking the lives of those who had martyred them. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, 11 AH [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], pp. 255-256) (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa alNihayah, Vol. 3, Ch. 6 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] p. 308) (Al-Munjid, Under “Barada”) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2, al-Hisa, p. 297)

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 256)

While comparing this battle to the Battle of Badr, an author writes: “On this occasion, the faith and conviction, steadfastness and determination, and resolve and stability demonstrated by Hazrat Abu Bakrra reinvigorated the hearts of the Muslims with memories of the battles during the life of the Holy Prophetsa. This first battle during the time of Hazrat Abu Bakrra was quite similar to the Battle of Badr. On the day the Battle of Badr took place, the Muslims numbered a meagre 313 men, while the idolaters of Mecca exceeded 1,000. Even on this occasion (during the battle taking place between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and the enemies), the Muslim forces were very small in number, and on the opposing side, the tribes of Abs, Zubyan and Ghatfan faced the Muslims with a large army. At the time of Badr, Allah granted [the Muslims] victory over the idolaters, and on this occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and his companions demonstrated their perfect faith and attained victory over their enemies. Just as the Battle of Badr brought about far-reaching results, similarly, this battle also had a great impact on the future of Islam.” (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra – Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Piti [Lahore: Islami Kutub Khana], pp. 150-151)

Out of their anger and rage from this defeat, the tribes of Banu Zubyan and

Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 256)

Under the leadership and guidance of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, after the onslaughts of those who refused to pay Zakat were brought to a halt, one after the other, the weaker and wavering tribes started to come to Medina to offer their Zakat. When the weaker tribes observed what had happened to the larger and more powerful tribes, then all those who were withholding their Zakat came to offer their Zakat in Medina. Some tribes began to arrive with their Zakat in the first part of the night, some came in the middle of the night, and others in the latter part of the night. When each of these caravans would arrive in Medina, the people would perceive them as bearers of a warning, or in other words, bearers of bad news. However, at every instance, Hazrat Abu Bakrra would say that these people were bearers of glad tidings and had come to offer help rather than causing harm. Thus, when it was realised that these caravans of people were coming to support Islam and bringing with them capital to be offered as Zakat, the people addressed Hazrat Abu Bakrra and said, “You are a very blessed man. You have always been accompanied by glad tidings.”

At this occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakrra also said, “Bearers of bad news and ill intentions travel very swiftly, while on the contrary, parties of those who bear glad tidings travel calmly and with peace of mind. I can discern [the truth of the matter] by their speed.” (Munir Muhammad Ghadban, al-Masirah al-

Islamiyyah [Dar al-Islam, 2015], p. 50)

After the victory against those who refused to pay Zakat, it is recorded in Tarikh al-Tabari with regard to the collection of Zakat that during that point in time, alms were being received by Medina to such a degree that exceeded the needs of the Muslims. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh

al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2012], p. 257)

Whilst attaining these victories and glad tidings, the army of Hazrat Usamahra also returned to Medina with victory and success. Upon his return, Hazrat Usamahra was appointed by Hazrat Abu Bakrra as his representative in Medina. It is also said that Hazrat Abu Bakrra appointed Sanan Zamri as his representative and told him and his army, “At present, you should rest and allow your mounts to rest as well.” Following this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra took to his mount along with the rest of the people and departed for Dhul Qassah himself. However, the Muslims humbly submitted to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and said, “O Khalifa of the Messengersa, we request you, for the sake of God, not to partake in this expedition, because if, God forbid, you are afflicted by any harm, then our whole order will collapse. We request

you to appoint someone else in your stead for this task so that if anything were to happen to them, then you could appoint someone else in their place.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, “By Allah, I will not do this. I will provide comfort and protection for you with my life.” (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 253, 256) (Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra shakhsiyyat aur Karname [Muzaffar Garh, Pakistan: Maktabat al-Furqan], p. 282)

Then, with regard to the assault launched against the people of Rabazah, it is recorded: “After making all the arrangements, Hazrat Abu Bakrra departed for Dhu Hissah and Dhul Qassah. Dhul Qassah is a place located at a distance of 40 miles from Medina. Nu‘manra, Abdullahra and Suwaidra were in their positions when Hazrat Abu Bakrra came upon the people of Rabazah at Abraq. A severe battle ensued. Ultimately, Allah caused Harith and Auf to be defeated, all of whom were the chieftains of the tribes of Murrah, Tha‘labah and Abs . And Hutaiyah was captured alive. For a few days, Hazrat Abu Bakrra remained in Abraq, and transformed that lush green land of Abraq into the grazing grounds for the horses of the Muslims. After facing defeat in this battle, the people of Banu Abs and Banu Zubyan convened with Tulaihah, who had travelled from Samira to Buzakhah where he took refuge. Buzakhah is the name of a spring of the people of Banu Asad. It is at this place that a great battle took place between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Tulaihah Asadi.” (Muhammad

Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 256) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 236) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam alBuldan, Vol. 1, pp. 284-285)

Furthermore, with regard to the state of the defeated tribes, an author writes: “Abs , Zubyan, Ghatfan, Bani Bakr and all other rebellious tribes in the near vicinity of Medina ought to have ceased in their treachery and stubbornness, and become absolutely obedient to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and agreed to fulfil the fundamental injunctions of Islam. As a result, they would have joined the Muslim ranks and fought against the apostates. It would have been very wise to do so, and the events that ensued also supported this. Because of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, [the opposition] had lost their footing. The victories accomplished at the borders of the Byzantine Empire also inspired awe for the people of Medina. The strength of the Muslims had greatly increased and they were no longer in that state of weakness which was prevalent during the days of the Battle of Badr and other early battles that took place. Now, Mecca was on their side, and so was Taif, and the supremacy of both cities had been established all across Arabia. Apart from this, large Muslim populations lived amongst those tribes whom the rebellious people could not incite to join along with them, and so their position became very fragile. Despite all of that, their enmity towards the Muslims had blinded them and they slowly started to lose sense of what was advantageous or disadvantageous for them. They had forsaken their homeland and joined forces with the false claimant of prophethood from the tribe of Bani Asad, Tulaihah bin Khuwailid. Even the Muslims who were amongst them could not stop them from their ill intentions. With their

arrival, Tulaihah and Musailmah gained an increase in strength and the flames of rebellion began to erupt in Yemen.” (Abdullah Madani, Hazrat Abu Bakrra ke faisle [Lahore: Mushtaq Book], pp. 173-174)

In any case, one should always remember that those people rebelled and started a war. This war was not fought against them simply because someone had claimed [prophethood]. In fact, they were contending against a rebellion and were responding to the war that was waged against them. Whilst mentioning the victory against those who refused to pay the Zakat and Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra courage and determination, Abdullah bin Mas‘ud relates: “After the demise of the Messengersa of Allah, we were faced with such a situation that had Allah not helped us through Abu Bakr Siddiqra, we were surely going to perish. All of the Muslims unanimously agreed that we would not fight against the enemy over the camels belonging to Zakat and instead would occupy ourselves in the worship of Allah until we attained complete victory. However, Abu Bakr Siddiqra had made a firm resolve to fight against those who refused to pay the Zakat. He put two options before those who refused [to pay the Zakat] and no third option was given to them. Either they were to accept humiliation and failure or they prepared to be exiled or fight. To accept humiliation and failure meant that they accept that those who had been slain from among them were hell-bound and those who had been killed from amongst us were destined for Paradise and also to pay the blood-money for those they had killed. Moreover, they were not to demand anything back from the spoils of war which we had acquired from them, but whatever they had taken from us would have to be returned. With regard to being exiled, it meant that after having been defeated they would have to leave their areas and dwell in far-off lands.” (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra – Translated [Lahore: Shirkat Printing Press], p. 118)

With regard to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “Following the demise of the Holy Prophetsa when certain tribes of Arabia refused to pay the Zakat, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was ready to fight against them. The situation at the time was so delicate that even the likes of Hazrat Umarra suggested to show leniency. However, (as has been mentioned once before as well), Hazrat Abu Bakrra responded, ‘What authority does the son of Abu Quhafah possess to abrogate a commandment which the Messengersa of Allah had given. By God, if in the time of the Messengersa of Allah these people gave in Zakat even a rope with which they tied the legs of their camels, I shall take that from them as well. And I shall not rest until they do not pay the Zakat.’ (He then said to his companions), ‘if you cannot support me in this matter then, by all means, don’t, but I will fight against them even on my own.’” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “Such was his level of obedience to the Holy Prophetsa in that despite the extremely dangerous circumstances and despite the distinguished companions were suggesting to not fight against them, even then he was willing to take on every kind of danger in order to fulfil the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, pp. 108-109) On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

22 Maudra states: “During the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra when the disorder of apostasy began to spread all over and prayers in congregation were only being offered in the villages and also the army had been sent to Syria, Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent an instruction to those who had to pay the Zakat in which he stated that if even someone only gave a rope in Zakat during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, he would take that from them by the force of the sword if he refused to give it. Even a brave and courageous man like Hazrat Umarra expressed his opinion that in view of the situation, they should not insist on the payment of Zakat. However, Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not agree with him at all. From this, one can ascertain how important Zakat is.” (Madarij-e-Taqwa, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, pp. 382-383)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned this during his speech in which he spoke about the various stages of taqwa [righteousness] and how important the paying of Zakat was for those who tread the path of righteousness. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also stated that Ahmadis should be mindful of the importance of Zakat and should pay particular attention towards its payment.”

(Madarij-e-Taqwa, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, p. 383)

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “The concept of Zakat is extremely important; however, people have failed to understand it. After the observance of Salat, God Almighty has commanded us to pay the Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘I will treat those who refuse to pay the Zakat in the same manner as the Holy Prophetsa would treat the disbelievers. I will take their men and women as slaves. Following the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, there emerged such a trial whereby people in the entire land of Arabia, except for Mecca, Medina and one other area, started to become apostates […] Hazrat Umarra suggested that they establish peace with those who were refusing to pay the Zakat and first fight against those who were apostatising and the others would gradually be reformed as a result. The first and foremost task was to eradicate the false claimants to prophethood because their dissension was far more severe. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘If people fail to pay even a young goat or the rope with which they tied the leg of a camel in Zakat which they previously paid in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, I shall fight against them. If you all leave me and even if the wild beasts of the jungle were to join and attack Medina, I will fight against them on my own.’” (Barakate-Khilafat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 2, pp. 222-223)

This is also one of the blessings of Khilafat in that the Khalifa of the time makes every effort in order to uphold the Shariah. On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “Another allegation which is raised by people has been answered by God Almighty 1300 years go. Those who raise the allegation claim that:

ۡ َۡ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ِ‫شا ِورهم فِي الأمر‬

“‘Consult them in matters of administration’ [Ch.3: V.160] was an instruction exclusive to the Holy Prophetsa, how does this apply to Khilafat. They claim that this instruction is not for Khilafat. However, such people should remember that this is a very similar allegation to the

one people raised against Hazrat Abu Bakrra which was with regard to Zakat. Regarding:

َ ۡ ُ ًَ ‫خذ ِم ۡن أ ۡموَال ِِه ۡم َص َدقة‬

“‘Take alms out of their wealth’, they claimed that this was an instruction for the Holy Prophetsa and since he had passed away, no one else had the right to take sadaqah [alms] from them. The one who had been instructed for this had passed away. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated to them that now he was the addressee of this instruction. Though the Holy Prophetsa had passed away, the Shariah was still intact and thus the Khalifa of the time was being addressed.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further stated in his speech: “In the same way, I say to the one who has levelled this allegation against me that I am now the addressee [of this commandment]. If this reply that was given by Hazrat Abu Bakrra was true at that time, and indeed it was, then what I say today is also true in that I am now being addressed and this principle shall always apply to Khilafat.” One should always be mindful of this. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then further states: “If what you claim is true then many commandments of the Holy Quran would have to be taken out and this would be utter humiliation.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was mentioning this in a speech on the institution of Khilafat. (Mansab-e-Khilafat, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 2, pp. 59-60)

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh Maudra stated: “Upon the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, many ignorant Muslims became apostates. It is recorded in history that there were only three places remaining where prayers were being offered at the mosques in congregation. Similarly, many people in the land refused to pay the Zakat. They claimed that after the Holy Prophetsa, how could anyone have the right to take Zakat from them. When this uprising spread across the whole of Arabia and Hazrat Abu Bakrra decided to strictly deal with such people, Hazrat Umarra and various other companions came to Hazrat Abu Bakrra (and as has been mentioned earlier) they said, ‘This is a very sensitive time and even the slightest of negligence can result in a great loss. Therefore, we suggest that we should not contend with such a large enemy. And we should treat those who do not wish to pay the Zakat with leniency.’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘Whoever amongst you is fearful can go wherever they please. By God, even if not a single one of you stands with me in support, I will still go and fight against the enemy. Even if the enemy were to enter Medina and kill my relatives and friends and even if the dogs were to drag the corpses of women through the streets of Medina, I shall still fight against them. I will continue to fight against them to the point that they give in Zakat even the rope they tied the feet of their camels with which they previously used to give in Zakat.’ Thereafter, Hazrat Abu Bakrra bravely fought against the evil ploys of the enemy and was ultimately granted victory. This is because he believed that this was a task that only he could carry out. That is why when the companions presented their suggestions, he stated that whether they stood in support of him or not, he was ready to fight against the enemy even on his own and would not stop until his life was sacrificed in the way of God

Almighty.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further stated: “Thus, a nation which instils such level of resolve in them, they always succeed and the enemy cannot stand against them.” (Qaumi Taraqqi ke Do Aham Usul, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 19, p. 75, 76)

This is the secret to the success of nations which one has to always be mindful of. On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, when thousands of people in Arabia became apostates owing to their disagreement on the issue of Zakat and Musailimah was going to attack Medina, at that time Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who was the Khalifa, was informed that Musailimah, along with an army of a 100,000, was coming to launch an attack on Medina. At the time, some people suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakrra that since they were passing through a sensitive period and owing to a disagreement on the issue of Zakat people were becoming apostates and Musailimah had arrived with such a large force, therefore it would be wise that in light of the situation they should initially establish peace with those were refusing to pay the Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakrra, however, did not worry even in the slightest about the dangers and said to those who were presenting these suggestions, ‘Are you trying to convince me to do something which goes directly against the commandment of Allah the Almighty and Messengersa of Allah? The commandment of Zakat is from God Almighty and His Messengersa, thus it is incumbent upon me to do everything I can to defend this commandment of God and His Messengersa.’ The companions once again suggested that in light of the situation, it would be better to establish peace with them. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘If you do not wish to fight and cannot muster the strength to fight against the enemy then you may leave and sit in your homes. By God, I shall continue to fight the enemy on my own to the point that they give even the rope to tie the legs of the camel which they were supposed to give for Zakat. I will not establish peace with them until I am able to convince them to pay the Zakat.’” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “This is the hallmark of true faith.” (Hamare Zimma Tamam Dunya Fatah Karne ka Kam hai, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 18, p. p. 458)

And this indeed is faith. If we instil this within ourselves then we can spread the true message of Islam and will, insha-Allah, be successful. On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the tribes of Arabia rebelled and also refused to pay the Zakat. The argument they presented was that no one aside from the Messengersa of Allah had the right to collect the Zakat. Allah the Almighty addresses the Holy Prophetsa and states: “‘O Muhammad! Take Alms out of their wealth.’ They [i.e. the rebels] said that it is not written anywhere that Zakat was to be taken after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. Although this verse directly addressed the Holy Prophetsa, nonetheless, the Muslims did not accept their argument. The biggest argument presented by those people who became apostates at that time was that nobody other than the Holy Prophetsa had the right to take the Zakat. The reason

they fell into this error was that they did not consider those commandments related to administrative matters to be followed permanently; rather, they thought that those commandments were limited to the time of the Holy Prophetsa.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: “This notion is absolutely false; just as the commandments pertaining to offering prayers and fasting did not stop at the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, likewise, those commandments which were related to administrative and social matters did not finish with the Holy Prophetsa. Just like prayer in congregation, which is a collective worship, it is necessary that these commandments are also established amongst the Muslims through the representatives of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwarul-Ulum, Vol. 15, p. 30, 31)

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh Maudra says: “When the Holy Prophetsa passed away and Hazrat Abu Bakrra was appointed as the Khalifa, at that time, all of Arabia became apostates. Aside from Mecca, Medina and a small town, everyone stopped paying the Zakat and said, ‘Allah commanded the Holy Prophetsa:

َ ۡ ُ ًَ ‫خذ ِم ۡن أ ۡموَال ِِه ۡم َص َدقة‬

“‘“Take alms out of their wealth.” And so no one else has the right to take Zakat from us.’ Thus, all of Arabia became apostates, and they began preparations for war.” They did not simply become apostates, they also made preparations for war. “In the time of the Holy Prophetsa, even though Islam was weak, the Arab tribes would attack individually. At times, one tribe would attack and at times another. During the Battle of Ahzab [confederates], when the disbelievers gathered together to attack the Muslims, by that time Islam had gained some considerable strength, but it had not gathered enough strength that the Muslims would feel at ease from future attacks. Subsequently, when the Holy Prophetsa went to conquer Mecca, at that time, certain Arab tribes joined him to assist him. In this manner, God instilled a passion within the enemies gradually, lest they gain strength and take over the entire land. However, in the time of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, all of Arabia became apostates at once; aside from Mecca, Medina and a small town, in all other places, the people refused to pay the Zakat and they gathered an army for battle.” They not only refused to pay the Zakat, they also set out for war with an army. “In some areas, they even had an army of 100,000. However, the case of the Muslims was that they only had an army of 10,000 and that too was departing for Syria. This was the same army that the Holy Prophetsa had instructed to march upon Byzantine lands and appointed Usamahra as the commander of the army. Aside from this, the only people left behind were the elderly, the weak or a handful of youths. Upon witnessing this situation, the companions thought that during the time of rebellion, if the army of Usamahra departed, there would be no means of safeguarding Medina. Thus, a delegation consisting of the distinguished companions went to Hazrat Abu Bakrra.” This has been mentioned before as well – “they submitted that the sending of the army ought to be delayed for some time, and when the rebellion is quashed, then it could be sent. They said that sending the

AL HAKAM | Friday 15 April 2022 army in such circumstances was perilous. Hazrat Abu Bakrra said in a very angry tone, ‘Do you wish that the first command issued by the son of Abu Quhafah after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa is to stop the army that was commanded by the Holy Prophetsa himself?’ Nonetheless, Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, ‘This army will be sent and I will certainly make sure of it that it departs as instructed by the Holy Prophetsa. If you are afraid of the enemy forces, then leave my side. I will fight against the enemy on my own.’” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: “This [statement] was grand proof of the verse:

ُ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ي ۡع ُب ُد ْوننِ ْي لَا يُش ِركوْ َن بِي ش ۡيـًٔا‬

“‘Believers will worship Allah and not associate anything with Him.’” This refers to those people who remain firmly attached to Khilafat. This is that system which has been established through Khilafat, and this shall continue to exist. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: “The second issue was pertaining to Zakat. The companions said to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, ‘If you do not wish to stop the army from leaving, then do this much that you should form a temporary pact with them and tell them that Zakat will not be taken from them this year, then during this time, their frenzy will subside and there will be a way to put down this dissension.’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, ‘This will not happen at any cost’”; he did not accept this advice of theirs either. “The companions then said, ‘If the army of Usamahra departs and you do not temporarily reconcile with them [i.e. those who rebelled against paying Zakat], then who will confront the enemy? Only the elderly and weak remain in Medina, and there are only a handful of youths here, how can they contend with an army of hundreds of thousands?’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, ‘My dear friends! If you are helpless against them, then Abu Bakr will set out to fight them alone.’” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says: “This is the claim of an individual who was not an expert in the art of war, and was the statement of the one who was generally considered to possess a weak heart. Then how did he develop such courage and bravery and from where did such conviction come? It stemmed from the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakrra understood that he had been appointed to the station of Khilafat by God Almighty and to fulfil this task was his responsibility. Thus, it was his duty to confront them and it was up to God Almighty whether or not He bestowed victory. If Allah willed to grant him victory, then He would surely grant them victory; and if He did not wish to grant victory to them, then even the entire army would not succeed.” (Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 15, pp. 543-545, Qadian, 2008)

The decision of Hazrat Abu Bakrra produced extraordinary results. Whilst mentioning this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Despite the contrary view held by the companions, Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent Hazrat Usamah bin Zaidra along with his army to Mu‘tah. Subsequently, this army fulfilled its mission and after 40 days, returned to Medina victorious. Everyone witnessed the succour of God and victory with their own eyes. After this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra turned his

attention to the matter of the false claimants of prophets, and dealt with them in such a manner that he completely crushed this dissension and not a trace remained. Later, the same was the outcome for those who had become apostates. Even the opinions of the pre-eminent companions were contrary to that of Abu Bakr’sra; they said that how could he raise the sword against the people who professed the oneness of God and accepted the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa, but only refused to pay the Zakat. However, showing the utmost bravery and courage, Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, ‘If, today, permission is granted to abstain from paying the Zakat, then slowly, people will abandon the prayer and fasting and only the mere name of Islam would remain.’ Thus, under such circumstances, Hazrat Abu Bakrra waged war against those who refused to pay the Zakat. The result was the same, in that God Almighty granted Hazrat Abu Bakrra victory and succour. All those who had strayed off the right path returned.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, p. 478)

These accounts will continue in the future, insha-Allah. These days, as I have been continuously reminding in relation to the current situation of the world, continue to pray and do not show any deficiency in your prayers. Especially pray that the people of the world may recognise their True Creator. This is the only solution to save the world from destruction. May Allah the Almighty bestow His mercy and accept our prayers. Today, I wish to speak about a deceased member and after the Friday prayers and I will lead his funeral prayer as well. It is of Respected Maulana Mubarak Nazir Ahmad Sahib, who served as the Principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada as well as Missionaryin-Charge Canada. He passed away on 8 March at the age of 87.

َ ‫إنَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِه َوإنَّٓا إل َ ۡي ِه َراج ُع‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

[“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”] By the grace of Allah, he was a musi. He was extremely selfless, had complete trust in Allah, devoted to prayer and was content within his means. He possessed all the attributes of a dervish. Whenever I saw him, it seemed as though a truly saintly person was present before me. With regard to the introduction to his family, I would like to mention that he was the second son of Maulana Nazir Ahmad Ali Sahib, an exceptional missionary of the Jamaat, and respected Amina Begum Sahiba. Ahmadiyyat was introduced in his family through his paternal grandfather, Hazrat Babu Faqeer Ali Sahibra, who pledged allegiance at the hands of the Promised Messiahas. Subsequently, Hazrat Babu Faqeer Ali Sahibra worked as the first station master of Qadian. The deceased’s grandfather [i.e. Hazrat Babu Faqeer Ali Sahibra] owned a home in Qadian, which was known as “Faqeer Manzil”. On the instructions of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, Maulana Mubarak Nazir Sahib’s father, Hazrat Maulana Nazir Ahmad Ali Sahib had the opportunity to first serve in Ghana in 1929 and later he was posted to Sierra Leone. In 1943, his father, Hazrat Maulana Nazir Ahmad Ali Sahib was returning to Sierra Leone and during this journey, Mubarak Nazir Sahib and his mother were

also present. During the course of the journey, a faith-inspiring incident took place – Maulana Mubarak Nazir Sahib has narrated this incident. It was a three-month journey by ship. At the time, Mubarak Nazir Sahib was 11 years old. During the journey, he fell ill and his health deteriorated to such an extent that it did not seem as though he would survive. As mentioned already, the journey was by ship. Hence, when they were about to embark or perhaps they changed ships, this incident is before they boarded the ship. Nonetheless, prior to boarding the ship, Mubarak Nazir Sahib fell ill. Upon witnessing his condition, the administration of the ship said to his father; “Your son is at death’s door and is close to his demise. If he passes away during the journey, we do not have any mortuary on board the ship or any means to keep the body. Therefore, we cannot permit you to board the ship because of your son.” Maulana Sahib insisted that he had received orders from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and he had to board that ship. The ship’s crew allowed him to board the ship on the condition that he affirm in writing that if his son died during the journey, they would have permission to throw his body into the ocean. When the ship’s captain stipulated this condition, Mubarak Nazir Sahib’s mother started crying out of shock and said to Maulana Nazir Ali Sahib that he was their son and that they should go on another ship. Maulana Nazir Ali Sahib consoled his wife by saying that he was a missionary who had been assigned a mission by Hazrat Sahib. There was no telling when he would be able to find another ship. He told his wife to stay strong; nothing would happen to Mubarak. After this, he confidently said to the Captain, “Where do I sign? Bring the paper.” He then told the Captain, “If he dies, you can throw him into the ocean, but I assure you that nothing will happen to him.” This was the level of trust which his father had in God Almighty because he was a life-devotee and he had set out to propagate His faith and so God Almighty would surely protect him and his family. Thus, by the grace of God Almighty, not only did that 11-year-old boy remain alive, he lived to the age of 87 and was able to serve Islam and Ahmadiyyat. Following the footsteps of his forefathers, he had the honour of dedicating his life and established his own lofty examples of trusting God while in the field of service. After completing his graduation, he was able to obtain a good job in a government institution where he worked for a few years. Then, he read an announcement in Al Fazl that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had made an appeal for people to present themselves for life devotion, or even for a temporary period. Thus, he resigned from his job and presented himself to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra for temporary devotion. According to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra instructions, he was sent on his first assignment for temporary devotion to Sierra Leone in 1963, the same place where his father Hazrat Maulana Nazir Ali Sahib had served for a long time and Maulvi Nazir Ali Sahib was also buried there. As soon as he reached Sierra Leone, he immediately went to his father’s grave. At that time, he recalled his father’s words from a captivating speech which he delivered on 26 November 1945. He said: “Today, we are embarking to perform

jihad for God Almighty and to spread Islam in West Africa. Man is destined to die. If any one of us dies, let it be known that there is a far-off place in the world where even the slightest plot of land belongs to Ahmadiyyat, it is the duty of Ahmadi youth to reach there and fulfil the purpose for which we have occupied this earth in the form of graves.” (He meant that there was a small plot of land belonging to Ahmadiyyat, occupied by the grave of an Ahmadi missionary and it is due to this grave that the land is occupied). “Thus, our graves demand that we train our children in a manner that they fulfil the purpose for which our lives were spent.” Thus, in fulfilment of his father’s will, Maulana Mubarak Nazir Sahib went to his father’s grave and said, “Labbaik – I am here to answer your call.” He was able to serve at various places in Sierra Leone. Afterwards, according to the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, he returned to Pakistan in 1985. When he returned from Africa in 1985, he requested Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh to accept his permanent life-devotion rather than a temporary period of devotion, and this request was accepted. Then, in 1988, he was sent to Canada as a missionary where he served in various places. In 2003, it was decided to open Jamia Canada, which had been approved by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and he had appointed him as the principal; however, it did not open during Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh time and it was opened later during my time. I also confirmed the appointment made by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and he remained the principal. He was the first principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada. He served as principal of Jamia until 2009. Then, in 2010, I appointed him as the missionary-in-charge Canada and he had the opportunity to serve in an excellent manner until 2018. His total term of service spanned 59 years. Even his temporary period of service was essentially full-time devotion. Similarly, Maulana Sahib was appointed as a markaz representative for many jalsas and programmes which he was able to attend. His speeches would be greatly appreciated by Jamaat members as well as others. His speeches were very moving and would captivate the listener. In 2016, he represented me for laying the foundation of the Noor Hospital in Guatemala. He would propagate the message through articles which would be published in newspapers such as National News Canada, Toronto Star and Ottawa Citizen. Maulana Mubarak Nazir Sahib was able to translate two books of the Promised Messiahas; Tajalliyat-eIlahiyya and Fath-e-Islam into English. He also translated The Gulf Crisis by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. He is survived by his wife, Amatul Hafeez Nazir Sahiba, three sons and two daughters. As I stated earlier, he possessed many great qualities and was an exemplary lifedevotee and was especially exemplary for missionaries. His life was an embodiment of giving precedence to the faith over the world. He always served the Jamaat and remaining obedient to the Khalifa was his true objective. As I already stated, he possessed a special talent in delivering speeches, with proficiency in both Urdu and English. His speeches would have a profound impact. His wife, Amatul Hafeez Sahiba writes: “He lived his entire life with piety and

Friday 15 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

24 righteousness. He was mindful about being careful with every penny of the Jamaat and led a life of simplicity. After leaving Sierra Leone, he continued to quietly help many poor people.” She says, “I am witness to the fact that he was an excellent life-devotee, an excellent husband and a kind father. He was always mindful of the fact that the Jamaat spends so much on him and was always worried about how he could be of most benefit to it. He would often say that he could never bear the displeasure of the Khalifa of the time under any circumstance.” His children have also shared their experiences; all have mostly written that their father had firm faith in Allah the Almighty and in the Hereafter. He had firm conviction in Khilafat and the Nizam of the Jamaat. He had a great deal of trust in Allah the Almighty. He often said that Allah the Almighty would never forsake him and would always come to his aid, and this truly was the manner in which Allah the Almighty treated him. Whenever he went to make appeals for financial sacrifices, whether as the missionary-in-charge, or upon being sent by Amir Sahib, or even after he retired when he became ill, and the Jamaat would continue to benefit from his

service, he would always make appeals for financial contributions and would have a great impact on people. This was because he would first contribute himself and then advise the rest of the Jamaat to do so. His eldest daughter says: “He always advised us to have a strong bond with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat and always strove to instil within us love and respect for the Jama’at. It was his desire for us to act upon every guidance of Khalifatul-Masih.” She says, “There was rarely a gathering in which he did not advise these things. Whenever his grandchildren gathered, they all knew that he would sit them down and advise them, and this advice would include the fact that they should not become engrossed in worldly affairs, rather they should make certain of their connection with Allah the Almighty and Khilafat.” She further says, “He would tell us that the work of this Jamaat would always be completed and there was no doubt in this. If we did not serve the Jamaat, then Allah the Almighty would bring others to render great service.” His younger daughter writes about an incident: “Once in Sierra Leone, while a mosque

was being built and the workers sought their wages, my father did not have the sufficient funds to pay them. Hence, Maulana Mubarak Nazir Sahib told them that they should return the next day and he would give them their wages. The next morning when Mubarak Nazir Sahib came out of his home, he found the workers standing there waiting while the money had not yet been arranged. He told the workers that he still did not have the money, but he was praying and they should wait a little while longer and insha-Allah, Allah the Almighty would swiftly provide the means. Meanwhile, a car came racing towards him and he was given an envelope with money in it. He was told that a person had heard that he was building a mosque and so he sent some money for him. Before my father could ask who had sent the money, the car quickly raced away after giving the envelope. He was convinced that Allah the Almighty had heard his prayer and he used the money to pay the workers.” This was the standard of his trust in Allah and the manner in which Allah the Almighty treated him. Many people, including missionaries, have written countless incidents similar to this, showing his trust in Allah the Almighty and his

relationship with Allah. As I said earlier, he certainly was a scholar who practised what he preached, which was why his speeches were so impactful, yet he was extremely humble before Khilafat. May Allah the Almighty elevate his station, enable his progeny to follow in his footsteps, accept his prayers in their favour, and may Allah the Almighty continue to bestow the Jamaat with such people who render selfless service. Those missionaries who have graduated from Jamia Canada have especially written many incidents of how he trained them, taught them how to do tabligh, taught them morals and taught them the faith. These missionaries were able to benefit a great deal from him. They should bear in mind that these incidents are not simply for the sake of remembering or recalling them; rather, these missionaries should practically implement these examples. May Allah the Almighty enable them to do so. (Oﬃcial Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 8 April 2022, pp. 5-10. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Importance of dua [prayer]

“

Prayer is the elixir which turns a handful

of dust into pure gold. It is water which washes away inner impurities. With such prayer the spirit melts and ﬂows like water to fall prostrate on the threshold of the Holy One. It stands in the presence of God, bows down and prostrates before Him.” (Lecture Sialkot, p. 33)

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