Al Hakam - 5 August 2022

Huzoor and Jalsa Salana: A personal account

Use lessons learned from Hajj at Jalsa Salana

Through hardship & ease, through war & peace

Jalsa Salana volunteers: Born to serve God

A fortunate observor, worker and witness of Jalsa Salana for over eighty years Page 5

A

Page 8

Page 6

Page 12

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022 | Issue CCXXIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7388

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V inspects and inaugurates Jalsa Salana UK 2022 duties

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

The virtue of seeking knowledge

َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ّٰ ُ ‫ قال قال َر ُس ْول الل ِہ َصلی‬،‫ﻋ ْن أ� ِ ْ� ہ َﺮیْ َﺮة‬ َّ َ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ ْ ً َ َ َ ‫اللہ عل ْی ِﻪ و َسل َم َم ْن َسلﻚ ﻃ ِﺮیْﻘا یَل َت ِم ُﺲ‬ ْ َ ْ َ ً َ َ ّٰ َ َ ‫ِف ْی ِﻪ ِعل ًما َس ّہﻞ الل ُہ � ُ� ﻃ ِﺮیْﻘا ِإلی ا��َ ّن ِۃ‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for such a one.”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-‘Ilm ‘an Rasulillahsa, Hadith 2646)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Allah does not allow the divinely commissioned to suffer disgrace

Khilafat is the lifeline that keeps Jalsa alive and thriving. It is the very soul of every operation at Jalsa Salana. The UK Jalsa holds the added distinction of being the markazi Jalsa Salana of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih is physically present.

On the evening of 4 August, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, blessed the grounds of Hadeeqatul Mahdi, inspected the various arrangements

of Jalsa Salana and addressed the workers, praying for them and giving them vital guidance.

After Huzooraa arrived in Hadeeqatul Mahdi he inspected the Langar Khana (Kitchen) and also the Roti Plant where the flat breads will be made in their thousands over the course of Jalsa Salana. Huzooraa also spent time in the Jalsa Salana store and gave vital guidance to the volunteers there.

Along the whole inspectoin

Huzooraa gave constant guidance to the workers and organisers and discussed various matters with Afsar Jalsa Salana, Nasser Khan Sahib.

Huzooraa also visited the various exhibitions that will be on display during Jalsa Salana, including: National Tabligh UK, Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre and Al Hakam, IAAAE, The Review of Religions, International Press & Media, Continued on next page >>

I remember vividly that on the day that the district superintendent came to Qadian to search the home of the Promised Messiahas, there was no prior news or knowledge of the impending search, nor could there have been. On that morning, our respected Mir Sahib heard from somewhere that today a warrant would be coming along with handcuffs as well. Mir Sahib was shocked and became extremely anxious. He hurried in to inform the Promised Messiahas and as he was overcome by emotion, he expressed the matter at hand with Continued on page 2

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

2 << Continued from previous page

IT Markaz department and Makhzan-eTasaweer.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then headed towards the main men’s marquee and on the way visited the homeopathy despensary tent and the first aid tent.

After his address, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa had refreshments in the Langar Marquee with the rest of the Jalsa volunteers.

Huzooraa then visited the Lajna side of Jalsa Salana.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa arrived on the stage in the men’s marquee at approximately 18:10 BST and invited Ehsan Ahmad Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran, who recited verses 44-50 of Surah Yusuf, after which Masroor Odeh Sahib presented the Urdu translation.

Huzooraa then conveyed his salaam, and after reciting tashahud, ta‘awuz, Huzooraa said that it was Allah’s grace and blessings that Jalsa Salana UK was being held this year after a two-year gap due to the pandemic. Last year, the number of volunteers was not as much as it was this year. This year, there would be a normal number of participants and the arrangements had been made according to the normal circumstances. The more experienced volunteers should train the less experienced ones.

Although the Jalsa was being held without many restrictions, attendees must ensure that the measures put in place were followed; for example, masks were worn

Continued from page 1

grave difficulty. His Holinessas was writing Nur-ul-Quran at the time and he was engaged in a very subtle and delicate subject.

The Promised Messiahas raised his head, smiled, and said: “Mir Sahib! People wear bangles of silver and gold on occasions of worldly joy. I shall deem that I have put on bangles of iron in the way of Allah Almighty.”

Then, after a pause, the Promised Messiahas said: “But this will never happen, because the government of God Almighty has its own ways of wisdom.

God does not allow His divinely commissioned vicegerents to be humiliated.”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 25-26) Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

at all times. Volunteers should take extra care as they needed to work together at close quarters. As far as arrangements were concerned, according to what Huzooraa had seen during the inspection of the site, it could not be said that there was any shortcoming

in any particular aspect; however, should there be any shortcoming, it will be because of the individual, and not the department.

Therefore, workers ought to fulfil their obligations by bearing in mind the protocol

due to guests of the Promised Messiahas.

Alongside work, an Ahmadi Muslim must show their example in their worship; workers should ensure that they are offering their salat.

Huzooraa then led the congregation in silent prayer.

3

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

This Week in History 5 August 5 August 2005: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that earlier that morning, news was received from Pakistan that the police had come to seal the two printing presses of the Jamaat in Rabwah – Nusrat Art Press and Zia-ul-Islam Press – and also planned to ban Al Fazl as well. Huzooraa said that on the one hand, the world considered Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to present the true image of Islam and on the other, such so-called custodians of Islam were trying to halt its progress. Huzooraa added that we were witnessing the showering of Allah the Almighty’s blessings upon the Jamaat, and these opponents could not halt the progress of the Jamaat. By sealing one or two printing presses of the Jamaat, they could not halt its progress.

However, by continuing to do so, these opponents risked the wrath of Allah Almighty.

5 August 2011: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa spoke on the blessed life of his mother, Hazrat Syeda Nasira Begum Sahiba, who had passed away a few days earlier.

She was the daughter of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and Hazrat Umme-Nasirra, and was born in October 1911. She had served as the sadr of Lajna Imaillah for a long time.

Huzooraa said that after he was elected as Khalifatul Masih V, it was as if there was a change in their relationship, and whenever there was a conversation on the phone, he felt this. Huzooraa added that in Qadian in 2005, when he met her for the first time after Khilafat, it was a strange and unique experience. The respect for Khilafat that he had seen in her eyes for the previous Khulafa, was evident for him as well. It was no longer a relationship of a mother and son; rather, it was a relationship of respect and reverence for Khilafat.

6 August 6 August 2010: During his Friday

Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Mustafa Thabit Sahib, who had passed away a few days earlier.

He was born in 1936 in Egypt, and accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1955. He had a great passion for serving Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and prepared a huge amount of material for the people of the Arab world via MTA and was a regular panellist in the MTA programme Al-Hiwar al-Mubashir as well. He would also be at the forefront in financial sacrifice. He wrote various books, such as Muhkamah al-Fikr, Ajwibah ‘anil-Iman, Al-Islam al-Din alHayy, Mu‘jizah al-Falakiyyah, Al-Sirah al-Mutahharah, Dala’il Sidq al-Anbiya. Moreover, he also rendered the Arabic translation of Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, the FiveVolume Commentary and Hazrat Maulvi Nooruddin – KhalifatulMasih I, by Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra. He had vast knowledge of the Bible and for this reason, many priests respected him.

7 August 7 August 2009: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that an Ahmadi in Multan, Pakistan, 36-year-old Rana Ata-ulKarim Noon Sahib was martyred by three people who came into his house and fired at him. He was a musi and had a master’s degree in agriculture.

7 August 2016: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inspected the arrangements of the 50th Jalsa Salana UK, and gave guidance to volunteers and staff.

8 August 8 August 2008: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa informed members of the Jamaat that a student of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, Waseem Ahmad Sahib, aged 21, had passed away while swimming in a canal near Qadian.

He was an experienced swimmer who would also teach others swimming. It seemed as if upon diving into the canal, his head

struck against something and he became unconscious and therefore drowned. He was a musi.

Huzoorra also mentioned that another student of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, Hafiz Athar Ahmad Sahib, aged 19, had also passed away in a road accident.

8 August 2014: During his Friday Sermon, with reference to the opposition against the Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “At this juncture, I am reminded of a dream, which I have narrated previously as well. That is, if we wish to see a change in circumstances and save the Jamaat from these trials, then as a Jamaat [community], we must prostrate to Allah by purifying our souls for His sake and sincerely and earnestly praying to Him. If we submit to Allah in this manner and this is the state across the Jamaat and our nights are spent in such a way that we pray for the Jamaat, then in a matter of a few days, as a result of a few nights’ prayers, a revolution can be brought about. Otherwise, a revolution shall come and circumstances shall change, but this will take time. It is the Almighty Allah’s promise that circumstances will change, inshaAllah.”

9 August 9 August 2013: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa called the attention of the Jamaat that it was the year for the election of the Jamaat’s office-bearers. Thus, Huzooraa said, office-bearers ought to be elected justly, instead of considering one’s own desires and family ties. Such people should be elected who can serve their roles with justice.

10 August 10 August 2007: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Sahibzadi Amatul Aziz Begum Sahiba, who was his maternal aunt and daughter

5-11 August

of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and Hazrat Umm-e-Nasirra. She was the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra and wife of Mirza Hameed Ahmad Sahib.

She served as sadr Lajna Imaillah Lahore from 1967 to 1983.

Huzooraa mentioned that the green coat of the Promised Messiahas, which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh would wear on the International Bai‘at and was worn by him too on the International Bai‘at, was given to Sahibzadi Amatul Aziz Begum Sahiba’s husband, Sahibzada Mirza Hameed Ahmad Sahib by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh migrated to England, Mirza Hameed Ahmad Sahib presented this coat to him by saying, “Whenever you wear it, please remember me in your prayers.”

Huzooraa further said that after his appointment as Khalifatul Masih, as Mirza Hameed Ahmadi Sahib had already passed, he mentioned to Sahibzadi Amatul Aziz Begum Sahiba that they had given the coat to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh as a trust (amanat). Thus, she wrote to Huzooraa after consulting with her daughters and said, “Now, this coat has become an intrinsic part of the International Bai‘at. Therefore, we present it as a gift to Khilafat.”

11 August 11 August 2006: During his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked the Jamaat to pray for his upcoming tour of America and said that in light of events that had transpired at various airports a day earlier (a plot to blow up planes in flight from the UK to the US), some members expressed concern. Huzooraa asked members of the Jamaat to pray and said that all of our affairs depended on prayers. Huzooraa added that if this journey was blessed in the eyes of Allah the Almighty, then He would remove all the hurdles.

4

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

Picturesque Hadeeqatul Mahdi bustles with Jalsa Salana preparations: Behind-the-scenes updates

The Langar Khana (kitchen) has been preparing meals for the hundreds of volunteers and contract workers while simultaneously preparing for the three days of Jalsa too; for example, preparing spice mixtures to use during Jalsa. The Langar Khana and Roti Plant are regularly maintained and painted every year before Jalsa. There will be 180 burners in the main kitchen alone.

There are so many areas for the preparation of Jalsa Salana, including the electricity and communications departments. This year, optic fibre has been laid for the whole Jalsa Salana site and EE boosters installed. Workers will also be provided with free WiFi on site.

To ensure lighting is adequate throughout the site and in the car parks, 80 tower lights and 21 generators have been put in place. There are also 15 electrical circuits in Hadeeqatul Mahdi that have all been thoroughly tested and are now live.

Water supply is a huge element for the Jalsa site. To date (1 August), most of the water has undergone chlorination and samples have been sent to the local council as well. Eight reserve tanks of water have been filled and their chlorination is being done.

The limited guests from abroad – who have all sought permission from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa – are being provided accommodation in various guest houses, especially in Jamia Ahmadiyya UK. It is important to note that there are no accommodation arrangements in Baitul Futuh.

In terms of registration for Jalsa Salana, attaining car passes, badges and AIMS IDs it is important to note that the registration office, the Jalsa Salana Office and the office for car passes will be open from 10 am until Isha time at Baitul Futuh, London. The duty badge office will be at Baitul Ehsan mosque, London and will be open during the same time.

All members of the Jamaat are requested to pray for the success of Jalsa Salana.

Monday, 1 August 2022: Hadeeqatul Mahdi is beginning to take shape for Jalsa Salana UK 2022. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa will carry out the inauguration, insha-Allah, on Thursday, 4 July 2022 and will address the Jalsa workers from within the men’s marquee.

As the guests for Jalsa Salana UK 2022 will predominantly be from the United Kingdom (due to the Covid-19 pandemic), yet still, in large numbers, the Jalsa Salana Committee is preparing the site and aiming for 80% of the logistics and setup carried out in 2019.

The main two marquees for the Jalsa attendees – on the Lajna side and in the men’s – have been set up and now internal decoration and carpet laying etc. are taking place. Zahid Khan Sahib, Afsar Jalsa Gah told us more details about the main men’s and Lajna marquees and the Jalsa Salana programme.

Last year, social distancing was strict; however, as the pandemic has somewhat improved, there will be a hybrid social distancing format within the main marquees – groups of families will be able to sit closer together while others will be socially distanced. Masks will be mandatory and sanitation points will be available before guests enter the main marquee. In fact, after every session, the whole Jalsa marquee will go through a sanitation process including the main stage, the podium and mics, etc.

All precautions will be taken.

Keeping in mind the hot spell of weather the UK is currently facing, there will be a special air-cooling system in place to ensure the ventilation and temperature of the main

marquees are agreeable.

This year, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has permitted a much larger stage and has permitted more guests on the stage as compared to last year, all of whom will be socially distanced.

Going back to the Jalsa Salana 2019 model, older children will be providing water to keep the guests well hydrated during the Jalsa proceedings. These children will be well taken care of and will be given precautionary homoeopathic medicines for Covid-19.

For the first time, last year’s Jalsa Salana UK saw a digital backdrop and this will continue only that the digital backdrop will be much larger. Other new aspects are planned for the digital backdrop, which Jamaat members will see and benefit from during Jalsa Salana. There will also be a large screen outside on both the men’s and Lajna sides, so that no one misses out on the proceedings.

Last year, there were limited translation booths on site due to the pandemic but this year there will, insha-Allah, be a full complement of translators on site. However, as most of the attendees will be from the UK, the availability of translation headsets will be limited to a few languages.

Dr Zahid Khan Sahib, Afsar Jalsa Gah also told us that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had been guiding his department at every turn and with great detail and attention. He told us that he was amazed as how Huzooraa always considered little details and how his guidance was full of wisdom and benefit.

From social distancing guidance to the selection of topics for the Jalsa speeches,

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has been the guiding light for the department, Dr Zahid Khan Sahib said.

Zaheer Ahmad Khan Sahib, who supervises the Jalsa Salana UK office and Reporting Department, told us more about the latest updates at the Jalsa Salana site in Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

Overall, 95% of all the small marquees have been erected with only a few more to go and a total of 8.5km of tracks for vehicles have been laid in Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

At Hadeeqatul Mahdi there is a constant influx of volunteers who are helping with various departments. It is also inspiring to note that members of Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK are carrying out waqf-earzi and staying over at Hadeeqatul Mahdi to help different departments every day and with waqar-e-amal. As always, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK students are also staying at Hadeeqatul Mahdi and assisting in the set up and various departments.

Since the 28 days (given by the council) to set up, hold and dismantle Jalsa Salana, there has been 24-hour security by Khuddam which includes 8-10 Khuddam being on site at all times. These Khuddam are also monitoring and checking everyone who enters the site.

The carparks at Hadeeqatul Mahdi are ready for the guests and the designated areas will be able to accommodate approximately 7,000 cars. We also have a neighbouring field as a backup and the Country market not far from Hadeeqatul Mahdi as stand-by if more car spaces are needed. Over 6,000 car passes have already been issued, including passes for volunteers, guests and the disabled.

5

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

Huzoor and Jalsa Salana: A personal account Mirza Saad Sharif Ahmad UK The summer holidays are a time that all children look forward to; they are off from school and can relax and play more with their friends. However, for Ahmadi youth, there is another reason why the summer holidays are so special, and that is because of Jalsa Salana UK. Some may think that Jalsa is a gathering best-suited to adults, and children have nothing much to participate in; however, this could not be further from the truth.

There are many reasons why Jalsa is beneficial for the youth, but to start with, one reason is that duties that may be considered insignificant from a worldly point of view, such as water-duty or helping to serve food to guests, actually continue to provide blessings for one throughout the year.

For example, in a hadith, it is mentioned how the supplication of a traveller is accepted (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Salat, Hadith 1536). The vast majority of Jalsa attendees are travellers, many having come from quite far or even from abroad, and although you may not realise it at the time, the prayers you receive whenever you help a guest will, insha-Allah, continue to benefit you, even long after the Jalsa period finishes.

The prayers you receive for volunteering during Jalsa not only help you in spiritual terms, but they also benefit you in your worldly endeavours.

Those who are familiar with the UK’s university admissions process will know that when applying for a degree, you have to write a personal statement.

Some time ago, there was an individual who was applying for medicine, which is highly competitive, and in his personal statement, he wrote a small portion about his volunteering experiences during Jalsa.

When it was time for his interview, he discovered that a large part of it was in fact him describing his experiences during Jalsa.

And so, it is no surprise that he soon received an offer from this well-known university – no doubt because of the blessings of helping out during Jalsa.

There are countless examples of blessings that children have received for volunteering during Jalsa, and especially after the pandemic, we should take advantage of the opportunity to attend, as the last few years have proven that we cannot take anything for granted.

And although after performing duties during Jalsa, we may feel tired or wish to relax, we should keep in mind the example of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa whose work for Jalsa starts much before anyone else and finishes long after.

Regarding Huzoor’s example during the

Jalsa period, which is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year, I would like to mention some examples of how Huzooraa, in this day and age, perfectly emulates the noble example of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

One of the most important things in Huzoor’s life has always been the observance of prayer, and especially during Jalsa, despite his own extremely busy schedule, this is something that he inculcates in his family as well. During the days of Jalsa, every day, Huzooraa himself comes to each room at home to make sure that we had woken up for Fajr.

Here, I would also like to mention Huzoor’s humility, in that if he comes to our rooms, he first knocks and says “Assalamu alaikum”, and even then, he usually waits outside until we ourselves come out. For us, this is a lesson in how we shouldn’t enter people’s rooms without asking, as has been mentioned in the Holy Quran.

In terms of salat, we should also keep in mind that Huzoor’s day always starts much before dawn, when it is time for Tahajjud, followed by him reading a part of the Quran before Fajr – this is no different during Jalsa.

There is also the leading of the five daily prayers, and despite other work that may sometimes have to be done, Huzoor’s main concern is always that salat is offered on time.

Then, another part of Jalsa is when guests arrive, and witnessing Huzoor’s hospitality is something that is inspirational. Alongside preparing for Jalsa itself, Huzooraa also keeps a close eye on any needs that guests may have.

At home, one recent example was when we had an uncle visit for Jalsa. Huzooraa knew that he is a keen cyclist, and so whilst mentioning this at dinner, Huzooraa said to my father that as he had a spare bike, he should offer it to our relative. Huzooraa also told my father to make sure the bike

Humanity First expands humanitarian work in Ivory Coast Abdul Noor Missionary, Ivory Coast

Humanity First is working on several humanitarian projects in Ivory Coast, including the provision of necessities of life, education and medical facilities, including holding free medical camps.

As part of the humanitarian efforts, Humanity First has constructed a new hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities in Abidjan and primary schools, milling machines and water pumps.

In 2022, Humanity First International

elected a new country head for Ivory Coast.

After being elected, Sabahat Ahmed Sahib visited Ivory Coast for the first time with Ruhanullah Cheema Sahib, a volunteer of Humanity First UK Logistics department.

After meeting amir and missionary-incharge of Jamaat Ivory Coast, they visited different districts and inspected the work Humanity First has done there. They were accompanied by the president of Humanity First Ivory Coast, Yaya Ouattara Sahib.

The visited areas included three primary schools built by Humanity First in San Pedro, Zouan-Houein, Kablan Ahissikro,

was clean and in good condition, and only then he should offer it. This is one of many examples of how Huzooraa himself thinks about what guests might want, and how their comfort is on his mind at all times.

Another example of how Huzooraa is concerned about the attendees of Jalsa can be seen even if the Jalsa is abroad, and Huzooraa is not physically present.

Some time ago, there was a family who had been involved in an accident, and even though Huzooraa was here at the time, he was receiving updates and praying for them continuously.

After Jalsa finishes, Huzooraa often instructs Ahmadis to drive carefully, in order to prevent any accidents.

During Jalsa, despite his schedule, Huzooraa often helps with household chores as well. I remember that last year, when I would sometimes clear the plates after meals, even then Huzooraa helped me on a couple of occasions.

There are many subtle things that Huzooraa does, which serve as a lesson to us. I have noticed that small things such as leaving your meal to get something nearby, when someone else could have also been asked to do it, leave an impression on your mind that where possible, we should get into the habit of doing things ourselves instead of burdening others, even if they are only small actions.

After addresses at Jalsa, Huzooraa sometimes asks us what we understood, and sometimes asks in a lighthearted way if we weren’t bored!

To conclude, I think the biggest lesson I have learnt from observing Huzoor’s example, especially throughout the days of Jalsa, is that despite being extremely busy or having a hectic schedule, Huzooraa is always concerned about the feelings and sentiments of others, and this is something that we too, should try to instil into ourselves. where they met with the students and parents as well as the school administration and the regional missionaries of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Ivory Coast.

The team also visited a village in the region of Gagnoa named Djedjedigbepa to inspect a milling machine installed by Humanity First. The visit also included meetings with various officials. At one point during the visit, the Humanity First team was unable to drive for 9 kilometres while towards Kablan-Ahissikro primary school, due to this, motorcycles were used.

At the end of the visit, Sabahat Ahmed Sahib also held meetings with the team of Humanity First Ivory Coast, in which the work done by Humanity First was discussed as well as plans of action.

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

6

Use lessons learned from Hajj at Jalsa Salana Al Fazl, 3 January 1915 A common allegation against Ahmadis is that they consider Jalsa Salana as a replacement for or alternative to Hajj, whereas Ahmadi Muslims consider Hajj as far more superior than any other gathering, from which one can learn basic principles in life.

In the Friday Sermon presented below, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II,

Musleh-e-Maudra explained how one could take valuable lessons from Hajj and heighten one’s spiritual experience of Jalsa Salana.

In the first Jalsa Salana of his Khilafat, on 25 December 1914, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra delivered a Friday sermon, part of which has been translated below (Editor, Al Hakam):

After reciting tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra recited the following verse of the Holy Quran:

ُ َ ۡ َ ُّ ۡ َ َ َ َ َّ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ال َﺤﺞ اش ُﻬ ٌﺮ ّم ۡعلوۡ ٰم ٌﺖ � ف َم ۡن � َرض فِ ۡی ِﻬ َّن ال َﺤﺞ ف�َا َرفﺚ َولَا‬ ُ َۡ ّ ۡ َ َ َ​َ َ ۡ ُ ُ ّٰ َ َّ ۡ َ � ‫ال فِی ال َﺤ ِﺞ � َو َما تف َعل َوۡا ِم ۡن خی ٍر ی ۡعل ۡم ُہ الل ُہ‬ ‫فﺴوق � ولا ِﺟد‬ ّ ُ َ ُ َ ٰ ۡ ّ َّ َ ۡ َ َّ َ ۡ ُ َّ َ َ َ َۡۡ ٰۤ ۡ َ ‫اب‬ ِ ‫وتزودوا ف ِان خیر الزا ِد التقوى � واتقو ِن یاول ِی الالب‬

[“The months of the Hajj are well known; so whoever determines to perform the Pilgrimage in these months, should remember that there is to be no foul talk, nor any transgression, nor any quarrelling during the Pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And furnish yourselves with necessary provisions, and surely, the best provision is righteousness.

And fear Me alone, O men of understanding.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.198)] Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra said: When a person goes about doing something in this world, he draws conclusions from other examples of the same type. For example, those who form a new committee look at the rules and regulations of other committees. From them, they come to know that there is a president [of a committee], so they decide that their association should also have a president; they see that there is a secretary as well, so they also appoint a secretary; they observe that there is also a treasurer, so they appoint a treasurer as well. In the same way, a newly formed trade committee requests other trade committees to share their rules and regulations. Those who form education committees benefit from other similar committees.

Hence, the formulators of every kind of committee take advantage of their precedents and follow their rules, and of course, they have to because a great fool is he who abandons what has been tried and tested already and begins to experiment on his own. If a person starts doing everything afresh, they can never succeed because no one can attain enough age in their life to test all different methods by themselves. One will indeed die during such an endeavour.

Thus, it is only wise to take advantage of what has already been tried and tested.

For us, Jalsa is something that comes every year. Just as those companies draw conclusions from the rules of other similar companies, we should also draw conclusions from something similar to this Jalsa and take benefit from it. We cannot liken our Jalsa to any committee or [worldly] gathering in any way. There are many associations and committees in the world, but our Jalsa is not similar to them because they are formed by humans. On the contrary, the example we are looking for should be the work of God Almighty and established by Him. People gather in many places and fairs and congregations are held, but we do not gather for any fair. The purpose of our gathering is not to watch a show. In the world, people gather for shows, make grand arrangements and conduct business, but we do not gather here for any of that.

The question is, how should we form rules and what should we liken our

gathering to? For this, we find that there is one thing in the world that our Jalsa can be likened to and that is Hajj [pilgrimage to the House of Allah]. Hajj is not a festival, nor an exhibition or a meeting of any association. It is the work of God and has been established for religion. Its foundation has been laid by the prophets of God. Therefore, we should take advantage of the rules and regulations of Hajj.

The verse that I have recited [at the outset] contains the rules regarding Hajj.

Allah the Almighty says that there are certain known months of Hajj (i.e. Muharram; Dhul Qa‘dah; Dhul Hijjah, the whole month or 10 days), so what should one do who intends to perform Hajj in them? Such a one should make sure that they do not engage in rafath [foul talk], fusuq [transgression] and jidal [quarrelling] during Hajj, as it is not permissible for them. For every person who goes for Hajj, Allah the Almighty says

that they should not engage in foul talk, transgression and quarrelling during Hajj.

What is rafath? It means sexual relations.

This is also forbidden in Hajj, but it has other meanings as well which are also relevant here and they are: abusive talk, profanity, foul talk, filthy stories, talking nonsense and about vain things, as is called in Punjabi “gappain maarna”. Allah the Almighty says that if one goes to Hajj, they should not use any kind of foul language, nor should they narrate filthy stories or engage in idle talk.

Fusuq means to stop obeying and submitting. It is the duty of the pilgrims not to deviate from the obedience of God Almighty, but rather to fulfill all the commandments.

Where there is a gathering of people, quarrels can take place because people have different temperaments and some of them can be stubborn. Therefore, they fight over petty things, for instance, “So and so took

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022 particular occasion, this has been further emphasised because a person cannot control this forever; however, they can force themselves to do so for a specific period of time. For example, if a person is verbally abusive but has to go in front of their superior, they will bite their tongue and control themselves. Allah the Almighty says that as now we have gathered in one place by His order, we must absolutely refrain from these things on this occasion. Allah knows best what good we will earn by discarding them.

Those of you who abstain from these things during the five days of Jalsa and endure difficulties and sacrifice yourselves, Allah will never forget your good deeds; rather, He will help you let go of them for the rest of your lives. A farmer sows seeds in the field and entrusts them to God Almighty. You too, like the seeds, must put this goodness in your hearts and entrust it to God Almighty. He will Himself excel and safeguard it. The seeds must be sown, after which it is in God’s power to make them productive, and He certainly does.

Then, God Almighty has also told us what should be done in these days. Allah says: my place”, or “so and so pushed me”, etc. It is for this reason that God has said not to quarrel. In this way, Allah the Almighty has told the Muslims to remember these three things when they go for Hajj.

Today, it is the first day of Jalsa, and our Jalsa is similar to Hajj. God Almighty has established the institution of Hajj for the advancement of believers. Today, Hajj is useful for Ahmadis from a religious standpoint, but Ahmadis cannot achieve its main purpose, which is the advancement as a nation because the place of Hajj is in the custody of such people who consider it permissible to kill Ahmadis. God Almighty has chosen Qadian for carrying out this work. Those of us who have the opportunity

by God Almighty perform Hajj. However, the real benefit that is to be gained from Hajj is attained by them from Jalsa Salana.

Allah the Almighty says that those who set out for this purpose should not engage in foul or vulgar talk; they should not disobey any commandment of God and should not quarrel.

Thus, I advise you that if you wish to benefit by coming here, then follow these instructions. There are many other places where people engage in idle talk, gossip and listen to or narrate vulgar stories. However, the Promised Messiahas drew out his sword to destroy all such things and God Almighty thus removed them through the Promised Messiahas and established this gathering.

A person who does not set aside foul talk, transgression and quarrelling during the days of Hajj, their Hajj is useless and futile.

In the same way, the person who comes to this Jalsa and does not abstain from these things, is deprived of the reward and its benefit.

Allah the Almighty says:

ُ َۡ ّٰ َ َّ ۡ َ ‫َو َما تف َعلوۡا ِم ۡن خی ٍر ی ۡعل ۡم ُہ الل ُہ‬

[“And whatever good you do, Allah knows it.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.198)] You will face challenges in letting go of the aforesaid things; there will be difficulties.

For example, let us suppose someone

verbally abuses a person and the person on the receiving end of that abuse says that their self-respect cannot tolerate such an act and they will surely seek revenge. To show patience for such a person will be somewhat difficult, but Allah the Almighty says that if they do this for God, it shall never go to waste. Whatever good you do, God knows it well. One takes great pains to please one’s superiors and rulers and wants them to acknowledge their services, but when a person is aware that there is a God Who sees and knows what they suffer for His sake, should they not then readily take on difficulties for God?

َ َ ‫َوت َز ّو ُد ۡوا‬

[“And furnish yourselves (with necessary provisions).” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.198)] When people go on a journey in the world, they endure many kinds of hardships.

They gather resources and other items to provide for their travel. Allah the Almighty says that this gathering of people in one place [for Hajj] is to help them prepare for their journey to the Hereafter. As they make provisions for their small worldly trips, they should do the same for this [journey], and the best provision is to adopt righteousness.

In doing so, they should also be ready to bear hardships and difficulties. If a person in this world is not prepared to bear any pain and suffering, it is because they think that if they do so, they will have to lose something. For example, if someone is verbally insulted, that person will think that if they do not respond and remain silent, it will be insulting and humiliating. Hence, people refuse to suffer because of the risk of loss. Allah the Almighty says:

َ َ ۡ ‫َو ّاتقُوۡ ِن ٰۤیاُول ِی الۡاَل‬ ‫اب‬ ‫ب‬ ِ

[God says] “Nobody can harm you in Our presence, so, O men of understanding, fear Me alone. If you fear Me, who can harm you?”

Always remember that rafath, fusuq and jidal are forbidden at all times, but for this

َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ّٰ ُ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ َ ‫ٓاءک ۡم ا ۡو اش ّد‬ ‫اسککم فاذک ۡروا اللہ ک ِذک ِرکم اب‬ ِ ‫ف ِاذا قضیتم من‬ ً‫ِذکرا‬

“And when you have performed the acts of worship prescribed for you, celebrate the praises of Allah as you celebrated the praises of your fathers, or even more than that.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.201) Here, God Almighty says to remember God the way we remember our parents. The relationship with parents is very limited, but the relationship that we have with this Jalsa, which has been started by God Almighty, is much greater. As rafath, fusuq and jidal are forbidden in Hajj and are also forbidden in this Jalsa, in the same way, we have been advised in this [verse] that as it has been instructed to remember God after performing the rituals of Hajj, our Jamaat should also remember God after listening to the speeches [in the days of Jalsa].

This commandment also includes those people who used to mention their ancestors by name when they had performed Hajj during the time of the Holy Prophetsa. Allah the Almighty said to remember Him more than they remembered their ancestors. It not only means that you should praise God as much or more than you praise your parents; rather, just as a small child cries and screams when they are separated from their parents and does not rest until they have found their parents, similarly a person should writhe and weep before God Almighty; in fact, even more than that.

Those who were commanded to remember God more than their forefathers have passed away (the Arabs used to mention the deeds of their forefathers with pride after Hajj). However, this is an opportunity for us.

You must understand that those who obey these commandments and follow them will see a significant change and transformation in themselves. Moreover, when you go back from here, many will easily get rid of such weaknesses that they wanted to remove but could not do so. May God grant you this strength.

One more thing I wish to mention is that it is the winter season, so avoid the cold as much as possible. One should not go out

without appropriate clothing. We try so hard that our Jamaat grows, so should we not value those who have already joined this Jamaat? We certainly value them greatly.

Thus, protect your lives and avoid the cold as much as possible.

Some people offer salat in their residences. However, these are the days of carrying out a lot of worship, so prayers should be offered in congregation in the mosque. A believer should never be lazy.

You have to perform even greater tasks [in the future]. There is a whole world ahead of you which you have to conquer. Those who reside in Dar-ul-Ulum should pray in Masjid Nur and those who are in Qadian should pray in either the small or the big mosque [Masjid Mubarak or Masjid Aqsa, respectively].

I advise those who live in Qadian that those who possess five attributes are never unsuccessful or humiliated, and one of them is to value one’s guests. The people of Qadian say that there are revelations of the Promised Messiahas about them and that the Promised Messiahas used very dignified words for them. Granted, this is true, but they should also prove by their actions that they truly deserve this. Thus, engage in hospitality and take care of those who have come to you.

Let no one think that these are not their guests and they do not need to serve them. You should remember that these are the guests of Allah the Almighty and you are His servants, so is it not the duty of a servant to look after the guests of his master?

Certainly, it is.

Thus, these guests have accepted the call of God to the divine abode, because the words of the appointed one of God are actually the words of Allah. You should take care of them. If you are hurt by someone, bear it patiently. Do not even think of humiliating anyone. The one who insults a guest insults himself because the guest is his honour. Who is more foolish than the one who destroys his own honour or cuts his own throat? You should always show hospitality and kindness towards the guests.

If Allah the Almighty grants me the strength, I will tell you some sad truths.

Someone from here once said that after they left, Christians would roam here. By the sheer grace of Allah the Almighty, only Muslims descend here today. I hope that people will stay here during the days of Jalsa and those whom Allah enables will listen to my words and I will address them.

During the khutba-e-thania [second, Arabic part of the Friday Sermon], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said: A point has come to my mind that Allah the Almighty has said to remember God during the days of Jalsa. The benefit of this has been explained by God as:

ُ ُ ْ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ ‫اذک ُروالل َہ یَذک ْرک ْم‬

“If you remember Allah, He will remember you.” Who is more fortunate than a servant who is remembered and called by his Master? The remembrance of God is a great blessing, whether it is rewarded or not.

Thus, you should always remain engaged in the remembrance of God. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu published in the 3 January 1915 issue of Al Fazl)

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

8

Through hardship & ease, through war & peace A fortunate observor, worker and witness of Jalsa Salana for over eighty years Abdul Basit Shahid Sahib retired after remaining in service as a missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for almost four decades. He got the opportunity to serve in many parts of Pakistan and later in various African countries. Upon our request, he shared his memories of Jalsa Salana that span over eight decades. His memories are like a time-lapse view of an institution that was budding when he started his experience of it and now sees it in full bloom. He sees it as no less than a miracle – and a miracle it is.

Abdul Basit Shahid Biographer of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra (Swanih Fazl-e-Umar, Vol. 3, 4 & 5) I was born in Qadian in 1933. So if I go back to my earliest memories of Jalsa Salana, I find myself in the wintry days of the Decembers of the late-1930s and early1940s in the blessed settings of my lovely hometown, Qadian – which, to my greatest fortune, is also the hometown of my beloved Messiah and Mahdias.

As with every child, the speeches and whatever else went on during the sessions remained beyond the grasp of my mind in early childhood. However, the atmosphere of Qadian in the days, or weeks or even months, leading up to Jalsa Salana and the days of Jalsa Salana itself were so electrified and so magnetised that the magic remains – even in the 89th year of my life – my earliest and fondest memory of Qadian.

I was very fortunate that my father, Abdur Raheem Diyanat Sahib, owned a convenience store which was situated in Ahmadiyya Chowk, by the gate of Dar-ulMasih – right in the beating heart of Qadian.

What then formed his shopfront had once been part of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib’s residence. It stood facing every person that walked towards Masjid Mubarak or actually, every person that walked from one part of Qadian to the other. It was very much a character on the stage of Qadian.

From this key location, it was always possible for us to know when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was about to emerge from Qasr-e-Khilafat and walk, along with his entourage, towards the Jalsa Gah or any other part of Qadian. The crowd in the streets automatically seemed to stream itself into a queue as soon Huzoorra marched out in all his spiritual and majestic glory. We as children would see him from one part of the queue and then run off to a farther part and

get another glimpse, and then another and then another. These glimpses of Huzoorra were the essence of Jalsa for us as very young children – the height of our delight.

Then, as I progressed through childhood, I started enjoying the main proceedings of Jalsa Salana, but only to the extent of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra speeches. I still can’t quite put a finger on it, but there was something rather extraordinary, very special and simply out-of-this-world about his speeches. They spanned over hours and even children of my age stayed and listened, or, to be more honest, watched him in awe

as he delivered his speech. The elders that sat around us were mesmerised and would seem not to even blink during those hourslong speeches of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

It was many years later – when I started to make sense of the magnificent content – that I realised what made Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra oratory so special: He spoke about complex religious and metaphysical matters but picked the most common of examples from the physical world that we live in, then related them so wonderfully well that they all fitted together excellently. What would finally emerge would be a concept ready to

be grasped by intellects of all scales.

People have written a lot about many aspects of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra personality and a lot will be written, but what cannot be described in words and might never be described as such is the mysterious element that gave Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra words that hypnotic quality. There have been great orators in the world.

If I stay in the South Asian Islamic world of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra time, I also had the opportunity to listen to fiery orators like Ataullah Shah Bukhari and Shorish Kashmiri and many others known for their oratory skills. I can say, hand on heart, their oratory skills came nowhere near Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra. Yes, they knew the art, and yes, they were very skilled at rousing the crowds that sat and listened to them, but then this is not what the oratory skill is all about. The essence of public speaking remains the substance therein, and if that is lacking then however good the speech may be and however long it may keep your audiences seated, it is of no practical good.

I remember listening to Ataullah Shah Bukhari on several occasions; he would start reading a naat (ode to the Prophetsa) and would go on reciting it for hours; he would start telling a joke and would go into such details to make it understood that the very joke itself would be left gasping for life. On the other hand, Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra words just rolled off the tongue – from complicated philosophical issues to humorous anecdotes; from a supernatural phenomenon to an incident from a street in a nearby village – it all just fell into place.

And these words would fill the hearts of those who filled the streets of Qadian during Jalsa days.

One memory of Jalsa Salana from my childhood and my youth days that I have never forgotten and will never forget is the melodious tilawat of the Holy Quran by

9

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. One would desire for it to continue and never come to an end. It was in such moments that the whole atmosphere of the Jalsa Gah and the whole of Qadian stood enchanted and desired to eternally remain so. This is what I mean that Qadian was a different piece of land – one from Heaven – during those blessed days of Jalsa Salana.

Since there was no bazaar in the Jalsa Gah like we have here in the UK or other Jalsas that happen in different parts of the world, what catered for the needs of those attending the Jalsa was the actual bazaar (market) of Qadian. Shopkeepers were hence expected to keep their shops open – my father being no exception. However, during the nights, he would pick up any piece of work that he could get his hands on and try to help voluntarily towards the operations of Jalsa Salana. My father would take pride and be humbled to narrate to us that he was in the Jalsa Gah when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once said that he would not attend the next day’s Jalsa if the Jalsa Gah was not extended by the next morning.

He always offered his gratitude to Allah that he was among those who stayed up all night to treat vast stretches of unkempt land, turning it into part of the Jalsa Gah, before the night could turn into day. All those who volunteered for this service saw Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra expressed pleasure and Huzoorra awarded them with certificates. He kept the certificate very dear and near to his heart – before the mutiny of the partition snatched it away from him.

The first Jalsa duty I remember was of counting rotis and piling them up. A few years later, I served in pot-washing also but readers must remember that those were not the days when pot-washing machines were used, nor were the pots so easily washable as they are today. All food and water was consumed in pots and glasses made of raw clay. Oil from the food consumed in them would freeze in the cold weather – pair that with the cold water that we tried to wash it with and the greasy residue would get even harder and, with soap being a rare commodity, it was only our nails or handfuls of straw and rough soil that came in handy to achieve a task (although it was never fully achieved). And talking of hot water, I must remind you that I remember when hot water became an option, yet remained a luxury owing to its scarcity for many years.

Otherwise, most of the duties where water was involved were carried out with cold

water only – very cold water, that is.

Now coming back to Ahmadiyya Chowk, we would get to see thousands of people meeting, greeting and embracing each other in the brotherly love that is unique only to our Jalsa Salana. I remember hearing someone asking another, “How are you here? Didn’t you say you would never come back to Qadian or the Jamaat?”

The reply has always remained etched on my mind: “Yes, I said so. But who can leave this lovely Jamaat? I had to come back!”

Let’s stay in the Ahmadiyya Chowk and add to it the nazms that people would start reciting and people would huddle around to listen. And through such crowds walked stalwarts like Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra, Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahibra, Syed Sarwar Shah Sahibra, Maulvi Ghulam Ghaus Sahibra – what a bouquet of spiritually charged personalities was Qadian. People would start walking with these great personalities and listen to whatever they had to say. Even if they were answering someone’s question, others would just join and listen carefully from that point onwards.

Then happened the painful incident of the partition. We had to move to Lahore and then Rabwah. I remember just how strange it seemed when the first Jalsa Salana was meant to happen in the town that then looked like nothing more than a wilderness.

The water in Rabwah, in its early days, was hard-water and not suitable for drinking. It had to be brought in in tankers, yet had to be consumed very parsimoniously. Every drop was precious.

But these tankers that brought water, also roused clouds of dust – quite naturally for a land that had for centuries been barren – that made visibility and breathing a challenge in their own right. But as soon as the institution of Jalsa Salana was transplanted in Rabwah, it took root almost immediately and started to flourish.

I was very fortunate to serve with Maulana Abul Ata Sahib and Maulana Abdul Maalik Khan Sahib when they were the muntazims of the stage programme respectively. I was blessed to assume this responsibility in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. Sometimes, urgent announcements had to be made even during Huzoor’sra address.

I remember how we would muster up the courage, walk up to the rostrum and then Huzoorra would immediately notice and allow for the announcement to be made. I have a photograph from one such occasion which always reminds me of Jalsa Salana of

Rabwah.

By the grace of Allah, I personally witnessed when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra first mentioned how voice amplifiers were being used in large gatherings to take the speaker’s voice farther than it could naturally reach. I remember when he launched a scheme for funds to be raised for such an audio amplifying system. And I also remember how a devoted Ahmadi had arranged for the system to be purchased and installed. I remember how that technology was used to amplify the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

Being a witness to that and being a witness to the heights that MTA has seen humbles me and makes me ever so thankful to Allah to let me live through so many episodes of Jamaat’s success story.

You asked me about my early memories of Jalsa Salana. From what I have mentioned above, I now look back and think: Could I, or anyone else around me for that matter,

have ever imagined that Jalsa Salana would see such heights of prosperity? I don’t think so. Today when I hear my children and other people talk about “Jalsa car park” or issues related to it, I am left wondering how the Jalsa administration never had such a question for many decades, not to mention a whole nizamat. And this is just one example.

I can go on comparing so many aspects that point to huge leaps that Jalsa Salana has made under Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and as a sign of the Jamaat’s progress.

I would like to conclude by reminding myself and others that the blessings of Allah on the Jamaat are such that being grateful enough is something we need to always be watchful about. Although we can never thank Him enough, we cannot fall short of our best attempts. One way of doing so is staying behind our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The secret to every success lies in staying behind the Imam.

MKA Virginia’s regional ijtema Faran Rabbani USA Correspondent

Rashid Yousaf Sahib, Regional Motamid of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Virginia reports that their region held its ijtema on 16 July 2022, at the Masroor Mosque in Manassas. Around 200 Khuddam and Atfal from all across the Virginia region from the North Virginia, Research Triangle Park, Richmond Virginia, and South Virginia majalis attended the event.

The ijtema commenced at 9 am with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Khuddam pledge and opening remarks by this humble one serving as the Nazime-Ala of ijtema. In the end, regional qaid Bilal Raja Sahib led a silent prayer, which concluded the opening session.

This was followed by academic and sports competitions.

The region held an MKA Hub, in which various stalls were set up for Khuddam and Atfal to visit, such as “Letters to Beloved Huzooraa stall”, “Murabbi Corner”, “Chanda

Stall”, “Wasiyyat Corner” and a “Games Corner.

During the afternoon session, my humble self and regional qaid led an engaging session on the theme of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA and developing a relationship and closeness to Allah. The session included clips consisting of excerpts of the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. This was followed by the closing session and awards were distributed to the best performing Atfal and Khuddam. This concluded the event.

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

10

Pioneer Missionaries

Part I

Sacrifices and achievements A series looking at pioneer missionaries and devotees of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat who gave precedence to faith over the world.

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

Introduction In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states, “Surely, Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their property in return for the Garden they shall have.”

(Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.111) Promising to make believers abide in a heavenly garden as a result of their sacrifices in the way of Allah, Allah further states: “Rejoice, then, in your bargain which you have made with Him; and that it is which is the supreme triumph.” (Surah alTaubah, Ch.9: V.111) To further illustrate this point, Allah has presented the great examples of Prophets Abrahamas and Ishmaelas in various places of the Holy Quran.

To attain Allah’s support and love, it is incumbent upon those individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Islam to keep the examples of Prophet Abrahamas and his son, Prophet Ishmaelas, before them.

This great lesson of history certainly spells out that if one devotes everything they have for the pleasure of Allah, while rejuvenating their faith in the remembrance of Prophet Abrahamas and offers their life in the same manner, their sacrifice and devotion shall surely be accepted by Allah Almighty.

In the early period of Islam, the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa demonstrated the true meaning of waqf (dedication of life for a noble cause) through their actions, feelings, emotions, desires, comfort, wealth and every aspect of human life. And by setting a precedent for every kind of selfless sacrifice, they set an example for future generations.

The concept of waqf in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Thus, in this age of the revival of Islam, in remembrance of the above-mentioned eternal sacrifices, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas restarted the scheme of waqf. Everything Hazrat Ahmadas did was based on Allah’s desire.

His zeal to spread Islam and defend it as superior over all religions was unparalleled in the last 1300 years. He devoted all he had to the cause of Islam. This is the spirit Hazrat Ahmadas wished to establish within the members of his Jamaat.

In September 1907, the Promised Messiahas initiated a scheme for life-devotees (Badr, 3 October 1907) and on this occasion, instructed Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra

to make a list of people who had dedicated their lives. Therefore, a register was made for this purpose in which the names of the Companions who offered their lives for this noble cause were recorded.

After the demise of the Promised Messiahas, his khulafa, in their respective times, carried forward this great system of life dedication in the form of various schemes. Thus, through schemes such as Waqf-e-Zindagi, Waqf-e-Aulad (waqf of one’s offspring), Waqf Baad Az Retirement (waqf after retirement), Waqf-e-Arzi and Waqf-e-Nau, members of the Jamaat were – as they are today - able to serve in various capacities. While the youth of the Jamaat offered themselves for the service of religion, parents also responded to these schemes and offered their children for this noble cause. Similarly, older people, with their experience, came to the service of the Jamaat after retirement. People from different walks of life were able to go to different departments during the holidays and serve as temporary devotees, and this practice has continued to this day. Around 75,522 fortunate souls, from all over the world, have joined the Waqf-e-Nau scheme, alone. (Al Hakam, Ahmadiyyat continues to progress: Huzoor delivers the second-day address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021) Let us now reflect on some pertinent questions, such as, what is waqf? What are its requirements? What are the things to

keep in mind when making this decision?

In this regard, the Promised Messiahas states: “True Islam is to dedicate all of one’s energy and strength in the way of Allah for the rest of one’s life so that one may inherit a pure life. Therefore, God Almighty points to this divine endowment [in the following verse]:

َ َ​َ َ َ ْ َ ّٰ ‫َم ْن أ ْسل َم َو ْﺟ َﻬ ُہ لِل ِہ َو ُﻫوَ ُم ْﺤ ِﺴ ٌن فل ُہ أ ْﺟﺮُ ُه ِﻋن َد َر ِّب ِہ َولَا خوْ ٌف‬ َ ُ ْ ‫َﻋل ْی ِﻬ ْم َولَا ُﻫ ْم یَ� َ�ﻧوْ َن‬

“[‘Whoever submits himself completely to Allah, and is the doer of good, shall have his reward with his Lord. No fear shall come upon such, neither َ َ (shall they) grieve’]. The meaning of ‫ أ ْسل َم‬in this place is that one falls at the threshold of the Divine, shrouded by the garment of humility and meekness; and should dedicate his life, wealth, and honour for Allah and make the world, and all its elements, a servant of religion.” (Al Hakam, 16 August 1900) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, whilst stating how Allah accepts the sacrifice of His servant and how He makes this sacrifice fruitful, wrote: “Whosoever sacrifices [his life in Allah’s cause], Allah bestows special grace on him.

Allah becomes his guardian.” (Badr, 21 January 1909) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, while initiating the call to devote one’s entire life, states:

“The current condition of Islam demands that an entire lifetime is dedicated for it – and there should be many who dedicate their lives. This is such a time where, currently, to serve in a small capacity shall be of greater reward than to give huge services at a later time. Islam is being effaced. Therefore, a little service of those who aid at this time shall be of greater value.” (Friday Sermon, 20 September 1918, published in Al Fazl, 1 October 1918, p. 5) The instructions and advice of the khulafa of the Promised Messiahas are worthy of being written and remembered because it is through their words and advice that lifedevotees are equipped with spiritual alms to aid them. For example, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, through his various speeches and addresses, instilled within missionaries the spirit of determination and taught them to work in every field and to face every challenge with purpose and high spirits. The advice given by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Dinra, on his departure for the United States, included: “The one who is disappointed never succeeds; the one who contemplates his future endeavours, even while [his neck is] under the sword, succeeds.” (Al Fazl, 25 January 1923) The khulafa, while striving for the intellectual advancement of early lifedevotees, also took steps to show the world the greatness of the sacrifices of lifedevotees. For example, in October 1946, when Maulvi Rashid Ahmad Chughtai Sahib was about to leave for Palestine as a missionary, he requested Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra to visit his home in Qadian. Thus, despite his frail health at the time, Huzoorra fulfilled his request by visiting his house and leading a silent prayer.

New series in Al Hakam In this series, we endeavour to provide a brief overview of the sacrifices and works of over 200 well-known servants of the Jamaat who dedicated their lives and performed their duty of preaching Islam Ahmadiyyat to the corners of the Earth. Among them were fortunate personalities who endured the hardships of imprisonment for this noble cause and returned victorious from the jihad of preaching. Some sacrificed their lives and attained the status of martyrdom.

These soldiers of Islam were given this victory by the grace of God Almighty; however, the Ahmadiyya Khilafat played a huge role in instilling this spirit of sacrifice.

The khulafa carried out this mission with great efficiency and diligence on the solid foundations which the Promised Messiahas

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022 installed. Their efforts launched a network of tabligh centres all over the world and started a revolution in favour of Islam, causing those who opposed and attacked Islam to flee.

After a series of failures, Christian missions in some African countries were forced to stop preaching. Due to the efforts of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, the doctrine of the Trinity began to fade. This is a fact that is acknowledged by even non-Muslims. The Muslim world will always be indebted to the Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat for carrying out this universal spiritual revolution.

Let us now look at some of the sacrifices of these early missionaries:

Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib

Hazrat Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman was born in East Bengal. When he accepted Ahmadiyyat at the age of 15, his father ousted him from his home. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib then came to Qadian and, under the instruction and guidance of Hazrat Mulseh-e-Maudra, began studying at Islamia College Lahore.

Later, his father also accepted Ahmadiyyat and went to Qadian. After completing his BA, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib was appointed as the headmaster in a village named Ghatyalian (now in district Sialkot, Pakistan). During this time, he completed his MA and dedicated his life to the service of Islam.

In 1928, he was appointed as a missionary in the United States, where he served until 1948. There, he also wrote a few books and served as the editor of The Review of Religions.

Regarding Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib, Syed Ahmad Ali Shah Sahib, who was the then missionary-in-charge of Karachi, said that when Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib returned home after serving for 12 years in the United States as a preacher, his son, Lutf-ur-Rahman, and other members of the Jamaat arrived at the Karachi airport to receive him. Syed Ahmad Ali Shah Sahib stated that he noticed that Sufi Sahib did not speak to his son. Syed Ahmad Ali Shah Sahib asked, “Do you know this boy?”

Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib replied in the negative.

Syed Ahmad Ali Shah Sahib narrated that his eyes welled up and he became very emotional. He said that due to his eyes filling with tears, he could barely point out to tell him that the young boy, Lutf-ur-Rahman, was in-fact Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib’s

son. The young Lutf-ur-Rahman remained silent. Sufi Sahib got up, with tears flowing from his eyes, and immediately embraced his son. (Al Fazl Rabwah, 24 February 2005, p. 4) Having spent 12 years serving Islam in another country far away from his family, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Sahib, upon arrival, was unable to recognise his son who had then become a young adult.

These resilient life-devotees were thousands of miles away from their loved ones and families. These men of God fulfilled the duty of preaching Ahmadiyyat to the corners of the Earth.

The first missionary of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to Europe, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra, after completing his studies and attaining his degree, was fortunate enough to be appointed as a missionary to England in June 1913. He established the first Ahmadiyya mission in Europe. He will forever be remembered as the first missionary of England.

Flicking through the pages of history, we read that in addition to the unfamiliar environment, severe weather and different diet, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra faced strange obstacles and even opposition in his preaching activities.

Khawaja Kamal-ud-Din Sahib, who was already present in London, sent a request to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira to send a missionary to London. Therefore, on the call of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra offered his name for this great cause which was graciously accepted 101

by Hazrat Khalifatul ra Masih IHadrat .

Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayyal

Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra

Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra states that when Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra visited London, he printed and distributed a pamphlet entitled Wafat-e-Hazrat Isaas (The Death of Prophet Jesusas). When Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib found out about this, he asked him why he had published this pamphlet and stated that it was a means of causing disruption and commotion as the very basis and foundation of Christianity was in the belief of Jesus’ ascension. After listening to what Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib had to say, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra replied that if he could not prove the death of Prophet Jesusas, then what was the point of his coming to

London?

Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra adopted various methods of preaching in London. He stated that he used to go to Hyde Park in London and preached daily at Speakers’ Corner – a place dedicated to public speaking and frequented by the likes of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell. Various people would come and listen to the message of Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra.

What is remarkable is that Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra had the courage to preach the truth whilst sitting in the heart of the British Empire. It should be remembered that at that time, a significant part of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, was under British rule and in such a time, a person from one of its subjugated regions, who abided by his religion, traditional style of attire, beard and appearance, was not influenced in the slightest by the European life and remained devoted to preaching the true teachings of Islam.

In April 1918, he returned to India. He visited London again in 1919 and stayed there till May 1921. During this time, under the guidance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, he also acquired a plot of land, where the Fazl Mosque, London is located today.

Compared to Muslim states, organisations and institutions that possess wealth, political and social influence, the purchase of a plot of land in London, which would later serve as the residence of Khilafat for three and a half decades (1984 to 2019), by a humble missionary of the Jamaat is nothing short of remarkable.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was residing in Dharamshala, a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, when he received the good news of land being purchased in London. Upon this joyous occasion, he held a simple ceremony expressing his gratitude towards Allah. In this ceremony, all those accompanying Huzoorra on the journey – such as Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra MA, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismailra, Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dardra, Hazrat Dr Hashmatullah Khanra – took turns to read out poems about the mosque in London which was to be built. After everyone had recited their odes, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra recited the following couplets from his poem:

� ‫��ِ �ك � آواز ٴہ‬ �‫��� ا‬ � � � �‫�ر� ا‬ �� � � ‫ �ب‬،������‫د������ د‬

� ‫� �ے‬ � � � �� � ‫�ر‬ �‫�ن � � � اب �ِ �د�� � ا‬

“A call to God’s unity has been made from the centre of polytheism; watch as the sun rises from the West.

“How can darkness prevail before light?

The tyranny of old gods is now to see its end.”

The poems were followed by the Asr prayer. After salat, dinner was presented and many were invited for this joyous occasion where praise and gratitude was offered to Allah for granting this victory. This was a step closer to the propagation of Islam to the Western audience and opening the doors to the fulfilment of the Holy Prophet’ssa words with regard to the Latter Days, “The sun shall rise from the West”.

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

12

Jalsa Salana volunteers: Born to serve God Aqeel Ahmed Kang Al Hakam

Over the last couple of years, you may have observed some changes to your hands-on Jalsa experience due to the pandemic. One thing, however, that shall never change is the eagerness and passion of the volunteers to serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas; no amount of rain or mud and not even a global pandemic can dampen their spirits.

They have been trained to serve God and His creation right from childhood and it never stops, with one generation passing the baton on to the next as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa recalls: “I started performing Jalsa duties from a very young age. As far as I can remember, I do not recall any Jalsa when I was not on duty. Abba [Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahib] was the Nazim of Langar Khana Number 1 – the Langar Khana situated behind Nusrat Girls School in Rabwah.

His days and nights were spent there. As a very young child, I would accompany him. I remember walking to the Jalsa duty, holding his finger. [...] I always offered my duty in Langar Khana, even when I was a tifl. Then at every stage, I was blessed to serve in the Langar Khana of the Promised Messiahas. I was a khadim [servant] even as a tifl; I was a khadim as a khadim; a khadim in Ansarullah and, to this day, I remain a khadim.” (Jalsa Salana Memories – Exclusive Interview with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Al Hakam, 20 July 2019) Hence, Jalsa Salana is also a great platform for the training of the next generation of Ahmadi volunteers.

As the Jalsa Salana UK 2022 commences in Alton, Hampshire, a 6,000-strong force of volunteers, comprising men, women, boys and girls from all backgrounds, is given just a few weeks to set up and wind down the entire Jalsa village, that is Hadeeqatul Mahdi, with all its amenities. Many of the volunteers are successful professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers and entrepreneurs etc.

The Jalsa Salana administration draws on their professional expertise but it is also not uncommon to see a city banker cutting onions in the Langar Khana or a young student preparing content for a global MTA audience using cutting-edge technology.

Their love for Khilafat and a desire to serve the Faith unites them all and puts students, professors, labourers, entrepreneurs, fulltime mothers and high-ranking officials all on an equal footing with one goal; to excel each other in serving the Faith.

Many of the departments have an identical setup on both, the ladies’ as well as the men’s sides; for instance, just as men have hygiene teams, so do women and so on.

Al Hakam interviewed some of these volunteers working tirelessly day and night

to give us all a flavour of what goes on behind the scenes.

1. Roti Plant: Carrying my father’s badge “My Name is Fathay Rashid and, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, I am a waqife-nau. I started my career as an automotive technician which I learned from my late father Abdul Rashid Sahib, and this created my foundation and helped me to get on to the aviation industry, which opened many more doors. My automotive skills helped me with hands-on work such as repairing, maintenance, welding, etc. Studying aviation helped me understand complex systems and their functions, i.e. pneumatic systems and automatic controls.

“With the help of these two skills, I have been designing and implementing new systems in the roti plant every year and, insha-Allah, in other departments very soon.

I strongly believe new technologies and systems should be invented and developed for Jalsa Salana and then given to the world.

“I was introduced to the Roti Plant Department by my late father Abdul Rashid Sahib when I was a tifl. At the time of my father’s demise, he was Naib Nazim Roti Plant Engineering and his duty badge was given to me in 2015 with the difference in name and picture. At that time I made a promise to myself that under any circumstances I will give my best to the Roti

Plant and as much time as it requires.

“Now, I have been working in the Roti Plant Department of Jalsa Salana UK for 12 years and I am currently serving the department as Nazim Roti Plant Engineering. My team and I start our work six months prior to the Jalsa. Our aim is to have all the systems perform at their best during Jalsa without any breakdowns and also improve the quality of production.

Alhamdulillah, we are at a stage where any faults within the systems can be repaired within an hour during Jalsa.

“At Jalsa Salana UK 2019 I developed a machine which helped the workers with cutting the freshly mixed dough into 12 kg pieces. Prior to the development of the machine, this work was done by hands and knives. This dough was then put into boxes where they waited an hour before going into the main plant for cooking.

“This project was mentioned by Huzooraa in his Friday Sermon of 2 August 2019. Huzooraa said: “‘This year, the young engineers working at the roti plant have made specific

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

improvements to the flour kneading machine which has made the flour extraction process even more effective. The person in charge of the roti plant and the young engineer, who is also a waqif-e-nau, and their team is now working to make further improvements to ensure that the flour moves from the kneading machine to the cooking machine directly instead of the current practice of having the workers carry the flour in buckets and deliver it physically and this particular hurdle of the process will no longer be required. “‘However, it does not mean that we will deprive the workers of serving because of this automatic machine, rather, God willing, these workers will be assigned to roles where they can serve in an even better manner. In fact, this is a distinctive feature of the Jamaat that from childhood to senior age, our workers strive to perform any duty with utmost joy, to the best of their abilities. “‘In any case, the reason I mentioned this is because there was a time when it was challenging for the management to provide food for 4,000 to 5,000 people. During those times, ninety per cent of the rotis were purchased from an outside vendor. A small second-hand roti plant was installed, but even that would constantly break down.

It required the constant attention of the engineers. “‘Our senior engineers of the Jamaat spent a lot of time working on this. Even then, this old plant would only produce a few thousand rotis, which were not round and were of the same shape as the pitta bread.

Now, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, they produce hundreds of thousands of rotis themselves in order to serve 35,000 to 40,000 attendees. “‘People also appreciate its quality and I also regularly assess the quality of this roti and indeed, it is far better than the rotis which were produced previously. May Allah Almighty further increase the skills of the youngsters who are carrying out this work.

May He also grant them the wisdom and further increase their capacity to do this

work so that they can serve the guests of Jalsa more than ever before.’” (Al Hakam, 30 August 2019) Fathay Rashid continued: “After testing the machines for two years and with the continuing development, it was ready for further automation by removing the boxes completely. Therefore this year the manual process of the dough moving from the mixing stage to the main plant will be done automatically. Without any human contact with the dough, the health and safety aspect of the roti plant will increase manifold. This newly developed system will do the work of 10 voluntary workers automatically.

“For this year’s Jalsa Salana UK, we started preparation in December 2021 as a lot of system development was required and new machinery was to be designed, built and installed. Due to the tight budget, we acquired many parts pre-used and then refurbished them. Most of the frame-related work was done with scrap metal that was bought from Scotland for a sum of £700 as new metal would have cost over £4,000.

“During this project, we faced many difficulties and problems that were overcome with the help of Allah the Almighty and He showed His signs at every step.

“To illustrate this, I was very worried about a conveyor (a very important part of the system) that was not available anywhere and custom-made was not the solution as it was too expensive. After months of searching, I found a factory that was closing down in Wales and they had a conveyor which could work but required a lot of modifications. After many thoughts and without any other options I left for Wales to see this conveyor and negotiate the asking price of £8,000, despite it being too expensive and I was simply not able to justify its price.

“On my way to Wales, I prayed a lot that ‘Allah please help me through this as without this conveyor the system would not be possible and the asking price of it is way out of our budget.’ When I reached the

factory, I saw that the conveyor would not fit into our system and it was yet again another dead end. At this point, my eyes were full of tears that my hard work was incomplete and that six months of work would be wasted because of one conveyor.

“Shortly after that, Allah the Exalted helped me; the person I went to see said he would give me a tour of the factory as I really enjoyed looking at the systems. After looking around the factory we came out to their backyard where a lot of components were laying around to be thrown away into scrap. There, I saw a glimpse of some conveyor parts along with other junk and dug them out, realising that these were all the parts I needed to make a conveyor by ourselves for our machine. I asked him how much he wanted for this as they were going to be thrown away. He replied, ‘£200’. So, I bought those straight away. With this, I made the conveyor.

“Alhamdulillah, we completed this project a few weeks ago and successfully carried out all the testing with the help of Allah.”

2. Lajna Tea Stall: I knew Allah was taking care of everything “I am Mansoora Chaudhry and I have been blessed with the responsibility to serve as Nazima Tea Stall at Jalsa Salana UK. In my personal life, I have a business of my own where I manage events.

“Looking after my children and family, alongside everything else, sometimes

gets very hectic but I find comfort in the knowledge that Allah has blessed me in countless ways. It motivates me to do more as I realise that I serve the Jamaat for the sake of Allah Who rewards me manifold for every second I spend in His cause.

“At the ladies’ tea stall, we have an exceptionally hard-working team from diverse backgrounds. However, when we work, we work as one! Regardless of how big or small the task is, everyone gets together to complete it.

“Although we prepare and serve tea, we have a great offering at the stall, which requires many different tasks to be completed, including the constant washing of the massive teapots to ensure consistently perfect taste. We also cater for the different tastes of people; sugar, or no sugar, milk or no milk, strong or mild etc. Some even prefer green tea or coffee over chai!

“In addition to being used in chai and coffee, the milk is also used to prepare kachi lassi that we serve to everyone. Moreover, milk is offered to mothers with infants. This important task is accomplished by our hardworking young nasirat. They serve milk to the mothers of young kids based on their preferred temperature and also offer to wash the milk bottles for them.

“We also have a hygiene team who make sure everything is and remains clean.

They clean the spillages, wash the pots, and properly dispose of the rubbish, which requires constant effort.

“Our discipline team ensures that everyone is welcomed with a smile and salaam. They also ensure that everyone is complying with the Covid measures as well as other health and safety protocols.

“Our serving team has a challenging job, as they are handling hot liquids which require constant attention. However, they always have a smile on their faces.

“We’ve had extreme weather conditions at Jalsa over the years; sometimes scorching hot and at other times, very wet and muddy too. Both weather conditions have their challenges. I remember a few years ago when it was so hot at Jalsa that merely standing outside was difficult. Inside our little marquee with six stoves felt like standing inside a hot furnace. This did not deter our teams from serving the guests of the Promised Messiahas. Instead, the sherbet team got to work more diligently than ever and the entire team kept each other motivated with na‘ra-e-takbir.

“Usually, we start making tea from Tahajjud and finish once everyone has retired to the accommodation marquees and after having sent the tea urns to the accommodation marquees and leaving some behind as well for the guests to help themselves, thus ensuring that tea is available 24/7.

“We have had so many challenging situations but I have also seen Allah’s countless blessings and little miracles happen right in front of my eyes. I remember in the early years we had a day when I was short of helping hands at a very busy time of the day with a storm of people heading from the food marquee towards the tea stall.

I was just reciting Durood Sharif. I stood outside and felt helpless. At that moment, I just looked toward the sky and prayed to Allah and within a few minutes, two girls Continued on page 16

(peace be upon him)

An exhibition of handicrafts, prepared

by Lajna, held during Jalsa

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Mahmud Ahmadra ra Nuruddin delivers his delivers his first first Jalsa Speech Al Hakam 1914: Lajna hold their Jalsa speech own proceedings parallel report on the The first Jalsa to the men’s proceedings Jalsa for the Salana in Qadian of Jalsa Salana first time 1891

1892

1899

1906

1914

Lajna Jalsa administration set up departments

Jalsa held in the month of Ramadan for the first time 1926

1933

1934

For the first tim 1891

1892

1905

1914

1922

1928

1934

1936

1939

Lajna proceedings of Anjuman Jalsa are managed by The first industrial Hazrat Mirza Karpardaz Lajna themselves for the exhibition held Nasir Ahmadrh Masaleh Bahishti first time during Jalsa delivers his first Maqbarah Jalsa speech (Directorate Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin for Bahishti Mahmud Ahmad, The first tract announcing the Maqbarah) Jalsa guests use the train Loudspeaker Khalifatul Masih IIra Jalsa was published by founded during to come to Qadian for used for the addresses the Lajna in the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Jalsa Salana first time their part of the Jalsa Gah the first time Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas The first ever Majlis-e-Shura of the Jamaat held during Jalsa

The first Lajna Majlis-e-Shura

1938

Centenary Jalsa of the second century of the Jamaat The first Jalsa Salana The first Jalsa UK of Khilafat-eSalana UK as Khamisa central Jalsa of the Jamaat

The first convoy from Pakistan to Qadian to participate in Jalsa

The first speech of the Sair-e-Ruhani series by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra delivered 1945

1948

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh delivers his first Jalsa speech 1960

1982

me at Jalsa Salana 1947

1949

The first (and only) Jalsa Salana UK at Rushmoor Arena

The first international Majlis-e-Shura

1973

1984

1985

1985

1991

1989

1992

2003

1993

2005

2006

The first international bai‘at The Government at Jalsa Salana UK of Pakistan bans The first Jalsa Jalsa Salana (and Salana Rabwah The first Jalsa banned ever The first The first Jalsa to be Salana UK at since) Jalsa Salana The first Jalsa Qadian broadcast live via MTA Hadeeqatul at Islamabad, where the Head of The first Jalsa after the partition of Mahdi, Alton Tilford the Jamaat could not The first time that foreign India that was graced by Khalifatul (formerly known Surrey guests travelled in the grace the occasion as Oakland Farm) Masih (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih form of delegations IVrh)

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

16 more the deep heartfelt conviction of the prayers which resonated deeply within our hearts. It was a reminder to us as well, that we are indeed fortunate to be tasked with what may appear to be a very difficult and unpleasant duty. However, in the eyes of Allah, we can be recipients of tremendous blessings.

“Undoubtedly, throughout the last decade of being under the hygiene department, it is the prayers of the Promised Messiahas and Huzooraa, the honour of serving the Jamaat and the guests of the Promised Messiahas, which gives continued conviction to me for the simple prayer: that God may always give us the ability to continue serving the Jamaat in any capacity we can.”

4. Lajna Hygiene Department: Hearts changed through Huzoor’s prayers Continued from page 13

in their late teens came to me and asked if they could help. And we got through that busy time. At that moment, I knew it was all Allah’s work and He was the One Who was doing everything.”

3. Men’s Hygiene Department: Blessed to be given the opportunity to serve “I’m Rafiq Bhatti and from a professional perspective, I am a qualified optometrist, working in and around the Kent area. In terms of the Jamaat, I serve under MKA as naib mohtamim tarbiyat MKA UK. “Alhamdulillah, over the last decade, I have had the honour of working in the hygiene department as naib nazim. The role entails the general cleanliness of Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

“There is a well-known hadith of the Holy Prophetsa that “cleanliness is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-taharah, babu fadli l-wudu’). With this in mind, our responsibility and duty to the guests of Jalsa Salana is of paramount importance.

“The Jalsa site is vast and we have to ensure the cleanliness of all areas including the Langar area, dining, accommodation, car parks as well as the Jalsa Gah arena.

“To break this into simple stages: 1. Litter is collected from the site by hand.

2. Rubbish bags when full are emptied from bins.

3. Fresh black bags are then placed in the bins.

4. Full bags are collected in vans 5. Bags are then thrown into skips at the back of the site 6. Skips are then removed daily.

“Over all these years of being part of such a wonderful team of khuddam, there have been many memorable times. Foremost the camaraderie and brotherhood become stronger each year. At times the work feels endless but when one simply reminds themself of how we are serving Khilafat and moreover, the guests of the Promised Messiahas, it gives an unparalleled desire to continue without any hesitation.

“In essence, one feels blessed that we have the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in this capacity, be it even picking up rubbish.

“It resonates in my mind continuously

what Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said, that there would come a time, one day, in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya when people would express their desire to perform a duty for the Jamaat, but would be told that there was no requirement for them. How blessed are we that we can be recipients of the prayers of the Promised Messiahas in the current times!

“I would also like to share an event with the readers of Al Hakam, which I hold very close to my heart: “A Jalsa prior to the pandemic, in addition to be assigned the general hygiene duty, we were also tasked to clean the toilets on site. We duly got to work and continued our task. As cleaning can be quite arduous and not necessarily the most pleasant task, we as a team continually smile and support one another to make everything we do feel like light work. There was an elderly gentleman who was looking to see if any of the toilets were available. Upon seeing him, we pointed out one cubicle which was available. We went towards the door of the cubicle and opened it for him. This led us to the realisation that the cubicle and everything within was in dire need of cleaning. We told the gentleman to give us a couple of minutes and the cubicle would be good to use. A few minutes later, he thanked us and walked in and we continued with our work. A little while later, this gentleman came to us and began to thank us again. We looked at him and he had tears in his eyes.

He explained to us that there was a time when he was a lot younger when he had such opportunities to serve the Jamaat but had not taken advantage of any such duty. Today due to health conditions, he was less mobile and only wished that he had the ability to serve the Jamaat as he could have then. He explained to us that we were tremendously blessed for what we were doing and then went on to pray for us.

“In all my years, I have never felt such anguish and heartfelt prayers. He prayed for us, our team, and our families and his eyes continued welling up with tears. He prayed that Allah may give us nothing but happiness throughout our lives and went on to pray for our progeny and generations to come. He then slowly walked away.

“I remember clearly being with one of my khuddam brothers, Mansoor Ahmad and we looked at one another and were speechless. It was not for all the prayers but

“My name is Fozia Riaz. It is my great honour that I have been able to serve the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat in different capacities starting from the age when I stepped into Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya. At present, I am serving as sadr Lajna Baitun Noor Region.

As far as Jalsa Salana is concerned, I have had the great privilege of serving in various departments over the years including Children’s Marquee, Ziafat and Discipline Andaroon.

“Last year the hygiene department was assigned to me. In the beginning, I encountered some hurdles in forming the team and convincing girls, some of whom are highly educated and qualified, to join the team. However, as is always the case when an Ahmadi faces a challenge, I wrote to Huzooraa and requested prayers. Khilafate-Ahmadiyya is a great blessing of Allah and members of the Jamaat love Khilafat so much that they are always ready to sacrifice everything for their beloved Imam. Hence, the hurdles were removed and the girls, who were initially hesitant to join the team, when I explained to them the significance of their service at Jalsa Salana and the blessings and prayers of Huzooraa they would get as a result, they readily joined the team. And they did the work so well that we had no trouble carrying out our assigned job.

“I observed the girls working diligently and with great enthusiasm. Even some girls’ mothers were astonished and happy to see their daughters working like this in the hygiene department.

“Although it was a challenging job, as we also had to ensure that Covid-19 protocols were followed, nevertheless, the ladies put in their full effort. Hence, the guests were

very happy and would pray for the workers, which further invigorated the volunteers.

“I truly believe that behind all this miraculous change there is the spiritual power of the prayers of Khalifatul Masih, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa. His prayers are always assisting us in our matters; his attention is so miraculous that hearts start to melt. May Allah grant our Huzooraa a long, healthy and active life and enable us to be his helping hands.

“This year we aim to maintain or, rather, elevate the level of our service, as our department was praised by beloved Huzooraa last year. Although it is never an easy undertaking to improve one’s performance, our volunteers are prepared to assist once more and with even greater passion, insha-Allah.”

5. Power Supply Department: No time to relax “My name is Qasid Ahmad Malik. I was born and raised in Islamabad, Tilford. I have been blessed to be attached to the Jamaat all my life, growing up in Islamabad alongside many waqifeen-e-zindagi and their families. I grew up in an environment where life revolved around the Jamaat, but in particular, the highlight was Jalsa Salana in Islamabad. I remember as a young boy seeing the marquees going up, the atmosphere building up to Jalsa with so many volunteers working to make a memorable and successful Jalsa every year.

“My father was part of the Jalsa Salana Power Supply team, providing the crucial power supply to all aspects of Jalsa, including the main Jalsa marquee, the accommodation areas, the bazaar, etc. I remember how my father used to constantly get calls over the radio throughout the Jalsa period; he never had time to sit down and relax during Jalsa!

“I grew up admiring the dedication and sacrifices everyone made during Jalsa. It was the Jamaat volunteers from all backgrounds who were my role models growing up. I would be encouraged to do waqar-e-amal in preparation for Jalsa. I had also done various duties during Jalsa, including Water Duty and Reserve Duty. In Islamabad, it was traditional to be doing a duty during Jalsa, no matter what it may be.

“Having a keen interest in engineering, I focused my studies on electrical and electronic engineering. I wanted to follow my father’s path and do duty with the Power Supply team.

“I started working with the Power Supply team when I was in college (2006, at 16 years old), having gained a vast amount of experience while working in Hadeeqatul

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

17

Mahdi. I had gained experience working with my nazims who trained me and supported me. I eventually studied electrical and electronic engineering at university.

“I recently started as a senior electrical engineer for a multinational energy company. I provide engineering services for designing power supply to onshore and offshore plants, including for offshore wind farms in renewables. The work I do is part of various projects which supply oil, gas, power and renewable energy. My work involves undertaking calculations, studies, specifications, and drawings for the electrical system to ensure it is safe, cost-effective, sustainable and optimised.

I have visited offshore platforms in order to commission electrical equipment for powering the platform in order to process oil and gas once it is extracted from the seabed.

“At Jalsa Salana UK, I am currently part of the Electrical Inspection & Testing team, serving as naib nazim. The work starts months before Jalsa, including PAT testing equipment such as kettles, fridges, freezers and fans etc. We also test generators, including installing earth rods and testing their safety.

“Once another team from the Power Supply department has completed the installation of all wiring and distribution, we then test each socket to ensure they are safe to use. During Jalsa, we inspect to ensure all equipment being used throughout is safe to use. This includes equipment in the bazaar, accommodation and all across the Jalsa site.

“In my role as naib nazim, I ensure all Power Supply team members carry out work safely. I also have a team that inspects equipment throughout Jalsa. I keep a record of all the findings for future analysis.

“In essence, volunteering for the Jamaat always brings with it so many blessings that one cannot comprehend. Even to this day, I do my best to sacrifice my time for the Jamaat with full passion. By the grace of Allah, I have received so many blessings for volunteering and giving time to the Jamaat. Thus, I would like to emphasise the importance of gaining work experience from the Jamaat, voluntarily and with passion.”

to engage in any work at the expense of the tarbiyat (moral and spiritual reformation) of my child, it has been my daily focus and challenge to meet that expectation. My children are now aged nine, six and eleven months, Alhamdulillah.

“Being a waqifa-e-nau means being ready to serve the Jamaat and Khilafat to the exclusion of all else. In many ways, I have been tested in this respect through various Jamaat duties and offices. Amongst the most challenging has been serving at our Jalsa Salana UK. “From the age of seven, I have had the honour to serve as a muavina in water duty, creche and security. I have always looked forward to the Jalsa days; where I get lost in the spirit and fever of gathering and hosting international guests.

“At 27 years old, I was appointed to serve as a nazima. The prospect of being responsible for an entire department was an enormous burden and very overwhelming.

However, if that was not testing enough, this appointment came with three unique challenges: One, I was appointed two weeks before Jalsa Salana – in fact, a week before the inauguration – so I had no time to absorb the shock; Two, I was put in charge of a brand-new department – Environmental Management – something new to all of us at Jalsa; Three, my two children at the time were aged four and 17 months old.

“Despite what initially appeared to be insurmountable obstacles, by the grace of Allah, I am now serving my fifth year as nazima for Environmental Management.

Last year my youngest child was born a month after Jalsa. Whilst pregnant, I remained serving as nazima, except that due to Covid restrictions my department was not operational. This allowed me one year to re-energise and make myself ready again.

“The journey for my children is important to me because being a waqifa-enau raising waqifeen-e-nau, I want to be a source of inspiration for their waqf similar to how my grandfather is for me. In fact, my two eldest children over the past few years have served and participated in many activities at Jalsa Salana alongside me.

They relish the opportunity to work hard for three days and it gives me enormous pleasure to watch them learn the etiquette of serving the guests of the Promised Messiahas from myself and fellow participants. Such character-building exercises are virtually impossible to replicate at any other time of the year; which is why missing out on Jalsa Salana for two years during the pandemic was so impactful.

“The Department of Environmental Management, in a word, is tasked with making Jalsa ‘green’. Government guidelines and societal trends are marching toward reducing our carbon footprint and educating ourselves in protecting our planet for our future generations. Our Jalsa Salanas are an example of how to conduct spiritual and peaceful gatherings the world over. We work closely with the local council to bring efficiencies in our processes, such as recycling certain materials and safely disposing of food waste. All the while we emphasise raising awareness amongst participants because this is a task we can only achieve together.

6. Langar Khana: Comradeship in the kitchen “My name is Waseem-ud-Din Ahmedi. I am an East African Asian, born in Kampala, Uganda to Pakistani parents.

“I arrived and settled in the UK in the early 1970s. My parents had a love for the Jamaat and would always send me, along with my brothers, to tarbiyati classes at the Fazl Mosque, London, being held under the guidance of Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib and later, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.

“After graduating in applied chemistry, I went with Humanity First on a food convoy mission to Bosnia for eight days in the early 90s.

“After my marriage in 1992, I moved to Manchester and joined the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as a police officer and have also been blessed to serve the Jamaat in various roles. By the grace of Allah, I have been blessed with three sons, one of whom is a waqif-e-zindagi.

“I am now a retired police sergeant for Greater Manchester Police, where I served

for 30 years as an operational officer. Whilst in service, I carried out various police roles in and around Manchester. As a result of my training as a police officer, I was also able to assist and advise the local community and Jamaat members regarding various issues.

“At Jalsa Salana UK, I am a volunteer in the Ziafat Department which is responsible for providing and preparing all the food for the guests. The department is divided into many different sections so as to cater for the various dietary requirements of all those attending. The department works a 24-hour shift pattern and some volunteers work the night-shift to ensure the department fulfils its obligation.

“My role involves cooking 12 large pots of curry, with each pot containing enough food to feed approximately 250 people. I ensure that they contain the right ingredients and amounts to prepare the curry. I liaise with other volunteers in the department who provide the ingredients and I then cook the ingredients to prepare the curry which on average takes approximately three hours per 12 pots. Once the curry has been prepared, I liaise with the nazim and update him.

“I volunteer to do the day-shift which starts at approximately 1 pm and can last as long as midnight depending on the requirements as agreed by the nazim.

“By the grace of Allah, I have been blessed with carrying out various roles at the Jalsa Salana. Initially, when I was a khadim I carried out car parking duties,

and security duties, and later on, for many years, I was a minibus driver for the Jalsa transport department which I thoroughly enjoyed particularly receiving guests of the Promised Messiahas from various airports.

“In my current role, I thoroughly enjoy meeting old friends. The brotherhood and commitment to serve the Jamaat is overwhelming. I feel the team has grown up together with all the brothers sharing each year their highs and lows, bringing us all together and increasing the brotherhood between us all.”

7. Lajna Department of Environmental Management “My name is Salma Snober Hayat. I am a psychology graduate. But, foremost, I am a waqifa-e-nau, wife and mother of three. I draw inspiration for my waqf (dedication) from my late maternal grandfather – Maulana Mian Abdul Hayee Sahib (who served in Indonesia). That connection with my late grandfather is especially invigorated when, in mulaqats, beloved Huzooraa always refers to me as the granddaughter of Mian Abdul Hayee Sahib.

“Since the birth of my first child, I have had the privilege of dedicating my time to my family as a homemaker. Growing up in British society, there are a lot of stigmas associated with being a housewife. But when beloved Huzooraa instructed me not

Continued on next page >>

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

18

Ahmadi mothe volunteering at Salana and bey << Continued from previous page

“At this year’s Jalsa we are going one step further and are looking to compost any food waste so that it goes directly back into enriching our environment. The ultimate goal is for our Jalsa to have a net-zero carbon footprint – something everyone can help to achieve!

“Each year I have been blessed with a hard-working and dedicated team of volunteers. We start planning many months in advance and the three days of Jalsa see them sacrificing hour-after-hour to ensure that our plans come to fruition. Being a new department, at times it’s been particularly difficult with having to make or change plans at the last minute. My team have, nevertheless, offered their unwavering support and commitment with sincerity and utmost humility. Similar to my own journey, I have given opportunities to mothers with young children to partake of the blessings of serving at Jalsa Salana, where ordinarily they would attend as guests. I am flexible in my shift patterns and encourage them to bring their children along, where appropriate, and work around their personal commitments.

This way, over the last five years, my team has grown with me and our children have also grown up together and are now offering their services in our department and elsewhere.

“As hosts of the International Jalsa Salana, it falls on our shoulders to be the true example of serving the guests of the Promised Messiahas. The underlying spirit and practical example of this was shown to

me when I attended Jalsa Salana Qadian in 2005 aged 16 years old. As a guest there, I witnessed unmatched care, love and respect.

Despite the enormous task of hosting the Khalifa and thousands of guests, I could not see any stress or worry on their faces. It was as though the duty-holders were looking after us in their own homes. This degree of personal attention, kindness and love is etched in my memory and are qualities I strive to inculcate in my service and inspire my children to develop in the few days of our great Jalsa Salana.”

These are just a few examples from among thousands of volunteers who selflessly serve the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat for the sake of Allah during Jalsa Salana. We cannot introduce them all, nor do they desire any fame. They feel fortunate to have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the Faith and thereby benefit from the prayers of the Promised Messiahas, who said: “There is only one thing that attracts my attention and makes me feel inclined to pray for an individual: When I come to know that a certain person is engaged in serving the Faith, and their existence is beneficial to [the cause of] God, His Messengersa, His Book and His servants, the pain and anguish that such a person feels, is actually my own.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 215-216) We pray that Allah may enable all of the Jalsa Salana volunteers to carry out their responsibilities in the best manner, may He reward them abundantly and may they continue to benefit from the prayers of Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa throughout their lives. Amin.

Faiza Mirza Sahiba is a full-time mother and serving as the local sadr of producer for the Drive Time

Faiza Mirza Gillingham, UK

We live in a world where feminism has almost become a muddled word. What is female empowerment? Is it to match men or to celebrate our uniqueness? With movements, and influencers blurring the lines as to what a woman is and what her rights are, we seem to be taking steps backwards in the modern world. Take one of the highest accolades a woman can have entrusted to her – motherhood. It just “isn’t enough” for a woman to focus on her progeny and in essence the future of the world. Mothers are pushed to focus on the here and now as opposed to the morrow – regardless of the impact this may have on their children.

Islam, on the other hand, truly champions women’s rights by ensuring mothers have no such pressure put on them.

Islam recognises how challenging a job motherhood is and has raised the status of righteous mothers by saying under their feet can Paradise be attained. (Sunan al-Nasa’i, Kitab al-jihad, babu r-rukhsati fi t-takhallufi li mun lahu walidah) Being members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community we are constantly reminded of this: “An imam who leads the prayers [at a mosque] cannot guarantee that those who are following him in prayers will be sent to heaven! On the contrary, such narrations are found that if an improper thought crosses the imam’s mind then he bears the burden of all the inappropriate thoughts of all those following him. How would he guarantee heaven for them? A woman on the other hand is someone who in respect of being a mother prepares good Imams for the future and thus leads them to heaven. She raises good citizens. She raises good scientists. She raises good rulers for the country. Therefore, the status of women is much higher in Islam. A true Muslim woman, an Ahmadi Muslim woman, therefore, should have no inferiority complex.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Jalsa Salana UK 2017, www.alislam. org/articles/preparing-for-tomorrow-raisingpious-children/) The truth of the matter is that Islam has

ensured equality of men and women by way of equity. Arbitrary equality in itself upsets the natural balance of order, but by entrusting males and females to do what they are designed to do, i.e. provide for, or nurture their family respectively, society is able to flourish.

A mother’s priority is her children and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has reminded women that motherhood is no small task.

He said: “We are those who believe in the Imam of the Age and proclaim that this most ardent devotee and servant of the Holy Prophetsa was to be sent by Allah Almighty in the Latter Days so that he may bring the world closer to God Almighty and inform them about the virtues of the religion of Islam.

Thus, under the current circumstances, it is imperative that we work hard and more diligently. We have to save not only ourselves from the world’s absurdities and evils, but, as I said, we also have to save the next generations and have to train them in a way that this awakening goes on and on, and one generation after another can not only benefit from the blessings of Allah the Exalted but also fulfils the rights owed to Allah and worships Him and continues to follow His commandments.” (Jalsa UK 2018, Huzoor’s Address from Ladies Jalsa Gah, www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOzlhN2kij8, accessed 1 August 2022) Being a stay-at-home mother is a blessing that no one should take lightly. It has its challenges but many rewards too.

And it in no way stops a woman from achieving her goals if done whilst keeping her priorities in mind. Islam reminds us that we must “seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”. So, who is to say motherhood means the end of our achievements? After all, by being members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community we should be ever ready to serve the Khalifa to propagate the message of true Islam to the corners of the Earth. This is why we proclaim in the Lajna pledge that: “I shall always be ready to sacrifice my life, property, time and children for the cause of faith and nation.”

How can we be of service to the Jamaat if motherhood stops at just raising children

19

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

ers t Jalsa yond Lajna Imaillah Gillingham, UK and on the Voice of Islam Radio as a lead Show and social media team.

and we forget to focus on being the best version of ourselves? The greater Jihad is where we better ourselves both spiritually and work toward the good of this world too. After all, “seeking knowledge is an obligation of every Muslim”. So why not use motherhood to grow with our children and work on being the best role model for them? Surely actions speak louder than words. Hence, it is no good to us saying we need to be ever ready to serve the Jamaat if we ourselves struggle to make time for our faith. Service to the Jamaat is something we should always see as a favour bestowed upon us by God Almighty that is temporary and can be taken away at any time. Thus, when the opportunity arises we should jump at the chance. Remember, Allah and the Jamaat are not in need of any one of us – to serve is an honour and we are ultimately the beneficiaries of such commitments. Some of these rewards only Allah knows, but others shine forth as I personally have seen and so have my children.

We have truly been blessed as a family that for the last six years we have been able to serve the Voice of Islam Radio. The station is one of the Jamaat’s latest tabligh platforms and airs 24/7 across DAB in 4 cities and expanding. At the inauguration of the station, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “The purpose of the Voice of Islam is to inform people of the true teachings of Islam and to make it abundantly clear that Islam’s teachings perfectly conform and relate to the needs of every era and every person. God willing, the listeners of this radio station will come to recognise that Islam’s teachings are of peace, love and compassion for all of mankind.” (www. pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2016/02/ head-of-ahmadiyya-muslim-communitylaunches-voice-of-islam-radio-to-spread-thepeaceful-teachings-of-islam/) To serve on this station as a producer and for the social media team from the comfort of my home and around my children’s schedule is such a blessing. Not only am I listening in to how Islam is the solution to today’s issues, but my children have also been hearing these positive

messages. Service to the Jamaat as a mother is such a blessing that it has huge ripple effects. Mothers don’t have the luxury of locking themselves into an office to get what they need to get done, but by doing what is needed around the children and their daily duties the children are able to understand the importance of giving time to faith as well. They see that there is something bigger than just looking out for number 1 – a stark difference from what they might experience in the secular world.

This life is about saving for the morrow – and the time is now:

they come back having sold what they took out to go remote selling with is priceless and they usually have a story or two about how some “aunty” or “uncle” was very kind to them. It is those moments that help them get over the early starts and late finishes during the Jalsa days and it is those stories that they take home. My daughter will often recite her favourite Jalsa story where we decided to hold a “win a radio” competition at Jalsa 2019. Turns out the winner lived in France - we really hope she got the DAB radio to work back there!

Regardless of us being a relatively new department at Jalsa, you feel as one with the rest of the volunteers, sharing the same goal to ensure you serve and reap the benefits of this blessed gathering. Our nazim is always ensuring the team on both sides are well looked after – which is always appreciated and adds to the memories for the children.

Meeting listeners of the station is always a highlight for me personally. Hearing feedback on how different shows have impacted people is lovely to share with the hard-working producers of those shows. At the last Jalsa, a lady was telling us about how she was stuck in heavy traffic coming into Jalsa on Saturday, but the positive outcome was that she was able to listen to the “Faith in Focus” Lajna special show which she resonated so much with. She was so inspired she wanted to also be part of the station and contribute to it.

The final day of Jalsa is always a bit of a memorable one for the team as we try to promote VOI merchandise to those leaving the Jalsa – a little token of the three days and a reminder that the spiritual uplift can continue by staying tuned into the

Voice of Islam Radio, whether that be on DAB (London, Machester, Edinburgh and Bradford) or globally on webstream (www. voiceofislam.co.uk).

Jalsa memories are precious – they are unique and no other worldly event can match those feelings we have. At the heart of it all is reminding ourselves of the purpose of Jalsa and the need to serve with the utmost humility. We are part of a beautiful Jamaat that champions women’s rights, elevates mothers to their true worth, promotes family values and above all gives us the opportunity to worship and serve God Almighty in the hope of attaining His pleasure and saving for our morrows. This is the only pathway to success for any family.

May Allah accept our sacrifices.

As Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said on Khilafat Day, 27 May 2022: “So long as every Ahmadi remains attached to Khilafat, they will continue to inherit the blessings of Allah the Almighty.

In order to achieve this, we must ensure that our actions are in line with the teachings of God Almighty. It is only then that we will benefit from this bounty and this is what Allah the Almighty has promised; those whose faith is accompanied by actions which comply with ways outlined by God, they will continue to reap the blessings of Khilafat. In other words, we will reap these benefits when we have complete faith in Allah the Almighty accompanied by fulfilling the rights of His worship and when our every action is in search of attaining Allah the Almighty’s pleasure.” (Al Hakam, 24 June 2022, Issue 223, p. 23)

َّ ُ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ ۡ ّٰ ُ َّ ُ َ � ‫ٰۤیا ّی َﻬا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َ َمنوا اتقوا الل َہ َول َتن� ۡۢ� �ف ٌﺲ ّما ق ّد َم ۡﺖ ل ِﻐ ٍد‬ ُ َ ۡ َ ّٰ َ ّٰ ُ ّ ‫َواتقوا الل َہ � ِا ّن الل َہ خ ِبی ٌر ِب َما ت ۡع َملوۡ َن‬

“O ye who believe! fear Allah; and let (every) soul look to what it sends forth for the morrow. And fear Allah; verily Allah is Well-Aware of what you do.” (Surah alHashr, Ch. 59: V.19) Whenever we are serving Jamaat we need to remember who we are doing it for – God alone. It is not so that we can be seen or appreciated by anyone but Him who we hope will accept our sacrifices to save for our “morrow”. We serve the Jamaat only for God and attaining His pleasure and this is what every mother should tell their children.

Likewise, this mindset will encourage children to prioritise their faith, whether that be by attending different mosque functions, or serving mankind with the various charity drives the Jamaat holds.

So, when it comes to Jalsa, just as we were raised by our parents, we know as members of UK Jamaat, it’s a time to be of service to the Jamaat. And we are quite fortunate that as a family we can serve on the Voice of Islam stalls on the men’s and women’s sides.

Both the stalls serve the same purpose; to promote the radio and to recruit new team members for the ever-growing station.

Having my husband and sons managing the men’s stall certainly makes communicating easier should we have any stock issues or if any questions arise.

The children are in their own element those three days as they make new friends or find old ones to help them sell promotional items. The look of joy on their faces when

Faiza Sahiba’s sons, Hashim and Jasir volunteering at VOI Radio stall

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

20

The 6 & 9 August 1945 tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Ahmadiyya call for peace

Atomic cloud over Nagasaki, August 1945

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

The United States callously dropped nuclear bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9 August 1945. This horrific act resulted in a huge catastrophe, leaving thousands of people dead and injured while destroying the cities as well.

During his Friday Sermon on 10 August 1945, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra said: “About five days ago, the first atomic bomb was used on the Japanese city Hiroshima, which is a cantonment and a port as well, where the Japanese fleet is stationed or get prepared. […]

“As far as humanity is concerned, destruction of this kind cannot be declared lawful. There had always been wars and enmities, but despite those enmities and wars, there were some limits fixed, which

were never violated. However, there is no limit now.

“Is there anyone who can say that there were no women and children residing in the city which has been bombarded in this way and that the women and children are also responsible for the war? [...]

“Although our voice may be [considered] of no value, it is our religious and moral duty to announce to the world that we do not consider such bloodshed as lawful, notwithstanding if our announcement makes certain governments pleased or displeased [from us]. [...]

“If the door to such a war is opened now, it will prove to be very dangerous for the world. The people of the past – after long experience – had fixed some limitations through which the chances of war would stop at a specific stage, no matter how dangerous their wars had been.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 26, pp. 314-315)

Huzoorra continued by stating that the Ahmadis around the world were always at the forefront to offer sacrifices for their respective countries, but they could not support any inhumane or un-Islamic act.

Huzoorra further said: “As a result of these happenings, I can foresee that in the future, wars will not reduce; rather, they will increase. […]

Moreover, it is invalid and childish to think that atomic [power] will strengthen the hands of the big powers, and no one can attain military power against them. […]

“So, the need of the time is to reduce these lethal [weapons], instead of increasing them. The Holy Prophetsa has stated an insightful point that it is Allah’s right to give the punishment of Fire. The Muslims should not punish and harm their enemy with fire.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad) […] The Holy Prophetsa knew that the fire [atomic power] would cause the expansion of war, instead of reducing it.” (Ibid, pp. 317-318) Further, Huzoorra stated that there was no doubt that during warfare, if a certain government used sophisticated weapons against another, then the latter was also permitted to respond to it in a like manner, but without crossing the limits, meaning that according to the teachings of Islam, it was prohibited to have an unnecessary inclination towards such sophisticated weapons, such as nuclear bombs.

Huzoorra elaborated: “1300 years ago, the Holy Prophetsa told the world a pathway for reducing disputes; [therefore] until the world follows that pathway, disputes will only increase instead of decreasing. The people of America and Europe cannot have peace until they pay attention towards this teaching of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Ibid, p. 318) Huzoorra further said: “Therefore, this is my religious obligation to announce, though the government would be displeased, that I believe that [nuclear weapons] are a big hurdle in the way of peace. For this reason, I have stated that such harmful means should not be used against the enemy, which produces destruction of this kind.

“It is our duty – no matter if our voice is [considered to be] effective or not – to tell the government that due to our sentiments of well-wishing towards you, we are compelled to express that we do not agree with this act. Moreover, we are compelled to give you such advice through which future wars and disorders cease to exist. [...]

“I also wish to mention that with the invention of this [atomic] bomb, a great prophecy of the Promised Messiahas has been fulfilled. [...] There is a revelation of the Promised Messiahas: “‘These [ruined] cities will cause people to weep.’ (Tadhkirah [English], p. 981)”.

(Ibid, p. 319) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that it was clear that the places where these atomic bombs had been dropped would cause people to weep, and on the other hand, it would also testify to the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

Huzoorra said that on the one hand, we were aggrieved that the world was moving towards the path of destruction, but on the other, it was a source of increasing our faith that the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas was fulfilled.

On 23 November 2015, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the keynote address at a special reception held in his honour at the Hilton Hotel in Odaiba, Tokyo. He said: “This year marks 70 years since those desperate days in history when nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki inflicting utter destruction, misery and torment upon your nation.”

Huzooraa continued: “Your nation of Japan had to contend with the most horrific devastation and grief imaginable when hundreds of thousands of your citizens were mercilessly killed and two of your cities were demolished and destroyed in nuclear attacks that shamed humanity.”

Huzooraa added: “You are the people who truly understand the horrific and destructive consequences of nuclear warfare. You are the people who know that the repercussions and after-effects of such weapons are not limited to one generation but continue for generations to come. You are the people who can testify to the unprecedented evil of nuclear weapons. Therefore, perhaps no country knows better the value of peace and security than the Japanese people.” (“Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community delivers historic address in Tokyo, Japan”, www. pressahmadiyya.com) During his Friday Sermon on 13 August 2021, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa quoted a non-Ahmadi Japanese, Macshima Osamu Sahib of Hiroshima, who stated: “I am currently watching the Jalsa and just watched the Friday Sermon of 6 August.

Upon watching this, I was reminded of the service rendered by the Jamaat in Japan and how the Second Khalifa of the Community [Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra] spoke out against the destruction caused to Hiroshima by the atom bomb in his Friday Sermon of 10 August 1945. This was among the very first voices to speak in favour of Hiroshima.

“Then, the current Khalifa visited Hiroshima and his message of peace and harmony holds great significance for me.

Today, whilst watching MTA on Hiroshima Day, first it is my wish that just like MTA Africa, MTA Japan also is established very soon and secondly, after witnessing the atmosphere of the Jalsa and people joining together from all over the world, the idea continues to take root in my heart that the Jamaat has a very significant role in uniting the world on a single platform and establishing peace and harmony in the world.” (Al Hakam, 10 September 2021, Issue 182, p. 27) May Allah the Almighty guide the world and enable the world leaders to establish lasting peace.

21

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022

100 Years Ago...

Agreement signed by new converts, and American newspapers report on Mufti Sahib’s efforts for the spread of Islam The Moslem Sunrise, July 1922

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

The agreement signed by the new converts Bismillah Islam in Ahmadia Movement There is but one God, the Creator and Provider for all, the Almighty, the Gracious, the All-Knowing, over and above the need of having a father, mother, son, daughter, wife or any other relatives, the Self-Sufficient, the Great Forgiver whose forgiving bounties cause no deficit to His endless treasures.

One and the same God of all ages, all nations and all countries; Who through His grace and mercy sends the Prophets, Sacred Guides and Holy Reformers.

Such were Zoroaster of Persia, Confucius of China and Buddha of India, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus Palestine, the Master-Prophet, Muhammad of Arabia, and Ahmad of Qadian, the Messenger of the latter days, peace and blessings of God be with all of them. We must honor and respect all of them, and take them as Holy Messengers of God. But we must not worship any of them. Worship God Alone.

We believe in Angels, Holy Spirits, who bring to us His Messages, move us to do good works and help us in our way to the final goal.

As God used to speak to His people in the old days, so does He even now, one of the living examples being in the holy person of “Mahmud[ra],” the blessed successor to the Promised Messiah[as] and the present leader of Islam in the Ahmadia Movement. He is the one, authorized, [and] heavenly-fixed spiritual head of the elect Community to whom is due all allegiance and obedience by the faithful.

Zend Avesta of Persians, Vedas of Hindus, Torah of Moses, Gospel of Jesus, all originally being the Word of God, [but] ElQuran is the latest current revealed Book of Sacred Law for the guidance of one and all.

We believe in the life after death and in the judgment of our deeds, good or bad, here and hereafter, and trust in the boundless mercy of God. Say five daily prayers to worship and seek communion with God, and come into union with Him, keep a month’s fast in the year to exercise and develop the faculties of

submission to His will, give charity to the needy and poor, [and] join the holy annual assembly at Mecca to worship God once in your life. Pork is forbidden as it is injurious to health.

We must live a peaceful life, obeying the laws of the government under which we are.

Praise be to God, who is the Lord of Worlds.

I will keep my faith above the world.

Fully agreeing with the above, I hereby join the Islam in Ahmadia Movement.

Please send me further literature and instructions.

Signature: Address: To: Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq.

Ahmadi Missioner. Al-Masjid 4448 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. […]

Efforts for the spread of Islam and American newspapers Many articles have been published in the American dailies and weeklies about our Islamic work in this country. Below we give extracts out of some of them: 1. Syracuse Sunday Herald of 25 June 1922 devoted a whole page fully describing the Moslem Mission in America giving my photo, photos of the Mosque and Minaret and the facsimile of the Title page of this Magazine, [The Moslem Sunrise]. The article is headed “Trying to make Christian America Muhammadan” and runs as follows: “The Christian people of America are spending millions of dollars every year in the effort to spread the gospel of Christ all over the earth and convert the people of every nation under the sun to Christianity.

“And while this tremendous outlay is being made to maintain thousands of devoted missionaries in foreign lands, one of the world’s other great religions is making a determined effort to gain a foothold in Christian America.

“The leaders of Mohammedanism not content with the 227,000,000 or more adherents that faith now has in Turkey, India and other countries, are turning their attention to the United States and Canada, with the hope of making both those nations strongholds of Islamism.

“They aim to make their picturesque mosques and the towers from which the muezzins issue their calls to prayer as numerous as our churches, and when that

day arrives, they are confident it will not be long before the crescent will overshadow the cross and a great majority of Americans will be following the precepts laid down in the Koran.

“To the millions of American Christians who have so long hooked eagerly forward

to the time when the cross shall be supreme in every land and the people of the whole world shall have become followers of Christ the plan to win this continent to the faith of the ‘infidel Turk’ will seem a thing Continued on next page >>

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

22 << Continued from previous page

unbelievable. But there is no doubt about its being actually well underway or that it is being pressed with all the fanatical zeal for which the Mohammedans are noted.

“A little more than a year ago there arrived in the United States a Mohammedan missionary who is charged with the duty of spreading his faith throughout the length and breadth of North America. His name is Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and he came from Qadian, Punjab, India, where are the headquarters of what is known as the Ahmadia Movement in Islam. [...]

“Christ they regard as a ‘blessed prophet,’ but secondary in importance to their own Mohammed[sa], whom they term the ‘greatest of all prophets.’

“The special concern of the Ahmadia Movement is the spread of Mohammedanism and the conversion to that faith of as many as possible of the followers of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions.

Its slogan is ‘I will keep my faith above the world.’

“The way the Ahmadia Movement carries on its work bears a strong resemblance to the methods of the missionary organizations of the Christian churches. From the headquarters in India evangelists whose lives are dedicated to spreading the teachings of Mohammed[sa] as laid down in the Koran are sent to every part of the world where Mohammedanism is not yet the dominating religion.

“These evangelists are highly educated men, speaking many languages, trained for the work they are doing. They are called missioners and their duties and responsibilities correspond quite closely to those laid on our own missionary bishops.

“Already besides the missioner in America there are missioners all over India, in England, Burmah, Ceylon, China, Australia, Mesopotamia, Persia, Arabia, Egypt, East and West Africa, Mauritius and a number of other places. More are being sent out just as fast as they can be trained and funds raised to carry on their work.

“Dr Sadiq, as he calls himself, the missioner assigned to the task of winning the United States and Canada to Islamism, is showing himself an aggressive worker and is apparently not hampered by any lack of funds. The progress he claims to have made in the few months he has been here leads some of his admirers to think that the day when America shall be Mohammedan may dawn sooner than they had hoped.

“In addition to several hundred converts whom he reports won from various Christian denominations, he has done a great deal to renew interest in their faith among the thousands of Turks and other Mohammedan people who are living here.

“Since Dr Sadiq’s arrival here one Mohammedan mosque has been built fluently and, in every way, carefully in Highland Park, Mich., a suburb of Detroit.

Here the Moslem missioner has made his headquarters until recently when he moved to Chicago. He expects in the near future to see mosques built in Chicago, New York and many other large cities.

“Reports of the progress of Dr Sadiq’s work are made in a magazine called ‘The Moslem Sunrise,’ of which he is the editor and publisher and which appears every three months.

IO: What is your second name?

J: I have no second name. This is my only name.

IO: Funny, what is your father’s name?

J: I have no father.

IO: Have no father? Funny, how were you born?

J: Miraculously – without a father. What is funny to you is right with God. Could you tell me how was Adam born without a father and without a mother?

IO: I do not know. Where do you come from?

J: India.

IO: What city?

J: Srinagar, Cashmere.

IO: How much money have you?

J: I have no money with me.

IO: How will you live without money?

J: I never think of tomorrow. Tomorrow will think of itself.

IO: Funny, we think of things in this country a century ahead. What is your nationality?

J: I am a Jew. IO: Do you believe in the Law of Moses which allows polygamy?

J: Surely, I do – whosoever shall break the least of the commandments of the Law of Moses, he shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven.

IO: Why are your hands pierced?

J: I was unjustly nailed to the cross.

IO: What is your profession?

J: I am a preacher of God’s word. I speak nothing but what I am commanded by Him to say.

IO: Have you any papers with you to prove that you are a preacher?

J: I need no papers.

IO: Will you fight for the country if ever necessary?

J: I do not believe in fighting. I believe only in love.

IO: Do you allow drinking wine?

“This is a neatly printed affair of twentyeight pages, entirely in English, except for an occasional Arabic word. The front cover design is significant of what the zealous Mohammedans hope to accomplish. It shows a map of the United States and Canada, with the two nations bathed in the beneficent rays of the ‘Rising Sun of Mohammedanism.’

“The latest issue of ‘The Moslem Sunrise’ dated April 1922, prints a list of thirty-three American men and women who are said to have recently ‘accepted Islam in Ahmadia Movement.’ After their American names are given the Arabic titles which are assigned to them after they embrace the Moslem faith.

“Dr Sadiq’s magazine prints extracts from the Koran, the sacred book of the Mohammedans and also quotations from

the writings of the later prophet, Ahmad[as].

There are numerous articles comparing Mohammedanism with Christianity, and always, of course to the great disparagement of the latter.

“Under the heading ‘If Jesus Christ Comes to America,’ Dr Sadiq tells what he imagines would happen if the Savior applied for admission to the United States under the present immigration laws. The following is the dialogue which he describes as taking place between the immigration officer (IO) and Jesus (J): IO: What is your name?

J: Jesus.

IO: What is your first name?

J: This is my first name.

J: I would even perform a miracle to provide wine if necessary for a feast or so.

“Dr Sadiq thinks that after this questioning, the immigration authorities would decide: “That Jesus cannot be allowed to enter this country because: 1. He comes from a land which is out of the permitted zone.

2. He has no money with him.

3. He is not decently dressed.

4. His hands have holes in the palms.

5. He remains bare-footed, which is a disorderly act.

6. He is against fighting for the country.

7. He believes in making wine when he thinks necessary.

8. He has no credentials to show that he is an authorized preacher.

9. He believes in the Law of Moses which

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022 allows polygamy; but he can appeal to the Washington Office against this decision of ours.

“To this, Dr Sadiq thinks Jesus’ reply would be: ‘I would not submit any appeal.

It is evil to disallow a man like me and resistance to evil is against my principles.

So, I shake the dust off my feet and go back to the charming land of Hindustan.’

“The same issue of ‘The Moslem Sunrise’ contains many expressions of appreciation and promises of support for the magazine and its editor, coming from readers in all parts of the world. “‘I offer prayers for you five times daily,’ writes one. “‘The seed of Islam sowed by you in America,’ says another, ‘will some day grow up a big, strong tree. I see an illustrious future before you.’ “‘I pray Allah will give you greater strength,’ writes an Englishwoman, ‘to penetrate those regions where the glad tidings of Islam are yet unknown, and may Allah awake the world to a realization to grasp the true faith now within its reach.’

“The religion which Mufti Muhammed Sadiq and his fellow workers are striving so earnestly to spread in America was founded in the seventh century by a former camel driver. This man, who later took the name of Mohammed[sa], meaning ‘he who will be praised,’ dreamed strange dreams and heard the voice of the Angel Gabriel, whose words were afterward written down in a book called the Koran.

“When he announced himself the longexpected prophet sent by Allah to save the world his neighbors only laughed and called him a lunatic and a bore. Mohammed[sa] fled to Medina, and there he was soon surrounded by an increasing number of followers, who accepted the Islam, or ‘submission to the will of God,’ which he made the highest of virtues.

“It is believed that the chief reason for the astonishing success of the religion founded

by Mohammed[sa] lay in the simplicity of the creed he taught. His followers were told to love Allah, the merciful and compassionate ruler of the world. They must honor and obey their parents, be honest with their neighbors, show charity to the poor and the sick. They were commanded to abstain from strong drink and eat frugally.

“Regular church-going was not required, but Mohammed[sa] commanded his followers to turn their faces toward Mecca, the Holy City, five times every day and say a simple prayer.”

2. South Bend News-Times, 8 May 1922:

Muhammadan faith explained [To] the editor [of] News-Times: “Dear Sir: I am the First Representative of the Muhammadan Religion in the country and just visiting this town for a few days. There are some wrong ideas prevalent here about our faith which I must correct and I will be much obliged to you if you kindly insert these few lines. I am not going to discuss sectarian dogmas and doctrines, but just a few facts of public interest and suitable to general daily paper.

I. The Muhammadans don’t call themselves as ‘Muhammadans.’ This is the name given to them by Europeans. Their name among themselves is ‘Moslem’ which means, one who has resigned his will to God.

II. The Moslems do not worship Muhammad[sa]. Muhammad[sa] is only a man and messenger of God. We worship God alone. One God like the Jews and the Unitarian Christians believe.

III. Allah is not the name of any image or separate deity. Allah is the Arabic word for God. IV. We honor and respect Jesus as one of a Prophets and Teachers. We believe in Jesus as the Christ, but not as the only son of God. V. We believe in the Virgin birth of Jesus.

VI. We believe in the Second Advent of Christ in the person of the Prophet ‘Ahmad’ of India.

VII. We believe that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, but was taken down while fainting and gradually revived.

VIII. All the Moslems are not Turks as all the Christians are not Russians.

“Dr MM Sadiq, Portage Hotel. 6 May 1922.”

3. Benton Harbor Daily News-Palladium, 1 May 1922:

Prophet of Islam visitor here for lecture “Benton Harbor got a glimpse of a prophet from Islam today in the person of Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of Highland Park, Mich., and editor of The Moslem Sunrise.

Dr Sadiq is the first Moslem missionary to be sent to this country from India by the Mohammedan faith. He is dressed as any American except that he wears the turban of India, green in color, denoting his religious work and also indicating that he comes from the educated class.

“Dr Sadiq delivered a lecture on spiritualism at the IOOF hall Sunday evening.

“In this country, two years spreading the faith of the Prophet[sa], Dr Sadiq declared today he had made 200 converts, ‘more than some of your missionaries have made who came to India,’ he declared.

“Discussing Indian affairs, Dr Sadiq declared today that the educated class of India are in favor of British dominion government for their empire. He is not a follower of Gandhi the great Indian leader, now in prison, whose doctrine of resistance to English rule has gained a large following.

“Educated in Indian schools, later in England, Dr Sadiq speaks excellent English.

He was sent here by the Ahmadia Movement of India founded by the Prophet Ahmad[as] of India.”

(It is a mistake that the editor [of Benton Harbor Daily News-Palladium] called me a Prophet in his article. A Prophet, according to the Sacred Law, is only he who has been entitled by God as such. No one must be called a Prophet for being a Teacher, Reformer or a Missioner. – Ed.)

The awakening of the West 4. The learned Dr Frank Crane’s very readable editorial in “The Current Opinion’ for April 1922, headed as “What the Orient Thinks of Us” might be taken up as a sign of the awakening of the West to the realities of facts. We give a few excerpts out of it here and recommend the whole to those who like to read a substantial thinking mind: “China, and still more Japan, despise the western foreigners because they have received so many humiliating proofs of our immorality and profound hypocrisy.

“For instance, and first of all, the

religion of the East appears to them much more rational than ours. But the principal point in regard to religion – and it may be remembered that in religion is where races most profoundly differ – is the fact that, whatever their religion may be, in the East they practise it, while in the West, not only do we not practise our religion but we openly make a boast of not practising it, and ridicule any among us who claims that he does practise it.

“The religion of the Orient may be all wrong, but at least Orientals are honest about it, and its precepts are kept by all classes, from the most exalted Mandarin to the lowest coolie, and are kept quite as much by the courtesan and the thief as by the priest and the college professor.

“They look with amazement upon a civilization such as ours which constantly preaches one set of principles, such as brotherly love, non-resistance, honesty, forbearance, charity and helpfulness, and whose whole business life is organized on principles directly contrary to these, and whose every act of politics is a negation of the creed which is preached in the churches.

“Western civilization has created vast

legal monsters without souls, such as trusts, stock companies, and other inhuman combinations of capital.

“Bolshevism is nothing but a manifestation of that malady which spreads throughout all the West; like all socialism, its spirit is purely material, and to the Oriental the cry of the envious poor is as disgusting as the successful rich. The trouble with both of them is that they have made prosperity their god.

“The West kept on lynching the black men and rejecting the yellow men, while it spoke of universal brotherhood and humanity.

“Asia has undoubtedly a civilization whose form is nobler than ours, but it is dead. The dominating religion of the Orient is the cult of the dead. The beauty of the Orient is the beauty of a lifeless statue.

“The West is ugly, it is wicked, it is violent. But it has in it the one thing needful, which is life.”

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original published in The Moslem Sunrise’s July 1922 edition)

MKA Ivory Coast, Bondoukou region holds first tarbiyati class

Shahid Ahmad Masud Regional Missionary Bondoukou, Ivory Coast

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bondoukou, Ivory Coast organised its first tarbiyati class on 22-24 July 2022 at the Baitul Ahad Mosque. The class was attended by 16 Khuddam and Atfal.

On 22 July, after the Jumuah prayer, the event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech on the importance of tarbiyat (moral and spiritual upbringing), delivered by the local missionary. The focus of the class was to enhance the spiritual levels of Khuddam

and Atfal.

The classes were split and they covered different topics, such as Salat, Tahajjud, learning of the Holy Quran, fiqh, general knowledge and educational documentaries based on astronomy. Some sports competitions were also held.

On the third day, an examination was conducted for the academic evaluation of Khuddam and Atfal.

During the concluding session, prizes were distributed among the winners of different competitions and the event concluded with silent prayer.

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

24

Friday Sermon 8 July 2022 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakrra After reciting the tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

Accounts were being narrated in relation to the expeditions against the rebels during the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. In this regard, the following is recorded with regard to the 11th expedition; this expedition was led

by Muhajir bin Abi Umayyahra against the rebellious apostates of Yemen. Hazrat Abu Bakrra handed a flag to Hazrat Muhajir bin Umayyahra and instructed him to confront the army of Aswad ‘Ansi and to aid the Abna’, who were under attack from Qais bin Maqshuh and other residents of Yemen.

At that time, there were two prominent settlers in Yemen; firstly, there were native people who belonged to the tribes of Sabah

and Himyar and secondly, those people of Persian descent who were called Abna’. In those days, the Abna’ were the most powerful minority in Yemen. For some time, the ruler of Yemen was subject to the kingdom of the Chosroes and as such, most government offices were occupied by the Abna’.

Nevertheless, it is recorded that Hazrat Abu Bakrra instructed Hazrat Muhajirra to advance towards Hadhramaut once he had completed his task and to confront the tribe of Kindah. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 257) (Khurshid Ahmad Fariq, Hazrat Abu Bakrra

ke Sarkari Khutut, [Javed Printing Press], p.

59) Hadhramaut is a vast region in the east of Yemen, which consists of dozens of townships. The distance between Hadhramaut and Sana was 216 miles.

(Yaqut Ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-’Arabi], 311.) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 226) Kindah is the name of a Yemeni tribe.

(Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-e-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy

Publications, 2003], p. 248) Further details about Hazrat Muhajirra are as follows. It is recorded that his name was Muhajir bin Abi Umayyah bin Mughira bin ‘Abdillah. Hazrat Muhajir bin Abi Umayyahra was the brother of Umm Salamara, Mother of the Believers [wife of the Holy Prophetsa]. He participated in the Battle of Badr but was fighting on the side of the idolaters. That day, two of his brothers, Hisham and Mas’ud, were killed. His actual name was Waleed but was changed by the Holy Prophetsa. (‘Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5, Atiyyah bin Nuwairahra [Beirut, Lebanon:

25

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022 Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 265) (Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 6 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 180) According to one narration, Hazrat Muhajirra stayed behind during the Battle of Tabuk. When the Holy Prophetsa returned from battle, he was displeased with him.

One day, Hazrat Umm Salamara was washing the head of the Holy Prophetsa and said, “How can anything benefit me while you are displeased with my brother?” As soon as Hazrat Umm Salamara noticed signs of gentleness and kindness in the disposition of the Holy Prophetsa [after his anger had subsided], she gestured to the maid, who then brought Muhajirra in. Muhajirra continued to offer his explanation, so much so that the Holy Prophetsa accepted it and became pleased with him and appointed him as the governor of Kindah. However, he fell ill and could not go there immediately.

Hence, he wrote to Ziyad to carry out his duties as well. When Muhajirra recovered, Hazrat Abu Bakrra went ahead with his appointment as the governor and made him the governor of the area ranging from Najran all the way to the far borders of Yemen and he also ordered him to fight.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 300) Dahhak bin Feroz relates, “During the time of Holy Prophetsa, Yemen was the first place where [the rebellion and] the wave of apostasy started. This was led

by Dhul Khimar Abhala bin Ka’b, who became known by the name of Aswad ‘Ansi.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 224) Aswad ‘Ansi was the chief of the Yemeni tribe of ‘Ans. He was called Aswad because he had a dark complexion. (Abu al-Nasr, Sayyiduna Siddiq Abu Bakrra – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Mushtaq Book Corner], p. 570) In another narration, his name is recorded as ‘Ayhala bin Ka’b bin ‘Auf instead of ‘Abhala bin Ka’b. Aswad ‘Ansi’s appellation was Dhu al-Khimar, as he was always covered with a cloak. (al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 201, Dhikr Akhbar alAswad al-‘Ansi bi al-Yemen, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) According to some, his appellation can also be found as Dhu al-Khumar, which is someone who is always intoxicated. (Abu al-Nasr, Sayyiduna Siddiq Abu Bakrra – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Mushtaq Book Corner], p. 570) It is stated in some narrations that his title was Dhu al-Himar, one reason mentioned is due to the fact that Aswad had a domesticated donkey; when he would tell it to bow to its master, it would bow, when he told it to sit, it would sit, and when he would tell it to stand, it would stand. (‘Alama Abu al-Mundhir al-Sahari, Al-Ansab, Vol. 1 [2006], p. 387) Some are of the view that he was named Dhu al-Himar because he would claim that whoever came to see him would do so whilst riding a donkey. (Madarij al-Nubuwwah, Vol. 2 – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Diya al-Quran Publications], p. 481) Nevertheless, Aswad adopted the title of Rahman al-Yemen just as Musailimah adopted the title of Rahman al-Yamama. He also claimed that he received revelation and

was informed in advance of all the ploys of his enemy. (Abu al-Nasr, Sayyiduna Siddiq Abu Bakrra – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Mushtaq Book Corner], p. 571) Aswad was an illusionist and would show all kinds of peculiar magic to the people. (al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 201, Dhikr Akhbar al-Aswad al-‘Ansi bi al-Yemen, Darul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) According to a narration of Sahih alBukhari, the Holy Prophetsa was informed in advance through a dream that two false claimants to prophethood would emerge.

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates in a hadith: َ ُ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ ُ ْ ٌ َ َ َ ْ َ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ ف ُو ِضع‬،‫ض‬ ِ ‫قال رسول الل ِہ بینا أنا نائِم أتِیت ِبخزائِ ِن الأر‬ َ​َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ ّٰ َ َ َّ ‫ فأ ْو َحى الل ُہ ِإل َّی أ ِن‬،‫ فکب َرا َعل َّی‬،‫ان ِم ْن ذہ ٍب‬ ِ ‫ِف ْی ک ِف ْی ِسوار‬ َ َّ ْ َّ َ َ​َ َ ْ َ​َ َ ‫ فأ ّول ُت ُہ َما الْکذابَی ِن اللذیْ ِن‬،‫ ف َن َف ْخ ُت ُہ َما فذ َہ َبا‬،‫انْ ُف ْخ ُہ َما‬ َ َ ‫ َصاح َب َص ْن َع‬،‫أَنَا ب َ ْی َن ُہ َما‬ َ َ ‫اح َب ال ْ َیم‬ ‫ام ِۃ‬ ِ ‫ َوص‬،‫اء‬ ِ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Wafad Bani Hanifah, Hadith 3727) The Holy Prophetsa said, “While I was asleep I was brought the treasures of the earth, and two bracelets of gold were placed in my hands, which displeased me greatly.

Then it was revealed to me by Allah that I should blow on them, and when I did so they disappeared. I interpreted them as representing the two liars between who are around me, Aswad Ansi of Sana, and Musailimah Kazzab of Yamama.”

In Sahih al-Bukhari there is another narration in which Hazrat Ibn Abbasra relates, “The dream of the Holy Prophetra was related to me. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘While sleeping I saw in a dream that two gold bracelets were placed in my hands which troubled me greatly. So it was revealed to me to blow on them and when I did so they flew away (i.e. when Allah Almighty told him so). I interpreted them to be two liars who would emerge in opposition to me.’” The narrator Ubaidullah said, “One of them was Ansi, who was killed by Feroz in Yemen, and the other was Musailimah Kazzab.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi al-Nabi, Bab Qissah al-Aswad al-‘Ansi, Hadith 3727) When the Holy Prophetsa wrote a letter to the Persian Emperor, Chosroes, inviting him to Islam, he became enraged and instructed his subordinate governor of Yemen Badhan – some have recorded his name as Bad-han – that he should sever this person’s head with a sword (i.e. the Holy Prophetsa). Badhan sent two people to the Holy Prophetsa, but he stated, “My Allah has informed me that your king has been killed by his son Shirawaih and he has ascended the throne as the king.” At the same time, he invited Badhan to Islam, saying that if he accepts Islam then as is custom, he shall remain governor of Yemen. Hearing this, the two people returned. Badhan was told all this and in that time, he was informed that this actually came to pass, whereby Chosroes’ son Shirawaih had killed him and taken to the throne as king.

When Badhan witnessed the fulfilment of this, he accepted the Holy Prophet’ssa invitation to Islam, and the Holy Prophetsa instructed him to remain as the governor of Yemen. (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (translated) [Lahore, Pakistan: Islami Kutub Khana], pp. 117-118) In regard to this letter and invitation to Islam, and what Chosroes said, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has written, “Abdullah bin Hudhafahra narrates, ‘When I arrived at the royal court of Chosroes, I asked for

permission to enter and was granted it.

When I stepped forward to hand over the letter from the Holy Prophetsa to Chosroes, he ordered an interpreter to read it to him.

After the interpreter had finished translating and reading the letter to him, Chosroes tore the letter apart in rage. ‘Abdullah bin Hudhafahra reported the incident to the Holy Prophetsa. On hearing the report, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘What the Chosroes has done to my letter is precisely what God Almighty will do to his kingdom.’

Chosroes’ behaviour on this occasion was the result of the pernicious propaganda carried out against Islam by Jews who had migrated from the Byzantine territory to Iran. These Jewish refugees supported Chosroes in anti-Byzantine intrigues in Iran, and had, therefore, become his close associates. The Chosroes was made to be infuriated against the Holy Prophetsa.

The propaganda the Jews had brought, it seemed to him, was confirmed by this letter.

He thought the Holy Prophetsa wanted to take over his kingdom (in other words, he thought that the Holy Prophetsa wanted his kingdom for himself). Soon after receiving this letter, the Chosroes wrote a letter to the Governor of Yemen appointed by him, in which he stated, ‘A man among the Quraish has declared himself a prophet and has exceeded all bounds in his claims. Send two soldiers to him immediately to capture him and bring him to my court.’

Badhan who, at the time, was Governor of Yemen under the Chosroes, sent an army chief along with an official on a mount towards the Holy Prophetsa. He also gave them a letter addressed to the Holy Prophetsa, stating that on receipt of the letter the Holy Prophetsa should at once accompany the two messengers to the court of Chosroes. The two embarked toward Mecca. Somewhere near Ta‘if, they were informed that the Holy Prophetsa lived in Medina, upon which they set off towards Medina. On arrival, this army chief told the Holy Prophetsa that Badhan, the Governor of Yemen, had been ordered by the Chosroes to arrest the prophet and escort him back to Chosroes. If the Prophet refused to obey, the Chosroes would destroy him and his people were to be destroyed and their country would be left in ruins. Thus, they insisted that the Holy Prophetsa come back with them. Having listened to what they had to say, the Holy Prophetsa suggested that the delegates should see him again the following day.

Overnight, the Holy Prophetsa prayed to Allah the Almighty Who informed him that the punishment for Chosroes’ misdemeanour is that his own son would be set against him and would murder him on Monday, 10 Jumada al-Ula of that very year.

According to some narrations, the revelation said, ‘The son has murdered the father this very night.’ (It is possible that that very night was 10 Jumada al-Ula.) In the morning, the Holy Prophetsa sent for the Yemeni delegates and told them of what had been revealed to him overnight. Then, he prepared a letter for Badhan, saying that God Almighty had informed him that the Chosroes was due to be murdered on a certain day of a certain month. When the Governor of Yemen received the letter he said, ‘If this man is a true Prophet, the events will come to pass as he says. If, however, he is not true, then he and his people are no longer safe.’ Soon after, a boat from Iran anchored at the port of

Yemen. It brought a letter from the Emperor of Iran to the Governor of Yemen. Upon seeing the seal on the letter, the Governor concluded that the prophecy made by the prophet from Medina has proved to be true. Iran was under the rule of a new king because the letter bore the seal of a different king. He opened the letter, which read, ‘From Chosroes Shirawaih to Badhan, the Governor of Yemen. I have murdered my father, the late king because he was causing bloodshed in the country. He murdered the nobles and treated his subjects with cruelty. As soon as you receive this letter, collect all officers and ask them to affirm their loyalty to me. As for my father’s orders for the arrest of a Prophet in Arabia, those orders are revoked.’ Upon reading this letter, Badhan was so impressed by these events that he and his companions accepted Islam there and then informed the Holy Prophetsa accordingly.” (Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar al-‘Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 317-319) This was mentioned by Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra in “Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran”.

After the death of Badhan, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Muslim leaders as governors in different parts of Yemen.

Mu’adh bin Jabalra was appointed as the designated teacher of all the regions of Yemen and Hadhramaut and thus visited those areas regularly. Aswad, who was a soothsayer and lived in the southern part of Yemen, was quickly able to influence many people toward himself through his illusions, deceit and poetic rhymes, and later he claimed to be a prophet. He portrayed himself to the people as though an angel would visit him and inform him of everything, and also expose the secret plans of his enemies. Owing to this, many simple-minded and ignorant people joined his ranks. As a matter of fact, Aswad ‘Ansi also announced that Yemen rightfully belonged to the Yemeni people, and so many natives of Yemen rallied around this cry of nationalism. This is an age-old tactic and is used even today; the discord and conflict we see spread across the world are owing to this.

Nevertheless, because Islam had not yet firmly established itself in Yemen, the people of Yemen joined ranks with Aswad to gain sovereignty from a foreign ruler [i.e., Islam] in the name of nationalism. At the time that news of these worrisome developments reached Medina, the Holy Prophetsa was occupied with avenging the martyrs of the Battle of Mutah and preparing the army of Hazrat Usama bin Zaidra to resist attacks from the north. The Holy Prophetsa sent a message to the chieftains of [the tribes in] Yemen to continue in their efforts to combat Aswad, and as soon as the army of Usamara returned victoriously, he would send them toward Yemen. (al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 201, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Abu al-Nasr, Sayyiduna Siddiq Abu Bakrra – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Mushtaq Book Corner], p. 571) Aswad Ansi’s army comprised a cavalry of 700. He had formed a large army and this was not including those who were riding camels. Over time, his strength gradually increased. His representative in the Muzhij tribe was Amr bin Mahdi Karib. He was a renowned horse rider, poet and orator in Yemen. His appellation was Abu Thaur. In 10 AH, he was part of a delegation from his

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

26 tribe Banu Zabid which went to the Holy Prophetsa and accepted Islam.

Then, after the Holy Prophet’ssa demise, he became an apostate but would later return to the truth and go on to participate in the Battle of Qadisiyyah in which he rendered extraordinary service. He passed away in the final few days of Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat. (al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, pp.

166, 201, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Tarikh Adab Arabi – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Ghulam Ali Printers], pp.

67-68) It is written that Aswad Ansi first attacked the people of Najran and expelled Hazrat Amr bin Hazmra and Khalid bin Saeedra. Then he attacked Sana where Hazrat Shahar bin Badhanra stood up against him but was martyred. Hazrat Mu’az bin Jabalra was in Sana during those days but in light of what had transpired, he went to Hazrat Abu Musara in Ma’arib from where they both went to Hadhramaut. In this way, Aswad Ansi took hold of all parts of Yemen.

After the martyrdom of Hazrat Shahar bin Badhanra, Aswad Ansi forcefully married his widow whose name was Marzubanah, or according to some other books, it was Azad.

At the same time, a letter from the Holy Prophetsa arrived addressed to the Muslims of Hadhramaut and Yemen, in which he ordered them to fight against Aswad Ansi.

As a result, Hazrat Mu’az bin Jabalra took up this task which gave confidence to the Muslims. Jishanas Deylmi says, “Wabar bin Yuhannis came to us with a letter from the Holy Prophetsa.” In some instances, Jishanas Deylmi’s name has also been recorded as Jushaish Deylmi. In any case, he was among those in Yemen to whom the Holy Prophetsa sent a letter with instructions to kill Aswad Ansi, which he did alongside Feroz and Dazoweh. (al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, pp.

201-202, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (‘Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 1 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 535) (‘Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2003], p. 643) (Madarij al-Nubuwwah, Vol. 2 – translated [Lahore, Pakistan: Diya al-Quran Publications], p.

474) Wabar bin Yuhannis’ name has also been recorded as Wabarah. He was among the Abna’ [Yemeni settlers of Persian origin] of Yemen and went to the Holy Prophetsa in 10 AH to accept Islam.

He says, “In that letter, the Holy Prophetsa instructed that we remain firm upon our faith and to combat Aswad Ansi through battle or some other strategy.

Furthermore, we were instructed to convey this message of the Holy Prophetsa to others who were firmly established upon Islam and were prepared to defend the faith. We acted upon these instructions, however, we realised that defeating Aswad would be a very difficult task.” (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 248) (Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 6 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 1990], pp. 62-63) (‘Ali Ibn alAthir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2016], p. 408) Jishanas Deylmi states, “We came to learn that a dispute had arisen between Aswad

and Qais bin Abd Yaghuth. They were at odds (or there was at least some resentment that had developed between them) and so it occurred to us that Qais feared for his life.”

There are disputing opinions as to Qais bin Abd Yaghuth’s name and lineage. According to one statement, his name was Hubairah bin Abd Yaghuth and it is also said that it was Abd Yaghuth bin Hubairah. In any case, Abu Musa states that he was [called] Qais bin Abd Yaghuth bin Maqshuh. According to one statement, he was not a companion whereas according to others he had the honour of meeting the Holy Prophetsa and even narrated something from him. He was among those who killed Aswad Ansi and was the nephew of Amr bin Ma’di Karib. He was one of the people in Yemen who became an apostate, however, he later returned to Islam and his name is specially mentioned with reference to the conquest of Iraq and the Battle of Qadisiyyah. He was part of the Battle of Nihawand and was alongside Hazrat Alira in the Battle of Siffin, and was martyred in this battle.

Jishanas Deylmi says, “We invited Qais to Islam and conveyed to him the message of the Holy Prophetsa. His reaction made it seem as if we had descended from the heavens and he immediately accepted what we had conveyed. Similarly, we also communicated in writing with others. Many tribal chieftains were also ready to fight against Aswad and they wrote letters to us pledging their assistance. We responded by writing letters to them saying that until we had made a final decision, they should not leave their stations because having received a message from the Holy Prophetsa it had become necessary to take action against Aswad. Similarly, the Holy Prophetsa had also written to all the residents of Najran regarding the matter of Aswad, and they accepted what he had said. When Aswad learned of this, he realised that his end was in sight.”

Jishanas Deylmi says, “An idea occurred to me – I went to Aswad’s wife Azad who was the widow of Shahar bin Badhanra.

Aswad married her after killing Shahar bin Badhanra. I reminded her of her first husband, Hazrat Shahar bin Badhan’sra martyrdom at the hands of Aswad, other members of her family who were killed by him and the many humiliation and injustices he made her family face and asked her to help us against Aswad. She gladly agreed, saying, ‘By God, I find Aswad to be the worst of Allah’s creation. He does not honour any of the rights due to God nor does he abstain from any of the things prohibited by Allah. Therefore, inform me whenever you are ready and I will assist in devising a ploy,’” Eventually a full plan was formed and with the help of Aswad Ansi’s wife, one night, Aswad Ansi’s fortress was breached and he was killed. In the morning, a loud and distinct voice called out from atop one of the fortress’ walls that the rebel apostate Aswad Ansi had met his end, upon which both Muslims and disbelievers gathered around the fortress.

They then called the Adhan [call to prayer] for the morning prayer and said: ّٰ ُ َ ً َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ ‫اش َھد ا ّن محَ ّمدا ّر ُس ْول الل ِہ‬ i.e. that they bear witness that Muhammadsa is Allah’s messenger; Aswad Ansi was a liar. They then threw his head before the people.

In this manner, this rebellion rose up and was crushed in a span of three months, or according to another narration, it lasted four months. All the governors and leaders of their respective areas became engaged in their work as per their usual routine. Hazrat Muaz bin Jabalra would lead them in prayer.

By the time news of Aswad Ansi’s death, the defeat of his forces and the end of the rebellion was sent for the Holy Prophetsa, he had passed away.

According to one narration, before the Holy Prophetsa passed away, he received news of Aswad Ansi’s death through revelation on the night he was killed. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa informed his companions of this and also told them that Feroz had killed him. After Hazrat Abu Bakrra was elected as the Khalifa, the first good news he received was the death of Aswad Ansi. The night the Holy Prophetsa received news of Ansi’s death, the Holy Prophetsa passed away the following morning.

According to another narration, news of Ansi’s death was received when the burial of the Holy Prophetsa was taking place. In one narration, news of Aswad Ansi’s death reached Medina approximately ten or 12 days after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, by which time Hazrat Abu Bakrra had been appointed as the Khalifa. There are varying narrations, nevertheless, this incident took place during these days, eight or ten days before or after [the demise of the Holy Prophetsa].

After the killing of Aswad, Muslim rule was re-established in Sana. (Ibn Hajar al‘Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2005], pp. 404-405) (Khurshid Ahmad Fariq, Hazrat Abu Bakrra ke Sarkari Khutut, [Javed Printing Press], p. 60) (AlKamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, pp. 201-204, Dhikr Akhbar al-Aswad al-‘Ansi bi al-Yemen, Darul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Dr Ali Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddiqra – translated by Shamim Ahmad Khalil Salafi, p. 301) However, a wave of rebellion rose up in Yemen once more. When news spread throughout Yemen about the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the situation that was improving worsened. Qais bin Abd Yaguth, who joined with Feroz and Dhazuwaih, and defected from Aswad, eventually killing Aswad with their help, once again wavered in his loyalty to Islam. He was an intelligent and determined individual, who was driven by national prejudice. The Persian rule in Yemen would always infuriate him. He wished to destroy the affluence and collective and economic superiority of the Abna’. He was already a successful army commander, he plotted with the army commanders of Aswad’s army to remove the Abna’ [people] from the country. His relationship with Feroz and Dhazuwaih broke down; having deceived him, he had Dhazuwaih killed but Feroz managed to escape. Feroz informed Hazrat Abu Bakrra of his loyalty and the loyalty of the Abna’; and also requested him for help, saying that they were prepared to offer every sacrifice for the sake of Islam.

(Khurshid Ahmad Fariq, Hazrat Abu Bakrra ke Sarkari Khutut, [Javed Printing Press], pp. 60-61) It is mentioned [in a narration] that when the Holy Prophetsa passed away, the governor of Hadhramaut was Ziyad bin Labidra. Hazrat Ziyad bin Labidra was a

companion of the Holy Prophetsa. His son’s name was Abdullah. Hazrat Ziyadra came to see the Holy Prophetsa with 70 companions during the Second Pledge at Aqabah and accepted Islam. When he returned to Medina, he broke the idols of his tribe, the Banu Bayadah, which they used to worship.

He then migrated to be with the Holy Prophetsa in Mecca and stayed there until the Holy Prophetsa migrated to Medina, after which he also migrated [to Medina].

For this reason, Hazrat Ziyadra was known as a Muhajir Ansari, as he was a Muhajir [migrant from Mecca] and also part of the Ansar [Muslim native to Medina]. Hazrat Ziyadra participated in the Battle of Badr and Uhud and all other battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa.

When the Holy Prophetsa was migrating to Medina, he passed through the neighbourhood of the Banu Bayadah; Hazrat Ziyadra said: ً ً ‫اھلا و سھلا‬ [“Welcome”] and offered his home for the Holy Prophetsa to stay; the Holy Prophetsa said to leave his camel free, as it would find its own way. In Muharram of 9 AH, the Holy Prophetsa appointed separate collectors [in different areas] for Alms and Zakat. Thus he appointed Hazrat Ziyadra as the collector for the area of Hadhramaut. He remained in this office until the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra. After being relieved of this office, he settled in Kufa and passed away there in 41 AH. (Ibn Sa’d, al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ahya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 302) (Talib Hashmi, Pachas Sahabara, [Lahore, Pakistan: Al-Badr Publications], p. 302) With regard to Hazrat Muhajir’sra expedition towards Najran, it is written that out of the 11 flags that were prepared

by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Muhajir bin Abi Umayyah’sra army was the last to leave Medina for Yemen. With Muhajir there was a contingent comprising of the Muhajirin and the Ansar. When this contingent passed

by Mecca, the Amir of Mecca, Khalid bin Usaid – who was the brother of Attab bin Usaid – also joined them. When this army passed by Taif, Abdur Rahman bin Abi alAas joined this army along with his own army. Similarly, various tribes joined with Hazrat Muhajirra along the way, as a result of which it became a vast army. (Dr Ali Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddiqra – translated by Shamim Ahmad Khalil Salafi, p. 305) With regard to the capture of Amr bin Ma’di Karib and Qais bin Maqshuh, it is written – which has been mentioned previously – that owing to his false sense of courage and strength, Amr bin Ma’di Karib rebelled against the Muslim government and also included Qais bin Abd Yaghuth with him. Both of them visited each tribe and incited them against the Muslims. In this way, they raised the flag of rebellion aloft. As a result, all of the tribes supported Amr bin Ma’di Karib and rose against the Muslims, except for the Christians of Najran who had pledged to establish a bond of friendship with the Holy Prophetsa and, as per the customs of the time, they continued to remain loyal to their pledge in the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra as well. All other tribes supported Amr bin Ma’di Karib and rose up against the Muslims. Allah’s power

27

AL HAKAM | Friday 5 August 2022 manifested in such a way that when the people of Yemen began to receive news of Hazrat Muhajir’sra arrival along with a large army, they became extremely anxious as to how they could face the army of Hazrat Muhajirra. They were still engulfed in this state that a dispute broke out between their leaders; Qais and Amr bin Ma’di Karib. And despite the fact that they both had vowed to fight against Hazrat Muhajirra, they both began to inflict harm upon one another. In the end, Amr bin Ma’di Karib decided to join forces with the Muslims, and so along with his men, he launched an attack on the residence of Qais. He took him as a prisoner and presented Qais before Hazrat Muhajirra.

However, Hazrat Muhajirra did not just take Qais as a prisoner, but also arrested Amr bin Ma’di Karib and wrote to Hazrat Abu Bakrra with regard to them and sent them both to him. And so, Qais and Amr bin Ma’di Karib were taken to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated to Qais, “You have killed the people of God whilst perpetrating cruelty and oppression. You also left the believers and befriended the idolaters and the rebellious apostates.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra had decided to kill him if any crime of his could be categorically established. However, Qais completely denied any involvement in the conspiracy of Dhazuwaih’s killing.

Since this operation was carried out very discreetly, therefore no clear proof could be found against Qais. Since no clear proof could be found, therefore Hazrat Abu Bakrra abstained from killing him.

Then, with regard to Amr bin Ma’di Karib, Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, “Do you not feel the humiliation of facing defeat day after day and that the noose around your neck, as it were, continues to tighten? If you support this religion [i.e Islam], then Allah shall grant you a lofty station.” Hazrat Abu

Bakrra also freed him and both individuals, i.e. Amr and Qais were allowed to return to their tribes. Upon this, Amr stated, “I will certainly accept the directive of Amirul-Momineen [Leader of the Faithful] and will never commit such an error again.”

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 299) (Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (translated) [Lahore, Pakistan: Islami Kutub Khana], pp. 253-254) Since there was no clear proof found against either of them and also owing to their knowledge and position of leadership, they were both forgiven.

Whilst making mention of their forgiveness, another historian has written with regard to Hazrat Abu Bakrra that, “he possessed great foresight, wisdom and the full knowledge of the affairs. Where there was a need to show strictness, he would do so and where there was a need to show forgiveness and pardon, he would do so.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra had an ardent desire to gather all the people of the various tribes who had become scattered to unite under the flag of Islam. Owing to his political acumen, he wanted to forgive the leaders of the various tribes who had reverted back to the truth. When the apostate tribes of Yemen were subdued and were made to witness the power and authority of the Islamic government and also the honour, might and grandeur of the Muslims, all of these tribes accepted the authority of the Islamic government and also pledged their obedience to the Khalifa of the Messengersa.

Abu Bakrra felt it appropriate to establish friendly relations with the leaders of these various tribes and instead of taking any strict measures against them, he would show them kindness and compassion.

Subsequently, their punishments were revoked and he spoke to them in a gentle manner and used the influence wielded by these tribes for the betterment of the Muslims. Hazrat Abu Bakrra forgave them of their mistakes and treated them with kindness. Qais bin Abd Yaghuth and Amr bin Ma’di Karib were treated as such. Both of these individuals were among the bravest and most intelligent people of Arabia and Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not wish for them to go to waste. Hazrat Abu Bakrra tried to make them enter the fold of Islam and to take them out from their apostasy of Islam. And so, Abu Bakrra freed Amr bin Ma’di Karib and after that day he never apostatised, and in fact, he accepted Islam and lived his life as a good Muslim. Allah granted him His support and he was able to play an important role in the Islamic conquests. Similarly, Qais was also remorseful over his past actions and Abu Bakrra also forgave him. Forgiving these two great Arab warriors had a deeply profound impact. Through this, Abu Bakrra united the hearts of those apostates who reverted to Islam either out of fear or out of greed for something. Hazrat Abu Bakrra also forgave Ash’ath bin Qais. In this way, [Abu Bakr] Siddiqra won their hearts and these people became a means of support and a source of strength for the Muslims.” (Dr Ali Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddiqra – translated, pp. 313-314) In other words, they were not forced in any way, in fact they willingly accepted Islam and pledged their obedience to Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

Hazrat Muhajirra went towards Lahjiya from Najran and when their cavalry surrounded the people of that area, they requested for a peace treaty, but Muhajirra refused to offer them a peace treaty.

Following this, they split into two groups.

One of the groups was with Hazrat Muhajirra and they fought in Ajeeb. Ajeeb is situated in Yemen. The other cavalry fought in Akhabith under the command of Hazrat Abdullahra.

The enemy was killed upon every path they fled from. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 299.)

(Yaqut Ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-’Arabi], p. 99) When the Banu Ak rebelled in Aalab, which is an area in Yemen, they were given the name Akhabith and the path upon which the battle was fought against these wicked and evil-natured people was known as Tariq al-Akhabith. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], pp. 294-295) With regard to Hazrat Muhajirra reaching Sana’, it is written that he departed from Ajeeb and upon reaching Sana’, he ordered that the various tribes which had fled should be pursued. The Muslims killed all those they captured and did not forgive a single person who had perpetrated evil. However, aside from them, anyone else who repented, their repentance was accepted. Those who engaged in warfare and perpetrated cruelty were not forgiven, but the others were forgiven and they were treated based on their earlier circumstances and there was hope that they could reform themselves once again. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 299) The next aspect is quite detailed, so I shall conclude the sermon here and God willing, narrate that part in the future.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 26 July to 8 August 2022 [Jalsa Salana Special Edition], pp. 5-9. Translated by The Review of Religions)

Friday 5 August 2022 | AL HAKAM

28

“

A gathering like no other

This gathering will be devoted to the exposition of such truths and spiritual insight as are necessary for the promotion of faith and certainty and spiritual understanding, and there will be special prayers and attention for the participants. And to the best of our ability we shall endeavour to supplicate at the threshold of the Most Merciful that He may draw them towards Him, may accept them and may bring about a pious change in them. An additional benefit of these gatherings will be that each year new entrants to the Jamaat shall, by being present on the fixed dates, get to know their brethren who had joined earlier. And these meetings will lead to progressive strengthening of the bond of mutual love and affection. Prayers for absolution will be offered for brothers who will have passed away in the interim, and supplications shall be made at the threshold of the Glorious God that He may unite all these brothers in spirit and banish all estrangement, dryness and differences from amongst them.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, The Heavenly Decree, p. 74)

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