Al Hakam - 27 January 2023

Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7388

Ahmadi Muslims follow the sunnah of the Holy Prophet

A group of 461 nasirat, aged 10-12, from Germany, were blessed with the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat on Sunday, 22 January 2023.

After conveying  salaam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa called Manahal Mahmood to recite a portion of the Holy Quran, followed by its German translation; Razia Mustafa read out the Urdu translation. Adeena Bushra presented a nazm (poem) composed by the Promised Messiahas

Thereafter, this fortunate group had the opportunity to ask Huzooraa questions that they had. These questions covered an array of everyday matters.

Basima Tariq asked Huzooraa if it was permissible to offer Fajr at 6am before leaving the house if one was required to leave for school etc. at 6am while the stipulated Fajr time was 7am.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa answered that if the Fajr time started at 7am, then she could not offer it before that and added that she could offer it on her bus, car or train as soon as the Fajr time starts.

Fareeha Naeem asked what the best way was to express one’s love for Khilafat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“Pray to God that Allah may grant you the opportunity to establish a relationship with Khilafat. Secondly, try to follow what

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

Hazrat Aishara narrates, “Some of the wives of the Holy Prophetsa asked him, ‘Who amongst us will be the first to follow you (i.e., to pass away after you)?’ He said, ‘Whoever amongst you has the longest hands.’ So, they started measuring their hands with a stick and Sauda’sra hands turned out to be the longest. Afterwards, we came to know that the ‘long hands’ was (a metaphor for) practising charity. So, the first one amongst us to follow him was the one who loved giving charity (i.e., Zaynab bint Jahshra).” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Zakat, Hadith 1420)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Whoever has ‘the longest hands’

The hallmark of good deeds “These people fail to understand this and state: ‘What about us is unIslamic? We proclaim ���ا

��إ

(‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah’) and also observe the Prayers, fast during the days of

‘Stop glorifying mothers’: A Muslim response to this shocking statement

Do Ahmadis alter the Quran? The myth, the mystery and the facts

How to (actually) keep your New Year’s resolutions strong this February and ways to strengthen your willpower

Nasirat from Germany meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

<< Continued from previous page

Ramadan, and pay the Zakat.’ However, I declare that all of these actions of theirs are not good deeds in the true sense. They are a mere shell that is empty of the kernel. For if their actions were good deeds in the deeper sense, why do they not bring about positive results? Good deeds are characterised by the quality of being pure from all forms of corruption and adulteration. But where can such qualities be found in these people? I can never accept that a person be a righteous believer who performs good works, yet he should be an enemy of the godly; yet these people refer to me as being irreligious and an atheist, and have no fear of God.

“I have sworn by Allah the Exalted and proclaimed that Allah Almighty has

raised me by way of divine appointment. If these people possessed even the slightest regard in their hearts for the greatness of Allah Almighty, they would not reject me. In fact, they would be fearful, lest they became those who denigrate the name of God Almighty. However, this could only be if they possessed a true and outstanding faith in Allah the Exalted, and if they feared the Day of Recompense, and if they acted upon the following verse of the Holy Quran: مﻠ� ﻪب ﻚل ﺲ�ل اﻣ ﻒقت

“‘And follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge.’ [Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.3]”

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. II, pp. 59-60)

that an angel remains in his place or station. That which is instilled in one’s heart – be it a vision, divine dream, or a revelation that Prophets receive – is done through angels. On some occasions, where God deems it necessary, an angel’s presence may be revealed. But it should not be taken to mean that the angel has moved from his place. Huzooraa said, “It is wrong to think that angels possess a physical body.”

Pious thoughts from God are instilled into the hearts of people through angels –be it through a dream or other means. It does not mean that an angel has left his fixed station and is now physically in your dream, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said.

Maleeha Bushra Bhatti said some nonMuslim girls in her school expressed their dislike of her wearing a dupatta. She sought Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa advice on how to handle the situation.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that she should say to them: “‘Everyone has their own preference.’” Huzooraa continued by explaining that she should tell them to put religion to one side for now and say to the girls that they dress in the clothes they are comfortable with, or they like – be it shorts or frocks etc., “‘You like to wear this clothing, and so you wear it. And that which I prefer and like, I wear.’ This is not a matter of contention. Tell them, ‘That which you prefer to wear, you wear. Likewise, that which I prefer to wear, I wear.’ Apart from this, apart from telling them that it is what you prefer, tell them, ‘I am a follower of a religion, a follower of Islam, and Islam has prescribed a dress code for girls.’” Huzooraa said that as she was still young, it was not compulsory for her to wear a hijab anyway. However, Huzooraa said, as and when one matures, it becomes compulsory.

Huzooraa said she should tell the students at her school that she was not wearing a dupatta for them. Tell them, “‘You do what you prefer, and I am doing what I prefer. What is the need to fight and quarrel and be irritated?’ Tell them, ‘We are human beings, we should live together in harmony,’ […].”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that it is logical that when praying to God, we pray and ask Him during salat. “We follow what the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did,” Huzooraa said.

Quratul Ain asked how different religions were formed. Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa smiled and said, “You have asked a very difficult question.”

Huzooraa explained that to guide mankind, Allah sends Prophets. For example, Allah sent Adamas. Then, when people moved to different areas, Allah raised prophets among the people in their respective nations. At that time, there were no means of transport like we have today –no cars, no planes. There were no phones, messaging systems, WhatsApp groups, or emails. “The people of that time were confined to their localities,” and for this reason, prophets were raised among those people and then even some prophets were raised for the reformation of specific nations to guide them and show them the right path, for example, “He [God] sent Hazrat Mosesas for the reformation of the Children of Israel,” Huzooraa said. Then God raised Prophet Jesusas to continue the teachings given to Prophet Mosesas. God deemed that when mankind was ready to comprehend the message of the Final Prophet, He sent the Holy Prophetsa for the entire world, who was given the complete teaching: the Holy Quran.

Huzooraa said that in this day and age, where the means of communication and transport are easily available, and with various other technological advancements such as the printing press, Allah sent the Promised Messiahas to revive and propagate the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

<< Continued from previous page

the Khalifa says,” Huzooraa added that it should not be that one simply follows that which is in their favour and leaves what they deem is unfavourable for them, or begins to formulate their own meaning of it.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added and made it clear that by adhering to the true meaning of the Khalifa’s words, one can deepen their connection and affection for Khilafat.

Saaria Ahmad, 12, mentioned that when her non-Ahmadi German friends, who did not know about Islam, Ahmadiyyat visit her house, they often inquire about the framed photos of the Khulafa of the Promised Messiahas that they see on the walls in her house. She asked Huzooraa for advice on how to explain the significance of the Khulafa to her friends.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa encouraged Saaria Ahmad to use the opportunity to educate her German friends about the Promised Messiahas - who claimed to be the Messiah of the age - and his Khulafa. She could explain to her Christian friends, who

believe in the second advent of Jesusas, that our Jamaat believes Jesusas to be a revered prophet of Allah who has passed away, and that the second coming of Prophet Jesusas was fulfilled through Hazrat Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, who came to preach the true Islam and announced his claim of being the Promised Messiahas and that after his demise, the system of Khilafat was reestablished. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa advised her to inform her friends that the framed pictures on her room’s wall were the photos of the successors of the Promised Messiahas and that the message of Ahmadiyyat is one of love, peace and spreading the true teachings of Islam throughout the world. Huzooraa said, “Religion is a matter of the heart,” so, he who desires to accept Islam may do so and he who doesn’t is also free to.

Nigarish Ahmad asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa about angels. Huzooraa said that angels do not have a physical body whereby they may come, sit, and meet, “as one does in a mulaqat.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained

Sabah Khan asked Hazrat Amirul Mominenaa if he would be attending the Jalsa Salana Germany. Hearing this, Huzooraa smiled and replied, “When Jalsa will happen, then you will find out if I am coming. The [Germany] Jalsa is going to take place in August, and you are asking me eight months in advance.”

Hibatul Malik Khan asked Huzooraa why, after offering salat, we do not raise our hands and offer supplications like other Muslims.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa responded that not all Muslims raise their hands to supplicate after salat. Huzooraa suggested that she should ask those who practise this if the Holy Prophetsa ever did it. Huzooraa pointed out, “It is not proven that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to raise his hands to pray after salat.”

Huzooraa further explained that salat itself is a form of prayer in itself and the Promised Messiahas has spoken about this very issue. Huzooraa said that raising one’s hand after salat to pray was like visiting a king’s court, where the king offers you the chance to ask for anything you desire, and you choose to remain silent and only later, when you leave the court, you ask and plead for something. It does not make sense.

“The reason why there were different religions, in the beginning, is because people were unable to travel afar, and secondly, because humanity was not yet able to fully comprehend the complete [final] Message that Allah desired,” however, Huzooraa added, when Allah deemed that mankind became capable of comprehending the final message of the final law-bearing prophet, He sent Prophet Muhammadsa and then his servant, Hazrat Ahmadas to unite everyone under the banner of Islam.

Huzooraa added that the scriptures of other religions have been interpolated, while the Holy Quran is in its original and pristine shape and it will remain so forever, which shows that Islam is the true religion, destined to spread throughout the world. Huzooraa said, it is our duty – including the waqifeen-e-nau and waqifaat-e-nau, and every member of the Jamaat – to act on this complete teaching and spread it throughout the world by way of preaching.

Uzma Mir asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa why we use masculine and not feminine pronouns when speaking about God. When asking her question, she said why we say “ہے ��� �� ﷲا” meaning Allah Almighty says (using the masculine pronoun), and not “ہے ��� �� ﷲا” (using the feminine pronoun).

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered, “Allah is neither male nor female. Allah has no gender,” Huzooraa added that when one speaks about Allah, one uses masculine pronouns to describe His Majesty in Urdu.

Huzooraa then gave the example of various languages such as German, wherein

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

God is referred to using masculine pronouns and said that it was an issue of language. Otherwise, God is neither male nor female. “Allah is a Being Who is above and beyond everything,” Huzooraa said.

Husna Ahmad inquired about the reason for placing the body of the deceased before the worshippers during the funeral prayer (janazah).

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa smiled and asked Husna, whether the body should instead be placed behind the worshippers in her opinion. Huzooraa then explained that this was done so that worshippers, in addition to God’s praise and reciting durood, are reminded to pray for the deceased and remember them in their prayers when the body is placed before them. Huzooraa added that in some cases, “we also offer the funeral prayer in absentia.” Alluding to the martyrs of Burkina Faso, Huzooraa said, “Though they [the martyrs’ bodies] were not before me, I led their funeral prayer.”

Therefore, if the deceased body is present, it is placed before the worshippers so they can pray for the deceased, for those bereaved and for themselves too.

Aroosa Qamar asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa what his favourite activity was that he undertook together with his parents.

Huzooraa said there were many activities he did with his parents, such as listening to their advice, travelling with them and going to the mountains. Huzooraa said that it was not a matter of his favourite activity, “One’s memories with their parents are always pleasant.”

Maheel Arshad was curious as to why we perform five daily prayers, known as  salat, even though the wording remains the same in each. She asked Huzooraa why the practice involves offering five prayers instead of just one.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa answered by saying that in the beginning, Allah the

Almighty commanded the Holy Prophetsa to instruct Muslims to pray 50 times a day. Huzooraa said that we pray to Allah and give thanks to Him as He created us, provides for us and is very Merciful and Compassionate. Huzooraa encouraged her to learn the translation of Surah al-Fatihah for a deeper understanding. “We repeatedly seek God’s bounties so that He may continue to make us recipients of his blessings and rewards,” Huzooraa said.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa enumerated the various blessings of Allah bestowed on the questioner and said that in order to express our gratitude, we offer the five daily prayers. Huzooraa said that the day comprises five phases, one could ask why the sun doesn’t remain up during the day and stay in a single state. Huzooraa said, the sun rises, reaches its peak, begins to set, finally sets and then it becomes completely dark. “Just as there are five phases in the day, this is why five prayers are prescribed for the day,” Huzooraa explained.

Shafia Mansoor, 12, stated that purdah is mandatory for Muslim women. However, she also acknowledged the importance of maintaining good health and asked if it would be permissible for a woman to go for a morning walk or jog while wearing a headscarf and coat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, while addressing Shafia, said “You can of course do jogging. You are allowed,” without mixing with other people. Huzooraa pointed out that many people, regardless of their religion, cover themselves for warmth when exercising outdoors, and that even in the summer, some wear caps. However, Huzooraa said it would be advisable to go with a brother or father as parks, at times, can be filled with unsavoury characters.

Sofia Nadeem asked Huzooraa whether it is permissible to give money to beggars who ask for it, even if there is uncertainty about

whether they are truly in need.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that it is permissible to give money to beggars who ask for it but added that it is better to donate through charity organisations. Huzooraa mentioned that the Jamaat also gives to charity organisations as they have a system implemented and know how to best utilise it whether it be for school education, feeding people, or medically treating people.

Huzooraa added that if one is asked for money by an individual beggar, it is not appropriate to refuse or reject them but to give them something, even if it is a small amount. If one does not wish to give, one can simply say  salaam and leave, without scolding the beggar.

Marusa Mishael asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what was meant by “maqaame-mahmud”

Huzooraa said that it was an exalted station. Huzooraa said that one should perform good deeds and pray to Allah that He enables one to do good deeds and enables them to attain “maqaam-e-mahmud”

Rameena Afsha asked Huzooraa what one should do if they forget to offer salat

In response, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa posed the question, “Have you ever forgotten to eat food or have breakfast before going to school?” Huzooraa added that if one loves Allah, then one should not forget to offer prayer. However, Huzooraa said, if one forgets to offer the prayer due to engagements such as coming home late from school or other work, and if one remembers before the next prayer, they should make up for the missed prayer. Huzooraa emphasised that one should not perform salat during the forbidden times.

Alisha Raza asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how the Holy Prophet’ssa prayer mat was.

Huzooraa described the early days of Masjid Nabawi in Medina, noting that it did

not even have a roof at the time. Huzooraa explained that when Muslims would perform the prostrations in prayer, the rain would leave marks of water and mud on their foreheads, as the Earth itself served as their prayer mat. Huzooraa added that the Muslims would then make mats from date palm leaves, which they would use for both salat and as a bed.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that once the Holy Prophetsa was taking rest, as he got up, Hazrat Umarra saw he had marks of the mat that was made of date palm leaves, imprinted on his back. Thus, Huzooraa said, in those times, they used mats made of date palm leaves as prayer mats too.

Lastly, Laiba Saliha Siddiq, 10, asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa why Allah created different planets.

Huzooraa responded: “It’s Allah’s will,” and added that everything, including the planets, is created by Allah’s will and they all serve a purpose. Huzooraa acknowledged that it’s a complex topic for a girl of her age and suggested that the questioner may understand more about it as they grow older. Further, Huzooraa added that as science progresses, one would learn more about the purposes and effects of these planets. Huzooraa also emphasised that the existence of planets is “a demonstration of God’s Power and that they were created for the benefit of humanity.”

In the end, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa turned to sadr sahiba and secretary nasirat and asked if any efforts were made to teach the children some Urdu as well, to which she said that they would do so in future. Huzooraa said, the words of the Promised Messiahas should be taught and conveyed in Urdu and then translated.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam after which the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam

)

This Week in History

A selection from the first 15 blessed years of Khilafat-e-Khamisa

27 - 28 January

27 January 2012: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Ravil Bukharaev Sahib of Russia, who had passed away on 24 January.

He was a well-known Russian poet, journalist, writer, translator and devout member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Ravil Bukharaev was introduced to Ahmadiyyat in the early 1990s, and as a result of his meetings with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, he accepted Ahmadiyyat. He had a great passion for preaching the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Russia. He worked for the BBC Russian Service, and after his retirement, he devoted his life to the Jamaat. He had the opportunity to serve at the Russian Desk in London. He translated many books of the Jamaat into the Russian language. Moreover, he also worked on the Russian translation of the Holy Quran. (“Ravil Bukharaev”, www. ahmadipedia.org)

27 January 2017: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul

Masih Vaa instructed the Jamaat to remember the Ahmadis of Algeria in their special prayers, since they are facing severe opposition, which they are enduring with great patience and steadfastness.

28 January 2005: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned his recent tours of Spain and France, and narrated the blessings of Allah during those tours. Huzooraa called the attention of the Ahmadis of Europe to pay attention towards preaching the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Spain. Huzooraa also drew the attention of members to undertaking waqf-e-arzi in Spain after attaining the necessary permission from the administration. He said, this way, they could explore Spain as well as preach the message of Islam there.

29 - 30 January

29 January 2017: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa granted an educational

IAAAE services in Liberia

Farrukh Shabbir Lodhi Missionary, Liberia

Under the “Water for Life” initiative of the IAAAE, Dr Naseem-ur-Rahman Sahib from Germany was deployed for the rehabilitation of the hand pumps in Liberia towards the end of December 2022. Grand Cape Mount and Bomi counties have the majority of the hand pumps in Liberia installed by the Jamaat. The central missionaries of both counties completed a thorough evaluation of the rehabilitation of the hand pumps prior to Dr Naseem-ur-Rahman Sahib’s arrival. Included in this evaluation were the number of hand pumps, the expected repair costs, the logistics of transportation for the delivery of the items, and the organisation of volunteer teams composed of khuddam and local technicians. It enabled the completion of more tasks in less time.

During the second phase, Grand Cape Mount County was visited, although the project had already begun in Bomi County. In total, 49 hand pumps, three of which were brand-new, were repaired. Out of these,

26 hand pumps were fixed in locations where members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya are not present, demonstrating the Jamaat’s universal service to the populace. While 18 hand pumps were restored in various neighbourhoods inside Tubmanburg city, 31 hand pumps were repaired in various villages. Due to broken hand pumps, two settlements in Cape Mount County were completely without access to potable water. A reasonable estimate states that a total of 13,000 people are using these hand pumps. Along with maintaining the water supply, repairing hand pumps has taught khuddam skills that will be useful in their line of work.

Final touches are being made to the installation of name boards, protection fences, and some of the cementing around these hand pumps.

At the Baitul Kareem Mosque in Tubmanburg, 90 people attended a seminar, and a 45-minute programme was also broadcast on the radio, in which Dr Naseem-ur-Rahman Sahib gave a thorough explanation of the goals and accomplishments of IAAAE, as well as the

class to young members of the Waqf-e-Nau Scheme, known as Bustan-e-Waqf-e-Nau.

30 January 2015: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Habiba Sahiba of Mexico, who had passed away on 19 January at the age of more than 100 years. She had accepted Ahmadiyyat in 2014. She was born in Zaktzu village in the Chiapa State of Mexico, in a Catholic household. Her father was a well-known Christian priest of the area. Despite her old age, she learned the salat

31 January

31 January 2009: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa granted an educational class to the young members of the Waqf-e-Nau Scheme.

31 January 2014: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa discussed the “pitiful and sorry state” of

much of the Muslim world and called on Ahmadi Muslims around the world to pray for the peace and stability of the Muslim world.

1 - 2 February

1 February 2013: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa called on all Ahmadi Muslims to pray for the Muslim world. Huzooraa said the majority of the Muslim world is riven with conflict and stands on the brink of a disaster.

2 February 2007: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa instructed the Ahmadi doctors, particularly the waqifeen doctors, to always take care of patients’ sentiments, and treat them with good morals.

2 February 2010: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa granted an educational class to the young members of the Waqf-e-Nau Scheme.

history of its founding, to the audience. On hand for the rehabilitation were residents of the area.

Haji Jalleba, the Tewor District Commissioner, visited Tiene during the reconstruction to greet the crew. He thanked them and expressed appreciation for the school, clinic, and other charitable endeavours of the Jamaat.

A non-Ahmadi Chief Imam of Goja town said:

“Our hand pump had been broken for a long time, and there was little prospect of anyone coming to fix it. I am delighted to have you here. Your efforts and moral character have found a place in my heart. I have heard of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya before. You are welcome to visit our town for preaching.”

‘The way Huzoor spoke to us was so loving’:

Nasirat from Germany express their sentiments after meeting Huzoor

Hamda Soosn Chaudhry Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany

461 nasirat aged 10-12 from all over Germany were granted the blessed opportunity of a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 22 January 2023. The nasirat were seated at Baitus Subuh, Frankfurt. My humble self and secretary Nasirat-ulAhmadiyya were also present at this blessed occasion.

The duty holders and preparation team arrived at Baitus Subuh between 7:30am8:30am. On arrival, the nasirat registered themselves and received their name tags. From there, they went into the Lajna hall, where they were served breakfast, hot and cold drinks and snacks. After this, the nasirat gathered in the hall where the virtual mulaqat would be held. Upon entering the hall, the nasirat who needed translation, were given headphones. From 12:15pm-1pm a sound check was carried out., and shortly after that, the mulaqat began at 1:15pm.

We are deeply grateful to Allah the Almighty and our beloved Imamaa for giving us this opportunity. The girls were young, some had probably travelled this distance for the first time without their mothers. Accordingly, there was a lot of nervousness, but as soon as Huzooraa entered the room, it was obvious that hearts were filled with calm and contentment. Huzoor’saa immense love for the nasirat was evident from the overjoyed nasirat after the mulaqat

Tahamina Bilal, Secretary Nasirat-ulAhmadiyya Germany, said:

“Last year in February, we had the wonderful opportunity of a virtual mulaqat, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were limited spaces for nasirat, and only a few could participate. From the large turnout today, we can see nasirat from near and far have come to attend. It shows how happy they are and the love they have for Khilafat. This love is not just one-sided, Huzooraa has given us his precious time and lovingly answered the questions of the nasirat.”

Nida Hirsch, Assistant General Secretary, expressed:

“The Nasirat appeared nervous as they reached Baitus Subuh, but also full of anticipation at the same time. Many mentioned to me that they had not been able to sleep all night. After the mulaqat, all the Nasirat were overjoyed.”

The impressions of the nasirat are as follows.

Labeeqa Ahmad said:

“This was my first virtual mulaqat, and I was really excited to see Huzooraa. I am grateful that Huzooraa gave us his time. I learnt many new things, especially regarding how to answer the questions of other children who are not Muslims, as well as many new things that I can apply in my dayto-day life.”

Sabika Irfan expressed:

“This was my first ever mulaqat, I have never had a live mulaqat with beloved Huzooraa. So, for me this was a very special moment. Three words I would use to describe my feelings are: blessed, happy and fortunate.”

Infall Ahmad said:

“I feel really blessed to have been given this opportunity to attend the virtual mulaqat. My initial feeling was of happiness, of course, that I could finally be part of a mulaqat with beloved Huzooraa, which slowly turned into excitement and now I just feel fortunate to have seen our Khalifaaa Alhamdulillah. I really did not want Huzooraa to conclude the mulaqat, but it had to come to an end. I had a really good time.”

Labeena Ahmad expressed:

“Three words I would use to describe my feelings as I saw Huzooraa on the screen are: surprised (because it happened so suddenly), content and blessed.”

Romana Mudassar expressed:

“The mulaqat was extremely interesting; I look up to all the nasirat that had the opportunity to ask Huzooraa a question.”

Aleeha Rehman said:

“After many years, I had the opportunity

New Year’s dinner in Scotland

Arshad Mehmood Khan Scotland Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow North and South organised their combined event of New Year’s dinner on the topic of “Mental WellBeing and Role of Religion”, on 15 January 2023. The event was attended by more than 65 participants at the mosque and was promoted and listened to on social media as well.

The event started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its English translation.

An introduction video was played canvassing some of the efforts made by Hazrat

Khalifatul Masih Vaa to convey the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat around the world. The video also had glimpses of the local activities of the Scotland Jamaat, like charitable and other humanitarian services, a visit by the First Minister of Scotland to our mosque, etc.

Rt. Hon. Kirsten Oswald, MP for East Renfrewshire, expressed her appreciation to members of the Jamaat for their wonderful contributions to the community.

Rt. Hon. Paul Sweeney, member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region, pledged to raise his voice on every political platform in favour of those who are affected by

to see Huzooraa again. Three words I would use to describe my feelings are: lucky, blessed and joyed.”

Iraj Lilli Mubarak said:

“To describe the mulaqat, I would use the words: blessed, emotional and warmhearted. The way Huzooraa spoke to us was so loving, as though he knew each of us personally. It was an amazing opportunity.”

Madiha Ahmad expressed: “After the mulaqat, I feel inspired by my fellow sisters and by the answers of beloved Huzooraa. I am happy that I was part of it, but for some reason, I feel sad now. I think I am sad because it has ended, and I do not know when the next time will be when I will see Huzooraa. I hope the rest of the nasirat who were unable to attend, are also blessed with such an opportunity. For me, it was a great eye-opening experience.”

Fateha Ehsan said:

“The mulaqat was beautiful, I loved being there. I learnt so much.”

Labina Mahmood Bhatti expressed:

“Three words to describe how I am feeling right now are: happy, excited and content. For the Nasirat that didn’t get the chance to be here, I would say they can still watch the mulaqat on MTA. I know it is not the same as seeing Huzooraa live, but it is

still something.”

Izza Imran said:

“I look forward to seeing more Nasirat in these programmes.”

Afia Kahloon expressed: “It was great to be a part of this; being able to see and listen to Huzooraa is always a great feeling.”

Sidra Haleem said:

“The mulaqat was really interesting and I learnt so many new things. I feel sad for the Nasirat that didn’t get to attend it. I hope they are able to watch the mulaqat on MTA.”

Sabina Nawaz said:

“For me, all those Jalsa feelings came back. I do think my dream came true. I have watched many of the YouTube videos of other mulaqats and really wished that I would be part of it too. So, for sure, a dream came true for me. Alhamdulillah.”

Fareeha Naeem expressed:

“I can’t express in words how I feel, because I am still in awe that I was able to ask Huzooraa a question, live. I still haven’t processed that it actually really happened.”

Husna Ahmad said:

“It was nice that Huzooraa answered my question with so much depth.”

any mental health problem, especially during the Covid-19 period.

Colette McDiarmid, Provost Office, East Dunbartonshire, said:

“It is vital to play our role in making Scottish society vibrant and peaceful like your community is doing. I would like to convey a warm happy new year message from the Provost of East Dunbartonshire, who could not attend today’s event.”

Founder of the charity Time & Space, Elain Weir, spoke about the projects that their charity is doing and how she is looking forward to collaborating with Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Glasgow.

A comprehensive address in the light of the Islamic perspective on “Mental Well-being and the Role of Religion” was delivered by Humayun

Jahangeer Khan Sahib, the missionary in Glasgow. He mentioned a detailed meaning of mental well-being published by the World Health Organisation and how Islam presents the solutions to the issue in the Holy Quran and in the form of the sunnah i.e. the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhamamdsa. Dr Abdul Hayee Sahib, the regional amir of Scotland region, shed more light on the topic as a practising medical professional.

A question-and-answer session was held, where guests showed great interest and asked many questions about the topic. A vote of thanks was given by Linda Fabiani, former deputy presiding officer in the Scottish parliament. The event ended with a silent prayer led by Humayun Jahangeer Khan Sahib.

Do Ahmadis alter the Quran? The myth, the mystery and the facts

Romaan Basit Graduate Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

The Holy Quran is the only scripture that has stood the test of time; never has it successfully been interpolated. In Surah al-Hijr, Allah takes on the responsibility of safeguarding the Holy Quran Himself –both in letter and spirit.

Logically, how can a Muslim claim another has successfully misled others by altering the Holy Quran? The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been accused of committing  tahrif (alteration) in the Holy Quran and its meaning. Should this claim be true, what can be said about the promise and responsibility of God?

Anyone can pick up a copy of the Holy Quran published by the Ahmadiyya Community and verify that not a single word or punctuation mark has ever been altered. However, this allegation –stemming from disagreement on certain translation matters – is made to appear as if the Ahmadiyya Community has altered the text, God forbid.

In this piece, I will take a look at the two main verses that have become a point of contention. These are the two themes that must be explored:

1. The finality of prophethood

2. The death of Isaas (Jesus)

Khatam an-nabiyyin: Finality of Prophethood

Let’s begin with the finality of prophethood. In Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.41, the following is written about the Holy Prophetsa:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah has full knowledge of all things.”

The general Muslim stance is that the Holy Prophetsa was the last and final prophet. Hence, ‘khatam an-nabiyyin’ has been translated by so many as ‘the last of the prophets’. Here is the translation of Dr Muhsin Khan and Dr Taqi-ud-Din alHilali:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything.” (Interpretation of the Meanings of the Noble Qur’ân in the English Language)

Both have worked at the Islamic University of Medina, and this commonly used Quran translation has been published by Darussalam – the renowned publisher of Islamic literature. Various other translations are in agreement with this, including those of Muhammad Sarwar, Muhammad Habib Shakir and the Sahih International translation.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim translation, however, is different:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah has full knowledge of all things.”

The Holy Prophetsa is instead referred to as the ‘Seal of the Prophets’. Is this an attempt at interpolation? Not at all. In fact, the vast majority of other translations by non-Ahmadi Muslims and orientalists alike correspond to the Ahmadiyya Community’s translation, which translates the text in this way. Here are a few scholars who have done the exact same:

1. Muhammad Asad (The Message of the Qur’an)

2. Abdullah Yusuf Ali (The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an)

3. Prof. Abdel Haleem (The Qur’an)

4. Arthur Arberry (The Quran Interpreted)

So, can they be accused of interpolation, too? None of them is an Ahmadi. The ‘Seal of Prophets’ is by no means a false translation.

Was the Holy Prophetsa the last prophet?

The Ahmadiyya stance is that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was the last law-bearing prophet. However, as all other Muslims believe, a Messiah was to come in the Latter Days from among the very followers of the Holy Prophetsa. This stance is supported by the Quran and the Hadith. Let’s take a look at classical Islamic scholarship to shed light on this matter. Was the Holy Prophetsa really the last prophet in every possible way?

Imam Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti has referred to a narration of Hazrat ‘A’ishara

in his book,  ad-Durr al-Manthur, in which she says:

“Say he is the Seal of the Prophets, but do not say there is no prophet after him!” (ad-Durr al-Manthur, Imam as-Suyuti, under 33:40)

Shah Waliyyullah Muhaddith Dehlvi, a prominent scholar with a huge following, explained:

“The prophets have been sealed by him (i.e., the Holy Prophetsa), that is to say that there will now be none who Allah the Exalted will commission with a new law for mankind.” (at-Tafhimat al-Ilahiyya, Vol. II, , p. 72-73)

This is exactly what the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat says!

Nur al-Hasan Khan (d. 1917), the son of Nawab Siddiq Hassan Khan (d. 1890), a leading figure of the Ahl-i Hadith movement, saw it as such:

“La nabiyya ba’di [the hadith of the Holy Prophetsa that states that there is no prophet after him) is found, which, according to the people of knowledge, means there shall be no prophet after me who shall bring an abrogating divine system of law.” (Iqtarab as-Sa’ah, 1883, p. 162)

Qasim Nanautvi, one of the main founders of Dar al-Ulum Deoband – again, with a vast following – said:

“According to the layman, the Messengersa of Allah being the ‘khatam’ (seal), is supposed to have appeared after all the previous prophets. But men of understanding and wisdom know it very well that being the first or the last, chronologically, does not carry any weight. How could, therefore, the words of the Holy Quran: ‘But he is the Messenger of Allah and the  Last of the Prophets’ (33:41) glorify him?” (Tahdhir an-Nas, pp. 4-5)

He went on to say: “If we accept this view, it shall not at all contravene his finality, even if someone in the future does rise to the high status of prophethood” (Ibid, p. 34)

Imam ‘Abd a-Wahhab ash-Sha’rani, the Shafi‘i mystic and scholar, wrote:

“And the statement of the Holy Prophet that there is no prophet after me and no messenger after me means that there will be nobody after me who legislates with a new law (a new Shariah).” (al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir, Vol. II, p. 39)

These are just a few examples, and by no means is this an exhaustive list. Many other great scholars of Islam hold this view, including Ibn ’Arabi, Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti, Muhammad Tahir al-Fattani, al-Hakim at-Tirmidhi, Imam ar-Raghib, Rumi and more. They all use and prefer the translation of Khataman Nabiyyin to mean “Seal of the Prophets”, as opposed to the “last” and “final” messenger.

A strange approach is observed in some

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

scholars like Abu l-A‘la Maududi – who has influenced modern-day scholars – that he simply shies away from translating the word khatam and puts it down as “Khatam of the Prophets” in his Tafhim al-Quran

Why not give the meaning when the whole idea of a translation is to translate?

Resorting to explaining the word in tafsir, without translating it, shows that the agenda was probably to avoid having it taken as “seal” and to make readers more inclined towards accepting the element of finality.

Maududi’s contemporary and confidant, Amin Ahsan Islahi, has taken a similar approach in his commentary,  Tadabbure-Quran; not translating the word, and ushering readers to their interpretation of the Prophetsa being “the final”.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim stance that Khatam-an-Nabiyyin means “The Seal of the Prophets” is in line with the early, classical, medieval and modern Islamic understanding of the term  khatam and is confirmed by all major lexicons of the Arabic language. Yes, disagreement in interpretation has been there and is still there, but that does not, in any way, amount to tahrif by any definition.

Death of ‘Isaas (Jesus) – Spiritual Ascension

In Surah Al ‘Imran, verse 56, Allah says regarding ‘Isaas:

spirit (like the biblical case of Elijah and John the Baptist). This was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

First of all, it must be remembered that elsewhere in the Quran where the Arabic verb “tawaffa” has been used in this context (where Allah is the subject, anything with a soul is the object, and it is in Form V (bab at-tafa‘‘ul)), it always means either death or sleep. Unless there is a clear indication (qarina) of sleep, for example, the word night is present, “tawaffa” always translates as death. It occurs a total of 25 times in the Quran; twice for sleep and the rest for death. Any translation can be checked to verify the claim.

This was a challenge from the Promised Messiahas, who wrote:

“If anyone can cite a single instance

following about this verse: کتیمم ؛کیفوتم

“Mutawaffika means  mumituka (I will cause thee to die).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-Tafsir, Surah al-Ma’idah, V. 118)

Imam al-Qurtubi quotes this narration of Ibn ‘Abbasra in his Tafsir: کتیمم کیفوتم ینعم سابع نبا

“Ibn Abi Talhah narrates from Ibn ‘Abbasra, that the meaning of ‘mutawaffika’ is ‘I will cause thee to die’.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 5, p. 153)

Imam az-Zamakhshari, in his book of Tafsir (Kashshaf), explains one of the meanings of ‘tawaffa’ as being: کﻔ�ا ﻒتح کتیممو

“wa-mumituka hatfa anfika (I will cause thee to die).” (Tafsir al-Kashshaf, Imam az-

Muhammad Asad, the Jewish convert to Islam and celebrated by the whole Muslim Ummah as a great scholar of Islam, has translated the verse Surah Al ’Imran, Ch.3: V,56 in the following manner:

“Lo! God said: ‘O Jesus! Verily, I shall cause thee to die, and shall exalt thee unto Me, and cleanse thee of [the presence of] those who are bent on denying the truth; and I shall place those who follow thee [far] above those who are bent on denying the truth, unto the Day of Resurrection. In the end, unto Me you all must return, and I shall judge between you with regard to all on which you were wont to differ.’” (The Message of the Qur’an)

As if testifying to the above challenge of the Promised Messiah, he states in his commentary on verse Surah an-Nisa’, Ch.4: V.158:

“Where God says to Jesus, ‘Verily, I shall cause thee to die, and shall exalt thee unto me.’ The verb  rafa‘ahu (lit., ‘he raised him’ or ‘elevated him’) has always, whenever the act of  raf’ (‘elevating’) of a human being is attributed to God, the meaning of ‘honouring’ or exalting’. Nowhere in the Quran is there any warrant for the popular belief that God has ‘taken up’ Jesus bodily, in his lifetime, into heaven. The expression ‘God exalted thee unto Himself’ in the above verse denotes the elevation of Jesus to the realm of God’s special grace – a blessing in which all prophets partake, as is evident from 19:57, where the verb rafa’ahu (‘We exalted him’) is used with regard to the Prophet Idris.” (The Message of the Quran, Muhammad Asad, p. 135)

Special attention needs to be paid to the participles کیف

(mutawaffika) - derived from “tawaffa” – and کعفا

(rafi‘uka), which has been derived from “rafa‘a”. Abdullah Yusuf Ali, who earlier translated this verse in line with the Ahmadiyya translation in the first edition, later shifted to translating it as:

“Behold! Allah said: ‘O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.’” (The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an) Abdullah Yusuf Ali later translated “tawaffa” as “to take”, and “rafa‘a” as “to raise”. Many other translators have done the same, including Dr Muhsin Khan and Dr Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali.

The Ahmadi Muslim translation, however, translates “tawaffa” as “to die a natural death”, and “rafa’a” as “to exalt in status”:

“When Allah said, ‘O Jesus, I will cause thee to die [a natural death] and will exalt thee to Myself, and will clear thee from [the charges of] those who disbelieve, and will place those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, and I will judge between you concerning that wherein you differ.’”

Still a majority of Muslims believes that ‘Isaas (Jesus) was raised to heaven alive and will return in the latter days. Ahmadi Muslims, however, believe ‘Isaas died a natural death like all other prophets, and his second coming was to be in power and

from the Holy Quran or the Hadith, or from classical or modern Arabic poetry and prose, that the word  tawaffa, when applied to anything with a soul, God being the subject, has been used in any connotation other than death […], I bind myself on oath that I shall pay that person one thousand rupees in cash by selling some of my property and shall always hold him in high esteem as a great scholar of the Holy Quran and Hadith.” (Izala-e-Auham, Part II, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 603)

No one to this day has been able to disprove this challenge. He also wrote in the same book:

“What I discovered on checking every page of the compilations of  Sahih Bukhari,  Sahih Muslim,  Tirmidhi,  Ibn Majah,  Abu Dawud,  Nasa’i,  Darimi,  Muwatta, and  Sharh as-Sunna, etc., was that the expression ‘tawaffa’ has been used three hundred and forty-six times, and in no single instance has it been used, either by the Holy Prophetsa or by his Companionsra, to mean anything other than ‘death’, or ‘taking possession of the soul’. I have gone through these books with great care, line by line, and I can say that on each and every occasion the expression  tawaffa has been used only in the connotation of death or taking possession of the soul.” (Ibid, pp. 583-585)

Ibn ‘Abbasra, about whom the Holy Prophetsa prayed to be blessed with a special insight into the religion, stated the

Zamakhshari, under 3:56)

Imam Ibn Kathir, in his widely-accepted work of Tafsir, writes the following Hadith under the commentary of verse 3:81: ��ابتا الا امہعسو امل نییح

“If Mosesas and Jesusas were alive, they would have had no choice but to follow me.” (Tafsir ibn Kathir, Under 3:81)

Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a great scholar of Islam and student of Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, states in a very similar manner: هعابتا نم اناکل امہتایح یف

“Had Prophet Mosesas and Prophet Jesusas lived (till the time of the Holy Prophetsa), they would certainly have been among his followers.” (Madarij as-Salikin, Vol. 2, p. 263)

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, social reformer and founder of the Mohammedan AngloOriental College (which later became the Aligarh Muslim University), wrote: “Jesus was not killed by the Jews, either by stoning or by crucifixion, but he died his natural death, and God raised him in rank and status […]. From the first three verses, it is clear that Jesus died a natural death. However, as the Ulema of Islam had followed the Christians in accepting that Jesus had gone up to heaven alive before looking at the Quran, so they have tried to interpret some of the words in these verses to accord with their unsound belief” (Tafsir al-Quran, Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, Vol. 2, p. 48)

Abdullah Yusuf Ali, whose translation has been previously cited, states in his commentary on Surah Al ‘Imran, Ch.3: V.56:

“The Jews neither crucified nor killed Jesus, but that another was killed in his likeness. The guilt of the Jews remained. But Jesus completed his life when he died and was taken up to God.” (The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an, First Edition, Footnote of 3:56)

Here are all the verses in which ‘tawaffa’ is used in the Quran:

2:235, 2:241, 3:56, 3:194, 4:16, 4:98, 5:118, 6:62, 7:38, 7:127, 8:51, 10:47, 10:105, 12:102, 13:41, 16:29, 16:33, 16:71, 22:6, 32:12, 40:68, 40:78, 47:28, 6:61, 39:43

In Surah al-An`am, Ch.6: V.61, and Surah az-Zumar, Ch.39: V.43, it means sleep as the words ‘night’ and ‘sleep’ are clearly present. In the rest of the 23 verses, the verb always means death.

All Muslims, from the classical to mediaeval period and mediaeval to modern, have all unanimously agreed that ‘tawaffa’ in this context means death. So why then should it be any different for Jesus? According to this, the Ahmadiyya translation is correct.

So, who would still want to argue that the Ahmadiyya translation of the Holy Quran is an interpolation? And, if it is, then an abundance of translations need to be checked and revised, not just the Ahmadiyya one.

Further reading:

www.alhakam.org/the-true-meaning-ofrafaa-proof-that-jesus-has-passed-away/ www.alhakam.org/tafsir-al-qurtubi-provesprophet-isas-death/

100 Years Ago...

Second Coming of Christ: A Muslim perspective on the fulfilment of biblical prophecy - Part 1

The Review of Religions [English], January, February & March 1923

In the Madras Mail of 5 and 6 December 1922, there appeared two long letters on the Second Advent of Christ from “A Student of Prophecy”. The writer of the letters begins by saying: “The facts of the First Coming are common knowledge, but it seems that the expectation of the Second Coming does not engage the minds and hearts of Christians as much as it should. They appear to take the view that it has been so long delayed as to have passed almost out of the number of practicalities that demand attention. And yet, in the New Testament, they are told without equivocation to watch for it, and to look for certain signs that would herald its approach. Further, students of prophecy declare that the Bible contains prophecies of the time of the Second Coming.” Then the writer of the letters proceeds to show, on the basis of Biblical prophecies, that “The time is at hand – that the redemption of the faithful draweth nigh” [Luke 21:28]. He concludes by saying, “There are many earnest Christians who nourish the ‘Great Hope’ that next year will see the Coming of the Christ, with power to set up his

to believe.” In response to the invitation of the editor of the Madras Mail, the following letter has been sent to him for publication. The “Great Hope” has already been fulfilled; the Messiah has already come and if the Christians do not accept the true Messiah, they will continue to say, as they are doing now, that “next year will witness the Coming of Christ,” but that “next year” will never come. Let them carefully ponder over what has been said in the letter reproduced below. (Editor, The Review of Religions, 1923)

[Letter to the editor of Madras Mail]

To The Editor, Madras Mail, Madras. Dear Sir,

In your issue of 5 December 1922, there appears a long article on the Second Advent of the Messiah by “A Student of Prophecy” and you are pleased to invite correspondence on the subject.

This is a subject in which I am keenly interested, and therefore I take the liberty of expressing my views on this highly interesting subject in response to your invitation.

Jewish Scriptures to bear out the truth of his claims. These Scriptures do bear evidence of his truth, but they do not form the sole or the principal evidence. Nay, even if the Jewish and Christian Scriptures had not existed, the truth of his claims would have still been as clear as the claim of any other prophet that was ever born on this earth. Not only did he fulfil in his person all the signs that were given to us by the Israelite prophets as well as the great seers of other nations, (for the prophecy of the appearance of a Great Messenger in the Latter Days is to be found in all the great religions of the world), but God worked by his hands mighty signs that made the truth of his claims as clear as the midday sun and he came with all the signs and all the characteristics of a true prophet. But at present, I will confine myself to the evidence from the Jewish and Christian Scriptures.

Mary the glad tidings of a son, said, “The Lord God shall give him the throne of his father David” [Luke 1:32]. Even the disciples held to the belief that Jesus would effect a temporal deliverance for the Jews, for two of them are reported to have said after the “Crucifixion” of Jesus, “We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel” (Luke 24:21). But when Pilate asked Jesus whether he was the king of the Jews, he replied, “My kingdom is not of this world” [John 18:36]. Thus, it is clear that both the Jews and the disciples of Jesus were mistaken in their interpretation of the prophecies and that Jesus was not to be an earthly, but a spiritual king.

Kingdom. All Christians are clearly bidden to watch and be ready for that Coming, and they should ask themselves whether, in view of prophecy indicating the imminence of the Second Advent, they can echo from their hearts the prayer, ‘Even so come, Lord Jesus’.”

The letters seem to have excited the interest of the editor of the Madras Mail, and he, while inviting correspondence on this subject, says: “The march of events, in the Near East especially, would almost persuade one that there is more in these curious calculations than one would like

I am not a Christian, but this, I think, will be no bar to my taking part in this discussion. God being the common Father of all mankind, His word is the common property of us all and a Muslim has as great a right to study it as any Jew or Christian. Nay, I believe it to be my duty to speak on the subject of the Second Advent of Jesus, because I hold that the prophecy has already been fulfilled. As it is the duty of a Christian to tell the Jews that the prophecies of the Bible relating to the First Coming of the Messiah have been fulfilled, similarly, I, who believe that the Biblical prophecy of the Second Advent of the Messiah has already been fulfilled, feel bound to tell the Christian that he need not look forward to any future time for the Advent of the Messiah, for that Advent has already occurred. And I think it is the duty of a Christian also to listen to me with an open mind. Your learned self or your numerous Christian readers should not presuppose that I am wrong. Like every unbiassed and impartial judge, they should reserve their judgement until they have heard my arguments.

Before I proceed to show how the prophecy regarding the Second Coming of the Messiah has been fulfilled, I must tell my Christian friends that the holy personage, whose appearance in the present age fulfilled the prophecy in question, does not stand in need of the prophecies in the Christian and

In order to properly understand how the prophecy of the Second Advent of the Messiah has been fulfilled, it is necessary for us to look at the prophecy of the First Advent of the Messiah and see how it was fulfilled. A study of that prophecy will be a great help to us in understanding the second prophecy and will serve as guidance for us in interpreting the latter prophecy.

Jesus[as] made his appearance 1900 years ago, and claimed to be the Promised Messiah. But did the learned Jews accept him? The answer is, “No”. But I ask why they did not accept him if he had come in fulfilment of the prophecies made by the Israelite prophets. If the prophecies had been fulfilled, why did the Jewish theologians reject him? It is imperative for us to know the reason that led the Jewish students of the Bible to reject Jesus, so that we may take a warning from their example and not commit the same fatal blunder that they did. Said the Holy Prophetsa of Arabia: “A believer is not bitten from the same hole twice.” So let us know the blunder of the Jews so that we may be able to guard against it.

The first mistake that the Jews made was that they took the prophecies strictly in their literal sense and refused to accept the interpretation that Jesus offered.

For instance, they believed that the Messiah would be a king who would deliver them from the yoke of the foreigner, but Jesus said, he was indeed a king, but his kingdom was not of this world.

Matthew tells us, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he that is born king of the Jews?’” [Matthew 2:1-2]

The angel of the Lord, while giving to

Similarly, the Jews interpreted Malachi 4:5 literally and believed that before the Messiah made his appearance, Elijah must come. But Jesus interpreted this prophecy otherwise. According to him, the coming back of Elijah meant, not the coming of the self-same Elijah in person, who reproved idolatrous Israel, who destroyed Baal, and of whom it is written that he “Went up by a whirlwind into heaven”, (2 Kings 2:11) but the appearance of another man in the spirit and character of Elijah. In Matthew 17:1013, we read: “And his disciples asked him, saying, ‘Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?’ And Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, that Elias is come already, and they know him not but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise, shall the son of man suffer of them.’ Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.”

These interpretations of Jesus were rejected by the Jews and they refused to accept him on the ground that Elijah, who had bodily ascended into heaven, had not come back in person. It is strange that many Christians take the same view as the Jews did, of the coming back of Elijah although Jesus said in plain words: “And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear let him hear.” [Matthew 11:14-15]

Another mistake that the Jews made was that, blinded by their own interpretation of prophecies, they became so prejudiced against Jesus that they did not think over the signs that he showed as proof of his claims. The Jews had made a picture of the Messiah in their own imagination. That imaginary picture, which was based on their own interpretation of prophecies and erroneous traditions, did not prove to be a reality.

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra (18751947)

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali’s letter to the Madras Mail regarding the advent of the Promised Messiah

Lajna Imaillah Jamaica holds first-ever ijtema

Misbah Anmol Tariq Jamaica Correspondent

To celebrate the centenary year of Lajna Imaillah, the Jamaican Lajna held their very first ijtema, towards the end of December 2022.

As we were not able to gather in one place due to logistical reasons, we held two regional ijtemas instead. One was held in the Old Harbour-Kingston region, while the other one took place in the Trelawny Region.

In total, over 20 members attended, including Nasirat and Lajna and all attendees participated to the best of their abilities.

As it was the first-ever ijtema of Lajna Imaillah Jamaica, educational competitions only consisted of speeches. As for sports competitions, the attendees were divided into two groups; mothers and daughters. Each group had its own sports competition.

The topics for the speeches were chosen by the participants individually, as our aim for this ijtema was to increase participation and also enhance our knowledge on various

topics. Each speech was followed by a brief discussion on the topic to further our understanding.

Some of the topics covered during ijtema included, building a strong connection with God, modesty, love and respect for each other, the life of a modern Muslim woman and preaching to our neighbours. As Jamaica is predominantly a Christian country, there was also a fruitful discussion on the topic of “What it means to have a Muslim identity in Jamaica?”

The young nasirat had prepared their speeches on the following topics: “Love for Allah”, “Treating Your Neighbours with Kindness”, and “Being Grateful to Allah”.

One of the highlights of the ijtema was the concluding address of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa delivered at the 2022 ijtema of Lajna Imaillah UK. Members watched the address of beloved Huzooraa very attentively.

The event concluded with prize distribution by Sadr Lajna Imaillah Jamaica, Janet South Sahiba, and a silent prayer led by the missionary-in-charge, Tariq Azeem Sahib.

Tarbiyat camp and national ijtema, MKA Philippines

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Philippines held a 5-day annual tarbiyat camp from 23 to 27 December 2022, and the annual ijtema on 28-29 December 2022 at the Baitul Ahad Mosque, Peace Compound, Zamboanga City.

The tarbiyat camp was conducted with separate programmes for atfal and khuddam with a focus on daily congregational prayer, Islamic customs, Islamic history and other topics related to Islamic knowledge and moral upbringing. The lecturers included various missionaries and mu’allimeen of the Jamaat, including Abdul Halim Suhurun, Mohammad Razari Ahmadul, Faisal Heding, Abdul Mukhlis Ahmad, Talha Ali, and my humble self. The goals of the camp included increasing the knowledge of the participants and having them discuss issues that are pertinent to them in today’s society.

The daily schedule during the camp consisted of the day starting with the offering of Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, followed by dars of the Holy Quran and breakfast. There were regular classes from 8am to 4pm with a break for prayers and lunch. Some of the topics discussed during the camp included the importance of Khilafat, learning Arabic and the translation of salat, Islamic customs after someone passes away, how to correctly perform ablution before prayer, the importance of the segregation of men and women in gatherings, modesty, the importance of keeping the mosque clean, the prohibition of drugs and alcohol in Islam and respect for parents and elders. There were also lectures on the history of Islam and Ahmadiyyat, Nizam-e-Jamaat, and teaching various arguments in support

of the beliefs of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Throughout the camp, there was a question-and-answer session between Maghrib and Isha prayers with the scholars of the Jamaat. This session was extremely valuable to the attendees, as they were able to ask questions that they may not have felt comfortable asking otherwise. Various contemporary issues were discussed in these sessions.

One of the goals of the tarbiyat camp was to memorise the Arabic salat and learn its translation. By the grace of Allah, five students who did not previously know the Arabic text of the salat memorised it during the event and 13 students (who did not previously know it) memorised the complete translation of the Salat during the camp. A practical demonstration of how to perform ghusl of a deceased body at the time of janazah was also given, which was extremely beneficial for all.

The tarbiyat camp was followed by the annual ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya. During the ijtema, atfal and khuddam participated in various academic and sporting competitions.

A total of 63 khuddam and 14 atfal from six majalis attended the tarbiyat camp and ijtema. Almost all of them stayed at the location of the ijtema during the programmes.

The real Messiah did not conform to the imaginary Messiah that they had pictured for themselves, being misled by their erroneous interpretations and traditions. Expecting the advent of an earthly king possessing great splendour and authority, they failed to recognise him in the lowly Nazarene, who was an associate of publicans and sinners and who scathingly denounced traditions and beliefs that were dear to the Jewish mind. That was a fatal mistake that they committed. Indeed, that is the mistake that the deniers of prophets always commit and it is this mistake that proves to be a stumbling block for them and prevents them from accepting the prophets when they come.

So with such examples before us, it is meet for us to avoid such mistakes so that we may not in a similar way be deprived of the inestimable boon of accepting the true Messiah.

We should not depend on our own interpretation of prophecies. History affords ample evidence of the fact that men have always erred when they have tried to explain prophecies before their completion. Those who have done so have plunged beyond their depth and the result has been that they have been lost in the abyss of error. Such prophecies can only be explained by the events, and it is a great error to fix upon any definite interpretation when the events foretold are yet in the womb of time.

It is gratifying to learn that many Christian writers have been shrewd enough to learn this great lesson that the history of prophecies so unmistakably teaches us. The Right Reverend Thomas Newton, DD, Lord Bishop of Bristol, who has written a big book on the prophecies of the Bible, says:

“We cannot frame any conception of how Christ will be manifested in glory, how the little horn will be given to the burning

flames, or how the saints will take the kingdom, and possess it for ever and ever. It is in the nature of such prophecies not to be perfectly understood, until they are fulfilled. The best comment upon them will be their completion.”

Irenaeus, as quoted by the Right Reverend Thomas Newton, says in a like case, “It is surer and safer to wait for the completion of the prophecy than to conjecture and divine about it.” Mr J Liddel Kelly, who seems to have made a special study of the subject and who published a pamphlet entitled “The Last Days” in 1913, says:

“The announcement that the end of all things is at hand conjures up in many minds a vision of judgements and catastrophes, culminating in the sun and stars falling from their places and in the earth melting with fervent heat. At the outset, it should therefore be clear that there is no ground for these superstitious fears. The end, which is now

approaching and which is to be the prelude of a new heaven and a new earth, is the close of the present age of dispensation. The divine event to which the whole creation moves is not a catastrophe but a renewal or new birth. […] The coming great revolution will be accomplished without any appearance of direct divine intervention.

“The world and its people will go on very much as now. The signs in the heaven and in the earth will be apparent only to the few. The great majority will be scoffers and sceptics almost to the last.”

Elsewhere in the same pamphlet, he says: “No sound of trumpets or of drums Shall mark his advent when he comes

To claim his crown and bless his own; No angels shall proclaim his birth.”

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Review of Religions [English], January, February and March 1923)

Nuruddin Mohammad Razari Naib Nazim-e-A’la Ijtema, MKA Philippines

Prophets of Allah

Salih: ‘And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih’

Salihas was a Prophet of God who was sent to the people of Thamud, a tribe that lived after ‘Ad, located in the western part of Arabia. (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.74) The people to whom Prophet Salihas was sent were known as Ashab al-Hijr. (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.81) The Holy Quran states that the tribe of ‘Ad, to whom was sent Prophet Hudas, were successors to the people of Noahas [Nuh]. (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.70) Salihas, as stated in the article about Prophet Hudas, was a prophet after Hudas. Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra has explained that “Hudas, Salihas and Shu‘aybas, were in close association with their respective peoples.” (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 9)

Prophet Salih’sas character was so great, as evident from the Holy Quran, that the people of Thamud, prior to his call, relied on him greatly. His story has been linked and remembered with the she-camel he used for travelling and performing his preaching activities.

Prophet Salih’sas call

As every prophet was commanded to spread the message of  Tawhid, i.e., divine unity and oneness, so too was Prophet Salihas. Addressing his people, he said, “O my people worship Allah; you have no God but Him. He raised you up from the earth, and settled you therein. So ask forgiveness of Him, then turn to Him [whole-heartedly].”

(Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.62)

Prophet Salihas reminded his people of the favours of God that were bestowed upon them, being a lowly people and having been granted prosperity and a high position on earth.

His people, hearing his message, responded, “O Salih, thou wast among us one in whom we placed our hopes. Dost thou forbid us to worship what our fathers worshipped? And we are surely in disquieting doubt concerning that to which thou callest us.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.63)

The people of Salihas had deemed him to be someone in whom they could place their trust. However, after hearing that Salih’sas message would stop them from following the erred ways of their forefathers, they turned against him. This is a very common theme in the lives of prophets of Allah. Before they are commissioned by God, they are held in great esteem by their people, however, when they call people to the Oneness of God, the same people stand against them. This also happened to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

The people of Salihas led luxurious

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lives, judging by the standards of that time. Prophet Salihas addressed his people, “[Do you think] you will be left secure amid the things [that you have] here?” (Surah ashShu`ara’, Ch.26: V.147)

Prophet Salihas told his people, just as Hudas did, that their worldly power will not avail them anything from God’s wrath. His people found honour in their power and wealth.

Ashab Al-Hijr

Salihas was sent to people known as Ashab al-Hijr. Hijr was a place situated between Tabuk and Medina. The place was mainly built with stones, hence the name “Hijr”. On one occasion, when the Holy Prophetsa arrived at Hijr during the battle of Tabuk, he ordered his companions not to drink water from its well or reserve water from it (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Ahadithi l-Anbiya’, Hadith 3378), as “this settlement was the place of divine punishment.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 104)

Prophets of Allah, throughout their lives, face much opposition. Their bitter enemies, who simply reject guidance from the Lord, plot various schemes to halt their message and some even go so far as to plot to kill the prophet sent to them.

The Holy Quran states that there was a party of nine-mischief-mongers in Salih’sas city who would not reform themselves and were bent on their ways. These people planned to attack Salihas and his family at night. The Quran records them as having planned, “We will surely attack him and his family by night, and then we will say to his heir, ‘We witnessed not the destruction of his family, and most surely we are truthful.’” (Surah an-Naml, Ch.27: V.50)

These mischief-makers had made such a plan amongst themselves and thought it to be irretraceable, as they had said that they would simply tell others that they did not witness anything. This, too, is another common theme in the lives of prophets. There has always been a group of people who opposed and planned to kill the messenger sent to them. This also happened with the Holy Prophetsa the night before he migrated to Medina.

These nine mischief-mongers could not even fathom that God’s plan to protect his beloved prophet was set in motion.

The Holy Quran states that their evil plan failed and was “utterly destroyed.” (Surah an-Naml, Ch.27: V.57) These mischiefmakers serve as a reminder to all those who reject and plot to halt the message of Allah’s prophets.

Prophet Salih’sas she-camel

Legends have been formed regarding Salih’sas she-camel; legends that hold no ground whatsoever.

First and foremost, we must understand that camels were the main means of transport in Arabia. Travelling without one would be no simple task, considering the heat and climate of Arabia. Prophet Salihas used his she-camel to travel from one place to another. Referring to his she-camel, he said to his people, “‘Leave her that she may feed in Allah’s earth, and do her no harm, lest a painful punishment seize you.’” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.74)

Prophet Salihas told his people to refrain from harming the she-camel or putting obstacles in her way, lest a punishment overtake them. As his she-camel was used for his work, any harm to his camel was equivalent to causing obstacles in the way of God’s work.

“The declaration by Salihas about the free movement of his she-camel was also in harmony with a time-honoured Arab custom.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. II, p. 1001)

Salih’sas people hamstrung the she-camel

When the arrogant enemies of Salihas saw that he was firm in his claim and message, they turned to those who believed and asked if they truly thought Salihas was a messenger sent by God. Very arrogantly did the chief men boast that they disbelieved in him and his message.

His people hamstrung the she-camel and boasted to Salihas, “‘bring us that which thou threatenest us with, if thou art indeed one of the Messengers.’” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.78) In this verse, his enemies said to bring the punishment. A very brazen act and a mistake many disbelievers make, as evident from the Quran.

The Holy Quran states: “The [tribe of] Thamud denied [the truth] because of their rebelliousness. When the most wretched among them got up, then the Messenger of Allah said, ‘[Leave alone] the she-camel of Allah, and let her drink.’ But they rejected him and hamstrung her.” (Surah ash-Shams, Ch.91: V.12-15)

Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

A party of nine mischief-makers plots to kill Salihas

100 Years Ago...

On a mission to spread Islam in America amidst separation from home and loved ones

Annual report of the Ahmadiyya Mission in America, 1922

Al Fazl, 25 January 1923

Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib wrote the following report to be read out at the Jalsa Salana [Qadian 1922], but since it could not arrive in time, it is now being conveyed to friends through this newspaper. [Editor, Al Fazl]

Brothers!

as-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

I thought that I would be in Qadian at this year’s Jalsa [Qadian 1922] and would have the privilege of meeting the companions, but I am not fortunate enough to have the honour of entering the beloved land. I love Qadian, and then I love my wife and children. My friends are very dear to me and the sadness of being separated from them for six years is really heavy on my heart. However, thank God, my journey is not for any personal gain or any carnal pleasure but for the spread of Islam and in obedience to the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra]. The feeling of separation from loved ones is a natural thing that is not in my control. Nevertheless, if Hazrat Imam[ra] orders me to stay longer in this country or instructs me, for instance, to go to South America or Japan, then my heart is as ready to obey this instruction as it is to return to Qadian. In obedience to my True Mentor, [Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra], home and foreign lands are the same for me, and journey and sojourn are no different.

I do not claim to have done anything on this journey [to America] or that I will be able to do more commendable works if

The Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said, while referring to the person who had cut the legs of the she-camel of the Prophet Salihas, “The man who was appointed for doing this job, was a man of honour and power in his nation like Abu Zam‘ah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Ahadithi l-Anbiya, Hadith 3377)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained, in  Tafsir-e-Saghir, that Salih’sas people did not hold any enmity towards the she-camel, nor does the killing of a camel warrant such a punishment. In fact, their hatred was directed at Salihas and his message. The she-camel was mainly used as a mode of transport from one place to another for his  tabligh missions. They killed the shecamel so that the spreading of his message

I stay any longer. Not at all; it is Allah the Almighty Who is always doing the work and if anything has been achieved, it is only the result of the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and the admirers of Sadiq. All the rewards [from these achievements are] theirs.

Brother Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib’s telegram, requesting to send a report for the Jalsa [Salana Qadian 1922], has been received at Al-Masjid [Chicago]. This is the first telegram that has been received at this address and has arrived safely. In a city like Chicago, which is a vast, endless city with a length of 26 miles and breadth of 15 miles, just writing “Al-Masjid Chicago” gets me the telegram. This [short address] reduces the cost and also helps make the mosque known. I did not know there was a need to write a report and now there is very little time left, so I will present a few things briefly:

Ahmadiyya Mosque

Last year, [1922] had been very auspicious in terms of preaching in this country [America].

Firstly, a permanent house and a mosque have been built for the Ahmadiyya Community in the centre of this country. It is located in the heart of Chicago. Its current value, along with its assets, is around 30 thousand rupees. A large sum of this money has already been deposited, some of which has been received from India and the rest has been collected here by the grace of Allah. For this very purpose, we are expecting 500 dollars more from India. Hopefully, friends have already collected this amount. May Allah the Almighty grant them the best of rewards. For the rest of the money,

might come to a halt. (Tafsir-e-Saghir, p. 201)

Furthering this point, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained:

“One thing is very clear and that is the occurrence of the terrifying blast, whether you call it a volcanic eruption or a thunderbolt from the skies or a blast resulting from a geological movement. In short, no matter how you depict that single blast, it did not have the remotest physical connection with the hamstringing of the she-camel. No one can accept that the blast occurred as a direct result of the she-camel having been hamstrung. We conclude, therefore, that whatever natural phenomenon was chosen as a means of destruction of the people of Salihas, it was not a mere coincidence but an extraordinary divine decree. As long as the people of

we have already made some arrangements here and some are still in process, insha-Allah

[The] Moslem Sunrise

Secondly, the magazine, [The] Moslem Sunrise, is serving as a great instrument for tabligh [spread of Islam] not only in America but also in Canada, South America and Central America. This magazine is widely circulated by the grace of Allah the Almighty and the people read it with great interest. We receive letters in this respect on a daily basis.

Lectures

Thirdly, I delivered lectures and preached in many cities across the country. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the lectures turned out to be successful in every place. Last year, nearly 200 lectures were delivered.

400 new converts

Fourthly, the number of new converts is now around 400 and growing by the day. Many of them perform prayers and learn Arabic. Especially in the city of Chicago, about sixty to seventy people join the prayers on Sunday, as it is a holiday.

Branches of the Mission

Fifthly, in addition to Chicago, two branches of the Mission have been opened in the cities of St Louis and Detroit. In each of the two places, the new converts there made arrangements for the lecturers at halls and libraries at their own expense and participated in the work of preaching. Amirs have been appointed in both cities. The Islamic name of one amir is Sheikh Ahmad Deen

Salihas refrained from preventing the shecamel from taking water and tormenting her, God’s wish of restraining the forces of nature from manifesting themselves was fully complied with, but when the she-camel was withdrawn from water and hamstrung, the forces of nature were permitted to unleash themselves and show their might.”

(“Natural Disasters or Divine Punishment?”, The Review of Religions, February 1994)

The punishment that befell Thamud

After the mischievous disbelievers assaulted the she-camel, Salihas said, “Enjoy yourselves in your houses for three days. This is a promise which is not a lie.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.66) The three days were given as a last chance for repentance, however,

and the name of the other is Sheikh Abdus Salam. These two friends were formerly Christian priests and are now Muslim missionaries. They work purely out of passion and we do not even give them any financial support.

This is a short report of the work that was done here. I request that my friends remember me in their prayers.

Mufti Muhammad Sadiq. 21 November 1922.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 25 January 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

they didn’t avail even this. (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 3, pp. 1368-1369)

When God’s command arrived, apart from Salihas and those who believed, all perished in an earthquake that seized them in their homes.

With the study of the lives of Prophets, we realise that all those who acted arrogantly and opposed the divine message have been forgotten through the ages; however, prophets of God, it seems, have been immortalised and are now remembered by Muslims who often turn back to the Quran.

Salihas, grieved at his people and their actions, left the city, turning away from them, with a sorrowful heart, and said, “O my people, I did deliver the message of my Lord unto you and offered you sincere counsel, but you love not sincere counsellors.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.80)

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (18721957)

Patience and prayers: Ahmadiyya

Muslim Jamaat’s response to opposition

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

History bears witness to the fact that attempts have always been made to efface divine communities from the face of the earth. The opponents with such intentions, however, are unaware that God Almighty has promised the ultimate victory of His communities. God openly declares:

“They are Allah’s party. Hearken ye [O people]! It is Allah’s party who will be successful.” (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch.58: V.23)

The same is the case with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, since its history testifies that the opposition could never halt its progress; rather, it has always proved to be fruitful.

The Promised Messiahas once said: “In a way, my opponents are actually my servants and helpers, because they convey my message to the east and to the west.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, p. 112)

In another instance, Huzooras said: “Note that all kinds of things are made use of in farming. There is water and seeds. Still, there is a need for manure, which is extremely filthy. So, in the same way, filthy opposition does the work of manure for our Movement.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, p. 474)

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

“O ye who believe! Seek help with patience and Prayer; surely, Allah is with the steadfast.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 154)

Commenting on this verse, during his Friday Sermon on 12 November 2010, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“The Holy Quran has commanded Divine communities to always seek help from Allah the Almighty with determination, in order to achieve their objectives. Patience and prayer [dua] enable the believers to succeed. This principle was taught by all religions and prophets prior to Islam, and the Holy Prophetsa also taught us the same thing. […] The history of prophets attests to the fact that prophets and their communities had to endure hardships, and this practice still continues.

“Who could be more beloved to God Almighty than the Holy Prophetsa? But, the hardships that he and his followers had to endure, are not hidden from anyone. However, he carried out tarbiyat of his Companionsra in such a manner that they did not even complain, and they used the methods of patience and prayer whenever they were confronted by any hardship or wars, or whenever oppression of any kind was carried out against them.” (Khutbat-eMasroor, Vol. 8, pp. 580-585)

Huzooraa then mentioned that once during a sitting with the Promised Messiahas, someone mentioned the opposition of the Jamaat and requested prayers. Upon this, the Promised Messiahas said:

“How can one attain reward without enduring hardships? The Messenger of God, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, endured hardships in Mecca for 13 years. You people are neither [completely] aware of [the level] of the hardships of that era, nor have you faced them [yet]. However, he [the Holy Prophetsa] taught the Companionsra to endure it with patience. At last, all the opponents were destroyed. The time is near when you will witness that these evil people will also vanish. Allah the Almighty has decreed to spread this Jamaat in the world. Nowadays, they harm you as they see you to be fewer in number, however, when this Jamaat will exceed [in numbers], they would themselves become silent. […]

Through them, God Almighty desires to teach you patience.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 4, p. 235)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa continued by saying that in this era, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is facing severe opposition in different parts of the world, and the opponents leave no stone unturned to harm the Jamaat:

“However, despite all these attempts, the Jamaat is spreading all around the world.

[…] The Jamaat’s propagation is a Divine decree, which has been mentioned by the Promised Messiahas. Due to the oppression carried out against Ahmadis, the Jamaat is spreading in the world at an even greater pace, and this oppression is becoming a source for spreading it further. One is astonished upon witnessing the way Jamaat is being introduced to the world. […] The Promised Messiah’sas prophecy and the promises of Allah the Almighty are being fulfilled with great glory. Therefore, insha-

Allah Ta’ala, this prophecy would also be fulfilled that ‘when this Jamaat will exceed [in numbers], they [the opponents] would themselves become silent.’ [...]

“Allah the Almighty grants victories to only those who are steadfast in their faith, whose level of patience is very high, who have firm faith in Almighty Allah’s promises, in whom temporary hardships and sufferings instil a new life, and who are aware that the [opposition] is in fact serving as a ‘manure’ for them. Therefore, it is our duty to continue enduring temporary trials and afflictions with patience and steadfastness and to pay more attention to our prayers [dua]. […]

“We Ahmadis have full certainty that the opposition to Ahmadiyyat can never halt its progress. At different places in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty has announced His help [for Divine communities]. Allah the Almighty has told in various places that ‘I support My servants and My Jamaat – which I establish’. Moreover, it continues to grant us the firm belief that Ahmadiyyat will be victorious, insha-Allah.” (Khutbat-eMasroor, Vol. 8, pp. 584-585)

On 26 December 1956, during his address at the Jalsa Salana Rabwah, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that it is the sheer grace of Allah the Almighty that He has enabled Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to make great sacrifices to propagate the teachings of Islam throughout the world, and Ahmadiyyat is leaping forward despite facing severe opposition. If the opponents of Ahmadiyyat have the slightest of honesty and are the true followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, they need to glance into the great efforts made by the Jamaat to propagate the message of Islam the world over. Ahmadis are ever ready to offer any sacrifice for the cause of Islam.

Huzoorra further said that the opponents

assume that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is a weak community, so, they could overpower this Jamaat quite easily, since they consider themselves to be more ‘powerful’. However, Huzoorra said, the opponents do not realise that God Almighty is continuously sending down His Help for this Jamaat, which would ultimately shatter their plans into pieces:

“We have hope in Allah the Almighty and complete trust in His promises that Ahmadiyyat will continue to be victorious over its opponents till the Day of Judgement, the Jamaat will achieve great esteem, [its members] will be ever ready to offer any sacrifice for the cause of Ahmadiyyat, and their opponents will always see the failure and humiliation. The current [generation of the] Jamaat, as well as their future generations, will raise the flag of Islam high till the Day of Judgement.” (Al Fazl, 17 March 1957, p. 2)

Huzoorra further said:

“I have been witnessing throughout the 42 years of my Khilafat that whenever the opponents persecute us, we have the support of God, which enables us to progress. [...] It is the blessing and grace of Allah the Almighty, which will continue as long as you stay firm in your faith. You are the seed that has been sown by God and that will continue to flourish and spread, as He states in the Holy Quran [...]:

[“Whose root is firm and whose branches reach into heaven.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch. 14: V. 25)]

“Meaning that its roots would spread around the world, and its branches would reach into heaven.

“In other words, you will spread in this world by the grace of God Almighty, as stated by the Promised Messiahas, that a time will come when the number of his followers will exceed so much that the other people will turn into a minority.

“And the words ءاﻤﺴﻟا � اﮩﻋﺮﻓ mean that in addition to spreading the world over, you would glorify the remembrance of Allah so much that the angels would also be delighted and pleased that ‘Our God is being remembered on the earth, just like we do in the Heavens.’ [...] The Ahmadis will fill the earth with the remembrance of God, just like the angels have filled the Heavens with His remembrance. Therefore, it has been decreed and will certainly happen, inshaAllah Ta’ala. The only need is for us to stay firm in our faith, and continue to strengthen faith in our progeny as well. If we will carry on this task of tarbiyat, then Islam and Ahmadiyyat will [spiritually] conquer this world.” (Al Fazl, 17 March 1957, p. 3)

Huzoorra then mentioned some allegations raised against the Promised Messiahas, by the non-Ahmadi Muslims, and said:

“The Promised Messiahas spent his

whole life in the service of Islam. In spite of this, they raise allegations against him, just because the Ahmadis are in minority. However, they will not remain in the minority forever, they will spread and flourish, and a time will come when [the opponents] will turn into a minority and Ahmadis will gain a majority.” (Ibid, p. 5)

Alluding to his opposition, the Promised Messiahas once said:

“It is unfortunate that our unworthy opponents cannot even bring themselves to at least listen calmly to the truth that I present, for they are empty of such lofty morals. Otherwise, devotion to the truth demands the following:

“‘A man ought to put into his ear; a piece of advice, even if written on a wall.’” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 46-47)

During his Friday Sermon on 2 April 1957, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that it is a distinctive feature of the believers to have firm faith in Allah the Almighty, therefore, they never fear the opposition of any kind, since they believe that Allah will surely help them to ease their hardships.

Huzoorra continued:

“We should pray to God Almighty that though the opponents are trying to spread hatred against us, ‘O God, instil in them a sentiment of love towards us, instead of hatred.’ [...] The reality is that sometimes the opponents attempt to enrage people against the believers, however, such efforts eventually prove to be fruitful for the believers. [...] Thus, a believer never becomes anxious upon facing suffering and afflictions, but rather it encourages them and they believe that Allah the Almighty will grant them even more help and succour.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 38, pp. 101-105)

Huzoorra further said that when lies and distorted facts are attributed to a Divine community on a regular basis, then God Almighty grants them even more help and succour, since they are being persecuted and killed because they proclaim اللہ انبر, meaning that ‘Allah is our Lord’. (Ibid, pp. 105-106)

During his Friday Sermon on 19 July 1957, Huzoorra said:

“One who firmly trusts and believes in God, eventually succeeds. Hence, look, Adamas, Noahas, Hudas, Abrahamas, Lotas, Shoaibas, Mosesas, Jesusas, Muhammadsa Rasulullah, and later on, thousands of saints within the ummah of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, had complete trust in God, and as a result, they all succeeded.

“The Holy Quran states this reality in the words:

“‘And despair not of the mercy of Allah; for none despairs of Allah’s mercy save the unbelieving people.’ (Surah Yusuf, Ch. 12: V. 88)

“The fact is that the one who truly believes in God Almighty, always keeps in mind the blessed lives of Muhammad Rasulullahsa, Mosesas, Jesusas, Elijahas, Zakariyahas, Shoaibas, Lotas, Abrahamas, Noahas, and Adamas. And it never lets one be disappointed [in times of trials and tribulations], since they [prophets] had to endure countless incidents where one could

never imagine that they would succeed, however, they eventually succeeded [despite all the opposition]. [...] When a person holds complete trust in God Almighty, their hope is strengthened, and they never submit to despair in any given circumstance. There have been thousands of chosen ones of God Almighty who never lost their trust in Him, despite facing severe difficulties, and eventually, God granted them success.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 38, pp. 159-160)

Huzoorra further said:

“When Allah the Almighty grants help [to His servants], He does so through means that human beings cannot even imagine. Allah the Almighty has made great promises about our Jamaat as well. Therefore, Allah the Almighty revealed to the Promised Messiahas [in 1886]:

“‘God will maintain your name with honour till the day when the world comes to an end and will convey your message to the ends of the earth. I shall exalt you and shall call you to Myself, but your name will never be erased from the face of the earth. It will so happen that all those who seek to humiliate you, and are determined to cause you to fail and wish to ruin you will themselves be frustrated and will die in failure and frustration. But God will grant you complete success and will grant you all that you desire. I will cause an increase of your true and sincere friends and shall bless their lives and their properties and they will grow in number and they will prevail over the other Muslims – who are jealous of you and are hostile to you – till the Day of Judgement. God will not forget your supporters and will not lose sight of them and they will have their reward according to the degree of their devotion.’ (Tadhkirah [English], p. 181)” (Ibid, pp. 162-163)

Towards the end, Huzoorra said: “In short [God Almighty] will treat us in the same way as He treated the [righteous]

people of the past. God has not changed His practice. God is still the same as He was in the past. [...] Therefore, Ahmadis are required to remove all kinds of anxieties from their hearts, and they must realise that honour and success have been decreed for them [by God Almighty]. No doubt, there will be some hardships in this way, however, they will be temporary, and Allah the Almighty will blow away those afflictions with His grace, and they will be the recipients of His blessings. [...] Success has been decreed for those who inculcate within themselves [firm] faith and certainty, remain steadfast and resolute amidst tribulations, and hold fast to God Almighty. Those who hold fast to God are always destined to be successful.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 38, pp. 164)

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

“And endure thou with patience; and verily thy patience is possible only with the help of Allah. And grieve not for them, nor feel distressed because of their plots. Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.” (Surah an-Nahl, Ch. 16: V. 128-129)

Commenting on this verse, during his Friday Sermon on 26 July 1957, Huzoorra said:

“These verses of the Holy Quran encompass a vast subject in them, and it is necessary for religious communities to always keep it in mind.

“Allah the Almighty states in this verse ربصاو, meaning that ‘O addressee! Endure [the hardships] with patience and do not fear the opposition.’ [Then states:] الا کربص امو ہللاب, meaning that undoubtedly it is apparently very hard to endure with patience, however, if one acts with prayer

[dua] then they are able to endure the hardships with patience. [...]

“[Then Allah states:] مہیلع نزحت الو, meaning that if you will endure [the suffering] with patience and keep trust in Allah the Almighty, then God Almighty will fail the attempts of your opponents. Therefore, do not ever think that your patience will encourage the opponents and they will intensify the opposition; rather, your patience will cause the plans of your opponents to fail. Thus, do not worry. God has decreed that He will destroy those who harm the believers without any reason. If we ponder over history, it tells us that the same happened in every era.

“During the times of Adamas, Noahas, Abrahamas, Mosesas, Jesusas, and the Holy Prophetsa, their opponents got ruined. [...] In short, patience always results in the help and succour of Allah the Almighty, however, it is not very easy to endure with patience. [...] It is Allah the Almighty who grants one the courage to endure with patience, and once they endure with patience, they are helped by Allah the Almighty.

“The words مہیلع نزحت ا و allude to the prophecy that one should not worry about the opposition, since Allah the Almighty has decreed that they [opponents of Divine communities] will be ruined [by God]. Therefore, look at the tribulations that had been afflicted by the opponents during the time of Muhammad Rasulullahsa, however, [the opponents] failed in their plans, and Muhammad Rasulullahsa achieved the victory. [...]

“The Promised Messiahas also had to endure thousands of tribulations in his life, however, Allah the Almighty always granted him succour in those trying times. [...] In short, patience yields very sweet results. The members [of the Jamaat] are required

How to (actually) keep your New Year’s resolutions strong this February and ways to strengthen your willpower

Qamar Ahmed Zafar London

New year, new you? Well, everyone hopes so, but then February arrives, and we’re not so sure anymore. I mean, sure, the end of December sees a flood of social media users pledging to bring monumental reform into their new-year lifestyles. Data shows that the most popular New Year’s resolutions are living healthier and saving money.

However, research also sadly shows that it won’t be long before our resolutingrevellers will be hitting the order button on ‘JustEat’. (Statista, Just Eat Takeaway.comstatistics & facts)

In fact, according to a New Year’s study, only 9% of pledgers feel like they are successful in keeping their New Year resolutions by the end of the year. (Oscarsson, Martin, Rozental, Alexander, Carlbring, Per, New Year’s resolutions: A large-scale, randomised, controlled trial) So what’s the crack? Are New Year’s resolutions just short-lived comfortfood for our souls? Perhaps not, in one 2014 study, 35% of pledgers said they had ‘unrealistic goals’ whilst another advises that being successful in our pledges is all about ‘developing the necessary skills and mindset ahead of time’. (Jim Bakken, Readiness to change is a vital facet to committing to New Year’s resolutions, 2014)

Keeping this in mind, we should ask ourselves whether we have set the right goals for the new year. (Discover Happy habits, New Year’s Resolution Statistics 2022 Updated)

So, with that said, here are four realistic goals to adopt and an additional 14 steps to prepare our mindset for 2023:

1. Do not get inspired by negative people.

“They have a problem for every solution.” –Albert Einstein

It is imperative that we surround ourselves with like-minded people who have similar goals and objectives. The Holy Prophetsa has pinned this principle on many occasions:

“A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 4833)

1.1 The definition of a True Friend

You should avoid making friends with a fool because he may intend to benefit you but may harm you; you should avoid making friends with a miser because he will run away from you when you need

him most; you should avoid making friends with a sinful person because he will sell you for nought; and you should avoid making friends with a liar because he is like a mirage, making you feel far things near and near things far. (Nahj al-Balaghah, English Translation p. 818)

1.2 Your Friends Should Remind You of God

Your best friend is the one who: seeing him reminds you of Allah, speaking to him increases your knowledge, and his actions remind you of the hereafter.

2. Stop Holding Grudges.

“Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” –Nelson Mandela

Holding a grudge takes a considerable amount of time and mental energy, which everyone would love to use productively

elsewhere. This is why the Prophet Muhammadsa made constant reminders about steering clear of holding grudges:

“I do nothing but what you have seen, but I do not hold grudges against any Muslim and I am not jealous of anyone because of a good thing that has been given to them by Allah.” (Musnad, 3/166; Abdurrazzaq, Musannaf, 11/287)

3. Stop Blaming Others

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” – Robert Anthony

The Holy Prophetsa of Islam has reminded us that in order for us to continue growing and excelling, we must focus on our own faults and shortcomings instead of allowing our minds to push the blame onto others or other factors. (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Book on Cursing, Chapter: The fault-finder)

4. Don’t Take Things Personally

Try not to take things personally. What people say about you is a reflection of them, not you.

People will always talk. However, prophets of God have exhibited an ability to persevere and prosper despite fierce and critical opposition.

The Holy Prophetsa of Islam faced opposition and hatred not only from the inhabitants of his hometown but, in fact, even from his own family, including his uncle, who turned against him in bitterness. This never stopped the Prophetsa of Islam from carrying on his mission and message.

Whatever goal you choose to adopt, make sure you have a firm resolve. If you are unsure about how to have strong willpower and determination, then look no further:

The 14 ‘ingredients’ to strengthen your willpower and have relentless energy

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:

“A person resolves to perform an action but then falters. Therefore, willpower has to be strengthened. For this purpose, I suggest a “tonic” which is composed of as many as fourteen ingredients, which are taken from the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (on him be peace).” (The Way of the Seekers, p. 106)

1. Remind yourself of your purpose!

God says I have created humankind for the sole purpose that he should worship Me and thus be My true servant. You should, therefore, think along the following lines. God has created me for nearness to Him. His purpose cannot be frustrated. I shall become His true servant; it is not possible that I should fail in this purpose. One should not imagine that one cannot accomplish anything.

“And I have not created the Jinn and the men but that they may worship Me.” (Surah adh-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.57)

2. I can do it!

Reflection the purport of the verse of the Holy Quran: “Surely, We have created man in the best make” (Surah at-Tin, Ch.95: V.5)

You should reflect: God has invested me with the best faculties. Whatever good can be achieved by any other person can also be achieved by me. The attainment of the highest status is possible for me also. Then how can I fall? You should concentrate on this and ponder over it in your mind frequently.

3. Don’t doubt yourself!

You should reflect on the verse: “And assuredly, We have created man and We know what his [physica]l self whispers [to

him], and We are nearer to him than [even his] jugular vein.” (Surah Qaf, Ch.50: V.17)

God has comforted humankind in this verse by reassuring you that you have nothing to fear from doubts, as the means of resolving doubts is closer than that which prompts doubts.

4.

True Believers Cannot Fail!

You should reflect on the verse: “while [true] honour belongs to Allah and to His Messenger and the believers; but the hypocrites know not.” (Surah alMunafiqun, Ch.63: V.9)

You should reflect: “I am a believer and a believer cannot possibly be vanquished. How is it possible, then, that my will should not prevail?” You should repeat it over and over until your will overpowers your ego.

5. Satan Cannot Fool God’s Servants!

Surely, thou shalt have no power over My true servants, barring such of the erring ones as choose to follow thee. (Surah alHijr, Ch.15: V.43)

God says that Satan has no control over God’s servants. I am His servant. How is it possible that evil should hold sway over me?

6. Fear No Man!

You should reflect on the verse: Hearken, the friends of Allah shall certainly have no

fear, nor shall they grieve. (Surah Yunus, Ch.10: V.63)

I fear no one except God. I am a believer; and a believer has no fear except the fear of God.

7.

I have support!

We are your friends in this life and in the Hereafter. (Surah Ha Mim as-Sajdah, Ch.41: V.32)

You should reflect: Angels descend upon believers and assure them, ‘We are your helpers; then why should you worry?’

8. I Will Not Despair God’s Mercy!

Despair not of the mercy of Allah; for none despairs of Allah’s mercy save the unbelieving people. (Surah Yusuf, Ch.12: V.88)

Thus, you should think: Difficulties cannot make me despair. Despair is death, which I am not prepared to accept. If the will does not obey, I will not rest until it does.

9. The Possibilities are Endless!

O soul at rest, return to thy Lord, thou well pleased with him and He well pleased with thee. So enter among My chosen servants, and enter My Garden. (Surah al-Fajr, Ch.89: V.28-31)

I am at peace and boundless possibilities are open to me. Why should I lose heart when God is with me and directs me to

192)

to endure all difficulties with patience, and pray fervently to Allah the Almighty. He will certainly remove their hardships and grant them success at last.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 38, pp. 165-169)

In regards to showing steadfastness in one’s faith, the Promised Messiahas said:

“A person must join God’s Messenger, and strive and endeavour on this path together with him. It does not behove one who strives in the cause of Allah to flee within an hour or two. In fact, the task of such a person is to remain forever ready to give their life. So, the hallmark of a righteous person is steadfastness. In this regard, Allah the Exalted states:

“[As for those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast. (Surah Ha Mim as-Sajdah, Ch. 41, V. 31)]

“Meaning, they say our Lord is Allah, then show steadfastness; and turn away from all else to find God. In other words, success depends on steadfastness. And steadfastness is to recognise God and stand unshaken in the face of all difficulty, trial and tribulation.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 23-24)

During his Friday Sermon on 30 August 1957, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said:

“When the Holy Prophetsa came, he presented a teaching which was a source of betterment and success for mankind, however, his countrymen rejected him, and followed Abu Jahl instead. [...] The fact is that since the time Allah the Almighty has been sending His prophets and Khulafa, the truth has always been opposed. [...] We witness that the practice [of opposing God’s chosen ones] is still continuing, and we do not know when it will end.” (Ibid, pp. 189-

During his Friday Sermon on 8 August 2014, while speaking about the opposition of the Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“At this juncture, I am reminded of a dream, which I have previously narrated 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,  insha-Allah.” (Al Hakam, 5 August 2022, Issue 229, p. 3)

During his Friday Sermon on 6 April 2012, Huzooraa said:

“Every martyrdom, every sacrifice, should strengthen our faith, and then you will witness how the blessings of Allah Almighty are manifested, insha-Allah Ta’ala You are required to endure with patience, courage and prayer. […] I have been saying before and will advise you once again that our only means are patience and prayer, and if every Ahmadi utilises them appropriately, then you will see as to how Allah Almighty showers His grace upon us. Even now, Allah Almighty is rewarding us far more than our efforts and prayers. So, there is no reason for us to be dejected or disheartened. Apparently, the opponents have terrible plans, however, Allah Almighty says: الو اونزحت, meaning ‘Do not grieve’ [Surah Aal-eImran, Ch. 3: V. 140]. Insha-Allah the

enter His everlasting paradise?

10. I will not be disgraced!

You should reflect on the divine promise that a believer shall be held in honour in the world and that he shall not suffer disgrace. This also fosters willpower.

11. Prepare to avoid failure!

You should reflect on the verse: “And He has subjected to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth: all [this is] from Him. In that surely are Signs for a people who reflect.” (Surah alJathiyah, Ch.45: V.14).

You should reflect on the fact that all failures result from greed and avarice. But you have no cause to be greedy, for God has already provided everything for you.

12. I will not be influenced by negativity!

You should reflect on the verse: Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Those who are with him are unyielding towards the disbelievers, compassionate towards one another. (Surah al-Fatah, Ch.48: V.30)

You should reflect: Evil thoughts, designs and stimuli cannot enter my heart. I belong to the people concerning whom God has said that they are not influenced by the disbelievers; they can be influenced only by those who believe.

13. Surround yourself with positivity!

opponent’s plans will fail, their desire to efface the Jamaat will never be fulfilled […] and the pious-natured people among them will continue to join Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Thus, every sacrifice draws our attention, and should do so, that Allah Almighty has made us jump one step further to turn our minority into majority.” (Khutbat-eMasroor, Vol. 10, pp. 219-220)

The history of Ahmadiyyat bears witness that in every era, opponents have left no stone unturned to harm the Jamaat, however, they were at a loss in each and every attempt.

In every trial and affliction, the members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya remain steadfast and seek help from Allah the Almighty alone, as He has promised to help and support His divine Jamaat.

The history of Ahmadiyyat is full of examples where – despite severe opposition and persecution – the members exhibited steadfastness of faith and gave precedence to the faith over the world.

Two weeks ago, on 11 January 2023, nine Ahmadis from Burkina Faso were brutally martyred. They were asked to renounce their faith in Islam Ahmadiyyat, however, they showed exemplary firmness of faith and sacrificed their lives instead of deviating from their faith. They honoured their pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiahas in an astonishing manner.

During his Friday Sermon on 20 January 2023, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“Recently, in Burkina Faso, which is a country on the continent of Africa, members of the Jamaat collectively demonstrated a remarkable and a truly unique example of the utmost love, loyalty, sincerity, faith and conviction. These individuals were given the option to deny the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas, and accept the

You should remind yourself repeatedly of the verse: O ye who believe, be mindful of your duty to Allah, and keep company with the righteous. (Surah at-Taubah, Ch.9: V.119) And you should reflect on the saying of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him: He who keeps company with the righteous does not encounter ill fortune. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab az-zaba’ih wa s-sayf, Bab al-misk)

You should reason: Good designs that take shape in my mind influence others. God admonishes us to keep company with the righteous. If I cannot influence anyone for good I cannot be a believer.

14. I won’t live forever!

Finally, you should reflect on the following verse, which relates to the Holy Prophet (on him be peace): We granted not everlasting life to any human being before thee; then if thou shouldst die, will they live on forever. (Surah al-Anbiya’, Ch.21: V.35).

This life being transitory, not a moment of it should be wasted.

This 14-ingredient remedy prescribed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra is sure to give you the boost you need to continue with your life-goals and resolutions, Godwilling. So, if you are feeling the New Year blues, and your motivation to be a ‘new you’ has started to fade, take this practical guide and reignite the flame to see yourself through. Godspeed!

notion that Jesusas is alive in the heavens and will descend from there, and thereby their lives would be spared. However, those individuals who were filled with faith and conviction, whose faith was even stronger than the mountains, responded by saying that ‘everyone is going to eventually pass away, if not today then tomorrow, therefore, we cannot compromise our faith in exchange for saving our lives. We cannot abandon the truth that we have already witnessed.’ And thus, each of them, one after the other, sacrificed their lives. Their women and children were also witnessing those scenes, but they remained in control of their emotions.

“Thus, these are the people who have written a new chapter of sacrifices in Africa, in fact in the history of Ahmadiyyat, i.e. after the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas, wherein Hazrat Sahibzada Sahibra offered a sacrifice. They sacrificed their lives in this world, and in turn, attained an eternal life. They indeed fulfilled the oath that they had taken to sacrifice their lives, wealth and time, and indeed fulfilled it in such a manner that despite having joined later, they have surpassed those who had joined before them. May Allah the Almighty enable each one of them to become the recipient of those glad tidings which He has given to those who offer sacrifices in His way.”

The fact of the matter is, despite severe opposition, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is continuously progressing under the divine leadership of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and will continue to do so, insha-Allah

It is the duty of each and every Ahmadi to always remain loyal to their pledge of bai’at, and to become a sultan-e-naseer of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. May Allah enable us all to obey each and every instruction given to us by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa

How God deals with falsehood:

The case of Dr Rashad Khalifa of USA

Michael LaPine USA

Although little remembered, the late Dr Rashad Khalifa (1935-1990) once had an explosive impact on the Muslim world. The Egyptian-American made his claim to fame with the so-called “mathematical” miracle in the Quran. His later rejection of Hadith and deletion of two verses of the Quran, which didn’t correspond to his “miracle”, led to Rashad’s infamy. At the end of his life, Dr Khalifa proclaimed he was the “messenger of God.” He also proclaimed himself to be the world leader of a world Islamic government called the United Islamic Nation (UIN). Rashad was murdered in 1990 and Dr Khalifa’s followers proclaimed him a martyr. But what is the truth of this?

Early Life

We only know about his early life from Dr Khalifa and his followers. Dr Khalifa was born in Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt, in 1933. Rashad claimed his father was an eminent Sufi with thousands of followers. Dr Khalifa graduated from the College of Agriculture in Ain Shams, Egypt, before emigrating to the USA to obtain his Masters in Biochemistry from Arizona State University. He finally obtained his PhD in the same field in Riverside, California. The official biography states he lived in several places in the Middle East before returning to the USA, where he eventually settled in Tucson, Arizona. (“Biography of Dr Rashad Khalifa”, www.submission.org/idx_other_Biography_ Khalifa.html)

The story of the doctor’s early life was challenged in the early 2000s by Dr Mabrouk Sharkawy, a fellow Egyptian scientist who studied with Khalifa. Sharkawy notes that Khalifa’s father was not a Sufi shaykh but only a mid-level cleric. Sharkawy also noted the official biography did not mention Khalifa worked in Libya for a brief time in the 1970s. Dr Khalifa claimed to the Libyan government that he had a “secretive” methodology by which he would make the country a protein-rich one. Sharkawy said Dr Khalifa left Libya after being asked pointed questions regarding his method, which proves Rashad was a scam artist. (“An Email from a Person Who Knew Rashad Khalifa”, www.answering-christianity.com/ khalifa_email.htm)

The alleged miracle

Dr Rashad Khalifa claimed he put the Quran in the computer and found interesting mathematical anomalies that revolved around the number 19. (“Short History of the Mathematical Miracle”, submission.org/ Short_History_of_Miracle.html) Dr Khalifa began a tour of the Muslim world and became famous for his claim that there was a “19-based mathematical miracle” of the Quran. Such people as the famed Islamic

debater Ahmad Deedat (Bilal Philips, The Qur’an’s numerical miracle: Hoax and Heresy, Al Furqan Publications, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 1987, p. 30) and mathematician and sceptic writer Martin Gardner, took interest in the claim, at least initially (“Mathematical Games”, Scientific American, September 1980, pp. 16-20). What Dr Khalifa tried to do was market his claim based on a few interesting mathematical facts in the Quran that are true and tried to convince the reader that he knew or had found more.

A full elaboration of the mathematical claims is not pertinent, but it may be necessary to go over some of their history. Scientists put Rashad to the test by putting the Quran in the computer. To be brief, not all the numbers presented by Rashad Khalifa added up and his intentional manipulations in the count were found. Moreover, the methodology for how to count was not made clear. Rashad was found to be inconsistent with the data. Gardner asks how we define something as simple as “word”, which is necessary for the counts. (The Numerology of Dr Rashad Khalifa: Notes of a FringeWatcher, Skeptic Inquirer, September 1987, cdn.centerforinquiry.org/wp-content/ uploads/sites/29/1997/09/22165003/p16. pdf)

Another problem with the mathematical “miracle” is the fact that the Quran is an oral recitation. (Oral Tradition, 4/1-2 (1989): 5-26, hdl.handle.net/10355/65410)

Many criticised Dr Khalifa for assuming the Quran was sent down as a published book when the Prophet Muhammadsa received the Quranic revelation verbally and piecemeal over 23 years. The mushaf was composed by humans using human language to record the oral recitation as a means to aid memory. So how could one argue about letter counts when the Quran is part of speech? Dr Khalifa concocted a story that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was literate and wrote the Quran himself as an attempt to bolster the story. However, Dr Khalifa’s attempt at rewriting history (“Muhammad Wrote God’s Revelations With His own Hand”, Appendix 28 of the Authorized English translation of Quran by Rashad Khalifa, Ph.D, submission.org/ App28.html) is found to be substandard scholarship and even plagiarism.

Preaching deception

Dr Khalifa was correct in identifying problems in the Muslim world like intellectual stagnation and sectarianism. Rashad wanted to use his fame to promote his ideas. Unfortunately, Dr Khalifa’s solutions were not well thought out. When problems were encountered with narrations attributed to the Prophetsa, Dr Khalifa’s solution was to throw out all ahadith as “satanic innovations.” However, Rashad’s rejection of Hadith and the sunnah was hypocritical. He still found ways to use Hadith when it suited him. When Rashad

found the reverence toward the prophet to be exaggerated, Dr Khalifa banned the second part of the shahadah as “idolatry.” (“The False Shahadah (Proclamation of Faith)”, www.submission.org/False_ Shahadah.html) Ironically, the doctor’s fight against sectarianism led to the creation of a tiny but extremely sectarian group of followers that dismiss all other Muslims as “idolaters”, simply because they mention the name ‘Muhammad’ in salat

The Egyptian doctor claimed that it was the rejection of Hadith that led to his ouster. However, this was just a story to make Rashad look like a maverick. Bilal Philips, a Salafi scholar, stated it was, in fact, Dr Khalifa’s claim to know the date of the end of the world, which is a violation of Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V188. (“End of the World”, Appendix 25, www.submission.org/App25. html) that led to the doctor’s ouster (Philips, p. 3) The most infamous claim made was that the last two verses of Surah at-Taubah (Ch.9: V.128-129) “violated the math” of the Quran. (“Tampering With the Word of God”, Appendix 24, www.submission.org/ App24.html) Dr Khalifa tried to make a historical case for the “forgery” in Appendix 24. He created a myth out of bad chronology, spin-doctoring information and elementary mistakes. The dismissal of the two “false” verses from the Quran did not bring Dr Khalifa admirers for his math miracle. Dr Khalifa claimed that his miracle of the Quran “preserved” the text. But that is not Rashad’s job in the first place. God says in the Holy Quran that “He is responsible” for protecting the Quran (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V10).

The claim to be God’s messenger

Dr Rashad Khalifa’s claim to be the messenger of God was made gradually but not fully until 1989 (“Who is Imam Zaman?”, Muslim Perspective, October 1985, p. 1, www.quranalone.com/SP/09_1985_10. pdf). The claim to divine authority was controversial because of the Muslims’ view regarding Prophet Muhammadsa being the final prophet. Dr Khalifa tried to get around the problem by making a false distinction between prophets and messengers, accomplished by misusing Surah Aal-i’Imran, Ch.3:82. (“The difference between ‘prophet’ and ‘messenger’ according to Quran”, submission.org/Difference_between_ prophet_Messenger.html)

Rashad taught prophets brought books and messengers’ job was to prove the books. At first, Rashad did not base his claim on revelation. During one of his lectures, Rashad surmised his messenger status by trying to open up the Quran randomly and coming to the same verse in the Quran repeatedly. (www.youtube. com/watch?v=l5uqq0HCG_w) Dr Khalifa’s initial claim to messengership is based on the same structure as the claim to the mathematical composition of the Quran,

namely, probability! Rashad felt so certain that he inserted his name into his own Quran translation on at least four occasions! (See 13:30, 25:56, 34:28, 36:3 in Authorised English Translation of Quran by Rashad Khalifa) Allah promises clear guidance based on certainty and pious believers are blessed with vision and dreams. But Rashad promised probability!

False predictions and claim to world leadership

Rashad Khalifa made a number of false predictions that are found throughout his newsletters (Muslim Perspective/MP). He claimed that King Faud would be the final monarch of Saudi Arabia (MP, May 1985. p. 1, www.quranalone.com/SP/04_1985_05. pdf) Dr Khalifa called for the world to join the United Islamic Nation (UIN) which was to be a government run by Rashad himself through the proposed capital in Mecca. (MP, September 1985, www.quranalone. com/SP/08_1985_09.pdf) Membership in this world government is based on rejecting Hadith and destroying tombs. Even to him the leadership scheme sounded laughable but the Dr promised: “There will be a change of government in that region at the rate of at least three governments every two years, until a government comes with the specific objective of joining UIN.” (MP, January 1986, www.quranalone.com/ SP/12_1986_01.pdf, p. 1) One can read the subsequent issues of MP to see how Dr Khalifa responded to events about his failed prophecy. Interestingly he never claimed revelation yet. Other false prophecies include his understanding of the splitting of the moon (Surah 54), which he traces to himself with the 1969 landing on the moon and the prophecy (“Splitting of the Moon Prophecy”, www.submission.org/splitting_ of_the_moon.html) about the smoke (44:11), which was supposed to happen during his lifetime (“End of the World”, Appendix 25)

Greater than all the prophets

Dr Rashad Khalifa began to make his claim to divine authority soon after the publication of MP began. He started off by writing about the prophecies of Imam Mahdi. But Rashad managed to take a view that puts the doctor at odds with himself. Dr Khalifa writes that the Imam-uz-Zaman will be “greater than any prophet” and even “greater than Muhammad”. (MP, p. 22, www.quranalone.com/SP/09_1985_10. pdf) Predictably the Imam-uz-Zaman will lead the UIN so we have a clear idea of the identity of the Mahdi. (MP, October 1985) Dr Khalifa’s claim to be the Imamuz-Zaman exposed his hypocrisy. Rashad claimed Muslims exaggerate reverence toward the Holy Prophetsa and quoted Surah al-Baqarah Ch2: V.286 wherein Allah says, “We make no distinction between any of His Messengers.” However, Dr Rashad

Khalifa thought he was exempt from this distinction because he was “greater than all the prophets!”

The death of a Muslim scholar

When Ismail Farooqi was murdered, Dr Khalifa titled the October 1986 edition of MP “Ismail Farooqi: To Heaven or Hell.” ( www.quranalone.com/SP/21_1986_10. pdf) The newsletter argued that Farooqi was not going to heaven and that there was “evidence herein that the exact opposite” was true. Why did Farooqi “so adamantly oppose the most important Islamic development since the revelation of the Quran?” Rashad asks. (MP, October 1986. p. 1) Dr Khalifa believed Ismail Farooqi was stabbed to death because he rejected the math “miracle” and that his eternal fate was sealed as such. What gave Dr Khalifa the right to claim Farooqi was going to hell? Did God tell Dr Khalifa of Farooqi’s abode? Compare the actions of the false messenger to those of a true one. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa prayed for his enemies, like Abu Jahl, to accept Islam. Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Do not insult the dead, because they have

attained the fruits of their deeds. (Sahih alBukhari) Rashad should have heeded the Prophet’ssa advice. But Rashad would not, as he thought he was greater than his own Prophetsa!

Rashad’s infamous announcement to divine authority

The Holy Quran says in Surah al-Haqqah that His messenger is not a soothsayer or a poet, but a receptor of revelation. The Surah continues, “And if he had forged [and attributed] any sayings to us, we would surely have seized him by the right hand.” (Ch.69: V.45-46) Dr Khalifa continued spreading falsehoods for a number of years. However, then came out the September 1989 SP (Submitters Perspectives) when Rashad made the following announcement: “Through Gabriel: I was commanded to make this announcement: AFTER I DIE MILLIONS OF BELIEVERS WILL KNOW That I represent the Messiah the Jews have been waiting for, the Christ Christians have been expecting, and the Mehdi the Muslims have been praying for... I am God’s Messenger of the Covenant...” (SP, p. 2, www.quranalone.com/SP/57_1989_09.

pdf) Dr Khalifa made predictions many

times in the past but never claimed God spoke to him. For the first time, Dr Khalifa claimed to receive revelation. Dr Khalifa’s fate was sealed by Allah. Followers of Dr Khalifa hold their “messenger” as a martyr. They quote Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.62, and other verses where Allah says that people killed the prophets sent to them. But what sense does it make for God to have Dr Khalifa proclaim divine authority only five months prior to his death on 31 January 1989?

The dream and the final warning to Rashad?

God could overlook the doctor’s evil claims until Rashad claimed revelation. There were only five months left for Khalifa to live. But God, in His infinite mercy, warned Dr Khalifa to discontinue deceit. A student of Dr Khalifa reported a dream she had in which she spoke to a person with the appearance of a Muslim scholar. (The audio could be heard here at the 1 hour, 10 minute mark: www. masjidtucson.org/quranstudyaudio/Qstudy12_24_89Sura7_12.mp3) The woman was told, “do not testify to that which you have not observed.” Dr Khalifa was satisfied with the dream and interpreted

it as a rejection of the second part of the shahadah. However, this dream was reported to Dr Khalifa during a Quran session on December 24, 1989, only five weeks prior to his death and 3 months after Rashad’s purported revelation. Dr Khalifa should have taken the dream as a warning to stop attributing revelations to God, which he never received.

Rashad’s fate

The proof that Dr Khalifa did not die among the righteous comes from the “messenger’s” own words. Remember that in 1986, Dr Khalifa argued Ismaili Farooqi was hellbound because the scholar was stabbed to death after rejecting Rashad’s claims. What message was God trying to give when Rashad’s life was taken on 31 January 1990, only 5 months after the doctor’s claimed revelation? (“Killer of Tucson Imam Gets 25-To-Life Prison Term”, Arizona Daily Star, 5 September 2014, www.tucson.com/news/local/crime/ killer-of-tucson-imam-gets-25-to-lifeprison-term/article_5dd6930e-6e58-5f819ff8-465a5401f1e0.html.) God ended the life of Dr Khalifa in the same manner as the man (Ismaili Farooqi) whom Rashad claimed went to hell!

“The Islam in us”

In a house of God, they came with guns, Driven by hate, love for none. With the moon lit on the Dori sky –In Mehdi Abad, a murder’s alibi.

They came, they say, as pure as saints. To cleanse the lands of “Ahmadi” taint –To draw the line of who’s a “believer” –Of who’s the “hero” and who’s the “schemer.”

Inside, in the stillness of night, The Ahmadis bowed, with children in sight. The name of Allah on their lips. The fruits of prayers in their grips.

Outside, a bloodthirsty pursuit. A broken silence, the elders uproot. “Who is this Messiah on the wall?” “Recant your faith!” or death will befall.

With dignity, they froze, steadfast to their core. “Then take my head!” Imam Bidiga swore. The bullets ripped the night from our Nine. Their courage and life instantly enshrined.

One by one: Bouriema, Alhassane, Souley, Ousseni, Hamidou, Agouma, Agali, Moussa and Ousmane. The Nine of Burkina a fortress of molten lead –Guardians of Ahmadiyyat even as they bled.

Is this the religion the terrorists serve? Is this the “victory” they seek to preserve? A perverse “peace” in the guise of oppression? An unholy display of cowardly transgression?

Do they not know that Khilafat unites? For the Nine and their families, our hearts ignite. O Africa! Not diamonds, not gold, not oil Have enriched you like the blood of the Nine on your soil.

The Nine now join the Eighty-Six of Lahore, Abdul Latif of Kabul, the martyrs from before. Do not say they are dead. Do not ever dread. For the sacrifices of the fallen will never be left unsaid.

We will not let go of this bai‘at we’ve pledged. Our devotion to our Khalifa – take our heads instead. They would brand us as “treasonous”? But they can never steal the Islam in us!

Amjad Mahmood Khan Los Angeles, California, USA

Pursuit of knowledge in Islam: International Day of Education 2023

Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

Indeed, education for all shall lead to a brighter future. “Certainly, we believe that access to education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued economically weak countries for generations.” (Islamic Principles on Education and Serving Humanity, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s address at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, 8 October 2019)

Today, the world celebrates the International Day of Education. It is celebrated annually on 24 January. As the title,  International Day of Education, suggests, it is a day to promote the importance and significance of education.

Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO:

“UNESCO would like to dedicate the fifth edition of this International Day to all the girls and women in Afghanistan, who have been denied their right to learn, study and teach. The Organization condemns this serious attack on human dignity and on the fundamental right to education.” ( https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/ pf0000384281_eng)

The Muslim identity and history are rich in examples of both men and women who spent their entire lives in the acquisition of knowledge. In fact, it was a Muslim woman, Fatima al-Fihri, who founded the world’s oldest existing university. It was initially a mosque, and later became an educational centre. (Hanusch, Frederic; Biermann, Frank (2020), “Deep-time organizations: Learning institutional longevity from history”, The Anthropocene Review, 7 (1): 19–41, doi:10.1177/2053019619886670)

The news about women in Afghanistan being denied the right to education comes as a shock, as I’m sure it has to all Muslims around the world. For a country’s population that is almost entirely Muslim, such should not be the case.

The emphasis Islam has placed on the acquisition of knowledge and education is second to none. Muslims are commanded to pray to Allah:

“‘O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.’” (Surah Ta Ha, Ch.20: V.115)

It is recorded that the Holy Prophetsa prayed:

“O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision and deeds that are accepted by You.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 925)

Further, the Holy Prophetsa said:

“Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2646)

As it is a Muslim’s desire to please Allah and follow the Holy Prophetsa, this hadith must always be on our minds. As Muslims, our aim and goal is to please Allah and pray to Him to remain on the right path. If we want the path to Paradise made easy for us, we must busy ourselves in the acquisition of knowledge. So, any Muslim who spends his life in the pursuit of knowledge is on the right track.

The Holy Prophetsa further said: ملسم لک یلع ةضيرف ملعلا بلط

“It is the duty of every Muslim to seek knowledge.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 224)

Thus, Islam’s stance is very clear: education and the pursuit of knowledge are obligatory for all Muslims.

On 8 October 2019, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, delivered a historic keynote address at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris. Here, I shall cite some passages from Huzoor’saa address.

Concerning women’s rights and education according to the Islamic teachings, Huzooraa said:

“Another issue often raised is that of women’s rights and it is often alleged that Islam denies women’s rights. Nothing could be further from the truth! Rather, Islam established the rights of women and girls for the first time. At a time when women and girls were discriminated against and often looked down upon, the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) instructed his followers to ensure that girls were educated and respected.”

(Islamic Principles on Education and Serving Humanity, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s address at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, 8 October 2019)

In light of education for orphans, Huzooraa explained:

“Literate and well-educated people were instructed to teach the illiterate. Special measures were put in place to provide education to orphans and other vulnerable members of society. This was all done so that the weak and powerless could stand on their own two feet and advance.” (Ibid)

While mentioning the contribution of Muslims to intellectual enlightenment, Huzooraa said:

“The contribution of Muslims to intellectual enlightenment is still recognised.

“For example, a  New York Times article, published by their science reporter, Dennis Overbye, mentions the role of the Muslim polymath Al-Tusi. The author states:

“‘Al-Tusi published many great works on astronomy, ethics, mathematics and philosophy, marking him as one of the great intellectuals of his age […]. Muslims created a society that, in the Middle Ages, was the scientific centre of the world. The Arabic language was synonymous with learning and science for 500 years, a golden age that can count among its credits for the precursors to modern universities. […]’” (Ibid)

Alluding to Ibn Haythem, a Muslim born in Basra, a city in Iraq, Huzooraa said:

“Indeed, if we look back more than a millennium, we see how Muslim scientists and inventors played a fundamental role in advancing knowledge and developing technologies, which transformed the world and remain in use today.

“For example, the first ever camera was developed by Ibn Haytham and his revolutionary work was recognised by UNESCO, when he was declared a ‘pioneer of modern optics.’” (Ibid)

Ibn Haythem was the first to explain the science behind our vision and explained, through his research, that vision occurs when light reflects from an object and then passes to one’s eyes. (Philosophy in

the Islamic World, Peter Adamson) He was literally the man behind the camera.

It must also be remembered that the Arabic language - the language that the Holy Quran was revealed in - itself has disclosed many truths to mankind. For example, the Promised Messiahas says:

“The Arabic word for ‘heart’ is  qalb, which refers to anything that causes a thing to circulate. Now we know that the circulation of blood depends on the heart. Present-day findings have only recently disclosed after a long period of effort and contemplation the phenomenon of blood circulation. However, in Islam, the word qalb is already used for the heart, and has therefore not only alluded to this truth, but has also safeguarded it as well.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. I, p. 261)

Speaking of Ibn Nafees, an Arab physician, Huzooraa said:

“In the 17th century, an English physician, William Harvey, famously carried out what was considered ground-breaking research regarding blood circulation and the functioning of the heart. However, it was later discovered that more than 400 years before Harvey’s research, Ibn Nafees, an Arab physician, had already detailed the basics of pulmonary circulation in an Arabic textbook.” (Islamic Principles on Education and Serving Humanity, 8 October 2019)

Alluding to the renowned Muslim physician, Al-Zahrawi, Huzooraa said:

“Furthermore, in the field of medicine, many Muslim physicians and scientists made great discoveries and pioneered many inventions that remain in use today. Many of the surgical instruments were pioneered by the Muslim physician Al-Zahrawi in the 10th century.” (Ibid)

These are just a few passages from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa speech at UNESCO.

A fundamental principle of Islam is ensuring that we look after the rights we owe to Allah and the rights we owe to mankind. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to revive the glory of Islam. We must continue to walk on the path of the pursuit of knowledge and education and use it to benefit mankind.

We must remember that it is important that all, especially women, have access to education. Why do I say ‘especially women’? The answer is simple. Undeniably, women are the backbone of our society. If women are educated and learned, then our children shall also be educated. If our children are educated, we shall, indeed, have a bright future ahead of us. It’s a simple cycle.

This is beautifully explained by an American poet known for his Scottish roots, William Ross Wallace. He said:

“The hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world” (Loomis’ Musical And Masonic Journal, Vol. 31, Issue 11, 1898, p. 201)

‘Stop glorifying mothers’: A Muslim response to this shocking statement

Youssef Ikhlaf Majlis Ansar Sultanul Qalam, MKA Netherlands

A columnist, Rosanne Hertzberger, of a leading Dutch newspaper criticised the Moroccan national team in her column for showing love to their mothers at Qatar World Cup. She named her column  “Stop glorifying mothers”  and even compared mothers with witches. ( Stop met het verheerlijken van moeders , 24 December 2022, www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/12/24/ stop-met-het-verheerlijken-vanmoeders-a4152496 )

It was a shocking statement, for many. She received a lot of criticism after her column was published in the newspaper. The disapproval is so huge that she has even withdrawn from Twitter, where the comments were the fiercest. Although she got a lot of acclaim there, too.

I found her article very contradictory: first, she draws attention to how many women are oppressed and sacrifice their career dreams to be mothers, and then she talks about society holding women to a high standard and the need to tone it down, she calls it “mother worship”. The author, apparently, hates traditional gender roles so much that she can’t even accept women being honoured as mothers.

There is a trend in which a segment of society pushes this ideological narrative on the rest of the world and labels it as progressive.

What is wrong with honouring mothers? When we observe nature, we see that even animals and beasts have a strong bond with their mothers. The Holy Quran, the holy scripture of Muslims, teaches men and women to be kind and considerate to parents and also grants parents a high status.

God Almighty says:

“And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents.” (Surah al-Ahqaf, Ch.46: V.16)

“Thy Lord has commanded, ‘Worship none but Him, and [show] kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, never say unto them any word expressive of disgust nor reproach them, but address them with excellent speech. And lower to them the wing of humility out of tenderness. And say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished [me] in my childhood.’”

(Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.24-25)

“And We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents.” (Surah al`Ankabut, Ch.29: V.9)

“Give thanks to Me and to thy parents.” (Surah Luqman, Ch.31: V.15)

Muslims do not worship their mothers; on the contrary, they worship God and respect their mothers, since mothers play

an important role in raising children. Mothers are the backbone of tomorrow’s society. Hence, we glorify our Lord and honour our mothers.

Alas! When man follows his own thinking and desire, instead of guidance from God Almighty, then the obvious becomes confusing and cloudy. The Creator positioned the parents on a high pedestal with wisdom, if you can’t show gratitude to those who bore you, then how can you be grateful to the One who created you?

She further says that the mothers of the Moroccan football players were secretly enslaved by their husbands, which is factually not true. I think the author should worry more about her prejudices and less about the love and respect Moroccan footballers have for their mothers.

Islam was the first and only religion that truly recognised the contributions that women can make to society. A Muslim woman is not obliged to shoulder the financial responsibility of her household, she has the right to work and attain a professional career if she needs or desires to. Fatima bint Muhammad Al-Fihriya Al-Qurashiya founded the world’s first university in Fez, which is

now in Morocco. So, Islam encourages Muslim women to seek higher education and other profitable activities that serve as improvements for them and subsequently for their offspring.

However, it must be kept in mind that Islam reminds a woman that her first and foremost responsibility is to her family because she has been entrusted by God with the great responsibility of giving birth to and raising children. Certainly, the author is well aware that Morocco is a Muslim country and that many mothers voluntarily choose to raise their young children according to religious teachings rather than follow a career during that time.

As far as the fathers and mothers of the football players are concerned, they do heavy work outside the home to make a solid living. The FIFA website also explicitly states that the Royal Moroccan Football Association decided to invite the players’ families (not just the mothers) to the matches, to boost morale and motivation. ( www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/ articles/walid-regragui-achraf-hakimisofiane-boufal-morocco-france-fifa-worldcup-qatar-2022 ) Because of the author’s bias, it completely escaped her notice that the fathers of the Moroccan football

players were also present, indeed, football players like Youssef En-Nesyri embraced and kissed their father after the Moroccan team’s victory.

Another matter the author does not understand is that not everything is measured by how much wealth you have. Believe it or not, people have other motivators. For Muslims in particular, other values are more important, such as God, religion and family. Furthermore, the parents of Moroccan football players have raised their children to be successful and respectful Muslims in Western society.

I hope the author has realised by now that we Muslims will never yield our sacred religion. Blessed are the dutiful mothers, may Allah reward them for their noble deeds! A mother’s role in Islam is monumental. A mother-child-bond between a mother and a child is no doubt the most cherished and forms the basis of all life. A mother carries a child in her womb for nine months, gives birth to it, nurtures it, and many times sacrifices her needs for the sake of the child.

This is why the Holy Quran says:

“And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents. His mother bears him with pain, and brings him forth with pain.

And the bearing of him and his weaning takes thirty months, till, when he attains his full maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, ‘My Lord, grant me [the power] that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do such good works as may please Thee. And make my seed righteous for me. I do turn to Thee; and, truly, I am of those who submit to [Thee].’” (Surah al-Ahqaf, Ch.46: V.16)

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra, a wellknown companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, narrates that a man asked the Messengersa of Allah, “Who is most deserving of my good company? The Messengersa of Allah answered:

‘Your mother.’ The man asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophetsa said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophetsa said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophetsa said, ‘Your father.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5626. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2548)

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa also said: “Paradise is under the feet of mothers.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i, Hadith 3104) This is the status Islam gives to mothers.

From life experience, I know that for those who show love and respect to their mothers, the door of blessings opens for them in every corner of their lives. Some people don’t understand that we honour our mothers. Unfortunately, those who oppose mothers being honoured seem to be jealous

of having never experienced such a profound feeling and bond between a mother and child. All they know is materialism and superficial things.

Did the author give some thought to the mothers in the West who are suffering from some kind of depression because they feel forced to enter the workforce. As the demands on women’s time increase, communities are suffering.

The media that often supports such trends should also provide a platform for other voices to express their views. The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, called on the media in one of his addresses to use its influence for the sake of goodness.

In 2016, during his keynote address at the 13th National Peace Symposium, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “There is no doubt that the media plays a huge role in influencing public opinion and so the media should use this power responsibly – as a force for good and as a force for peace.” (“Muslim leader calls for Media Responsibility in fight against Extremism”, www.pressahmadiyya. com)

Our message to the ideology that has been trying to dismantle the family structure for decades is: our mothers in Islam will continue to be treated with great respect until the end of time.

Moroccan football players have sent their message to the world about the strength of the mother-child bond.

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of

Friday Sermon

Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, UK, 30 December 2022

Men of Excellence: Hazrat Hamzahra

Upon concluding the accounts from the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra, I mentioned that this concluded the series of accounts related to the Badri companions. However, various aspects and details of some of the companions I had mentioned previously came to light later on and I mentioned that either I would relate them at another time or they would be included once these [sermons] are published. Some people have been writing to me that they have greatly benefitted from listening to these historical accounts and that these additional details should also be mentioned in the Friday sermons. As such, I deemed it appropriate to mention these over a few sermons so that people can benefit from this and a greater number of people would be able to listen to them.

In any case, the first mention in this regard is the account related to Hazrat Hamzahra. He was the paternal uncle of the Holy Prophetsa and he was very dear to him, which is evident from the various sayings of the Holy Prophetsa as well as his reaction to the martyrdom of Hazrat Hamzahra. It is also possible that some details will be briefly mentioned again.

In one of the narrations, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa liked the name ‘Hamzah’ very much. Hazrat Jabir bin Abdillahra relates, “Someone from among us had a son born in his house and he asked what to name the child. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Name him after Hamzah bin Abd-ilMuttalib, which is my favourite amongst all the names.’” (Hakim al-Nishapuri, AlMustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihain, Vol. 5, Kitab Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Hadith 4888, [Riyad: Nazar Mustafa al-Baz, 2000], p. 1831)

With regards to the wives and children of Hazrat Hamzahra, it is written in Tabaqa al-Kubra that one of the marriages of Hazrat Hamzahra was to the daughter of Milla bin Malik, who belonged to the tribe of Aus. Through this marriage, Ya’la and Amir were born. Based on the name of his son, Ya’la, one of the titles of Hazrat Hamzahra was Abu Ya’la. Through his second marriage to Hazrat Khaula bint Qais Ansariara, Hazrat Ummarahra was born. Based on her name, Hazrat Hamzahra chose his title of Abu Ummarah. One of Hazrat Hamzah’sra marriages was with Hazrat Salma bint Umaysra who was the sister of Hazrat Asma’ bint Umaysra. Through her, a daughter by the name Hazrat Umamahra was born. This

is the same Umamah over whom Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Ja’farra and Hazrat Zaid bin Harithahra, may Allah be pleased with them all, disputed [over her guardianship]. Each of them desired that Hazrat Umamahra would stay with them. However, the Holy Prophetsa decided in favour of Hazrat Ja’far bin Abi Talibra as the maternal aunt of Hazrat Umamahra, Hazrat Asma’ bint Umaysra, was married to Hazrat Ja’farra.

Ummarah, Fazl, Zubair, Aqeel and Muhammad were among the children of Hazrat Hamzah’sra son, Ya’la. However, all of them passed away. Thus, upon the demise of Hazrat Hamzahra’ children, he did not have any progeny that continued. (Ibn Sa’d, AlTabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr], p. 46)

The details of the dispute between Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Ja’farra and Hazrat Zaid bin Harithahra in relation to the [guardianship] of Hazrat Hamzah’sra daughter, which was just mentioned, have been recorded in [Sahih] Bukhari in the following manner.

Hazrat Bara’ bin Azibra relates that when the Holy Prophetsa intended to perform the Umrah in Dhu al-Qa’dah, the people of Mecca refused to allow him to enter Mecca. In the end, he made an agreement with them on the condition that they could come the following year to perform the Umrah and remain there for three days. When the pact was being written in the wording of “These are the conditions which Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah agrees to,” the Meccans said, “We do not accept this. If we accepted you as the Messenger of Allah, we would never have stopped you. Therefore, instead, write ‘Muhammad bin Abdillah’.” The Holy Prophetsa said, “I am the Messenger of Allah and I am also Muhammad bin Abdillah.”

He then instructed Hazrat Alira to erase the words “Messenger of Allah”. Hazrat Alira responded, “I shall never erase it. By Allah, I shall never erase your title!” The Holy Prophetsa took the paper that was being written on, and despite not knowing how to write properly, he wrote, “These are the conditions that Muhammad bin Abdillah agrees to: No one shall bring a weapon to Mecca, except the swords that remain in their sheaths. They shall not take anyone back with them from among the Meccans, even if they wish to accompany them. No one from the companions shall be stopped if they wish to remain in Mecca.”

In accordance with the treaty, when

they entered Mecca the following year, and the stipulated duration came to an end, the Quraish went to Hazrat Alira and said, “Tell your friend (i.e. the Holy Prophetsa) to depart [Mecca] as the agreed time has now passed.” The Holy Prophetsa then departed from there. Hazrat Hamzah’sra daughter, who was following him, said, “O uncle, O uncle.” Hazrat Alira went and took hold of her hand, and said to Fatimahra, “Take your uncle’s daughter.” She was then placed on the mount. Now Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Zaidra and Hazrat Ja’farra began to dispute over the matter of [the guardianship of] Hazrat Hamzah’sra daughter. Hazrat Alira said, “I have brought her and she is the daughter of my uncle.” Whereas Hazrat Ja’farra said, “She is the daughter of my uncle and her maternal aunt is my wife.” Hazrat Zaidra said, “She

is the daughter of my brother.” The Holy Prophetsa made his decision in the matter that she will remain with her maternal aunt, saying, “A maternal aunt holds the station of a mother.” He said to Hazrat Alira, “You are mine and I am yours.” He then said to Hazrat Ja’farra, “You are similar to me in appearance and nature.” Then, to Hazrat Zaidra he said, “You are our brother and friend.” Hazrat Alira asked, “Will you not marry the daughter of Hazrat Hamzahra?” He replied, “She is the daughter of my foster brother and I am her uncle.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Umrat al-Qada’, Hadith 4251)

These minor issues nowadays can be resolved through these incidents. At times, there are cases in the Qaza wherein it is questioned as to why custody is given to the maternal aunt or maternal grandmother.

After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

And so, through these accounts, such matters can be resolved.

In relation to Hazrat Hamzah’sra acceptance of Islam, it is also mentioned in Raud al-Unf that aside from Ibn Ishaq, others have added further details in relation to his acceptance of Islam. Hazrat Hamzahra relates, “When I was overtaken by anger (i.e. the entire incident as related by his bondwoman, as has been mentioned previously) I said, ‘I follow the religion of Muhammadsa.’ However, I later felt remorse that I had forsaken the religion of my forefathers and I spent the night doubting this great matter to the point where I could not sleep a wink. I then went to the Kabah and prayed fervently to Allah the Almighty that He may open my heart to the truth and dispel all my doubts. I had not even completed my prayers when the doubts had completely left me and my heart was filled with certainty. The following morning, I went to the Holy Prophetsa and related the entire incident. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa prayed that Allah the Almighty grants me steadfastness.” (Ibn Hisham, AlRaud al-Unf fi Tafsir al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Vol. 2. [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah], pp. 44-45)

Hazrat Ammar bin Abi Ammarra relates, “Hazrat Hamzahra bin Abdil Muttalib asked the Holy Prophetsa to show what Hazrat Gabrielas truly looked like. The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘You do not have the capacity to see him.’ He asked, ‘Why not?’ The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Sit down where you are, if you so will.’” The narrator says, “Hazrat Gabrielas then appeared on the wooden part of the Kabah where the idolaters would place their clothes whilst performing the circuits. The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘Now look up and see.’ When he looked up, he saw that the two feet of Hazrat Gabrielas were like green Zabarjad [precious stone]. He then fell unconscious.” Zabarjad is a precious stone that is similar to an emerald. (Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 8) (Munjid, Zair Madah Zabar)

In Safar 2 AH, the Holy Prophetsa departed from Medina to Abwa’, along with a group of his companions and Hazrat Hamzahra also had the opportunity to be a part of this. Hazrat Hamzahra had the honour of carrying the white flag of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa had appointed in his place Hazrat Abu Sa’dra as the governor of Medina, or according to another narration, he appointed Hazrat Sa’d bin Ubadahra. No battle ensued in this expedition and a peace treaty was agreed

upon with Banu Damrah. This was the first expedition in which the Holy Prophetsa personally took part. Another name of this expedition is Waddan. (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4, Ch. 2, Ghazwat al-Abwa’ [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 14)

In relation to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has written in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:

“Divine permission for Jihad by the sword was granted in the month of Safar, during the second year of migration. Since immediate action was required to protect the Muslims from the bloody intentions and threatening schemes of the Quraish, the Holy Prophetsa set out from Medina with a community of the Muhajirin, in the name of Allah the Exalted. Prior to his departure, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Sa‘d bin Ubadahra, Chief of the Khazraj, as the Amir of Medina in his absence, and set out towards the south-west of Medina on the road to Mecca until he finally reached Waddan. The people of the Banu Ḍamrah resided here. This tribe was a branch of the Banu Kinanah and in this manner, these people were the paternal cousins of the Quraish. Upon reaching here, the Holy Prophetsa engaged in discussions with the chieftain of the Banu Damrah, and settled a treaty by mutual agreement. The conditions of this treaty were that the Banu Damrah would maintain friendly relations with the Muslims and would not aid an enemy against the Muslims. Furthermore, when the Holy Prophetsa called upon them in support of the Muslims, they would come immediately. On the other hand, on behalf of the Muslims, the Holy Prophetsa agreed that the Muslims would maintain friendly relations with the Banu Damrah and would aid them whenever it was required. This treaty was formally written and signed by both parties. After an absence of fifteen days, the Holy Prophetsa returned. Another name for the Ghazwah of Waddan is also the Ghazwah of Abwa. This is because the village of Abwa is closely situated to Waddan and this was the same place where the noble mother of the Holy Prophetsa passed away. Historians write that in this Ghazwah, along with the Banu Damrah, the Holy Prophetsa was conscious of the Quraish as well. This means that in actuality, this campaign of the Holy Prophetsa was to put down the threatening schemes of the Quraish. Furthermore, its objective was to dispel that poisonous and threatening influence, which the caravans of the Quraish, etc., had created against the Muslims amongst the tribes of Arabia, and due to which the state

of the Muslims was extremely vulnerable during these days.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 327-328)

In this expedition, Hazrat Hamzahra was holding the flag of the Holy Prophetsa: “After this, in Jamadiyul-Ula, upon receiving news of the Quraish of Mecca once again, the Holy Prophetsa set out from Medina with a company of the Companions which is said to comprise of 150 to 200 men and appointed his foster brother, Abu Salamah bin ‘Abdil Asadra as the Amir in his absence. In this Ghazwah as well, Hazrat Hamzahra was holding the white flag of the Holy Prophetsa. After making numerous rounds in this Ghazwah, the Holy Prophetsa finally reached ‘Ushairah, which was situated close to the coast and the region of Yanbu. Although a battle with the Quraish did not take place, nevertheless the Holy Prophetsa settled a treaty with the Banu Mudlij on terms as were agreed upon with the Banu Damrah, and subsequently returned.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin,  Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 329) (Mustafa ‘Abd alWahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4, Ch. 6, Fi Ghazwat alUshairah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah], p. 17)

The individual duels that took place during the Battle of Badr have already been mentioned in light of various Ahadith. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has also mentioned the details of this in the following manner:

“Now the armies had lined up before one another. However, at this time, a strange spectacle of Divine power manifested itself. The standing arrangement of both armies was such that the Muslim army appeared to be more than, or rather, double its actual number in the eyes of the Quraish. Due to this, the disbelievers were struck with awe. On the other hand, the army of the Quraish appeared smaller than its actual size in the eyes of the Muslims. Due to this, the Muslims were fortified with great confidence. The Quraish attempted to discern the correct figure of the Muslim army, so that they could console such hearts that had begun to sink. For this purpose, the chieftains of the Quraish dispatched ‘Umair bin Wahb to ride his horse around the Muslim army, so as to gather its actual number, and whether it was supported by any hidden reinforcements. Hence, ‘Umair mounted his horse and circled the Muslims, but he witnessed such awe, determination and fearlessness in the face of death on the countenances of these Muslims, that he returned immensely awestricken and addressed the Quraish, saying:

“‘I have not been able to spot any hidden reinforcements, but O company of the Quraish! I have witnessed that in the Muslim army, it is not men who ride upon the saddles of these she-camels, rather, death is seated upon them. Destruction is mounted upon the backs of the she-camels of Yathrib.’

“When the Quraish heard this news, a wave of anxiety rippled through their ranks. Suraqah, who had come as their guarantor, was so awe-stricken, that he fled upon his heels. When people attempted to restrain him, he said:

“‘I see that which you do not.’

“When Hakim bin Hizam heard the opinion of ‘Umair, he frantically came to ‘Utbah bin Rabi‘ah and said, ‘O ‘Utbah, after

all, it is the retribution of ‘Amr Hadrami that you seek from Muhammad[sa], because he was your confederate. Would it not do if you were to pay the blood money to his heirs, and turn back along with the Quraish? You shall be forever known by a good name.’

“Utbah, who was frightened himself, could not ask for anything better, and he immediately said, ‘Of course! I agree; And after all Hakim! These Muslims are our relatives. Does it seem right for a brother to raise his sword against his brother, and father against his son? Go to Abul-Hakam (i.e., Abu Jahl) and present this idea to him.’

“Then, Utbah mounted his camel and began to convince people of his own accord that, ‘It is not correct to fight against relatives. We should turn back and leave Muhammad[sa] to his devices and let him settle his matter with the tribes of Arabia himself. We shall see what happens, and after all, it is not such an easy task to fight these Muslims, because even if you call me a coward, which I am not, I see a people who are eager to purchase death.’

“When the Holy Prophetsa noticed Utbah from afar, he said, ‘If there is anyone from among the army of the Quraish who possesses some nobility, then it is certainly in the rider of that red camel. If these people listened to his advice, it would do them good.’ However, when Hakim bin Hizam approached Abu Jahl, and presented this proposal to him, could it be expected that this Pharaoh of the people would be talked into such a thing? He instantly retorted, ‘Well, well, now ‘Utbah has begun to see his relatives before him!’ Then he called upon ‘Amir Hadrami, the brother of ‘Amr Hadrami, and said, ‘Have you heard what your ally, Utbah says? Especially, when the retribution of your brother is in our grips!’

The eyes of Amir began to gorge with blood in rage and according to the Arab custom, he tore off his clothes, becoming naked, and began to shout:

“‘Woe to ‘Amr! My brother is not being avenged! Woe to ‘Amr! My brother is not being avenged!’

“This desert cry, enflamed a fire of enmity in the hearts of the Quraish and the furnace of war began to burn in full force. The taunt given by Abu Jahl infuriated ‘Utbah. Consumed by this rage, he took his brother Shaibah and son Walid and proceeded ahead of the disbelieving army. According to ancient Arab custom, he called for individual combat. A few Ansar were about to advance, when the Holy Prophetsa restrained them and said, ‘Hamzah, stand up! ‘Ali, stand up! ‘Ubaidah, stand up!’ All three of them were very close relatives of the Holy Prophetsa, and it was his desire that his own kith and kin should be the first to advance in the face of danger. On the other hand, upon seeing the Ansar, ‘Utbah and his comrades cried out, ‘What do we know of you? Bring before us our equals.’ Hence, Hamzahra, ‘Alira and ‘Ubaidahra stepped forward. According to Arab custom, each side identified itself, after which, ‘Ubaidah bin Muttalib confronted Walid, Hamzahra confronted ‘Utbah and ‘Alira confronted Shaibah. Hamzahra and Alira put their adversaries to dust in merely two strikes. However, two or four strong blows were exchanged between ‘Ubaidahra and Walid. Eventually, both fell to the ground, having sustained heavy wounds at the hands of the other. At this, Hamzahra and Alira quickly

advanced and brought an end to Walid, and carried ‘Ubaidahra back to their camp. ‘Ubaidahra, however, was unable to recover from his injuries, and passed away on the journey back from Badr.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 358-360)

During the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Hamzahra also killed Tu’aimah bin Adi, a chieftain of the Quraish. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Qissat Ghazwat Badr)

There is a narration regarding an incident from the time of Badr regarding Hazrat Hamzahra killing Hazrat Ali’sra camels while he was intoxicated. This took place prior to the prohibition of alcohol. This incident has been detailed in [Sahih] Bukhari as follows.

Hazrat Ali bin Hussain (there are various narrators) relates from his father, Hazrat Hussain bin Alira that Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talibra said, “Whilst alongside the Holy Prophetsa on the occasion of the Battle of Badr, I received a young camel as the spoils of war and another camel was granted to me by the Holy Prophetsa. One day, I took them to the home of an Ansari Companion and tied them with the intention of placing some Azkhar upon their backs and then selling it. (Azkhar is a type of grass that is used by people such as goldsmiths and the grass itself is fragrant). A goldsmith from the Banu Qainuqah was also accompanying me. My intention was to use the income [from the camel] for the walima ceremony after my marriage which was going to take place with Fatimahra. Hamzahra bin Abdil Muttalib was drinking alcohol in that same Ansari Companion’s house. There was also a singer with them, and when she sang: ‘O Hamzah, get up and go towards the fat young camels,’ Hazrat Hamzahra was overcome with passion and took his sword and sliced the humps of both camels, gutted their stomachs, and took out their livers.”

Ibn Juraij states, “I asked Ibn Shahab whether he also cut their humps, to which he replied, ‘He cut both of their humps and took them with him.’” Ibn Shahab relates that Hazrat Alira said, “It pained me a great deal to see this. I then went to the Holy Prophetsa; at the time, Zaid bin Harithahra was also with him. I informed the Holy Prophetsa of this incident upon which he went [to Hazrat Hamzahra] accompanied by Zaidra and myself. When the Holy Prophetsa reached Hamzahra and expressed his displeasure, Hazrat Hamzahra looked up, and in his state of intoxication he said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘You are all servants of my forefathers.’ The Holy Prophetsa turned around and left (this incident took place before the prohibition of alcohol). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Masaqat, Bab Bai’ alHatab wa al-Kala, Hadith 3375)

The Holy Prophetsa said that while in this state it was best to not speak with him. Later, however, it is seen that when alcohol was prohibited, these people did not go anywhere near it. This was the standard to which the Companions adhered to the commandments of Allah the Almighty. They immediately broke their drinking vessels. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Ashribah, Bab Tahrim al-Khamr…, Hadith 5138)

They did not say that they would wean away from it slowly, as is said by people today. First, they become addicted to such substances, which are already wrong and prohibited in Islam, and then they say

that they will slowly rid themselves of this habit and say that they should be given time. In any case, this was an incident that took place; afterwards, his standards of sacrifice continued to elevate. Certainly, Hazrat Hamzahra would have been greatly embarrassed by what he said.

After the Battle of Badr, during the expedition towards the Banu Qainuqah, Hazrat Hamzahra was also at the forefront of this. Hazrat Hamzahra held the white flag of the Holy Prophetsa in this expedition as well. (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4, Ch. 12, Fi Ghazwat Bani Qainuqa’ [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah], p. 180)

This has been explained in detail by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra who writes:

“When the Holy Prophetsa migrated from Mecca and arrived in Medina, there were three tribes among the Jews, which inhabited Medina at the time. Their names were Banu Qainuqa, Banu Nadir and Banu Quraizah. As soon as the Holy Prophetsa came to Medina, he settled treaties of peace and security with these tribes, and laid the foundation for peaceful and harmonious cohabitation. By virtue of the agreement, all parties were responsible for maintaining peace and security in Medina, and if a foreign enemy was to attack Medina, everyone was collectively responsible for its defence. In the beginning, the Jews conformed to the treaty, and at least openly, did not create conflict with the Muslims. However, when they began to notice that the Muslims were continuing to gain strength in Medina, they began to change their attitude and firmly resolved to bring an end to this growing power of the Muslims. To this end, they began to employ all sorts of lawful and unlawful schemes, so much so that they did not even hold back from an attempt to create a rift among the Muslims and thus instigate a civil war. As such, there is a narration that on one occasion, a large group of people from the tribes of Aus and Khazraj were sitting together and conversing with love and harmony, when a mischievous Jew reached this gathering and began to mention the Battle of Bu‘ath. This was the horrific war that took place between these two tribes a few years prior to the migration, and in which many people from among the Aus and Khazraj were slain at the hands of one another. As soon as this war was mentioned, memories of the past were refreshed and scenes of ancient enmity began to run before the eyes of various emotional people. The result was that, through satirical remarks, taunt and slander, the matter escalated to such an extent that both parties found themselves at daggers drawn in the very same gathering. Thank God, however, that the Holy Prophetsa was notified in due time and he immediately arrived at the scene with a community of the Muhajirin and calmed both parties down; and rebuked them as well saying, ‘Do you follow a way of ignorance while I am amongst you? You do not value the favour of God that through Islam He has made you brothers.’ The Ansar were so deeply moved by this admonition that their eyes began to flow with tears, and they began to embrace one another while repenting for their action.

“When the Battle of Badr had taken place and Allah the Exalted, in His Grace,

granted a convincing victory to the Muslims, despite their being few and without means over a very fierce army of the Quraish, and the prominent leaders of Mecca were mixed to dust, the Jews of Medina went up in flames of jealousy. They began to openly hurl stinging comments at the Muslims and publicly asserted in gatherings that, ‘So what if you have defeated the army of the Quraish? Let Muhammad[sa] fight us and we shall demonstrate how wars are fought.’ This escalated to such an extent that in one gathering they even uttered such words in the very presence of the Holy Prophetsa As such, there is a narration that after the Battle of Badr, when the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina, one day, he gathered the Jews and admonished them and whilst presenting his claim, invited them to Islam. The chieftains among the Jews responded to this peaceful and sympathetic address of the Holy Prophetsa in the following words, ‘O Muhammad [sa], it seems that you have perhaps become arrogant after killing a few Quraish. Those people were inexperienced in the art of war. If you were to fight us, you would come to know the real likes of warriors.’ The Jews did not rest upon a mere threat, rather, it seems as if they even began to hatch conspiracies to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa. There is a narration that in those days, when a faithful Companion by the name of Talhah bin Bara’ra was about to pass away, he bequeathed that ‘If I die at night, the Holy Prophetsa should not be notified about my funeral prayer, lest a misfortune befalls the Holy Prophetsa at the hands of the Jews on my account.’ Therefore, after the Battle of Badr, the Jews openly began to fuel mischief, and among the Jews of Medina, since the Banu Qainuqa were the most powerful and bold, it was they who first began to breach the treaty. As such, historians write:

“‘Among the Jews of Medina, the Banu Qainuqa were the first to break the treaty which had been settled between them and the Holy Prophetsa. After Badr, they began to rebel fiercely and openly expressed their rancour and malice and broke their treaty and agreement.’

“However, despite such events, under the guidance of their master, the Muslims demonstrated patience in every way and did not allow themselves to take the lead in any respect. It is narrated in a hadith that after the treaty that had been settled with the Jews, the Holy Prophetsa would even take special care to protect their sentiments. On one occasion an argument broke out between a Muslim and Jew. The Jew asserted the superiority of Mosesas above all the other Prophets. The Companion was angered by this and he dealt somewhat harshly with that person replying that the Holy Prophetsa was the most superior of all the Messengers. When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this, he was displeased and rebuked the Companion saying, ‘It is not your task to go about speaking of the superiority of God’s Messengers in comparison to one another.’ Then, the Holy Prophetsa mentioned a partial superiority of Mosesas and consoled the Jew. However, despite this loving conduct of the Holy Prophetsa, the Jews continued to escalate in their mischief. Eventually, it was the Jews who created a cause for war and their heartfelt animosity could not be tamed. What happened was that a Muslim lady went to the shop of a Jew in the market in order to purchase some goods. A few

evil Jews, who were then sitting at the shop began to harass her in a most mischievous manner and even the shopkeeper himself committed the evil deed that while the lady was unaware, he attached the lower corner of her dress to the mantle on her back with a thorn or something of that sort. As a result, when the lady stood up to leave due to their rude behaviour, the lower part of her body became exposed, at which the Jewish shopkeeper and his accomplices burst out in laughter. Outraged, the Muslim lady screamed and appealed for help. It so happened that a Muslim was present nearby. He dashed to the scene and in a mutual altercation, the Jewish shopkeeper was killed. Upon this, the Muslim was showered with swords from all directions and this remarkably indignant Muslim was put to death. When the Muslims were informed of this event in national indignation, their eyes gorged with blood in rage. On the other hand, the Jews, who desired to make this incident an excuse to fight, congregated in the form of a crowd and a state of riot broke out. When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this, he gathered the chieftains of the Banu Qainuqa and explained that such behaviour was not appropriate and that they should refrain from such mischief and fear God. Instead of expressing disappointment and remorse, they responded with very refractory answers and repeated their earlier threat that, ‘Do not become arrogant over your victory at Badr. When you are to fight us you shall come to know the real likes of warriors. Left with no other choice, the Holy Prophetsa set out towards the fortresses of the Banu Qainuqa with a force of Companions. Now, this was the last opportunity for them to express remorse over their actions, but instead, they stood ready for war. Therefore, war was declared and the forces of Islam and Judaism came forth to battle one another. According to the custom of that era, a method of warfare was that one party would secure themselves within their fortresses and wait. The opposing force would besiege the fortress and whenever an opportunity presented itself, now and then, attacks would be launched against one another. This would continue until the surrounding army would either lose hope in capturing the fortress and lift the siege, and this would be considered a victory to the ones besieged; or being unable to muster the strength to fend off the onslaught, the besieged force would open the gates of their fortress and hand themselves over to the victors. On this occasion, the Banu Qainuqa employed the same tactic, and closed themselves within their own fortresses. The Holy Prophetsa besieged them and this siege continued for fifteen days without fail. Finally, when all the strength and arrogance of the Banu Qainuqa had been shattered, they opened the gates of their fortresses on the condition that though their wealth would belong to the Muslims, their lives and families would be spared. The Holy Prophetsa accepted this condition, even though according to Mosaic Law, all of these people were liable to be put to death, and according to the initial agreement, the judgement of the Mosaic Law should have been administered to them. However, since this was the first crime committed by this nation, as a first course of action, the merciful and forgiving disposition of the Holy Prophetsa could never be inclined towards an extreme punishment, which

should only be imposed as a final remedy. However, on the other hand, allowing such a treacherous and rebellious tribe to remain in Medina was no less than nurturing a snake in the grass, especially when a group of hypocrites from among the Aus and Khazraj were already present within Medina, and from the exterior as well, the opposition of the whole of Arabia had greatly distressed the Muslims. In such circumstances, the only judgement that the Holy Prophetsa could pass was for the Banu Qainuqa to leave Medina. In comparison to their crime and taking into account the circumstances of that era, this was a very mild punishment. Furthermore, the purpose of this punishment was the security of Medina. Nonetheless, for the nomadic tribes of Arabia, it was nothing out of the ordinary to move from one place to another, especially when a tribe did not own any properties in the form of land and orchards - and the Banu Qainuqa had none. The entire tribe was given the opportunity to leave one place and settle somewhere else, with great peace and security. As such, the Banu Qainuqa very peacefully left Medina and settled towards Syria. The Holy Prophetsa assigned the task of overseeing the necessary arrangements, etc. associated with their departure to a Companion named ‘Ubadah bin Samitra who was from among their confederates. ‘Ubadah bin Samitra escorted the Banu Qainuqa for a few manazil and after safely sending them off, he returned. The spoils which were attained by the Muslims consisted only of weaponry and instruments of their profession, which was that of a goldsmith.

“In relation to the tribe of Banu Qainuqa, some narrations state that after they opened their gates and surrendered themselves to the Holy Prophetsa, he intended to kill the men who took part in the battle because of their treachery and rebellion. And it was Abdullah bin Ubaiy bin Sulul, the Chief of the hypocrites, who persuaded the Holy Prophetsa to forgo his intention. However, there is no evidence to prove such assertions. The historians do not consider such narrations reliable. Furthermore, in other narrations, it is clearly recorded that Banu Qainuqa opened their gates on the very condition that they and their families would be spared. It is therefore impossible that the Holy Prophetsa would take a different approach and try to kill them after having accepted this condition. Thus, such assertions are utterly false. Nonetheless, the fact that the people of Banu Qainuqa themselves pleaded to be spared proves that they understood they were deserving of the punishment of death. However, they sought mercy from the Holy Prophetsa, and after being promised forgiveness, they opened their doors so that their lives would be spared. Although the Holy Prophetsa, as an embodiment of mercy, forgave them, in the sight of God Almighty, they were not worthy of being left to live in this world due to their crimes and misconduct. Thus, according to narrations, within a year of settling into their new home after being exiled, they were ravaged by an epidemic that killed every member of their tribe. The Battle of Banu Qainuqa took place in Dhul Hijjah in the 2 AH.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin,  Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 457-461)

Hazrat Hamzahra was a flag bearer

during this battle. (Ibid, p. 461)

Hazrat Hamzahra was martyred during the battle of Uhud. This has been previously mentioned as well. News of this incident had already been given to the Holy Prophetsa by Allah the Almighty through Divine revelation. Hazrat Anas bin Malikra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “I saw in a dream that I was pursuing a ram and the tip of my sword was broken. I interpreted that I would kill the ram of the people, in other words, their commander and with regards to the tip of the sword, I interpreted this to be someone from my family.” Subsequently, Hazrat Hamzahra was martyred and the Holy Prophetsa killed Talha who was the flag-bearer of the idolaters. (Hakim alNishapuri, al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihain, Vol. 5, Kitab Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Hadith 4896, [Riyad: Nazar Mustafa al-Baz, 2000], p. 1831)

Hazrat Hamaza’sra face was mutilated and his nose and ears were cut off and his stomach was cut open. The Holy Prophetsa was extremely pained upon witnessing his condition and stated, “If Allah grants me victory over the Quraish, then I shall mutilate thirty of their men.” And according to another narration he stated, “I shall mutilate 70 of their men.” Upon this, the following verse was revealed:

“And if you desire to punish the oppressors, then punish them to the extent to which you have been wronged; but if you show patience, then, surely, that is best for those who are patient.” (Surah an-Nahl, Ch.16: V.127)

Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated that they shall remain patient and he gave an offering instead to atone for the oath he had taken.

(Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma’rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 1 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-‘Ilmiyyah], p. 426)

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra relates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Last night when I entered paradise (he was shown this in a vision), I saw that Jafar was ascending with the angles and Hamzah was resting against a throne.” (Hakim al-Nishapuri, Al-Mustadrak ‘ala alSahihain, Vol. 5, Kitab Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Hadith 4887, [Riyad: Nazar Mustafa al-Baz, 2000], p. 1831)

Hazrat Anasra narrates that on the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa walked past Hazrat Hamzahra and his nose and ears had been cut off. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “If I were not to take into account the grief and sorrow of Safiyyah, I would have left him in this state to the point that Allah would have lifted his body through the stomachs of the birds and vultures.”

Thereafter, his body was wrapped in a sheet. (Hakim al-Nishapuri, Al-Mustadrak ‘ala alSahihain, Vol. 5, Kitab Ma’rifat al-Sahabah, Hadith 4890, [Riyad: Nazar Mustafa al-Baz, 2000], p. 1832)

Upon the martyrdom of Hazrat Hamzahra and witnessing his body, the Holy Prophetsa was extremely emotional but showed great patience. He also advised Hazrat Hamzah’sra sister, who was his paternal aunt, to demonstrate patience and this has been previously mentioned as well. Then, there is the incident of stopping the women of the Ansar from wailing and lamenting and this

was mentioned by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in one of his speeches at Jalsa Salana prior to his Khilafat, which illustrates the lofty morals of the Holy Prophetsa. Although this incident has been briefly mentioned previously in light of various ahadith, however, it would be appropriate to mention this particular reference as well.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh says:

“The Holy Prophet’ssa love for Hazrat Hamzahra can be ascertained through the words which the Holy Prophetsa spoke in the evening of the day of Uhud whilst standing beside the body of Hazrat Hamzahra. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘O Hamzah! May Allah never allow me to experience the anger and pain that I felt upon standing where you have been martyred.’ At that time, the Holy Prophet’ssa paternal aunt, i.e. Hazrat Hamzah’sra sister, Hazrat Safiyyahra had also learnt of this news and reached there. Fearing that she perhaps would not be able to control her emotions, the Holy Prophetsa did not allow her to see Hazrat Hamzah’sra body. However, when she promised that she would show patience, the Holy Prophetsa permitted her. In any case, she stood at the spot where Hazrat Hamzahra had been martyred and saw that her beloved brother, who was like a courageous lion of God and the lion of His Messengersa was lying in a state whereby the wicked people had ripped open his chest and taken his liver out and they had also severely mutilated his face. Though she was overcome with extreme grief and sorrow, however, Safiyyahra kept to her promise and continued to demonstrate patience. She did not even utter a single word of impatience, but tears rolled down her cheeks. She recited inna lillah […] [To Allah we belong (…)] and whilst crying she sat down at that very spot. Her tears continued to stream down and yet she did not utter a word. The narrator states that the Holy Prophetsa also came and sat down and tears began to flow from his eyes. When Hazrat Safiyyah’sra tears would stop, so too would the Holy Prophet’ssa and just as Hazrat Safiyyah’sra eyes would begin to shed tears again, so too would the Holy Prophet’ssa. They remained in this state for several minutes and apart from silently shedding their tears, there was no other expression of grief or sorrow by the Holy Prophetsa and his family. Indeed, this was the blessed example of the Holy Prophetsa. When the Holy Prophetsa entered Medina, the whole of Medina was echoing with sounds of wailing and lamenting upon the grief of their loved ones who had been martyred in Uhud. When the Holy Prophetsa heard this, he said in a very heartfelt manner, ‘There is no one to cry for Hamzahra.’ After all, how could there be anyone to cry for Hamzahra for the family of the Holy Prophetsa were reminded day and night to always exhibit patience. When some of the Ansar heard these heartfelt words of the Holy Prophetsa, they immediately stood up and ran towards their homes and instructed their women to abandon their mourning and only mourn for Hamzahra alone. Within moments, the howling and shrieking for Hamzah’sra death could be heard and every house was in mourning for Hamzahra Further intensifying their lamentations and weeping, the women of the Ansar gathered around the house of the Holy Prophetsa Upon hearing the noise, the Holy Prophetsa looked outside and saw a crowd of women

from among the Ansar. The Holy Prophetsa prayed for them and thanked them for their sympathies, however, stated that it was not permissible to shriek and wail in that manner over the dead. Hence, from that day on, the practice of wailing and howling over the dead was abandoned. May we sacrifice our lives at the feet of the Holy Prophetsa How great of a teacher he was in imparting moral excellences, who descended from the spiritual heavens to teach us faith. He possessed such wisdom and insight and was able to delve deep into human nature. If the Holy Prophetsa had immediately prohibited the women from shrieking and wailing over their loved ones who had been martyred, this instruction may have been hard for them to bear. However, the Holy Prophetsa did this in such a wise manner by first directing their lamentation for his uncle Hamzahra and then prohibiting them from such a practice by stopping them from doing it over his own uncle. Allah has full knowledge of who he is going to select and he chose such an excellent guide for His creation, who was well aware of the subtleties and finite details of human nature and would take into consideration the sentiments of his followers to such an extent. When one reflects upon these characteristics of the Holy Prophetsa, one’s heart is filled with passion and love for him and naturally proclaims from the core of their heart that ‘our lives, wealth and progeny are ready to be sacrificed at your feet. O Messengersa of Allah! Countless salutations of blessings and peace be upon you. O ye whose beauty and kindness is like a never-ending ocean. O Messengersa of Allah! Countless salutations of blessings and peace be upon you. I swear by the God, Who is one and to Whom belong the entire heavens and the earth that there is no one like you amongst His creation in the entire heavens and the earth.’” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Address at Annual Convention Prior to Khilafat by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, pp. 364-366, Tahir Foundation, 2006)

In this account of Hazrat Hamzahra, the noble character of the Holy Prophetsa was also mentioned. The accounts [of Hazrat Hamzahra] end here and I will mention some accounts of some other companions in the future.

The New Year is starting the day after tomorrow, insha-Allah. Pray that Allah the Almighty bestows upon us all the blessings of the New Year. May this new year be a means of blessings for the Jamaat in every respect. May Allah the Almighty cause the ploys of the enemy to be completely ruined. May Allah the Almighty enable the jamaats all over the world to fulfil the purpose of their creation even more than before.

Also, pray for the world in general that may Allah the Almighty save them from conflict and warfare. The situation of the world is becoming increasingly perilous and is on the verge of utter destruction. Everyone is only concerned about their own interests. May Allah the Almighty have mercy.

Also, pray for your brothers who are facing oppression. May Allah the Almighty protect the Jamaat in the coming year from every kind of injustice and cruelty.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 20 January 2023, pp. 5-10. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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

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