Al Hakam - 31 March 2023

‘A month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation’

The Holy Prophet’s address on the blessings of Ramadan

Ramadan, the blessed month, is upon us. The ninth month in the Islamic calendar, it is a time Muslims throughout the world pay special attention to a spirit of devotion, reflection and self-improvement.

During this blessed month, we turn our minds and hearts towards purifying our souls, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and drawing closer to our Creator. The significance, value, and importance of Ramadan are immeasurable. With the beginning of Ramadan, a lot has already been said about the value of Ramadan over the dinner table at our homes or amongst friends, and you may have even read an article or two about Ramadan. However, what better words can do justice to describe the profound blessings it brings than the words of the Holy Prophetsa? The Prophet’s insight inspires our hearts and motivates us to fast with even greater passion and purpose.

“Hazrat Salman al-Farisira narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said in a sermon, which he delivered to them on the last day of Sha‘ban:

“‘A great month, a blessed month, a month containing a night that is better than a thousand months, has approached you people. Allah has appointed the observance of fasting during it as an obligatory duty, and the spending of its nights in worship as a supererogatory practice.

“‘If someone draws near to Allah during it with a good deed, he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfils an obligatory duty in it

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

Five names of the Holy Prophetsa

Muhammad ibn Jubayr ibn Mut‘im narrated from his father [Jubayr ibn Mut‘imra], who said that, “Allah’s Messengersa said, ‘I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad; I am al-Mahi [i.e., the eliminator], through whom Allah will eliminate disbelief; I am al-Hashir [i.e., the gatherer], at whose feet people will be gathered together; and I am al-‘Aqib, [i.e., the most subsequent of the law-bearing prophets].’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab almanaqib, Bab ma ja’a fi asma’i rasulillahsa)

Beware of deceitful ‘scholars’, as about Nation of Islam and Ahmadiyya

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Consolidation of faith through Khilafat

“There is a quake that rattles the world at the death of a Messenger or spiritual leader, and that time is extremely perilous. And God effaces it through a Khalifah and the work is stabilised and realigned through that Khalifah.” (Al Hakam, 14 April 1908; Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, p. 285)

<< Continued from previous page

will be like one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month.

“‘It is the month of endurance, and the reward of endurance is Paradise. It is the month of sympathy, and mutual consolation, and a month in which the believer’s provisions are increased. If someone gives one who has been fasting something with which to break his fast, it will provide forgiveness of his sins and save him from Hell, and he will have a reward equal to his without his reward being diminished in any respect.’

“Some of them remarked to Allah’s Messenger that they did not all have the means to give [food] to the one who had been fasting with which to break his fast, and he replied, ‘God gives this reward to him who gives one who has been fasting some milk mixed with water, or a date, or a drink of water with which to break his fast and anyone who gives a full meal to one who has been fasting will be given a drink from my river Al-Kauthar [River of Abundance] by Allah and will not thirst till he enters Paradise.’

“‘It is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness, and whose end is salvation from Hell. If anyone makes things easy for His slave during it, God will forgive him and free him from Hell.’” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab as-Saum, Hadith 1965)

By heeding the profound words of the Holy Prophet Muahmamad, may Allah bestow peace and thousands upon thousands of blessings upon him, we can unlock the true potential of this blessed month, and emerge from it as better, more disciplined, and more faithful Muslims. So let us embrace Ramadan with open hearts, and immerse ourselves in the beauty and majesty of this truly special time.

(Jalees Ahmad, Al Hakam)

Asif M Basit Curator, Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre

As the Ahmadiyya Muslim community continues to flourish and to serve Islam in a day and age that can justifiably be called the most challenging in Islam’s history, intrigue about the community has seen an uptick in the recent past.

However, this intrigue and enquiry into this reform sect of Islam are not always encouraged, especially among their own coreligionist Muslims – the latter not recognising the former’s Muslim identity. What once used to be disguised in gimmicks, Muslim scholars in the West have now taken the straightforward and direct approach in warning their youth about the “dangers” posed by the Ahmadiyya to Islam. These scholars, in their desperation, are now failing to hide their jealousy and openly telling the Muslim youth that since the Ahmadiyya are now seen as the face of Islam – through preaching Islam more actively than ever before – they need to be condemned publicly, declaring that Ahmadis are anything but Muslims.

One recent example is a so-called Muslim scholar who is seen giving a stand-up presentation to Muslim youth in attendance, as well as to those watching him on YouTube.

Not worthy of any particular importance, such so-called scholars try to recycle the same old allegations about the Ahmadiyya community and its founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as But knowing that these allegations have already lost steam, they try various tactics to resuscitate the soulless body of these

low-level allegations.

Clutching at straws, when old allegations burn out

One new tactic is holding an iPhone or the latest Samsung mobile in their hand, looking at it from time to time, and claiming that they are not speaking from hearsay but actual references from original sources of the Ahmadiyya literature. Unfortunately, gone are the days when merely flashing a mobile phone and reading off of it made things sound credible.

If they claim that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as said that “his book, Tadhkirah, is the revealed book of God”, they fail to provide any reference to this shocking statement. They try to plaster it with an even more shocking lie: “I obtained it from the Ahmadiyya website”. Again, without any reference.

How could there be a reference to a blatantly false statement? The book  Tadhkirah – an anthology of the revelations received by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as – was not even published in his lifetime. It was published in book form and with this name many decades afterwards. This aside, did he ever claim his revelations formed any form of scripture to replace the Quran? We would leave the answer to such scholars who can only rob people of their true faith and never accept the truth.

However, such self-styled scholars seem to have realised that all old allegations have burnt out. To blow some air in the sails of their anti-Ahmadiyya campaign, they have tried something novel: coining new stories; which isn’t really novel but quite customary of the opponents.

The Nation of Islam and Ahmadiyya

One such false story that has recently come to the surface is that the Nation of Islam (NOI) was founded by the Ahmadiyya missionaries in America. We all know that what emerged as the Nation of “Islam” couldn’t have been farther from Islam as far as its beliefs and tenets are concerned.

To start with, nothing could be far from the Ahmadiyya Muslim belief, as expounded by the founder Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, that God has bodily form. Allah, the Islamic name for the One God, has no bodily form. If anything, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas spent thousands of pages refuting the Christian attribution of divinity to the person of Jesus Christ. And for that matter, any other human form of divinity, as seen in his English language tract “Warning to a pretender to divinity” – addressed to John Hugh Smyth-Pigott who had made the claim in 1902. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas called such a claim “irreverent and extravagant assertions”.

How then could the Ahmadiyya community accept the divinity of Fard Muhammad (WD Fard Muhammad) – the founding father of the Nation of Islam? NOI literature – all the way from Elijah Muhammad to Malcolm X, and from Farrakhan to present-day sources – base their belief on Fard Muhammad being God in human-body form.

This alone is enough to invalidate any claims that the Ahmadiyya community could back – or sponsor, as some opponents have taken to suggesting – such a claim that has absolutely nothing to do with Islamic faith; a claim most vehemently detested by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

The Moslem Sunrise, the first Islamic

as we explore false allegations

Ahmadiyya connections

magazine in the English language to be published in America, carried in it clearly what the Ahmadiyya mission stood for. The first edition had it clearly mentioned that Allah is the One God, Hazrat Muhammadsa is His messenger, and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas is the Messiah, whose advent was foretold by Hazrat Muhammadsa

The second edition had an open letter to American Muslims, titled “My Advice to the Muhammadans in America”, advising them to abide by the teachings of Islam as set out by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa of Islam. The advice, numbered from one to ten, had instructions like “read the Quran”, “promulgate Islam”, “God is the best Protector of Islam in all ages”, and much worthy of mention, “build a mosque in every town to worship One God”. What makes the last one stand out is that NOI never called their places of worship mosques, but instead chose to call them temples.

Every issue of  The Moslem Sunrise opened with the English translation of Quranic verses, the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and then the sayings and writings of the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah. This clarity left no room for anyone claiming divinity under the umbrella of Ahmadiyya Islamic teachings.

Fard Muhammad and the influence of Ahmadiyya teachings

Another question remains important and needs to be addressed: Was Fard Muhammad under the influence of the Ahmadiyya teachings? Well, interesting it is that not only Fard Muhammad but thousands of Americans were influenced by the Ahmadiyya beliefs; for the simple reason that they made complete sense to Christians and Muslims, alike. While thousands stayed, many must have been led astray by their imaginations, for which

the Ahmadiyya Muslim community cannot take any responsibility.

One thing is clear. Fard Muhammad, or any of his accomplices for that matter, never were Ahmadi missionaries, nor were they assigned any duties by the Ahmadiyya mission. However, we do not speak on behalf of any other faction that claims to be Ahmadi. Anyone who claims otherwise bears the onus of proof. Until they produce it, we tell our readers to beware of deceitful scholars who rob you of truth and feed false information.

The Moslem Sunrise of July 1922, one of the earliest issues of the publication, carried an article titled: “Jesus was crucified but did not die on the cross”. It carried a review of literature, by Western Christians mostly, on how Jesus’sas death was perceived by them and how it fell quite in line with the Ahmadiyya belief – the belief suggested in the title of the article.

This belief of the Ahmadiyya gained a lot of attention in the American religious climate – where clouds of Messianic hope hovered over the imagination of the Christian and Muslim populace. Jesus’sas return to earth –from the imaginary heavens where he had been living for two millennia – was overdue and any explanation, or justification, for that matter, caught public attention.

Fard Muhammad was a Millenialist and had, thus, explored any avenue that could lead to his understanding of the end times and his own place therein. He remained influenced by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, among many other Christian denominations. He would encourage to listen to Judge Rutherford’s speeches and his own “claim that the end of the world was supposed to commence in 1914” was altered and extended under influence of “Watch Tower literature”. (Finding WD Fard: Unveiling the identity of the founder of the Nation of Islam, by John A Morrow, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019)

Through his misty biographical accounts, he is seen as influenced by the Mormons from where he borrowed the Mormon belief in the Law of Eternal Progression: As man is God, God once was, and as God is, man may become. (Ibid) This human possibility of human transformation into a god – which he clearly believed and later claimed to have attained – is to be attributed to Mormon influence and not any other religious denomination.

Researchers on the Nation of Islam trace the roots of Fard’s teachings in Islam, just as well as in Christianity. One such researcher, Stephen J Stein, noted that “the Bible seems to have functioned more importantly than the Quran for Black Muslims”. (Alternative Religious Movements in American History, p 126) However, Morrow sees a trend of

gradualism, where he started “with the Bible, which was familiar, and moving his students towards Quran, which was unfamiliar”. This statement is important and we will return to it later.

Biographers of Fard Muhammad have traced various influences on the theology preached by Muhammad Fard and later by Elijah Muhammad, who worked to cement the beliefs. One important influence noted is the Moorish Temple, which has been seen as the precursor to the foundation of the Nation of Islam. Aminah Beverly McCloud notes the teachings of Noble Drew Ali, founder of the Moorish Science Temple, as being inspired by Shiite and Ismaili literature, especially the Ghulat Ismailis’ belief in human manifestations of Allah. (African American Islam, by Aminah B McCloud)

Ghulat Islamilis, a collective name for a number of Shiite and Ismaili sects, believed in a number of persons to have been human manifestations of Allah – Jafar alSadiq for the Bazighiyya, Hazrat Ali for the Dhammiyya etc.

Fard’s claim to be godman shows a direct influence of the Ghulat Shiites especially that of the Dhammiyya, who also believed that Hazrat Ali was God and the Holy Prophet was his messenger; more evident in Elijah’s claim to be Fard’s prophet.

That Drew Ali, in founding the Moorish Science Temple of America, was influenced by Ghulat Ismaili beliefs, and Fard by both, in founding the Nation of Islam is quite clear. Testifying more to this fact is offering three prayers daily and more so, the similarity of the wordings of the prayers, almost the same for both the MSTA and NOI.

Morrow is justified in concluding that “if the Ahmadiyya influence has been discussed in detail by previous scholars, and the Ismaili and Druze elements have been examined by others, the Twelver, Shaykhi, Babi, Gulat, and Yezidi aspects have been generally neglected.”

It is interesting to note that the prayers offered by the MSTA and NOI conclude with the words:

“Allah bind our hearts and minds back to our Ancient Forefathers Divine Creed and Principles, We ask this in Thy Holy name and the Seven Elohim. Amen.” (MSTA website: www.msta1928.org)

Pointing too directly to the Sevener Shiite denomination, this prayer leads the quest for the roots of Fard’s teachings towards other Muslim denominations and not, whatsoever, to the Ahmadiyya.

Why the alleged Ahmadiyya connection?

Fard Muhammad was arrested on many occasions for the unrest that he caused among the African-American community.

He was extensively questioned by the FBI during their investigations, the details of which have now been declassified.

He refers to the Ahmadiyya community in America and also to have been in contact with them. The Ahmadiyya was an outreaching, proselytising missionary movement, as it is today, even in its early days of presence in America. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, and the missionaries that succeeded

one of such persons who must have gotten in touch; so is evident from the FBI reports.

Before delving into the FBI reports, one must bear in mind that Fard Muhammad’s and Elijah Muhammad’s statements comprise the bulk of this material. And yes, there is mention of coming in touch with the Ahmadiyya mission, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali Sahin to be precise.

Elijah Muhammad stated his teachings about Jesusas Christ thus:

“Allah [referring here to Fard] taught me that he [Jesus] did not die on the cross, but he was killed on the streets of Jerusalem by a deputy sheriff at that time. The deputy sheriff brought death to Jesus by stabbing him through the heart, and the sword pierced all the way through into the timber or board that he was against, when he gave up his life to the deputy sheriff, to take it away instantly because the Jews wanted to torture him.” (The true history of Elijah Muhammad, by Elijah Muhammad)

This clearly is not the belief of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, nor has it

Fard Muhammad

Ahmadiyya headquarters, Chicago 4448 Wabash Avenue, 1922

This Week in History

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra set forth on this long trip to enhance the standards of education in Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya Qadian. This delegation returned to Qadian on 29 April 1912. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 392)

3 April 1931: On this day, Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shamsra laid the foundation stone of the first Ahmadiyya mosque in Kababir, Haifa. It was named Mahmood Mosque. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, p. 313)

3 April 1987: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh called on Ahmadi parents to devote the lives of their unborn children to the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat as he initiated the scheme of Waqfe-Nau. For more details, see “A new era of servants for Islam” (Al Hakam, 3 April 2020, Issue 107, pp. 19 and 23)

31 March

31 March 1906: On this day, the Promised Messiah’sas prophecy, warning about an earthquake, was published on page 18 of the weekly newspaper Paisa Akhbar of Lahore. 100,000 copies of this newspaper were published.

31 March 1989: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh inaugurated an Ahmadiyya mission house in Galway, South Ireland, which he announced in his Friday Sermon. It was the first journey of Huzoorrh in the second century of Jamaat. In the evening, a special reception was also held to mark the occasion, where many dignitaries participated. (Khutbate-Tahir. Vol. 8, p. 203; Silsila-eAhmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 854)

31 March 1996: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited Birmingham, UK. (Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya Vol. 4, p. 885) On this occasion, at least one question-answer session with non-Muslims from across the English Midlands was also held, which lasted for about two hours.

1 April

1 April 1901: The Promised Messiahas was resolute in his efforts to spread the message of Islam to the Western world. To attain this grand goal, alongside other schemes, he desired to publish a magazine, to manage which, he formed an association by the name AnjumanIshaat-e-Islam [Society for the Propagation of Islam]. It held its first meeting on this day. The association decided to name the magazine, “The Review of Religions”, which has been published to date. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra was appointed the president of the Anjuman. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 165)

1 April 1953: On this day, during the riots and agitation against Jamaat-eAhmadiyya, Martial Law authorities arrested Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahibra and Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad Sahibrh for their faith in Ahmadiyyat.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 15, p. 254)

1 April 1996: On this day, the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) commenced its 24-hour broadcast, and to mark this momentous

occasion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh delivered a live address.

2 - 3 April

2 April 1989: In connection with the Jamaat’s centenary celebrations, on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh participated in a discussion at the studio of LBC Radio with the representatives of the Christian and Jewish faiths. (Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 854)

3 April 1912: On this day, with the permission of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra commenced his journey to various places in India, at his own expense, along with a delegation of some scholars of the Jamaat. The places included Lucknow, Kanpur, Shahjahanpur, Rampur, Delhi, Saharanpur, and Deoband. During this tour, various religious madrasas were visited. This journey was to gather first-hand information about the institutions established to provide religious education. Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza

3 April 2013: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed a special reception held to celebrate the recent opening of the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Valencia, Spain. During his address, Huzooraa shed light on the true Islamic teachings of peace, justice and tolerance. Huzooraa said that he wished to reassure the Spanish people that the new mosque would be a source of peace and compassion. He said the mosque would foster a spirit of togetherness and unity within the society.

4 April

4 April 1917: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra issued a tract, titled “Zinda Khuda Ke Zabardast Nishan” – Living Sign of Living God. It was apropos to the fulfilment of the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas about Nicholas II, the Tsar of Russia. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 197)

4 April 1932: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation of the new neighbourhood of Darul Anwar in Qadian. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 26)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressing a special reception held to celebrate the opening of the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Valencia, Spain.

31 March - 6 April

4 April 2004: On this day, during his tour of Africa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reached Benin from Burkina Faso. It was the first time that any Khalifatul Masih visited the country. (Al Fazl International, 16 April 2004, p. 2)

5 - 6 April

5 April 1985: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK held its 20th Jalsa Salana at Islamabad, Tilford, which was attended by Ahmadis from 48 countries around the world. On this date, the three-day Jalsa Salana commenced. This was the first Jalsa Salana in Islamabad. The Jalsa was graced by the presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, who delivered three addresses. There were 7,000 people in attendance altogether. (Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 675)

5 April 1948: On this day, during his tour of Peshawar, Pakistan, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a lecture at the Special Government Hall, as part of a series of lectures titled “Istihkame-Pakistan” – Consolidation of Pakistan. The details of this series of lectures have already been published in our article, “‘The consolidation of Pakistan’: Lectures by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra on how Pakistan can see success”. (Al Hakam, 6 May 2022, Issue 216, pp. 10-13)

5 April 2004: On this day, during his tour of Benin, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited the Calavi Jamaat, where 1700 Ahmadis from 17 regions had come to meet Huzooraa. On his return to the capital, Porto-Novo, 800 Ahmadis were present there to meet him. On the same day, Huzooraa laid the foundation stone of a mosque there. At night, Huzooraa granted an audience to the Ahmadi doctors serving in Africa. (Al Fazl International, 16 April 2004, p. 2)

6 April 2004: On this day, during his tour of Benin, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited the northern areas of the country and granted audiences to Ahmadis there. Huzooraa also granted separate audiences to the kings of Allada and Dassa. Huzooraa then visited the third largest city in the country, Parakou, and members of the Jamaat had the opportunity to meet Huzooraa (Al Fazl International, 16 April 2004, p. 3)

<< Continued from previous page ever been.

Going closer to the man himself, we find Fard telling the FBI, in his recorded statement:

“Why did we take Jerusalem from the devil? How long ago? Because one of our righteous brothers, who was a prophet by the name of Jesus was buried there […].” (FBI file 39-40,  vault.fbi.gov, accessed 27 March 2023)

This, again, is contrary to Ahmadiyya’s belief, which states that Jesusas survived the crucifixion, travelled to Kashmir and died there of a natural death.

The curiosity of some researchers (Dennis Walker in his foreword to Morrow’s book cited above) has led them to believe that the photograph of Fard shows him holding a copy of the Quran that appears to be the English translation by Muhammad Ali. (Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, founder of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman-e-Ishaat-eIslam, or the Lahori faction as it is more commonly known.)

that link to the Ahmadiyya community and asserts that “even mainstream Sunnis and Shiites used to read the translation by Muhammad Ali.”

Elijah Muhammad is reported to have said that Fard once gave him a copy of the Quran “in Arabic and English translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali of Pakistan.” (The Messenger: The rise and fall of Elijah Muhammad

the Holy Quran bore an inscription by Fard, declaring that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad religious leader of the present time.” (

eyed Devil, by MM Knight) If this suffices to prove that Fard Muhammad was an Ahmadi, then the same must be said about Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who quite clearly declared Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas to be:

“The profoundest theologian among modern Indian Muhammadans”.

(“Testimonies – Sir Muhammad Iqbal”,  Al Hakam, 23 March 2018, Issue 1, p. 11)

Why is it that our opponents move the goalposts around when it comes to Sir Muhammad Iqbal, but insist on Fard Muhammad and his un-Islamic movement being inspired by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community? Both statements are quite literally the same and should amount to the same conclusion.

Informants of the FBI, through reports

Another report has it Elijah Muhammad was “once a member of this [Ahmadiyya] movement but had been expelled for organizing a hate group in Chicago”. (Ibid)

Conclusion

Had Fard Muhammad or his successor Elijah Muhammad been in contact with the Ahmadiyya mission in America? We cannot say for sure, but their statements seem to suggest so.

Does that mean their inspiration came from Ahmadiyya Muslim beliefs? Absolutely not, as we have discussed above.

We have seen where the inspiration actually resided: in the Shiite/Ismaili denominations of Islam.

Some researchers seem to leave Sunni Islam out of the equation; however, I strongly disagree with this statement.

As long as Sunni Islam believes in Jesusas Christ being alive in the heavens, and that he will return with his physical body, they will remain a major bloodline of not only the Nation of Islam but any such heresies that might erupt through this frustrated Messianic hope in future.

13th World Religions Conference held in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

The 13th World Religions Conference, White Horse, was held on 1 March 2023, and was held in person after two years because of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, as reported by the Regional Amir of British Columbia, Rizwan Peerzada Sahib.

Whitehorse is the capital of Northwest Canada’s Yukon Territory. Located approximately 2,400 km northwest of the Baitur Rahman Mosque, Vancouver, it has a population of 30,820 according to the 2022 census. It is situated north of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, south of the Arctic Ocean and east of the State of Alaska, USA. It is a popular tourist attraction in the winter and summer months due to its beautiful valleys and the Rocky Mountains. The land has rich resources of minerals, gas, and oil.

The British Columbia Region had the responsibility of hosting this event. Advertisements were run on social media as well as on local radio channels and newspapers. Sixty posters were posted in the city. Four member-team led by Sadr Abbotsford Jamaat, British Columbia, Fahim Channa Sahib, travelled over 2,300 km to Whitehorse before the event and distributed flyers in the area. Various local

community organisations were engaged, including Whitehorse United Church and the Anglican Church of Whitehorse, Yukon. Whitehorse Tourism and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce were contacted and invited to be part of the conference. An interview regarding the event was broadcast on Canada Broadcasting Corporation Radio on 1 March 2023.

The theme of the conference this year was “The Question of Timeless Suffering?” The former member of parliament, Mr Larry Bagnell was the event moderator. The following speakers presented the perspectives of their respective religions:

• David Jensen represented the Baháʼí Faith

• The Right Reverend Beverly Brazier represented Christianity

• Shakoor Ahmad Sahib represented Islam

• Rick Buchan represented Buddhism

• Rick Karp represented Judaism

• Navdeep Kaur represented Sikhism

• Phillip Gatensby represented Indigenous Communities

A number of dignitaries attended the conference and were given the podium to say a few words.

Whitehorse City Councillor Ted Laking greeted and welcomed guests on behalf of the City of Whitehorse. The

Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard, appreciated the contribution of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Canada for hosting a unique conference in Whitehorse and bringing multiple faiths together on one platform.

The moderator’s concluding remarks were given by Mr Larry Bagnell. The vote of thanks was presented by Regional Amir British Columbia.

The audience appreciated the opportunity to listen to multiple religions at one event.

Brenda Fediuk said:

“I attended the conference tonight. Thank you; the topic, the presentations, and the food were wonderful. I enjoyed meeting new people.”

Beverly Brazier said:

“It was so wonderful to see you again, in person. All of you. Thank you for all the work you do to make this happen.”

Rick Karp said:

“I must say that the conference last night was, for lack of a better word, perfect. I so enjoy hearing from the members of the panel and reconnecting with you and your team. I think we had a wonderful turnout and everyone enjoyed the experience, which was shown by the questions after the presentations and the fact that people stayed.”

The attendance at the event was 105.

Elija Muhammad

Answers to Everyday Issues Part 51

Problem of the ‘creator of God’, Janazah prayer, two Jumuah prayers in one mosque and reciting basmalah in salat

Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

al-janazah] was indeed a type of prayer [salat], or whether it was simply given that name. He said the question arose since the funeral prayer can be performed at any time without having to take the times into consideration during which offering salat would usually be forbidden.

Problem of the ‘creator of God’

Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa […] and said that to demonstrate the existence of God Almighty, we assert that since nothing can create itself, there must be a Creator of the universe. However, he added, this leads to the question of who created God.

Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 24 December 2021, provided the following answer to this question:

“[…] When we state that everything has been created by some entity or being, it is important to acknowledge that science also recognises that nothing in the universe is self-created. Once we consider this principle, the matter becomes clear. Therefore, when we continue asking about the creator of something and the conversation eventually stops at an entity, that ultimate Creator is God Almighty. Science may refer to that entity as ‘nature’, but according to the teachings of Allah the Exalted and His messengers, we regard that entity as the Being of God Almighty.

“Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that God Almighty’s infinite Being transcends human comprehension and knowledge. Our faith regarding this matter is derived from the Holy Quran, which affirms:

“The Promised Messiahas has expounded upon this doctrine, stating:

“‘God is One in His being and His attributes and His glory. He has no partner. All are dependent upon Him. He bestows life on every particle. He is the source of grace for everything and is not in need of grace from any. He is neither a son nor a father for He has no equal and no one is like unto Him.’ (Islami Usul Ki Filasfi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, p. 410)

“Huzooras also elucidated this in the following words:

“‘Your God is One in His Being and in His attributes. No one is eternal and everlasting like Him, nor does anything possess attributes similar to His. Man depends upon a teacher for his knowledge, yet his knowledge remains incomplete, but God needs no teacher, for His knowledge knows no bounds. Man depends upon the air for his hearing, which is limited, but God’s hearing is inherent and unlimited. Man depends upon the light of the sun or other sources of light to see, and his sight is restricted, but God sees by His own light and His sight encompasses everything. In order to create, Man is dependent upon matter and requires time, and his power of creation is confined, but God’s power of creation is not dependent upon matter or time, nor is it in any way limited. This is because all His attributes are unique like Himself.’ (Lecture Lahore, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 154-155)”

Moreover, he asked whether it was permissible to hold two separate Jumuah prayers in the same mosque. He said, he has observed that in [a certain town’s] mosque, the khuddam who are on duty, deliver a separate sermon and offer a separate Jumuah prayer later on, despite it being prohibited in the book Fiqh-e-Ahmadiyya Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 7 January 2022, provided the following guidance in this regard:

“The funeral prayer is indeed a type of salat, but it does not include bowing [ruku‘] or prostrating [sajdah] because the deceased’s body is present in front of those offering the prayer. This is to avoid any chance of shirk [associating partners with God]. In Tafsir-e-Kabir, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra explained various types of prayers, including the funeral prayer and stated:

“‘In addition to all the other prayers, Salat al-Janazah is another necessary prayer that is considered a collective obligation [fard al-kifayah] in Islam. […] It differs from other obligatory prayers in that it is performed standing up without any ruku‘ or sajdah. All of its parts are performed while standing up. […] The prayer has four parts and is initiated by the imam, who stands facing the qiblah, placing his right hand over his left hand on his chest after loudly reciting the takbir. There is no iqamah pronounced before this prayer.’ (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 1, p. 115)

Two Jumuah prayers in one mosque

“As far as the question of offering two separate Jumuah prayers in one mosque [by two groups of people] under compelling circumstances is concerned, remember that just as the repeating of other congregational prayers is confirmed by ahadith (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Kitab assalah, Bab ma ja’a fil l-jama‘ati fi masjidin qad sulliya fihi marrah) and also by the permission granted by the Promised Messiahas for it on account of some necessity (Badr, Qadian, Vol. 6, No. 1, 10 January 1907, p. 18), Friday prayers may also be offered twice if necessary, and there is no objection to this.

“However, it is necessary to take precautions to ensure that the Friday prayer is not offered again in the same spot in the mosque where it was already performed. Instead, the on-duty khuddam should deliver their separate sermon and offer their Friday prayer in a different spot. An example of this can be found during the blessed era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira; Al Fazl (Qadian) recorded this in an article titled ‘Madinatul Masih’ as follows:

“‘Say, ‘He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Independent and Besought of all. He begets not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.’’ (Surah al-Ikhlas, Ch. 112: V. 2-5)

Janazah prayer

Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa and asked whether the funeral prayer [salat

“There are no prohibited times for offering funeral prayers. However, there is a difference of opinion among Islamic jurists [fuqaha] regarding this matter. There is no prohibition for offering funeral prayers, as there is for offering voluntary prayers [nawafil] after Fajr and Asr prayers, which is prohibited. However, during the three times, i.e., when the sun is rising, at its zenith, or setting, according to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali jurists, it is preferable not to offer funeral prayers without a valid excuse or necessity. On the other hand, according to the Shafi‘i jurists, funeral prayers can be offered at any time.”

“‘On Fridays, men and women used to go to Aqsa Mosque. This also provided an opportunity for some mischievous people to cause trouble, which resulted in financial loss for a couple of individuals. Therefore, the following recommendation of Dr Khalifa Rashiduddin Sahib[ra] was accepted by Hazrat Maulvi Sahib (Khalifatul Masih Ira): He suggested that to achieve peace of mind, a group of believers should hold a vigil from noon until the Friday prayer has been offered, and then these sincere Ahmadis should observe their separate Friday prayer at Mubarak Mosque. Therefore, on that Friday, Babu Wazir Muhammad Sahib, a sincere and enthusiastic Ahmadi from Lahore, along with some twenty to thirty Ahmadi boys,

some Afghan Ahmadis and Munshi Akbar Shah Khan Sahib, held the vigil. Then, Khan Sahib led the separate Jumuah prayer, as was instructed by Amir(-ulMomineen, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira), after the people had returned from the Aqsa Mosque.’ (Al Fazl, Qadian, Vol. 1, No. 4, 9 July 1913, p. 1)

“Thus, while it is possible to have another Friday prayer after one has already been offered, it should be noted that such a situation should only arise out of necessity or compulsion, as confirmed by the above reference. Additionally, obtaining permission from the local administration is also a necessary step for this. Furthermore, [according to this particular reference], it is necessary not to offer the Friday prayer again in the same mosque where it has previously been offered, but rather to find a different location. If another location is not feasible, then the second Friday prayer may be held in the courtyard of the same mosque, behind its prayer niche [mihrab], or in a corner of that mosque.”

Reciting the basmalah during congregational salat

Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa and asked that, since the basmalah is part of Surah al-Fatihah, why the imam starts the loud

recitation of Surah al-Fatihah from ‘alhamdu lillahi’ instead of starting it with the basmalah?

Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 7 January 2022, provided the following answer to this question:

“The ahadith make it abundantly clear that the basmalah, i.e., the phrase ‘ ہللا مسب میحرلا نمحرلا’, is a verse and an integral part of every surah of the Holy Quran [...]. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra provided a detailed explanation of this concept in his commentary [tafsir] of Surah al-Fatihah.

“In each rak‘ah of the prayer, we recite the basmalah before reciting Surah alFatihah or any other [complete] surah [apart from Surah At-Tawbah]. However, it should not be recited aloud, but rather in a quiet voice, as it is established from authentic Hadith sources that the Holy Prophetsa used to recite the basmalah quietly before reciting Surah al-Fatihah and other surahs during salat

“Hence, it is narrated by Hazrat Anasra that, ‘Whenever the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra would start the [loud recitation in] salat, they would begin with the phrase ‘al-hamdu lillahi rabbi l-‘alamin’’. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-azan, Bab ma yaqulu ba‘da t-takbir)

“In another account, Hazrat Anasra narrated that, ‘I prayed behind the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, and Hazrat Usmanra. I never heard any of them recite the basmalah aloud (before reciting a surah during salat).’ (Sunan an-Nasa’i, Kitab al-iftitah, Bab tarki l-jahri bi bisimillah)

“The Promised Messiahas also followed the same practice of not reciting the basmalah aloud. This practice has been continued by his khulafa, who do not recite the basmalah aloud either. The unity

and uniformity of the Jamaat demand that the imams of congregational prayer adopt the same practice as demonstrated by the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas, and their khulafa

“However, it is true that if someone still recites the basmalah aloud during salat, we do not consider it invalid, as there are some ahadith that mention that, on some occasions, the Holy Prophetsa recited it aloud too. Hence, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira stated:

“‘It is permissible to recite the basmalah in both ways; aloud or quietly. Our Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib (may God forgive him and have mercy on his soul) was of an energetic nature. He used to recite the basmalah aloud. Hazrat Mirza Sahib [i.e., the Promised Messiahas] did not use to recite it aloud. I also recite it quietly. Among the Companionsra, there are two schools of thought in this regard. I advise you not to quarrel over how anyone recites it. The same is true of amin; it too is permissible in both ways. In some places, the Jews and Christians used to dislike the Muslims’ saying amin. So, the Companionsra used to say it very loudly. I enjoy both methods. One can recite it aloud or quietly.’ (Badr, No. 32, Vol. 11, 23 May 1912, p. 3)

“Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra of Sialkot embraced Ahmadiyyat later in life. Before joining the Ahmadiyya Movement, he used to recite the basmalah aloud, as is also confirmed by the practice of the Holy Prophetsa. Therefore, the Promised Messiahas did not prohibit him from continuing this practice. However, it is also established through the narrations of many senior Companionsra, such as Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sahibra of Sanaur, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra,

Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Yusuf Sahibra of Peshawar, and Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra, that the Promised Messiah’sas own practice was in line with the most frequent sunnah of his lord and master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, the chosen one.

“Thus, in order to maintain unity and uniformity in this matter, we should adopt the same approach that was most frequently chosen by the Holy Prophetsa and which was also followed by:

• his rightly-guided caliphs, who assumed the throne of the Islamic caliphate during the first establishment of Islam,

• the Promised Messiahas, who was sent as a spiritual heir and the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa to bring about a revival of Faith during the Islamic Renaissance,

• and by every manifestation, i.e., Khalifa of the true Islamic caliphate that was established through the Promised Messiahas

“On one occasion, someone said to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that there were other books, besides Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, that did mention the Holy Prophetsa reciting the basmalah aloud. The person asked if there is no harm in reciting the basmalah loudly, should he continue to do so or abandon it? In order to preserve the aforementioned unity and uniformity, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra replied:

“‘According to Bukhari and Muslim, the Holy Prophetsa did not recite the basmalah aloud. Do other books have greater authority than Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim?’ (Farmudat Musleh-e-Maud Darbarah Fiqhi Masa’il, pp. 56-57)”

(Compiled by Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London. Translated by Al Hakam)

Tahir Mosque inaugurated in Tafiré, Ferké, Ivory Coast

Shahid Ahmad Masud

Regional Missionary, Ivory Coast

Tafiré is a town that is located in the north of Ivory Coast, in the Ferké region. The population of this town is about 20,000. Ahmadiyyat was established here 25 years ago. The Jamaat members have continued to offer prayers at the local mu‘allim’s house since then. In 2021, the jamaat got the opportunity to build a mosque, which was formally inaugurated on 26 February 2023.

The piece of land for the mosque was offered by a local Ahmadi family, situated beside the highway that connects Ivory Coast to two neighbouring countries, Burkina Faso and Mali. A non-Ahmadi Muslim liked the building of the mosque and took responsibility for its renovation.

The inauguration ceremony was held on 26 February 2023. Amir and missionaryin-charge Abdul Qayyum Pasha Sahib, along with his delegation of national

heads of auxiliary organisations and national amila, attended the ceremony. The deputy governor, deputy mayor and local (Gendarmerie) police commander and a representative of the grand imam were present. The ceremony started with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by an Arabic qasidah written by the Promised Messiahas. After this, a brief introduction of Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya was presented to attendees. Amir Sahib delivered a speech on the “Importance and Objectives of Building a Mosque”, and some other speeches on different topics were delivered by other members in French.

The Deputy Governor congratulated and appreciated the humanitarian services of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, and concluded the event with silent prayer. More than 300 people were present at this ceremony and half of them were non-Ahmadis. Two journalists were also present. In this manner, the true message of Islam Ahmadiyyat was conveyed to them in an effective way.

‘Guide us in the right path’ Prayer for spiritual and worldly progress

will this not amount to insulting Islam and the Holy Prophetsa? The plain truth is that he who so thinks and believes defames Islam. He fails to understand the spirit of Islam. What Islam emphasises is that mere verbal pronouncement of the belief in the Oneness of God is not enough; one should really and truly understand its full import.”

(Lecture Ludhiana, pp. 53-54)

Prophecy about the Promised Messiah’sas advent

The Promised Messiahas has mentioned that in this prayer, his advent has been prophesied:

“As a continuation of his spiritual blessings, God has sent unto the world the Promised Messiah – whose advent was essential for the completion of the edifice of Islam. It was necessary that the world should not come to an end until the dispensation of Muhammad[sa] had been granted a spiritual Messiah, as had been endowed to the Mosaic dispensation. This is indicated in the verses:

مہیلع تمعنا نیذلا طارص

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir

Al Hakam

Allah the Almighty has taught us the following prayer in the Holy Quran:

میقتسملا طارصلا اندہا

“Guide us in the right path.” (Surah alFatihah, Ch. 1: V. 6)

Commenting on this, the Promised Messiahas said:

“In the prayer, میقتسملا طارصلا اندہا, we have been taught that man should seek true insight from God Almighty. For if His grace and bounty do not come to our aid, we, as humble human beings, are plunged in such gloom and darkness that we cannot even make recourse to prayer. Hence, until one derives benefit from the grace of God, which reaches them through the bounty of graciousness (rahmaniyyat), and prays, no fruitful result can be attained.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 127-128)

Guidance comes from God

The Promised Messiahas once said:

“One cannot find the pathway to guidance until one is bestowed with the grace of God Almighty.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 7, p. 308)

Alluding to this point, in his Friday Sermon on 11 December 1925, Hazrat

Musleh-e-Maudra said:

“The source of guidance is God alone. […] There are some who desire to pass through the spiritual stages relying solely on their own reasoning, but this is impossible to achieve. No one can attain the nearness of God merely with the help of their rationality and wisdom. The [human] intellect, knowledge, and philosophy can do nothing, and dependence on them [alone] cannot produce any result, even merely ‘believing’ in a sharia can be of no benefit. Whereas, if one supplicates and fervently prays in front of God, that ‘Guide me as to how I should utilise reason, knowledge, and how I should deduce arguments from the sharia’, then they can take benefit and God Almighty guides such a person and leads them to sirat al-mustaqim [the right path].

“Thus, I advise [members of] the Jamaat that the point that they should keep in mind while arguing about the matters of faith, is that the [spiritual] light comes from God alone, and without the [spiritual] light from Him, our knowledge, reason, or any other strength can never produce any outcome. Therefore, I advise that on such occasions, one is required to supplicate to God, so that He may grant us the [spiritual] light. […] No doubt, the Holy Quran is the Guidance, but only for those who desire to attain guidance from it. […] Hence, the

Quran grants guidance, but only to those who strive to follow the sirat al-mustaqim.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 9, pp. 385-387)

Mere verbal pronouncements are not enough

The Promised Messiahas has said:

“The door of divine converse and revelation remains open for this Ummah This door is an ever-present and lasting testimony to the truth of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa. It was to this end that God taught us this prayer in the Chapter Al-Fatihah:

“The prayer taught in terms of ‘those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings’ suggests how to seek the excellences of the prophets. Of course, the excellence vouchsafed to the prophets was their true knowledge and understanding of God and this they achieved through direct communion and converse with Him. This is what you also desire. But if you think that though the Holy Quran directs us to offer this prayer, we are not likely to achieve anything from it, or that none from among the Muslims will be privileged to attain this spiritual station and the door to the acceptance of this prayer has been shut to us till the Day of Judgement, then

دہا

“[‘Guide us in the right path, The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed [Thy blessings]’ (Surah alFatihah, Ch. 1: V. 6-7)] […]

“I am that Messiah. God does what He wills. Foolish is the person who wars with Him and ignorant is the one who objects to his works and considers that they should have been otherwise.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 2324)

In another instance, Huzooras said:

“The Holy Quran begins with the words:

ا

“‘All praise belongs to Allah.’ [Surah alFatihah, Ch. 1: V. 2]

“This is in order to allude to the name of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

“Then, it is stated in this chapter:

اندہا

“‘Guide us in the right path.’ [Ibid., V.6]

“This indicates that when human efforts are exhausted, ultimately one is compelled to turn towards Allah the Exalted.

“A prayer is all-encompassing only when it seeks every form of good and seeks protection from every kind of evil. Hence, every form of good is implied in the words:

“‘Guide us in the right path.’ [Ibid.]

“Then, the chapter goes on to state:

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

“‘Not the path of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray.’ [Ibid., V.7]

“This is a supplication that seeks protection from every evil, even from the trial of the Antichrist. Commentators are in agreement that ‘those who have incurred divine wrath’ (maghdub) refers to the Jews and ‘those who have gone astray’ (dalleen) alludes to the Christians. Now, if there was no underlying secret or deeper reality in this, what would be the purpose of teaching this prayer? Then, such emphasis is laid on this supplication that without it, the formal Prayer is not complete; it is necessary to recite this supplication in every rak’at of the Prayer. The underlying secret in this supplication is that it refers to my era. At present, the right path (sirat-e-mustaqim) is the path that I have shown.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, pp. 26-27)

In his Friday Sermon on 13 February 2009, mentioning this point, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“This prayer prophesied the advent of the Promised Messiahas, it prophesied about the coming of the Promised Messiah from the Muhammadan dispensation, and it also states the commandment to accept the Imam of the Age. Moreover, Muslims need to ponder over this, that the only solution and pathway to improve the deteriorating situation of Muslims and to revive the honour and dignity of the Muslim countries, is to accept this chosen one of Allah Almighty, in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 7, p. 75)

Human knowledge and reason are limited

During his Friday Sermon on 30 May 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said:

“Human knowledge and intellect are very limited, and due to them being limited, sometimes one considers a certain matter beneficial, but in reality, it is harmful to them. Moreover, in some instances, one presumes a certain matter to be harmful, but in fact, it is beneficial for them. […] Alluding to the same situation, God Almighty states:

“Meaning, ‘But it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you like a thing while it is bad for you.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 217)

“In other words, on some occasions, one utilises certain methods to achieve a positive outcome, however, despite this, the result proves to be unfavourable, and the only reason is that the means that were utilised to obtain a positive result, did not include those methods that were essential to hoping for a positive outcome. […]

“Look, if one builds a house in London structured as per the custom in India, and then hopes to live there with comfort and ease, and desires to spend their life with utmost facility; can they succeed in fulfilling their desire? Not at all. Though they might have built the house with great cleverness, the desire to live there comfortably cannot be fulfilled, since they did not keep in mind those circumstances, which were essential to keep in mind, and

those methods were not utilised, which could have given them comfort in that country. Such a house will not be safe from snowfall and will be damaged by its impact, since only houses with steep gabled roofs can remain safe from snow storms. [...]

“In the same way, in other matters, one presumes about certain matters in their mind and considers that they will get a favourable outcome, however, the result does not come as they had expected. Therefore, when such is the situation with mankind that they do not always achieve good results by relying on their thoughts, but rather produce unfavourable outcomes on many occasions, what should they do?

“For this, there is only one pathway, and that is what has been told in the words: میقتسملا طارصلا اندہا

“[Guide us in the right path. (Surah alFatihah, Ch. 1: V. 6)]

“In other words, one should seek help from God and pray to Him with humbleness that ‘O God, guide me to the right path in every matter – whether it is religious or worldly, so that I may be saved from any mistakes.’ Therefore, God Almighty has taught this prayer, with immense graciousness, to save us from any wrongdoings.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 8, pp. 423-424)

Ignorance is the biggest hurdle which halts people from accepting the Truth

During his Friday sermon on 1 February 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said:

“Ignorance is the biggest hurdle which halts people from [accepting] the claims of Hazrat Sahibas [the Promised Messiah], since they say that ‘when the Guidance [the Holy Quran] has already come, what is the need to accept Mirza Sahib?’

“The point that has been indicated in the word ‘ اندہا’, is that though the Guidance [the Holy Quran] has come, people are unaware of the true essence of that Guidance. We find that there are many who claim to believe in the Quran, therefore, it is God alone Who will tell as to which group from the believers of the Quran is counted amongst the مہیلع تمعنا [‘Those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings’ (Surah al-Fatihah, Ch. 1: V. 7)]. […]

“We are required to pray to Allah the Almighty that He may save us from going astray and enable us to stay firm on the truth. Hence, Surah al-Fatihah tells us that we are in need of guidance at all times. […] Those who become content with their [spiritual] situation are actually the ones who always stumble; however, those who believe that they are always in need of guidance and the help of God, save themselves from stumbling. […] Thus, every Muslim is obliged to pray to Allah the Almighty, ‘Enable me to remain on guidance and O God, I am always in need of your help.’ […]

“When a person continues to seek prayers with sincerity, then Allah surely establishes them on the truth, however, the condition is for them to pray by really considering themselves to be in need of guidance and the help of Allah the Almighty. If their situation is not at such a level, then they desire to trick God [God forbid], and who can be more astray than

the one who attempts to trick God? It means that, if one’s nafs is saying, ‘I do not need any guidance’, but they superficially say, ‘I am in need of guidance’, such a person’s prayers are of no avail.

“Therefore, every Muslim is obliged to ponder over the true meanings of Surah al-Fatihah while reading it and to pray for them to stay firm on guidance.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 8, pp. 306-308)

The pathway for attaining spirituality

The Promised Messiahas said:

“The state of our spiritual quest does not arch our backs, require us to lengthen our nails, stand in water or sit in seclusion for extended periods of time, freeze our hands in a certain position until they become lifeless, or ruin our physical appearances. By adopting such practices, in their own fancy, there are some who seek to become godly. But I observe that, let alone finding God, these people even cease to remain human beings. However, this is not the manner of our spiritual quest. In fact, Islam has prescribed a very easy way and it is the wide and spacious path that is described by Allah the Exalted as follows:

us in the right path.’

“Now when Allah the Exalted has

taught us this supplication, He has not done so without providing us with the relevant means. Instead, on the one hand, where He has taught us this prayer, on the other hand, He has also provided the means for its acceptance as well.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, p. 67)

Prayer for both spiritual and worldly success

During his Friday Sermon on 30 May 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that it is wrong to imply that this prayer is only for spiritual success and progress, but rather, this prayer is necessary for worldly success as well, as is evident from the following verse:

“To all We render aid – both to these and those – a gift from thy Lord. And the gift of thy Lord is not restricted.” (Surah Bani Israil, Ch. 17: V. 21)

Huzoorra elaborated:

“In other words, [Allah] grants to mankind the kind of ‘life’ they desire, and they are granted the same kind of help for which they ask Him. If one seeks from Him worldly glory and power, He grants them worldly power and might. However,

Continued on next page >>

if one seeks His nearness and closeness, He grants them a place close to Him. In short, whichever prayer and help they seek from Him, He grants them.

“The key to success is that one should pray to Allah to alleviate any problem they might confront. If one understands this point, then one can be saved from shortcomings, which will lead one to success in all fields. [...] Nowadays, if one is advised that they should pray to God and He will solve their problems, they respond, ‘What need is there for us to pray? Do the European people pray for anything? If their problems can be solved without prayers, then our problems will also be solved in the same way.’ [...]

“The disbelievers who deny God Almighty, His Messengersa, and the Day of Judgement, are given some respite, and despite their wrongdoings, they are afforded leniency until they exceed all bounds of their mischief, and then at last, they will be retributed. However, on the contrary, the one who fears God Almighty, loves His Messengersa, and believes in the Day of Judgement, is granted success in this world and then, in the Hereafter, entered into paradise. [...] The disbelievers are neither retributed at once for their wrongdoings nor deprived of those blessings which He has created for mankind under the law of nature in general. [...]

“If a disbeliever does not pray to God Almighty, it does not make them bound to be retributed [...] since they have been given respite from committing sins. Thus, they do not come under blame during the time of respite if they do not remember or pray to God. However, if a believer –who believes that God Almighty is the Master of everything, listens to all kinds of prayers, and alleviates the problems of His servants – does not pray, then it makes them rebellious, and their not praying to Him will be considered such a rebellion, which is questionable.

“Prayer [du‘a] is the key to success, the key to the treasure, and the mi’raj [apex] of the believer, and such perfect prayers have been taught in the Holy Quran that are not found in the Vedas, the Psalms, or the Gospels. Moreover, the Holy Quran does not merely teach the prayers, but rather explains their true essence as well. Thus, how unfortunate is the fact that Muslims are negligent in their prayers! [...] The situation of the Muslims is such that in addition to abandoning the other commandments of the sharia, they have become negligent with prayers [du‘a] as well. [...]

“God Almighty has appointed the Promised Messiahas to tell about the true essence of prayers [du‘a]. Therefore, the way he emphasised prayers and called attention to [the ways to see] their acceptance, is evident in each and every moment of his life. He explained it in detail and demonstrated through his actions, that prayer [du‘a] is the main tool and that this is the key to success. Moreover, in addition to advising the Muslims in regards to the importance of prayer, he also told the other communities that one does not find perfect prayers in their books, since this is a distinctive feature of the Holy Quran alone. And the methods

to see the acceptance of prayers that have been taught by Islam, are found nowhere else.

“Now, if we do not utilise the methods that have been taught by the Promised Messiahas to see our prayers accepted, our example will be like the one who sits idle at the boundary of their fields and hopes for the crops to grow, or like the one who builds a house without utilising the appropriate methods to remain safe from the winter and summer. If the members of the Jamaat do not follow the pathway to success that has been taught by the Promised Messiahas, then merely joining the Ahmadiyyat will be of no avail.

“The Promised Messiahas explained in detail the reality of prayer, otherwise, the people were unaware of the true essence of prayer before his advent. [...] Now, only that prayer [du‘a] is eligible to be accepted or will lead to success that is made in accordance with its true essence and methods, as told by the Promised Messiahas

“I advise the members of the Jamaat to pay attention to the subject [mentioned in] Surah al-Fatihah, and seek prayers accordingly, so that God Almighty may guide you to the right path in each and every matter. Moreover, you are required to pray in accordance with the methods taught by the Promised Messiahas, to see acceptance. Otherwise, it would make no difference whether you joined Ahmadiyyat or not. May God Almighty open up the doors to His mercy for us, and grant us a place in his nearness. Amin.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 8, pp. 424-428)

During his Friday sermon on 13 February 2009, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

“In the prayer میقتسملا طارصلا اندہا, we supplicate – and should do so in fact – that ‘O Allah, guide and lead us to such a path that is good and the one that leads us towards piety, and then enable us to attain piety by following this path.’ [...] Therefore, one cannot sit back after seeking this prayer – a believer can never become satisfied [with their spiritual situation] –but rather, they will strive to continue advancing in spirituality, and to achieve new heights in worldly progress as well. Usually, one makes efforts to achieve worldly progress – and they strive hard in fact – however, they do not strive with much vigour in spirituality.

“Anyhow, this prayer mentions both spiritual and worldly endeavours. Secondly, it also rejects celibacy – the people who believe in living as faqirs and breaking all ties with the world – this [prayer] rejects this notion as well. When Allah the Almighty created mankind, He also created boundless blessings. In this prayer, one’s attention has been called towards this as well. It means that, all the blessings of Allah the Almighty have been created for mankind, who have been called the ‘Best of the Creation’. One should strive to attain those [blessings], instead of cutting all ties with the world.” (Khutbat-eMasroor, Vol. 7, p. 76)

Acceptance of prayer is a sign of God’s existence

The Promised Messiahas once said:

“Muslims have been urged in Surah alFatihah to occupy themselves with prayer

and have been taught the prayer:

“And it has been made obligatory that this prayer is to be offered on five occasions every day. It would therefore be a great mistake to deny the spirituality of prayer. The verdict of the Holy Quran is that prayer comprises a spirituality and that as a result of prayer, a grace descends that bestows the fruit of success in diverse forms. […] At one place in the Holy Quran, God Almighty has declared it as a sign of His recognition that He hears the supplication of distressed ones, as he states:

بیجی نما

“[Or, Who answers the distressed person when he calls upon Him. (Surah an-Naml, Ch. 27: V. 63)]

“As God Almighty has declared the acceptance of prayer as a sign of His existence, how can any sensible and modest person imagine that prayer does not result in visible signs of acceptance and that it is only a formal matter that has no spirituality in it? I consider that no one having true faith can commit such disrespect. God, the Glorious, says that just as the true God can be recognised by contemplating on the nature of heaven and earth, in the same way, by observing the acceptance of prayer, one attains faith in God Almighty.” (Ayyam-us-Sulh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, pp. 259-260)

True zeal is required

The Promised Messiahas once said:

“He has urged the seeking of guidance by pointing out that perseverance in guidance is not possible, except through constancy in prayer and humility before Allah the Almighty. Moreover, it also indicates that guidance comes from God Almighty and that mankind can never be guided except when God Almighty guides them and admits them among the guided ones. It further implies that guidance has no bounds and mankind can attain it by means of the ‘ladder’ of prayers. The one who gives up prayer loses their ‘ladder’.” (Karamatus-Sadiqeen, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 7, p. 124)

During his Friday Sermon on 10 August 1923, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said:

“There are many who presume that they have a true zeal to attain [spiritual] guidance, however, they are required to ponder as to whether their eagerness [for spiritual guidance] is as strong as their desire for worldly goods. If one does not have such a zeal, which causes them a loss of appetite and a lack of ease and comfort –as they experience for material aims, then one should realise that they do not have a true zeal [for spiritual guidance]. And in such a situation, one should never expect their prayers to be accepted. However, since this is the purpose behind mankind’s creation, I advise you to inculcate a true zeal and desire for it [spiritual guidance], in order to achieve the objective.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 8, p. 161)

May Allah the Almighty enable us to stay firm on the path of guidance, and to show complete obedience to His chosen one, which will eventually lead us to attain His nearness. Amin.

Humanity First International visits Ivory Coast

Shahid Ahmed

Regional Missionary Ivory-Coast

Humanity First International announced its plans to build a hospital in the economic capital of Ivory Coast, Abidjan, at the site owned by the Jamaat named Mahdiabad. A plot was allocated for this purpose and the foundation stone of this hospital, called the “Masroor Centre for Healthcare”, was officially laid on 27 November 2021. As Humanity First International plans to inaugurate the hospital by 2024, the construction work is going very swiftly.

On 16 February 2023, Ahmad Yahya Sahib, the Chairman of Humanity First International, visited Ivory Coast for a four-day tour. The primary purpose of the visit was to inspect the construction site and see the progress of the hospital project. Dr Shabir Ahmad Bhatti Sahib, the Vice Chairman of Humanity First International, accompanied him on the trip.

During their brief stay in Ivory Coast, the team had some official meetings. So, on the very next day of the site inspection, the team had a meeting with the honourable Mrs Catherine Brooker, the British ambassador in Ivory Coast. This delegation also included Abdoul Quyyom Pasha Sahib, the Amir and missionary-in-charge of the Ivory Coast. The ambassador was told about the global services rendered to mankind by Humanity First. Furthermore, she was informed about the ongoing hospital project in Abidjan. Not only did she appreciate it, but she was also willing to help in every possible way and promised to visit the construction site as well.

The very next day, the team had a meeting with the honourable Mr Adama Bictogo, President of the Ivoirian National Assembly. Yahya Ouattara Sahib, president of Humanity First Ivory Coast, was also present. Humanity First was briefly introduced to the president of the National Assembly. He appreciated the work done by the organisation all around the world and in Ivory Coast.

Towards the end of his tour, the Chairman of Humanity First International held a meeting with the team in Ivory Coast during which he got a briefing on what is being done in Ivory Coast by Humanity First, which includes free medical camps, installation of water pumps and the establishment of primary schools, etc.

Ramadan: A spiritual and physical journey towards health and blessings

Dr Amtul Salam Sami UK

Opportunity to improve our health

Though the holy month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual blessings, it also serves as an opportunity to improve our health. During this month, our daily routine of three meals and two snacks instantly changes to two meals: suhoor (the morning meal before the sun has come) and iftar (the fast-breaking evening meal). Keeping fast does not entail a person staying in a comfortable environment and simply waiting for iftar after eating suhoor Instead, it is crucial to continue with daily activities with the confidence that the food left with the intention of seeking God’s pleasure will contribute to their overall health improvement as well. This practice promotes not only spiritual but also physical and mental well-being. (www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295914)

Prioritising spiritual and physical well-being

To attain full benefit from the blessings of Ramadan, it is vital for Muslims, to prioritise performing ablution and offering the tahajjud prayer before partaking in suhoor. In other words, one should start their day with spiritual nourishment and connect with Allah. This helps to set a positive tone for the day ahead and can enhance one’s relationship with our Creator. Additionally, by waking up early for suhoor, one is training their body to adjust to a different eating schedule than what is normal. This can help one better manage their hunger and avoid overeating and exceeding limits during iftar, which can also be beneficial for one’s physical health. So, by making a conscious effort to prioritise spiritual and physical well-being during this blessed month, it can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Maximising suhoor benefits

In order to maximise the benefits of suhoor, it is essential to consume a diet rich in fibre, as it helps to keep hunger at bay for longer periods compared to nonfibrous food and also has a wide range of health benefits (www.eatingwell.com/ article/8032024/no-sugar-high-fiber-mealplan/). Examples of such foods include brown bread, brown flour chapatis, vegetables, etc. Further, two to three glasses of water and servings of yoghurt can be beneficial. Additionally, dry fruits and nuts such as pecans, almonds, and walnuts are excellent sources of nutrition. Be sure to choose nuts without added salt, as limiting salt intake can also help

decrease thirst during the day. By making small adjustments to the suhoor meal, one can nourish the body with the nutrients it needs to sustain the body throughout the day while reducing feelings of hunger and thirst.

One option for suhoor is to consume whole fibre in the form of Weetabix cereal, dry fruits, honey, fruit, and milk. This can be a good choice for those looking to increase their fibre intake. However, it’s important to listen to your body and consume foods that meet your individual dietary needs. Ultimately, the key to a healthy suhoor meal is to prioritise nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day. By making mindful choices and tuning into one’s body’s needs, one can create a suhoor meal that supports their physical and spiritual well-being.

Following suhoor and Fajr prayers, and having recited a portion of the Holy Quran, it is essential to give your body rest by sleeping. This will aid and help one feel refreshed and energised for the day ahead. After resting, one can then start their normal routine.

Focusing on spiritual nourishment

In this blessed month, we are encouraged to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on our relationship with Allah the Almighty. This month is here to help us attain a stronger relationship with God and carry out the good deeds we inculcate within us for the rest of the year.

The Promised Messiahas, on one occasion, explained:

“Both fasting and salat are forms of worship. The fast affects the body powerfully, and salat affects the soul powerfully. Salat generates a condition of burning and melting of the heart, and is, therefore, a higher form of worship than fasting. The latter fosters the capacity for

visions.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 378-379; The Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, p. 316)

The body’s response to food and liquid intake during Ramadan

After eating food, the body goes through a process called digestion, where the food is broken down into smaller molecules so that it can be absorbed and used for energy. The time it takes for food to be digested and provide energy can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of food consumed, individual metabolism, and digestive system health. During fasting, one would normally feel hungry at their usual mealtimes. The body takes energy from its stores of fat and glucose in the liver during this time, and normal body functioning keeps working in a healthy way. Feeling thirsty during fasting is a common experience for every person who fasts. However, this urge fades away after some time because fluid from one’s tissues and cells comes out to fulfil the requirement for liquid within our body. This is how the body works in a very balanced way during Ramadan. Always remember that consuming too much fatty food can make it challenging to lose weight during Ramadan because the body breaks down the fat in the liver to provide energy, and the fat-rich food builds these stores back up.

One should mentally prepare themselves for fasting even before Ramadan by understanding the essence and purpose of this month.

The recommended food to break the fast, as taught to us by the Holy Prophetsa, is dates and still water. After breaking the fast, it is important to pray maghrib and prepare the body for another meal. Avoid consuming too many high-calorie foods at iftar as it can make the body work hard to digest them and lead to fatigue and illness. Try to avoid having samosas, pakoras, and

sweets every day.

Evening meals and exercising

Your evening meal should be very simple. One should eat food while taking into account their dietary needs and requirements. Once one finishes their food, taking a walk for a minimum of 100 steps is a healthy gesture as it helps prevent feelings of bloating, stomach aches, or weakness.

If one has a habit of exercising, one should try to do it before iftar and avoid very strenuous activities. When going out, be sure to take an umbrella to avoid losing water due to direct sunlight.

Fasting while ill or travelling is considered disobedience to God

In light of the verse: “...but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185), the Promised Messiah states:

“This means that the one who is sick or on a journey should not keep a fast. This verse contains an injunction. Allah the Almighty has not said that whosoever has the strength may observe the fast and the one who lacks that strength should refrain from it. In my view, a traveller should not fast, but it is the practice of some people that they do observe fasts on journeys. Considering this routine of observing fasts while travelling, there is no wrongdoing in that, but still one should act upon the injunction, ‘Iddatun Min Ayamin Ukhar’ [the same number of other days].”

(Al Hakam, 31 January 1899, p. 7; www. alhakam.org/the-promised-messiah-onramadan/)

The Promised Messiahas further said:

“The one who observes a fast while on a journey, experiencing great difficulties, instead of winning His delight through submission to His commandments, attempts to please Allah the Almighty arbitrarily. This is an erroneous act. True obedience lies in submission to Allah the Almighty’s commandments and prohibitions.” (Ibid.)

Fasting: Safe for the body when practised within guidelines

Research has confirmed that there are no harmful effects of fasting on the body if it is kept within the rules. Regular fasting can help remove toxins from the body, improve hyperacidity, and promote hormonal and enzymatic changes that can enhance mental health and increase spiritual and mental control. (www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/295914) This can also aid in maintaining a positive mindset. It is our duty to look after our health, and it is a part of our worship.

Surah Nuh, al-Jinn, al-Muzzammil, al-Muddaththir, al-Qiyamah, ad-Dahr, al-Mursalat, an-Naba’, an-Nazi‘at, ‘Abasa

The English translation of the introduction to chapters of the Holy Quran as given by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh is being presented for the benefit of our readers. Insha-Allah, in the coming issues, we will endeavour to publish the introduction to all chapters of the Holy Quran.

Chapter 71: Surah Nuh

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 29 verses.

At the end of the preceding Surah, it was said [by Allah] that We have the power to create better people than you. In this Surah, Allah says, such was the situation on a smaller scale in the punishment of the people of Noahas that except for a few who took refuge in the ark of Noahas, the entire people were drowned. Then a new and better generation was started with those who accompanied Hazrat Noahas Allah’s appointed time is discussed once again in verse number five, where it says that you will not be able to put it off once it comes. This is a repetition of the subject matter of the preceding Surah.

Then follows Hazrat Noah’sas wailing and communication that only conveying of the message is not enough, but a Prophet, as if, has to lay his life in order to communicate that message to the people. He does not spare any means by which elders and sundry may be explained; sometimes by crying, and sometimes in secret lest the arrogant may be embarrassed by accepting the truth before the masses; sometimes by public announcements so that the public receives the message directly from the Prophet. Otherwise, their leaders would pervert the message for them. Further, he allures them by saying that if they believe, they will receive showers of blessings from the heavens. And sometimes he warns them that if they fail to believe, then instead of showers of blessings from the heavens, showers of destruction will descend unto them. And the earth too will not be able to help them aught, rather the springs of destruction will sprout from the earth as well. Finally after bringing proof home [itmam al-hujjah], and this is called bringing proof home, they were annihilated and the foundation of a new people was laid.

The prayer of Hazrat Noahas that may Allah the Almighty leave not any of the disbelievers and destroy them was because Allah Almighty had informed him that if

they were left alive, they would beget none but sinners and wicked people. The hope that they will beget believers is lost. Thus, when the Divine communities bring truth home by conclusively communicating it in this way, they deserve to pray for the annihilation of their enemies.

Besides that, this Surah also describes how Hazrat Noahas reminded his people of why they do not accept Allah Almighty as a Great Being. It is He Who developed you to completion stage by stage, and this is what is proven about various levels of altitudes in the heavens. This subject was beyond their ken to some extent. Neither did they have any knowledge about their past as to how stage by stage they were created, nor about their future, nor did they have any knowledge about level-by-level altitudes in the heavens. Probably this is a prophecy that when, some time in the future, a new ‘Noah’s Ark’ will be made, the people of that age will have attained all this knowledge. If they still did not desist from propagating polytheism, and truth had been brought home for them then most surely the prayers اقیحست مہقحسو (pound them a goodly pounding) and رذت ا اریرش

یلع (leave not on the land a single wicked of the disbelievers) will be fulfilled against them.

Chapter 72: Surah al-Jinn

This Surah was revealed at Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 29

verses.

One connection of the current Surah with Surah Nuh seems to be that this Surah also contains a glad tidings for the people that they will be showered with abundant water of mercy from the heavens if they accept this message. And if they fail to accept, then they will be afflicted with an ever-increasing chastisement. The Deluge mentioned in Surah Nuh was also a gradually increasing flood.

Now we look at the subject matters of the current Surah wherein some very important issues have been raised with regards to the jinn. Ordinary scholars believe that here the jinn is a reference to some invisible creatures made of fire, whereas authentic ahadith prove that the Holy Prophetsa met with a delegation, who were jinn in the sense that they were influential members of their community, and they did light some fires to cook their food. So, it is not at all a reference to any hypothetical jinn

In addition to that, one of the important matters they [the jinn] discussed is that some stupid people among them attributed some ignorant things to Allah the Almighty. Further, another belief gained currency among them that now Allah the Almighty would never raise any Prophet. They declared this belief wrong because they themselves had witnessed a great Prophet[sa]

Further, with regard to mosques, Allah says that they are made solely for the sake of

Allah. None else deserves to be worshipped therein. Then follows the description of the worship of the Holy Prophetsa that in prayer various kinds of grief and worries would crowd upon him and continue distracting his attention. Despite this, his attention was devoted solely to Allah, in contrast to the man who witnesses every day that his festivities and his sorrows succeed in most cases in distracting his attention from worship.

Once again, it has been repeated here that the punishment that you see to be far off no one can say whether it is near or far. Once punishment is afflicted, even if it is considered to be far, it seems to be close.

The Holy Prophetsa received the news of the unseen exceedingly. He himself was not the knower of the unseen, but Allah the Almighty always grants the news of the unseen only to His Messengers, who do not possess the knowledge of the unseen in their personal capacity, but the knowledge of the unseen shared with them is destined to be fulfilled. Similarly, the angels that bring the revelation of ministry [risalah] parade in front and at the back to protect it lest Satans be able to corrupt it. Thus, after the great Prophets of Allah, there are many who follow them as their subordinates, who are commissioned for the semantic preservation of the revelation.

Chapter 73: Surah al-Muzzammil

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 21 verses.

The detail of the state of worship of the Holy Prophetsa described in the preceding Surah is found in the very beginning of the current Surah, which, in short, is that he would wake up at night and spend most of its part crying before Allah. There is no other better way to trample one’s worldly desires than to wake up at night for worship and crush those desires.

Once again in this Surah the Holy Prophet’ssa resemblance has been shown with Hazrat Mosesas that the Prophetsa also is a law-bearing Prophet and a Prophet of majesty. Thus, the recipients of the message of the Holy Prophetsa are being warned that a prophet greater in majesty than Mosesas has appeared. There will be no other result except for their destruction if they oppose him, as against Mosesas a mighty tyrant dared to reject his message and was destroyed.

Chapter 74: Surah al-Muddaththir

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 57 verses.

In the preceding Surah, the Holy Prophetsa has been declared as Muzzammil, as if one has wrapped himself well in a blanket. The same subject continues in the current Surah. And it has been explained as to what clothes are those that a Prophet clings to his body, and regularly purifies them. Here it is not a reference to superficial clothing, but rather it signifies the Companionsra who lived in the close company of the Holy Prophetsa, and they were purified regularly as a result of his blessed and purified company, and they continued getting rid of uncleanliness, whereas earlier it was impossible for a number of them to keep themselves from uncleanliness.

In addition to that, زجر (uncleanliness) may also signify the polytheists of Mecca, and a complete severing of ties with them is directed.

This Surah describes such nineteen harsh angels who will not show any leniency towards punishing the criminals. The number nineteen here is referring to some such human capabilities, with whose wrong use they may end up in Hell. If all the human organs from head to toe, which Allah Almighty has invested man with, are used for their intended purposes, man can avoid evils and lapses. These organs probably number nineteen. But whatever the number may be, this Surah elaborates that the hosts of Allah are countless, and one must not take the impression from the number nineteen that there are only nineteen angels. The angels of Allah Almighty who are appointed for punishment are also countless. They are appointed to punish men according to the situation.

This Surah also makes a prophecy about a moon that will appear after the sun in its footsteps. This is also a very meaningful discourse. This very subject has been discussed in Surah ash-Shams as well.

Chapter 75: Surah al-Qiyamah

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 41 verses.

In the preceding Surah, the inmates of Hell admitted that they were punished with Hell because they refused to believe in the Hereafter. Countless crimes evolve as a result of the denial of the Hereafter, and the entire world abounds in wickedness. Thus, at the beginning of the current Surah, the Day of Judgement as well as the self that accuses itself again and again have been presented as witnesses. Man can keep himself from thousands of sins if he benefits from this admonition.

The reason for disbelievers’ disbelief in the Judgement Day outlined is that they doubted as to how Allah the Almighty would gather all the limbs once they were dispersed. It was only their lack of understanding because the Holy Quran has openly made it clear that their physical bodies will not be gathered, but their spiritual bodies will be gathered. However, the enemy kept on insisting on it in order to laugh at the Prophet of the time; and so that they could present, in their opinion,

a logical reason for their disbelief in the Hereafter.

The points discussed in فسخ

رمقلا و سمشلا عمج و رمقلا (when the eye is dazzled, and the moon is eclipsed, and the sun and the moon are brought together) cannot be applied to Judgement Day. These things are signs of the approaching Judgement Day, not the incidents of Judgement Day, because on Judgement Day the system of the world will collapse entirely; neither there will exist this sun, nor this moon, nor their system of orbiting, nor their eclipses, nor anyone to see them.

The phrase, رصبلا قرب اذاف, i.e., ‘when the eye is dazzled’, signifies that in that age terrible chastisements will descend on earth.

Next, it says that a disbeliever will not find any place to flee. It shows that the solar and lunar eclipses will appear as a sign of the truthfulness of a promised one of Allah so that the truth may be brought home for the disbelievers.

When will the solar and lunar eclipses take place? Its detail, according to the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, is that the solar and lunar eclipses will take place on specific dates in a month called Ramadan. According to the saying of the Holy Prophetsa this incident is a sign of the truthfulness of his Mahdi. So this incident has taken place. A similar prophecy was also made by Hazrat Jesusas of Nazareth.

Next follows another miracle of the Holy Prophetsa. Such a big book as the Holy Quran was revealed in 23 years. When the Holy Prophetsa received its revelation, he would quickly move his tongue to memorise it and avoid forgetting it. However, Allah the Almighty assured him that it is He Who revealed it and it is He Who has the power to collect and preserve it. Thus, the Quran that was revealed to an unlettered one over 23 years was collected and preserved securely. The Promised Messiahas declares it a magnificent miracle that during the period of 23 years, the opponents adopted all means to attack the Holy Prophetsa and sought to kill him. If, God forbid, the enemy had succeeded in killing him after the revelation of some part of it, the claim of the Quran to be a perfect book would have become false and utterly meaningless, God forbid.

In the end, after describing the stages of human birth, it states that it continues to make advancements. Thus, how is it possible that man should not present himself finally before Allah the Almighty and not be accountable for his deeds?

Chapter 76: Surah ad-Dahr

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 32 verses.

Reminding man of his beginning, it has been stated in this Surah that there has come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing worth mentioning, whereas, since his creation, man has been the most worth mentioning of the entire creation. Thus, here it is a reference to the early stages of human creation in that they have gone through such an initial and evolutionary period when they were not worth mentioning at all. This seems to be a period when even the birds had not been endowed with the ability to sing, and a

complete silence had enshrouded the earth. Man was created from there and then they were made اریصب اعیمس i.e., hearing as well as seeing. Thus, the God Who endowed clay with the ability to hear and see, He also has the power to create it again and take account of its hearing and seeing.

Next, the distinct merits of the inhabitants of Paradise are described: they do not do good to others so that, as a result, their own wealth may increase. Whenever they do good to anyone, they say that they are doing it to win Allah’s pleasure only. They desire no reward, nor thanks from them for it.

Chapter 77: Surah al-Mursalat

This Surah was revealed at Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 51 verses.

Again, at the very beginning of this Surah, those future incidents have been described that relate to the Latter Days. And scientific advancement of that age has been presented as a witness that the God Who has given the news of such secrets has the power to bring any revolution. Thus, some such flying objects are mentioned that fly at a slower speed in the beginning, and then fly like fast winds. In this age, the fastest planes fly in like manner that they set off slowly and then their speed increases to an extremely fast speed. In a war with the enemy, leaflets are dropped from these planes in large numbers in order to distinguish that we are your helpers if you are with us, otherwise, none will be able to save you from our clutches.

Further, it states that ‘when stars in the sky lose their light, and when man will adopt various means to ascend to the sky.’ The stars’ losing their light seems to be a reference to the point when the period of the Companionsra will also have passed; and the light, that the followers of the Holy Prophetsa used to take from these stars, will also have become dull.

Further, it states that ‘when mountainlike powers are uprooted, and when all the Messengers are made to appear’. The scholars try to create a misconception about this verse by suggesting that this relates to the Judgement Day. However, no mountains will be uprooted on the Judgement Day; and the Messengers are sent in this world, and will not be sent on the Judgement Day. Thus, it certainly means that according to the prophecy of the Holy Quran, as a result of the complete obedience and subordination of the Holy Prophetsa, such a Messenger will be raised, whose coming will be like the coming of all the past Prophets. That is, due to his efforts, the followers of all the past Prophets will join the fold of the Holy Prophetsa

One sign of the future wars mentioned here is that they will consist of three departments, viz. army, navy, and air force. And flames resembling castles will shower from the sky as if they are tawnycoloured camels. Both of these verses have conclusively proven that this is metaphoric discourse, because in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, there was no concept of a war in which flames showered from the sky. Therefore, most surely this is a prophecy from the All-Knowing and All-Aware Being Who is well aware of future events.

Flames will not be showered from the

sky on Judgement Day; therefore, this belief too that it is about Judgement Day is proven false. Here it seems a prophecy of a nuclear war which is also found in Surah ad-Dukhan that on that day sky will shower such radio-active waves on them under whose shade they will be deprived of any kind of peace.

Further, once again a reference has been made to the life after death that according to the Quranic prophecies once these signs appear in the world then rest assured that there is another life after death. If you fail to obey Allah the Almighty in the present world, then in the next world greater chastisement is destined to befall you as punishment.

Chapter 78: Surah an-Naba’

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 41 verses.

Earlier in Surah al-Mursalat a basic question was raised from the disbelievers as to when will the Day of Decision come that will distinguish between good and bad. In reply to this in Surah an-Naba’ (‘The Great News’) the great news is being shared that that Day of Decision has arrived. In this very Surah it was stated that the promise of the Day of Decision was inevitable which was to be fulfilled at its appointed time.

Further, various forms of the Day of Decision have been outlined in this great Surah. First of all the description of Allah the Almighty’s rain system that showers from the sky and produces food from the earth is repeated. Further, it has been reminded that mankind does not benefit from it, and does not think that the real heavenly water is that of spiritual guidance. The calamities that befall them or will befall them as a result of disbelief therein find their mention in this Surah.

A huge warning has been given at the end of the Surah that if man led his life in an ignorant state, finally they will express their heartfelt desire would that they already were mere dust, and would not be raised from dust in human form.

Chapter 79: Surah an-Nazi‘at

This Surah was revealed in the early period of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 47 verses.

According to the Quranic style once again in the current Surah worldly punishments and warfare have been mentioned. And very clearly such warfare is mentioned wherein submarines will be used. One meaning of اقرغ تعزنلاو is that those warring objects immerse themselves to attack the enemy to drown them and exult on every success of theirs. And thus, the race of warfare is continued in order to endeavour to excel each other; and from both ends, the enemy makes huge strategies against each other.

The words احبس تحبسلا و signify those that set sail; whether they set sail being immersed in water or on the surface of the water. And in most cases, submarines surface after their victory.

In short, these wars are so terrifying that hearts tremble because of their terror, and eyes are cast down. After this world

Continued on next page >>

Signs in favour of the Promised Messiah

Fazal Masood Malik & Usman Shahid Canada

Throughout history, heavenly or divine signs have played a significant role in validating the truth of a prophet’s message. These signs, often in the form of prophecies, serve as a powerful tool to prove that God is with the chosen one and to guide believers towards the right path. The word “revelation” itself means “to reveal,” and the Promised Messiahas has mentioned countless prophecies that came true during his lifetime. Through these signs, people are shown evidence of the truth of a messenger’s mission, whether through dreams, visions, or revelations of diverse natures. So, prophecy is not intended to scare us, but to prepare us and help us see the guiding light.

In the Holy Quran, it is elucidated that Allah the Omnipotent, elects to disclose mysteries to those he chooses. He stands steadfastly behind His emissaries, whom we commonly recognise as prophets.

Allah states:

“[He is the] Knower of the unseen; and He reveals not His secrets to any one, except to him whom He chooses, namely a Messenger [of His]. And then He causes an escort [of guarding angels] to go before him and behind him.” (Surah al-Jinn, Ch. 72: V.27-28)

Through dreams, visions, and various

other revelations, people are shown signs that confirm the truth of the Prophet’s message and serve as a powerful reminder of Allah’s unwavering support for His chosen ones. Allah guides, protects, and ensures the success of His messengers without fail, enabling them to fulfil their divine mission and spread His word to all who will listen.

In the case of Mosesas, the biblical narrative in Exodus 2:1-10 recounts the tale of his mother, Jochebed, who received a divine dream revealing that her son was destined to become a great leader. With the Egyptian authorities slaughtering all Hebrew baby boys, Jochebed carefully concealed Moses, placing him in a basket on the Nile river. By divine providence, Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the basket and adopted the child as her own. Jochebed, who served as Moses’ nurse, later witnessed her son rise to become a renowned leader, delivering his people from bondage and slavery in Egypt.

Likewise, in the case of Jesusas, the Bible reports that Hazrat Maryam, the mother of Jesusas, received a visitation from an angel (Hazrat Jibrailas) who informed her that she would give birth to a son who is destined to become a prophet of God. (Luke 1:26-38)

In the case of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra relates the fascinating story about the Prophet’ssa early years. While accompanying his uncle on a trading journey to Syria, a Christian monk named Bahira noticed signs of prophethood in the young Muhammadsa Bahira advised his uncle to care for him

well, for he was destined to become a great prophet. (The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, pp. 138-139)

Long before the advent of the Promised Messiahas, a series of divine signs began to appear, setting the stage for his arrival. One such sign was the dream of Mian Gulab Shah, who received a vision prior to 1861 that Jesusas had passed away and that the prophecy of the second coming would be fulfilled through Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. This dream was just one of the signs pointing towards the arrival of the Promised Messiahas. (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 480-482)

In addition, Hazrat Nematullah Shah Walirh, a revered saint in India around 560 AH, prophesied about the coming of the Promised Messiahas. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 11, p. 223) He was mentioned in the book Al-Arba’in fi Ahwal-al-Mahdiyin (‘Forty [Hadith] concerning the Mahdis’) authored by Shah Ismail Dehlawi (1779 –1831), which contains forty ahadith related to the appearance of Imam Mahdi. These divine signs served as a testament to the authenticity of the Promised Messiah’sas mission and provided concrete evidence for his claims.

Divine Signs associated with the arrival of the Promised Messiahas go beyond just dreams and visions. There are instances of celestial objects and phenomena that have occurred from the heavens without any human involvement. These, too, serve as evidence of the divine message. (Alladin, S. “Lunar and Solar Eclipses as signs of the Promised Messiah,” The Review of Religions, July 1987)

In Surah an-Nahl, Allah states:

Khazain, Vol. 22, p. 205) The Promised Messiahas mentioned the appearance of the comet in his book, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya

He wrote:

“Third Sign—Is the appearance of a comet which was destined to appear in the time of the Promised Messiah. It has long since appeared. Its sighting prompted some English newspapers of the Christians to comment that the time of the Messiah’s advent had arrived.” (Haqiqatul-Wahi [English], p. 248) This comet appeared in the month of Ramadan in the year 1882 as a sign of his truthfulness. (“Comet Tales”, Royal Society, 27 February 2023, www. royalsociety.org/blog/2023/02/comet-tales/, Accessed 27 March 2023)

The Great Comet of 1882 was an aweinspiring sight to behold, and it remains one of the most remarkable comets of the 19th century. Its brightness was so intense that it could be seen during daylight hours; scientists estimate that its nucleus was several kilometres in diameter. What made the Great Comet particularly fascinating was its orbit, which was highly elliptical and took it close to the sun before propelling it back into the outer reaches of the solar system. This type of orbit is typical of longperiod comets, which can take years or even centuries to complete a single orbit around the sun.

The Great Comet of 1882 was a sight to behold, leaving people from all over the world in awe and wonder. Its distinctive tail spanned many degrees across the sky, and its bright coma made it one of the most impressive comets of the modern era. It was truly a striking and magnificent appearance in the night sky.

“And He has pressed into service for you the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; and the stars [too] have been pressed into service by His command. Surely, in that are Signs for a people who make use of their reason.” (Ch. 16, V. 13)

The sun, moon, and stars are crucial for human survival and have practical uses, such as keeping track of time, navigating, and determining planting schedules. But beyond these practical applications, the Holy Quran tells us that they also hold spiritual significance. In fact, the Holy Quran explicitly mentions stars as a source of spiritual guidance for humans. It states:

“And, [other] marks [too; by them] and by the stars they follow the right direction.” (Surah an-Nahl, Ch. 16, V. 17)

The verse above clearly states that God has made the heavenly bodies a spiritual sign for humanity. Thus, when such heavenly and earthly signs appear, it also serves as evidence of God’s support for His chosen ones. When we look back at the history of divinely ordained prophets, we see that in addition to earthly signs, heavenly signs were also manifested to testify to the truthfulness of their claims.

In ahadith, we find several signs prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa that would mark the advent of the Promised Messiahas and Mahdi nearly 1400 years later. One such prophecy is about the appearance of a comet in the year 1882. (Haqiqatu-Wahi, Ruhani

In addition to celestial phenomena like the Great Comet, there were also other signs that indicated the arrival of the Promised Messiahas. For instance, the Holy Foundersa of Islam prophesied the occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses in the same month of Ramadan when Imam Mahdi would come in the future. (Sunan al-Daraqutni, Kitab al-‘idayn) This prophecy was fulfilled when both eclipses took place within the month of Ramadan in the eastern hemisphere in 1894 and in the western hemisphere in 1895. ( www.ahmadipedia.org/content/event/8/ eclipse-of-the-moon-and-the-sun)

According to an authentic hadith (narrated by Hazrat Imam Baqar Muhammad bin Ali and recorded in AdDaraqutani), there are two signs that will appear for the Promised Messiahas, which have never occurred before for anyone else since the creation of the heavens and the earth. The hadith states that during the month of Ramadan, the moon will be eclipsed on the first of its nights of eclipse, and the sun will be eclipsed on the middle day of its days of eclipse. These two signs will both take place in the same month of Ramadan, and they have never appeared before for anyone except for the true Mahdi.

From this hadith, several points can be inferred. Firstly, these two signs will occur after the dawn of Imam Mahdi. Secondly, the lunar eclipse will take place on the 13th of Ramadan, which is the first night of the three nights on which lunar eclipses can occur. Thirdly, the solar eclipse will occur on the 28th day of Ramadan, which is the middle of the three days during which a solar eclipse can occur. Fourthly, both of these signs will appear in the same month

of Ramadan. Lastly, it is important to note that these signs are exclusive to the true Mahdi and have never been witnessed before for any other claimant. In simpler terms, these signs have never manifested for anyone who has claimed to be the Mahdi during their lifetime.

As prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa, the lunar eclipse occurred on 21 March 1894, which happened to coincide with the first day of the full moon during Ramadan. And in the same blessed month of Ramadan, a solar eclipse was observed on 6 April, precisely in the middle of the three potential days that such an eclipse could have taken place. Next year in the western hemisphere, the Moon was eclipsed on 11 March 1895, and the Sun was eclipsed on 26 March 1895. These celestial events are a testament to the fulfilment of the Prophet’s prophecy and serve as a reminder of the divine power and wisdom that governs the universe.

These Divine Signs were further testimony to the truth of the Promised Messiah’sas mission and served as evidence of the divine origin of his message. They were seen as miraculous events, and they helped to convince many people of the truth of the Promised Messiah’sas teachings. The fulfilment of these prophecies strengthened the faith of his followers and reinforced the idea that Divine Signs are an essential aspect of divine messages.

In his book, Signs of the Living God, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra discusses various Divine Signs that were associated with the Promised Messiahas and his followers. One of the most significant signs was the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which he describes as a miracle in itself. In the face of fierce opposition and persecution, the community persevered in its mission to promote peace and acceptance. More than a century has passed since then, yet the signs of Allah the Almighty continue to manifest themselves every single moment.

(Signs of the Living God, pp. 6-8)

Through Divine Signs, the Promised Messiah’sas mission was vindicated and his claims were verified. These miraculous events, which cannot be explained by natural causes, serve as a powerful testimony to the divine origin of a prophet’s message. In the case of the Promised Messiahas, these signs included the fulfilment of numerous prophecies, such as the prophecy of the plague, the prophecy of the First World War, and the prophecy of the revival of Islam, which demonstrated the truth of his teachings beyond any doubt.

However, Divine Signs are not merely a historical phenomenon. They offer us a glimpse into the timeless wisdom and infinite power of the Almighty, and speak to a deep human need for meaning, connection, and purpose. Whether through dreams, visions, or the wonders of the natural world, these signs remind us that there is more to life than what can be seen and measured and that if we follow the path shown to us by the Holy Prophetsa and his true servant, the Promised Mahdi and the Messiahas, we will find the utopia, the heaven that we seek. May we all be blessed to recognize and heed these signs, and may they lead us to a life of true fulfilment and happiness.

Advent and Era of the Promised Messiahas

Man wanders lost in the darkness, Moving hither and thither, swaying and stumbling, Intoxicated by a world, that ignites and excites, Then burdens with disappointment and despair, For man is nothing, without a guide to care, Without a goal, without a meaning to his existence, Without a purpose to his life that hangs threadbare, A purpose to enthuse his being, to inspire greatness and to gratify his soul.

In this, the darkest of hours, he seeks light, He searches for that glimmer of hope on the horizon to end his plight, A glimmer which heralds that heavenly lamp once more, That torch of divine providence, from beyond the shore, Of such magnificence and glory that always bore, Spiritual radiance, that from prophet to prophet has passed before, Carrying the divine flame like a blazing star that shines bright, Glistening like a jewel on the canvas of the night.

As the forces of history and prophecy entwine, This wanton era of earthquakes and wars beckons the Divine, To intervene, to fulfil His promise so grand, Destined since time immemorial, for each and every land, And what an intervention it is! Whose likeness Has never been witnessed hitherto, nor since, For eclipsed between heaven and earth is a sign so sublime, That it dazzles the eye, awakens the soul and invigorates the mind.

A light flashes forth from the east, behold! A celestial bolt, piercing the darkness, luminous like gold, Signalling a new dawn, a new life, fulfilling scriptures of old, Heralding a holy man, nay a prophet of God foretold, An embodiment of divine messengers is the Mahdi, the Messiah, Descending from heaven itself, to inspire, To stake his claim to this era, this pitiless world, To guide to peace, and rescue all from the clutches of fire.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, of Qadian, A man unknown, from a land unknown, And by his hand was the seed of victory sown, His knowledge unmatched, his faith unyielding, His submission to his Master, Prophet Muhammadsa, unwavering, And through a Jihad of the pen, he made his call, Not a call to arms but a call to almsgiving, To end revenge, and to be humble and forgiving.

Standing forth alone, a majestic divine warrior, With God as his shield and the Quran as his sword, With anguish-laden tears shed before his Lord, Each time he faced the world, his victory lay assured. For those who stood against him, stood forlorn and in vain For his every triumph was blessed with heavenly rain, And each success bore witness to a timeless message oft-repeated, That while truth can be eroded, it can never be deleted.

Arise friends, for destiny is restless in this moment, in this day, The awaited one has played his hand, now yours you must play, And honour the pledge you have so fervently taken, That your bond with the Creator will never be forsaken, And your zeal for peace will never ever be shaken, For therein lies your salvation, and the salvation of this perilous land, That festers in self-delusion that beguiles and corrodes, In this alluring globe, wherein are but temporary abodes.

Hearken the message of this Messiah, a message so pure! Hailing from the east of Damascus, carrying to the remotest shore, Gushing forth from Islam’s oasis, that lies arid no more. Rejoice, in the arrival of the Imam of the Age, Whose Ark provides shelter from every storm and every rage, His prayers turned the dark and foreboding winter tide, And shattered the foundations of falsehood and pride, He restored God’s unity and glory once more, and gifted us Khilafat - an everlasting guide.

Such was his Grandeur, Such was his Greatness, Such was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, The Promised Messiah, The Imam Mahdi, Prince of Peace, Leader of the Faithful, Prophet of God.

Fareed Ahmad, UK

100 Years Ago...

Preaching efforts and new converts: A report on Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s progress in Lagos

Al Fazl, 19 March 1923

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Letter from Secretary Tabligh Lagos

By the grace of God Almighty, brother alfa [religious scholar] Shodande, a gifted, intelligent and capable preacher, is discharging the important duty of preaching as an honourary missionary [in Lagos, Africa]. With the permission of the missionary in charge of Lagos, he writes:

“All praise belongs to Allah the Almighty. By God’s grace, you boarded the ship and disembarked safely. Before the arrival of your telegram, the news was spreading far and wide in the town [of Lagos] that you had embraced the Angel of Death between Lagos and Secondi. No wise man could believe this news. However, some of our good and sincere people did not believe us when we denied [this news]. Only the arrival of your telegram comforted their hearts. Moreover, there are many people who are waiting for your handwritten letter for more satisfaction.

Tabligh gatherings

“Outdoor [tabligh] gatherings are being held as usual on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Many people are taking an interest in the teachings of Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The details of the recent tabligh gathering are as follows:

2 January [1923]: Imam Qasim R Ajose delivered a preaching sermon at Ahmadiyya Mosque Epetedo

6 January [1923]: Imam Qasim R Ajose delivered a preaching sermon on Oshodi Street

7 January [1923]: Alfa Joshua Dande delivered a preaching sermon on Luther Street

13 January [1923]: Alfa Joshua Dande

<< Continued from page 13

destruction, human conscience raises a question if they will be raised from dead whereas their bones will have rotten and dissolved. [Allah] states, definitely it is going to happen as such. A huge warning cry will echo and suddenly they will all find themselves in the open gathering.

Next follows the mention of Hazrat Mosesas because he was sent to Pharaoh who himself was a claimant of Divinity and a staunch disbeliever in the Hereafter. When Hazrat Mosesas delivered him the message, in reply he boasted that he was their Lord, the Most High. So Allah seized him in such a way that he became a lesson for the earlier and the latter ones. The earlier ones witnessed the destruction of him and his forces; and the latter ones witnessed his

delivered a preaching sermon at Pastor Square

Some Christian seekers after truth asked several questions and got their answers.

Advice from a Christian friend

“A Christian friend, after accepting that he did not believe in the divinity of the son of Mary, said:

‘If the Ahmadiyya Jamaat excludes the instruction of “do not prostrate before Man” from its tenets, many people will join the Jamaat because the rest of its teaching draws one towards reformation as per the need of the time.’

“This honourable friend’s attention was drawn towards [the verses of] Acts 10:2516 [As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. But Peter helped him up. ‘Stand up’, he said, ‘I am only a man myself’] and Revelation 22:8-9 [And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!’]. He was convinced that God has forbidden us to prostrate before Man.

Friday sermon and prayer

“Friday prayers are being held with regularity and I am happy to report that our chief imam is making significant progress in the quality of his sermons.

Preaching sermons in prison

“Imam Ajose regularly goes to deliver sermons to the inmates in the prison. Every Friday, a 30-minute sermon from 5:15pm to 5:45pm is given [in the prison] and [the officials] ensure the attendance of

drowned body, which Allah the Almighty had saved from apparent death in that he survived until an advanced age struggling between life and death and finally died, and his dead body was preserved in the form of a mummy for a lesson for future generations.

Thereafter, the Surah concludes with the question they ask as to when and how Judgement Day will take place. [Allah] says, once it takes place it will become very clear that everything is finally going to return to its Lord. And O Messenger! You are only a warner unto him who fears this terrible time. And the day when they see it, they will feel that their worldly life had not been for more than a few moments.

Chapter 80: Surah ‘Abasa

This Surah was revealed in the early period

the inmates.

New converts

“Mr Damar Amin Awal has joined the Jamaat along with his children. I am sending the request of his bai‘at to present it before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra]. Since we are out of bai‘at forms, I am postponing the requests of other individuals. We are arranging to print the new bai‘at forms here. After they are printed, the aforementioned bai‘at requests will be sent with their signatures.

Dars for women

“There has been a change of schedule in the dars [of the Holy Quran] for women and its time is now fixed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Missionary class

“In their conference held on 1-2 January [1923], majlis-e-muntazim has decided to start a missionary class. On 16 January [1923], 10 men were selected to be educated and trained for this purpose.

Branch Abeokuta

“Mr Gabriel Martin and I [alfa Shodende] went to Abeokuta and met Mr Hamid and on 24 December [1922], it was decided that I should go to Abeokuta in April [1923] to bring the jamaat there under a proper system. Due to the weakness of Mr […], there is negligence in the work of preaching [in that jamaat].

Apologies

“Dear Maulvi [Nayyar]! There was much more I wanted to say, but there is very little time tonight and the mail is about to be sent, so please accept this short report. I

of Mecca and, including the basmalah, it consists of 43 verses.

The current Surah as well mentions an arrogant disbeliever of the time of the Holy Prophetsa who visited the Prophetsa to ask some questions. Since the Holy Prophetsa earnestly desired that somebody somehow may be guided to the right path, therefore, in spite of his arrogance, he paid heed to him very compassionately, so much so that a visually impaired believer came to the Prophetsa to ask him some questions, but the Prophetsa did not like his interference at that time. However, as a result of this, he expressed his dislike in such a way that the person who was arguing with him could notice but the blind one could not be disheartened because he was unaware of it. Having described this, Allah the Almighty exhorts that he must not be unmindful

will write a detailed report later. I conclude the letter with due respect and salaam. And I am your affectionate son.

“YPO Shodende. 18 January 1923.”

News from other sources

Chief Yunus Amini Shan regularly goes to the mosque. In April [1923], Mr Gabriel Martin will come to London to study law at a university here, insha-Allah Madrasa [school] is being run effectively. Distinguished men among the new converts have started to participate in the evening classes.

Abdur Rahim Nayyar, London.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 19 March 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

of him who comes to him with sincerity and devotion, and an arrogant one who visits him for certain queries, even if he be an influential man, should not be given precedence over an underprivileged devout person.

Thereafter starts the description of the great status of the Holy Quran that how this book reveals the secrets of the inception of creation in the universe and also mentions its end and great events that are to take place on Judgement Day.

(Translated from the original introduction of chapters as presented in the Urdu translation of the Holy Quran by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Translated into English by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, missionary in Ghana)

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

Science of human longevity and Islamic concept of life and death

Jazib Mehmood

Student Jamia Ahmadiyya International, Ghana

The cover story of the January 2023 issue of National Geographic UK, “Living Longer and Better”, was eye-catching. The article sums up everything that is happening in the exciting, almost unbelievable field of ageing; whether there are things we can do to slow down, reverse, or otherwise change the process of growing older. (www. nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/ aging-cure-longevity-science-technologyfeature)

Speaking about everything from recombinant growth hormone treatments to cellular reprogramming, the fascinating work on human longevity seems to show great promise and might – in the foreseeable future – extend lives by decades.

Dreaming of immortality

There are valid reasons to be fascinated with the idea that we might live longer than we do today, or even that we might stop ageing altogether. Death is, after all, the one unchanging variable in an equation of life that has a great many unseen aspects. Time affects us all, and there is nothing we can do to stop the inevitability of our finiteness.

This has not stopped Man from dreaming of immortality, whether it is the fountain of youth or the elixir of life. And although we have, shall we say, “not quite reached there”, we have managed to increase our average life expectancy remarkably.

Now, all the evidence seems to suggest that human biology can be optimised for greater longevity. It is no wonder that investors are pouring billions into this field. Over the past few years, investment in the industry has come from tech tycoons, overnight crypto millionaires, and most recently, Saudi royals. (Regalado, A. 7 June 2022. Saudi Arabia plans to spend $1 billion a year discovering treatments to slow ageing. Retrieved from MIT Technology Review: www.technologyreview. com/2022/06/07/1053132/saudi-arabiaslow-aging-metformin/)

This work is powered by artificial intelligence, big data, cellular reprogramming, and “an increasingly exquisite understanding” of the molecules that keep our bodies working. Some researchers even talk of “curing” ageing. (National Geographic, January 2023, Vol. 243, No. 1, p. 45)

The science of human longevity

There are, however, significant hurdles in this field that are yet to be solved. Although human life expectancy has more than doubled (to 73.4 years), this gain has come at a cost: a staggering rise in chronic and degenerative illnesses. (www.who.int/data/ gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-

health-estimates/ghe-life-expectancy-andhealthy-life-expectancy) Ageing remains the biggest risk factor for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, arthritis, lung disease, and just about every other major illness.

However, scientists now feel that they are in a position to tackle the one last great obstacle that stands in the way of mankind. We are learning more about other animals that live far longer than we do. Great strides in gene therapy also point to the very real possibility that very soon, humans might reach what is believed to be the natural

called cellular reprogramming or epigenetic reprogramming, to “reverse ageing” and eradicate the illnesses that come with it. ( www.scientificamerican.com/article/isaging-reversible/)

There have also been significant developments in reversing immunological ageing by using recombinant human growth hormone, a drug used to treat children with short stature, that could rejuvenate the body’s defences against disease (www.cell. com/molecular-therapy-family/moleculartherapy/fulltext/S1525-0016(04)01310-3 ). However, it comes with an increased risk

“We have ordained death for [all of you]; and We cannot be prevented.” (Surah al-Waqiah, Ch.56: V.61)

Subsequently, the Quran makes us understand that death is also proof of the existence of the afterlife. By attributing death to Himself (with the words “He will cause you to die” [Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.29]), Allah makes it clear that if human life had no purpose, He would not have created it; having created it, He would not have made it subject to death, unless there had been an afterlife.

If death were the end of all life, the creation of man would turn out to be mere sport. The fact that God does all this shows that He has created man not to return to dust after a life of 60 or 70 years but for a better, fuller, and everlasting life, which he must live after death. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 1, pp. 265–266)

This would mean that no matter how far science advances, death, and the subsequent consequence, i.e., judgement, will come to us all. The following verse of the Holy Quran, in my opinion, accurately relates to recent scientific advances in longevity:

“Say, ‘The Death from which you flee will surely meet you. Then will you be returned unto Him Who knows the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you had been doing.’”

maximum human life span: 120 to 125 years.

For example, Greenland sharks usually live for about 250 years, and some live even longer. Ocean quahog clams from the seabed north of Iceland can live up to 500 years or more. Mole rats also live very long lives.

Then, there are some hotspots around the world where a concentration of longevity among the general population has excited some curiosity among many scientists, who believe the habits of the people of Japan or Italy, among others, might lead us to understand what we need to do to naturally increase our life spans.

But the field is still young. The science of human longevity was not very promising until about 30 years ago when molecular biologist Cynthia Kenyon altered one gene in small roundworms and doubled their life span. The mutants even acted younger as well. (The Guardian, 7 March 2013; www. theguardian.com/science/2013/mar/17/ cynthia-kenyon-rational-heroes-interview)

Similarly, in 2006, a Japanese stem cell researcher, Shinya Yamanaka, discovered how to reprogramme adult cells and return them to an embryonic-like state (and subsequently won the Nobel Prize). This revolutionised cell biology, and now, researchers are trying to use his technique,

of some cancers and type 2 diabetes, which means some other drugs would be needed to combat the adverse effects of the hormone.

Scientists are also deeply interested in bats, which control inflammation so well that they can harbour viruses without getting sick (www.sciencedaily. com/releases/2019/02/190226112401. htm). Chronic inflammation, which often progresses as we age, is a major factor in more than half of all deaths worldwide.

With all this thrilling evidence in view, as a Muslim, one naturally wonders whether there is any evidence in Islam that would indicate that man can forestall death.

Death

Upon reading the Holy Quran, it becomes clear that Islam has a unique view on life and death in that the end of all physical life is death – inevitable and final. This is no random affair either. Rather, it is the eternal law of God that frees the human soul from the shackles of its physical habitat (i.e., earth) and enables it to start its journey on the road to limitless spiritual development.

First of all, Allah the Almighty has attributed the ordaining of death to Himself. Allah states:

alJumuah, Ch.62: V.9)

Similarly, we read:

“Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you be in strongly built towers.” (Surah an-Nisa, Ch.4: V.79)

It therefore speaks to the laws of nature that entropy works on us all. Eternity – either of the universe or humanity – is a myth that even scientists no longer believe. Allah the Almighty also states that no one in the world dies except by Allah’s will and permission. Every life has a specified span, and when that span ends, so does life. (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.146)

Life

This does not mean that we should not seek to live healthy lives, and seek to live as long as possible. Allah commands us in the Holy Quran to eat good, healthy things that have been provided for our use. We are told to pray for our health, and affirm that Allah the Almighty is the ultimate healer. (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara’, Ch.26: V.81)

In fact, researchers looked at decades of data and found that five habits may increase

Prophets of Allah

Shu‘aib: The Prophet sent to Midian

Jalees Ahmad

Al Hakam

Shu‘aibas [ بیعش] was a noble Prophet of Allah sent to a place named Midian (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.86). Midian was also the son of Abrahamas from his wife, Keturah. (Genesis 25:1-2) The descendants of Midian resided in the northern side of Hijaz. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has explained that Midian was also the name of a town close to the Red Sea. (Tafsir-eKabir. Vol.3, p. 234) Thus, this makes Prophet Shu‘aibas a descendant of the Father of the Prophets, Abrahamas

Ibn Kathir states that the dwellers of Midian resided in Ma’an and were of Arab descent. (Ibn Kathir, Qasas-ul-Anbiya [Urdu], under Prophet Shu‘aibas, p. 246)

Alluding to Hudas, the Holy Quran states:

“And unto ‘Ad We sent their brother Hud.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch. 7: V. 66).

Further, we read:

“And to Thamud We sent their brother Salih.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.74).

And:

“And to Midian We sent their brother Shu‘aib.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.86).

Concerning these three Prophets – Hudas, Salihas, and Shu‘aibas – Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained:

“The verses mean that Hudas, Salihas and Shu‘aybas were in close association with their respective peoples, so that those peoples could be said to know everything about them.” (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 9)

Shu‘aib as was a descendant of the Father of the Prophets

Shu‘aibas was a non-Israelite Prophet who lived before Prophet Mosesas (Surah alA‘raf, Ch.7: V.104). The Holy Quran states, “And to Midian [We sent] their brother Shu‘aib.” (7:86) This verse highlights that he was a descendant of Prophet Abrahamas as he was a brother of the people of Midian who were the descendants of Midian, son of Abraham and Keturah. (Genesis 25:1-2)

His advent was not so far after Prophet Lot’sas as he is recorded to have said to his people:

“‘O my people, let not your hostility towards me lead you to this that there should befall you the like of that which befell the people of Noah or the people of Hud or the people of Salih; and the people of Lot are not far from you.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.90)

Ashab al-Aykah

The Holy Quran states that Prophet Shu‘aibas was sent to the People of the Wood:

“The People of the Wood rejected the Messengers, When Shu‘aibas said to them, ‘Will you not be righteous? Surely, I am unto you a Messenger, faithful to [my] trust. So fear Allah, and obey me, and

Quran he is stated as having been sent to ﻦﻳﺪﻣ he is described as ‘their brother’ and where he is mentioned as having been sent to ﺔﻜﻳ� ٱ ﺐ��أ the words ‘their brother’ are omitted.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol.4, p. 2373)

Ibn Kathir, in his book Qasas-ulAnbiya, writes that Shu‘aibas is known as Khateeb-ul-Anbiya because when calling his people to the truth, he made use of eloquent language. (Ibn Kathir, Qasas UlAnbiya [Urdu], under Prophet Shu‘aibas, p. 245)

People of Lotas, People of the Wood, and the People of Hijr

In Surah al-Hijr, after mentioning the people of Lot as, we read about the People of the Wood and then the People of the Salihas:

“And the People of the Wood [too] were surely wrongdoers. So We chastised them [also]. And they both lie on a manifest way. And the People of the Hijr also did treat the Messengers as liars.”

(Surah al-Hijr, Ch.79: V.81)

it has been set in order.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.86)

From this verse, we come to know that his people would practise idolatry and resort to fraud during their dealings. The words, “So give full measure and full weight” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.86) clarify that his people were not fair in their dealings.

Such people, who cling to this practice are asked, in the Holy Quran, “Do not such [people] know that they will be raised again?” (Surah at-Tatfif, Ch.83: V.4)

Prophet Shu‘aib as told them that he feared the punishment of a destructive day would befall upon them if they carried on in their ways. (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.85)

Shu‘aib as and his people

Hearing his message, his people ironically said to him:

I ask of you no reward for it. My reward is only with the Lord of the worlds. Give full measure, and be not of those who give less, and weigh with a true balance, and diminish not unto people their things, nor act corruptly in the earth, making mischief. And fear Him Who created you and the earlier peoples.’” (Surah ashShu‘ara’, Ch.26: V.177-185)

The reason for producing the translation of these verses is to demonstrate, as will become clearer later on in the article, that the people of Ashab al-Aykah were guilty of doing what the people of Midian did. Thus, it indicates that these two were sections of the same place.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explains that Ashab al-Aykah was another name or section of the people of Shu‘aibas, known for its dense trees and such a forest where oak trees and Salvadora persica trees were in abundance. And so, Huzoorra adds, it means that there seems to have been a forest near the area consisting of tangled and luxuriant trees. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, pp. 100-101)

In the Five Volume Commentary, it states:

“The fact that according to the Quran the Prophet Shu‘aibas was sent both to ﺐ��أ ﺔﻜﻳ��ٱ i.e. People of the Wood and ﻦﻳﺪﻣ ﺐ��أ i.e. People of Midian (7:86 and 11:85) shows that both these were the names of two sections of the same people, Shu‘aibas particularly belonging to the section known as ﻦﻳﺪﻣ, because where in the

In light of this, we read in the Five Volume Commentary :

“The order in which they have been mentioned is noteworthy. They have not been mentioned in their chronological order but in the order of the distance of their habitations from Mecca. The land of the people of Lot as was the most distant of the three places and so it has been mentioned first. Next in order of distance were the people of Aykah , and they have been put next. Hijr being situated between Tabuk and Medina, the tribe of Thamud were the nearest of the three and it has consequently been mentioned last of all. In the order of time, the people of Hijr preceded the people of Lot as and the people of Aykah came last. This unusual order has been adopted in preference to the more natural one with a view to producing the greatest psychological effect, the tribe that was least known to the Arabs being mentioned first and the tribe which the Arabs knew best being mentioned last.” ( Five Volume Commentary , Vol.3, p. 1626)

Khateeb-ul-Anbiya’s message to his people

Prophet Shu‘aib as admonished his people: “‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no other deity but Him. A clear Sign has indeed come to you from your Lord. So give full measure and full weight, and diminish not unto people their things, and create not disorder in the earth after

“‘O Shu‘aib, does thy Prayer bid thee that we should leave what our fathers worshipped, or that we cease to do with our property what we please?’” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.88)

This shows that they were a proud people who did not regard anything their Prophet called them towards. All Prophets of God face such hardships. At first, his people deem that the Prophet sent to them desires power and rule over them. Shu‘aib as replied “‘I only desire reform as far as I can.’” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.89)

He further exhorts them and reminds them of what happened to the people of Noahas, Hud as, Salihas, and Lot as. “‘And O my people, let not [your] hostility towards me lead you to this that there should befall you the like of that which befell the people of Noah or the people of Hud or the people of Salih; and the people of Lot are not far from you.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.90) This shows that Shu‘aib as came after the people of Noahas, Salihas, and Lot as but before Moses as as he did not mention what happened to the Pharaoh and those who rejected Moses as

His people responded that if it were not for his tribe, they would stone him.

(Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.92) Prophet Shu‘aib as, hearing this, replied:

“‘O my people, is my tribe mightier with you than Allah? And you have cast Him behind your backs as neglected. Surely, my Lord encompasses all that you do.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.93)

Prophets of God always speak out against those who pay little attention to the power of Allah. During the battle of Uhud, when Abu Sufyan exclaimed:

“And We did raise among every people a Messenger”

“O Hubl! Exalted by thy name!”

The Holy Prophet sa responded by saying: لج

“Greatness and grandeur belongs to Allah the Exalted alone.”

Abu Sufyan replied:

“We have ‘Uzza but you have no ‘Uzza!”

Then, the Holy Prophet sa exclaimed:

“We have Allah, Who is our Helper, but you have no Helper.” ( The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets , Vol. 2, p. 343)

The prophets of Allah understood and stood firmly to the fact that it was Allah in whom they trust and turn to alone.

Similarity to events in the life of the Holy Prophet sa

As Prophets of God all came with the same message which was to reintroduce human beings to Allah, the One true God, there were some who were fortunate enough not to be blinded by darkness and accept the Prophet of their time; however, there were also some unfortunate souls who did not recognise the call of their time. The disbelievers of Mecca made efforts to halt the message of Islam, they deterred outsiders from approaching the Messengeras of Allah. We find a similar instance during the life of Prophet Shu‘aib as. Those who rejected the message of Holy Prophet sa bore a striking resemblance to the disbelievers of Shu‘aib as. The Holy Quran records:

“‘And sit not on every path, threatening and turning away from the path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seeking to make it crooked.’” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.87)

This verse implies that they too made efforts to halt the message he came with.

<< Continued from page 17

life expectancy by 14 years in women and 12 years in men: good diet, regular exercise, healthy weight, not smoking, and not drinking. (news.harvard.edu/ gazette/story/2018/04/5-healthy-habitsmay-increase-life-expectancy-by-decadeor-more/) However, the researchers advise against drinking “too much,” whatever that may entail, rather than going as far as the Holy Quran does and advising against drinking at all.

Islam encourages us to maintain a healthy, balanced diet; exercise regularly to maintain good health; avoid drinking at all costs and stay away from smoking. And yet, at one instance in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty also states that He grants longevity to whomsoever He pleases. (Surah Ya Sin, Ch.36:V.69)

Therefore, Islam teaches us that no matter how long we try to live, we will inevitably meet death, and that would lead to our judgement. It is a matter of fact that most people dread a day when their deeds will be laid bare. Hence, the Holy Quran states:

Was Shu‘aib as the father-in-law of Moses as?

The Bible states that Moses’as father-inlaw was Jethro (Exodus, 3:1); additionally, there are several pieces of evidence that support this perspective:

The Holy Quran mentions both Prophet Shu‘aibas and the father-in-law of Mosesas; however, it never suggests that they are the same person. Further, the father-in-law of Mosesas is not even referred to as a prophet in the Holy Quran or Islam. Additionally, as stated above at the beginning of the article, the Holy Quran confirms that Moses’as advent was after the destruction of the people of Midian. (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.104)

Further, the Holy Quran states Prophet Shu‘aibas mentions Prophet Lotas indicating that he came and was sent to his people not long after Lotas. (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.90)

Enemies threaten to drive Shu‘aib as away, and their destruction

After hearing the message of Shu‘aibas, an arrogant chief of his people threatened to drive him and his followers out “from our town”. (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.89)

Being a Prophet of God, Shu‘aibas placed his trust in God alone. A Prophet of God, after having preached his message and faced with such difficulty, leaves the matter to Allah.

“The chief men of his people who disbelieved said, ‘If you follow Shu‘aib, you shall then certainly be the losers.’” (Surah al-A`raf, Ch.7: V.91)

The Holy Quran states that disbelievers who rejected the call of Shu‘aibas were destroyed by an earthquake.

The people of Shu‘aibas so proudly said that they would expel him “from our town”. (Surah al-A`raf, Ch.7: V.89)

In this incident lies the essence of Allah’s help. Rejecters of the divine call assume that they are powerful and have the ability

to do as they please. For his people to label the town as “our town” and then be demolished by it speaks volumes of the will of Allah. Their homes were so utterly effaced from the face of the earth that it seemed as if nobody lived there, their existence plucked out of this world. “Those who accused Shu‘aib of lying became as if they had never dwelt therein. Those who accused Shu‘aib of lying – it was they who were the losers.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.93)

They are now only recalled in the account of their Prophet who turned out victorious and true in his message. Such does Allah do to the losers who stand in the way of the divine call. They accused their Prophet of lying and yet ruined themselves.

In the Holy Quran, we read: “And when Our command came, We saved Shu‘aib and those who had believed with him by Our special mercy; and chastisement seized those who had done wrong, so that they lay prostrate in their houses.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.95)

“Shu‘aib as lived in a territory where earthquakes were frequent. So it is quite

possible that, as the words apparently show, his people should have been visited with an earthquake: but the word ‘ ةحیص’

[as mentioned in ةحیصلا

] may also mean any other punishment and the words, they lay prostrate in their houses, may have been used in a figurative sense, meaning that their power was broken by some dreadful visitation and they met with disgrace and humiliation, as if thrown into the dust.”

( Five Volume Commentary , Vol.3, pp. 1388-1389)

Prophet Shu‘aib as said, “‘O my people, indeed, I delivered to you the message of my Lord and gave you sincere counsel. How then should I sorrow for a disbelieving people?’” (Surah al-A`raf, Ch.7: V.94)

In here lie the essence of the emotions of the Prophets of Allah. Take a moment to imagine the anguish that Prophet Shu‘aib as must have felt. Despite his wise counsel, his people did not heed his call. Truly are those unfortunate souls who have been given the chance of salvation and live among their Prophet, yet refuse to pay any heed.

“And thou shalt surely find them of all people, the most covetous of life, even [more] than those who set up equals [with God]. Every one of them wishes that he may be granted a life of a thousand years, but his being granted [such] life shall not keep him away from the punishment; and Allah sees all that they do.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.97)

Islam teaches us that the life of this world is merely a pastime, that this sojourn will inevitably end, and man’s true purpose would be achieved only if he followed Allah’s commandments in this world. It is only then that he would live an eternal life of bliss in the hereafter.

Allah the Almighty explicitly states that this “worldly life is nothing but a sport and a pastime”, and that “the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous”. (Surah Al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.33)

To that effect, speaking of life and death, Allah the Almighty states:

“Every soul shall taste of death. And you shall be paid in full your rewards only on the Day of Resurrection. So whosoever is removed away from the Fire and is made to enter Heaven has indeed attained his goal. And the life of this world is nothing but an illusory enjoyment.” (Surah Al-e‘Imran, Ch.3:V.186)

Research also shows that another important, controllable influence on healthy longevity is our beliefs about ageing (www.nextavenue.org/becca-levybreaking-stereotypes-about-aging/). In one study, which has been replicated around the world, people in their 30s and 40s who had positive expectations for old age – equating it with wisdom, for example, instead of decrepitude – were more likely to be in good health decades later. (Levy, B. R., Slade, M. D., & Kasl, S. (2002). Longitudinal benefit of positive self-perceptions of ageing on functioning health. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 57, 409–417.)

In another study, older people who have positive views of ageing are much more likely to recover fully from a disabling injury (Hardy, S. E., & Gill, T. M. (2004). Recovery from disability among community-dwelling older persons.

JAMA, 291, 1596–1602; Levy, B. R., Slade, M. D., Murphy, T. E., & Gill, T. M. (2012). Association between positive age stereotypes and recovery from disability in older persons. JAMA, 308, 1972–1973.)

Yet another study found that positive views of old age were associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. (Levy, B. R., & Myers, L. M. (2004). Preventive health behaviors influenced by self-perceptions of aging. Preventive Medicine, 39, 625– 629.)

The bottom line is that people with the brightest beliefs about ageing live an average of seven and a half years longer than those with the gloomiest. (For further reading on this fascinating topic, see Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live by Becca Levy)

It makes sense, then, that Islam commands us to think positively and avoid paranoia and ill-thinking in all matters of life. (Surah Al-Hujarat, Ch.49:V.13)

100 Years Ago...

Berlin Mosque: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s appeal to Lajna Imaillah

The Review of Religions, [Urdu], March 1923

In his Friday sermon on 2 February [1923], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said the following about the Berlin Mosque while explaining that women are also equally responsible as men when it comes to the fulfilment of religious commandments. Devotedly responding to his call, the women of the poor community of Qadian have already collected nearly ten thousand in chanda [donations for the Berlin Mosque]. And, insha-Allah, the total amount [required to build the mosque] will be collected soon. [Editor, The Review of Religions (Urdu)]

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said:

“After careful consideration and contemplation, I have decided that the mosque that is going to be constructed in Germany should be built with the chanda [donations] of women. There is no denying the fact that many women will not have personal property, but there is also no doubt that they have jewellery to support them financially. Moreover, most men without a doubt have no savings due to their responsibilities, but women definitely have some wealth in the form of jewellery. For this very reason, men borrow from women in times of famine for their subsistence and survival. Therefore, no one should think about where women will get the money to donate or that they will take money from us [men]. Women can donate through their jewellery, etc. However, it is a completely different discussion that some of them will have a lot [of jewellery] and others will have less. Before God Almighty, it does not matter if someone gives less or more. The only thing that matters in front of Allah is sincerity. Thus, it is my desire that the mosque in Germany be built with the donations of women, because the people of Europe think that women are treated here [in the East] like animals. When the Europeans will come to know that the Muslim women have helped build a mosque for the new Muslim brothers of Germany in their city which is currently becoming the centre of the world, they will be surprised and regret the way they think about Muslim women. When they will pass by the mosque, they will realise their misapprehension. The mosque will be a constant reminder that those priests lie who say that women have no status in Islam. On the one hand, they spread this misinformation that Muslims consider women as animals, and on the other, when a mosque will be built there only with the donations of Muslim women, they will realise that the women here [in the East] even know that there are some people in the world who still worship a man [i.e., Jesus Christ].

“Maulvi Mubarak Ali has sent me a letter in which he wrote that an expert architect had given an estimate of 225,000

rupees to build the mosque. [He gave this estimate] assuming that the people who intend to build a mosque in their country will be a very wealthy party. However, when Maulvi Sahib told him that we did not have that amount of money, he then estimated 50,000 rupees. Five thousand rupees will be spent on purchasing the land and 45,000 rupees on the building. He was somewhat right in thinking that since it was a big city and a rich neighbourhood, it should have a magnificent building that would have a great impact on residents and that the public would also pay attention to it. A simple building will not have an effect on their minds. [A plain building in this big city] will be like making a section of a concrete house with raw bricks, which will certainly look outlandish. However, we have to work within the bounds of our existing resources and funds. According to his latest estimate, the mosque can be built for 50,000 rupees. There will not only be a mosque, but a mission house will be built as well.

“I present this matter to all the women of the Jamaat. This is the age of excelling one another [in sacrificing for God Almighty]. The women abroad compete with men in bar and medical exams to show that they are equally competitive, even if they don’t work according to their field of study. Well, then, they waste their time. However, our women should also compete with men in good deeds. Thus, I call upon our women to build a mosque in Europe.

“For the mosque in London, men have collected a donation of around 150,000. The target for women, according to the sharia, is half. Therefore, women should donate 50,000 for the mosque in Berlin within three months. It is a prophecy of the Promised Messiahas that the sceptre of the Tsar of Russia was taken away and it had come into his hands. The door to Russia is Berlin, and through this door, Russia can be conquered. Due to the current situation, let alone preaching in Russia, it is all the more difficult for us to even enter it. The only way to spread the message of Islam in Russia is through Germany. Through Germany, we can easily preach in Russia. The fulfilment of the abovementioned significant prophecy at the hands of women will greatly influence later generations. They will know that women are no less sincere than men. On the other hand, the people of Europe will realise how passionate Muslim women are about spreading their religion. It will be written in bold letters on the entrance of the mosque that the Ahmadi women helped build this mosque for the new Muslim brothers.

“Consequently, the eyes of other people will be opened, and the Paighamis [Lahori party] will also know that Ahmadi women

alone donate as much as they collect from strangers by stretching their hands before them.

“Thus, women everywhere should be informed to donate to this work. Moreover, all the newspapers that are published from Qadian should make an appeal for donations. They should publish this sermon of mine so that all the people who are connected through these newspapers tell the women in their homes and motivate them to donate for the mosque within three months. [All of us] should spread this word in our homes and ask them to donate.

“I have entrusted this work to the [auxiliary] organisation named Lajna Imaillah [servants of God]. There is an organisation in India that calls itself Khadiman-e-Hind [Servants of India]. We are not servants of any particular nation. We are servants and slaves of Allah the Almighty. Therefore, I have given this name [Lajna Imaillah] to this [auxiliary] organisation and entrusted this work to them. Since women would not have had such an impact if they had made this appeal on their own. Therefore, I have made this appeal on their behalf. The women should also keep in mind that collecting donations is not the work of a few distinguished

women; every single one of them should stand up and collect donations from the rest of the sisters within three months.

“The land for the London Mosque has been purchased, but as its building was to cost 100,000 rupees, it could not be constructed immediately. However, this will not be the case for the Berlin Mosque, rather, it is intended that as soon as the money is collected here, construction work will be started there. We are confident that this work will eventually be completed, so as soon as the money starts to accumulate, the building work will be started immediately.

“I now call upon all Ahmadi women through this sermon to donate 50,000 rupees within three months for this work [of the Berlin Mosque]. Indeed, it should be kept in mind that the contributions of men will not be taken for this purpose. Only women will contribute to it, so that this mosque remains as a memorial to women forever. I pray that Allah the Almighty grants the women the strength to perform this work.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Review of Religions [Urdu], March 1923)

“Allah the Almighty says that the reason why the month of Ramadan has arrived and your attention has been drawn towards fasting is so that you may make up and fulfil any of your shortcomings and weaknesses of the past 11 months.”

(Friday Sermon, 24 April 2020; Al Hakam 22 May 2020, Issue 114, pp. 36-37)

Friday Sermon

Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, UK

3 March 2023

The Promised Messiahas: Status and glory of the Holy Quran

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

I have previously delivered two sermons in relation to the understanding of the Holy Quran which the Promised Messiahas has imparted to us, or the way in which he presented this knowledge in his books and writings so that one may understand it and act upon it. In reality, it is the treasures of knowledge revealed to us in the Holy Quran which connect Man with God Almighty. Aside from this, there is no other way to reach God Almighty or to attain nearness to Him. The Promised Messiahas states in one of his couplets:

“The Holy Quran leads to God. It is the Word of God. Without it, the garden of divine cognition remains incomplete.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part 5, [English], p. 13)

This must always be borne in mind. If we desire the nearness and pleasure of God Almighty, and if we wish to adorn our life in this world and the next then, we must always bear these things in mind, along with the fact that the Holy Quran is the sole means of attaining these things. However, it should also be remembered that in order to comprehend this knowledge, there is also the need for a guide, chosen and sent by Allah the Almighty. In this era, that person is none other than the Promised Messiahas –the true servant of the Holy Prophetsa

I have stated in two previous sermons the manner in which he delved deep and shed light upon various aspects of the Holy Quran and made us aware of its beauties. The series on the wealth of knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Holy Quran presented by the Promised Messiahas has not yet been completed, in fact, a lot of material is yet to be mentioned in this regard. Today, in continuation of this series I shall shed light upon the guidance and writings of the Promised Messiahas about the excellences and the status of the Holy Quran. The detail in which he brought to light the rank and importance of the Holy Quran is what will enable us to truly attain the nearness of God Almighty and grant us the understanding and comprehension to act upon the Quranic teachings. Hence, we must strive to listen to, and understand these matters in order to achieve the purpose of our lives.

Whilst expounding upon the Holy

Quran being the Word of God, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Lala Bheem Sen in which he said:

“Only a few days ago a Brahman named Lekh Ram who is an Arya visited me in Qadian and said, ‘The Vedas are the Word of God. The Holy Quran is not the Word of God.’ I responded to him by saying, ‘You claim that the Vedas are the Word of God, but I do not consider them, in their current state, to be the Word of God, as they contain teachings pertaining to idolatry. How can a teaching which proposes idolatry be the Word of God? Aside from this, there are many impure teachings contained therein, but in any case, I consider the Holy Quran to be the Word of God, as it neither contains any teachings pertaining to idolatry, nor can one find any impure teachings therein. Furthermore, by following it, the countenance of the Living God becomes manifest and miracles can be witnessed.’”

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 90)

Thus, for something to be considered the Word of God, it must be free from all forms of idolatry and by acting upon it, one ought to be able to see the countenance of God Almighty, as it were. As for how the Holy Quran has made the countenance of God Almighty manifest, one can see this in the lives of the companions. Whilst mentioning the impact of the Quranic teachings on the lives of the companions, the Promised Messiahas states:

“It is proven after carefully analysing the time of the Holy Prophetsa, which was the dawn of Islam, that the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa certainly elevated those who believed in it from the lowest of stages, which have been mentioned before, to the highest of stages. This is because the believers’ initial state at the time when they accepted Islam was worse than wild savages, and their lives were like those of beasts.

They were entrenched in such bad behaviour and immorality that they were disqualified from the pale of humanity and had become so ignorant that they did not even know that they were wrongdoers; in other words, their faculty of differentiation between right and wrong was also eroding.

Thus, the first effect that the Quranic teachings and the company of the Holy Prophetsa had on them was that they realised

that they were devoid of the garment of purity and were enveloped in the filth of wrongdoing, just as Allah the Almighty states regarding their initial condition:

‘They are like cattle; nay, they are even more astray.’ (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.180)

Then, as a result of being in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Quran’s alluring effect, when they realised that the manner in which they lived their lives was a bestial life and fundamentally tainted by wrongdoings, they then attained power through the Holy Spirit and moved towards doing good deeds, as Allah the Almighty testifies regarding them that:

‘He has strengthened them with a pure spirit from Himself.’ (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch. 58: V. 23)

This is precisely the unseen power which is given to man after he believes and has some level of patience. Then, after acquiring this power, not only were they at the level of recognising and being disgusted by the stench of their sins and weaknesses; rather, they began to take such steps towards goodness that they reached half of the epitome of virtue, and the power to carry out good deeds in opposition to their weaknesses was born inside them (not only did they rid themselves of weaknesses, but they also excelled in their good deeds). And by doing this, they attained an intermediate condition. And then, by being blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit, these people endeavoured to conquer Satan with their pure deeds. Furthermore, in order to please God, they took on such endeavours that are beyond human comprehension. In the way of Allah, they did not care for their lives as if it was an insignificant thing [to be sacrificed]. In the end, they were accepted, and God made their hearts completely averse to sin, while instilling a love of goodness therein.”

(Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 23, pp. 424-425)

This is the effect that the Holy Quran had on them, whereby they raised themselves up from the ground and became the shining stars of the sky, regarding whom the Holy

Prophetsa said that each and every one of them is a guide for you. (Al-Mishkat alMasabih, Vol. 3 p. 1696 Kitab al-Manaqib Bab Manaqib al-Sahabahra, Hadith 6009, published by Maktab al-Islamiyyah, Beirut 1979)

By following the Quran, a person becomes a manifestation of the attributes of God Almighty. Explaining this, the Promised Messiahas states:

“Whoever elevates their love and sincerity to the highest degree by becoming a follower of the Holy Quran, proverbially becomes a manifestation of the attributes of God Almighty.”

Just following [the Quran] is not the only condition; rather, taking such obedience to the highest degree of love and sincerity is also a condition. This means that when one acts upon its commandments, then they become a manifestation of Allah the Almighty’s attributes. The Promised Messiahas then states:

“This entire outcome is the result of the superb power and quality that we witness in the Word of God, the Holy Quran. This superb power and quality is not in any other book that is deemed by any nation to be revealed by God. Perhaps this is because they [the books] belonged to ancient periods and have since been perverted and changed. Or perhaps this is due to the fact that though their wording has not been changed, the meanings of the words have been changed. Or perhaps the reason may be that, in order to remove disharmony in these latter days and gather the people of the entire world upon one book, God has taken away the blessings of all the previous books.

“Otherwise, what is the reason that though mankind can join the community comprised of the friends of Allah by following the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa, this quality is not found in these [earlier] books? This is why the followers of these [earlier] books deny the excellences which can be attained upon achieving nearness to God, and they [the deniers] actually mock its marvels and miracles.”

Not only do they disbelieve in the miracles, but they also mock them, and this is the reason that they are now moving away from God Almighty and away from religion.

Then the Promised Messiahas states:

“But we do not mock them.”

We do not mock anyone, albeit we surely cry upon witnessing their deprivation. We hold sympathy for them in our hearts, that by moving away from God, forgetting His attributes, and calling their immoral actions the supposed light of the new age, they are again committing bestial deeds, and this is what we see today in materialistic people.

Nevertheless, in connection to what he was saying, the Promised Messiahas states:

“I am not here relating stories of the past, but only that of which I have personal knowledge. I have found superlative power in the Holy Quran and I have observed a wonderful quality that comes from complete devotion to the Holy Prophetsa. No other religion possesses such power and such quality that can lead its sincere follower to the station of sainthood. God not only honours the true servant with His word but also shows him, through His actions, that He is the God Who has created the heavens and the earth, so much so that his faith transcends the far-flung stars. I have personal experience in this regard. God speaks to me and has shown more than a hundred thousand signs at my hands. Thus, though I honour all prophets and their books, I believe that Islam alone is the living faith, for through it, God has manifested Himself to me.

“Anyone who doubts this statement of mine should come to investigate these things and stay with me for a period of two months. I shall be responsible for all his expenses during his stay. It is my belief that a true religion must be a living religion which is able to exhibit God through living and opportune demonstrations of His powers. Otherwise, a mere claim on behalf of a religion is vain and without basis.”

(Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 427-428)

Those who were to derive benefit from this invitation of the Promised Messiahas, indeed did so and thereby succeeded. They remained in the company of the Promised Messiahas and accepted him. Even today, the proofs, arguments and treasures found in the writings of the Promised Messiahas are enabling many to guide others to God Almighty. Thus, not only should we draw the attention of others towards this, but we should also strive to derive benefit from the writings of the Promised Messiahas ourselves. It is only then that we can achieve the purpose of our pledge of allegiance.

Whilst mentioning the qualities of the Holy Quran the Promised Messiahas states that the Holy Quran possesses four miraculous features, the details of which are as follows:

“Of the miraculous features of the Holy Quran, one is its eloquence and perspicuity, such that is entirely distinct and unique from human eloquence and expression. Human eloquence and expression is severely limited and until one’s words are not purified of any exaggeration, falsehood or superfluity, one cannot achieve a high standard of eloquence and perspicuity. (The Word of Allah the Almighty is unadulterated and free from all such impurities.) Secondly, another miraculous feature of the Holy Quran is that all the stories and accounts mentioned within it are, in fact, prophecies that have been alluded to throughout [its text]. (This is another aspect found within the Holy Quran.) Thirdly, another

miraculous feature of the Holy Quran is that its teachings are fully equipped to perfect the human condition, and it contains all the necessary proofs and signs for humanity to attain the rank of certainty. Fourthly, another significant feature of [the Holy Quran] is that it brings those who truly adhere to it so close to God that they partake in divine discourse; they begin to manifest clear signs and they achieve purity of the self and unwavering faith. This feature of the Holy Quran, in particular, is worthy of remembrance, that the heavenly grace bestowed to a perfect believer in the form of signs is an act of God. A believer cannot deem this to be a quality of his own. The inherent qualities of a perfect believer comprise of righteousness, purity, strong faith, and steadfastness. For instance, if the light of the sun is cast on a wall, the light cannot be considered a feature of the wall because the light exists independently of the wall. The features of the wall are that it is grounded on a strong foundation and is firmly cemented to withstand the harshest of floods, winds and tempestuous rains without becoming unsteady.” (Chashmae-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 268 [footnote])

Thus, your faith should also exhibit these same characteristics. Our actions, after understanding the Holy Quran as God Almighty’s holy words, should also exhibit these same characteristics that strengthen our faith and enable us to come face to face with God. No gust, storm or opposition should cause one’s faith to falter. These are the features of humankind, which are constantly illuminated by the light that is the words of God Almighty. Such a person continuously endeavours to understand [God’s Words].

The Promised Messiahas further states that adherence to the Holy Quran results in the acceptance of prayers. Whilst further elaborating, he states:

“The miraculous potency of the Holy Quran is that one who truly adheres to it attains acceptance, and upon accepting their prayers, God Almighty informs them through captivating and awe-inspiring discourse. Furthermore, He grants them exceptional help against their enemies, and as a means of support, He reveals extraordinary matters of the unseen to them.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 271 [footnote])

Whilst explaining that the Holy Quran contains all forms of guidance, the Promised Messiahas states:

“The People of the Book in this country are just as guilty as the polytheists of Arabia. Christians lay great emphasis on the matter of atonement, and after putting their faith in it, have considered that all sins are now lawful for them. Jews claim that even after committing sin, they will only reside in hell for no more than a few days, as Allah the Almighty states:

saying the following, which is the verse I have just presented) that even if the fire does touch them it will only be for a limited number of days; thus, they take pride in the lies that they forge in which these thoughts are rooted. Thus, when the People of the Book and the disbelievers of Arabia were steeped in immorality, considering their evil deeds to be virtuous and would not desist from their crimes thereby disturbing the peace of society, God Almighty sent His Prophet with complete reign in hand so that he may save the poor. Since Arabia was unbridled and they were not under the rule of any ruler, every tribe lived with complete autonomy and boldness. Since there were no laws of punishment, they progressed in their crimes by the day. Then, God had mercy on this nation and sent the Holy Prophetsa to them and not just as a messenger, but also as the ruler of the nation. The Holy Quran was made a complete law which provides guidance encompassing matters pertaining to human, criminal and financial laws. Hence, as the ruler, the Holy Prophetsa became the judge for all factions and people from all different faiths would come to him to settle their disputes. It is recorded in the Holy Quran that once, a case between a Muslim and a Jew was brought before the Holy Prophetsa; after an investigation, the Holy Prophetsa determined that the Jewish man was truthful and awarded him the decision based on his claims against the Muslim. Alas, some foolish opponents who do not read the Holy Quran carefully think every matter to be under the messengership of the Holy Prophetsa, whereas certain punishments were determined in his role as the ruler.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 242-243)

Then, with regards to adopting a life of purity through the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states:

relationship between God and him that he should become a faithful servant of God and God should be so benevolent towards him that He should distinguish between him and those beside him with diverse types of His help and support and should open the gates of His understanding to him. If a book fails to discharge this duty, which is its real purpose, and seeks to establish its merit by making other irrelevant claims, it would be like a person who claims to be an expert physician, but when a patient is brought to him and he is asked to heal him, he replies that he is unable to heal him, but that he knows how to wrestle, or that he is an expert in astronomy or philosophy. It is obvious that such a person would be called a jester and would deserve the condemnation of all reasonable people. The chief purpose of a book of God and a messenger of God is to rescue the world from a life of sin and to establish a holy relationship between God and the world. It is not their purpose to teach people subjects of secular study and to instruct them in worldly inventions.

[‘That is because they say, “The Fire shall not touch us, except for a limited number of days.” And what they used to forge has deceived them regarding their religion.’

(Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ch.3: V.25)]

This audacity and boldness is because they say (the reason for their boldness in committing their actions stems from them

“It is an obvious fact that the great merit of anything lies in its fulfilling the purpose for which it has been made. For instance, if a bullock is purchased for ploughing land its merit will be judged by the degree to which it is able to discharge its function of ploughing. (A bullock is bought to plough a field and so it will only be used for that purpose. The bullock that ploughs the field in an excellent manner will be considered beneficial). In the same way, it is obvious that the true purpose of a heavenly book is that it should rescue its followers from every sin and a sinful life through its teachings and influence, and its power of reform and spiritual qualities. It should bestow a pure life upon them, and after purifying them, should bestow upon them full insight for the recognition of God, and should establish a relationship of love and devotion between them and the Peerless Being, Who is the Fountainhead of all joys. In truth, this love is the root of salvation, and this is the paradise upon entering which all fatigue, bitterness, pain and torment are removed. Without a doubt, the living and perfect revealed book is the one which should lead a seeker after God to his goal and while rescuing him from a low life, should lead him to the True Beloved, meeting Whom is salvation itself. It should rescue him from all doubts and bestow such perfect understanding upon him as if he can see God. It should establish such a strong

“It is not difficult for a reasonable and just person to understand that the purpose of a book of God is to lead people to God, and grant them certainty of His existence, and to stop them from committing sin by impressing the majesty and awe of God upon their hearts. Of what use is a book which cannot cleanse a heart, nor can bestow such pure and perfect understanding as should make one hate sin? The attraction of sin is a dangerous leprosy which cannot be healed till the manifestations of the living understanding of God, and the signs of His awe, greatness, and power, descend like rain and till a person perceives God with His awe-inspiring powers as a goat perceives a lion which is only two steps away from it. Man needs to be freed from the fatal passion of sin. The greatness of God should so occupy his heart that it should rid him of the overpowering desire of passion which falls upon him like lightning and instantly consumes his store of righteousness. Can such impure passions as attack repeatedly like epilepsy and destroy all sense of piety be wiped out by any self-conceived concept of God? Or can they be suppressed by one’s own thinking, or be blocked by an atonement whose suffering has not been personally experienced? Certainly not. This is not a matter of indifference but in the estimation of a wise person it is worthy of consideration above all else as to how he might safeguard himself against the ruin which confronts him on account of his daring and his lack of relationship with God, the root of which is sin and disobedience. It is obvious that a person cannot give up a certain pleasure for the sake of a conjecture.”

Indeed, there are pleasures that one can be certain about. However, one cannot simply assume that they will experience these pleasures later on, the manner in which they will manifest, or the manner in which they will receive them, simply on the basis of conjecture.

The Promised Messiahas states:

“Only a certainty can rescue one from another matter that is certain. For instance, if we are certain that there are a number of deer in a forest which we can easily catch, we are incited by that certainty to enter the forest for that purpose; but if we are also certain that there are 50 lions in the forest and thousands of blood-thirsty pythons,

we would be dissuaded from making the attempt. Thus, sin cannot be avoided without this degree of certainty.”

The way to abandon sin is that one must have firm conviction that though they will partake in temporary pleasure by committing a particular sin, committing that sin would be akin to entering into a jungle in order to hunt, where there are lions and pythons and the fear of that prevents one from hunting. In the same way one can abstain from sin if they instil within themselves the conviction that God’s wrath is very severe, and that if we sin, we will be seized by His wrath.

The Promised Messiahas says:

“It is only iron that can break iron. One’s degree of certainty in the greatness and awe of God should be to the degree that tears up the curtains of heedlessness, should make the body tremble, and should make death appear near. The heart should be so overcome by fear that all roots of the sinful ego should be cut asunder. One should be drawn by hidden hands towards God and the heart should be filled with certainty that God, Who is truly present, does not leave a daring offender without punishment. What shall a seeker after true purity do with a book which does not fill this need?

“Thus, I wish to convey this to everyone that the Holy Quran is the book which fulfils all these needs. Through it, a person is drawn to God and his heart grows cold to the love of the world. For those who follow it, God, Who is hidden beyond the hidden, in the end, manifests Himself and displays those powers of which outsiders have no notion. He Himself informs the one who follows Him of His existence (one ought to remember these words of the Promised Messiahas that God Almighty reveals Himself to the one who adheres to the Holy Quran) and shows him His divine kingdom and gives proof of His existence by the proclamation: دوجوملا انا [‘I am present.’]”

Hence, this is the knowledge and understanding of the Holy Quran that one should possess. This is the practical aspect of the teachings which we should exhibit, otherwise, our claim of faith will be nothing more than a claim like that of other faiths. Here, the Promised Messiahas has stated that, unlike other books, this book [the Holy Quran] reforms people, because the teachings [of other books] are incomplete and so they cannot. If we believe in the Holy Quran, yet we do not become reformed, then we are the ones to blame because – as the Promised Messiahas stated – we must become true followers [of the Holy Quran]. If we do not truly follow it, then how can we become reformed? If we do not act upon it, then how can we become reformed? Thus, we must strive to become those who are true followers; may Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.

Then, the Promised Messiahas states:

“Our observation and experience, along with that of those before us, bears testament that through its spiritual distinction and its intrinsic light, the Holy Quran draws its followers unto itself and enlightens their hearts. Then, by showing grand signs, God grants them such a strong connection that cannot be broken even by a sword which seeks to cut it to pieces. It unlocks the heart’s perception and brings the filthy stream of sin to a halt and grants the delight of converse with God. He grants knowledge of the unseen

and informs about the acceptance of prayer in His own words. When one challenges a true follower of the Holy Quran, God makes apparent to him through astounding signs that He is with those who follow His Word.”

(Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 305-309)

Therefore, being a true follower is a fundamental requirement. Then, whilst mentioning that the Holy Quran is a means of being saved from shirk [associating partners with God], the Promised Messiahas states:

“The seed of the unity of God which the Holy Quran has sown in Arabia, Persia, Egypt, Syria, India, China, Afghanistan, Kashmir and other regions, and the manner in which it has rooted out idol worship and the worship of creatures from most places, is a matter which has not been matched in any era.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 77)

When Islam spread in the beginning and idolatry was vanquished from those areas, it was achieved by acting on the teachings of the Holy Quran. It was for this reason that our ancestors accepted Islam. However, if we do not act on its teachings then we are reverting to the very same ignorance.

The teachings of the Holy Quran are most excellent; regarding this, the Promised Messiahas says:

“The book that would have been revealed at the beginning of creation could not, according to reason, be a perfect book. (Reason cannot accept that the books revealed in the beginning were perfect) rather, it would be like a teacher who teaches children the alphabet. It is obvious that for such elementary instruction, no great ability is needed. (If a teacher only teaches at a primary level such as the alphabet, etc., one does not need great abilities to teach such elementary education). When human experience increased and Man fell into many errors, detailed instruction became necessary, especially when the darkness of error became widespread and human souls became involved in diverse types of intellectual and practical misguidance. At that time a superior and perfect teaching was needed and that came in the Holy Quran. In the beginning, instruction of a high grade was not needed, for human souls were simple and no darkness or misguidance had overcome them. Superior teachings were needed in the book which appeared at the time of extreme misguidance and came for the reform of the people whose false doctrines had become confirmed and whose evil conduct had become habitual.”

(Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 70 [footnote])

The Quranic teachings were revealed at a time when the human mind had become mature and attained a level of understanding. Furthermore, sin had reached its peak wherein mankind was deeply engrossed in sinful behaviour. It was at such a time that a teaching was revealed in accordance with human intellect.

With regards to the Quran being a book sent for the whole of mankind, the Promised Messiahas says that one ought to remember that indeed it is true that at the beginning of creation, mankind was given one revealed scripture.

The Promised Messiahas states, “If it is asked why only one revealed book was given to mankind in the beginning and why every

nation was not given their own books; the answer is that in the beginning mankind was small in number and they did not amount even to a nation, and one book was sufficient for them. When mankind spread over the earth and the dwellers of each region of the earth became a separate nation, and on account of long distances nations lost contact with one another, divine wisdom demanded that at such time there should be separate messengers and revealed books for different peoples; and so that is what happened. When mankind increased more in numbers and communications were established, and means of communication became available, and it became known that different parts of the earth were inhabited by man, and God Almighty determined that they should all be made one nation, and should be gathered together after their dispersal, God sent one book for all regions. In this book, it was commanded that as it reached different parts of the world, it should be accepted and believed in. That book is the Holy Quran which has been revealed to establish a relationship between different regions. The books that were revealed before the Quran were confined to specific people. Books and messengers appeared among the Syrians, Persians, Indians, Chinese, Egyptians and Romans and they were each confined to one people and were not concerned with the others. Last of all came the Holy Quran which is a universal book and is not for any one people, but for all peoples. It came for a people who were henceforth to become one. In this era, the means of uniting nations have become available. Mutual interaction which is at the root of converting mankind into one people has become so easy that a journey that used to take years can now be accomplished within a few days, and such facilities have become available for communication that news that took a year to travel from one far country to another, can now be transmitted within an hour. So great a revolution is in progress, and the river of culture is flowing in such a manner, that it appears obvious that God Almighty has determined that all the nations who are scattered in the earth should be made into one people and that those who had been separated over thousands of years might now come together. This is mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Holy Quran alone claims that it has come for all the peoples of the world, as it is said:

اعیمج مکیلا ہللا لوسر ینا سانلا اہیای لق

“‘Proclaim to the people: ‘I am Allah’s Messenger to you all.’ (Surah al-A`raf, Ch. 7: V. 159)

Again it is said:

been recorded in the Bible). The conditions of the world also bear testimony that the claim of the Holy Quran of a universal message was timely for upon the advent of the Holy Prophetsa, the door of general propagation of the truth had been opened.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 74-77)

The Promised Messiahas has stated that the Holy Quran has four causes. He states:

“Everything has four causes; they are:

“1. the efficient cause (who is the one who causes it)

“2. the formal cause, (the apparent and practical reasons of its cause)

“3. the material cause (what is the physical benefit of it)

“4. the final cause, (the real and fundamental reason for its existence.)

“The Holy Quran mentions these four causes. Thus, مـلا refers to the perfection of the efficient cause. It means: ملعا ہللا انا i.e. I am God, the All-Knowing. (Allah the Almighty knows the purpose of man’s creation). The perfection of the material cause is indicated by بتکلا کِلذ which means that this book has been sent down by God Almighty, who is All-Knowing (by acting on this book one can attain many benefits). The perfection of the formal cause [of the Holy Quran] is indicated by ہیف بیر ال meaning that this book is free from every error, doubt, and confusion, (i.e. the teachings are so beautiful that no other teaching can match it). Whatever has been mentioned is authentic and whatever claims lie therein have been furnished with proofs and absolute clarity. The perfection of its final cause is indicated by the words نیقتملِ ل یدہ meaning that the reason for this book to be revealed is that it guides the righteous (this indeed ought to be the objective of a religious scripture).” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, pp. 306-307)

Whilst presenting the translation of the first, second and third verses of Surah alBaqarah, the Promised Messiahas states:

“Righteousness is such a highly significant and necessary quality that Allah the Exalted has deemed it to be the ultimate cause behind the revelation of the Holy Quran. As such, at the start of the second chapter, Allah the Exalted states:

“‘Alif Lam Mim (I am Allah the AllKnowing). This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.2-3)

امو

“‘I have sent thee as a mercy for all the peoples.’ (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.108)

And it is said:

“‘We have sent thee so that thou shouldst be a Warner for all peoples.’ (Surah alFurqan, Ch. 25: V. 2)

“I declare with all the emphasis at my command, that no revealed book made this claim before the Holy Quran. Each confined its message to its own people. Even the Prophet who was deified by the Christians affirmed: ‘I have not been sent but to the lost sheep of Israel,’ (this statement of Jesusas has

“My belief is that this sequence of the Holy Quran is extraordinary, to say the least. In these verses, Allah the Exalted has alluded to the four causes: the efficient cause, the material cause, the formal cause and the ultimate cause. All things are characterised by these four causes. The Holy Quran manifests these causes in a most perfect manner.

“Firstly, Allah the Exalted states: مـلا

“‘Alif Lam Mim – I am Allah, the AllKnowing’

“This indicates that Allah the Exalted who is the All-Knowing, has revealed this word upon Muhammad, the Messengersa of Allah, i.e., God is the Agent in this context. Then, there are the words:

“‘This is a perfect Book.’ (i.e. The Holy

Quran).

“This describes the matter in this case, or one could say, alludes to the material cause of the Holy Quran (i.e. by adhering to the book that we have in the physical form, one can attain their objective.)

“Moving onwards, there are the words:

“These words allude to the formal cause of the Holy Quran:

ہیف بیر ال

“‘There is no doubt in it.’

“These words allude to the formal cause of the Holy Quran and indicate that all things are susceptible to doubt, suspicion and corrupt thoughts, but the Holy Quran is a book that is free from all forms of doubt.

“The words ہیف بیر ا (no doubt) indicate that the Holy Qur’an is free from all doubts. Now, when Allah the Exalted has described the greatness of this Book with the words: ا ہیف بیر naturally, the soul of any good-natured and blessed individual would be thrilled and would desire to act upon the instructions of the Holy Quran. I must say with regret that the manifestly clear and radiant grandeur of the Holy Quran is not presented before the world; for the Holy Quran possesses such qualities and excellences, such beauty within itself, and such attraction and allure that hearts are drawn to it helplessly. For example, if someone were to praise a beautiful garden, if they were to speak of its fragrant trees, its refreshing and revitalising plants and pathways, and its streams and

rivers flowing with pure water, anyone would desire to visit and walk through that garden, and enjoy its beauty. Moreover, if it was said that some of the flowing streams in the garden cure chronic and deadly ailments, people would flock there with even more fervour and desire. In the same manner, if the qualities and excellences of the Holy Quran are described in the exceedingly beautiful manner that behoves it, and using effective words, the soul races towards it with extreme ardour.

“In reality, the means by which the soul is satisfied, and satiated and the manner in which the need of the soul is truly fulfilled, are contained within the Holy Quran. This is why Allah the Almighty has stated:

“‘It is a guidance for the righteous.’

“At another instance, God Almighty states:

“‘None shall touch it except those who are purified ’ (Surah al-Waqi‘ah, Ch.56: V.80)

“The word mutahharun refers to the very same muttaquin referred to in the verse:

(‘It is a guidance for the righteous.’)

“From this it is clearly evident that righteousness is a necessary condition to attain knowledge and understanding of the

Quran.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 138140)

However, the so-called scholars of today who are bereft of righteousness, have presented the teachings of the Holy Quran in such a manner whereby the opponents of Islam are given further opportunities to level allegations against it. Today, it is the duty of Ahmadi Muslims to instil righteousness within ourselves and practically demonstrate its beautiful teachings through both word and action. Let the world know that it is only the Holy Quran which is a cure for all types of ailments. Allah the Almighty has sent this Quran with the objective of bringing about the reformation of the world. May Allah the Almighty enable us to adhere to its teachings whilst inculcating righteousness within us. These are very deep subject matters that one needs to listen to very attentively, and also adhere to them with the utmost diligence. We ought to ponder greatly whilst reciting the Holy Quran.

I would also like to make a request for prayers. The Jalsa Salana Bangladesh is currently taking place and today was the first day. However, the opponents attacked the Jalsa site and many people have been injured as well. I believe they attacked from outside with such intensity that some of the members have been severely injured. Also, according to reports, they are also setting fire to the houses of some of the Ahmadis who live nearby. The actual extent of the damage they have caused remains

to be determined. May Allah the Almighty protect the Ahmadis from the evil ploys of the enemy and punish them. One can no longer pray for their guidance now, rather the only prayer that comes from the heart is:

Allah, annihilate [the enemy] and crush them to pieces.’]

Similarly, pray for the Ahmadis in Pakistan that may Allah the Almighty keep the conditions safe for them. The situation in Burkina Faso is also very fragile; pray for them as well. Also, there are certain lawsuits filed against the Ahmadis in Algeria, so pray for them as well. May Allah the Almighty keep all the Ahmadis under His protection.

As I mentioned that in Bangladesh, the official administration [of the country] had told them that they should not be worried and to carry out their Jalsa and they will arrange for the security. However, when the extremist clerics came along with groups of people, the police stood there simply watching on and did nothing. In any case, we ought to prostrate before Allah the Almighty and supplicate to Him. May Allah the Almighty quickly alleviate the difficulties of our fellow brothers.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al-Fazl International, 24 March 2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Editor-in-chief: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Executive editors: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | Research coordinator: Awwab Saad Hayat | Associate editors: Jalees Ahmad, Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Translations: M Adam Ahmad | Design: Tahmeed Ahmad | © Al Hakam 2023

“We should not simply become happy on account of Ramadan’s arrival and become satisfied with merely congratulating each other for Ramadan and the act of fasting. Rather, we should seriously evaluate ourselves about whether we are striving to attain the true purpose of fasting as laid out by God Almighty.”

(Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Friday Sermon, 10 May 2019; Al Hakam, 7 June 2019, Issue 64, p. 14)