Al Hakam - 28 April 2023 by Alhakam

Zikr-e-Habib

Rise of the West: A Quranic prophecy

Ideal couple, household work, addresses, and kindness to women

‘East and West’: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s words spread through ‘the jewel in the crown of the BBC’

‘Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation’: The Islamic approach to debate

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 | Issue CCLXVII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7388

Serve humanity to attain Islam’s true Eid Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V delivers Eid-ul-Fitr sermon Islamabad, Tilford, 22 April 2023: At approximately 11:00 BST, on Saturday, 22 April 2023, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived in the Mubarak Mosque to lead the congregation in Eid-ulFitr prayer and then deliver the Eid sermon. The jubilant atmosphere in Islamabad saw hundreds of Ahmadis – men, women and children – gathered to offer their Eid prayers behind Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and listen to his sermon. After the Eid prayer, Huzooraa recited the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, Surah al-Fatihah and verse 37 of Surah an-Nisa:

ُ ُۡ ً ّٰ ۡ َ ً َ ۡ ‫َو‬ ‫اع ُب ُدوا الل َہ َولَا تش ِر�وۡا ِب ٖہ ش ۡیﺌا ّو ِبالوَال َِدیۡ ِن ِا ۡح َسانا‬ ُٰ ۡ ۡ َ َۡ َ ۡ ٰ َ ۡ َ ٰ ٰ َ ۡ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ ‫ّو ِب ِذی القربی والیتمی والمس ِکی ِن والجارِ ِذی القربی‬ َّ َ ُ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ َّ ۡ َ � َ ۡ ‫الس ِب ۡی ِل � َو َما‬ ‫الصا ِح ِب ِبالجن ِب واب ِن‬ ‫والجارِ الجن ِب و‬ ٰ ّ َّ ۡ ُ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ � ‫الل َہ لَا یُح ُّب َم ۡن‬ َ‫ان ُم ۡخ َتالًا َف ُخوۡرا‬ ‫ملکت ایمانکم ؕ ِان‬ ِ

“And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and [show] kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by [your] side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud [and] the Continued on next page >>

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

Interpreting Hadith in light of the Holy Quran

ََ َ َ ٰ ُ ‫َﺣ َّﺪﺛ َ َﻨﺎ َﻋ ْﺒ َﺪ‬ ‫ أ ْﺧ� َ�ﻧَﺎ اﺑْ ُﻦ‬،�ِ ّ��‫ َﺣ ّﺪﺛ َﻨﺎ َﻋ ْﺒ ُﺪ ا‬،‫ان‬ ٰ ٰ َ َ َ َ ‫ ﻗﺎل أ ْﺧ� َ��ِ� َﻋ ْﺒ ُﺪ ا��ّ ِ� ﺑْ ُﻦ ُﻋ َﺒ ْﻴ ِﺪ ا��ّ ِ� ﺑْ ِﻦ‬،�ٍ ْ‫ُﺟ َﺮﻳ‬ َ َ َ َ َْ ُ َ َ َ ��ْ ‫ﺎل ﺗ ُ ُﻮﻓّ َﻴﺖ اﺑْ َﻨ ٌﺔ ﻟ ُِﻌ‬ ��‫ رﺿﻰ ا‬،‫�ن‬ ‫ ﻗ‬،‫أ�ِ� ﻣﻠﻴﻜﺔ‬ ِ ُ‫ َو َﺣ َ� َ� َﻫﺎ اﺑْﻦ‬،‫ ﺑ َﻤ َّﻜ َﺔ َوﺟ ْﺌ َﻨﺎ ﻟ ِ� َ ْﺸ َﻬ َﺪ َﻫﺎ‬،‫ﻋﻨﻪ‬ ِ ِ ٰ َّ َ ‫ُ َ َ َ ﺑْ ُﻦ‬ ٌ‫ َوإ�ّ� َ��َﺎﻟ ِﺲ‬،��‫ا��ّ� ﻋﻨ‬ ‫ﻋ�� وا‬ ‫رﺿﻰ‬ ، ‫ﺎس‬ ‫ﺒ‬ ‫ﻋ‬ ٍ ِ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ‫ﺖ إﻟَﻰ أ َ َﺣﺪ ِﻫ َﻤﺎ۔ ﺛ ُ َّﻢ َﺟﺎء‬ ‫ﺑﻴﻨﻬﻤﺎـ أو ﻗﺎل ﺟﻠﺴ‬ ِ ٰ ُ ْ َ َ َِ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ،��َ ‫ا��ّ ِ� ﺑْ ُﻦ َﻋ‬ ‫ ��ﻠﺲ ِإﻟﻰ ﺟﻨ ِ�� ﻓﻘﺎل ﻋﺒﺪ‬،‫ا��ﺧﺮ‬ ٰ َ َ َْ َ َ َ َُْ ْ َْ ‫ ﻟ ِﻌ� ِ�و ﺑ ِﻦ ﻋ��ن أ�� ﺗﻨﻬﻰ ﻋ ِﻦ‬،‫رﺿﻰ ا��ّ� ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ ْ ّٰ َ ‫ ﻓ ِﺈ ّن َر ُﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠﻢ‬،ِ‫اﻟ ُﺒ�ﺎء‬ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َْ َ .«‫ﻗﺎل « ِإ ّن اﻟ َﻤ ّﻴﺖ ﻟ ُﻴ َﻌﺬ ُب ﺑِ ُﺒ�ﺎ ِء أﻫ ِ� ِ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ‬ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ � ‫ ﻗَ ْﺪ‬،‫ا��ّ� ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ‬ ‫ﺎن‬ ‫ رﺿﻰ‬،‫ﺎس‬ ٍ ‫ﻓﻘﺎل اﺑﻦ ﻋ ٰﺒ‬ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ ُ ُ ّ ُ ‫ ﺛ َّﻢ َﺣﺪث‬،‫ ﻳَﻘﻮل ﺑ َ ْﻌﺾ ذﻟ ِﻚ‬،‫ رﺿﻰ ا�� ﻋﻨﻪ‬،�ُ �َ ‫ﻋ‬ َ َّ َ ْ ّٰ َ َ َ ُ َ ُ ‫ ِﻣﻦ ﻣﻜﺔ‬،‫ رﺿﻰ ا�� ﻋﻨﻪ‬،�َ �َ ‫ﻗﺎل َﺻﺪ ْرت َ�� ﻋ‬ ّ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ‫ ِإذا ﻫ َﻮ ﺑِ َﺮ� ٍﺐ � ْ�ﺖ ِﻇﻞ‬،ِ‫َﺣ ّﺘﻰ ِإذا � ّﻨﺎ ﺑِﺎﻟ َﺒ ْﻴﺪاء‬ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫ا�� ُﺐ ﻗﺎل‬ ‫ ﻓﺎﻧﻈﺮ ﻣﻦ ﻫﺆ�� ِء‬،‫ﺳ�� ٍة ﻓﻘﺎل اذﻫﺐ‬ ُ ُ ْ َ ََ ُ ُ َْ ََْ ٌ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ ََ .�ِ� ‫ ﻓﺄﺧ��ﺗﻪ ﻓﻘﺎل ادﻋﻪ‬،‫ﻓﻨﻈﺮت ﻓ ِﺈذا ﺻﻬﻴﺐ‬ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َُ َ َ ُ َ ‫ﺎ��َ ْﻖ أ ِﻣ‬ �� ‫ﻓ َﺮ َﺟ ْﻌﺖ ِإﻟﻰ ُﺻ َﻬ ْﻴ ٍﺐ ﻓﻘﻠﺖ ار� ِ�ﻞ ﻓ‬ ُ ََ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ ْ ��ِ ‫ﻴﺐ ﻋ َ� ُ� َدﺧﻞ ُﺻ َﻬ ْﻴ ٌﺐ ﻳ َ ْﺒ‬ ‫ ﻓﻠ ّﻤﺎ أ ِﺻ‬.�� ‫اﻟ ُﻤﺆ ِ� ِﻨ‬ ّٰ ُ َ ََ ُ َ ُ ََ ُ ُ ��‫ رﺿﻰ ا‬،�ُ �َ ‫ ﻓﻘﺎل ﻋ‬.‫ﺎﺣ َﺒﺎه‬ ِ ‫ َواﺻ‬،‫ﻳَﻘﻮل َواأﺧﺎه‬ َ َ َْ َ ََ ّٰ ُ �ِ ��‫ ﻳَﺎ ُﺻ َﻬ ْﻴ ُﺐ أﺗ ْﺒ ِ�� َ�ﻠ َّﻰ َوﻗﺪ ﻗﺎل َر ُﺳﻮل ا‬،‫ﻋﻨﻪ‬ ٰ َّ َ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ُ َ ّ َ ْ َّ ‫ا��ّ ُ� َ�ﻠ َ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠَّﻢ‬ ‫ﺾ‬ ‫ﺻﻠﻰ‬ ِ َ َ ِ ٰ ‫«إن اﻟﻤ ِﻴﺖ ﻳﻌﺬب ﺑِﺒﻌ‬ َ َ َْ َُ ّ َّ َ ‫ﺑْ ُﻦ‬ ْ ��‫ رﺿﻰ ا‬،‫ﺎس‬ ٍ ٰ ‫ ﻗﺎل ا ﻋﺒ‬.«‫ﺑ�ﺎ ِء أﻫ ِ� ِ� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ‬ ّ ُ َْ َ ََ َ ُ َ ‫ ذ�ﺮت‬،‫ رﺿﻰ ا�� ﻋﻨﻪ‬،�ُ �َ ‫ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ ﻓﻠ ّﻤﺎ َﻣﺎت ﻋ‬ َ َ َّ ّٰ َ َ ْ َ ََ �ُ ��‫ ﻓﻘﺎﻟﺖ َر ِﺣ َﻢ ا‬،‫ رﺿﻰ ا�� ﻋﻨﻬﺎ‬،‫ذﻟ ِﻚ ﻟ َِﻌﺎ�ِﺸﺔ‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َّ ّٰ ُ ّٰ ُ ‫ َوا�� ِ� َﻣﺎ َﺣﺪث َر ُﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ‬،�َ �َ ‫ﻋ‬ َْ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ّ َ ُ َ َ ّٰ َّ َّ َ َ .‫وﺳﻠﻢ ِإن ا�� ﻟﻴﻌﺬب اﻟﻤﺆ ِﻣﻦ ﺑِﺒ�ﺎ ِء أﻫ ِ� ِ� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َّ َ ّٰ َ ََ ‫� ّﻦ َر ُﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠﻢ ﻗﺎل‬ ِ �‫و‬ َْ َ ْ َ َ ُ ً َ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ّٰ َّ .«‫“ ِإن ا�� ﻟ� ِ�ﻳﺪ ا��ﺎ ِﻓﺮ ﻋﺬاﺑﺎ ﺑِﺒ�ﺎ ِء أﻫ ِ� ِ� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ‬ ۡ ٌ َ ُ َ ََ ُ ُْْ ُ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ز َرة ِّوز َر‬ ِ ‫وﻗﺎﻟﺖ ﺣﺴﺒﻜﻢ اﻟﻘﺮآن }و�� ﺗ ِﺰر وا‬ َ َ ّٰ ُۡ ََ ،‫ رﺿﻰ ا�� ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ‬،‫ﺎس‬ ‫ ﻗﺎل اﺑْ ُﻦ ﻋ ّﺒ‬.{‫اﺧ ٰﺮى‬ ٍ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ �ِ�‫ِﻋ ْﻨﺪ ذﻟ ِﻚ َوا�� ُ� ﻫ َﻮ أ��َﻚ َوأﺑْﻜﻰ۔ ﻗﺎل اﺑْ ُﻦ أ‬ َ َ ّٰ ّٰ َ َ َ ُ ،‫ رﺿﻰ ا�� ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ‬،�َ �َ ‫ُﻣﻠ ْﻴﻜﺔ َوا�� ِ� َﻣﺎ ﻗﺎل اﺑْ ُﻦ ﻋ‬ ً َ .‫ﺷ ْﻴﺌﺎ‬

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Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Abdullah bin Ubaidullah bin Abi Mulaika narrated, “One of the daughters of Uthmanra died at Mecca. We went to attend her funeral procession. Ibn Umarra and Ibn Abbasra were also present. I sat in between them (or said, I sat beside one of them. Then a man came and sat beside me.) Abdullah bin Umarra said to Amr bin Uthman, ‘Will you not prohibit crying as Allah’s Messengersa has said, ‘The deceased person is tortured by the crying of his relatives’?’ Ibn Abbasra said, ‘Umarra used to say so.’ Then he added narrating, ‘I accompanied Umarra on a journey from Mecca till we reached AlBaida. There he saw some travellers in the shade of a Samura (tree). He said (to me), ‘Go and see who those travellers are.’ So I went and saw that one of them was Suhaib. I told this to Umarra who then asked me to call him. So, I returned to Suhaib and said to him, ‘Depart and follow Amirul Momininra.’’ Later, when Umarra was stabbed, Suhaib came in

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weeping and saying, ‘O my brother, O my friend!’ (On this Umarra said to him, ‘O Suhaib! Are you weeping for me while Allah’s Messengerra said, ‘The deceased person is punished by some of the weeping of his relatives’?’ Ibn Abbasra added, ‘When Umar passed away, I told all this to Aishara and she said, ‘May Allah be merciful to Umarra. By Allah, Allah’s Messengersa did not say that a believer is punished by the weeping of his relatives. But he said, Allah increases the punishment of a non-believer because of the weeping of his relatives.’ Aishara further added, ‘The Quran is sufficient for you (to clear up this point) as Allah has stated: ‘And no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another.’’ [Surah az-Zumar, Ch.39: V.8].’ Ibn Abbasra then said, ‘Only Allah makes one laugh or cry.’ Ibn Umarra did not say anything after that.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-jana‘iz, Hadith 1286-1288)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Taqwa and distinction between castes “Worldly definitions cannot afford a person honour and greatness. In the sight of God Almighty, great is the one who is righteous.

ّٰ َ ُ ٰ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ‫ِا ّن اک َر َمک ۡم ِعن َد الل ِہ ا�قک ۡم ؕ ِا ّن الل َہ َع ِل ۡی ٌم خ ِبی ٌر‬

“[‘Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.’ (Surah alHujurat, Ch. 49: V. 14)] “The various castes are no cause of

honour. God Almighty has only made these castes a means of recognition. These days, even after four generations, it becomes difficult to confirm a person’s lineage. It does not behove a righteous person to fall into disputes over caste. Allah the Exalted has decreed that castes are no means of preference in His estimation. True honour and greatness comes from righteousness alone.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 35-36)

boastful.” (Surah an-Nisa, Ch.4: V.37) Huzooraa said that it is Allah’s grace that He enabled us to pass through another Ramadan. There would be plenty of people whom Allah granted the opportunity to worship Him and who saw the graces of Allah. “Therefore, it is a great mercy of Allah that he enabled lots of us to fulfil the rights of Allah and His creation in a better manner in these 30 days.” While celebrating Eid, we should vow to continue the goodness of Ramadan for the rest of the year as well. We should try to establish our standards of worship as Allah wants us to and as the Promised Messiahas described – something Huzooraa referred to in his Friday Sermon yesterday (21 April). While fulfilling Allah’s rights, we should also fulfil the rights of humanity, as Allah has instructed us. A society that fulfils the rights of Allah’s creation along with His rights is a society that is heavenly and that brings true happiness. Thus, everyone should try to establish this so that Eid’s true happiness reaches us throughout the year. Huzooraa said he would focus his Eid sermon on fulfilling the rights of Allah’s creation. However, one thing Huzooraa needed to mention was that the Holy Prophetsa said that the one who worships on the nights of both the Eids for the sake of Allah will have his heart live on forever and his heart will not die until all others’ hearts die. Huzooraa said the happiness of Eid and its celebration should not make us forget the rights we owe to Allah – we must keep our Hereafter in mind. This worldly life is not our ultimate purpose. When we act upon this, we will be granted the life that is the true life and from which we will gain Allah’s pleasure. Huzooraa said: “May Allah enable us to fulfil the rights of worship and enable us to keep our hearts illumined, tonight and in all other nights to come.” Concerning the rights we owe to Allah’s creation, the Quran says that if one does not fulfil these rights, they are arrogant. Surah an-Nisa, verse 37 of the Quran, mentions those people of whom we are to fulfil our rights from among Allah’s creation. Allah says that after abstaining from shirk and fulfilling the rights of Allah’s worship, the most important right we must fulfil is that towards our parents. We should not think that our service to our parents is some kind of repayment to them. No matter what, we must not even express our annoyance towards our parents. We are in debt to our parents. We must treat them with kindness and obey them, however, with regard to religion, if they differ, then we can part ways in terms of religion. Allah tells us to pray the following supplication for our parents:

َ َ َ ۡ ‫ّر ِّب ۡار َح ۡم ُہ َما ک َما َر ّب ٰی ِن ۡی َﺻ ِﻐی ًرا‬

Photo courtesy Suhaib Ahmad

“‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me in my childhood.’” (Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.25) When one keeps this prayer in mind, one will be able to recall all the services our parents gave us. Huzooraa said some men may stop their wives from serving their parents and some

women may believe that after marriage their responsibilities towards their parents have diminished. However, it is incumbent upon women to serve their parents even after marriage. Where they help their in-laws, they should also continue helping their parents and serving them. Huzooraa said we should help and serve all our familial relations. Huzooraa said: “I would like to make it clear to those husbands who stop their wives from serving their parents – lots of complaints come in this regard – and those wives who stop their husbands serving their parents, that both should rectify their ways.” Allah instructs us in the Quran to be kind and considerate towards our family relations. The Holy Prophetsa said that the one who desires worldly wealth and sustenance, or wants to have a long life, or desires others to remember him in a positive manner, should take care of family relations. Thus, this secret to worldly blessings is given to us by the Holy Prophetsa. The Prophetsa said that even if our family does not respond in a good manner to our good dealing with them, we will still have the upper hand if we continue our good manners and morals towards them despite their reaction. The Holy Prophetsa said we should take great care of orphans and include them within our society. The Prophetsa said the one who takes care of an orphan “will be as close to me as these two fingers” and the prophet displayed his fingers together. By Allah’s grace, we have a special fund for orphans called the Yatama Fund. Huzooraa said people give to orphans during Ramadan, but we should also spend for orphans on Eid as well. Huzooraa said there were some who gave to this orphan fund very consistently, but the needs are much higher. Despite this, the Jamaat does fulfil these needs. The Prophetsa said, “If you desire for your heart to be softened, then give food to the needy and put your hand upon the heads of the orphans.” Huzooraa said that for our spiritual progress, we must take care of the orphans and the needy – this certainly did require hard work and spending, even out of the little we have. Huzooraa said by reducing our spending and using that money to spend on the needy and the orphans, we will certainly gain Allah’s grace. Those who are financially able and aﬄuent should give more. Allah says true believers are those who spend on the needy and the orphans by sacrificing their own wealth and with a great desire to serve them. Huzooraa said there were many other funds in the Jamaat to help those in need, for example, the fund for helping the poor get married (i.e., Maryam Shadi Fund). Huzooraa said all Jamaat members should contribute to this fund and wealthy Ahmadis should contribute more. The Promised Messiahas said that Ahmadis should show compassion to everyone, no matter their religion. This service to humanity should be without any blemish of arrogance. It should be solely for Allah’s pleasure and for His sake. The Quran says true believers ask for no reward from the poor (after giving to them) and neither

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 do they ask for their names to be promoted. Allah states, we should be kind to our neighbours, whether we know them or not. Huzooraa said: “Thus, on the day of Eid, giving gifts to neighbours – or even meeting them in a cordial manner – creates such a society that is full of peace. And in a non-Muslim society, if we have such good relationships with our neighbours, then the propagation of Islam will be carried out as well” and people will see the true picture of Islam. This deed will be a goodness that affects the wider society and is of great merit. Huzooraa said that “the extent of the teachings of serving humanity that are found in Islam cannot be found in any other religion” and when people find this out, they start seeing Islam in a better light. Huzooraa said we must create a beautiful society amongst ourselves too – in business, in family and in all other aspects of our lives. For Allah’s sake, we must continue our family relationships and be good neighbours to all. Allah says we must also take care of those who work under us. No injustice or display of arrogance should be shown towards them. Huzooraa said: “True worshippers are those who fulfil the rights of humanity along with the rights of Allah. They should not only fight for their own rights but have a passion to fight for the rights of others too.” If we understand this teaching of Allah the Almighty, then we will give true happiness to our existence. Our Eids will not be fleeting – rather, every day will be an Eid for us. If we do not fulfil the rights of humanity, then we should keep in mind that Allah calls such people arrogant and boastful and Allah despises such people. Huzooraa prayed that may Allah always enable us to always rectify ourselves, may we always fulfil the rights of each other according to the teaching of Allah, may we overlook all our internal disputes and move towards peace, and while doing justice to

the Bai‘at we have given to the Promised Messiahas, may we make every second of our life according to the true Eid. May Allah make this Eid a great blessing for everyone. Huzooraa led a silent prayer at the end. Huzooraa said to pray for all of humanity, especially those hungry and thirsty people who are suffering in Sudan these days. Despite them being Muslims, they are not only bereft of the happiness of Eid but are also seeing cruelty by other Muslims towards them. Huzooraa said that may Allah give guidance to their leaders and protect such people. We do not have the physical strength to help these people, but we can help them with our prayers. Huzooraa said to pray for all those Ahmadis who were suffering great atrocities because of their faith. To pray for those imprisoned in the way of Allah, for the families of the martyred, for those who are ill and in need, to pray for all kinds of immorality and shirk to be removed from the world, to pray for the whole of the Muslims Ummah to get rid of the internal

“

conflicts that are weakening them and for them to accept the Imam of the Age. Huzooraa said, “The salvation and solution to the internal conflicts of the Muslim Ummah lies in accepting the Imam of the Age. When the Muslim world unites

that will be our true Eid – the true Eid for the Muslim world. May Allah enable us to see this sight.” Huzooraa ended with reading out a prayer of the Promised Messiahas. (Ataul Fatir Tahir, Al Hakam)

True worshippers are those who fulfil the rights of humanity along with the

rights of Allah. They should not only fight for their own rights but have a passion to fight for the rights of others too.”

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

28 April 28 April 1888: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a reply to the letter of Maulvi Imamuddin Sahib of Montgomery (present-day Sahiwal) rebutting his view concerning heavenly books. This Maulvi Sahib was of the notion that heavenly books still needed to be practised, even after the revelation of the Holy Quran. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, pp. 410412) 28 April 1970: On this day, during his visit to Ivory Coast, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed the Jamaat members who were present. The address was translated simultaneously into French and Abidjan’s local language. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 26, p. 54)

‫وکر ہی�� ك �� ہی‬ ‫� ےہ۔ �� ۔‬ “Korea is in dangerous situation. Eastern Power.” (Tadhkirah [English], 2019, p. 667) The editor of Al Hakam (Urdu) wrote that when the war started between Japan and Russia, and Japan had not yet achieved any significant victory, the Promised Messiahas received the above-mentioned revelation. (Ibid.) The compiler of Tadhkirah, Maulana Abdul Latif Sahib Bahawalpuri wrote: “Before the war between Russia and Japan, Korea was under the control of the Russia. This war was concluded with a peace treaty on May 27-28, 1905. The first clause in the treaty was that Japan will have complete sovereignty over Korea. Thus with the victory of the Eastern power (Japan) and the defeat of Korea, this prophecy of the Promised Messiahas was clearly fulfilled.” (Ibid., p. 698)

28 April 2005: This was the first day of the 40th Jalsa Salana of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Kenya. This Jalsa was historic as it was the first Jalsa Salana of Kenya which was graced by the presence of any Khalifatul Masih. The vice president of the country also addressed the inaugural session of the Jalsa. The attendance was five times more than the previous year. In addition to other engagements, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa attended a reception in the evening to which the country’s political, diplomatic and higher judicial and administrative officials were invited. (Al Fazl International, 13 May 2005, pp. 8-9)

29 April 2006: On this day, during his visit to Fiji, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited the Ahmadiyya School in Narare Town. He also visited the Ahmadiyya College in the same city. In addition to returning to Sova to inspect the langar khana, Huzooraa addressed the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Fiji and also held a children’s class in the evening. (Al Fazl International, 9 June 2006, pp. 11-13)

28 April 2006: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon from Sova, Fiji. This sermon was broadcast live. Huzooraa said that all praise was due to Allah that He enabled him to deliver the sermon directly from this region of the world, which is also known as the corner of the world. Hence, the message of the Promised Messiahas was being conveyed from one end of the world to the other via the means of MTA. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 4, pp. 209-220)

30 April 1902: On this day, The Promised Messiahas replied to Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira that chanda of 30 rupees and 7 annas from him had been received. Huzooras plainly articulated that during the ongoing pandemic of the plague, deaths of some members of the Jamaat may occur, but these men would be considered shaheed [martyrs] and these deaths would not surge as total devastation and would not shroud the Jamaat in sheer despair. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol. 3, p. 238)

29-30 April

1 May

29 April 1904: On this day, the Promised Messiahas received the following revelation:

1 May 1893: On this day, the Promised Messiahas issued a detailed notiﬁcation about Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Hazrat

29 April 1984: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrt migrated from Pakistan to London. (“Turning point in history - Part II”, Al Hakam, 13 April 2018, Issue 4, p. 5)

Ahmadas was informed that some buyers were still waiting for the next parts of the book as promised earlier. Earlier, in September 1886, Huzooras had announced that as the original plan of the book was altered, he did not think it was necessary to produce the 300 parts he had intended and still later, when he found that he could not complete the book at all on the previous lines – as God had commissioned him as a Reformer – he

announced that he was prepared to return the money received for the book if its published portion was duly returned to him. Many people took advantage of the offer and got their money back. This announcement was repeated several times; in 1895 and on 15 December 1900, etc. Huzooras had never intended to make money out of this holy undertaking and it is a fact that he did not gain any monetary proﬁt from it. (Majmuah-e-Ishtiharat

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023

28 April - 4 May

Jalsa Yaum-e-Masih-e-Maud held in Brampton,

m Jamaat [2019], Vol. 1, pp. 423-430)

1 May 1947: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a speech, titled “Hindustani uljhanon ka aasaan tareen hal” – A simple solution to the problems of India. During this speech, Huzoorra advocated that the people of India deserved the right to determine their future themselves, instead of the foreigners deciding it unilaterally, and said that since freedom is the birthright of everyone, Indians also hold the same right. (“Freedom is the birthright of everyone: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra guidance regarding India’s independence and partition”, Al Hakam, 3 June 2022, Issue 220, pp. 18-19)

2 May 2 May 1887: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. In it, Hazrat Ahmadas expressed great relief after reading that Hazrat Maulvi Sahibra had pledged a handsome amount for setting up a printing press in Qadian. Huzooras prayed fervently for his magnanimous endowments and shared that he had seen a dream about the matter of the printing facility some days earlier and his recent letter was the best interpretation of it. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, pp. 32-33) 2 May 1930: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote a detailed letter to the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin and provided him with some suggestions to move forward with the prevailing law and order situation in the country. A detailed reply to this letter was given by the private secretary of the Viceroy. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 5, p. 194) 2 May 2006: On this day, during his tour in Fiji, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited the International Date Line in Fiji, had individual and family mulaqats and attended a reception to which dignitaries were invited. Huzooraa inspected the mission house and mosque on the island and returned to Nadi, a city on Fiji’s main island, by air later that evening. (Al Fazl International, 16 June 2006, pp. 10-11)

Canada

3-4 May 3 May 1905: On this day, the Promised Messiahas was shown in writing in a dream:

�� ‫ٓاہ �در �ہ �ں ہی‬ “Alas; where has Nader Shah disappeared.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 748) About this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra wrote: “This prophecy was fulﬁlled as follows: “In 1929, by the decree of Allah the Almighty, Amir Amanullah Khan, King of Afghanistan, was deposed by Habibullah Khan, commonly known as Bachcha Saqqa. The Afghans called Nadir Khan, who was then in France, for assistance. Nadir Khan came, and Bachcha Saqqa was arrested and killed by him. Nadir Khan ascended the throne of Afghanistan. He dropped his traditional and national title of Khan and was now called ‘Nadir Shah.’ Later, on November 8, 1933, a man named Abdul Khaliq killed Nadir Shah amongst a large crowd in broad daylight. The untimely and sudden death of Nadir Shah prompted many Afghans and others in the world to say: ‘Alas, where has Nadir Shah disappeared.’” (Ibid.)

3 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was in Damascus. On this day, he announced the nikah of two Syrian Ahmadis. It is also reported that on the same day, Huzoorra graciously blessed a question-and-answer session. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 16, p. 506) 4 May 1898: On this day, the Promised Messiahas prepared and dispatched a memorial addressing Nawab Lieutenant Governor about a foul book written by a Christian doctor, Ahmad Shah, titled, Ummahat-ul-Momineen. Huzooras commented on the real culprit behind this disturbing project. Huzooras also led the Muslim population of the subcontinent from the front during this painful battle in defence of the holy personalities of Islam. Huzooras took the logical and most successful line, unlike the Anjuman Himayat-e-Islam Lahore and the likes of them, and proposed that rebuttals in the most beﬁtting manner should be prepared and published to any such literature. (Majmuah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 2, pp. 427-432)

Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada’s Brampton West Imarat held a Jalsa Yaum-e-Masih-eMaud on 18 March 2023, with Naib Amir Canada, Farhan Khokhar Sahib, presiding. In his opening remarks, the local amir, Abdul Jabbar Zafar Sahib, provided a brief introduction to the jalsa, highlighting its purpose and importance. Umair Khan Sahib spoke on the “Renaissance of Islam through the Promised Messiahas”. He emphasised the signs and proofs of the advent of the Promised Messiah in light of the Holy Quran, Hadith, and excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiahas. A short video presentation titled “Qadian Darul Amaan” was shown after the speech. Secretary Talim of Brampton West Imarat, Mansoor Nasir Sahib, delivered a speech on “Signs of Truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas”. This was followed by a quiz competition, in which 135 members participated. Naib Amir Canada delivered the closing remarks. The Jalsa concluded with silent prayer and

was attended by approximately 800 people. A jalsa was also held in Brampton East Imarat on 26 March 2023 at the Mubarak Mosque, and was presided over by missionary-in-charge Canada Abdul Rasheed Anwar Sahib. The jalsa started with the recitation from the Holy Quran with its English and Urdu translations, and an Urdu poem with its English translation. The first presentation was delivered by two young Ahmadis, Arif Khizer Sahib and Shahzad Khan Dooboray Sahib, on “How Ahmadiyyat has changed our lives.” The second speech was presented by Asif Arif Sahib, a missionary, on “The Promised Messiah’sas Advent and World Peace”. The concluding address was delivered by the missionary-in-charge Canada on “Examples from the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas”. He presented various faith-inspiring incidents from the life of the Promised Messiahas. The jalsa ended with silent prayer and was attended by over 700 members inperson and 50 members online.

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

Answers to Everyday Issues

God, afterlife, medication during Ramadan, mosque caps, sunnah Part 53 prayer during a sermon 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.

Nature of God, life after death, soul, hell and heaven Someone from India sent the following questions to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa: 1. Who is Allah and what is His nature? 2. If the universe started with the Big Bang and has been expanding on its own ever since, does that mean that the entire universe is God? 3. It is said that after we die, we go to Allah. How does this happen? What is the reality of the soul, and can it travel between different parts of the universe where heaven and hell exist? In other words, can the soul move from one place to another? Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 10 March 2022, provided the following response to these queries: 1. Nature of God “According to Islamic teachings, in which we have complete faith, the entity that is guiding and sustaining the entire universe is the divine Being of Allah the Exalted. Therefore, 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, but has a creator behind it. 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:

َّ ُ َّ ُ ّٰ َ ٌ َ َ ُ ّٰ َ ُ ۡ ُ ‫الص َم ُد۔ ل َ ۡم یَ ِل ۡد َو ل َ ۡم یُوۡل َ ۡد۔ َو ل َ ۡم یَک ۡن ل ٗہ‬ ‫قل ہو اللہ احد۔ اللہ‬ َ ُُ ‫کف ًوا ا َح ٌد۔‬

“‘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) “The Promised Messiahas states about the Being of Allah the Exalted: “‘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. 417) “‘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.’ (Lecture Lahore, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 154-155) “‘It is not within the power of Man to comprehend all the activities of the Divine, as they are above [human] reason, intellect and imagination. A man should not be proud of his pittance of knowledge that he has to some degree comprehended the system of cause and effect, inasmuch as that knowledge of his is very limited, as if it were a millionth part of one drop out of the ocean. The truth is that as God Almighty Himself is unbounded His activities are unbounded also. It is beyond and above human power to reach the reality of every activity of God. [...] “‘We do not believe in a god whose powers are limited by our reason and speculation and there is nothing beyond. We believe in the God Whose powers, like His Being, are unlimited, unconfined, and unending.’ (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 280-282) “‘As I mentioned earlier, philosophers merely state, upon observing the heavens, the earth, and the most well-ordered, and perfectly sustained arrangements of other creations, that there must be a Creator, but I elevate this [argument] to a higher level and say, based on my personal experiences, that there is a God.’ (Malfuzat [2016], Vol. 2, p. 352)” 2. Life after death “Your second question is about human death. So, the reality of death is that when Allah the Exalted breathes a soul into the human body at the time of birth, that soul leaves the mortal body at the time of death. And the body remains in this world, whether the person dies by drowning in water, is buried or cremated, or is exposed to predators and scavengers. And the human soul moves to the other world, which is called the world of barzakh, where it is given a new body of light or darkness according to the person’s deeds in this world. The Promised Messiahas, while explaining the relationship between soul and body, states: “‘Barzakh is a state in which the mortal

condition of man is dissolved and the soul and the body are separated. The body is buried in a pit and the soul also falls into a sort of pit. [...] “‘On death, the soul departs from this mortal body, but in the intermediate state, every soul is invested with a body in order to enable it to react to the conditions of that state. That body is not like this physical body, but is prepared from light or from darkness, according to the quality of the person’s actions in this life, as if a man’s actions serve as a body for the soul in that state. In the Word of God, it is repeatedly mentioned that some bodies will be bright and some will be dark. They will be prepared from the light or from the darkness of human actions. This is a fine mystery but is not opposed to reason. [...] Those who have some experience of the state of vision will not regard such a body as is prepared from human actions as a matter of surprise and improbability, but will duly appreciate this phenomenon. “‘In short, this body which is acquired

according to the condition of one’s actions, becomes a source of the recompense of good and evil in the intermediate state.’” (Islami Usul Ki Filasfi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, pp. 403-405) “The Promised Messiahas refers in this passage to a type of pit in which the soul is said to fall, which is actually a reference to the following verse of Surah ‘Abasa:

ََۡ َ َ َُ ‫ﺛ ّم ا َمات ٗہ فاق� َ َر ٗه‬

“‘Then He causes him to die and assigns a grave to him.’ (Surah ‘Abasa, Ch.80: V.22) “It is evident that not every human being in this world is blessed with a grave adorned with a mound of dirt, as millions of dead are cremated and not buried. Hundreds of thousands of people perish in drowning or are consumed by wild beasts. Therefore, how can it be asserted that every human being is placed by God in a grave? Here, the term ‘grave’ refers to the spiritual abode where a person’s soul is kept after death and before undergoing the perfect and final reckoning.”

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 3. Soul, hell and heaven “When it comes to the question of whether a soul can move from one place to another in heaven and hell, the first thing to remember is that the soul is subject to the command of Allah Almighty and cannot act of its own free will. Therefore, when the Jews asked the Holy Prophetsa about the soul, Allah the Exalted instructed the Holy Prophetsa as follows:

َ ّ ‫ُقل‬ ‫الرُ ۡو ُح ِم ۡن ا ۡمرِ َر ِّب ۡی‬ ِ

“‘Say, ‘The soul is by the command of my Lord.’’ (Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.86) “Secondly, in the Holy Quran, two words are mentioned for the records of conduct or of doings of believers and disbelievers in the hereafter: ‘sijjin’ and ‘illiyyin. Explaining the meanings of these words, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “The term ‘sijjin’, used for disbelievers, is singular, while the term ‘‘illiyyin’, used for believers, is plural. This difference indicates that Allah the Exalted does not increase the punishment of the disbeliever, but continuously increases the reward of the believer. As a result, the disbeliever remains in the same prison while the believer changes his abode. Each abode is followed by one superior to it, and so on. Likewise, Allah makes the believer journey through many worlds. Hence, the houses of the believer will be many, while that of the disbeliever will be one. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, pp. 311-312) “Moreover, the Holy Quran mentions the dwellers of Paradise and the inmates of Hell, and it states that there is a barrier between them, indicating that they will not be able to meet each other. (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.47) “When it comes to the matter of intermingling among people of different levels in Paradise, the Quran and Hadith mention the various places and levels within Paradise, but no hindrance to interaction and mingling among the dwellers of these different levels is mentioned. In fact, Allah Almighty affirms in the Holy Quran that, those who believe and whose children follow them in faith — with them shall We join their children in the highest levels of Paradise. We will also not diminish anything from the good deeds of their fathers and forefathers. (Surah at-Tur, Ch.52: V.22) “Based on these Quranic ideas, it is evident that righteous souls, with the permission of Allah the Exalted, will have the ability to move from one place to another and meet one another. However, the evil souls who are serving their punishment in Hell will remain confined in their prison until their sentence is completed. Once their sentence is over, they too will be granted mercy by Allah the Exalted and will be able to enter Paradise.”

Medication during Ramadan A doctor from the UK asked Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa about the use of treatment methods such as hormone patches, contraceptive implants, hormone depot injections, pain relief gels, deep freeze, and deep heat during fasting. Huzoor-eAnwaraa, in his letter dated 21 March 2022, provided the following instructions in this regard. “During the use of any medical treatment, while fasting, it is very important

to keep in mind some fundamental principles. The first and foremost thing is that Allah the Almighty has commanded the sick and travellers that they should not observe fast in the state of illness or travel, and should complete the missed fasts after the recovery from illness or completion of the journey. And if a person is suffering from a chronic illness and has no hope of getting better, then in such a situation, if he is able to afford it, he should offer fidyah. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185) “However, if someone is experiencing a health condition that medical experts have confirmed will not be harmful if they fast, then they are allowed to fast even in that state. “If such a medical condition requires the use of medication, the medicine should only be taken before starting the fast or after breaking it. During the fast, no medication should be taken that enters the body. However, if the medicine is only applied to the skin and does not enter the body, such as an ointment, cream, gel, or spray, then it is permissible to use it during the fast. “A medication that is administered through surgery or injection and slowly releases into the body, cannot be injected during fasting as is also the case with

regular medicines or food and drink items. It can only be administered into the body before starting the fast or after breaking it. It is not permissible to inject such medication during fasting.”

Plastic caps, provided at the mosque A mu‘allim wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, asking whether it is an innovation and an undesirable practice to wear plastic caps and other similar headwear – provided at mosques – and to pray while wearing them. Moreover, the mu‘allim asked whether it is appropriate to perform the sunnah prayer at Fajr while the dars of the Holy Quran is being delivered, since Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran that one should listen to the Holy Quran with attention and observe silence when it is recited. Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 28 March 2022, provided the following answer to his questions. “As far as possible, one should wear appropriate and clean clothes when going to the mosque, as Allah has commanded us to look to our adornment at every mosque. (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.32) In this directive, in addition to spiritual purity of the heart, outward cleanliness of clothes and body is also included. Therefore, as far as possible, appropriate attire should be worn when visiting mosques, and this includes covering the head. Throughout the history of Islam, it has been a common practice of the elders of the Ummah to cover their heads with an ‘imamah, turban, or cap. It is also narrated

in the hadiths from various companions that the Holy Prophetsa used to wear an ‘imamah. “Hence, Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansarira reported that Allah’s Messengersa entered Mecca [and Qutaiba (another narrator) stated that he entered Mecca] on the Day of the Victory, wearing a black turban. Likewise, Amr bin Huraith reported [on the authority of his father] that Allah’s Messengersa addressed the people while wearing a black turban on his head. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-hajj, Bab jawazi dukhuli makkata bi-ghayri ihram) “Thus, keeping some clean plastic or cloth caps in the mosque would not seem to pose any issue if worshippers wish to use them, but rather it could be considered a good practice, as it would be equivalent to promoting [the wearing of caps]. Some people prefer not to pray bare-headed, and if they are provided with such a cap in the mosque, they would happily wear it and pray. However, it is important to note that no one should be compelled to pray while wearing those particular caps. “If someone wants to wear these particular caps, provided in the mosque, willingly and happily, then they should not be stopped, and if someone does not want to wear them, then they should not be forced [to wear those particular caps].”

Offering sunnah prayer during a dars or a sermon “As far as your second question is concerned, there is no prohibition against performing sunnah prayer during dars. Ahadith mention that mosques are for the remembrance of Allah the Exalted, prayer, and recitation of the Holy Quran. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-taharah, Bab wujubi ghusli l-bawli wa ghayrihi min an-najasati idha hasalat fi l-masjid) “Thus, all of these activities can be performed simultaneously in mosques, with some people offering nawafil, others reciting the Holy Quran, and still others engaging in zikr. However, in such cases, it

is important to heed the advice of the Holy Prophetsa to be considerate of each other and avoid reciting louder than others in the mosque. (Muwatta Imam Malik, Kitab annida’ li s-salah, Bab al-‘amail fi l-qira’ah) “In addition to that, it is also narrated in ahadith that after completing the salaam of salat, the Holy Prophetsa would usually turn his blessed face towards the Companions. At this moment, sometimes he would also preach to them i.e., advise them. After the Fajr prayer, he would also instruct the people to share any dreams they may have had during the previous night. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-adhan, Bab yastaqbilu l-imamu n-nisa’a idha sallama & Kitab aljana’iz, Bab ma qila fi awladi l-mushrikin; Sunan ibn Majah, al-Muqaddimah, Bab ittiba‘i s-sunnati l-khulafa’i r-rashidina l-mahdiyyin) “Another hadith mentions that the Holy Prophetsa instructed that whoever comes to the mosque on Friday while the imam is delivering the sermon, should pray two brief rak‘ahs first, then sit and listen to the sermon. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-jumu‘ah, Bab at-tahiyyati wa l-imamu yakhtubu) “All of these ahadith indicate that there is no harm in performing the sunnah prayer while the imam is delivering a khutbah. This is because if it were not so, the Holy Prophetsa would not have commanded the person who came late for Jumua to pray two rak‘ahs before listening to the khutbah. Similarly, if a person performs the sunnah prayer during a dars, this is also not objectionable because it is necessary to perform the sunnah prayer immediately after the congregational salat, but it is not compulsory to listen to the dars. Especially, after the Fajr prayer, when there is little time and there is concern about the sunrise, one should perform the sunnah prayer immediately. “As far as the administrative aspect of this matter is concerned, in my opinion, if the dars is being delivered after a salat which also includes sunnah after the prayer, such as Zuhr, Maghrib, or Isha, then the dars should be delivered after the performance of the sunnah prayer. However, if there is no sunnah prayer in that salat, then the dars can be started immediately after the salat. In that case, if a person performs the first two sunnah of Fajr after the fard prayer [on account of his being late], he can also perform them during the dars.” (Compiled by Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London. Translated by Al Hakam.)

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

Ideal couple, household work, addresses, and ‫ﺫﮐﺮ ﺣﺒﯿﺐ‬ kindness to women

A beloved remembered

Zikr-e-Habib

This series, Zikr-e-Habib, explores Prophet Ahmad’sas life and sayings, shedding light on his noble character and the impact of his teachings on his followers and the world at large.

M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam

Ideal couple Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra said: “Never in my life have I ever seen or heard that the Promised Messiahas expressed displeasure towards Ummul Momineenra [Hazrat Amma Jan]. Rather, I always saw them in a state that is the epitome of an ideal couple.” (Sirat Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahibara, p. 231)

Being gentle to wives Hazrat Umme Nasir Sahibara (Bari Apa) said: “Once, Hazrat Amma Janra was unwell and the Promised Messiahas was looking after her. While Huzooras was standing and administering medicine, Hazrat Amma Janra got anxious and said, “Oh, I am going to pass away, what would happen to you? I think my life is about to end.” The Promised Messiahas gently whispered to her, “If you pass away, what is there for me to live for?” (Sirat Hazrat Amma Janra, p. 117) In the context of consorting with wives in kindness, the Promised Messiahas said: “With the exception of indecency, you ought to bear with patience all the other improprieties and discourteous behaviour of your wives.” Then, the Promised Messiahas said: “I find it utterly shameful for a man to be in a state of conflict with a woman. God has made us men, and in reality, this is a completion of His favour upon us. The gratitude that we owe for this is to treat women with kindness and tenderness.” On a certain occasion, the harsh nature and foul tongue of a certain friend were mentioned to the Promised Messiahas and a complaint was made to him that the individual in question treats his wife in a harsh manner. His Holiness was deeply grieved and said: “Our friends must not be as such.” The Promised Messiahas continued to discuss how men should live lovingly with their wives. In the end, he stated: “As for me, I once raised my voice to my wife. At the time, I felt that this louderthan-normal voice of mine was mixed with sentiments of grief. Even though I had said no hurtful or harsh words, I later sought forgiveness from God continuously for a

very long time. I offered voluntary prayers with great humility and lowliness, and gave alms as well; for I felt that the sternness I had shown to my wife was due to some unconscious weakness in my obedience to God Almighty.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 178-79)

Performing household work Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahabra narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra MA that “The Promised Messiahas never hesitated to perform any kind of household work. He used to spread charpoys himself. He would fix the floor. He used to make the beds. If it started raining suddenly, he would not bother the kids sleeping on the charpoys. The Promised Messiahas would hold the charpoy from one side and, with the help of another person, take them inside the verandah. In the given circumstances, if someone would jolt or yell at the children to wake them up quickly, the Promised Messiahas used to forbid and advise them that ‘Shaking or shouting in this way scares a child. Please wake them up gently.’” (Siratul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, narration 559) Relating from her husband, Master Ahmad Hussain Faridabadi Sahib, Sakina Begum Sahiba narrated to Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra in writing that “The Promised Messiahas would advise men that they should help their wives in performing household chores as it is a good deed. Huzooras used to say, ‘The Holy Prophetsa would always help his wives with the housework.’ And at the same time, the Promised Messiahas would add that ‘I do not get enough time to [help my wife in its entirety] because of my writing work.’” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, narration 1577)

Journey for women Mentioning the guidance of the Promised Messiahas about shortening the prayers, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra says: “Regarding [the journey] to the town of Nangal, the Promised Messiahas once gave permission to shorten the prayer. This instruction indicates that when a person leaves Qadian with the intention of a journey, even if they have just gone to Nangal, qasr [shortening of prayer] will be permissible for them. This does not mean that only going to Nangal for some work and returning [on

The residence of the Prmosed Messiahas

the same day] make shortening prayers permissible for someone. On the other hand, it is also possible that travelling to Nangal was declared as a journey only for women […]. Only Allah knows the truth.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, pp. 551-52)

Addressing ladies The wife of Maulvi Fazluddin Sahib

(landlord) of Kharian, through Lajna Imaillah Qadian, narrated to Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra in writing that “I requested [the Promised Messiahas], ‘Hazrat! Men regularly get the opportunity to listen to your addresses. Please, give us some advice as well.’ The Promised Messiahas said, ‘Of course, I will give an address [to women].’ Then at night,

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 the Promised Messiahas called for all the sisters. Several women had recently given birth and were going through postpartum. When they heard [about the Promised Messiah’sas address], they came with eager anticipation, riding on palanquins. I do not remember the whole speech, but what I recall is that the Promised Messiahas said, “[…] They [women] should attend [gatherings] with the intention that they are there to become good Muslims. And regarding prayers, they should take special care that there are some days in which a woman cannot perform prayers nor can they fast.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, narration 1394) On 23 May 1908, some Hindu women came to the door of the Imam of the Age, the Promised Messiahas, and said that they had come to see his blessed countenance. The Promised Messiahas was informed. He very kindly and graciously granted them permission and they went into the house to see him. The Promised Messiahas was occupied with writing his book, Paigham-e-Sulh [A Message of Peace]. After a while, he said, “You have seen me. Now you may go.” However, they requested that they be addressed and said that this was the purpose of their visit. Due to their insistence and sincerity, the Promised Messiahas addressed them as follows (which he narrated on 24 May 1908 before Asr Prayer). The Promised Messiahas said: “The truth of the matter is that if a couple of things were not found in you, you would be a hundred times better than the Aryas, etc. The first among these is that you should worship God, who has created you and me, and is the True Provider, believing Him to be One without any partner. In this worship, no idol should be associated with Him – no other god or goddess, rock or mountain, snake or beast, mother Ganga or Jamna, tree or plant; and He should be worshipped as the One and Only God. What was the need to create these 330 million gods that you have made and why were they made? No one else in the entire world has these many gods.” Upon hearing this much of his address, these ladies asked him, in their quest for truth, if he could please expound upon this matter. The Promised Messiahas said: “Look, beggars are of two kinds – one a transient beggar and the other a stubborn beggar. The attitude of a transient beggar is that he makes a plea once and then moves on to the next door. It is good if he gets something, otherwise, he moves on to the next door. Sometimes people even have to run after them to give them charity. Their job is just to make their call and move on. “In contrast, the stubborn beggars plant themselves at one door and keep sitting there until their request is met. Such a beggar is surely granted his request in the end. This same is the condition of those who ask from God. Only those people get their request granted by God who stay exclusively at His door like the stubborn beggar. They are resolute and persist in begging relentlessly from Him alone. Those who are irresolute and impatient, who despair or become disgruntled, always remain deprived. “Besides sincerity and steadfastness, perfect faith and trust in the Being of God is also essential. It is against sincerity and fidelity to despair of God quickly and to

take one’s petitions to others. To go from door to door to beg one idol and then carry one’s request for help to some other deity, rock, mountain, tree in the forest, or Ganga water, shows a lack of trust in the One God and a lack of full conviction that He is the One who fulfils all one’s needs. It is against the character of the stubborn beggar to give up quickly and turn to others for one’s needs, having become despaired of God. It is absolutely wrong to make one god after another and to seek fulfilment of one’s exigencies from each and go on abandoning them one after the other. One ought instead to adhere to the One and beg Him alone for all one’s needs. He provides for the needs of everyone. Patience, perseverance, and faith are the prerequisites.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, pp. 569-71)

Advice to women Mai Amir Bibi aka Mai Kaku, sister of Mian Imamuddin Sahib Sekhwani, told Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra that the Promised Messiahas used to advise women to pray on a regular basis, learn the

translation of the Holy Quran and fulfil the rights of their husbands. Whenever a woman pledged allegiance, the Promised Messiahas would ask if they could read the Holy Quran or not. If they did know how to read the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas would advise them to learn and read it. If they knew how to read the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas would instruct them to learn the translation as well, so that they could acquire knowledge of the commandments of the Holy Quran and be able to follow them.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, narration 849)

Kindness towards women The Promised Messiahas said: “People have committed errors as far as interacting and treating women and children is concerned, and they have gone astray from the right path. The Holy Quran states:

ْ ‫َعا ِ� ُر ْو ُہ َّن ِبال َم ْعرُ ْو ِف‬

‘Consort with them in kindness.’ [Surah an-Nisa, Ch.4: V.20]

“But today, people are acting in a manner that is opposed to this teaching. [...] Study the pure life of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, so that you may see how kind he was. Even though the Holy Prophetsa had an awe-inspiring personality, if an old woman stopped him, he would stand there until the lady would permit him to leave. He would go to the market himself and bring his household items. […] “On certain occasions, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, even had a race with Hazrat Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her. On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa outran her, and on another occasion, he went easy so that Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, could outrun him, and so she overtook him. Similarly, it is also proven that on one occasion, a few Abyssinians came to show an entertaining spectacle. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, showed Hazrat Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, their demonstration.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, pp. 295-97)

MKA Canada holds 16th Annual Talim and Tarbiyat Camp 2023 Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada held its 16th Annual Talim and Tarbiyat Camp for khuddam attending Grade 10 at the Baitul Islam Mosque, Toronto, from 11 to 17 March 2023. At the opening session, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada, Tahir Ahmed Sahib, was joined by Secretary Jaidad, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Kashif Mahmood Danish Sahib. Khuddam were divided into 9 groups, which competed in educational and sports competitions. A detailed daily schedule was prepared to resemble that of a Jamia student. After offering the Fajr prayer, participants recited the Holy Quran in the mosque, followed by breakfast. Next, Jamia students taught classes on Tarteel-ulQuran, salat with translation, contemporary issues, stories of the prophets, and basic Islamic beliefs. Participants then worked on improving their brotherhood and teamwork by participating in special activities and watching documentaries. After Zuhr and Asr prayers and lunch, participants proceeded to Aiwan-e-Tahir for sports, followed by free time to spend in hostels before coming for Maghrib prayer and dinner. Special guest lectures were organised after the Isha prayer. These were delivered by experts from law enforcement, IT, science, and religion. It gave participants insights into available opportunities in these fields. Special sessions were held with Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib, as well as missionary-in-

charge Canada, Rasheed Anwar Sahib. Days concluded with open group discussions with missionaries in hostels. One of the highlights of the camp was a field trip to Ontario Science Center or OSC. It is a science museum in Toronto, located about 45 km southeast of the Baitul Islam Mosque. Unlike a traditional museum, where exhibits are for viewing only, the majority of exhibits at OSC are interactive. Participants really enjoyed the hands-on learning experience. At the end of the camp, participants were tested on what

they had learned during the week. The best participant and best group were awarded prizes. The camp came to a successful conclusion on 17 March. In the end, participants had the opportunity to express their opinions and give feedback about the camp. Participants as a whole thoroughly enjoyed the camp. A total of 82 Khuddam participated in this year’s Camp. Thirty of them expressed their interest to join Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, insha-Allah.

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

ََْ َ ْ َ ََ ‫ﻭﻟﻘﺪ ﺑﻌﺜﻨﺎ ِﻓﻰ‬ ً ُ ‫ُ ﱢ ُ ﱠ ﱠ‬ ‫ﻛﻞ ﺃﻣﺔٍ ﺭﺳﻮﻻ‬

Prophet David: Possessor Allah of dignity and power

Prophets of

“And We did raise among every people a Messenger” Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

َ ُ ‫]د‬ Prophet Davidas, known as Dawud [‫اود‬ in the Holy Quran, was a noble Prophet, possessor of dignity and power. He was the َُ father of Prophet Solomonas [‫]سل ْی َمان‬, who was also a prophet. During the reigns of these two Prophets - father and son - the Israelites had reached the peak of their power, wealth, and status. The Holy Quran describes Davidas, in one َ َ place, as ‫( ذا الۡایۡ ِد‬Surah Sad, Ch.38: V.18), i.e., the possessor of dignity and power. He was one of the greatest, wisest in his judgement, and most commanding Prophet and Kings of the Bani Isra’il. In Surah Sad, Davidas has been called a Khalifa. Allah the Almighty states: “‘O David, We have made thee a vicegerent in the earth; so judge between men with justice, and follow not vain desire, lest it should lead thee astray from the way of Allah.’” (Surah Sad, Ch.38: V.27) َ َ Davidas, living up to his title of ِ‫ذا الۡایۡد‬, and known for his military prowess and political acumen, established the Judean dynasty in Jerusalem and played a major role in unifying the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba into a powerful nation. Under his might and great leadership, the Hebrew kingdom flourished and expanded its territory from the Euphrates to the Nile. His son, Solomonas, inherited the kingdom and further strengthened it. With regard to his son, Solomonas, the Holy Quran states that he was a wise and benevolent ruler who focused on enhancing trade and commerce within his kingdom. He was also renowned as a master-builder and is best remembered for his construction of the famous Temple in Jerusalem, which became the qiblah for the Israelites. (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 2396) Prophet Davidas is also especially known for his noble character and fasting. In a hadith, we read that the Holy Prophetsa said: “The most beloved form of fasting to Allah is the fasting of Prophet Davidas, who used to fast on alternate days. And the most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Prophet Davidas, who used to sleep for the first half of the night, then pray for 1/3 of it, and then sleep for a sixth of it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadithi l-anbiya, Hadith 3420) Further, we find a narration in which the Holy Prophetsa, alluding to Prophet Davidas, said, “He was the best in worship out of all men.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-da‘waat ‘an rasulillahsa, Hadith 3490)

Talut and Jalut When mentioning Davidas, it is impossible to overlook the significance of Talut and Jalut. This particular story is not simply a passing reference in the Holy Quran; rather, each mention of the prophets in the Holy Quran offers valuable wisdom and lessons that we can learn from and benefit from. The following story commences and has been mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah al-Baqarah. In this story, the Holy Quran sheds light on how different tribes of Israel joined and became one great nation. The Holy Quran states that the chiefs of the Bani Isra’il, after Mosesas, said to a Prophet of theirs to appoint a king so that they may fight in the cause of Allah. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.247) It will not be out of place to mention that at this point in history, Bani Isra’il was not in control. After Prophet Mosesas, for roughly 200 years, the Israelites had been thrown and driven away from their homes and divided into tribes bereft of any king or force, “In 1256 B.C., owing to their iniquity, God delivered them into the hands of the Midianites, who plundered and ravaged them for seven long years, and they were compelled to take refuge in caves.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 391) The Prophetas of that time replied, “‘Is it not likely that you will not fight, if fighting is prescribed for you?’” Upon this, they responded, “‘What reason have we to abstain from fighting in the cause of Allah when we have been driven forth from our homes and our sons?’” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.247) However, after saying this, when it was ordained for them to fight, all of them, except a few, turned their backs. Their Prophetas, addressing the chiefs of Bani Isra’il, said that Allah appointed Talut as king. The chiefs questioned how a person who was not given abundance of wealth could be made to command them. The Prophetas responded by saying it was Allah who had chosen him and increased him in knowledge and body. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.248) It must be remembered that Talut is an attributive name. In light of this, it is mentioned in the Five Volume Commentary: “‫( ﻃالوت‬Talut) is the attributive name of an Israelite king who lived about two hundred years before Davidas and about the same number of years after Moses. Most commentators regard Talut to be a name of Hebrew origin and consider him to be synonymous with Saul (1 Sam. ch. 9). As Hebrew is only an offshoot of Arabic, the word Talut appears to be derived from the

ُ َ ‫ﺩﺍﻭﺩ‬

‫ﻋﻠﯿﮫ ﺍﻟﺴﻼﻡ‬

Arabic root ‫ ﻃال‬i.e., he became tall or high—a description coinciding with the one given in the verse under comment viz. one increased abundantly in knowledge and body. It is, however, not right to identify Talut with Saul. The description of the Quran fits more with Gideon (Judg. chs. 6-8) than with Saul. Gideon lived in about 1250 B.C. and the Bible calls him a ‘mighty man of valour’ (Judg. 6:12) which is the same as Talut.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 1, p.390) When Talut set out, he said to his forces: “‘Surely, Allah will try you with a river. So he who drinks therefrom is not of me; and he who tastes it not is assuredly of me, except him who takes a handful of water with his hand.’” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.250) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained that when Talut went out with his armed forces to fight against Jalut, also known as Goliath, Allah tested them with a river. The purpose was to separate those who had weak faith so that only those with complete faith, and who were supported by angels, would stand in front of the enemy. Huzoorra wrote that ‫ نـہر‬had been translated as “river”, but when ‫ نـہر‬was written with a fathah on the ‫ه‬, the word could have two connotations; it could mean “river” and could also mean “vastness”. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra added that both of these meanings could be used in this verse. If the meaning of “vastness” was taken, then the meaning of the verse would be that Allah the Almighty would try them with wealth and vastness. If one was influenced by wealth, then success was not guaranteed. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further said that as the army was met with a river, there was no issue taking the verse to mean a physical river. The message conveyed through Talut was that self-control was an essential factor for success. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 564) The verse further states that, except for a

few, some drank the water: “And when they crossed it—he and those who believed along with him—they said: ‘We have no power today against Jalut and his forces.’ But those who knew for certain that they would one day meet Allah said: ‘How many a small party has triumphed over a large party by Allah’s command!” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.250) Jalut is also an attributive name. “In the Bible the parallel name is Goliath […] The Bible uses the name about one individual, but really the word signifies a party of ruthless freebooters, though it may also be applied to certain individuals symbolising the characteristics of the party. The Quran appears to have used it in both these senses in the verses under comment.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol, 1, p. 395) Further, the word “forces” (‫)جنود‬, used in the verse, denotes the allies and supporters. “The Midianites are mentioned in the Bible as Jalut, who plundered and oppressed the Israelites and devastated their land for many years (Judg. 6:1-6). The Amalekites and other tribes from the east also joined forces with the Midianites in their attacks (Judg. 6:1), which are referred to in the verse.” (Ibid.) By reading the following verses more closely, we learn: “So they routed them by the command of Allah; and Davidas slew Jalut, and Allah gave him sovereignty and wisdom, and taught him of what He pleased. And had it not been for Allah’s repelling men, some of them by the others, the earth would have become filled with disorder. But Allah is Munificent to [all] peoples.” (Surah Baqarah, Ch.2: V.252) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, in light of this incident, said that some Christian writers argued that the events described in the passage actually refer to two separate periods separated by 200 years. They consider this an example of historical anachronism in the Holy Quran. While it is true that the passage does describe two different periods, the Holy Quran is not confused about the dates and events in time. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.2, pp. 565-570) In the Five Volume Commentary, it is stated: “Talut or Gideon was able to defeat Jalut or the Midianites and curb their rising spirits, but their crushing defeat to which the verse refers as the killing of Jalut came in the time of Davidas about two hundred years afterwards. This is why, whereas the defeat of Jalut by Talut has been spoken of by the Quran as ‫ ہزم‬i.e., routing, the

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 complete crushing of their power has been referred to by the world ‫ قتل‬i.e., killing. The Bible speaks of the man defeated by Davidas as Goliath (1 Sam. 17:‌4), which is similar to Jalut. Probably the attributive name given by the Quran to the people was also borne by their leader in the time of Davidas.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol.1, p. 396) The purpose of the passage is to illustrate how the unification of the different tribes of Israel began in the time of Talut 200 years before Davidas and was ultimately completed during David’sas reign. Therefore, the Holy Quran refers to both periods to show the progression towards unification. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.2, pp. 565-570)

Mountains and the birds The Holy Quran, with regard to Prophet Davidas, states: “We subjected the mountains and the birds to celebrate [God’s] praise with David” (Surah al-Anbiya’, Ch.21: V.80) Over the years, numerous misunderstandings and misconceptions in this regard have permeated the minds of people. In light of this verse, some have taken a particular statement literally, claiming that the mountains and birds were under the direct control of Prophet Davidas. According to this belief, when he praised Allah, the mountains and birds would literally join him in doing so. If we study the Arabic lexicon, we can observe that the word “َ‫”ج َبال‬ ِ is derived from “‫”جبل‬. This word not only refers to mountains but also can be used to describe learned men, chiefs of people, or highly spiritual individuals. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.5, pp.538-539) Furthermore, the word “‫ ”الجبال‬not only means mountains but also refers to the people living in mountainous territories (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan, Vol. 3, p. 132). This is because sometimes the name of a place is used to refer to its inhabitants (this point shall further be discussed in the article about Prophet Solomanas). Hence, when it is said that Prophet Davidas subjected “the mountains”, it could mean that he conquered and subjugated the wild tribes residing in the mountains. This is also mentioned in

the Bible, where it is stated that King Hiram of Tyre sent carpenters, masons, and cedar trees to build a house for Davidas. Following this, the elders of Israel appointed Davidas as their king in Hebron (2 Samuel, 5). Thus, the phrase “We subjected the mountains and the birds to celebrate [God’s] praise with David” specifically refers to Davidas in this verse because he was an accomplished conqueror who subdued the tribes living in the mountains. (For further detail, see Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 2105) Furthermore, in the Five Volume commentary, we read that “‫ ”الطیر‬also denotes a very righteous man. Thus, with the meanings and descriptions of these words emphasised, an examination of the verse leads to no room for misunderstanding or deception. The verse simply implies that Prophet Davidas, alongside spiritual and noble men, praised and glorified God. (Ibid.) Thus, through the research carried out and mentioned in the Five Volume Commentary, we read that “The word ‘birds’ used in the verse may also signify actual birds. In this sense, the reference would be that Davidas made free use of birds for carrying messages in times of war that had been especially trained for this purpose. Or it may signify flocks of birds that followed David’sas victorious armies and feasted on the dead bodies of his fallen foes.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 2106)

The Book of David In Islam, the holy scripture that is associated with the prophet Davidas is called the Zabur, which is also known as the Psalms of Davidas. Zabur means, “a writing or a book: a book of wisdom and intellectual science, not containing legal statutes, ordinances or commandments. Based on its verbal senses, the word would also mean a book that protects and beautifies a source of knowledge just as a casing protects and beautifies a well; or a book that contains warnings. The word is particularly used about the Book of Davidas, containing the Psalms.” (Five Volume Commentary, Volume 2, p. 598) In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty

َ َ َ َ ‫ّو ٰات ۡینا َد ٗاو َد زبُوۡ ًرا‬ “And to David We gave a Book.” (Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.56) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said: “Zabur, in fact, is not a book of law. Zabur is a book of hymns and praises of Allah and general admonitions, which can in fact be inferred from - and some prophecies - but it’s not a book of law. Davidas followed [the] Torah, the five books of Moses’ law and he did not bring a new book of law; nor did Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. So Zabur, after David, peace be upon him, was a book highly respected and – I should say - every Prophet that followed, not only respected that book [but had] no difference with that book. That was in accordance with his own views and his own teachings and one did not have to follow the book because every other Prophet [of Bani Isra’il] also followed [the] Torah.” (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, Question-and-Answer Session of 30 August 1985, www.alislam.org/askislam/ question/609/)

and dominion. David’sas time was the golden period in Israelite history. Never did the Israelites rise to such power again, nor did they enjoy such prestige, prosperity and influence as they did during David’sas rule.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol.4, p. 2106) Therefore, it is important to recognise that the verse is not giving credit to Davidas as the first person to manufacture coats of mail, but rather highlighting his skill and intelligence in using the available resources to his advantage during warfare. Alluding to the same matter, we read in Surah Saba: “And We made the iron soft for him, [And we said], ‘Make thou full-length coats of mail, and make the rings of a proper measure.” (34:11-12) Once again, this illustrates how the production of iron weapons for war and battle had reached a new level of excellence under the reign of Davidas, thus further emphasising his prowess as a military leader.

Prophet Davidas developed various kinds of armours

As with the case of all prophets of God, Prophet Davidas also faced opposition. Despite being described as a mighty man, he patiently endured the disbelievers and the mischievous among them. Looking back at history, in light of the verse quoted below, it seems that during the kingdom of Prophet Davidas and Prophet Solomonas, when Israelite power was at its peak, troublemakers made attempts to incite conflict and rebellion. False accusations were frequently raised and spread against them, and there were even some wicked individuals who sought to assassinate Davidas. In Surah Sad, with regard to Prophet Davidas, we read: “And has the story of the disputants reached thee when they climbed over the wall of [his] chamber?” (Surah Sad, 38:22) This verse refers to an incident when two of Prophet David’sas enemies attempted to assassinate him by climbing over the walls of his chamber. However, Davidas was alert and vigilant, and the attackers quickly realised that their surprise attack had failed miserably. In such a scenario, in an attempt to cover up their true intentions, they claimed to have come to resolve a dispute. Davidas, being a noble and sharp Prophet, saw through their deceit and instead helped them to settle their disagreement. The Holy Quran records them saying: “This is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe. Yet he says, ‘Give it to me,’ and has been overbearing to me in his address. “[David] said, ‘Surely, he has wronged thee in demanding thy ewe in addition to his own ewes. And certainly many partners transgress against one another, except those who believe in God and do good works; and these are but few.’” (Surah Saba, Ch.38: V.2425) After rendering his judgement, Prophet Davidas became aware of his vulnerability to enemies in and around his surrounding area of rule and their schemes, realising that his power was weakening. As any righteous person would, he turned to God and sought His protection. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan [2005], Vol. 3, pp. 484-85)

states:

With regards to Davidas, Allah states in the Holy Quran: “And We taught him the making of coats of mail for you, that they might protect you from each other’s violence.” (Surah alAnbiya’, Ch.21: V.81) The intended meaning of this verse is not that Prophet Davidas was the inventor of coats of mail. Rather, Allah the Almighty is highlighting David’sas expertise in utilising the resources available to him in times of war and battle. In other words, the verse is emphasising David’sas skill in making the most of what was at his disposal and that, under his guidance and leadership, significant advancement and refinement of the craft of producing diverse types of armour was made. In light of this, we read, “Davidas invented and developed various kinds of armours by means of which he made great conquests. During his reign, the Israelite kingdom reached the zenith of its power

Plot to murder Prophet Davidas

Continued on next page >>

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

12 << Continued from previous page

In light of this incident, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira provided an explanation in his tafsir regarding some commentators who have misunderstood various passages, traditions, and sayings. They claimed that the two men were angels and that Prophet Davidas, who supposedly had 99 wives, fell in love with the wife of a general. To be with her, he sent the general to a dangerous place, hoping for his demise. As a result, two angels appeared before Davidas. However, Huzoorra clarifies that this claim is entirely false. In reality, the two men were enemies who attempted to murder Prophet Davidas. As his reign became longer, his enemies began to fight, and they jumped into his house. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan[2005], Vol.3, p. 485) Hence, upon realising that his enemies were plotting against him, he prayed and sought forgiveness. This is why the following verse serves to clarify the entire situation. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan[2005], Vol. 3, p. 485) Further, Allah states: “So We forgave him that; and indeed, he had a position of nearness with Us and an excellent retreat.” (Surah Sad, 38:26) “The expression ‫ ﻏفرنا لہ‬may mean, ‘We gave him Our protection’ or ‘We set his affairs right.’ The words, ‘he had a position of nearness with Us and an excellent retreat,’ show that Davidas did not suffer from any moral defect and spiritual weakness; rather they most effectively negate and demolish the wicked charge of Davidas having committed adultery as imputed to him by the Bible (2 Samuel, 11:4-5).” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol.4, pp. 2721-22) The supplication for forgiveness in this case was not a result of committing any sin. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira expressed his regret over the fact that some individuals had taken such a severe position against Prophet Davidas and had fabricated false stories about him. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan[2005], Vol.3, p. 486)

Davidas made a Khalifa Following this episode, Allah said: “‘O David, We have made thee a vicegerent in the earth; so judge between men with justice, and follow not vain desire, lest it should lead thee astray from the way of Allah.’” (Surah Sad, Ch.38: V.27) This provided comfort to Prophet Davidas, as he was reassured by Allah Almighty that he would be safeguarded from the schemes of his enemies. After all, God had appointed him as a vicegerent on earth, and it would not be fitting for him to fall victim to his opponents.

Prayer of Prophet Davidas In a hadith, we find that the Holy Prophet said that the Prophet Davidas would pray the following:

َّ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ّ َ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ ّم ِإ�ِ� أ ْسﺄلک ٰ ُح َّبک َو ُح ّب َم ْن یُ َ ِح ُّبک َوال َع َم َل ال ِذی‬ ّ َ َّ ُ ُ ّ َ ُ َْ َ َ ْ ‫الل ُہ َّم‬ ��ِ ‫اج َع ْل ُح َّبک أ َح ّب إِل َ َّی ِم ْن �ف‬ َ ‫یب ِلﻐ�ِ� حبک‬ ْ ْ ‫َوأ ْہ ِ�� َو ِم َن ال َما ِء ال َبارِ ِد‬

“O Allah, I beg You for Your love and the love of one who loves You and such conduct as should lead me to Your love. O Allah, make Your love dearer to me than my soul and my family and my wealth and dearer than cold water.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-da‘waat ‘an Rasulillahsa, Hadith 3490)

‘East and West’: Hazrat Mu words spread through ‘the j crown of the BBC’

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

From its birth towards the end of the 19th century, radio broadcasts astonished the public by providing news and information with an immediacy never before thought possible. From 1920 to 1945, radio developed into the first electronic mass medium, monopolising “the airwaves” and defining, along with newspapers, magazines, and motion pictures, an entire

generation of mass culture. (“Radio”, www. britannica.com) When we look at the history of radio in Britain, we find that on 18 October 1922, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) – later known as the British Broadcasting Corporation – was established by a group of leading wireless manufacturers, including Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi. Daily broadcasting began in Marconi’s London studio, 2LO, in the Strand, on 14 November 1922. (“History of the BBC”, www.bbc.com) The BBC “oversaw a network of local,

separate stations, which were connected to London by telephone links and ‘simultaneous broadcasting’ (or networking, as it would be called today). These nine stations were based in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Bournemouth and Belfast. Each station covered about twenty miles in radius – although the exact distance depended on whether one was listening on a valve or crystal set.” (“The origins of BBC Local Radio”, www.bbc.com) The station located in Bournemouth, called 6BM Bournemouth, was launched on 17 October 1923 and transmitted its programmes from the studio located at 72 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth. Its transmissions could be heard up to about 25 miles. It stopped its transmission in 1939. The phrase “We do hope you can smell the pines” was the original call sign of the station. It was described by Lord Reith, the first Director General of the BBC, as “the jewel in the crown of the BBC.” (“6BM Calling – ‘We Do Hope You Can Smell the Pines’”, https://assets.bournemouth.ac.uk) On 1 May 1928, at 7pm, 6BM Bournemouth broadcast an address by Mr J Williamson-Jones, titled “East and West”, in which he mentioned the inauguration ceremony of the Fazl Mosque in London in 1926, and quoted a part of the special message by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra. The schedule of this radio broadcast was published in various newspapers, such as Radio Times, 27 April 1928 (p. 163), Western Mail, 1 May 1928 (p. 5), Western Daily Press of Bristol, 1 May 1928 (p. 4), and The Devon and Exeter Gazette, 1 May 1928 (p. 5). During the radio broadcast, Mr J Williamson-Jones said: “As I have lived nearly half of my life in the Orient, anything which tends to improve the relations between East and West is to me of great interest. [...] I was reminded of the opening in 1926 of a Mohammedan Mosque in London, at which the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community in a message expressed his thanks to God, ‘who has granted us the power to erect this sacred house in the greatest centre of the world, and thus enabled us to pay back the great good which the West did us by holding aloft the torch of knowledge during the period of our heavy sleep.’ The message spoke further of the Mosque as a symbol for cultivating the love of God in the heart, the establishment of freedom of conscience, bringing about union and equality.” (The Review of Religions, Vol. 27, June 1928, p. 2) The de-

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023

usleh-e-Maud’s jewel in the

tails of this broadcast can be seen at: https:// genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/4094599aa4ec786cb56cc19430c9a3f0. Today, with the incredible advancements in mass media, it is easy to overlook the impact of a seemingly simple radio broadcast. However, in the time when the radio was seen as a remarkable invention

“

I was reminded of the opening in 1926 of a Mohammedan Mosque in London, at which the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community in a message expressed his thanks to God, ‘who has granted us the power to erect this sacred house in the greatest centre of the world, and thus enabled us to pay back the great good which the West did us by holding aloft the torch of knowledge during the period of our heavy sleep.’ -Mr J Williamson-Jones

and astonishing means of information, the spread of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra words through this broadcast was a significant event. Just recently, on 17 October 2022, a blue plaque was unveiled on the site of the former studio of 6BM at Holdenhurst Road,

to mark 99 years since the station began. The plaque was unveiled by the deputy mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Dave Kelsey, and BBC Radio Solent presenter Steve Harris, who organised the plaque. (“Plaque commemorates site of Bournemouth’s first BBC radio station”, bbc.co.uk) Newscuttings mentioning the schedule for the radio broadcast

BBC Wireless Studio, 6BM, Bournemouth | www.ﬂickr.com/photos/alwyn_ladell/35161588596/in/album-72157682867887400/

The details of the broadcast on the BBC website

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

Lessons from the ancients Why technological advancements must be guided by ethics

Khakan Ahmad Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and has transformed the way we interact with the world around us, shaping society as we know it today. For Islam, it has presented new possibilities to gain knowledge and spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. However, at the same time, technology has spread immorality and harmful content. Pompeii was once a thriving civilisation. It had an advanced water system, underground sewer systems for hygiene, carefully designed buildings and a thriving economy. Despite all of these achievements, it turned from one of the most advanced

Pompei, Napels

civilisations into a city buried in ash; forgotten for centuries. While Pompeii was a place of great advancement, it also harboured moral decay. They had found ways to defeat their discomfort and boredom, but they weren’t able to combat the spread of immoral imagery and lack of spirituality. Immoral imagery, acts and graphic statues showed how morally decayed the society of Pompeii had become. Rather than using these advancements for spiritual growth, they valued their desires more. The consequences were that God destroyed the city as a reminder of the dangers of prioritising immorality and hedonism over morals. (“Pompeii: The City Destroyed By God”, https://majallah.jamiaahmadiyya.uk) Advancements in society are a doubleedged sword. While they bring many benefits, they can distract us from growing in our spirituality, and cause us to prioritise our desires over our moral values. Unfortunately, Pompeii isn’t the only nation with such a fate. In the Quran, Allah the Almighty mentions the nation of Solomonas, which was once an advanced world power with unmatched military prowess. (Holy Quran, Ch.34: V.14) However, after the demise of Prophet Solomonas, the arrogance and disobedience of Solomon’sas people led to the nation’s downfall. (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, under Ch.34: V.15) This nation’s downfall serves as another reminder of the consequences of forgetting the real purpose of all of these advancements and losing sight of God and his laws. Allah had made these past nations an example for us so that our technological advancements would not make us

arrogant in thinking we do not need God. Unfortunately, history shows that humans often fall back on the same mistakes they made before. If we continue down the same path, we risk our own downfall. Our society has been making – continues to make – advancements that history has never seen before. From planes to the internet, we now live in a “global village”. We can stay connected with people thousands of miles away, which people in the past could have only seen as “magic”. Despite our technological advancements, we risk following the same path as Pompeii. The ease of access to immoral content and the impact it’s having on our society are causes for great concern. While there are legitimate concerns regarding these advancements, we also can’t deny the positive impact they are having on Islam. Through technology, it has been easier than ever to connect with people around the world and spread the message of Islam. When the phonograph was invented in 1877, the Promised Messiahas found out that one of his companions, Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, owned one. He took the opportunity to explore this new invention and recognised its potential for spreading the message of Islam. He got his companions to record recitations of the Holy Quran, a Persian poem and some brief commentary of Surah Al-Asr. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, pp. 474476) Seeing the capabilities of this invention, he wrote the following poetic verse: ‫وفونرگاف ےس‬ ‫ٓاواز ٓاریہ ےہ �ہی‬ ‫ڈوھڈنو دخا وک دل ےس ہن الف و زگاف ےس‬ “This voice is coming from the phonograph; Seek God from the heart; not through boasting and pomposity.” (Al Hakam, 24 November 1901, p. 5) The Promised Messiahas recognised the phonograph could be used for the propagation of Islam. Despite the fact that

the phonograph was not really used for any useful purpose at the time by others, the Promised Messiahas recognised how we could use it to spread the message of Islam. Before the time when recordings became common, the companions of the Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat scribed the speeches and sermons of the Khulafa and then copied, printed and published them on paper so that Ahmadis around the world could read the guidance of the Khalifa of the time. This was hugely timeconsuming, taking days – sometimes weeks – to distribute printed sermons. Today, with the flick of a button and from the comfort of their homes (or wherever they may be), millions of Ahmadis can turn on the live Friday Sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and watch it on MTA International. In recent months, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated headlines and sparked widespread concern over its potential dangers. While there are indeed risks associated with the development and use of AI, one of the most pressing concerns is the possibility of creating deep fakes and spreading misinformation. With the rise of AI chatbots, there is a risk that people will rely solely on these bots for information, rather than engage in the hard work of researching and verifying facts. However, it’s important to recognise that the danger of misinformation is not unique to AI chatbots. Social media has long been plagued by the spread of false information, yet it has also served as a powerful tool for spreading important ideas and movements, including Islam. With proper training and a thoughtful approach, AI has the potential to be similarly leveraged for good. By recognising the dangers of AI and taking steps to mitigate them, we can work towards a future where AI is used to enhance our understanding of the world and our relationship with God, rather than hinder it. Through thoughtful engagement

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 with technology, we can harness its power to spread truth and promote the values of love, compassion, and justice that are at the core of our faith. Technological progress brings with it both benefits and dangers. It has the power to uplift societies and bring them closer to God, but it can also lead to moral decay and the downfall of entire civilizations. How we choose to use technology is therefore a matter of great importance and responsibility. As Muslims, it is our duty to harness the power of technology for the greater good and to use it in a way that aligns with the teachings of the Holy Quran. We must learn from the lessons of past nations who, like us, were blessed with technological advancements and influence. Yet, their moral regression ultimately led to their ruin, as they forgot the laws of Allah and succumbed to their own pride and arrogance. To avoid a similar fate, we must approach technology with humility, recognising its potential pitfalls and using it in a way that promotes justice, compassion, and the greater good. By doing so, we can ensure that technological progress is not a cause of moral regression but rather a catalyst for spiritual growth and social benefit.

‘Imam Mahdi has arrived’ campaign and tabligh event in Niamey, Niger Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

On 7 April 2023, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger organised a successful tabligh sitting in the capital city of Niamey. Prior to the event, bookstalls were set up in several locations, generating interest. We strategically selected popular locations throughout Niamey to set up bookstalls. Banners featuring the photograph of the Promised Messiahas were prominently displayed alongside the bookstalls. These banners featured the Promised Messiah’sas photograph as well as the words “Imam Mahdi has arrived” in national and local languages. People asked a variety of questions

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo and UNDP explore possible collaboration Besmir Yvejsi Kosovo Correspondent

On 30 March 2023, representatives of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo, including National President, Jinahuddin Saif Sahib, and local muallimeen Alban Zeqiraj Sahib and Shkelqim Bytyqi Sahib, visited the United Nations Development Programme headquarters in Prishtina, Kosovo. The purpose of their visit was to discuss the religious and cultural activities of the organisation and to explore potential areas of collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. During the meeting, Mr Sehadin Shok, the Chief Technical Advisor for Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Intercommunity Dialogue and Social Cohesion project, was given an overview of the history of Ahmadiyyat. Additionally, the discussion delved into various topics, such as the second advent of Jesusas. Mr Shok was impressed by the Jamaat’s slogan “Love for All, Hatred for None”, which embodies its commitment to peace and harmony. The representatives of the Jamaat also highlighted the Jamaat’s religious, cultural, and educational activities in Kosovo, including the three branches located in Peja and Mitrovica. The conversation also touched on the

peaceful teachings of Islam and the system of Khilafat, as well as the historical speeches of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at various venues around the world. Mr Shok was gifted with several books, including The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, Life of Muhammadsa, and World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace. The visit was a significant step in promoting intercommunity dialogue and social cohesion. Furthermore, as a token of appreciation for Mr Shok’s interest and commitment to inter-community dialogue and social cohesion, the representatives of the Jamaat extended an invitation to him to attend the 10th Jalsa Salana of Kosovo. He accepted the invitation.

about the Promised Messiahas and Islam Ahmadiyyat and gradually we built an audience who were curious and eager to know about Ahmadiyyat. Hence, contact details were shared with them for further

discussion. After many healthy discussions, it was decided that now is the time to gather all those contacts and organise a collective tabligh event. Hence, 7 April was chosen for this event and 32 non-Ahmadi guests attended it. Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger explained to them about Islam Ahmadiyyat and the advent of the Promised Messiahas as well as the fundamental beliefs. After the event, we had the collective Iftar with the guests. The event received an impressive response and was seen with amazement and delight. Many attendees expressed they learned a lot about the teachings of Islam. Alhamdulillah.

American students visit Fazl Mosque, London Daniyal Ahmad Missionary, UK

On 27 March 2023, a group of 13 American students along with Professor Mike Fosdal visited the Fazl Mosque in London. The purpose of their visit was to understand more about Islam in Britain. After their arrival, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib received them and took them inside the mosque. Then he gave them a brief introduction about Islam and its teachings, mosques, offering prayers, qibla and how the Ahmadi women donated their ornaments for the building of this very Fazl Mosque. It was followed by a question-and-answer session. Questions regarding polygamy, the Islamic belief regarding Jihad, and various other topics were asked. The background of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was also explained. This part of the session was about 30 minutes long.

After this, refreshments were presented. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib was once again questioned on different aspects of Islam. In total, the group spent about 2 hours. One of the students said: “We gained better insight into the beliefs of Islam and its core values. We became more familiar with a community different from our own, which was beneficial.”

MKA Newmarket, Canada hold ‘Explore Islam’ booth Arif Faheem Khan Secretary Ishaat Newmarket, Canada

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Newmarket and Northern Ontario region, Canada, set up the “Explore Islam” booth at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Markham, on

1 April 2023, hosted by the York Regional Police. The booth was visited by many guests who received the “Explore Islam” flyers. Guests had the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds. More than 500 people attended the event.

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

Rise of the West: A Quranic prophecy Muttaher Mubasher Iffat Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

In modern history, the West has prevailed as a leading power, stretching its influence and dominance the world over. But this was not always the case. The West’s rise to power was unexpected and seemed unlikely – the East had the upper hand for a very long time. Remarkably, the Holy Quran prophesied the emergence of the West and even provided a timeline for its rise! In this article, I will present a historical account of the fulfilment of this Quranic prophecy. In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states:

by Europeans. The East India Company was formed to capitalise on these highdemand commodities. Subsequently – with the permission of Queen Elizabeth I – it entered the trading industry. The success of this company shot up at an exponentially rapid rate. What began as another trading company, quickly became the “world’s most powerful monopoly”. “At its peak, the English East India Company was by far the largest corporation of its kind,” says Emily Erikson, a sociology professor at Yale University and author of Between Monopoly and Free Trade: The English East India

in the world, contributing over 20% of the entire world’s GDP. To put this statistic into perspective, in 2022 the United Kingdom only contributed to 2% of the global GDP. As a matter of fact, the UK, US and Russia combined still fall short of matching India’s contribution. All this wealth that was being generated in India began to be funnelled into the British economy and acted as a catalyst for its economic growth. This exponential growth was the very reason that Britain was the first to transition into its industrialisation phase. Aside from the influx of capital entering the economy, India

ُ َۡ َ ً ُ ۡ ُ َ ُّ ۡ ‫الصوۡرِ َون ۡحش ُر ال َ ُم ۡجرِ ِمی َن َ یَوۡ َم ِئ ٍذ ز ۡرقا ۔‬ ‫ّیوۡ َم یُنفخ فِی‬ ًۡ َ ّ ۡ ُ ۡ ّ ۡ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َ َّ ‫یتخافتون بینہم ِان ل ِبثتم ِالا عشرا‬

“The day when the trumpet will be blown. And on that day, We shall gather the sinful together, blue-eyed. They will talk to one another in a low tone [saying]: ‘You tarried only ten [days]’. (Surah TaHa, Ch.20: V. 103-104) The Five Volume Commentary – which is inspired by the commentary of the Holy Quran written by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra – under this verse, states: “The words ‘ten days’ here stand for ten centuries and the word ‫[ اقرز‬blue-eyed] clearly refers to the peoples of the West, who generally have blue eyes. It is a wellknown historical fact that the foundations of British power in the East were laid at the beginning of the seventeenth century, in about 1611 A.D., when a British commercial company was allowed to open its first industrial concern in Surat and began to do business in the Bay of Bengal (March of Man, published by Enc. Brit. Society). This period approximates one thousand years after the Holy Prophetsa began to preach his Mission in 611 AD. The secret of British power in subsequent centuries lay in their success in obtaining a foothold in the East. Other European nations only followed in the wake of the British people.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 3, pp. 1855-56)

The East India Trading Company The commercial company that has been mentioned was known as the British East India Trading Company. At the dawn of the 17th century, the Indian subcontinent was home to many commodities such as spices, fabrics and tea – all of which were prized

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This feat not only boosted Britain’s economy but had a far-reaching impact on other countries in the West. Britain maintained its leadership in industrialisation well into the mid-19th century, inspiring governments and private entrepreneurs to emulate its technologies. This resulted in an intense industrial revolution taking shape in many parts of Western Europe, particularly in coal-rich regions such as Belgium, Northern France, and the Ruhr area of Germany. (“Revolution and the growth of industrial society, 1789–1914”, www.britannica.com) The spread of industrialisation throughout Europe led to significant changes in society and the economy. It transformed the way people lived and worked, creating new urban centres and leading to mass migration from rural areas to cities. The rise of factories also led to the emergence of a new working class, which had a significant impact on politics and social reform. By the end of the 19th century, the West had become a global powerhouse, dominating the world economy.

The Quranic prophecy

Company. “It was also larger than several nations. It was essentially the de facto emperor of large portions of India, which was one of the most productive economies in the world at that point.” (“How the East India Company Became the World’s Most Powerful Monopoly”, www.history.com) Soon, this company shifted from business and began to dabble in Indian politics with the intention of improving business legislation in their favour. Though many wealthy aristocrats made up the majority of the company’s shareholders, it was still independent of the crown. However, as its influence in Indian politics grew, it eventually became an agent of British imperialism in India by the early 18th century to the mid-19th century. (“EastIndia-Company”, www.britannica.com) Up until British colonisation, India was seen as one of the biggest economies

was also forced to supply raw materials, which were pivotal in triggering the industrial revolution with greater rapidity in Britain. So, now that it has been substantiated that Britain’s transformation into a great empire was a direct result of the moves made by the East India Trading Company, I will now illustrate how the West’s success was influenced by Britain.

The rise of the West Britain was the trailblazer of the Industrial Revolution which had a profound impact on its economy and society. The Industrial Revolution brought new technologies and innovations that transformed the manufacturing industry, allowing goods to be produced quicker and cheaper than ever before. (“History of the Industrial Revolution”, www.newworldencyclopedia.

The rise of the West was not a coincidence; rather, it was prophesied in the Holy Quran. The fact that the Holy Quran was able to predict an event that was once considered impossible, and not only that but also inform us of the exact timing, speaks volumes about its divine origin. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa began his prophetic mission in 611 AD and it was then that Allah the Almighty informed him that in exactly 1000 years, Western powers would rise to supremacy, surpassing all other nations and becoming the undisputed global power. Fast-forward exactly 10 centuries to 1611 and the British East India Trading Company enters the scene. The world was completely oblivious, but this incident marked the beginning of a new chapter in world history and a new powerhouse was warming up to take the stage. Amidst the world’s obliviousness, the All-knowing Creator possessed a knowledge far surpassing theirs, revealing truths beyond their grasp. Despite the vast array of forecasting methods and predictive tools at our disposal, humanity was once again caught off guard by an unexpected turn of events.

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023

‘Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation’ The Islamic approach to debate Tuba Ahmed-Butt Türkiye

In a world where the internet, social media, and new inventions have provided mankind with new and more effective tools to receive news, provide information, and build and share opinions about various topics, it is also evident that similar opinions tend to accumulate. While this can be empowering at times, it has also proven to be a dangerous effect that influences our general knowledge and makes the spread of false information easier. Opinions are formed based on onesided perspectives. Observing people’s way of debating and arguing, I have come to the conclusion that there must be a more beautiful way to do so, without becoming embittered. As always in life, I have found the most complete solution to any question being raised in the teachings of Islam. This was also the case regarding the question about the most beautiful and respectful way to debate with different or contrary opinions and beliefs. Allah says in the Holy Quran in Surah an-Nahl:

ۡ ۡ َ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ‫ا ۡد ُع ِالٰی َ َس ِب ۡی ِل َر ِّبک ِبال ِحک َم ِۃ َوال َموۡ ِعظ ِۃ ال َح َسن ِۃ‬ َ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َ ۡ ‫َو َجا ِدل ُہ ۡم ِبال ِت ۡی ِہ َی ا ۡح َس ُن ؕ ِا ّن َر ّبک ُہوَ ا ۡعل ُم ِب َم ۡن ض َّل‬ ۡ َ َ ‫َع ۡن َس ِب ۡی ِل ٖہ َو ُہوَ ا ۡعل ُم ِبال ُم ۡہ َت ِدیۡ َن‬

“Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in a way that is best. Surely, thy Lord knows best who has strayed from His way; and He knows those who are rightly guided.” (Ch.16: V.126) In just one verse, Allah has explained the art of arguing in a depth that truly leaves one astonished. In the Five Volume Commentary, in light of the four aspects that are mentioned in the verse above: “wisdom”, “goodly exhortation”, “the way that is best” and “Allah, the AllKnowing”, we read: “The word ‫ ةمکح‬translated as wisdom in the text among other things means, (1) knowledge or science; (2) equity or justice; (3) forbearance or clemency; (4) firmness; (5) any saying or discourse conforming or agreeable to truth and in accordance with the exigencies of the occasion; (6) gift of prophecy; and (7) what prevents or restrains from ignorant behaviour (Aqrab & Lane).” (Five Volume Commentary, under Surah anNahl, Ch.16: V.126) According to each translation a new aspect comes to light that needs to be considered while debating.

How the word hikmah in the verse can be interpreted and applied in preaching

“The word may be used in all these senses in the verse under comment. “[A.] Taking it in the sense of ‘knowledge’ or ‘science’, the verse would mean that Muslims should invite others to Islam by arguments based on knowledge and reason and should not confine themselves merely to making appeals to sentiments and emotions. “[B.] Using it in the sense of ‘equity’ or ‘justice’, the injunction embodied would be that, when arguing with the followers of other Faiths, Muslim preachers and missionaries should not bring forward such objections against those Faiths as can be advanced against Islam itself for such a course is not only inconsistent with justice, but is also unsound. “[C.] If ‫ حکمة‬be understood to mean ‘forbearance’ or ‘clemency’, the verse would mean that Muslims should explain the beauties of their religion with patience. “[D.] Taking the word in the sense of ‘a saying or discourse conforming or agreeable to the truth, and in accordance with the exigencies of the occasion’, the verse would mean, that while inviting other people to Islam Muslims should not say anything which is not true and is not in accordance with facts, for if they resorted to falsehood while preaching truth they would be ruining their own souls in order to save those of others. Moreover, their discourse should be conformable to the exigencies of the occasion and should not wound other people’s susceptibilities. “[E.] Taking the word in the sense of ‘gift of prophecy’, the verse would mean that Muslims should invite men to Islam by using arguments contained in the Quran and not arguments which are the creation of their own fancy. “[F.] Lastly, taking the word in the sense of ‘what restrains from ignorant behaviour’ the verse would mean that the talk of Muslims should not be beyond the comprehension of those to whom the appeal is made. They should say things which may help to resolve the doubts of others and not display or demonstrate their own talents and learning.” (Ibid.) The Holy Prophetsa also admonished preachers to speak to people according to their level of understanding. (Kanz-ulUmmal, Kitab al- ‘ilm, min qisami l-aqwal, Hadith 29468, Dar al-Kotob al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004, Vol. 10, p. 105)

The importance of goodly exhortation in preaching “The words, ‘goodly exhortation’ mean ‘a discourse which softens the hearts of the hearers and makes a deep impression on them.’ Thus the Quran exhorts its followers

not to content themselves with mere cold and dry reasoning but to reinforce and support philosophical dissertations with an appeal to sentiments. This appeal, however, should be ‘goodly exhortation’ i.e. it should be based on pure truth and there should be no prevarication or tampering with facts.” (Five Volume Commentary, under Surah an-Nahl, Ch.16: V.126)

The significance of arguing in the best way in Islamic preaching “The words, and argue with them in a way that is best, mean that while arguing we should make the most solid and unassailable argument we possess as the pivot round which all other arguments should revolve and which they should support.” (Ibid.)

Seeking motivation from God’s wisdom and guidance in preaching “The expression, Thy Lord best knows those who have strayed from...who are rightlyguided, contains a word of encouragement and good cheer for the Muslim evangelist. He is told that if in spite of his best efforts he finds that his preaching has not had the desired effect, he should not get discouraged and think that his preaching was defective, but should continue his noble work without slackening, leaving the result to God, because He alone knows who is deserving and destined to be guided to the right path.” (Ibid.) Further, Allah states in Surah al‘Ankabut, chapter 29, verse 47 of the Holy Quran:

َّ َّ َّ َ ۡ َ ُۤ ُ ‫َ َولَا ت َجا ِدلوۡا ا ۡہ َل ال ِک ٰت ِب ِال َا ِبال َ ِت ۡی ِہ َی ا ۡح َس ُن ۖ٭ ِالا‬ ۤ ُ ّ ََ ۡ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ ّ ّ َ ۤ ُ َ ٰ ‫ال ِذیۡ َن ظ ُل ُموۡا ِمن ُہ ۡم َوقوۡلوُۡا ا َمنا ِبال ِذ ۡی ان ِز َل ِال ۡینا َوان ِز َل‬ ََ َ ‫ِال َ ۡیک ۡم َو ِالٰ ُـہنا َو ِالٰ ُـہک ۡم َوا ِح ٌد ّون ۡح ُن ل َ ٗہ ُم ۡس ِل ُموۡ َن‬

“And argue not with the People of the Book except with what is best; [but argue not at all with] such of them as are unjust. And say, ‘We believe in that which has been revealed to us and that which has been revealed to you; and our God and your God is one; and to Him we submit.’” Again, in the Five Volume Commentary, it is explained: “The verse lays down a very sound principle to guide us in religious controversy and when preaching our Faith to others. We should begin our preaching by laying stress on those beliefs and religious principles which are common between us and our adversary.” (Five Volume Commentary,

under Surah al-‘Ankabut, Ch.29: V.47) And in the very same verse Allah mentions another important and underestimated aspect of debating: simply not to argue with those who are unjust. And thus, preaching in a good manner, with goodly exhortation, using solid arguments, and appealing to sentiments, is essential for effective Islamic preaching. This approach, as taught by the Holy Quran, can soften the hearts of the listeners and leave a deep impression on them, leading to a greater likelihood of them knowing their Creator.

Wisdom, not cowardice It is also important to keep in mind that wisdom does not equate to cowardice or blindly agreeing with something that is fundamentally wrong. While we should not engage in unnecessary conflicts, we must always express our teachings and viewpoints with wisdom. It is essential that we never compromise on truthfulness out of fear of opposition. As the Promised Messiahas has emphasised in numerous instances, truthfulness shines even brighter in the face of opposition and reveals its true magnificence. (For a detailed discourse on this subject, see Friday Sermon, 8 September 2017 at www.alislam.org/fridaysermon/2017-09-08.html) The Promised Messiahas states: “The purpose of the verse, ‘and argue with them in a way that is best’ [Surah anNahl, Ch.16: V.126] is not that we should be so lenient as to confirm falsehood by way of flattery. Can we call a person righteous who claims divinity and accuses our Messengersa of lying, and calls Hazrat Musaas a thief? Is this what it means to ‘argue in the best way’? Absolutely not. Instead, it is a manifestation of hypocrisy and disbelief.” (Tiryaq-ulQulub, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 15, p. 305, footnote)

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

100 Tabligh efforts in Africa

Years Ago...

and Germany Al Fazl, 16 April 1923 promised to work sincerely in future. “The Saraha jamaats have sent me a message that, ‘You should pay us a visit.’ I will visit them, insha-Allah. Alhamdulillah, the work here is going on enthusiastically and the [Gold Coast] Jamaat is rising up. My focus is on producing new missionaries.”

All praise be to Allah that Maulvi [Fazlur Rahman] Sahib’s health is relatively better now. Tabligh in Germany Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib is engaged in the service of Islam with full effort and diligence [in Germany]. The book, A Present to the Prince of Wales has been assigned to a very able Doctor of Literature for translation. More proposals are being considered for the building of the mosque [in Berlin]. A professor who is fond of Islam will soon visit London. The way Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib goes to great pains in the service of Islam is worth following. May Allah the Almighty grant him the best of rewards. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 16 April 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

‘Fasting in World Religions’: Interfaith event held in Malta Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyar (1883-1948)

Nigeria Jamaat Brother Muhammad Yaqub, president of majlis-e-muntazim [administrative body], Lagos writes: “You will be happy to know that our new converts, yet very spirited Ahmadis, like Yahya Williams, Murtala Dini Shan and Yunus Dini Shan, regularly attend lectures, prayers and other religious gatherings. Duroos [religious sermons], which are being delivered before various sections of the [Nigeria] Jamaat and in different parts of [the country], are also worth mentioning. In short, I am glad to express that the seed you have sown is now slowly growing into a fullblooming plant. “Dear father! It is rather true that the works of great men go unnoticed in their presence and that their efforts are truly recognised in their absence. The noble service you have done for us by freeing us from the slavery of ignorance is unfathomable. The dormant members of the [Nigeria] Jamaat, who were negligent of their duties in your presence, now sadly say, ‘We wish that the Maulvi [Abdur Rahim Nayyar Sahibra] may come back and we may actively satiate our thirst from the fountain of knowledge.’ “We are hopeful that you will make every effort for us that an experienced man of your nature and ability is sent to us. The administrative rules and regulations you put in place are going to be openly presented in the majlis as per your instructions. And then these rules will be implemented in the jamaats of new converts. “The madrasa [school] is progressing very well, but the fee is not enough to cover the expenses. Jamaat [Nigeria] is running

the school with its own funds. The land located near the coast in Elegbata is going to be allotted to us soon, insha-Allah. In this regard, all the preliminary work has been completed. “We have received requests for missionaries from Epe, Egbeda and other places. We have started youth preaching classes. Besides myself, Ade, Oshodi, Yahya Williams, Anne, and others are busy getting regular education. Due to the spread of Ahmadiyyat, the True Islam, the hostility of the opponents is on the decline by the day. “Finally, I express with great joy that the perseverance and fearless sincerity of our chief imam is enviable. The acceptance of True Islam by a person who has a lot of connections definitely influences the people and now we observe that the weak members of the [Nigeria] Jamaat are gaining strength from the example of the chief imam and are also trying to reform themselves.”

Jamaats of Gold Coast Maulvi Fazlur Rahman Hakim Sahib writes: “According to the resolution [passed] in the conference, the first jalsa [religious gathering] was held in the village of Aburu. A disagreement between the two groups was resolved there. Then, a misunderstanding between the amir jamaat and its members was removed. In the Friday sermon, I gave guidance, and Amir Mahdi along with other chiefs who were accompanying me on the visit advised the jamaat to be committed to the markaz [headquarters] and strive for their Faith. “From Aburu, I went to Nkwanta and it was my first visit there. I drew the attention of amir jamaat and the members towards the teaching of Islam and advised them to strengthen their relationship with the mission. The amir expressed regret for his negligence in his service to Islam and

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta

On 25 March 2023, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta, together with the local council of Msida, the parish church of Msida and the Moroccan community, organised an open interfaith event to understand the concept of fasting in different religions, to celebrate fasting together and to foster mutual respect and harmony. This unique event was very well attended by around 250 guests from all walks of life and religions. The event was held on a large scale in an open space; this was a unique event in Malta’s history and has proved to be a wonderful example of interfaith and intercultural harmony and a magnificent display of mutual respect, friendship and unity. The former President of Malta, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the mayor of the local council of Msida, Ms Margaret Baldacchino Cefai, the president of the Moroccan community, Ms Dounia Borg Lakehal, the archpriest of the Msida church, Mario Mifsud and my humble self delivered speeches during this event.

In her address, the former President of Malta congratulated the organisers for this unique event and said that it is a very wonderful initiative in which followers of different religions have an opportunity to gather here to celebrate fasting together. Today, the fundamental human right of religious freedom has been manifested and has brought to light the importance of how we can live together with mutual respect, love, brotherhood and peace. She also extended her greetings of ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to all Muslims. I had the honour of speaking about the philosophy of Islamic fasting. After the speeches, the guests were entertained with Maltese, Moroccan and Pakistani traditional foods, and meanwhile, Jamaat members had the opportunity to talk and interact with them, which led to further introductions and outreach. The guests were also presented with Jamaat’s literature on the subject of fasting in Islam. The members of Jamaat were wearing shirts with Jamaat’s name, logo, motto and website printed on them, providing a constant source of introduction.

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023

100 Islam in America: Lectures,

Years new converts and a vision Ago... The Moslem Sunrise, April & July 1923 (of Pennsylvania).

Life’s path

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

New converts Since the last list was published in this magazine for the month of January, 1922, the following ladies and gentlemen have accepted the faith of Islam and joined the Ahmadia Order. Their new Moslem names are given along with their American names and the states in which they live. This list brings the total number of converts to Islam in the Ahmadia Movement to 695. New York: Annie (Mrs Ahmad Ollie); Miss Mary McManus (Mrs Ameena Hassan); Miss Emma Torak, Saleha (Mrs Taher); and Miss Dorothy Taher, Siddika. Missouri: Miss Ada L Pope, Bismillah; Mr Sam Roddy, Barkatullah; Mrs Viola L Thomas, Najma; Mrs Lizzie Cook, Qamar; Mr JE Brazelton, Saeed; Miss Mattie Patterson, Saeedah; Mr Thomas Johnson, Moeen-ud-Din; Mr Elijah George Rice, Nasir Din; Mr Dudley J Schaff, Habeebullah; Mr Livingston Sims, Ishaq; Mr John Span, Ismaeel; Mr Will Rivers, Shakir; Mr. Clifton Brazelton, Zakir; Mr William Gassoway, Khaleel; and Miss Jessie Perkins, Saeeda. Indiana: Mr Eurlee Robeson, Ismaeel; Mr Saviour Robeson, Muhammad; Mrs Roberta Robeson, Hajarah; Mr Eddie Lee Robeson, Ishaq; Miss Blanch Smith, Kareema; Mrs Juanita Kush, Rukayya; Mr Nelee Curtis, Yaqoob; Mrs Viola Curtis, Fatimah; Mrs Lillie Mea Curtis, Ayesha; Mrs Lucile Curtis, Khadeejah; Mr Horace Curtis, Monawer; Mr James Lee Curtis, Muneer; Mr Willie Curtis, Noor; Mrs Mea Lea Curtis, Muneerah; Mr Henry Robeson, Ahmad; Mr Rovie Robeson, Ibrahim; Miss Clarela Robeson, Muhammady; Aliss Cordeline Reynolds, Abedah; Mr Welton Eaton, Sajid; Mr William Brown, Hakeem; Mr Steve Berkley, Naeem; Miss

Lara Reynolds, Saleema; Mr AB Chambers, Hameed; Mr Robert Lealikwood, Aqeel; Mr Eli Manaur, Faheem; Mr Jiles Reynolds, Salik; Mrs Clara Meeks, Sajedah; Mrs Hattie Lanier, Subheeya; and Miss Roberta Watkins, Ajeeba. Iowa: Mr Henry James Mooning, Ahmadullah; and Miss Mary Allick, Mariam. Illinois: Mr James Brown, Dost Ahmad; Mr Edward Wilson, Abdul Waly; Mr Edward H Brown, Muhammad; Mr John F Zaccone, Ahmad; Mr David Androvitz, Dawood; Miss Helen Thomas, Noorah; Mr Joe Kerney, Yoosuf; Mr Henry Hayman, Abdul Kabeer; Mr Henry King, Sultan; Mr William Kush, Adbul Waly; Mrs Lillie Hall, Busharat; Mrs Nora Evans, Habeeba; Mrs Ella Smith, Amatus-Salaam; Mr Bernie Smith, Abdul-Malik; Mr S P Porter, Zaky; Miss Louise Gant, Haleema; Miss Dorothy Thomas, Habeeba; Mrs Clara A Wall Johnson, Majeedah; Mr C E Tarras, Abdul Haleem; Miss Mary Belle, Muneera; Mr Aston Hall, Haleem; Mr JC Davis, Abdullah; Mr Henry Perry, Noor; Mr GW Friar, Akhee; Mr Charles Harrell, Sulaiman; Mr Isom Harrell, Majeed; Mr Will Berger, Ismaeel; and Mr Klan Walkert, Khaleel. Pennsylvania: Miss Sophia Zasky, Kareema. West Virginia: Rev Napoleon Ghedus, Ahmad Sulaiman. Trinidad: Mr AES Mondezie, Mohamed Ibrahim. The following Moslems have joined the Ahmadia [Movement]: Ahmad S Ramahito (of Turkey), New York City; MM Dawood (of Java), Brooklyn, New York; JM Machdom (of Sumatra), Brooklyn, New York; Hon. Ugalingam Psing (of Philippines); Mr Guialudin Piang (of Philippines), Ahmad Deen; Suleiman Maksot (of Pennsylvania); and Ally Rejep

It is remarkable with what a peculiar sort of pleasure and a smile of gratitude we look back upon our sufferings, suffered for a true cause, whether that use may have triumphed or not. Life’s path, though strewn with thorns, when traversed with virtue and righteousness as one’s guide and a noble object in one’s view looks, after all, a fair one when we look back upon it, and a sentiment is well expressed in the lines of the Persian Poet, Jalal, when he says: “The country which I traversed looked to me a fair one after all, when I looked back upon it. Though the dust of mishaps was all along my path, it was perhaps purposely laid there that I should clean it off from my garments with my tears. If I tripped and fell away for a time from Thee, it was even so, for Thy decreed it to teach me something. If I was not allowed to be near Thee unless I passed the kennels of Thy dogs who barked and snapped at me, the thought that Thou wast near and that I would soon reach Thee was consolation enough for me and after all to be united with Thee atoned for all the pain and sufferings I suffered in Thy Love.”

“Extracts from the Holy Quran” (Moslem Bible) CF Sievwright (Muhammad Abdul Haqq) writes from Los Angeles: “I obtained that very excellent pocket edition of “Extracts from the Holy Quran” published by Abdullah Allahdin of Secunderabad which I appreciate so much for the very valuable contents, that I have made it a daily companion which I carry with me during my business calls. It is indeed a most desirable reference book, and if all English Mussulmans could get to use it as I am doing, I do not think they will ever regret securing a copy thereof.” Price, $1. May be had from Moslem Sunrise office, 4448 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois. […]

List of the subjects of lectures Recently delivered [lectures] by Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of India, and highly appreciated by various churches, clubs and societies in America: 1. Oriental Religions 2. Buddha 3. Rama 4. Krishna 5. Ahmad[as] of India 6. Confucius 7. Zoroaster 8. Muhammad[sa] 9. Jesus and His Mission 10. Cross or Christ 11. Hebrew and Arabic Languages

Compared 12. Social Life in India 13. Caste System in India 14. Marriage and Divorce in India 15. A Recent Prophet of India 16. Prohibition in Islam 17. The Sacred Books 18. Need of Revelation 19. Christian Missions in India 20. Reincarnation 21. The Final Goal 22. Jews 23. Muhammad[sa] in the Bible 24. Life after Death 25. When Jesus was in India 26. The Object of Man’s Life 27. The Secret of Success 28. Capital and Labor 29. The Spirit of the Orient 30. Man and Animal 31. Parables from Eastern Literature 32. Comparative Study of Religions 33. The Primitive Christianity in India 34. Spiritualism in India 35. Spiritualism in Islam 36. Woman in Islam 37. The Prophet of the Day 38. Nur-ud-Din, the Great 39. Divorce in Islam 40. Abdul Lateef the Martyr 41. Gospel of St. Barnabas […]

An auspicious dream Brother Qudratullah Ahmadi writes from Lahore, India, in his letter dated 4 March 1923: “I have seen in a vision of mine that you have returned to India by a route different from that taken when you left us for America. I saw you passing over the land, and the cities and lines over which you passed began to shine like the stars. You made a tour all around the country and your tour route shone like a garland of light. Then I saw that there were two men with you. One was a white man, fat, elderly and pious looking; the other was a colored man, tall, stout and heavy. You told me that the latter was the chief of the [African Americans].”

Alphabets of the Arabic language Arabic is written from right to left. It is a good thing to start right, isn’t it? The writing of Arabic is uniform, there are no capital letters, only one kind, hence easier to learn. When letters are joined to make a word, not all of the letter is written, only part of it, and thus it takes less time and space than other languages, without spoiling the beauty of its construction. Generally, every letter has four forms: 1. Initial, at the beginning of a word. 2. Medial, in the middle of a word. 3. Final, at the end of a word. 4. Separate, when not joined to another letter. There are twenty-nine letters and three chief vowel signs [i.e, fatha, kasra, and dhamma]. Vowel signs are generally omitted as advanced students get used to reading and writing without them. […] (Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Moslem Sunrise, April and July 1923)

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK 31 March 2023

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

Nowadays, we are passing through the month of Ramadan. This is a month in which a spiritual atmosphere is fostered and this is the atmosphere that should be created amongst the community of believers. Alongside the fasting during this month, greater attention is also given to worship, as it ought to be. Greater attention is given to reciting and listening to the Holy Quran, and if one desires to attain the true blessings of fasting, then alongside worship, greater care should be given towards reading and listening to the Holy Quran. Ramadan has a special connection with the Holy Quran, or rather, the Holy Quran has a special connection with Ramadan. Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

َ ّ ّ ً ُ ُ ٰ ُ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۤۡ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ّ ‫اس َوبَ ِی ٰن‬ ِ ‫شھر رمضان ال ِذی ان ِزل ۡفِیٰ ِہ الق ۡر ۡا ُن َھدی ل ِلن‬ ُ ّ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ٍت ِم َن الھدی َوالف ۡرق‬

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 186) The Quran was sent for the guidance of all of mankind, and it possesses clear proofs which bring about guidance and divine signs. According to some authentic narrations the first revelation descended upon the Holy Prophetsa on the 24 Ramadan. (Sunan al-Kubra lil-Baihiqi Kitab al-Jizyah Vol. 9 p. 317 Hadith 18649 Published Dar al-Kutub Beirut 2003), (Al-Itqan fi ‘Uloom al-Qur’an (Translation) Vol. 1 p. 122 Maktabatul ‘Ilm, Lahore) Likewise, every year the angel Gabrielas would complete an entire recitation of the Quran to the Holy Prophetsa in the month of Ramadan, and in the final year, he completed it twice. (Sahih al-Bukhari Kitabl Fazail al-Quran Bab Kaana Jibreel Ya’rudu al-Quran ‘ala al-Nabiyysa Hadith 4998) Therefore, the Holy Quran holds a special significance in relation to Ramadan. Thus, we must also give special attention to reading and listening to the Holy Quran during this month along with reading its commentary. Programmes pertaining to

Ramadan are being aired on MTA, as well as lectures, which everyone should watch. Only when we recite the Holy Quran along with its translation, then read and listen to its commentary, can we truly understand the commandments mentioned therein, incorporate them in our lives, shape our lives in accordance with the Quranic teachings, and become the recipients of Allah’s grace. Hence, if we wish to attain the true blessings of Ramadan, we must pay special attention towards the recitation of the Holy Quran. One should also listen to the lessons [of the Holy Quran] that are being held in mosques. In this era, the Promised Messiahas has clearly expounded upon the importance of the Holy Quran, its excellences and its clear proofs. For some time, I have been delivering sermons in this regard based on the writings of the Promised Messiahas. Therefore, one must listen to them regularly, read them and ponder over them, in order to develop a true understanding thereof. Today, I shall continue to present some excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiahas. Whilst explaining that the Holy Quran

is an eternal and everlasting law, the Promised Messiahas states: “God Almighty’s wisdom and commandments are of two types: some are eternal and everlasting, whilst others are revealed due to a circumstantial requirement. Although they still possess a permanence in their own right, they are still circumstantial (yet even if they are circumstantial, they are still eternal). For example, there are specific commandments with regards to prayer and fasting depending on if one is travelling or not.” In other words, when travelling, a person is permitted to combine the prayers and shorten them, whereas in normal circumstances they should be performed in full. Likewise, it is obligatory to fast under normal circumstances when not on a journey for all healthy individuals. Then, the Promised Messiahas gives the example of another commandment and states, “When a woman leaves the home, she observes the veil (this is a commandment for women under specific circumstances), whereas there is no such need to wear the head covering when they are at home.” The commandment about the

veil is for when they are outside the house. Furthermore, there is also the matter of those in whose presence the veil should be observed. The Promised Messiahas then states, whilst comparing the commandments of the Torah and Gospels, “These are temporary and were in accordance with the requirements of the time, whereas the law and book which the Holy Prophetsa brought are everlasting and eternal. For this reason, whatever has been mentioned therein is perfect and complete. The Holy Quran is the eternal law. If the Holy Quran wasn’t revealed, even then the Torah and Gospels would be abrogated, for they were not eternal and everlasting.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 3, p. 42) Hence, the importance of the Holy Quran is such that its guidance is in line with all circumstances, it is a perfect teaching, and it is for all times. If we take the example of the commandment regarding the veil, which was just given, critics raise many allegations, stating that it is not required in this era, and at times our own young women are affected by this. However now, these same people have been writing many articles in this regard, women’s organisations are now starting to raise their voices, and it is even being occasionally mentioned in the newspapers, that the free mixing of men and women is at times the cause of great detriment. Now people have even started to consider the concept of segregating [genders]. Then, whilst mentioning the purpose of his advent and the Holy Quran being an eternal law, the Promised Messiahas states: “Listen carefully as to the ultimate purpose (objective) of my advent, which is to revive and reaffirm Islam. This should not be construed to mean that I bring a new law or sharia or new commandments or a new book will be revealed – not at all. If one thinks so, then I consider them to be highly misled and devoid of faith. Let it be clear that prophethood and the sharia have reached their total and absolute perfection in the person of the Holy Prophetsa. There can be no new divine law. The Holy Quran is the Seal of Books; so much as a dot or mark

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 within it cannot be changed. Nevertheless, it is also true that the blessings and bounties of the Holy Prophetsa and the rewards of the Holy Quran’s teaching and guidance are unending. They are to be seen in every age, ever fresh in their pristine purity. It is for the demonstration of these rewards and blessings that God Almighty has appointed me.” That is to say, not everyone can understand the Holy Quran. Some matters require explanations, and to provide this, Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas in these Latter Days, as he has stated. The Promised Messiahas then states: “The Holy Quran is a miracle the like of which never was, and never will be (nothing similar has come before it, nor will anything like it be found). The door to its blessing is always open, and it is bright and manifest in every age as it was in the time of the Holy Prophetsa. “It should also be borne in mind that one speaks in accordance with their resolve. The higher the resolve, determination, and purpose of the speaker, the higher the standard of their speech will be. Divine revelation also follows the same rule (just as Allah the Almighty converses with a regular person in proportion to their knowledge, in the same way, the revelation of God [the Holy Quran] has its own standard). “The higher the resolve of the person to whom Divine revelation is vouchsafed, the higher will be the character of the revelation.” Here, it should also be remembered that there are different levels to the revelations and messages of Allah the Almighty. The Promised Messiahas then states: “Since the resolve, capacity and determination of the Holy Prophetsa was so great, the revelation that came to him had the same high rank. No one else will ever attain the same degree of resolve and courage.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 3, p. 87) The Promised Messiahas further states: “The expanse of the Holy Quran, however, is very far-reaching. Until the Day of Judgement, it shall remain an unchanged law, serving all people in every era. As such, God Almighty states:

َ َّ ۤ ُ ّ َ ُ َ ٗ ُ َ َ َ َ ۡ َّ ۡ َ ۡ ّ ۡ َ ‫و َما ننزِل ٗہ ِالا ِبق َد ٍر‬ ‫و ِان ِمن شی ٍء ِالا ِعندنا خزٓائِنہ‬ ُ َ ‫ّم ۡعلوۡ ٍم‬

Meaning, We go on revealing our treasures in determined measure [Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.22]. The need for the Gospel was limited to its own time – its entire teaching could be summarised in one page.” The Promised Messiahas states: “The task of the Holy Quran was to reform people of all eras. The objective of the Quran was to transform mankind from an animal state to a human state, and thence to make of humans, civilised individuals by inculcating good manners, so that a transformation could be brought about by acting within the dictates of the sharia and its injunctions; and finally, so that they could be made into godly people. These words are brief, but they encompass thousands of facets. Since the Jews, naturalists, fire-worshippers and other nations were engrossed in evil practices, it is for this reason that upon the instruction of Allah (and according to the knowledge bestowed by Him), the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, addressed all the people, saying:

ُ ّ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ۡ ُ ّٰ ‫اس ِانِ ۡی َر ُسوۡ ُل الل ِہ ِال َ ۡیک ۡم َج ِم ۡی َعا‬ ‫قل یایہا الن‬

(‘Say, “O mankind! Truly I am a Mes-

senger to you all from Allah.”’) (Surah alA’raf, Ch.7: V.159) And so it was necessary for the Holy Quran to gather within itself all those teachings that had been instituted at various points in time and to possess all the truths that were conveyed from heaven to the people of the world at various times through numerous Prophets.” In other words, the Holy Quran also includes previous teachings that were sent according to their times. The Promised Messiahas continues: “The Holy Quran had the whole of humanity in view, not a specific people, country or era. The Gospel, on the other hand, had a specific people in view and this is why the Messiah, on whom be peace, repeatedly said: ‘I have come in search of the lost tribes of Israel.’” (Malfuzat [English] Vol. 1, pp. 8283) Thus, the announcement of the Holy Prophetsa in accordance with the command of God, that ‘I am a Messenger of Allah to the entire world’, also proves that the Holy Quran is the means of guidance for the whole world. It contains the guidance that was revealed to the earlier people in accordance with their conditions, and there are also commandments for those who came after. This is a timeless law, and there is no other law which was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa. Then, whilst explaining that the Holy Quran is a treasure house of all teachings, the Promised Messiahas states: “The Holy Quran is a wise and everlasting law and is a treasure of all teachings. And in this manner, the first miracle of the Holy Quran is the superb stature of its teachings. Then, the second miracle of the Holy Quran is its grand prophecies. For example, there are such grand and marvellous prophecies in Surah al-Fatihah, Surah at-Tahrim, and Surah an-Nur; the Meccan era of the Holy Prophet’ssa life is filled with prophecies. If a learned person ponders over it while maintaining a fear of God, then they will come to know just how much knowledge of the unseen was given to the Holy Prophetsa. Is this an insignificant matter that, at a time when the whole nation was against the Holy Prophetsa, and there was no sympathiser or friend, for it to be proclaimed that:

ُّ َ ۡ ُّ َ ُ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ َ َ‫الدبُر‬ ‫سیہزم الجمع ویولون‬

[‘The hosts shall soon be routed and will turn their backs in flight’]?” (Surah al-Qamar, Ch. 54: V. 46) Meaning that their group will be defeated and that they will turn their backs and flee, this is the meaning of the verse. The Promised Messiahas states: “Is this an insignificant matter? Had the necessary means been available, then it could be declared that they [the enemy] will be destroyed (if the Holy Prophetsa had the means, then maybe it could be said that they [i.e., the Meccans] would be destroyed). Yet in his condition [of not having the necessary means], the Holy Prophetsa was foretelling his own victory and the humiliation and utter defeat of his enemies, and in the end this is exactly what came to pass.” This prophecy which is mentioned in the Holy Quran, was given to the Holy Prophetsa by God Almighty whilst he was in Mecca, and that too in the early years, when their condition was very weak while in

Mecca. Then look at how the prophecy was fulfilled. We see that the fulfilment of this prophecy is often attributed to the Battle of the Confederates, and in relation to other instances as well, when a powerful army of the disbelievers turned their backs and fled. Then, the Promised Messiahas states: “Then how grand and unparalleled are the prophecies related to the community that was going to be established 1,300 years later and also regarding the conditions and signs of that time.” Meaning how extraordinary are the prophecies about the time of the Promised Messiahas. I have mentioned some before as well in an earlier Friday Sermon, and they are still being fulfilled with such brilliance. The Promised Messiahas continues: “Present the prophecies of any other book in the world; can the prophecies of Jesusas compare [with the prophecies of the Holy Quran]?” (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, pp. 43-44) Then, regarding the excellence of the Holy Quran, and the fact that every commandment is full of purpose and wisdom, the Promised Messiahas states: “Indeed, a quality of the Quranic teaching is that its every commandment is underpinned by purpose and wisdom (its objective is meaningful and full of wisdom). And for this reason, there is an emphasis throughout the Holy Quran to make use of reason, understanding, contemplation, intellect and faith (intellect means to act with wisdom, thoughtfulness and faith; faith is also a necessary component). The clear distinction between the Quran and other scriptures is that no other scripture has dared to put its teachings up against the heavy and unrestrained criticism of rationality and reflection.” Giving the example of the Gospels, the Promised Messiahas states: “The sly followers of this inarticulate Gospel and its supporters know well that the teaching of the Gospel cannot withstand the test of reason in the least. And so they have cunningly interpolated their teachings to suggest that the Trinity and Atonement are such secrets that their essence cannot be understood by the human intellect (they say it is a very deep form of knowledge that they cannot understand and so they should simply accept what they are told). In contrast to this, the teaching of the Holy Quran states:

َّ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ٰ ٰ َّ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ٰ ‫اف ال ۡی ِل ٰ َوالن َہارِ لَا‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ال‬ ‫و‬ ‫ت‬ ‫و‬ ‫م‬ ‫الس‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ِان فِی خ‬ ِ ُ ۡ ‫ض واخ ِتل‬ ِ ِ ِ ُّ ٰ ّ َ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ‫اللہ‬ ‫اب ال ِذین یذکرون‬ ِ ‫ی ٍت لِاول ِی الالب‬

Meaning, the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of night and day, furnish to those who are wise, clear proof of Allah [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch. 3: V. 191], to Whom the religion of Islam invites the people. This verse explicitly commands the wise to use their mind and intellect.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 60-61) Then, whilst expounding on the fact that the Holy Quran is a book that has remained safeguarded, and that the natural law bears testament to the teachings of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiahas states: “Allah the Almighty states:

َ ُ َّ َ َ ۡ َّ ۤ ُ َُۡ ‫ِان ٗہ لَق ۡر ٰا ٌن ک ِریۡ ٌم فِ ۡی کِ ٰت ٍب ّمکنوۡ ٍن لَا یَ َم ّس ٗہ ِالا ال ُمط ّہرُ ۡو َن‬

‘This is indeed a noble Quran, in a well-preserved Book, Which none shall touch except those who are purified.’ (Surah al-Waqi’ah, Ch. 56: V. 78-80)” The Promised Messiahas continues, “This means that the whole of the Quran is

preserved in the resolute chest of the law of nature. What is implied by the fact that this Holy Quran is preserved in a Hidden Book? This means that it is not only confined to paper; rather, it is safeguarded in a Hidden Book, known as the Book of Nature. In other words, the entire teaching of the Quran is attested by every strand and fragment of the law of nature. Its teachings and its blessings are not tales and stories that may be forgotten.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 63) One who understands and implements it will attain the blessings of Allah the Almighty. However, it should be remembered that its secrets and its depths are only made apparent to those who are pure, and for this, it is necessary to benefit from the company of the pure. In this era, we must look to, and ponder over the knowledge imparted by the Promised Messiahas which he received from Allah the Almighty, in order to benefit from it. Furthermore, the literature of the Ahmadiyya Community is based upon his commentaries and knowledge. Whilst explaining why the Holy Quran is also called “the Reminder”, the Promised Messiahas states: “Now observe how the Quran has been named ‘The Reminder’ (Adh-Dhikr), because it reminds mankind of the law present within.” He further states, “The Quran has not brought a new law, but rather reminds man of the inner law present within man in the form of various faculties. There is forbearance, kindness, bravery, might, anger, contentment, etc. Hence, the Quran has reminded us of the nature vested within us. Just as Allah the Exalted states: ‫ٍنۡوُنۡکَّم ٍبٰتِک ۡیِف‬ [‘In a well-preserved Book,’ (Surah alWaqi‘ah, Ch. 56: V. 79)] In other words, this is the hidden scripture present in the Book of Nature, which all people did not have the ability to see.” We should read the Holy Quran from this point of view as well. The Holy Quran guides the natural human qualities aright. The Holy Quran draws out and elaborates on the true nature, which people are moving further away from, especially today. It is because they are moving away from this, that in today’s day and age, we see a tendency towards creating laws that are immoral and unnatural. People are trying to pervert [human nature]. Allah the Almighty states that, by pondering and acting upon the Quran, it enables one to achieve the highest level of human nature. Hence, it is important to ponder over it and we should read and understand the Holy Quran from this lens. This way, we can also remain safeguarded against the poison that is being fed into the minds of young and old under the pretence of freedom. Many parents ask how they should respond to the things that their children learn from school; if we closely read [the Holy Quran], its commentary, literature of the Community which is according to the teachings of the Quran, then the parents will be able to respond to their children. Then, the Promised Messiahas states: “As such, this book was named ‘The Reminder’ so that when it is recited, it reminds us of the inner, spiritual faculties, and the light of the heart vested in man from heaven. Hence, Allah the Exalted has manifested a spiritual miracle by sending down the Quran (if one constantly recites it, then it will serve as a constant reminder), so that man may discover the insights, verities and spir-

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

itual wonders of which he was previously unaware. The ultimate cause of the Quran is:

ۡ َّ ۡ ّ ‫ُہ ًدی ل ِل ُمت ِقین‬

[‘A guidance for the righteous’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch. 2: V. 3)]. “It is unfortunate, however, that this has been forgotten and the Holy Quran is considered to be nothing more than a collection of a few stories.” The Promised Messiahas continues, “The previous age was the era in which the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, appeared and in which the Quran was revealed, reminding people of that age of their inner strengths. Now that era has arrived about which the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had prophesied that the people would recite the Quran, but it would not go beyond their throats.” This is exactly what we witness; there are countless reciters of the Quran, yet they do not act upon it. The Promised Messiahas continues: “You can now see with your own eyes how people melodiously and beautifully recite the Holy Quran, but the Quran does not go deeper than their throats (they implement it at all). Therefore, the Holy Quran, which is also named ‘The Reminder’, came in this early period to remind people of the hidden and forgotten truths and innate qualities within man. “In light of the firm promise made by َّ ُ Allah the Exalted, i.e., ‫ ِانا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰحفِظوۡن‬, even in the present era, a teacher has come from heaven who is the awaited one, in fulfilment of the following verse [Surah al-Jumuah, Ch.62: V.4]:

َ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ‫ّو ٰاخ ِریۡ َن ِمن ُہ ۡم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوۡا ِب ِہم‬

“That man is the one who speaks to you now.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 92-93) He was referring to himself. If only Muslims adopted reason and hearkened to the one sent by God Almighty. They should analyse their inner states, observe the need of the time, and look at the general state of Muslims. They should not defame Islam by placing emphasis on apparent edicts. They should understand the reality of the Holy Quran. As Ahmadis, we should constantly analyse ourselves as to the degree to which

we understand the verities of the teachings in the Holy Quran and the steps we have taken in striving to implement them or the steps we are currently taking. Then, whilst explaining that the Holy Quran seeks to help one recognise true knowledge, the Promised Messiahas states: “Just as Allah the Exalted desires that people should fear Him, it is also His wish for people to be enlightened with knowledge (not only fear; they should also develop the light of knowledge) so that with its support, they are able to traverse the stations of divine insight (why should they develop this? So that they may develop insight and broaden their thinking). For on the one hand, where being acquainted with true knowledge gives birth to true fear of God, on the other hand, such knowledge also results in worship of God.” When a believer thinks along these lines and ponders upon the Holy Quran whilst applying worldly knowledge to the Holy Quran as well, then not only do they develop understanding, but they also develop the fear of God. The Promised Messiahas states: “[However] there are certain unfortunate people who become so engrossed in the knowledge that they lose sight of divine decree and fate and begin to doubt the very Being of Allah Almighty. There are others who become so dependent on divine decree and fate that they forsake the acquisition of knowledge altogether.” They are either at one extreme, whereby in the name of worldly knowledge and new enlightenment, they forget about God Almighty, or in the name of coming towards Allah the Almighty, they become weary of obtaining knowledge and abandon it, deeming it to be wrong. The Promised Messiahas continues: “However, the Holy Quran has taught both aspects, and has done so perfectly. The Holy Quran desires to acquaint people with true knowledge and draws their attention to this aspect because this gives birth to fear of God. The more an individual increases in their understanding of God Almighty, the grandeur of God Almighty becomes equally apparent to them and they develop a love for Him in equal proportion. The reason a person is taught to believe in divine decree and fate is to ensure that they develop the

attribute of trusting and believing in the Being of Allah Almighty; and so that once they learn of the essence of being content in the pleasure of Allah, they may attain true tranquillity and comfort, which is the fundamental purpose and objective of salvation.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 229-230) Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas states: “This is so because Allah the Exalted has blessed this community with the Holy Quran, which is the source and fountainhead of true knowledge. An individual who finds the divine verities and insights that are expounded in the Holy Quran – which are attained by true righteousness and fear of Allah – is thereby given such knowledge that makes them the likeness of the Israelite Prophets. “It is perfectly obvious that if a person does not make use of the weapon that is provided to them, this is the person’s own fault and not the fault of the weapon itself. This is precisely the state of the world at present. Even though the Muslims were given a matchless blessing in the Holy Quran, which could have saved them from every form of misguidance and could have pulled them out of every form of darkness, they abandoned the Holy Quran and showed no regard for its pure teachings. As a result, they became so utterly distanced from Islam.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 65) As the Promised Messiahas has stated, Muslims have deviated from the grand teachings of the Holy Quran and have thus reduced themselves to Muslims by name alone. People post short video clips on social media from time to time; these short interviews give insight into the fact that people are unaware of the basic teachings and history of Islam. As per their claim, Muslim clerics raise an uproar and seek to cause harm to the Ahmadiyya Community in honour of the Holy Prophetsa, the Quran and the companions. Someone wrote to me from Bangladesh and informed me that when they were attacked by a crowd, a boy among them was perhaps throwing stones. One Ahmadi questioned his actions and inquired if he was acting upon what was written in the Quran or the teachings of Islam. Where had he found such teachings? He told him that Ahmadis adhere to the

Kalimah [Islamic creed]. Upon this, the boy immediately dropped the stone. These people act according to how the Muslim clerics incite them. May Allah the Almighty protect us from the evil of these wicked people and enable us to understand, learn and act upon the Holy Quran, both during this Ramadan and after it has passed. May Allah the Almighty protect us from the depravity that exists in the world. You must give special attention to prayers during Ramadan, as I have stated earlier. May Allah the Almighty protect every Ahmadi in all places from harm. As for those who are incapable of reformation, may Allah the Almighty make an example out of them so that others are able to follow His commandments. You should also pray for the world as a whole, that Allah the Almighty averts the catastrophe of war. At present, I would like to speak about a few deceased members, the first of whom is a missionary of the Community who fulfilled his devotion with exceptional faithfulness. He was an exceedingly humble man who had the opportunity to serve for a long time, living up to the true standard of rendering service. His name is Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib, and he served as a missionary in Western Africa. He passed away a few days ago.

ۤ َّ ّٰ َّ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ َو ِانا ِال َ ۡی ِہ ٰر ِج ُعوۡ َن‬

[“Surely, to Allah do we belong, and to Him we shall return”] His family entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat when his grandfather, Hazrat Mian Abdul Karim Sahibra pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas in 1903 when he came to Jhelum for the court case of Karam Din. All the children born to the parents of Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib would fall ill and pass away. When he [Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib] was born, he also fell ill. There was no hope in sight, and so his grandfather, Mian Abdul Karim Sahib, who was a companion [of the Promised Messiah], decided to dedicate the child’s life in God’s way. His reasoning was that if God required the child, He would save him. Nonetheless, in the same instance, a doctor who lived in a far-off village came to their village. He administered treatment and through a miracle, Allah the Almighty cured him. His father-in-law, Muhammad Khan Darwesh Sahib, also saw a dream about him that he was standing on a towering and brilliant minaret. Upon this, the Darwish told him that he would illuminate the minaret of Ahmadiyyat and render great services. Thus, Allah the Almighty enabled him to do so. After graduating from Jamia, he stayed in Pakistan for a short period. Then, in 1983, he went to Africa and served for an extended period of time in The Gambia, Senegal and so on. He also had the opportunity of serving as Amir Jamaat [National President] in The Gambia and Senegal. In 2005, due to an illness, he came here to the UK. While residing here, he continued to manage the Jamaat administration in Senegal until another missionary was posted there and able to continue the administration. From 2008 to 2012, he also had the opportunity to serve as a professor in Jamia [Ahmadiyya] UK. Wherever he was able to serve, he worked excellently. He had the honour of bringing many people into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. 40 members of parliament accepted Ahmadiyyat through his efforts. In

AL HAKAM | Friday 28 April 2023 light of this achievement, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh designated him with the title “Fatih-e-Senegal” [the Champion of Senegal] in his Jalsa Salana address. He brought about 15 members of the assembly to Jalsa Salana Germany. Of the various PAAMA awards designated for missionaries, he was a recipient of the Abdur Rahim Nayyar Award. Upon my instruction, he also visited Spain on various occasions. There, he preached Islam to the African residents and did excellent work. He brought many people there into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Under Ansarullah UK, he also held online educational classes on the Holy Quran. He continued this until his demise. He is survived by his three sons, three daughters and wife. One of his sons is a missionary here in the UK. Daud Hanif Sahib, who is serving as the Principal of Jamia [Ahmadiyya] Canada, was the Amir Jamaat in The Gambia when he was sent there. He writes, “I had the opportunity to serve alongside him from 1983 to 1994. Apart from his work as a missionary, he also taught Islamic studies in school.” He further writes, “The state in Senegal was such that it was very difficult to preach Islam. It was a difficult time. At the end of 1985, he was sent to the town of Farafenni – located at the border of Senegal. Whilst there, his objective was to bring the plan for establishing Ahmadiyyat to fruition. It was a very difficult task. The government of Senegal would not grant a visa to Pakistanis, however, Munawwar Khurshid Sahib had a quality that allowed him to become one with the people and form relationships in a brilliant manner. He also knew the French language to a degree. Thus, when he was posted there, he quickly built relationships with the officials at the border and began to travel to Senegal thereby. There, he began to further study the French language under an elementary school headmaster. He had acquired permission from the local officials to learn French with the headmaster, Abdus Salam Bari. Nevertheless, he was successful and through this achievement, visited Senegal from time to time. Later, he obtained a special pass that allowed him to travel into Senegal in official vehicles of The Gambia. He would place the literature [of the Jamaat] inside the vehicle and would preach there and through this, he was able to acquire many bai‘ats. There were some Ahmadis already residing in the Kaolack region and there was also a local mu‘allim, Hamid Mbaye Sahib. He worked together with him and established new jamaats there. In Africa, either the roads were very broken or, in some places, they did not even have any roads. However, he would reach distant places by motorcycle. And the paths for the motorcycle were such that the bushes and shrubs were very close and his legs would become bloodied, however, he did not show any concern about this and would remain engaged in his work.” Daud Hanif Sahib further writes, “Initially, there were many challenges and so we carried out the tabligh [preaching] work with great caution, but gradually, when contacts were established, the Jamaat was introduced and we began to convey the message that the Promised Messiahas had come for the revival of Islam and this message was also conveyed to the officials as well, then it became very easy for him to travel to Senegal. He would regularly visit Senegal and many jamaats were established in various areas of the Ka-

olack region.” I have already mentioned that there were some places where even motorcycles, etc. were not available, so he travelled long distances on donkey carts and visited various villages. In fact, some of the missionaries who are currently serving there now, say that when they went to these villages, the people mentioned that a long time ago Maulana Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib used to visit them and did so in very difficult circumstances. And so, he would travel to these areas and preach there. He would spend many nights there with the people and he would eat the local food, such as boiled corn or millet. This would be the food he would eat and then he would continue on with his travels. He was never concerned about the arrangements for the accommodation, in fact, wherever he found any place to stay, he would sleep there and eat whatever was available. In this way, he became extremely popular amongst the people and carried out Tabligh in an excellent manner. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh saw in a dream that the Jamaat was progressing in the French-speaking countries, Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib left the region he was in and focused his efforts on Senegal. He was then sent there and he preached to its influential people and also the Members of Parliament and, as a result, 14 Members of Parliament had the opportunity to do the bai‘at. This had a very positive impact in favour of the Jamaat and the Jamaat began to be firmly established there. In order to strengthen the Nizam-e-Jamaat [administrative structure], along with increasing the number of mu‘allimeen, there was also a need for the education and training of its members, which was done on a yearly basis and Maulana Sahib carried this work out with great effort and courage. In 1997, he was appointed as the National President of the Jamaat in Senegal and he served with great effort right till the end. They have further written that the spirit of obedience to the Khalifa of the time was deeply rooted within him. I have observed this as well that when he came here [UK], he had been very ill for the last ten years, but despite his ill health, whenever he was assigned any work, he would immediately try to fulfil it. He had a great passion for tabligh. Wajihullah Sahib, who is serving as a missionary in Senegal, says, “When I came here, I heard a lot about Munawwar Sahib and wherever I would go, the people there would mention him in a very loving manner.” Various mua‘llimeen have also written some incidents. A local mu‘allim, Muhammadu Tafsir Mara Sahib, writes: “I accepted Ahmadiyyat through Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib and he taught me very well and did my training with great effort and love. As a result, I had the opportunity to study in Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana and serve the Jamaat.” He himself is from Senegal and he further states: “I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him. He had great love for Khilafat and he would particularly advise me to remain attached to Khilafat. Another quality I observed was that he never missed the Tahajjud prayer [voluntary night prayer] and he would also advise us to always offer the Tahajjud prayer and to particularly pray for Khalifatul Masih in the Tahajjud

prayers.” The mu‘allim Sahib further writes: “He was a very righteous person and strove very hard. He travelled across the entire country of Senegal. He would always strive to visit every village and convey the message of the Messiah of Muhammadsa. I am a witness to the fact that when Munawwar Sahib was engaged in Jamaat work he did not have any concern about whether it was day or night or whether or not he had anything to eat or drink. He had a very close relationship with God Almighty and many times we would witness incidents that reflected this.” He further says: “On one occasion, there was a Jamaat function and people had travelled to attend it. One of the Ahmadis became ill and wanted to go back. He was given permission to return, but when he was about to board the bus, Munawwar Sahib stopped him and told him not to sit on that particular bus but on another one. At the time, I thought to myself that this bus [that he was stopped from boarding] was going to have an accident and if he had sat in it, people would have said that he had gone to a Jamaat function and died in an accident. This is exactly what happened, the bus which he was stopped from boarding was involved in an accident. Since he sat on the other bus, he safely returned to his home. As a result of this incident as well, people’s faith increased. People had so much love for him and this can be gauged from the fact that his funeral prayer in absentia was offered in various areas of Senegal and many non-Ahmadis also attended the prayers.” Then, the Sadr of the Fatak jamaat, Rogan Fai Sahib says: “It is extremely difficult for anyone to work in the same passionate manner that Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib used to.” Diallo Sahib, who is another local mu‘allim, says: “When Munawwar Sahib first came to Senegal, I had the opportunity to work with him for a very long time. He was a very righteous and brave individual. Whilst on Jamaat tours, he would carry out the tabligh work with great wisdom and courage. He was also a very fair person and would treat the members of the Jamaat with great love and equality.” Raja Burhan Sahib says: “Towards the latter part of his life, when he was very ill and was having to undergo dialysis daily, he met me once at a wedding and said, ‘I have opened a shop.’ I asked him what he meant by opening a shop and he said, ‘I am at home and so I have placed a table outside and in the summer, I put out some water along with Jamaat literature. Then if they require it, I provide water to those passing by and also give them some literature along with it.’” He did not sit idle during his illness, but even then he found a new way of preaching. There are those who ask how one should do tabligh; if one tries to search for different avenues of tabligh, they are able to find them. All that is required is passion. Another quality of Munawwar Ahmad Khurshid Sahib was that he was quickly able to learn new languages. Different languages are spoken in The Gambia and he was able to speak those various languages. In relation to this, he would mention that the Gambian missionaries who studied here [at Jamia

Ahmadiyya UK]; Abdullah Sahib, Abdur Rahman Sahib and Muhammad Mbaye Sahib belong to three different tribes and were not able to understand each other’s local languages, however, he was able to speak all three languages. His wife, Nusrat Jahan Sahiba says: “He was very particular about the moral training of children. He was a very loving person and had boundless love for Khilafat. He did justice to his waqf [life devotion]. He would try his best to resolve all disputes and altercations. He was very hospitable. In Africa, when he would leave for a [tabligh] trip, he would say: ‘Do not worry about when I will return. I will return home once I have completed my work.’” She says that he had a passion to propagate the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He had the opportunity to propagate the message in Spain and despite being unwell, he went many times. In this way, he re-established lost contacts [with the Jamaat]. His son, Muhammad Ahmad Khurshid, who is a missionary says: “He would always advise me that I should help people, because this is an excellent form of worship and it pleases Allah.” He says: “In him, we always saw a practical model of the Islamic teachings.” Salman Salmi Sahib from Spain writes: “During his visits to Spain, I had the chance to accompany him on many Tabligh endeavours. The astonishing thing I saw was that he would be able to strike a conversation with any African passer-by and get to know them. In a short space of time, he would be able to form a good connection with them. He would then say that the individual was from such and such village, and the villages around that area are such and such and that those people are very sincere. He knew influential people of different areas. Since he would be conversing in various African languages, people would be inclined to listen to him. They would be astonished and also happy. After two or three meetings, he would form a bond with them and then give them the message of the Jamaat.” He says that he would not preach to them in the first meeting; he would first establish a personal connection and then on the second or third visit, he would preach to them about Ahmadiyyat. He says that through his personal connections and his morals, the groundwork would be completed and then later people would readily pledge allegiance. Nonetheless, he rendered a great service in Spain and established a Jamaat there as well. He had a true passion to propagate the teachings of Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam. It is absolutely true that, alongside this, he was very humble. When I asked him to go to Spain, he went without presenting any excuse, even though he was unwell at the time. May Allah the Almighty continue to grant the Jamaat such loyal and devoted missionaries who render services selflessly and fulfil their tasks. May Allah elevate his rank [in paradise]. The second funeral is of Iqbal Ahmad Munir Sahib, who was a missionary from Pakistan and the son of Chaudhry Munir Ahmad Sahib. He passed away recently. Ahmadiyyat was introduced into his family through his paternal grandfather, Chaudhry Ghulam Haider Sahib in 1895. The deceased completed his studies at Jamia Ahmadiyya in 1983 after which he served under Islah-o-Irshad Markaziyyah. Then from

Friday 28 April 2023 | AL HAKAM

2001 to 2008, he served in Sierra Leone and then returned to Pakistan. He subsequently served in various districts in Pakistan. He was a heart patient, but despite this, he worked diligently. By the grace of Allah, he was a Musi. He rendered his services with great diligence and effort. He had good relations with people and was a sincere individual. The deceased is survived by his wife and three sons. Abdul Wakil Sahib, who is a missionary, writes: “He was someone who was loved dearly by all and had a deep bond with Khilafat. He was a loving person with an awe-inspiring personality. He was very kind-hearted. After a brief meeting with him, one would know that he was a very humble person.” Syed Munir Ahmad Sahib, who is Naib Amir of Karachi and has worked with him, says: “He was a very hard worker and a sincere individual. Whatever work was assigned to him, he would give it priority and complete it immediately. He would come to the office and advise us based on his experience.” He further says: “This gave me a lot of support. He had a pure heart. He had a personal relationship with everyone in his area, as a result of which he would be able to get things done very easily. Owing to this he was instructed to remind others about paying chanda and this had a great impact on others.” May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and elevate his station [in paradise]. The third mention is of Sayyida Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahiba, wife of the late Mian Abdul Azim Sahib, Dervish of Qadian, who passed away recently. She was bedridden for quite some time. In the early days, when they were living in straitened circumstances, she was the first woman to come [to Qadian] from the Odisha state. The deceased spent time in difficult conditions with her husband with great patience and gratitude. She was regular in prayers and fasting. She was devoted and very sincere. She would regularly recite the Holy Quran and also teach it to others. She taught the Holy Quran to many children and women. In the days of straitened circumstances, their income would be low and so she decided to keep chickens to get by, instead of looking towards others for help. She was always ready to serve Allah’s creation. She would help the women of Qadian in making arrangements for the shroud and burial of the deceased and would help in bathing them. She had a special bond with the Khalifah of the time. She would partake in every financial initiative. The deceased was a Musia and is survived by four sons and one daughter. She was the stepmother of Khurshid Anwar Sahib. She was the paternal aunt of Dost Muhammad Shahid Sahib, [former] historian of the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty bestow his forgiveness and mercy upon her and elevate her status. After the Friday prayers, I will lead their funeral prayers in absentia.

The exemplary young Companions Hazrat Salmanra the Persian was the governor of Madain and received 5,000 dinars per month as a salary. Despite this, he used to weave mats to earn a living. As for the salary, he would spend it all in the way of Allah.

Read the series on “The exemplary young Companions” at www.alhakam.org/ExemplaryCompanions

(Oﬃcial Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 21 April 2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)